Some time ago, my travels took me to Sicily, and this journey has left a particularly strong impression on me: Noto, Syracuse, Taormina, Italian Baroque, the stark-wild landscape, the sea, and Mount Etna.
When friends offered to send me a fragrance from I Profumi di Firenze from Italy, whose scents are not easily available here in Germany, I almost spontaneously chose Limone di Sicilia, partly for nostalgic reasons (see above), partly because I am a big fan of lemon scents, although I hadn't known this one yet - and I was not disappointed.
Rarely does a bottle captivate me right away. I prefer simple, clear forms, such as the round bottles from Acqua di Parma, the straightforward and unmistakable design language of the Comme des Garcons-Guerilla or Monocle series, or the even simpler bottles from the fragrance manufactory of Galimard in Grasse.
In this tradition stand the beautiful bottles from I Profumi di Firenze: oval glass bottles with glass stoppers and a heavy, thick base, as well as a classic label (for a concrete impression, the photos are at the bottom of this page). How I miss such shapes on the shelves of mass-produced goods, which struggle with an ever-increasing glitter aesthetic that emphasizes form over content, trying to outshine competitors with ever more garish and colorful exteriors.
The packaging features classic paintings, bears the signature of the company owner, and rounds off the aesthetically pleasing overall picture.
Already with the first spray, a thought of familiarity arises, and after a short time, I realize that Limone di Sicilia strongly reminds me of one of my favorite summer fragrances: Truefitt & Hills West Indian Limes. However, a comparison of the ingredients beyond the lemon does not lead much further; I would suspect a neroli component in both fragrances, while I can perceive the grapefruit, which I actually appreciate, less in Limone di Sicilia, even though it is listed among the fragrance notes.
What one must like is the lemon, which starts off strongly and sourly, dominating here robustly, in my view naturally, only refined by further (subtly remaining in the background) components. One senses many other tones as a rounding off, like shadows in the shimmering sun, but can hardly make them out or differentiate them because the lemon remains strong and robust and surprisingly lingers for a long time. A particular advantage of this lemon scent.
Why the lemon itself (Italian: Limone) is not mentioned here is a mystery to me, as it is already in the name of the fragrance. The carton also lists limonene (with emphasis on the "e," thus not the fruits, but a natural substance from the terpene group), which occurs, among other things, in natural lemon oil or bergamot peel oil, as well as in other citrus fruits. The further mentioned fragrance component citral also has an intense lemon scent and, in combination with slightly woody accents, is likely responsible for the balanced blend of lemon or lime, which often appears a bit artificial, for the sour yet composed and artistic effect.
Anyone with a penchant for exquisite lemon fragrances that develop well on both skin and clothing should mark this scent.
A heartfelt thank you to Kiengira and 0815abc for this wonderful fragrance experience!
Wow, a sour lemon that lasts - I need to remember this miracle water, even though I can already see a sourcing issue coming up. And how nice that I can start poking you again from now on - that's how it should be!
I used to love scents with lemon, but it's harder for me now. But I see Callas praised the fragrance too, so I like it! :o) She's my fragrance guarantee, with a few exceptions.
I'll just book the trip once, and I'll generously leave the fragrance to you ;-) Great description (especially regarding the bottles, I completely agree), even if the scent isn't really my thing. Thanks!
For me, this is Italy in early summer --- lemons, limoncello, lemon creams, lemon scents... Exactly 11 years ago today, I first landed there, Ischia, Capri, and I can still smell the lemons. Thanks for the perfect timing!
@turandot: that's exactly how it smells! May yati be happy with it! Not for me! @yati: helpful as always. Imaginary trophy (approved by the cosa nostra!)
As always: an excellent comment! Even though pure lemon scents make me shudder, it's perfect for the shaker I’m holding right now to pour you a full glass in the metavirtual trophy.
So well described, but to me, the scent just smells like limoncello, the lemon liqueur that's sold on every corner and in every souvenir shop in Capri and along the Amalfi Coast.
Wow, you're a lucky one to have a fragrance from this brand! I've had my eye on it too, but unfortunately haven't found a source yet... And your comment perfectly matches the image of the scents I have in my mind :-) great!
Great and vibrant description!! I just can't do grapefruit, even though it seems to be more in the background here. According to the scent notes, it's not really my cup of tea, but your lines (as always) are absolutely fantastic!!
The bottle has a small flaw. When it comes into contact with the fragrance, which is bound to happen, the label unfortunately smudges. The soap smells just as intense though ;)
Even though I'll probably get some flak for this, I find most citrus scents pretty boring these days. My EdH from Goutal hardly gets any use anymore. :)
Sounds delicious:-)
Friendly hug from both of us.