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azer-399 – :
From a house like Guerlain I expected better. The mandarin has never impressed me but I do not think he is the cause if I do not like this fragrance. He does not tell me anything. He knows he’s fast for dishes. Spending an exorbitant amount on a perfume is crazy.
Подтуркин – :
My wife wears it frequently. Maybe it does not last too long, but it is so beatiful, clear blend, so fresh like waterfall without being too sweet. Just fresh basil and mandarines. I enjoy it every time.
Treathota – :
Mandarine Basilic is an aromatic citrus. It opens with a fresh peeled citrus, sparkling like cold sprite. As it warms up, it becomes more reminiscent of car refresher, except with a cool undertone like morning breezes. A touch of floral adds air of elegance. Overall it’s a soft/moderate fume suitable for hot weather and office wear.
intexs – :
I recently chose a promotion from Sephora that gave me three Aqua Allegoria samples: Limon Verde, Pamplelune, and Mandarine Basilic. I unintentionally saved the best for last. I’m a fan of citrus, particularly lime and orange, and this one is definitely orange. It doesn’t open as sweetly as Atelier’s “Orange Sanguine” or “Clementine California” (both of which I wear often), but has notes in common with both.
Mandarine Basilic opens with, of course, orange – but a very crisp, refreshing orange, freshly squeezed, with an undercurrent of basil throughout. After about an hour, the orange sort of morphs into clementine, which is much sweeter; however, this is tempered by a metallic note that I couldn’t quite place until I viewed the note tree. It’s ivy! The ivy is quite noticeable in the second stage. Sadly, that stage is a final stage for me, as this makes *maybe* three and a half hours on my skin, so I miss the green tea, chamomile, floral, and sandalwood notes entirely.
Of the three in the promotion, Mandarine Basilic is the only fragrance I’d consider purchasing a full bottle of, but I don’t know if I should get a bottle of something with such low sillage and a fleeting scent, however pleasing.
Ella_fromAD – :
Just bought it at airport in San Francisco. I am totally in love….
This is so different and makes me instantly happy. Happiness in a bottle!
globys84 – :
Am I the only one who thinks this smells like Monsieur Balmain? I got a free sample from Sephora, which my husband tried on … his favorite fragrance is Monsieur Balmain, and he loved Mandarin Basilic. This is a true unisex fragrance, which both hubby and I would wear. Perhaps I should shell out the money for one bottle that we could share!
Afonia – :
I’m a fan of the Aqua Allegoria line from Guerlain and own several of them. They work best in warmer weather in my opinion, as none are big projectors. All of them are personal scents, and often I reach for them at the end of the day, right before bedtime.
This orange is a fizzy summer-time cocktail with the addition of Basil. Mandarine Basilic is perfect to mix with others in the line as it is fairly linear from beginning to the dry down.
I prefer to keep my summer scents close to me, and this one is delicious and calming.
санто2 – :
I tried many of these Aqua Allegoria variations, and none of them worked for me, and so I just gave up on the whole line. This fragrance seems to be very authentic Mandarin Orange as if I had just eaten one after spraying, not really how I want to smell to myself or others. I don’t detect any other notes other than fruit on this one.
Dlin – :
This is a delightful orangey perfume that’s perfect for the Spring and Summer (especially the Summer).
This fragrance comes across as very clean and refreshing to me, in a very good way for a perfume. In no way does this perfume enter “toilet cleaner/Pine Sol” territory. The citrus notes help mold this perfume into being zesty, sweet, and watery. The basil provides a subtly spicy, green, and earthy quality. The orange blossom provides a powdery freshness. All of these notes work together to create a very pleasant and light perfume without making it smell too clean or too fruity (as in “Bath and Body Works Body Splash” fruity).
