11
Helpful Review
Even Ellena struggles with aquatic fragrance efforts...
...maybe I finally need to give up searching for truly "natural" sea scents; perhaps this endeavor is not practical given the range of aromas, as something from the lab always has to help out. Well, in the end, I suppose I am also satisfied with smelling real sea, spray, and beach aromas in the realm of whiskies.
Ellena makes a sincere effort in "Èpice Marine" to create a tentatively authentic marine scent, and it is indeed somewhat above average in quality.
Slightly sweet algae are really the predominant theme, embedded in a bit of bergamot. I can't recognize most of the top notes in the Hermès fragrance, perhaps just a hint of dry cardamom.
Essentially, we have this fundamental element reminiscent of spray, wind, and rough seas through algae, which unfortunately - like all marine aromas - comes across as very clean and antiseptic. Real North/East Sea - and I am a child of the North - never smells so clean, tidy, or laundry-fresh, but always has a bit of mustiness, fishiness, and saltiness, and that is exactly what is missing in this ultimately rather theoretical attempt to evoke a marine impression.
Flat in its development, lab-like. Overall maybe okay, but not for me.
Ellena makes a sincere effort in "Èpice Marine" to create a tentatively authentic marine scent, and it is indeed somewhat above average in quality.
Slightly sweet algae are really the predominant theme, embedded in a bit of bergamot. I can't recognize most of the top notes in the Hermès fragrance, perhaps just a hint of dry cardamom.
Essentially, we have this fundamental element reminiscent of spray, wind, and rough seas through algae, which unfortunately - like all marine aromas - comes across as very clean and antiseptic. Real North/East Sea - and I am a child of the North - never smells so clean, tidy, or laundry-fresh, but always has a bit of mustiness, fishiness, and saltiness, and that is exactly what is missing in this ultimately rather theoretical attempt to evoke a marine impression.
Flat in its development, lab-like. Overall maybe okay, but not for me.
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8 Comments
Landlord 9 years ago
1
You're right, "Épice Marine" doesn't smell like the sea. It smells like skin after a day at the beach! If you have a little left, please try it again on a hot summer day. I find the illusion amazing. Well, at least my nose does... ;-)
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NightFighter 9 years ago
In my personal opinion, the only outstanding scent in this category is Acquasala. Nothing comes close, let alone surpasses it. Thanx!
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FabianO 9 years ago
I guess I need to test it a bit more. Thanks for the tips! :-)
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MrWhite 9 years ago
I wanted to mention Sel Marin too and then saw that Gerry had already mentioned it.
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JilMare 9 years ago
1
It doesn't really smell like the sea, how about Aqua Motu? ;D
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JoT 9 years ago
My favorites are Salina and Shelter Island.
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DOCBE 9 years ago
I haven't checked if you've already reviewed it, but Acqua di Sale should be something for you, right?
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Gerry 9 years ago
I was also disappointed with this scent, though for different reasons than yours. My idea of *aquatic* is heavily influenced by Cool Water and everything that followed in that direction-definitely associated with a strong dose of synthetic notes, which has made me lose interest in most aquatic fragrances. I suspect scents like Sel Marin by Heeley might align more with your expectations of *aquatic*.
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