Aqua Allegoria Forte Mandarine Basilic

A friend and I, while waiting for a flight, descended upon the duty free store and smelled basically every perfume they had in stock and we both really fell in love with the entire aqua allegoria collection. I ended up impulse buying this as mandarin orange has always been a favorite scent of mine and while the sample that I tried (the original non forte) smelled exactly like a freshly peeled orange, I bought the forte version (hoping for a longer lasting perfume) but was initially disappointed to find it doesn't smell as photorealistic as the original version (this was the first like. Real/expensive perfume I'd ever bought so I was flying kind of blind) However, I do still really love it!! Though the mandarin is only a single note working in tandem with others in this vs it being front and center in the original version, it creates a lovely harmony with the background floral/sweeter scents and prevents it from being floral/sweet in an irritating way, and as hoped it does last a pretty long time, until at least early evening. Different than what I thought I had bought, but a serendipitous purchase!

Very different from Mandarine Basilic EDT. You can tell that and the Forte are related but I would classify the EDT as a younger casual frag. The Forte is the more mature office/formal scent. The photorealistic mandarin note is sharper and more pronounced in the EDT - it smells like you're literally smelling freshly cut oranges that's been dunked in fresh cool water. The Forte, being an EDP, smells more blended. The mandarin note here is more of a bit player doing its part rather than being the star of the show. The mandarin is also not as photorealistic here but still beautifully orange-y and not synthetic smelling. UPDATE: An hour in, the mandarine has subsided and given way to basil. UPDATE 2: 2 hours in, the basil is still hanging in there but the scent of very grassy vetiver is starting to come into the fore. Same kind of grassy vetiver as in Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Intense EDP and Hermès Eau Intense Vetiver but not quite as strong. UPDATE 3: 3-4 hours in. Not the longest lasting frag. For an EDP it behaves more like an EDT. Will need a respray in the middle of the day to keep it going.

Mandarin Basilic Forte was a blind buy for me. Owning the original version for years and loving it so much but wanting more in terms of performance, I was sure I would adore the Forte version as much as the original. But the scent itself is not just more strong as expected, but it is slightly different, not as expected.. Turns out that Mandarin Basilic Forte is just a strong like. It is not an entirely different fragrance but it is quite different. This is more floral, more sweet, a touch spicy from anise. This has lost the freshness and greenness with a citrusy sweetness that the original had! The original was so unique without being a groundbreaking scent. What made the original special for me was the combination of basil, chamomile, green tea and clementine. And maybe the peony, I prefer every time peony over orange blossom. I will use my Forte bottle but I don’t think I will repurchase. But I will repurchase for sure, next summer, another bottle of the original Mandarin Basilic. Nothing is quite like that one for me!

The opening on this is a crisp, invigorating mandarin scent, almost reminiscent of pink grapefruit somehow. I never got the basil note at all. On my skin, I need two sprays on each wrist for the mandarin scent to prevail longer, but it certainly does. About 1-2 hours later depending on your chemistry or nose, it begins to die down as the floral notes begin to come through, but for me, it's still there. I think this is different for everyone, just as I am anosmic to Light Blue Intense although it smells to die for for about 20 minutes, but then it's just gone. For some reason, this is a great replacement for me because it just LASTS. NOT a safe blind buy - but if you want a nice citrus that's not too sweet that lasts, try this at least a few days in a row (that meant several trips to my local perfume shop) before turning it down or buying. LOVE IT!

Out of all the Mandarine Basilic versions — the EDT, Harvest, and this Forte — this one definitely leans the most feminine. The others sit comfortably in the gender-neutral zone, but Forte steps out a bit with a sweeter, richer presence. That said, I’m a cis guy with a masculine vibe and I still wear it with absolute ease. It’s fresh and zesty with a real burst of energy, but there’s also this polished orange blossom note in the dry-down that feels clean, smooth, and a touch sophisticated. Compared to the EDT, the EDP (Forte) is louder and more intense, so go easy on the sprayer unless you’re making a statement. Longevity is fantastic — it easily lasts the whole day. Thanks to the mandarin it’s a summer stunner, but those subtle hints of vanilla, green notes, and sandalwood makes it just as lovely in the cooler months too.

