Declaration L'Eau

Didn't know this even existed. Didn't know house even existed. I was browsing the store and this was on sale. Just sitting there and I have tried mostly everything in the store, so I gave this one a try. It was an instant wow!! I immediately tried the original Declaration and d'Un Soir and though on paper they were amazing, on my skin they turn into something so foul you would need a flamethrower to kill it But L'Eau sat on me perfectly. Sparkling grapefruit and ginger with a hint of mint and woody peppery dry down, invigorating freshness that would pierce through all the summer heat. Very very refreshing and long lasting for a citrus frag. I was surprised. Not that light. For me, something between Dior Homme Cologne and Light Blue. Same freshness, same vibe, very summery. Maybe a tad bit less classy than Dior Homme Cologne, but the difference in quality is negligible. Not an aquatic, but an amazing freshie. Has that cooling lemonade effect, like you are near the ocean, sun is blazing, the air is hot, the sand on fire, your skin is dry and you're in the shade sipping this cold refreshing, tad bitter, tad sweet lemonade. Or like you entered in a freezer full of grapefruit and lemons. Lasts 6 hours, projects well for 2.5. Respraying makes it's aura last the whole day as it is refreshing, but not that light. Not cloying by any means. Imagine lemons on your skin that last and last. Strong and you feel them all day long but not offensive. This is exactly that. Just, these notes are wrong because there is definitely more to it. I would say, Grapefruit, Cedar, Pink Pepper, definitely Ginger, Lime and slight Mint. Note: This is a limited edition and has been discontinued. It was produced only in 2014 and not after. This is confirmed, so if anyone wants it, know that it will soon run out.

I'm only just coming to write my review as I've had this on my list for sometime without doing anything about it, saw it cheap and just had to buy it. Well, it's just as I remember, an excellent kind of freshie that evokes aquatic vibes but with a super simple composition which opens sharp, kinda bitter grapefruit, pink pepper and I could swear a kinda cumin/caraway sort of thing which is a direct nod to the original on a cedar base. Oh yeah I get a touch of ginger in L'eau too, although it might just be the extra sharpness of the citrus & pink pepper giving that effect. It's classic and does resemble Dior Homme Cologne to some extent but with loads of the original Declaration as well making it a unique prospect. I was a little disappointed with performance, considering I sprayed it in store when it was released a few years back and thought the longevity was superb for this kind of fragrance. Anyway I'm glad to have it in my collection for another option on hotter days. Oh and Cartier have some classy looking bottles, this is no exception. Update: After owning this one for a while now, I'm gonna say that my initial regard for it was scuppered after I purchased it thinking....this isn't quite how I recall it being. However, wearing it more it's brought to light the spicier facets and even the light, curry leaf, cumin notes of the original, politely and distantly being nodded at and evoked by what is a brilliant, throwaway version of the original Declaration. This having more brightness and gingery pep to it. I love it again.

Cool, sugared, edible, LIME! Sharp, cool, realistic, sparkling lime. Like a limeade. I can't imagine women not liking this one on a man. I love the citrus top notes, but I'm pretty sure there's more there besides grapefruit and lime. I get lime mostly, and I'm no expert, so I can't quite put my finger on what it is, but I'm thinking there's possibly some yuzu maybe? I say that because it shares some slight similarities with Eau De Cartier Concentree. Excellent warm weather or every day scent. The heart of this scent could stand to be stronger, but I think that would defeat the purpose of the scent for most. L'Eau Intense, perhaps? I'd buy it. Honestly, I've got to say, this is the slightly less classy little brother of Dior Homme Cologne! And that's not a bad thing at all... Update: The more I wear this, the more I agree with my previous assessment (as well as others) that this is very similar to Dior Homme Cologne, but with added lime and a hint of musk to my nose. This is a hugely underrated scent that should not have been a limited edition. If you like Dior Homme Cologne but don't like its price, look no further. This is the scent for you. And for less than $30! Even if you already own Dior Homme Cologne, this is a great one to wear when you get bored with the simplicity of Dior Homme Cologne.

Luckily this isn't all that popular and it's still easy to find being a limited edition. Gonna have to stock up. Easily one of the best citrus freshies I've smelled! Performance isn't too bad for the style either. Linear is a fairly decent word to describe this frag but that's not a knock. The scent holds merit on it's simplicity. A citrus rind mixed with a sagey kind of herbal feel. It's light, refreshing and perfect for summer. It's quite unique in that it isn't citrus heavy but well mixed with it's other parts. After the herb mutes a little, you're left with a crisp citrus that's a bit spicy. It's wonderful. The performance, again, is quite good for the style. I get about 6-7 hours before it fades away and the sillage is moderate to heavy. Anyone could wear this but it's definitely a spring/summer kind of affair. Quality frag from the house of Cartier.

Declaration L’eau is one of my absolute favorite fresh scents. I have found that when a complex fragrance with character gets the l’eau or au Fraiche treatment, things usually turn out very well. The mix of cardamom (yes, it’s in here no matter what Fragrantica lists above) and cedar with all the top-note citruses is just a delight. The blending is just superb and the result quite addicting. As the citrus burns off, the cedar and cardamom remain for a good duration, but somehow the scent remains fresh and light, perfect for warm weather. However, this is no ordinary freshie, and is easily wearable in fall and spring due to the spicy/woody base. L’eau is easily my favorite iteration of Declaration. Love, love, love this one.