Mirto di Panarea by Acqua di Parma

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I’m still working my way through the 100+ new post extravaganza that is being released over the next month(s) and getting back into the habit today, with a new review. This is another unisex scent offering from Acqua di Parma’s Blu Mediterraneo line, entitled, Mirto di Panarea. It was released in 2008. What does it smell like? How does it perform? Is it worth a purchase?

What does Mirto di Panarea Smell Like?

Notes include: myrtle, basil, lemon, sea breeze, juniper, cedar

Click here to try: Acqua Di Parma Blue Mediterraneo Mirto Di Panarea Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 5 Ounce

My Full Review

The opening of Mirto di Panarea is a citrus affair. However, it isn’t the juicy citrus of the other entries in the Blue Maditerraneo line, but more of a peel type aroma. This is of course joined by the headliner note, myrtle, and some other florals.

Again, it doesn’t have a straight floral aroma either, it is more herbal and later on, woody. The basil creates an interesting dynamic of an herbal-floral fragrance.

As Mirto dries down, the perfume takes on more of an aquatic sensibility. It sort of straddles the line between aquatic and the herbal-floral kind of scent that it had been to that point. In fact, it becomes more of a citrus peel/aquatic fragrance, the deeper into the wear that you get.

This is a pretty unique dynamic, as from my experience, most of the citrus/aquatic notes in colognes usually fade into the background.

Mirto di Panarea is fresh and has an effervescent sort of energy to it. The aroma is clean and has that spring/summer warm day imagery associated with wearing the fragrance. You can definitely imagine yourself on the Italian coast and surrounded by the natural scents of the landscape.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Mirto di Panarea is on the softer end of the spectrum. For me, it is mostly a skin scent, and I really didn’t notice that I was wearing it most of the day.

Maybe an opening 30 minutes or so, when it has a good pop. After that, this perfume is soft and doesn’t have very much projection at all.

That could also because, it wasn’t a long lasting scent for me, either. I got about 2-3 hours out of it, reapplied, and got another 2-3 hours out of that round. Not great. It is the same problem that I had with Bergamotto from this brand, just will not stick around.

This would be classified as a casual unisex fragrance. It really isn’t sexy, more soft, airy, and pleasant. Once again, this is a spring/summer wear. It has good versatility, within that context. I guess it could be worn to the office, but it’s more suitable as something to wear outdoors or around during the day, during the warmer months.

Overall Impressions of Mirto di Panarea

Overall would I recommend Mirto di Panarea? Meh, I’m not particularly impressed with it. I think it smells good enough, but the performance wasn’t up to par. Even if it had been, I’d still be indifferent towards it because while unique, the scent doesn’t really grab my attention.

The opening with the lemon, myrtle, and herbal quality to it, is fairly nice and enjoyable. This seems to be a common style with a lot of the Italian summer fragrances. But, at least Mirto isn’t another Neroli Portofino copycat. It does have originality within the warm weather framework.

The performance is just bad, especially at the price point. For retail, you could potentially have two bottles of other scents for the same price, both of which have better performance. Is this Acqua di Parma that special, on those terms? Not for me.

I’ll pass on this fragrance. I do like the aquatic-like aroma, the floral notes aren’t bad, and I’m a fan of citrus scents. However, overall this Acqua di Parma perfume, doesn’t do much for me, beyond being somewhat pleasant. It’s decent smelling, with subpar performance.

Greatness by The Dua Brand

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Versace Eros has been a top seller in the fragrance space, since its release back in 2012. Being that it is such a popular scent, it is only natural that The Dua Brand came out with their own ‘inspired creation’ of the 2012 original Eros EDT formula. I purchased a bottle, a few months ago to test out. Does it actually perform?

What does Greatness by Dua Smell Like?

Notes include: mint, vanilla, tonka bean, green apple, lemon, ambroxan, geranium, cedar, vetiver, oakmoss

Click here to try: Greatness

My Full Review

Well, one of the things about Dua’s fragrances is that they can take time to macerate. Basically, the aroma will change over a period of time. As such, what you get initially, isn’t going to be the same after a few months as it improves into the aroma that you’re looking for.

