A Fresh Spring Breeze, But a Misstep in My Purchase - What Went Wrong?

I'm guilty of buying perfume without knowing the brand, but I'm glad I took a chance on Adolfo Dominguez's Agua Fresca de Azahar. Initially, I thought my review would be a disaster, but it turned out I was wrong. I'm no expert in perfumery, but I've got some honest thoughts to share.

The Agua Fresca de Azahar was launched in 2015, and it's not available in Russia, but you can order it with free shipping from an online store (I'll leave the link below).

Country: Spain, Barcelona

According to the batch code, my bottle was made in 2019.

The box has all the information about the composition and manufacturer. What caught my attention was the line:

spirit of plant origin

This means that unlike regular spirit, this one doesn't have a drying effect and doesn't overpower the main notes.

I was curious to learn that Azahar is the Spanish name for the Flower of Orange, and on the label, they write that Azahar is one of the most valuable and legendary flowers in Mediterranean culture.

So, in this cute green bottle, you'll find a real Spanish scent, and that's something we're lacking right now.

The bottle cap is transparent and white.

Now, let's dive into the scent characteristics:

Top notes: green, fresh, floral

Initial note: Orange, Blackcurrant

Heart note: Orange blossom, Neroli

Base note: Wood, Cedarwood, Musk

I copied the description from the online store, and it's clear that "orange blossom" should be "flor d'oranger".

Here's how the scent and its story are described on the website:

Spontaneous and uninhibited, like its captivating creator, the fragrance conquers with its spontaneity and fiery energy. Model Eugenia Silva, along with the Adolfo Dominguez fashion house, has released a memorable perfume - just as unbridled as the true spirit of a Spanish woman. The owner of this scent is a spontaneous, open-minded girl always seeking new adventures. The Agua Fresca de Azahar perfume conquers with incredible ease but doesn't lose its complexity, revealing itself anew with each application. The top notes sound sweetly with the ripeness of orange, inviting you to get closer, where you'll find an unparalleled blackcurrant aroma. In the center of the composition is the exotic neroli, which brings a light bitterness. The ensemble is completed by the soothing notes of orange tree wood with a hint of musk.

Honestly, when I received Agua Fresca de Azahar two weeks after ordering, I was shocked. The scent seemed annoying and completely didn't unfold. I was really disappointed. After all, the description is about a riot of citrus and flowers.

Then something prompted me to Google: do I need to let the fragrance settle?

I was totally wrong! Sometimes scents just don't smell the same after being jostled around in planes and trains for hours. And to make matters worse, it arrived when it was -35 outside... I had to let the bottle warm up for ages. Even if you've used it before and know the scent, after shipping, it might smell different or not as strong. You might even think it's a fake.

What can I say? I mean, I've actually smelled it, not just heard about it :)

I stuffed the bottle in a dark cupboard and waited. I really didn't want to believe I'd wasted my money. A week later, a miracle happened! The scent had changed. The annoying notes had faded, and the freshness and complexity had emerged.

I don't know why, but to me, Agua Fresca de Azahar smells like a massive bouquet of lily of the valley (although there's no lily of the valley in the pyramid) and a bunch of green grass. And the scent is natural, not chemical. No, not 'Lily of the Valley' :D It's like strolling through a blooming meadow.

The scent is long-lasting. In my opinion, it's better applied to upper clothing. I applied it to a parka once, and I could smell it all day :). It works well with the wind and wraps you in a gentle warmth.

Writing this review on the eve of International Women's Day, I realize it smells like 'International Women's Day' too... That's the association I have.

Now I'm curious to see how it performs in hot weather. Will it open up differently? I'll test that out this summer.

Longevity - excellent. You can still smell it even after a shower.

On upper clothing, it lasts for over a week.

Agua Fresca de Azahar is the perfect option for those who love floral scents. It's not cloying or bland - I just can't compare it to anything else. I'm sorry it's not available in Russia and you can't try it in-store. Happy International Women's Day!

And, as I promised, here's where I ordered the scent (it sometimes disappears from sale, but then reappears):

I've got a special shoutout to Makeupstore for sending me two packages at once - what a lovely surprise!