It’s that time of the year again. The days are getting shorter (feels like winter sprang up on me with the end of daylight saving time), temperature lower, and the cats never leave my side/lap (mostly because I am wrapped up in a blanket all the time). I know I should look forward to Christmas, but all I can think about sometimes is a bright blue sky, sea breeze, and chilling out in a light and floaty summer dress… This is when I take Acqua di Parma Mirto di Panarea out and dream about a voyage in Italy!
Acqua di Parma is an Italian perfume house that will turn a century old in 4 more years. They specialize mostly in light scents, which I think has something to do with the warm climate of Italy. Mirto di Panarea is part of the Blu Mediterraneo range. If you visit the Blu Mediterraneo website, there is a little travel guide for each of the 5 destinations that inspired the fragrances you can flip through!
Acqua di Parma Mirto di Panarea comes in blue cylinder packaging that screams tradition. The bottle itself is simple and sturdy. It is not your typical mass-market fragrance that attracts attention with fancy packaging. Instead, you can easily see this comes from a perfume house that has a long, solid history.
Mirto di Panarea opens with a fresh burst of myrtle, basil, lemon, and bergamot. It seems like the majority of the perfumes nowadays have citrus in the top notes, but coming from an Italian house it makes total sense. I have smelled other Acqua di Parma scents, and I have to say they do citrus justice!
After the fleeting citrus-y burst, the perfume moves on to its heart notes: sea breeze, jasmine, and rose. I have always thought “sea breeze” is such an abstract concept in perfumes, but Mirto di Panarea shows me how it is possible for a fragrance remind people of the ocean. It has this “saltiness” that is merged well with the flowery notes!
Finally, it matures into lentiscus (Mastic), juniper, cedar wood, and amber. I am a fan of juniper, so it’s nice to be able to pick it out here!
Even though it is an eau de toilette, Acqua di Parma Mirto di Panarea lasts well on me. It is not a scent that shouts, as it wears really close to my skin. I can see myself wearing this on a beach holiday, or in summer in general. It is so light and pleasant that I don’t think it can ever smell heavy even when it’s warm and humid! Also, the Blu Mediterraneo line is unisex, so feel free to spritz some on your man!
Have you tried any Acqua di Parma fragrances? Are you into light and refreshing scents? Also, have you been to Italy? I’m almost a little ashamed to admit I haven’t, even though I live pretty close!
Sunny, your beauty culture translator xx
