The Atitlán (which means something like 'Place in the midst of water' in the Nahuatl language) is an active volcano 3,530 meters high on the shores of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala. The nature and the panorama must be impressive and unique, inviting one to vacation. Whether the described place was truly the inspiration for the scent, I cannot say, especially since Atitlán is spelled with á, not à. One thing I can say for sure: It is not a volcano.
Atitlán starts with a creamy, delicate blend of ylang-ylang, mimosa, and musk, and it almost feels transparent. Sweet, floral, bright, with slight aquatic hints, it wafts from my arm and makes me think of the idyllic landscape of the lake, whose most beautiful photographs I have just looked at.
Unfortunately, the idyll is over after 30 minutes. A strange rubber note spreads, and the creamy musk transforms into something that strongly reminds me of aloe vera shampoo. A bit too piercingly fresh and bright for my taste.
The base is then somewhat more conciliatory, fresh and woody; the rubber has faded away. Nothing special, but it doesn't hurt anyone either. However, those who are still waiting for the use of vanilla will be disappointed. It must have gone for a swim...
Atitlán is not a bad scent, but it is also not new or innovative. Unexciting, sweet, cheerful. However, one must be able to handle a bit of synthetics here.
With your beautiful review, you really struck a chord with me :) I'm very interested in South American cultures. I would buy this fragrance just for the bottle and the name :D
If Atitlán isn't a volcano and doesn't start acting like one, let's hope it doesn't decide to become one while we're on vacation there! A lovely review from you about a fragrance that seems to promise more in its name than it can deliver!
Not really my thing ;-)