Cristal Zest Massimo Dutti
1
The Refined Citrus Tea: Refreshing, Green, and Elegant
Created by Natalie Lorson, who, as always, delivers without disappointment. This fragrance is, without a doubt, my favorite from the brand and the best refreshing perfume under €100 that I’ve tried so far.
It opens with a vibrant citrus freshness of bitter orange, mandarin, and blackcurrant—a particularly juicy citrus, likely due to the blackcurrant, which quickly transitions into a more herbal character. The heart features Earl Grey tea (a tea infused with bergamot), petitgrain, and basil, giving it a refined, aromatic, and slightly spicy touch. The base, with oakmoss, patchouli, and amber, adds some depth, though the fragrance remains mostly dominated by the tea note, enhanced by the citrus and blackcurrant, which truly define its identity.
For a citrus-fresh fragrance, it has above-average longevity and remains relatively controlled in projection. It clings well to fabric if sprayed on clothing. In terms of sillage, it's subtle, contained, yet incredibly pleasant and elegant. Beyond being refreshing and perfect for summer, it also works well as a work-friendly scent or even a signature fragrance.
For me, the best thing about this perfume is the scent itself. Up until now, Dior Homme Cologne had been my go-to for a fresh, enjoyable fragrance (despite its weak performance), but Cristal Zest surpasses it in both scent and longevity.
Additionally, it doesn't resemble any mainstream fragrances, making it unique and even more intriguing. Some say it’s similar to Thé Yulong by Giorgio Armani or Tea Tonique by Miller Harris, though I haven't tested either. Still, it was an instant surprise—both original and unexpectedly delightful.
In conclusion, a citrus, fresh, green, and elegant fragrance, built around Earl Grey tea, citrus, and blackcurrant. Perfect for warm days if you're looking for something refined, sophisticated, and different, or as a versatile, fresh yet controlled scent for work or a signature fragrance.
It opens with a vibrant citrus freshness of bitter orange, mandarin, and blackcurrant—a particularly juicy citrus, likely due to the blackcurrant, which quickly transitions into a more herbal character. The heart features Earl Grey tea (a tea infused with bergamot), petitgrain, and basil, giving it a refined, aromatic, and slightly spicy touch. The base, with oakmoss, patchouli, and amber, adds some depth, though the fragrance remains mostly dominated by the tea note, enhanced by the citrus and blackcurrant, which truly define its identity.
For a citrus-fresh fragrance, it has above-average longevity and remains relatively controlled in projection. It clings well to fabric if sprayed on clothing. In terms of sillage, it's subtle, contained, yet incredibly pleasant and elegant. Beyond being refreshing and perfect for summer, it also works well as a work-friendly scent or even a signature fragrance.
For me, the best thing about this perfume is the scent itself. Up until now, Dior Homme Cologne had been my go-to for a fresh, enjoyable fragrance (despite its weak performance), but Cristal Zest surpasses it in both scent and longevity.
Additionally, it doesn't resemble any mainstream fragrances, making it unique and even more intriguing. Some say it’s similar to Thé Yulong by Giorgio Armani or Tea Tonique by Miller Harris, though I haven't tested either. Still, it was an instant surprise—both original and unexpectedly delightful.
In conclusion, a citrus, fresh, green, and elegant fragrance, built around Earl Grey tea, citrus, and blackcurrant. Perfect for warm days if you're looking for something refined, sophisticated, and different, or as a versatile, fresh yet controlled scent for work or a signature fragrance.