In short, this perfume really smells like an orange peel to me. I love these notes, so a perfume like this is right up my alley for the Summertime (as I hate wearing heavy fragrances in warm weather).
olvas20 – :
This is my first scent owned (even tested) from the Aqua Allegoria line and I am extremely impressed. Someone recommended this to me when I put feelers out for a scent similar to Bath and Body Works long-retired Cool Basil Citrus. It’s weird how a person can crave scents, but out of the blue this winter, I remembered this gem (BBW doesn’t sell scents like that anymore for some reason) and strongly craved it, knowing full well I’d likely pay just as much for that as I would for a more long-lasting alternative. This is Cool Basil Citrus plus so much more. There’s so much depth to this that it is more of a feeling than a scent. It’s bright, rich, and reminds me of my herb gardens that I grow during the summer. So much nostalgia even at the first sniff. Someone I work with complimented this perfume and not many people notice what I’m wearing. He mentioned it smells like a fancy suntan lotion, which sounds kind of weird, but I got what he meant. I think it might be the sandalwood that adds a little bit of a coconut vibe underneath it all. This is summery, fresh, cool, and delicious. I can’t wait to revel in this in the heat.
qwg958elipseskism – :
This is such a joy to wear.
I just picked the right perfume for Sunday afternoon.
Now off to get some pasta with oranges and sparkling water.
-AB-
Alekceu231 – :
Just as I got tired of the Guerlain AA line– wham! Found this at my local flea market for $10.00 … and then talked the vendor down to….$7.00 for a 75% full bottle (I am shrewd & cheap). I never had smelled this one before.
Spritz.
OMG! A glorious mixture of mandarine & basil — to the highest power of top niche / notch ingredients. So fresh and natural ! It soars.
The amber in the dry down gives the whole deal a “musk” feeling – a very very clean musk indeed! Smells like an Atelier or a Jo Malone for half the cost!!!!! Longevity is really good and better than most in the AA line !!!
Great for the price (even if YOU have to pay $40.00 or 50.00 for it!)
Komandirych – :
This allegoria of a water displays quite strong freshness on the opening notes, with just a tiny shade of sweetness. Then it gets a little bitter from the citruses? basil?, and then , after an hour maybe, it fades entirely, kissing the base notes good-bye… Pleasant as it is, obiviously and wonderfully fresh, I see this fragrance more suitable as a body spray perhaps
vital1966 – :
I’ve quite an interesting relationship with this one. I don’t like how it smells in air and on paper, but on my skin it transforms into pure joy. This smells like a like citrus cocktail on a hot sunny day and makes me happy. So glad I gave it a chance, cause when I don’t like the scent on paper, I don’t try it on myself.
GreenKillen – :
I got this mini in a coffret set and I’ve tried it on a few times. If you were hoping Mandarine Basilic would smell like a cold glass of fresh-squeezed citrus garnished with tender-crisp basil, you would be disappointed, as I was. Do you guys remember Tang? The “orange” flavored powder that you mix with water before drinking? That. That’s what this is. The mandarines in this are old, mushy, with spots of mold. The basil is dried, brown, and crunchy…almost medicinal. Thank goodness it only stays a little while on the skin! I will be passing on this one.
tashka – :
First few minutes all I get is blood orange or like you just got out of a shower of Seville oranges. It soon settles into a delicate somewhat linear fragrance. I prefer herba Fresca but this is a close 2nd. I wore this to an Italian wedding several years ago – it was the perfect fragrance for the occasion. The only downside is longevity is not good and it needs respraying every couple of hours.
Shantal – :
this is a lovely strong juicy ripe orange with maybe some patch in it; lasted couple hours and had me sniffing for more
gawrigg – :
This smells like someone spilled their fancy summer cocktail on me. Is this what people mean when they say a perfume smells “boozy”? I did not care for this scent at all on me. Maybe they fresh green scents don’t agree with me. I bought this on accident, when I was trying to get the Guerlain Lys Soleia. I was horrified when I sprayed this and it was not the warm honey florals I was expecting, but a cool, green, bitter boozy smell. ahh well.
Gabrielle_fromAF – :
Compared to other ‘allegories’, Mandarine Basilic is one of the best.
The mandarin and orange are evident, which is a plus since that’s what one is looking on a mandarin fragrance. Neroli plays a second role bringing some green notes. There’s something lightly sweet mixed with the citrus, not sure what it is.
To be sincere, if you dont mind sheer, fleeting fragrances, then you’ll be happy with this perfume. True it shares some vibes with Aqua Colonia Mandarin & Cardamom, but they have their own qualities.
Surprisingly, Mandarine Basilic gets less sweet as it approaches the drydown.