Now, most of the time this is minimal, in my experience with other fragrances from this brand. Sure, there’s some change, just nothing too major.

With my bottle of Greatness, it was a pretty pronounced change over the two months since I’ve purchased it. Which, makes my glad that I held off my review to this point.

The initial trial run, had way too much off the ambroxan coming out for this to be enjoyable. Now, it has settled.

Anyway, this Dua fragrance is inspired by the 2012 formulation of Eros EDT, a cologne that I am quite familiar with, as I had bottles of it during this era. My main complaint with the modern Eros, is how much the lemon overwhelms and throws off its former balance.

Greatness does correct this. In fact, the lemon is pretty subdued in the mix.

Early on this one is fresh and cold. Mint dominates the composition (with a touch of geranium), which is closer to how the 2012 era was like. Underneath that, is the crispness of the green apple note, the citrus, and a vanilla.

Is it the same as I remember? No, but it’s close. Maybe it’s a function of me misremembering the scent, but I did have a ton of time wearing the original Eros.

What’s different? The apple and lemon are too quiet. The lemon, I’m fine with, but the green apple doesn’t have the same sweetness. Secondly, the vanilla and mint felt richer and creamier as a pairing in the original.

Don’t get me wrong, much better than what I’ve gotten from the modern Versace release, just a bit off.

After that, the mint will still be heavy in the blend, but the vanilla and tonka bean really ramp up.

That’s another aspect of Greatness, it doesn’t have all that much development. More vanilla, tonka bean, ambroxan. Less mint and the fruits.  It’s more of a minty tonka bean and ambroxan for a lot of the wear. Then, some light woods.

So, a fairly close rendition of 2012 Eros, just without the same depth. I like it, though.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one does match that initial intensity and projection of Eros. However, I think that it shifts into more of a moderate scent quicker than does the Versace. On my skin, anyway. The performance is good though.

The longevity is somewhere in the 8-8.5 hour territory. Again, didn’t hit the same level as old Eros, which basically hit 10+ hours every time. It does match the modern batches, which are still quite good.

No change when to wear. Skews younger, colder weather is better, more in the nightlife mold…but can be worn daytime.

Overall Impressions of Greatness

Overall, do I like Greatness? Yes, it’s a very good rendition of older bottles of Eros, just not exact. Once it had time to sit on my shelf for a while, the experience was much better. Still a notch below the old Versace batches, but a better scent than the newer one’s.

Plus, it’s a better price. Everything else about it, is basically in line with the Eros that is available nowadays. The sillage initially, is about the same, but slightly less staying power with the projection.

I do like the minty freshness of this blend. Wish it were a tad creamier with the vanilla and a stronger apple note, but it’s still nice. I don’t mind the lack of development, as I loved the opening act of the old Eros the most anyway.

This is worth trying, if you’re interested in Eros EDT or just want to replace your bottle at a lower price. I’ll wear this more, as it gets colder in the autumn.

8 Best Smelling Apple Scented Perfumes

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Apple is pretty popular as a note in perfumes. Most of the time, it is playing a supporting role, but it can be much more prominent. There are of course, many different varieties of apple, some more naturalistic than others. The type and its surrounding ingredients can go a long way to determining whether it is something beautiful, or an artificial smelling mess.

In this post, I want to provide eight examples of apple perfumes, done well. Each offers something a little different from the other, but all have a great apple front and center.

What are the Best Smelling Apple Fragrances for Her?

Great Daily Wear Perfume

Dkny Be Delicious By Donna Karan For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.4-Ounce Bottle– This Donna Karan perfume is a very enjoyable sensory experience. It has a rich fruity and floral profile that gives off a playful and seductive energy throughout the day.

Be Delicious opens up with its dominant apple note, along with, grapefruit and cucumber. It is fresh, cool, and crisp from the start. The dry down is less tart and juicy, with the floral notes and some sandalwood coming through.

Easy to wear and pleasant all around. Notes include: apple, violet, grapefruit, cucumber and more.

