Laguna (1991)
by Salvador Dali

My mum owned a bottle in the 90's and now i find back an arcane sample placed on an obscure shelf in the shadows of a tobacconist's shop. Strange fragrance as typical for Dali. This is a tropical and sultry oriental that combines a certain level of oriental density with a fruity mellifluence (apricots, peaches), the aqueous and sour temperament of citruses and an exotic green-floral vibe. As well the learned Blood-Orange asserted it manages to be at once a spicy-oriental (with its charge of cinnamon, vanilla, coconut and amber)and a summery and aquatic fruity-floral with its abundant citrusy-fruity contribute and the green opening of galbanum and botanic-laundry rose-iris. The creamy dry down is utterly flavoured  by vanilla while the possible  excess of density is tamed by a green touch of moss, musk and cedarwood. A nice scent.

23rd November, 2011.

Here I was, expecting your typical watery, sugary and somewhat sharp fruity floral before I even gave Laguna a chance.

I had concluded that I was going to hate it, eventually writing a review expressing my disappointment in such a fragrance carrying a legendary artist's name. How wrong could I be?

Salvador Dali's Laguna, is fresh, beachy and, (wait for it...), a spicy oriental. Despite the fruity and citrusy opening; cinnamon, galbanum, Italian iris and rosewood compliment the scent.

This fragrance's composition has been so well blended. I would expect this kind of calibre from a niche scent, not an inexpensive, mainstream brand.

In some ways Laguna is confusing to my senses. It's warm yet Summery, richly spiced yet fresh. The only way I can describe it; it's a beachy, slightly aqautic and fruitier version of Balmain's Ambre Gris.

Unusual and very appealing, Laguna has me pretty much lost for words. Towards the drydown, Laguna loses much of its citrusy notes and becomes quite floral, musky and woodsy.

The coconut alongside the earthy patchouli and cedar, is amazing. It has an almost rich, delicious creaminess that is both exotic and charming.

I must add that the lasting power and sillage are very impressive. I'm so glad to have found this little treasure. I once detested Summer due to the lack of fruity florals that suited me. Finally I don't have to worry any longer.

4th September, 2011.

This aquatic/oriental fragrance was created by Mark Buxton in 1991. It is far from smelling dated as this fragrance was well ahead of it's time! It's warm and fresh all at the same time. I describe it as a "mignight aquatic". No screaming florals and acidic citrus. Muted florals leading to a wonderfully mild slightly "plump" vanilla base with the beauty of ambergirs to 'fix' the fragance and give it feel of opulent luxury. A real beauty, not terribly easy to find in the UK but Cheapsmells have it at a superb price!

9th July, 2010.

I do not usually love aquatic fresh fragrances and usually go for orientals and musks. This is a big exception for me. It is so fresh and aquatic but contradictorily heavy and strong. As stated by other members it is advisable to use in modest quantities or else you'll give everyone at your office a headache. It is initially very fresh and aquatic but progressively gets heavier and more spicy, especially peppery. I think it is a unisex scent. I think it smells quite masculine on me. Although I usually avoid perfumes which smell masculine upon me and usually like the most feminine fragrances, this one smelt good on me, determinedly seductive. It suits a determined confident woman but is not made for the shy. It lasts for the whole day leaving a pleasant smell even after showering.

16th December, 2009. (Last Edited: 15th March, 2010.)

All I get from this brew is a thick brine. It's so salty I can literally TASTE it. This juice is more annoying than its male counterpart and it comes in a fittingly gaudy bottle inside a horribly cheap box. Like all Dalis I know, it essentially smells cheap. If it were $1 more expensive, it would've been a major rip-off. Come to think of it, it probably is a rip-off at any price. I seldom give a thumbs down, but here goes...

23rd August, 2008.

This is the closest I've come to finding a love for an aquatic fragrance (and that's cheating because really, Laguna is more of a translucent powdery, fruity floral). Great for summer months, but best used sparingly. There is an interesting dry edge to this scent, which balances the composition nicely, but may be the source of polarised opinions. Or maybe it's the powdery iris?

3rd August, 2008.