![\"Acqua](\"https:\/\/nstperfume.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/01\/adp-colonia-s.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Over 90 years old, Acqua di Parma\u2019s<\/a> Colonia (no doubt tweaked over the decades) still smells \u2018modern\u2019 and its packaging designs are both decorous (black-and-white labels with simple lettering and the royal coat of arms of Parma, Italy) and lively (easy-to-spot, bright golden-yellow boxes and wrappings). These days, Acqua di Parma touts its rich and famous clientele \u2014 royalty, film stars and \u2018aristocrats\u2019 of the business world \u2014 but such name-dropping is unexpected from a company that once prided itself on its elegance and discretion<\/em>. (LVMH bought the Acqua di Parma company in 2003.)<\/p>\n Acqua di Parma Colonia contains Sicilian citrus, lavender, rosemary, verbena, Bulgarian rose, sandalwood, vetiver, cedar and ylang-ylang; it starts off sharp with pungent citrus and verbena. The brash citrusy opening gives way quickly to lavender and rosemary. Colonia\u2019s initial stages are fresh and astringent, but the cologne also possesses depth \u2014 this is not a lightweight citrus fragrance.<\/p>\n Rarely does a smell make me think of a color, but the opening notes of Colonia do bring to mind the \u201cgold\u201d of its packaging; when I spray on Colonia, I think of bright sunshine on a brisk summer morning. As Colonia develops, it softens, becomes silky and warm and its golden aura pinkens as a powdery rose note emerges. Rose and an iris-like accord come to the fore in Colonia\u2019s mid-development and the satiny middle notes smell like expensive talcum powder (powder-haters, you\u2019ve been warned). I like<\/em> powdery scents so Colonia\u2019s powdery stage is a welcome contrast to its sparkly-sharp opening notes.<\/p>\n Over the years, I\u2019ve been drawn to Acqua di Parma Colonia whenever I see the gold-colored boxes in a store (and I\u2019ve ordered Colonia samples more times than I can remember). I always spray it on, get excited and then \u2014 I don\u2019t buy it. Acqua di Parma\u2019s base notes are the deal breaker for me; I enjoy the sharp opening and the soft rosy center of the fragrance but I don\u2019t enjoy its pedestrian ending, when Colonia turns \u2018soapy\u2019 and begins to smell like fresh laundry.<\/p>\n Colonia\u2019s lasting power is good; its clean base notes survive longest on my skin. Colonia can be worn by men or women, but men who do not like floral components in their scents may be put off by Colonia\u2019s noticeable rose and ylang-ylang notes.<\/p>\n Acqua di Parma Colonia Eau de Cologne is available for $64-$104. I am a semi-fan<\/em> of Colonia; I like the fragrance in candles and soap. The Colonia scent is also available in body lotion\/cr\u00e8me, shampoo and conditioner, aftershave balm, talcum powder and bath oil. For buying information, see the listing for Acqua di Parma under Perfume Houses<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tomorrow: a review of the new Acqua di Parma Colonia Intensa Eau de Cologne.<\/p>\nIncluded in...<\/h2>\n
50 Masculine Fragrances Every Perfumista Should Try<\/a><\/div><\/div>You might also like...<\/h2>\n