Most Popular Apple Scent

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue By Dolce & Gabbana For Women. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.3 Oz
One of the most popular fragrances for women. Light blue is airy, light, and subtle. Great for casual wear. From the start, Light Blue is a bright and shimmering perfume with a crisp apple note and tart lemon, providing the top.

It’s a very clean scent that loses some of its fruitiness and moves into more of an earthy floral. As it dries down, the rose note is particularly noticeable. The lemon and apple combo is pretty intense at the start, but comes through much more mellow later on.

Notes include: rose, apple, musk and jasmine. Light Blue while not a heavy perfume by any means, has great longevity, and can go all day on one’s skin.  My Review of Light Blue for Women

Versatile Apple and Floral Perfume

Nina By Nina Ricci For Women. Eau De Toilette Spray 2.7-Ounces – A beautiful blend of notes contained in that famous apple shaped bottle. It is a clean, sweet, and feminine perfume that works great for warmer months and is versatile enough to use for almost any occasion.

Nina has some light citrus, at the top, to go along with a sweet praline and apple duo. These are the main stars of the fragrance, with some additional peony and musk, once it has had time to settle.

This Nina Ricci perfume performs well and is highly versatile. It’s an easy to grab scent, that can fit in, on pretty much any occasion.

Juicy and Semi-Aquatic

Hugo By Hugo Boss For Women. Eau De Toilette Spray 1.3 Ounces– A juicy/aquatic type of perfume that is dominated by fruit notes like apple, berries, and peach. Hugo Woman is clean, soft, fresh, and has some light floral notes to complement the fruits.

The apple leads the way, with peach and melon coming through, to add a further soft deliciousness to the composition. It doesn’t have any marine notes, but that underlying aquatic feeling is still there.

I would chalk it up to the melon, hyacinth, and lily notes coming together. This one has been around for a long time now and still serves as a very nice daily wear.

Apple Brandy

Pomme Trempee on the Rocks– So, this is the Dua Brand’s take on
Apple Brandy on the Rocks by Kilian. It’s a more affordable take on this boozy aroma.
Now, I wasn’t a massive fan of the Kilian perfume, but other people seem to love it more than me. I’ve realized that I’m not too keen on brandy as a note in perfume and this also has a pineapple that is prominent in the beginning…which isn’t my favorite either.
But, this does have very nice moments of our target apple note, vanilla, rum, and a cardamom kick. This is all much better than the opening act (which isn’t bad, by any means).
I thought that I’d include this one on the list, since On the Rocks has garnered so many admirers since its release a few years ago.

Best Luxury Apple Scent

Acqua Fiorentina Perfume by Creed for women Millesime Spray 2.5 oz
A complex fragrance that is a light aromatic with layered notes of (some) floral and (mostly) citrus. This is the go to, if you like fruitier compositions.

Bergamot, lemon, and plum start off Acqua Fiorentina with a very bright and quite sharp citrus sensation. However, there is also a crisp apple note in the mix, which adds to the overall juiciness.

As it dries down, there is a hint of rose and carnation, which balances out some of the fruit overload. Plus, the cedar/sandalwood which sits at the base, and holds this whole thing together. Very much like, The Scent of Peace for Her by Bond No. 9.

Notes include: rose, Virginian cedar, lemon, sandalwood, carnation, bergamot.

Crisp Apple from Parfums de Marly

Parfums de Marly Parfums de Marly Layton by parfums de marly for men – 4.2 Ounce edp spray, 4.2 Ounce– So, Layton is technically a men’s fragrance, but it can come across a pretty unisex. Nonetheless, the apple note here is really great and worth a try by anyone.

It’s sweet and delicious, but not a candy-like apple. More crisp and realistic. With the apple, the other two main notes are vanilla and sandalwood. Giving Layton a creamy balance and a solid base to start from.

Very versatile fragrance that can be worn pretty much year round and in a variety of situations or occasions. The vanilla isn’t a heavy one and keeps this from being relegated to just the winter time. My Layton Review

Apple Juice Layering

Eden Juicy Apple by Kayali– Apple, berries, and lychee start this one of sweet, juicy, with a candy-like aroma beyond just the apple juice scent. It’s intense and one for those who like the really sweet perfumes.

