Let’s take a journey under the sea, or to be more accurate, under various bodies of water. Aquatic fragrances aren’t a new concept; they’ve been popular for a while now and have existed for even longer. They are often called oceanic or marine scents and mimic the smell of water, sea breezes, and rain-soaked air. But a few brands dared to venture beyond these ordinary categories and stepped into bizarre territories.
From Coral reefs to seashells and oysters, these brands went deeper into bodies of water and decided to bring the scents they found within to life. Let’s take a look at some of these fragrances that carry these notes and see if they’re wearable or not.
1. Fragrance Du Bois Cayman Bleu
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Fragrance Du Bois |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Spicy |
| Notes | Top: Mandarin, Cardamom, and Nutmeg Middle: Frankincense, Amber, and Myrrh Base: Onycha and Myrrh |
| Release year | 2026 |
| Perfumer | Guillaume Flavigny |
Fragrance Du Bois’ Cayman Bleu takes the wearer on a journey to the depths of the ocean. When you first look at this fragrance, you’d find that the top and middle have pretty ordinary notes. Then why is it here? Cayman Bleu is set apart by its intriguing base note of onycha, a rare ingredient thought to smell like seashells and the ocean. The scent is inspired by a sea breeze and island life, aiming to capture the vitality and character of the Cayman Islands.
2. Oscar de la Renta Bella Tropicale
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Oscar de la Renta |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Flora Fruity |
| Notes | Top: Pineapple and Coral Reef Middle: Ylang-Ylang, Coconut Water, Orange Blossom, and Solar Notes Base: Sea Notes, Musk, Sandal, and Tonka Bean |
| Release year | 2023 |
| Perfumer | Oscar de la Renta |
Oscar de la Renta’s Bella Tropicale is a cheerful fragrance that smells like a tropical vacation. This is a highly wearable summer fragrance, and is perfect for daytime wear, whether you’re headed to the beach or enjoying a picnic in the park. The coral reef note in the opening gives off an animalic, musky scent, making it different from the others.
3. Ghost Kamikase Pisello Parfum
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Pisello Parfum |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Marine |
| Notes | Top: Marine notes, Mandarin, Seaweed, Orange, and Salt Middle: Ambroxan, Ambergris, Rain Notes, Seashells, and Starfish Base: Woody Notes, White Musk, and Vanilla |
| Release year | 2025 |
| Perfumer | Manuel Alejandro Bojórquez Segovia |
Ghost Kamikaze is more of an unconventional marine fragrance. Its complex blend of marine and gourmand elements may not be for everyone, so I’d suggest trying it on before purchase. Yet, if you enjoy avant-garde and experimental fragrances, go for it. However, its intensity might make it less appropriate for more conservative or professional environments. And if you’re wondering what the starfish note smells like, it just smells salty.
4. Pictura Fragrans Gualala Mala
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Pictura Fragrans |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Aromatic Aquatic |
| Notes | Top: Sea water, Ozonic notes, and Oysters Middle: Ambergris, Salt, and Seaweed Base: Woody Notes, Leather, and Amber |
| Release year | 2023 |
| Perfumer | DL Jenkins |
Pictura Fragrans’ Gualala Mala captures the rugged beauty of the Northern California coastline. This aromatic aquatic scent features an unusual blend of marine and earthy elements. This fragrance reflects the raw beauty of nature, making it ideal for outdoor activities, such as hiking or exploring the coast.
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