It’s nice, good to overspray on a very hot and humid day, but I doubt I will buy it again.
WWl – :
Oh my … (I’m saying that with a big grin in my face) … this must be what I’ve been missing from all those other “fresh” and “green” citrus perfumes that I still can’t seem to like. But I had a craving for oranges, so blind-buying this seemed like a good gamble because, well, Guerlain!
When I first sprayed I admit I was underwhelmed, but after the opening – which was so light I could barely smell it – within 15 minutes it settled on my skin and morphed into this deliciously sweet, strong, lush manadarin orange. It keeps evolving though. I get fresh basil that’s been crushed or rubbed to release its oil. I get tea note that I was worried I might not like – a lot of my previous run ins with tea in perfume have been awful – but here it’s subtle and soothing.
I’m also getting flowers, but I can’t even begin to guess what kind. But the floral notes keep it from being a gobble-me-up gourmand, even if the basil and orange are the stars here. in fact, the orange note gets deeper and stronger to me during the dry down.
I totally agree with a previous reviewer who said it was a “dry like white wine” scent. In fact, I’m reminded of a slightly woody Chardonnay once the heart notes come out. The sandalwood certainly contributes to that. As for the amber, I’m guessing it’s so well blended that I’m not meant to pick it out specifically, but I know it’s there, smoothing out what could otherwise be a screechy green mess in some other perfumer’s hands.
I would agree that this is a warm weather scent … but …
It’s winter, it’s snowing outside, and while this isn’t putting me on a porch smelling oranges in the sun, I’m feeling warm and comforted – and I imagine this is what standing near the orange blossoms at Versailles must be like in spring.
But even if not – I’ve never visited France – my imagination appreciates that picture, and I think my nose is in love.
505spiker – :
I am slightly disappointed with this purchase. The scent is pleasant but I was expecting more. First I was expecting more basil. Second, It’s so light, I can barely smell it on my skin. This is may be the weakest scent I’ve ever had. And it smells straight like freshly cut mandarines. It shows up more if sprayed on clothes. Well, I will continue the search for a good sweet basil perfume. ..
GulmirlOmit – :
Guerlain is always reliable for me except their insolence and aqua. I find i like about 50% of their aqua, while for example i love all their idylle and Shalimar Initial.
This Mandarine bazil is terrible on me. I brought it because i love mandarine and citrus. The first second i am indeed blessed by fresh and bright citrus (almost like grapefruit) but then it turns overwhleming herbal bitter green on me. It caused headaches as well.
SAbangel – :
Deliciously bright! It’slike a joyful morning. Fresh but long lasting.The best of Acqua Allegoria.
Deliziosamente luminoso. E’come una mattina gioiosa. Fresco ma di lunga durata. Il migliore tra le Acque Allegorie
Der4Twu – :
Lovely, really fresh wish I discovered it earlier, could’ve been my perfect spring-summer scent. A fresh zingy citrus that not only lasts but projects. Doesn’t smell of fizzy lemon and orangeade like a lot of citrus these days does, Actually smells of concentrated juices and fresh ripe fruits with fresh green tea which just adds to the freshness and cleanness of the scent. I am a huge fan of this, Though it is quite expensive- I will only buy when I see it going on sale as I have spent far too much on fragrance this past couple of years!
The Basil is very strong in this. I usually find Basil nauseating but it is nicely blended and makes the citruses more balmy and longer lasting- I feel the Basil adds substance and lasting power to the fragrance on the skin.
JENKIS-55 – :
Mandarin Oranges for days! This frag sticks to my skin and smells delicious all day. It helps that I adore the smell of Mandarin oranges because the smell hits as close to home as possible.
olegtaranow2010 – :
I used Pamplelune for a long time, tried this one for a change. I find Pamplelune more like a mixture of subtle fragrances whereas Mandarine Basillic is dominated by mandarine. It’s a matter of taste, but I find Mandarine like chewing gum after trying it for a day, will have to look for others, regretting my purchase. I love Eau de cologne du coq, natural and subtle, looking for a toilette version of it.
sittanvaviels – :
Very much alike 4711 Blood Orange. I have them both and like them pretty much. Especially in hot days. Fresh, aromatic citrus scent. Do not expect any wow-effect. 4711 is much cheaper than Guerlain though.
