4711 Acqua Colonia Saffron & Iris

I was hesitant to get this because of the reviews, but I'm glad I did! I'm a fresh iris frag lover. My go-to is Molecule 01 + Iris although I have the Prada, Fleur de Peau and Glossier You etc. It fits my needs and my personality in a lot of situations and I'm happy to report that the iris note is similar to the one in M01+Iris (not exact match)! It is sort of edgy and almost industrial yet doesn't smell synthetic to me or at least not in a way that would bother me. The saffron was a concern for me, but it just makes the orris a bit more dry, gritty, and earthy somehow and it doesn't smell like cooking or body odor or anything. I got 170 mls for about $15 on a discount site and I think it is definitely worth while at that price point! It's not my favorite freshie iris of all time or even in my collection, but for the price and for my tastes, I will keep a bottle and a backup. That pushes it into love category.

A beautifyl dewy, papery iris. The saffron is blended beautifully, giving the fragrance a bit of complexity. It disappears nearly as quickly as you apply it so for this reason, I recommend decanting into a smaller 10ml bottle and carrying it with you to reapply throughout the day.

I love this cologne. I wear it when I want to smell inoffensive and mega fresh — road trip, doctor’s office, etc. I find a generous few sprays on well moisturized skin lasts most of the day.

Gorgeous but very light. Kind of a metallic iris, almost fizzy.

I have been on a bit of a 4711 AND an iris fragrance kick this year. I have been looking for an iris dominant blend as good as Yves Rocher's Secret De Iris --(sadly discontinued) and haven't been too successful. Prada's Iris is too powdery and Demeter's Purple Iris has no staying power or strong personality--(Which is why it reminds me of this scent) The 4711 flankers I've tried--(I've had the original for decades) all seem to have the bare bones of original 4711 as their skeleton and they all are lovely when first applied--but vanish like morning dew. This EDC is perfectly pleasant but faint as a whisper--like all the florals I've tried from the line. The 4711 Jasmin seems to have the most staying power and true floral scent of the new florals line--the lilac is barely recognizable and the Magnolia is sweet but not distinctive. I will continue to wear them and re-apply them often in warm weather!! SIGH!!