I remember years ago I tested a few Guerlain AA scents and didn’t apperciate them really. My taste has evolved since then (thank god). I think this is the best one from AA line. If I compare this to the edt version, it is more sparkly and not quite ripe mandarine yet. This one is really ripe mandarine, like one more day and it starts to taste funky. Like it doesn’t get any sweeter and delicious than this. Not a gourmand girl, but I have to make exception in front of a fragrance like this. One thing missing is the basil note, so please, if you know realistic basil fragrances, DM me kindly. Or else I have to snatch leaves from my basil plant and rub them on me to layer with this.

This is one of my favourite from the Aqua Allegoria line! I only ever had a sample of it, because last time when I decided to buy something from the line, I bought Bosca Vanilla. I'm not a huge fan of citrus scents because they can smell generic, but when it's done right, it smells so bright and uplifting. And this one is done right. I like that there's also a warmth from the base notes, and because mandarine smells sweeter than some other citrus notes. It's a perfect summer scent but I can also imagine wearing it in winter, because mandarine evokes memories of winter and christmas for me. Will definitely buy a full bottle.

I just visited the flagship store in Paris, that opened in 1914! It is stunnnning. A dream. If you get a chance, go! I got this perfume for myself because, even with all the quality choices of Guerlain, this sparkled. It opens so fresh and citrusy, and then other layers of white flowers and blossoms come as it warms. It’s so classy and feminine! I do wish it last longer, but it’s good for a few hours. I think it smells like spring, but is soft and warm enough to wear all seasons imo. The beehive bottle is classically perfect. They even engraved the bottle for me, and dusted it in gold dust!

I got tricked by most beautiful citrus, aldehydic, fizzy Fanta sparkle into thinking this could be a very fresh masculine scent. After a hour it turned into Bulgarian Rose feminine smell. I was hoping this could be my next signature. Not to take anything away from it, this is magnificent perfume. Three distinct stages that smell nothing alike. Fizzy citrus for up to an hour, thereafter flowery rose dominant scent, and powdery, soft musky drydown. I would kill for a fragrance that smells like this opening throughout it's life.

At last! Thanks for adding Mandarine Basilic Forte! This is the most delicious mandarin candy – perfect for the summertime, so much so that I have almost finished my bottle. The sillage is real strong for the first hour and then it settles down. Honestly, I can barely feel it after a while but my colleagues swear I leave a lovely trail behind. This fragrance partly reminds me of Gucci Flora Glorious Mandarin which I would wear when I was writing my dissertation – it must be that mandarin note does wonders for me.

This is AMAZING! I find it, like many Aqua Allegoria’s, to be unisex. The intense “forte” is no joke: It packs a punch! The longevity of this is over 12 hours on me - unheard of for my chemistry (and for most citrus scents). It’s fresh, and clean, and bright - and a total gem. Worth every penny! I don’t get a ton of basil, but there’s a green freshness to it that compliments the mandarin well. Not that you need to, but I think that this is simple enough that you could layer it with something woody and warm.

My skin has a way of bringing out the vanilla in any perfume, so I don’t get any green notes (which is good, mind you, as I struggle with herbality). To me, it opens a zesty mandarin fragrance and the mandarin persists throughout the dry-down. The dry-down is warm, vanillic and still has that mandarin hint which I love, as mandarin is one of my favorite notes. Overall, it lasts like 4-6hrs on my skin which isn’t super long but hey it’s not HORRIBLE and it could be worn anywhere on any day. Love it.

This is my happy scent. To me it smells like photorealistic fresh mandarines, a scent that evokes happy childhood memories and always lifts my mood. I even keep a back up as it is so dear to me. I recently smelled the harvest edition which is slightly sweeter and I considering getting that one too. I get a slight fresh note from the basil though only in the background, the dry down is slightly vanillic but not too sweet. If you love mandarines and their smell, you probably like this scent too.

