Ninchen

"Seaside" landed in my (small) collection purely by chance. My stepdaughter brought it along on our summer vacation and offered me the half-full 15 ml bottle because she had gotten tired of it. The combination of "never heard of it," the mentioned origin ("contents of an Advent calendar"), and the rather cheap-looking bottle brought my expectations down to zero.

But thanks to my relaxed vacation mood and in the midst of a "Jolly game" (we even had time to talk about perfumes during that), I boldly and fearlessly sprayed some on my wrist. Hmm, what can I say? LEMON! I was pleasantly surprised by the fresh, pleasant scent that wafted towards me. And even after four hours, I still liked what I smelled - then the scent faded quite quickly, but I can forgive it that...

The verdict from my better half during the following scent presentation (a ritual with every new fragrance of mine) dampened my enthusiasm a bit: I was pointed out with a rather unenthusiastic look to a supposed similarity to the "yellow toilet duck." I must say, however, that my (very scent-sensitive) husband generally rejects - all! - citrus scents and has mercilessly kicked out about 10 previously appreciated lemon fragrances from the shortlist in the months before, all with the same (toilet duck) fate. But "Seaside" didn't have to be purchased anymore, as it was already there (thanks to my stepdaughter)... ;-)

In the top note, I smell fresh, sour lemon for a while, mixed with a hint of bitterness from grapefruit or melon. After a while, the lemon becomes less sour and fresh, but creamier - the lemony impression remains until it "evaporates." This is a big plus for me (usually, the "lemony" in other citrus scents doesn't last long, but then gives way to an indefinable woody note on my skin).

OK, I admit it. One shouldn't expect the result of the highest and noblest perfumer art in this cute blue bottle...

But: "Seaside" is fresh, cheerful, and uncomplicated. It fits best on sunny, warm days. On days when you meet your best friend and look forward to pizza & red wine or an ice cream sundae. On days when you already know in the morning that you won't let anything or anyone ruin your good mood today.

And for these days, it can stay with me - my little lemon.

They are probably over for this year, but just recently we had those days - the weather forecast threatens with 35 degrees, everything you have to wear feels like too much, and the same goes for fragrance. Just the thought of what the stuffy hot air in a crowded subway does to some scents makes me shudder in the morning.

These are exactly the days when nothing works for me and my nose - except for "Cucumber".
From 32 degrees upwards, this is the fragrance par excellence, with which I still feel somewhat fresh even in sweltering heat. Thanks to its manageable longevity, you can confidently reapply 2 - 3 times a day, which enhances this effect in between.

If this perfume were a wine, it would be a Sauvignon Blanc. If it were a landscape, it would be a cool, clear mountain lake, where you even get a brief "gasp" due to the low temperature in the height of summer while taking your first dip.

As clunky and majestic as the bottle sits in the cupboard, the scent is as delicate and subtle. In the top note, I smell fresh, raw cucumber for a few minutes. However, after a relatively short time, this gives way to a colorful mix of lily of the valley, hay, and herbs.
"Cucumber" is one of the few perfumes where the heart note remains on my skin until it "evaporates" - almost unchanged.

Of course, "Cucumber" is also my companion at lower temperatures from time to time - always with the anticipation of the next hot summer...

Let’s hope that summer comes back again this year...