Is Acqua Di Parma The Sexiest Unisex Fragrance Ever?
Is Acqua Di Parma The Sexiest Unisex Fragrance Ever?
With it’s fresh Sicilian citrus notes, Acqua Di Parma Colonia is one my all-time favourite fragrances
Acqua Di Parma started life over 100 years ago, in the Italian city of Parma. Their cologne gave men, for the first time, a clean and refreshing scent. It was a cologne that was also created to be light enough to spritz on to a handkerchief. So worlds away from heavier, more traditionally masculine perfumes.
Over the years, Acqua Di Parma has been embraced by both men and women. In the Hollywood heyday it was said to be worn by everyone from Cary Grant to Audrey Hepburn. And over time it’s become one of the sexiest unisex fragrances out there. Here’s why.
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Acqua Di Parma Colonia reminds me of sunshine, holidays, and good times
I first tried this cologne at a hotel in Cyprus. It’s sometimes stocked in fancy hotel bathrooms, and once you’ve seen its signature yellow packaging you won’t miss it. I’ve come across it over the years in a few other hotels too.
Since then, every time I smell Acqua Di Parma Colonia, it always takes me back to those holidays. In short, its become inextricably linked to sunshine, holidays and good times.
What makes Acqua Di Parma Colonia such a good unisex fragrance?
Colonia is a fragrance that transports you to a glorious place, whatever your gender. It’s neither too masculine or feminine. It’s not too sweet, too cool, or too earthy. In other words, it manages finely balance all those senses and be very wearable.
Notes
Top – Sicilian lemon, Sweet orange, Calabrian Bergamot
Heart – Lavender, Rosemary, Verbena, Damask rose
Base – Vetiver, Sandalwood, Patchouli
Like wearing a crisp white shirt on a summers day
When you first spritz Acqua Di Parma Colonia you’re hit with a wave of warm Italian citrus fruits. There are lemons that have been basking under a Sicilian sun, merged with sweet oranges and bergamot.
You notice the earthiness of rosemary and lavender a moment later. These ensure the fragrance is neither too sharp nor sweet. Above all, they ground the lemon, providing a swell of vegetal and herby comfort.
As the hour passes, the dusky damask rose, rosemary and lavender round out the perfume. It’s a simple thing, but one that really works.
What’s more, there’s something that feels like clean linen. It’s an almost soapy feeling that amplifies the freshness. And towards the end, the scent mellows into amber and sandalwood.
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What’s the Acqua Di Parma Colonia wear time like?
Colonia is classed as a cologne, which means it will have lighter run time than an eau de toilette perfume. So the wear time is around 2 – 4 hours – not brilliant, but typical for a cologne.
I love the scent I don’t mind the shorter wear time. I also find that when I spritz it on my scarf, or through my hair, I get pretty wafts of it through the day.
It carries me through the day, and is open-armed enough to be gorgeous on both men and women, and wearable through all seasons.
Have you tried Acqua Di Parma Colonia? Do you love any fragrances originally made for men? Let us know on Instagram
The Details
Acqua Di Parma Colonia is priced at £102 for 100ml is available from Selfridges.