This fragrance changed my life and my perspective on fragrance and cologne to begin with. This fragrance was personally recommended to me by a Guerlain associate after I gave him a notes profile of what I was looking for. He told me this is his personal favorite, and I didn't trust him. Later on, I smelt the sample he gave me before I threw it away and I drove back to the store less than an hour before they closed and bought my first bottle of this fragrance. By far one of my favorite scents.

Wow. I am taken aback by how much I loved this. Fresh orange juice on a hot summer day.. accompanied by a mild basil. God this smells like a perfect mojito. I kept smelling this on me and being so refreshed and relaxed. I put this on top of Phlur Strawberry Letter and the scents worked insanely good together. Delphine Jelk.... I’m starting to love you even more and more. Genuinely beautiful fragrance I wish it lasted longer and had more sillage though.

What a beautiful burst of colour. A very bright, smooth mandarine with a spicy base. The middle notes are giving off a slight clean-ish smell, which I don’t like, that sticks around on me for half an hour or so. I’m guessing it’s the orange blossom, that tends to do that to my nose. Luckily it disappears and turns into a smooth trace of the initial luscious mandarine on a soft honey base. Layer this on top of bal d’Afrique. I’ll say no more.

I've tested something else from the line, then I saw the name and my brain lit up like Christmas tree..mandarine and basil, it even tastes good. Anyway back to the juice - I find it very realistic and well blended, nothing screaming out to bother the nose, it wish it were a bit stronger, good for layering if you like to experiment, the 'original' is a bit different but also nice. I will definitely buy a backup bottle. Enjoy

Ohhhhh my godddd it works SO well with my skin. I love the smell of orange peels and this is that but in the most addicting way. It is a little on the simpler side with sweeter notes that drowns out the basil or anything greener, but I appreciate that because it allows me to layer this according to the vibe. Idk, just works so well with my skin, its been 2 years ive owned this, i plan on getting a refill.

To me this smells like the most perfect ”sparkling” citrus with a HINT of orange blossom. It is slightly green, however I do wish the basil note was slightly stronger or lasted lobger on my skin because I feel as though it fades quickly on me. Whenever I wear this it reminds me of eating oranges in the sun on holiday, and the scent of orange zest on your fingers after peeling it.

I love the original but I was afraid they would screw it up like Acqua Di Parma did when they extended the longevity with their Bergamotto flanker. I was VERY pleasantly suprised here. I love it. If you love wearing citrus fruit, this should be on your short list to try. ☆☆☆☆-☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ Fantastic execution by Guerlain. Scent 95/100 Performance 65/100

Even though it says Forte, it makes little to no difference in longevity. It fades pretty quickly. I can only smell it on myself for an hour or two. It smells like a freshly peeled mandarin orange 🍊 So very summery, citrusy and aquatic. It's simple, juicy, delicious and very refreshing. Wish it would last much longer and cost a lot less.

Soapy floral citrus but in such a good way, I can’t get enough of it for some reason!!!🍊🍊🍊 Longevity is also quite astounding for a citrus scent, I get about 6 to 7 hours, no problem! Yes, it is a bit warm in the dry down but this is definitely a citrus scent and I, for one, love it!!🧡🧡🧡

Absolutely fantastic. Gorgeous and fresh. Smells like orange/mandarin gummy bears/candy. Just delicious mandarin. I much prefer it over the non Forte, that one just smells more like lemon laundry detergent to my nose. The Forte is what I expected the non Forte to be. + it lasts longer

One of my absolutely fav perfumes! Smelt it at the store and thought about it day and night for days until i decided to buy it (it was my first expensive perfume buy!) and it has 100% been worth it. Love the spicy warm orange scent so much, used it almost every day during the summer.

I hope they never discontinue this one. It will always be my fragrance for winter, especially for Christmas. I think you can wear it anytime you want to be in a great mood but maybe not anywhere. I prefer to wear it mostly at home for myself and for the loved ones around me.

Lovely fresh, sweet orange with surprisingly good lasting power for a citrus scent. I blind bought a 75ml with the intention of using it over summer, because I knew I enjoyed the non-forte version, but I keep wearing it home now. It cheers me up on cold, grey days.