The next phase will tone down, the apple will fully take control and you’ll get more influence from jasmine, as well. That being the case, the dry down period is a clean shampoo/body wash kind of influence.

On it’s own, this one is pretty good as a standalone perfume. However, I think that it’ll be one that is better served as a layering scent with other Kayali entries or your own unique combination.

Eden Juicy Apple has that sort of versatility, which can be a great addition to an apple lover’s collection. Full Review

eden apple review

6 Fragrances Similar to Light Blue Pour Homme

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Light Blue Pour Homme is always among the top sellers in the world of men’s fragrance. It’s blend of citrus, spice, and wood is very approachable for any guy and it is an extremely versatile wear.

So, it’s really no surprise that people want something that smells similar to the Dolce & Gabbana cologne or something that is inspired by it, at a cheaper price. This is my ongoing page on the site, listing potential options.

What Colognes Smell Like or Similar to Light Blue by D&G?

The Inspired Cheaper Alternative

Citrus Marine by Dossier– I haven’t personally tried this Dossier fragrance, but I have had others in their line. This one, is their take on the formula of Light Blue Pour Homme.

So, if you’re looking for something that’s cheaper and has about the same aroma as the D&G, this’ll probably be your best bet.

You’ll at least save somewhat versus the actual Light Blue in terms of retail, but third party online sellers aren’t too much more than what Dossier is selling it for. Still, I imagine you’d do well with this.

Cheaper Blue Ocean

Agua Brava Azul by Puig– So, Azul isn’t one that tries to exactly mimic Light Blue. However, it is an inexpensive fragrance that occupies the same space as does the Dolce & Gabbana scent.

Different citrus notes with the lemon and bergamot, which aren’t as heavy in the mix as the citrus in Light Blue Pour Homme. Initially, yes, but that’ll change.

But, you get a fresh oceanic accord, sage, pink pepper, and a very nice woody base. For somewhere in the $20-25 range usually, Agua Brava Azul is a pretty nice pick up  to capture something along the same lines as Light Blue, without completely copying the formula.

Sky High Forever

Sky Blue Homme– This isn’t attempting to give you an experience like the original Light Blue Homme, but this one from Dua is an inspired creation based on Light Blue Forever.

Forever, gives you a different take on Light Blue, but very much still in the same vein. To me, it’s mostly an extremely realistic grapefruit note, greenish violet leaf, and an ozonic quality for much of the wear.

Not my personal favorite, I preferred, Light Blue Italian Love. Though, this one from Dua gives you a more affordable opportunity to re-create a very similar aroma to Forever

Sail the Atlantiqve 

BVLGARI Aqva Atlantiqve Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3 Ounce– The Aqva line occupies sort of the same space as does D&G’s Light Blue Pour Homme series, except that it is more oceanic based.

For some people they’ll want a truer aquatic than Light Blue, that hits a lot of the same beats. Atlantiqve is probably the top pick, in my mind. This is a very nice fragrance that comes across sort of like an oceanic version of Versace’s Dylan Blue, also.

The two are most alike at the start, when the citrus is strongest. The sea notes are there, but it isn’t overly salty, and there is of course the ambergris.

Atlantiqve does a great job at evoking the depths of the ocean, while still bringing the pleasant citrus notes. The latter stages really start to bring in the amber and drier notes. Salty with that amberwood note, that’s found in Light Blue Eau Intense.

So, a marine Dylan Blue with bits of Eau Intense, and the original Light Blue Pour Homme. Not trying to match any exactly, but is in the same ballpark.

Another Option in the Same Vein

GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Profondo for Men Eau De Parfum Spray 4.2 Ounces, blue- The Light Blue series isn’t the same as Acqua di Gio, but they’re both very popular citrus/aquatic/woody fragrances. As such, people can generally enjoy either one of them.

Personally, I think AdG are the better smelling fragrances when compared head to head, and Profondo is probably the most like what you’d get from a Light Blue cologne. The original Acqua di Gio, too.

