Best aquatic fragrances: Oh-so fresh scents for spring
Written by:Lauren Carbran
Read time:xxx
1201
Posted:09/03/2020
The first sighting of blossom has been recorded and the days are finally brightening up. Hello, spring – we meet again! Ready for a seasonal scent switch-up? And no, we’re not talking florals. Instead, we’re reaching for refreshing, nature-inspired scents from the realm of aquatic fragrances. Packed with puts-a-spring-in-your-step notes, they’re like a breath of fresh air (sometimes, quite literally). Let’s countdown our top 10.
One sec, what are aquatic fragrances?
Before we go into our spring-ready hall of fame, let’s explore this unique fragrance family. Aquatic fragrances are inspired by all things water – think the ocean (not water from the tap!). Sometimes referred to as ‘marine’ or ‘oceanic’ scents, at one end of the fragrance category you have fresh, salty-air ocean breeze, and the other, woody and earthy Eau de Seabeds. They rose to prominence in the 90s thanks to the minimalist movement of the era and have since been quietly building traction as more and more brands experiment with sea-fresh notes in both aquatic perfume and aquatic cologne.
Best Aquatic Fragrances
No need to deep dive into the aquatic world, we’ve done the spritz test for you and *drum roll* here’s our top 10…
Sailing Day by Maison Margiella
Picture the scene. You’re on holibobs, sun’s smiling as you sail across the sea. You’ve got the sound of crashing waves for company and salty breeze rejuvenating your skin, and right there – that exact moment – is what Maison Margiella has meticulously replicated with Sailing Day. Described as a“deep-sea exploration in a bottle”, it expertly balances refreshing aquatic accord and coriander with earthier red seaweed essence and ambergris – the perfect everyday go-to. One spritz will bring the holiday memories back, making you feel like spring is in the air.
Inspired by the ‘fresh sea, warm sun, and richness of the Earth’, Acqua di Gio by Armani is an aquatic fragrance that will never let you down. Balancing light and crisp notes – think fresh calabrian bergamot, neroli and green tangerine – with fruity persimmon and warm Indonesian patchouli, it’s got day-to-night versatility and timeless appeal that’s kept it topping bestsellers lists since the 90s.
April showers may ruin your spring picnic plans, but the soothing smell of fresh April showers were the inspiration for Issey Miyake’s stunning scent, A Drop d’Issey Fraiche. An olfactory journey through nature, thisaquatic perfume opens with freshness thanks to the unconventional use of rain accord (now if that isn’t a conversation starter, we don’t know what is!). Then, as rain gives new life to blooms in the wild, the scent delivers a lilac accord and damask rose heart for a floral flourish that’s delicately nuanced and alluring.
Part-woody, part-marine, this aquatic scent from Jimmy Choo will have you surfing effortlessly from spring to summer (and then some!). A continuation from the brand’s signatureJimmy Choo Man, this aquatic rendition maintains the fougère profile we know and love but dials up the freshness. We’re talking, sparkling grapefruit, bold cardamom, salted moss, and marine accord.
The poster boy scent of aquatic perfume for men, Davidoff’s Cool Water needs no introduction. But, if you haven’t had a bottle since your teens, let us remind you why this scent delivers on intense freshness. Inspired by the ‘strength of the ocean’ it makes a splash thanks to refreshing notes of coriander, mint, and then holds attention thanks to grounding notes of lavender, amber and sandalwood. Loved by Gen Z and Boomers alike, it’s no wonder it’s been topping bestsellers lists for 25+ years.
Every so often Dior revisit their iconic scent J’adore, and play around with the formula. Sometimes it results in headier renditions (see:J’adore Infinissime), but more recently the Parisian powerhouse have brought us J’adore Parfum d’Eau. An ode to two simple olfactory facets – water and flowers – and that’s it. We’re serious. J’adore Parfum is formulated with only water and flowers, and no alcohol! It’s the light, bright sister to the signature scent aka your new spring-ready aquatic perfume.
