Aquilo by Maison Alhambra

The best thing I can highlight is that it cost me under €20. Its longevity and, above all, trail are practically non-existent even if you spray it more than ten times. The resemblance to the fragrance it aims to clone is more of a concept than a 1:1 replica. Although the citrus and marine opening is captivating (for as long as it lasts), it’s accompanied by a smell I can’t quite identify but which turns out to be unpleasant and synthetic, creating a contrast between the cleanliness of its fresh notes and a dirty tone that becomes annoying, like those air fresheners used to mask bad odours. I bought it as a last-minute opportunity in an order with Lattafa alongside two other perfumes that did meet expectations. Obviously, I wouldn’t get it again nor would I recommend it.

Delicious aroma, nothing to reproach. Citrus with a delightful yet very light tangerine, and marine with a soft salty touch… there lies the flaw: everything is extremely soft, the scent, the longevity, and the sillage. Practically, even if you bathe in it, you won’t smell anything unless you press your skin right up against your nose. If you can’t handle strong scents, this is for you as it is barely noticeable, almost nothing. That said, for the price, it doesn’t hurt to reapply every hour.

Do you not realise it smells like Fahrenheit 90? To me, it gave the air of a good old-school marine perfume but with a classic touch. I recommend it, especially because of how cheap it is.

I bought it solely for the price, but the scent is not to my total liking; it smells similar to Jafra’s JF9 Green, only with a more accentuated salty note, a very clean perfume. I ended up gifting it due to the projection; it is not a bad fragrance, but it is not something I would wear daily. If you like herbal scents, it is for you.

Fantastic perfume, a very good dupe of Aqva by Bvlgari, my signature brand, so I can say it is a great perfume from start to finish.

Rich perfume for the heat; I do not know the Aqva by Bulgari, but I like how it smells, I detect some smoky notes too. The problem is the performance, it lasts very little. And while in other normal places in the world it is cheap, in mine (Argentina) it is not: 45 dollars (although here that is 2-3 kg of beef in the supermarket).

I bought this perfume because I love Aqva by Bvlgari; the truth is it is a difficult aroma to achieve, but I tried it to test a fragrance at a better price. Upon trying it, I found it very different; I cannot relate it to Aqva by Bvlgari nor its Marine version. It is a very pleasant citrus, smells clean and has a marine note that gives it that particular and rich point. It starts with something alcoholic that passes very quickly. Although I liked it quite a lot, the aroma is wonderful, but it does not have good longevity and that is the only and great problem. Upon trying it, I really feel it disappears after a few minutes. I think it is a very good aroma, but due to its longevity I think it is better to use in the gym, after a shower, or simply one would have to reapply frequently throughout the day.

For what you pay, you receive a good marine perfume.

I just tried it on skin and it has a marine-citrus touch reminiscent of other perfumes, with that herbal petit grain note; the lavender pairs well with tangerine and orange. Curiously, it doesn’t smell strong—it’s noticeable but very balanced, giving an ethereal feel with fleeting bursts. The longevity and trail are soft, but it’s ideal for the gym or places where you want to feel comfortable. The bottle is mirror-finish with a metal cap, good quality; the Fragrantica photo doesn’t do it justice (it’s hard to photograph). As it’s affordable, you can pull the trigger without fear of overspending.