абнимашка – :
Based on the high rating, I really expected much more from this one. The initial wonderful fresh mandarine is gone very quickly, leaving track of ordinary flower scent, and longevity is quite week. At least on me. And I really wanted to like it.
ares702 – :
Mandarine Basillic is like one of summer-clothes essentials – comfortable basics – white t-shirt and sun-faded pair of jeans. Everyone knows how effortless and comfortable to wear those, you don’t feel obliged to look like someone “important”, same thing is with this bright juice. Carefree and natural, tunes you into positive mode from first seconds of spraying. I do recommend it as the most pleasant antidepressant as well.
popersy – :
I had an old FA shower gel with mandarins and this smells EXACTLY the same! :p Wouldn’t buy it just to remember that shower gel though.
lbv928speagoessenda – :
Like the former reviewer, there is a note that bothers my nose, pretty sure it is the chamomile,but I am not a huge fan of basil in perfume either, so could be both… it gives the scent a weird undertone, aromatic but like crushed leaves of some sort,leaves that have been dried or something like that….so for me, it is a miss…too bad as I enjoyed the freshness at first!!
nmy864speagoessenda – :
There’s a note in this one that I have trouble with. It’s something sharp and bitter and kinda screeching. Not basil (which I love), unless it’s not a very good interpretation of basil. It’s on the background initially and I can deal with it, while the mandarin is still vibrant and juicy, but when the citruses calm down, this bothersome note is too much for me.
When I used to have a bottle of it (impulse buy), I’d have to be careful not to spray on clothes, because on skin it develops much softer and nicer.
I know it’s not something Guerlain-specific, because I don’t have a problem with other Aqua Allegoria perfumes.
Most people LOVE this one though (well, unless they dislike citrus scents in general). I got many compliments.
DOGUS – :
I simply love this perfume. Sigh… I have been longing to find a perfume that is bright, floral, and uplifting.
This one absolutely does.
Sweet mandarin and fresh basil scent just engulfs me in a sunny aura.
I’ve been avoiding citrusy perfume, but this one just makes me happy.
I can smell it sitting and walking around. A couple of spritz on my coat lasted until the next morning, 12 hours plus.
It’s not overwhelming, so despite it’s longivity, I respray every 2~3 hours just to enjoy the fresh sweet scents.
Another blind buy, but I am extremely tempted to purchase Neroli Bianca and Flora Rosa as well.
I was lucky to get a 100ml/3.4oz bottle so doesn’t make me feel guilty spraying at my whim.
Just lovely lovely perfume.
Thief – :
Smells just like mandarins on first spray!
I haven’t allowed this to settle so unsure about the dry down.
Super Woofer – :
Strikes me as a cologne. Heavy orange candy note. This fragrance falls flat on my skin.
SSleessguecY – :
On a clear Spring morning, take a large silver bowl outside. Set it down on some dewy grass.
Take a basket of mixed clementines and ripest oranges and squeeze heartily into the bowl. Add a generous fistful of the shredded zest. Bruise a couple of sweet young basil leaves and add these.
Open a bottle of Prosecco and tip into the bowl, and immediately place your face over the effervescent glowing liquid. The feeling of the millions of fresh tiny orangey bubbles comes close to how this perfume feels.
sosedskiy – :
Spremuta di mandarini e arance a più non posso!Le foglie di té, basilico ed edera portano alla fragranza il giusto mix di note verdi che insieme agli agrumi portano una ventata di fresco. Dopo aver sentito la fragranza, la stessa mi ha stimolato al punto di avere quasi voglia di berla.Ottimo profumo!
Sillage 7/10
Longevità 7/10
Profumo 9.5/10
vialetta – :
This has the most beautiful juicy mandarin. Most fragrances with mandarin smell a bit overripe/moldy, but this one is just bursting with tart orange fruitiness. The issue I have is with the basil. I’d buy this fragrance if it wasn’t for the basil. I love basil in my food, but I don’t want it in my perfume. It’s a fresh basil though, and it’s sort of in the background. But the fact that it’s there bothers me.
vladsima – :
There are days when this perfume doesn’t smell nice on me, but today it was perfect, just like the first time I smelled it.