If you look up ‘aquatic perfume for her’, Davidoff’s Cool Water Woman will be your first hit. Living up to its highly recognisable name, it’s a floral-meets-fresh scent that will have you reliving the 90s with every spritz. Inspired by the beauty evoked from the ocean, it opens with a splash thanks to attention-grabbing notes (lemon, pineapple, melon, blackcurrant) before introducing layers of florals (jasmine, lily, rose) over a base of sensuous musk.
This iconic fragrance combines mint and bergamot to leave you smelling cool and sharp. After all, we know you’ll need something striking to quench your thirst this spring! You’ll be reminded of the seaside, thanks to the woodiness of amber and cedar. Everything about it oozes masculinity and freshness. You can thank us later!
Just like Acqua di Gio by Armani, Acqua di Gioia bears the signature of water rooted in the earth at its base. Fresh aquatic notes are balanced with a zest of Calabrian lemon, cedarwood heart, sensual brown sugar, and sprinkled with a deliciously heady current of crushed mint. The perfect scent to wear for any occasion – day or night.
Light Blue Pour Homme by Dolce & Gabbana captures the smell of the Mediterranean, with notes of grapefruit and oak. Just one spritz and you’ll be surrounded by the cool sea air wherever you are. The opening notes of bergamot and mandarin burst with freshness, so you’ll want this with you on your next hol. Grab it now!
Best aquatic fragrances: Oh-so fresh scents for spring
The first sighting of blossom has been recorded and the days are finally brightening up. Hello, spring – we meet again! Ready for a seasonal scent switch-up? And no, we’re not talking florals. Instead, we’re reaching for refreshing, nature-inspired scents from the realm of aquatic fragrances. Packed with puts-a-spring-in-your-step notes, they’re like a breath of fresh air (sometimes, quite literally). Let’s countdown our top 10.
One sec, what are aquatic fragrances?
Before we go into our spring-ready hall of fame, let’s explore this unique fragrance family. Aquatic fragrances are inspired by all things water – think the ocean (not water from the tap!). Sometimes referred to as ‘marine’ or ‘oceanic’ scents, at one end of the fragrance category you have fresh, salty-air ocean breeze, and the other, woody and earthy Eau de Seabeds. They rose to prominence in the 90s thanks to the minimalist movement of the era and have since been quietly building traction as more and more brands experiment with sea-fresh notes in both aquatic perfume and aquatic cologne.
Best Aquatic Fragrances
No need to deep dive into the aquatic world, we’ve done the spritz test for you and *drum roll* here’s our top 10…
Sailing Day by Maison Margiella
Picture the scene. You’re on holibobs, sun’s smiling as you sail across the sea. You’ve got the sound of crashing waves for company and salty breeze rejuvenating your skin, and right there – that exact moment – is what Maison Margiella has meticulously replicated with Sailing Day. Described as a“deep-sea exploration in a bottle”, it expertly balances refreshing aquatic accord and coriander with earthier red seaweed essence and ambergris – the perfect everyday go-to. One spritz will bring the holiday memories back, making you feel like spring is in the air.
–
Acqua di Gio by Armani
Inspired by the ‘fresh sea, warm sun, and richness of the Earth’, Acqua di Gio by Armani is an aquatic fragrance that will never let you down. Balancing light and crisp notes – think fresh calabrian bergamot, neroli and green tangerine – with fruity persimmon and warm Indonesian patchouli, it’s got day-to-night versatility and timeless appeal that’s kept it topping bestsellers lists since the 90s.
Armani
Acqua Di Gio
Eau de Toilette Spray
50ML – €79.00
A Drop d’Issey Fraiche by Issey Miyake
April showers may ruin your spring picnic plans, but the soothing smell of fresh April showers were the inspiration for Issey Miyake’s stunning scent, A Drop d’Issey Fraiche. An olfactory journey through nature, this aquatic perfume opens with freshness thanks to the unconventional use of rain accord (now if that isn’t a conversation starter, we don’t know what is!). Then, as rain gives new life to blooms in the wild, the scent delivers a lilac accord and damask rose heart for a floral flourish that’s delicately nuanced and alluring.