Perfect for super hot lazy summer days, when I do not want to overthink about fragrance choice... easy to wear, fresh, ripe, juicy, and with decent longevity compared to other Aquas. I randomly tried it at the airport and ended up getting the bottle.

mostly i feel mandarin orange, orange blossom and basil. refreshing scent, it feels like a cold glass of water in a hot summer day. Very light smell, perfect citrus notes, not too sweet, not too clogying, perfect for summer. Love it.

Beautiful citrus basil scent that isn't overly sweet or give dessert vibes, I haven't really smelled anything like it. I layer it with the lotion so it lasts a decent amount of time, but still definitely not a room filling fragrance.

Love it. Fresh fresh fresh. Sweet, realistic mandarin that makes me think of my childhood, suited to warm climates. When I wear it I feel like I would attract bees. Strictly daytime scent. It stays on me, unlike the original.

Orange slices drizzled and basil oil. This is wonderful, summary, light, and fresh. I don’t know why yall are saying it’s not as good as the original bc I find it stronger and more smellable, if that makes sense. I love her.

Smells like taking a cold shower, putting on fresh white linen to pick lemons from your garden to make lemonade on a hot summer afternoon. A very fresh summer scent. For the lazy summer days.

This is absolutely stunning. So happy I bought it. Edit: I put this on (generously) this morning, now it's 7 pm and I can still smell it on me. Amazing performance.

Realistic yet expensive smelling, elegant, sharp, natural, zesty, bitter sweet and very fresh. Would be beautiful on a man. The best fragrance from this line.

It smells divine but not too overpowering, and lasts a good 6 hs on my skin, which is great performance for a citrus.

Beautiful, clear, clean, yummy and bold. You must like orange, mandarin citrus.

this is one to one with sol de janeiro agua mistica without the saltiness

Beautiful scent! This and pera granita are absolutely perfect for summer

Beautiful smell indeed, sadly don't last more then one hour on me

I love it very much, it took me two months to finish it

YES!! The Mandarine Basilic that lasts-ish.

What a beauty. This is a sweeter, honeyed take on the original. It’s a warm, vanillic mandarin orange that miraculously avoids the dreaded "orange creamsicle" vibe you get in so many other perfumes in this category. It’s sweet and girly, yet still feels elegant and sophisticated (this is Guerlain, after all - the epitome of good taste, or BCBG - as the french would call it). I’d happily wear this on summer evenings, when the temperature drops a little (I fear it could get a bit cloying during the hot summer days). Unfortunately (and it is unfortunate), this has no staying power. Three hours at best, followed by one hour of a faint, barley there skin scent. I know citrus-based scents are notoriously hard to make long-lasting and stable, but for a fragrance labeled as a "forte" version, this is especially disappointing. For fans of the original: the basil note is much less pronounced here, making room for the honey and vanilla to shine. It’s still clean and fresh, but creamier, sweeter, and less invigorating overall. In three words, I would describe the fragrance as: Honeyed; Sunny; Feminine.

When I first sprayed this, I distinctly remember thinking, “Oh, this just smells like... perfume.” It wasn’t anything especially interesting nor intriguing. Nothing I hadn’t smelled before. That was almost two years ago now. Somewhere in the meantime, I may have fallen in love. When I want to smell good but not too standout-ish, it’s basically either this or Diptyque’s Eau Duelle. Where it was a mess of generic perfumery when I first bought it, the sweetness of a freshly peeled clementine takes full stage nowadays. Perhaps it just needed to macerate for a while. For me this perfume is never too cloying, never too saccharine, though I would definitely describe it as a sweet scent. It maintains a bright clarity throughout its life on me, right up to its final, vanilla-soft breaths. I personally do not get any spiciness, nor any greenness from this. Basil shmasil! 結構甘いですが、甘すぎではありません。 買ったばかりの時は、特徴があまりなくてただザ・コウスイのような匂いでしたが、数ヶ月経ったら蜜柑の皮をむく時の香りとそっくりになってきました。慣れっこというか、香りが深まったというか、よくわかりませんがとにかくフレッシュないい香りです ♫ バジルは全く感じませんけど

