1/7/12

Insensé Ultramarine (Givenchy)



I generally dislike aquatics, not because I dislike the concept of smelling like cool sea water on flowery tropical air, but because most aquatic fragrances come nowhere close to smelling like that. Insensé Ultramarine takes an unfortunate stab at it. 

The salty marine accord that spikes its top and middle notes is boldly pronounced against a dense and unpalatable mélange of fruit and flowers. A peachy rose, circumspect jasmine, and dewy magnolia/cardamom arrangement flesh out the heart accord, and all are brushed with Calone and ambergris. A bit synthetic, and more than a little saccharine, but it's within the bounds of the time of Ultramarine's release. 

This is a '90s fragrance, with all the bells and whistles that came with aromatic scents of that decade. My biggest gripe is that a chemical salt note in the top and middle of Insensé Ultramarine feels way too loud and unbalanced for regular wear. If you think you're getting a refreshingly sweet floral aquatic for men, you're in for disappointment. This is a bawdy floral that should be dyed pink and marketed as a feminine. I'm not a fan, but YMMV.