Issey Miyake
A Drop d'Issey Fraiche
Eau de Parfum Spray
50ML – €102.00
Jimmy Choo Man Aqua by Jimmy Choo
Part-woody, part-marine, this aquatic scent from Jimmy Choo will have you surfing effortlessly from spring to summer (and then some!). A continuation from the brand’s signature Jimmy Choo Man, this aquatic rendition maintains the fougère profile we know and love but dials up the freshness. We’re talking, sparkling grapefruit, bold cardamom, salted moss, and marine accord.
Jimmy Choo
Man Aqua
Eau de Toilette Spray
50ML – €65.00
Cool Water by Davidoff
The poster boy scent of aquatic perfume for men, Davidoff’s Cool Water needs no introduction. But, if you haven’t had a bottle since your teens, let us remind you why this scent delivers on intense freshness. Inspired by the ‘strength of the ocean’ it makes a splash thanks to refreshing notes of coriander, mint, and then holds attention thanks to grounding notes of lavender, amber and sandalwood. Loved by Gen Z and Boomers alike, it’s no wonder it’s been topping bestsellers lists for 25+ years.
Davidoff
Cool Water Man
Eau de Toilette Spray
125ML – €41.00
J’adore Parfum d’Eau by Dior
Every so often Dior revisit their iconic scent J’adore, and play around with the formula. Sometimes it results in headier renditions (see: J’adore Infinissime), but more recently the Parisian powerhouse have brought us J’adore Parfum d’Eau. An ode to two simple olfactory facets – water and flowers – and that’s it. We’re serious. J’adore Parfum is formulated with only water and flowers, and no alcohol! It’s the light, bright sister to the signature scent aka your new spring-ready aquatic perfume.
DIOR
J’adore Parfum d’Eau
Parfum Spray
50ML – €124.00
Cool Water Woman by Davidoff
If you look up ‘aquatic perfume for her’, Davidoff’s Cool Water Woman will be your first hit. Living up to its highly recognisable name, it’s a floral-meets-fresh scent that will have you reliving the 90s with every spritz. Inspired by the beauty evoked from the ocean, it opens with a splash thanks to attention-grabbing notes (lemon, pineapple, melon, blackcurrant) before introducing layers of florals (jasmine, lily, rose) over a base of sensuous musk.
Davidoff
Cool Water Woman
Eau de Toilette Spray
100ML – €45.00
Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier
This iconic fragrance combines mint and bergamot to leave you smelling cool and sharp. After all, we know you’ll need something striking to quench your thirst this spring! You’ll be reminded of the seaside, thanks to the woodiness of amber and cedar. Everything about it oozes masculinity and freshness. You can thank us later!
Jean Paul Gaultier
Le Male
Eau de Toilette Spray
75ML – €87.00
Acqua di Gioia by Armani
Just like Acqua di Gio by Armani, Acqua di Gioia bears the signature of water rooted in the earth at its base. Fresh aquatic notes are balanced with a zest of Calabrian lemon, cedarwood heart, sensual brown sugar, and sprinkled with a deliciously heady current of crushed mint. The perfect scent to wear for any occasion – day or night.
Armani
Acqua di Gioia
Eau de Parfum Spray
30ML – €78.00
Light Blue Pour Homme by Dolce & Gabbana
Light Blue Pour Homme by Dolce & Gabbana captures the smell of the Mediterranean, with notes of grapefruit and oak. Just one spritz and you’ll be surrounded by the cool sea air wherever you are. The opening notes of bergamot and mandarin burst with freshness, so you’ll want this with you on your next hol. Grab it now!
Dolce&Gabbana
Light Blue Pour Homme
Eau de Toilette Spray
125ML – €115.00
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