Right after spraying, the mandarin note is sweet and juicy. At that point, I thought that Forte Mandarin Basilic could be a love for me. However, a few seconds later, the fresh and spicy mandarin that we know from the original Mandarin Basilic came back. I must clarify that I prefer the sweeter and juicier aspect of mandarin, just like the smell of essential mandarin peel oil. Eau de Mandarine Ambrée by Hermès is for example a fragrance that showcases that facet. Anyhow, besides the fresh mandarin note that is indeed more persistent than in the original perfume, I do not get much of the other notes. Honestly, I would have loved to smell some honeyed orange blossom. Oh, and by the way, where is the basil? I must have missed it during the drydown...Once fully dried down, a bright and musky mandarin is left, reminding me very much of Orange Bitters by Jo Malone.

On the tester paper, Forte Mandarine Basilic was EVERYTHING. The juiciest mandarin burst out—plump, sweet, dripping with golden juice—and that fresh basil gave it just the right zing, like the fruit was still on the tree. There was this natural, honeyed depth to it too, with soft green and vanillic whispers rounding it out. It smelled exactly like those perfect Chinese mandarins we pile up during Lunar New Year, full of life and warmth, a far cry from the watery, lacklustre supermarket orange accords used in many fragrances. But on my skin... sigh. It lost that bright, sparkling magic. The zest—both meanings—faded fast, and what was left was a syrup-glazed, green rose with barely a trace of mandarin. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t the glowing, juicy masterpiece I fell in love with. I really thought that this was the one, but oh well.

The original Mandarine Basilic EDT is lovely, but I do prefer this Forte EDP more. For one, it lasts much longer— 4-6hrs instead of the 1-2hrs I got from the EDT. So in that regard, Forte shines. The mandarin and basil notes are stronger with a touch of orange blossom sweetness to cut the zesty citrus and spicy greeness. The biggest difference to me is in the base notes where— rather than vanishing into thin air like the EDT— it eventually mellows out into a cozy, elegant vanilla and sandalwood with a hint of cedar. It’s a classy frangrance, and quite versatile— could go day or night, from the office to a date night. I get absolutely none of the black currant or rose, however— so if that’s of interest, you won’t find it here.

No matter if you like the scent or love the scent, there is absolutely no reason this this expensive perfume does not last even 45 minutes and has the weakest silliage. EDIT: It is nearly 16 weeks ago when I wrote about its weak performance and I kept using it anyway. Boy was I wronggg! It is significantly stronger now and I've gotten compliments from other people. It stays on clothes until you wash them, and a long time on the skin. It macerated in my warm humid dark bathroom. Just make sure you keep it out of sunlight. It smells like island hopping the greek islands in June without a care in the world. It's a mood lifter for sure.

Opening is gorgeous: fresh mandarin orange juice and sliced basil. I felt like I'd been in the kitchen prepping an uber-fancy breakfast, with my hair already done and a linen apron on. That was both an unrealistic and slightly unpleasant feeling for me, personally. But not to worry, because the fresh juice blast does go away quickly, and you're left with a "perfume" scent of spilled juice that has been there a couple of days. The basil was nowhere to be found after about 15 minutes either, but the honey and rose were. Nice, but not great and I won't be buying (even though the prices I just saw online were awesome!)

This is one that I am not 100% sure about. I don't dislike it, but don't quite like it either. Mandarin and basil are undeniable, and very nearly veer on bathroom cleaner, but then a drizzle of honey makes its way forward, followed by the warming note of sandalwood, both adding a little more syrup to the mandarin notes and depth to the fragrance overall. The basil remains prominent from opening to settling, but I feel that it needed another herbaceous or floral note to round it out a little bit more, which probably would have pushed it into a harder 'like' from me

Randomly sprayed on this amongst other perfumes at the airport. An hour later, I was sitting at the gate and smelled the most feminine and beautiful aromatic sweet floral scent. I was looking around, sniffing in the air, trying to detect where the smell came from, so that I could ask what it was. To my surprise I realised I was the one smelling so good!! This one went on my buy list then and there!