CA The California

So on a social media site I came across an advertisement for "If". I read the reviews but have promised myself not to blind buy full sizes if possible. Apothia had a tester set so how could I resist. Fast delivery and I got to testing immediately. Currently I am in Galveston Tx which is hot and so humid so did testing on skin and clothing. I have to say CA was my favorite. It is blended well and changes as the scent is worn. This summer one of my favorites has been Chanel Riviera. CA is not as intense or bold but it carries the same vibe. Of the 5 fragrances in the tester set I will purchase a full size along with Pearl. CA (I really dislike the name) is a standout in this fragrance release. I will also say too many fragrances in one sitting set off my allergies and these did not do that.

I bought the tester set and this the first one I tried. Definitely leans feminine. It's been about two hours and it's a little faint. Very much a summer and day time scent. The initial blast is very flowery, but in a way that smells fake, like detergent. It's so flowery I'd even switch the top and middle notes here. After it dries a little, it the the flower is more subtle and real smelling, and the citrus and base notes come in. The sandalwood and musk aren't terribly strong but influence it towards that sea-side forest feel.

I like this. It reminded me to the Elie Saab L’eau de couture. If you like that type of fragrances, you’ll like this one. It’s a pretty, office friendly and inoffensive fragrance. I believe the Elle Saab line is more affordable in comparison. I have one in each arm and although they are not dupes, they are definitely within the same family/style, so personally I’d wear them interchangeably. I’ll be selling a small size bought directly from their website this past week on my Mercari account soon. I’m as TheTotalBoutique there.