As the summer heats up, there is no better time to indulge in the captivating coolness of aquatic fragrances. Picture yourself strolling along sandy shores, feeling the gentle spray of the ocean on your skin. Aquatic fragrances, also known as marine fragrances, evoke the essence of sea, lakes, rivers and streams, transporting you to idyllic coastal retreats and sun-kissed holidays. They draw on a combination of natural and synthetic ingredients, with many using calone; a synthetic marvel that conjures the gentle embrace of a sea breeze.
Evoking a sense of chic minimalism and freshness, aquatic scents have become well-established in perfumery. Over the past three decades, they have evolved into versatile compositions, capable of creating a myriad of olfactive silhouettes. Their lightness makes them an excellent choice for layering fragrances. Find more tips on layering and making the most of your fragrance this summer, in our previous blog entry.
It's also why perfumers have long been combining aquatic scents with an array of notes to evoke different emotions and landscapes. For example, aquatic and woody notes are a perfect way to capture the essence of the seaside, as fragrances that weave elements of cedar, sandalwood, and amber deliver an evocative marine freshness. We see this in scents such as Sel Marin by Heeley; a masterpiece that captures the essence of a gentle sea breeze. Its aromatic tapestry of vetiver, cedarwood and birch evokes the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, whilst bright notes of lemon fade and cool marine greens emerge to transport you to the endless azure horizons.
Erolfa by Creed, another serene oceanic scent, entices with nautical-inspired notes. Uplifting ginger and pepper notes blend harmoniously with marine accords to take us on an aromatic journey. The amber-cedar base is reminiscent of rosy sunsets and carefree evenings by the sea.
Of course, no ocean landscape is complete without a touch of salt. Rose Saltifolia by Maison Crivelli delicately unites refreshing seaspray with a splash of rosewater and woody undertones to produce a beautifully gentle and intimate scent. Continuing on this theme of oceanside romanticism, Meet Me Where the Sky Touches the Sea by Memoirs of a Perfume Collector presents a breathtaking vista: the powdery florals, dry woods and leather create an atmospheric, sensual and altogether sophisticated experience.
Freshwater fragrances, on the other hand, derive their elegance from floral attributes. Imagine the crisp purity of a snowy mountain top as you embrace Silver Mountain Water by Creed. Inspired by the Swiss Alps, this modern scent delights with Chinese green tea, black currant, and silver birch notes, creating an invigorating aroma that blends urban sophistication with nature's grandeur. For a more urban twist, Sous le Pont Mirabeau by Etat Libre d'Orange pays homage to the Parisian bridge suspended above the Seine; blending enticingly aromatic ripples of bergamot, pink berry and fig in a warm wake of cedar, sandalwood and musk.
While some aquatic scents conjure visions of oceans, lakes, and rivers, others offer a refreshing respite from the daily grind. Couleur Primaire by Les Eaux Primordiales is a delightful example, evoking the pure and joyous aroma of freshly-washed laundry. The interplay of jasmine, musc, and aldehydes is like a breath of new life, perfect for those fresher, breezier summer days. Alternatively, Atacama by ALTAIA provides a unique perspective on the ozonic theme; named after the driest lands on earth, it conjures the insatiable thirst of salty air and hot desert sands, with a beautifully creamy and floral heart of jasmine.
These examples only scratch the surface of the exciting and ever-changing nature of aquatic fragrances. Their versatility makes them a great choice for layering but they also stand wonderfully on their own as complex, nuanced scents.
Explore our full range of aquatics, and allow them to transport you to distant shores and sunlit beaches, even when they seem like distant dreams.