Like many here, I smelled "Delina (Eau de Parfum) | Parfums de Marly," fell in love at first sniff - and then I discovered the price.
Poof! That was it.
My heart was broken.
Why is it so outrageously expensive? And why do I still want it so desperately?
So I set out on a quest. I scoured websites, rummaged through social media from top to bottom - and then came "Souvenir Floral Bouquet | Afnan Perfumes."
Opinions on it were so varied, and my desire for Delina was so great.
Alright then. Blind buy… what could possibly go wrong?
The little package arrived, I opened it... and then it knocked me off my feet.
Even from the box (not even from the bottle itself!) a fruity, floral scent wafted out. So I happily unwrapped it and first held this massive, heavy bottle in my hands. Admittedly, having to stand it upside down takes some getting used to and has almost cost it its life a few times... still, it's special.
After the first spray, I wasn't immediately sure if the blind purchase was successful...
At first, it comes across as quite sour and a bit green. I think that's the part many here find "biting." The acidity is definitely pronounced, that much is certain. I suspect it's the rhubarb I'm sniffing. The bergamot adds a nice zest to it as well. Lychee is nowhere to be found by my nose.
These notes settle a bit, but the acidity remains noticeable. The rose joins in. Many, many roses.
The ones I smell are modern, light pink roses. Not dark, mysterious ones, but very bright, cheerful, and relatively loud pink roses. Together with the peony, it creates a very bright, happy picture. The lily of the valley also plays a significant role.
Musk supports this floral quality, and vanilla rounds it off as it often does.
Overall, it results in a bright, sparkling-fresh, and slightly sweet (it's not a sugar bomb!) bouquet that feels like it lasts forever and projects well.
Longevity and sillage are impressive. My surroundings notice me very clearly.
I think whether the scent suits someone or not is always a matter of personal preference.
I like it very much now, but I was also veeeery skeptical for a long time about whether we would become friends.
We have! And I've been able to catch a bunch of compliments for it. In clothing stores from strangers, at the office, on the street. Crazy, right?
For me, it's worth a try for all
Delina Eau de Parfum lovers. Personally, I've found a great alternative here for a fraction of the original price. "Souvenir Floral Bouquet | Afnan Perfumes" is Delina for me in a louder version overall. It has a note that bothered me in the "original," so it's even the better choice for me...
Top Notes 
Rhubarb
Lychee
Bergamot
Desaturated Hangnail
Heart Notes 
Peony
Lily of the valley
Rose
Vanilla
Base Notes 
Musk
Amber
Cashmere wood
Skrwail
FrauMieze
Rieke2021
MsPerfume
Sissime
Sherrily
Larii
Lana904
TakiTakla
Sevda46