Profondo gives you a familiar citrus opening, deeper woody notes, and a general aquatic type of freshness. Doesn’t have the same spice profile as a Light Blue, but I think the wood notes help to match things a bit more.

Again, not the same, but another option for those who aren’t familiar with this line. Profondo Review

Similar Style, Different Smell

Versace Pour Homme– Now, these aren’t the same fragrances in terms of this being an exact match. However, they do have a similar enough style and price point that most fans of the D&G would like this one too.

A similar citrus top with musk coming on later, but Light Blue has a spicier and woodier profile. This one is a bit sweeter and more aromatic with everything. Really, the tonka bean sets it apart and makes this a closer direct comparison to Allure Homme Sport. 

Very likeable and easy to wear fragrance, a good alternative for our Dolce & Gabbana target. Versace Pour Homme review

 

Si Passione by Giorgio Armani

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Si has become one of the flagship names in ladies perfumes for Armani. Si Passione is one of the flankers by the brand, which was released back in 2017. I had a sample of it lying around from a past order, so, I thought that it might be time to finally do a full review. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does Si Passione Smell Like?

Notes include: heliotrope, rose, grapefruit, black currant, pineapple, pear, cedar, vanilla, patchouli

Click here to try: Armani Si Passione Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4-oz. 

My Full Review

The opening act of Si Passione is quite fruity and attractive. Pear and pineapple are the dominant notes, with black currant and grapefruit playing secondary roles. I really enjoy the fruity opening and the way the pineapple note comes through on a warm day.

It is sweet and juicy, with some light tartness coming through.

As it moves a bit further along, the rose note comes out, along with heliotrope. It shifts from being majority fruity, to more of a standard fruity floral fragrance. It’s sweet, somewhat creamy/powdery from the vanilla and heliotrope.

A lot of the blackcurrant and the bit of grapefruit have essentially dissipated.

The rose isn’t overly intense and blends well with the rest of the composition. It really doesn’t strike me as a deep red rose smell at all. The further along I get, the more that the rose and pear take center stage as the main notes. Still, it’s never completely one-sided.

Finally, Si Passione keeps this same sort of dynamic, but it does start to get a bit of a soapy or musky clean finish. Definitely picking up some patchouli, but nothing is heavy handed or out of place.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Si Passione is a lighter to moderate fragrance. At first, it is pretty good at projecting itself, but won’t take over a room. Then, it is fairly intimate. Not a weak scent on my skin, just definitely not a powerhouse. I notice it throughout the wear without much effort.

I’m kind of surprised that it didn’t project massively in the early stages of the wear, with all those fruit notes. Nope, just a pretty above average perfume in this regard.

The longevity is 7-8.5 hours for me. Again, not an absolute monster performer, but I didn’t have the same lack of performance that some others have been complaining about with Passione.

It sticks around just fine, Passione just isn’t a heavy or a fragrance that really jumps off the skin.

Seasonally, it could absolutely work year round. Probably best in moderate to warmer weather though. Si Passione is a daily wear, work, casual sort of fragrance. I think that it is pretty, fresh, and clean rather than being a sexy nightlife wear.

Still, this one could fit in a wider variety of situations without issue. It’s got a great deal of versatility and can find a place pretty easily in one’s rotation.

Overall Impression of Si Passione

Overall, do I like this perfume? I do. Apparently, people weren’t to impressed with this scent upon release. While I don’t think it’s the most incredible fragrance, I enjoyed it quite a lot.

Between this and the original Si, I’d go with that one. Even if, I think this one is better than its reputation.

This Armani isn’t super complex and you’ve probably smelled something like it before. Though, I think that it has enough of its own character to stand apart and isn’t an exact clone of all the other popular ladies fragrances out there. Familiar, while being distinct.

Very fresh and fruity rose/heliotrope blend, with a somewhat musky/soapy clean finish in the dry down. Fairly straightforward and not groundbreaking. It’s just attractive and the performance for me was above average, just not with a heavy sillage.

I really don’t have anything too negative to say about it. Maybe, just buy it on a discount, instead of full Armani prices.