Citrusy and sweet but with a delicate bitter note; basil gives it a bit of an edge as well, so it’s neither a candy-like sweetnes, nor is it cheap air freshener-like lemon.
Someone used a good word when describing it: harmonny.
Imagine lounging in a deck-chair, with a glass of ice-tea with mint leaves in it and smelling this perfume.
Perfect for hot summer days 🙂
pletcheracx – :
This has the most realistic clementine,citrus smell on first spray, you would think that someone in the room had just un-peeled a big, sweet, juicy clementine! The citrus scent stays through to dry down and leaves on me a lovely orangey,herby skin scent.As with all Gueralin perfumes this is a classy scent, I have just found my holiday scent 🙂
Plebybiliabakk – :
Not only do I not mind having multiple backups of this perfume, the thought of having multiple backups of this doesn’t stress me out! Now that’s something.
To me Mandarine Basilic is an aromatic fruity fragrance, belonging to a category that is magical when well-made, but are so hard to find. The realistic clementine/mandarine note that opens blends so well with the fresh herbs so that neither is too sharp or overpowering at any given time. It lasts long on me (6 hours +) with good arm-length projection and dries down to a beautiful base scent that I cannot quite put my fingers on. Definitely not sandalwood or amber, but more like a comforting natural skin scent… simple but just so wonderful!
The citrus is present the whole time during the dry down, which is not commonly found in my experience.
I’ll be using this so much in the next couple of months, and I recommend anyone who haven’t tried this at least give a sniff to this beautiful AA cause it’s worth it!
msvampir – :
This scent is lovely, the mandarin is realistic and combined with the basil I feel this scent has a freshness to it that would suit the summer months.
Having said that I like to wear this scent year-round.
It isn’t the longest lasting of scents, so by lunchtime you may wish to top up with a spritz from a travelo or similar purse spray.
pitervile – :
There has been a new tradition set in my house this year, which started at Christmas. I am attempting to mark each occasion with a fragrance purchase.
Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic is to mark my birthday. (I am such a pushover at the Guerlain counter.) Most of the year, I am able to wear something with some weight to it in a floral or floral/oriental. This is not such a good idea in summer or on a humid spring day, so I was looking for something light and cheerful to use this summer.
This frag, fits the bill. Wispy, light, optimistic, sunny….. I certainly enjoy the mandarin and the herbal note helps to keep it all from becoming too sweet. It reminds me of San Francisco. I don’t know why and I am not going to question it; I have had some lovely holidays in SF. Beautiful, sunny and warm in September. Maybe that is it? This frag feels like all of the above.
After a couple of hours, it turns into something very soothing and very subtle. Lasts on my skin for about 4 hours, but I am fine with that.
klim1112007 – :
This is utterly beautiful. I love the light sweet mandarin citrus with the herb notes. A totally delectable scent for Summer. I first had a sample I got from Sephora last week which I used up in no time. It is very earthy and calming. Not sharp or overdone in any way. I cannot wait for my bottle to come. 10/10
lenyak – :
Lovely fresh warm cosy scent! I always spritz this under heavy stress because this is soooo relaxing, comforting and healing.No other Aqua Allegoria citrus scent is as succesful as this one! Higly recommend this!
This is sunny day in a bottle!
руслан73 – :
I bought this perfume today after mulling over the purchase for a while. I must confess, I liked it from the first time I smelled it but then I read Perfumes – The Guide and Luca Turin (or was it Tanya Sanchez?) described it as a good base but unfinished. I’m ashamed to say that caused me some second thoughts however, even with that in mind, every time I smelled it, it reminded me of summer in a bottle and I just loved it.
Sometimes citrus scents can be a bit sharp to my nose, but the mandarins are just perfect – ripe, juicy and sweet with just a bit of tartness to balance them, and the fresh and savory green of the basil as the base. I have a lot of respect for the Turin/Sanchez opinion but on this one, I think they were way wrong. It’s great.
Yra1986 – :
Lovely scent but awful on my skin.
Smells like yesterday’s t-shirt after sweating under the arms mixed with deodorant.
