Pomelo Paradis

The opening of Pomelo Paradis is incredibly captivating: sweet, juicy, and effervescent, reminiscent of freshly poured orange soda 🍊! In contrast to my expectations, I experience only a brief, tart aroma during the initial few minutes on my skin, which lacks the characteristic bitterness of grapefruit. As a result, it's more like indulging in a high-end orange soda than a realistic grapefruit 💧.

Another outstanding citrus scent from Atelier Cologne, which aligns with previous releases such as Orange Sanguine or Cédrat Enivrant in its adherence to the classic cologne concept, but with a higher concentration of pink grapefruit at its core. The fragrance also features subtle notes of mandarin, neroli, and rose damascena, although the latter is somewhat overpowering, set against a soft amber backdrop that remains unobtrusive throughout. Notably absent are vetiver and iris notes, which might strike some as minor omissions. While this scent may not bring anything drastically new to the table for those familiar with similar offerings from Atelier Cologne, its longevity is consistent with the brand's style, and its moderate sillage leaves a pleasant trail behind.

I'm accustomed to indulging in Atelier's citrus fragrances, yet this particular one merely gets a lukewarm reception from me. While I do detect the presence of pomelo, its grapefruit note is somewhat overshadowed by an unexpectedly dry and dusty top note that takes some time to dissipate. The scent is reminiscent of distilling the rind of a pomelo into an essence, which isn't quite as appealing as the sweet flesh would be. As such, I reserve this fragrance for casual, indoor wear rather than donning it outdoors to share with others.

Its pleasant, nice, and very wearable, with a subtle juiciness that's reminiscent of a luxurious bubble bath soap. While its longevity is impressive, the projection is moderate, releasing gentle wafts throughout the day. Notably, it has a distinct feminine character. In fact, I recall an instance where I applied this perfume earlier in the day and thought it had dissipated into skin scent mode. However, as I spent time with someone who then took a shower, I was surprised to catch whiffs of the fragrance every time a gust of wind passed by - it was almost cozy and snuggly, but unmistakably feminine. When I pointed out how nice she smelled, she politely corrected me, saying "no, that's you!" It was an amusing moment when I realized I still wore the scent, leaving a deceptive trail. The amber in this fragrance adds depth and warmth, giving it a cuddly, comforting quality to the air. While I find it pleasant, it doesn't justify owning a full bottle for me personally.

Orange zest with a subtle shimmer, offering a sweet yet restrained fragrance that's robust enough to make an impression, paired with a refreshing coolness and airy texture, while also exhibiting hints of soiliness. Suitable for both men and women and perfectly suited for everyday wear.