10
Top Review
Zara in Space
"Each fragrance in this collection focuses on a bold overdose of a unique synthetic note" - this is what Zara writes on their website.
A look at the ingredients or allergens immediately reveals which synthetic note has been overdosed here: Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes - also known as Iso E Super.
So it’s no surprise that this is a representative of the "molecule fragrances".
Whether Zara is explicitly copying a fragrance or just following trends, I can't say for sure, but I see certain parallels to Molecule 01 + Iris, even though the scents definitely do not smell identical.
In addition to the aforementioned overdose of Iso E Super, which provides the well-known diffusive, airy, sandalwood/cedarwood base, I primarily smell a dry, dusty, completely unsweet iris. Unlike Molecule 01 + Iris, this one is accompanied by a bit of lily of the valley and white musk. These two fragrance notes are often strongly associated with fresh laundry, as they are frequently used in detergents. Here, they contribute to that very fresh, clean impression and make the scent a bit more floral without pushing it into the feminine territory.
Honestly, I hardly detect any jasmine at all. Jasmine usually smells much denser and oilier to me. The 001 Synth Aura feels rather airy and light in comparison. And I also hardly perceive any amber. It merely emphasizes the ambered, woody facets of the Iso E Super.
Overall, a very dry, dusty, powdery, woody scent impression emerges. I would describe it as sterile and cool. Hence the title with the ISS. If space had a smell, it would be 001 Synth Aura in my opinion. Moon dust would also be a very fitting association. For some, this might not sound particularly positive, but for me, the fragrance is an absolute dream.
As expected from a molecule fragrance, there is virtually no scent development. Only the floral notes fade a little over time, while the Iso E Super and its accompanying woodiness maintain their presence from start to finish. A significant scent development is not to be expected here.
With a 25% oil concentration, I can’t complain at all about the longevity, and the sillage is also good without being overwhelming.
By the way, the fragrance is absolutely unisex. In my eyes, it’s truly perfectly balanced. Why it is only marketed to men is really a mystery to me. It would sell just as well in the women's section.
Zara is a bit of a hit or miss brand. In many Zara fragrances, the synthetic notes stand out unpleasantly. However, here the brand has really knocked me off my socks again! This fragrance could definitely be sold in a different bottle under some niche brand for €150+. So the price/performance ratio is right here, provided you are a fan of this fragrance direction.
By the way, I find the box really stylish. I really like the minimalist, futuristic design. The bottle is standard, the cap fits well, and the sprayer can be dosed beautifully.
If you have the opportunity, I can definitely highly recommend testing 001 Synth Aura! Just for the experience. Whether you like it or not will remain to be seen.
A look at the ingredients or allergens immediately reveals which synthetic note has been overdosed here: Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes - also known as Iso E Super.
So it’s no surprise that this is a representative of the "molecule fragrances".
Whether Zara is explicitly copying a fragrance or just following trends, I can't say for sure, but I see certain parallels to Molecule 01 + Iris, even though the scents definitely do not smell identical.
In addition to the aforementioned overdose of Iso E Super, which provides the well-known diffusive, airy, sandalwood/cedarwood base, I primarily smell a dry, dusty, completely unsweet iris. Unlike Molecule 01 + Iris, this one is accompanied by a bit of lily of the valley and white musk. These two fragrance notes are often strongly associated with fresh laundry, as they are frequently used in detergents. Here, they contribute to that very fresh, clean impression and make the scent a bit more floral without pushing it into the feminine territory.
Honestly, I hardly detect any jasmine at all. Jasmine usually smells much denser and oilier to me. The 001 Synth Aura feels rather airy and light in comparison. And I also hardly perceive any amber. It merely emphasizes the ambered, woody facets of the Iso E Super.
Overall, a very dry, dusty, powdery, woody scent impression emerges. I would describe it as sterile and cool. Hence the title with the ISS. If space had a smell, it would be 001 Synth Aura in my opinion. Moon dust would also be a very fitting association. For some, this might not sound particularly positive, but for me, the fragrance is an absolute dream.
As expected from a molecule fragrance, there is virtually no scent development. Only the floral notes fade a little over time, while the Iso E Super and its accompanying woodiness maintain their presence from start to finish. A significant scent development is not to be expected here.
With a 25% oil concentration, I can’t complain at all about the longevity, and the sillage is also good without being overwhelming.
By the way, the fragrance is absolutely unisex. In my eyes, it’s truly perfectly balanced. Why it is only marketed to men is really a mystery to me. It would sell just as well in the women's section.
Zara is a bit of a hit or miss brand. In many Zara fragrances, the synthetic notes stand out unpleasantly. However, here the brand has really knocked me off my socks again! This fragrance could definitely be sold in a different bottle under some niche brand for €150+. So the price/performance ratio is right here, provided you are a fan of this fragrance direction.
By the way, I find the box really stylish. I really like the minimalist, futuristic design. The bottle is standard, the cap fits well, and the sprayer can be dosed beautifully.
If you have the opportunity, I can definitely highly recommend testing 001 Synth Aura! Just for the experience. Whether you like it or not will remain to be seen.
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5 Comments
Very informative, well-structured review. I enjoyed reading it! Trophy!
And regarding space scent: do you know the concept fragrance "Eau de Space"?
P.S.: "Eau de Space" is a real challenge, as you can't really talk about it in the usual perfume sense. It was created based on astronauts' experiences and describes the smell that space suits are supposed to have after a spacewalk.
I actually wasn't familiar with Eau de Space. It sounds really interesting, though. It probably falls more into the "fragrance art" category, but I'm all for that.
I also found "L'Air Barbès" - 19-69 interesting. I think it really captures the essence of dry concrete well. I found that very intriguing. I actually thought of it when I tried Synth Aura too.