Ironically, smells great on clothes.
agent99 – :
This is so lovely! I wasn´t familiar with the Aqua Allegoria collection, even though it´s been around for a long time I hadn´t noticed it before.. and I wasn´t expecting a lot from the usual “citric, vibrant, summery” scents at all, and rather found them boring.. but yes!! I tried this on a 38°C sticky humid summer day, and it felt sooo soothing!
The juicy, zesty, refreshing and sweet orange and mandarine scents explode.. remember the “tang” orange juice powder? It´s got that “bitterness* and then a vibrant, uplifting cloud of basil comes along, it´s beautiful! This scent embraces my skin like crazy! So refreshing It lasts a long time and developes into a gorgeous grassy scent, without losing that zesty, sugary feel to it.
634 – :
First, an explosion of juicy oranges with undertones of white flowers. Very quickly, it turns into this interesting lipstick/makeup bag note on my skin which reminds me a bit of Dior Homme Sport. After about twenty to thirty minutes, a fresh and floral basil kicks in and projects like crazy on my skin. The sillage radiates steadily outward for the first two hours.
Overall, it makes me smile–especially the initial blast of citrus. It’s definitely a feminine citrus. I feel like I’m going on a motorbike ride in the countryside when I smell this. I’m strongly considering buying this as a gift for my girlfriend.
vikula94 – :
The mandarine/citrus note is delicious but there’s something slightly reminiscent of men’s cologne.
mgd817intitytek – :
Wonderful mandarin basil combo, fresh and very comforting. If you need a scent that would help you relax, you should really try this one!
Update: Ah, it is so beautiful, fresh scent! Bravo, Guerlain!
Update2: Undoubtedly it’s very chic, noble scent, but I am afraid that the dose of basil is a bit too much for me.
sagElistBeats – :
I usually prefer heavier, “cold weather” fragrances, but lately I’ve been searching for something lighter. Mandarine Basilic’s initial notes of citrus are lifelike, but not overly so, as I’ve experienced with Atelier Orange Sanguine, and the brightness of the mandarin is balanced out by the herbaceous, slightly spicy notes of basil and ivy.
What disappoints me is that the citrus notes disappear within twenty minutes, while on paper they held for much longer. The fact that my skin devours citrus notes like no other is catching on as I’m exploring more with fragrances, and after those twenty minutes I’m faced with a skin scent of basil and ivy, along with a woodsy note. Despite this, Mandarine Basilic smells like the summer fragrance I’ve been looking for: crisp and fresh yet still with an air of sophistication, delicious and mouthwatering without being candy-like. It’s full bottle worthy for me.
Dronchik-Andrey – :
This is quickly becoming my favorite summer scent because of the amazingly true-to-life basil! It smells exactly like fresh-picked herbs without being grassy. The mandarin actually takes a back seat to the basil at first, but once it’s settled down they balance each other perfectly. It’s simple and clean and perfect for a hot day.
My only complaint is that it fades after about five hours, but that gives me an excuse to spray it and immerse myself again! 🙂
RewasXXX – :
It was a blind buy but based on reviews I knew I would like it! I am extremely happy with this scent, it smells very natural and uplifting.
Imagine oranges that haven’t quite ripened yet but still radiate gorgeous aroma. They are green and slightly sour. This is what this perfume smells like to me at first! As it settles on my skin I get hints of basil and herbs too but they just mellow the sweetness the orange. I get powdery hints of camomile too which adds another interesting dimention to this perfume.
kypelov – :
Aqua Allegoria collection has been a part of my life since it’s creation !
I love” Natural” scents, I am so pleased this Guerlain “hidden side” became available outside of France with an increase popularity.
Those fragrances seemed so easy to identify, clean, familiar, a beautiful natural citrus. It is as peeling a mandarine ! BUT …
Then again, I found myself keep on sniffing , curious, intrigued , slowly realising , I am exploring a scent never experienced before !
Thanks to Guerlain and this particular Aqua Allegoria collection, whom took my “odorat” with subtlety into the wonders of a true “parfumeur”, a lesson on the “art of scent” !
Yep, Mandarine and some basil and as many reviews mentioned, BUT ! With a ” je ne sais quoi “, it is sweet ? Camomile ? Herbs ? Someone mention tomatoes , could it be yummy with a twist ? Garlic ? Someone else mentioned Italie ? We do eat basil, tomatoes and garlic covered with a dash of olive oil on a fuchsia in Provence and Italie ! It’s delicious ! So, Now, here the question ! What happened to the mandarine ?
