Istanbul Bosphorus

I've never smelled anything like it. It reminds me of that one scene described in Proust's Swann's Way, the sea drops and air kissing the cliffs and the person who is taking the road near the sea (I vividly remember the scene, the feeling it evoked). There is also a hint of a rose, which gives that subtle powdery quality beneath, more noticeable on clothes than on skin. Magical.

Normally I'm not into aquatics or roses, but this is blissful, you've just gotten out of the sea water and the sun is heating your skin, and the breeze is sweet. Soo takes me back to Izmir

Beautiful melancholic cold sea breeze. From my experience even those who do not normally like aquatic scents like it

Splendid! Reminds me of the Bosphorous. Aquatics are my least favourite genre of perfumes, but this one hits home.

The “marine rose” is one of the most specific and difficult accords to nail in perfumery I think. Most people think of rose as heavy, vintage, or powdery; which is why some people might see the rose as “absent” but it is not. There’s a good amount of similarity between this and Maison Crivelli’s Rose Saltifolia, sharing the same core tension of salty aquatics, fresh rose and dry woods - but the latter has a bit more of a bite to it if that makes sense due to seaweed absolute and couple other things. Bosphorus feels wet and cooling, it feels exactly like what they’re trying to achieve: Deep, dark coastal waters surrounded by a pine forest, with Turkish roses blooming right on the cliff edge. As an Istanbulite I must say that this is done well, artistically. Technically, I’m yet to get to a conclusion. Since Atelier Rebul has a deep history in Turkish perfumery, which is famous for Kolonya (traditional splash colognes used for hospitality and refreshment). Their brand DNA naturally leans toward highly refreshing, fleeting scents rather than dense, substantial perfumes I believe (with some exceptions). I find this formula to be quite top-heavy, it diffuses off the skin beautifully but evaporate into the air quickly as the base is very light and transparent. It also lacks a bit of evolution throughout the wear, no complex base accords to anchor the other notes, nothing for the top notes to “melt” into. Once the initial blast of sea salt and pine settles, the fragrance just flatlines into a faint, watery wood until it disappears entirely. Overall, I find this perfume quite unique and refreshing despite the structural weaknesses. I get compliments with it a lot and most importantly I feel rejuvenated wearing it!