Well, I hope I made my point across in here, but that is how I experience those fragrances and over the years I enjoyed them greatly.
LEONKNYAZ – :
I still love this one, both the scent and memories, but I smelled a tester in a shop and it seems different. Did they reformulate or maybe my nose has changed?
It smells a little less sweet and more herbal with a note that smells like rosemary.
jakonoplja – :
Oh dear. This does terrible things on my skin. All I can say is, it makes me think of a sweaty middle-aged man with a dark mustache, wearing yesterday’s clothes…
Agissespospew – :
I was very much turned off from the Guerlain Aqua Allegoria series (and, truth be told, Guerlain more generally) after trying two of the 2009 launches, Cherry Blossom and Tiare Mimosa. Since then I’ve pretty much avoided this house.
Scrounging about Sephora a couple of days ago in search of something interesting to test (paradoxically, the pickings are getting slimmer and slimmer as the launches proliferate…), I happened upon a bottle of Mandarine Basilic, which was apparently launched way back in 2007. That’s seven years later than my favorites from the original AA series, but I figured I’d give it a chance, even though it, too, has probably by now been reformulated.
Mandarine Basilic intrigued me in part because I love a juicy citrus scent, but I also appreciate a good green basil note in perfume. In this composition, the orange citrus absolutely dominates, reminding me a bit of the Pamplelune entry in this series (though that one is grapefruit, the timbre of the citrus is similar to my nose), and also a bit of the orangey-orange of Bond no 9 Little Italy.
This fragrance, however, unlike the Bond no 9 orange festival, is much less sweet. It’s less candied orange and more of an orange zest scent. Mandarin or Satsuma? Not sure, but this citrus scent is fresh and clean smelling–perfect for summertime. I do not smell the basil, per se, but perhaps it is moderating the sweetness a touch? To me the scent becomes nearly soapy by the drydown, but never really green.
basic1 – :
To me, this is an instant happiness in a bottle! Love, love this scent! One of my favorites.
Probably the best realistic, feminine citrus blend out there. You get exactly what the name of the fragrance claims to be – mandarin & basil. Real, juicy, sparkly mandarin and bitter basil.
Perfect for summer or tropical vacation.
mch36 – :
There has never been a better summer fragrance than this – amazingly long lasting- the scent starts off on my skin as a handful of wildflowers, peonies, and the smell of green tea and then the Blood Orange/Mandarin/Clementine quickly takes over to bloom in to an amazing climax hours later with the basil adding the right herby finish. THE go-to fragrance for every day even in the humidity of New Orleans during our long summers. A jewel in Guerlain’s crown for sure.
romich2 – :
Wow! This is an amazing summer scent.
A perfect concoction of orangy mandarine and yummy basil.
This is so fresh, so happy and bright.
One of my favourites for summer.
Longevity is moderate and so is the sillage.
delkadorodov – :
Received a sample of this from dear Mary-Jane. It does remind me a little of “Blood Orange & Basil” by 4711 BUT Mandarine Basilic sings in a contralto voice while 4711’s offering comes across as a soprano. The Aqua Allegoria once again presents a realistic, warts and all, picture of a natural phenomenon, in this case a citrus fruit with a bouquet of basil. You know, that moment when you peel a mandarine (or clementine, I get them mixed up) and realize you should have bought the premium range or not left them so long in your fruit basket… because once you bite into the first segment you realize somehow the taste is slightly waxy and dull and it’s not as crispy as you hoped for. I do not find this Aqua Allegoria unpleasant at all, but I am trying to describe how the mandarine is represented here. It is super-realistic, so if you genuinely like eating mandarins you will likely love this perfume. in comparison, the blood orange note in Blood Orange & Basil is much more tart and the whole composition is more perfumey and cologne like albeit with a superior lasting power. As I am not much of a mandarine lover I am happy with my bottle of 4711 but if you like mandarins you should definitely sample the Guerlain fragrance if you can.
катя93 – :
I love heavy scents, which I have but sometimes I need fresh airy crispy scents, and why not simple scents a bit more easygoing. I found myself la