Derring-Do

Before I begin, let me say that I absolutely love Ineke's entire presence as a fragrance designer. Her scents are sophisticated, the packaging stellar, she herself a class act, and her whole product line is the work of a top drawer artisan perfumer. The packaging and intention behind this scent are typically stunning. The gray/blue box with various striking images photographed by her husband, mostly featuring water droplets on slick surfaces. So much thought and deliberation in the choices made here, per usual with Ineke. The scent itself is quite lovely. A peppery fresh fougere dominated by an aquatic, rainy accord. The top is super fresh, and always gets responses upon the initial spray. It breaks my heart to say that, sadly, the ensuing projection and longevity are a mutual letdown. It's just not strong enough, and is just gone too soon, requiring frequent reapplication. Ironically, I've gotten better use of it as a fabric freshener, as it seems to cling to clothing slightly better than skin. Again, I love Ineke's work, and otherwise applaud her entire product line. And make no mistake: this is a compelling fragrance...at first. But for $95 (75ml), it just doesn't last long enough or project far enough to justify the niche price. Because the market is saturated with masculine fresh-cleans...alas, that's what ultimately makes it a deal breaker for future purchases. If, lo and behold, a "parfum intense" variation of this came out, I'd be all over it. ★★1⁄2 (out of ★★★★).

A spring scent. Wind chimes, slight breeze, green grass, temperature in the 70's F, white linen sheets hanging to dry. The house is clean from all of the chores mom assigned, sun is out, playing 'that cloud looks like a...' with sibling, Sunday 11am, May 1st, Central Valley, California. We had apricot and peach trees in the backyard. Can be a nice professional yet comforting, light, watery, peppery opening that fades, cool, with florals and a slice of citrus dancing on top of water type of scent. If I put it on before work, I would be totally safe doing so. It will not choke out anyone unless you open up the cap and dump all the contents on your head. It dries down to a lovely clean comforting laundry skin scent. It adopts a beauty with simplicity approach to perfumery as an art. High quality materials, simple, beautiful, like a minimalist watch face on your wrist. I can imagine many liking, maybe loving, but not hating. Fragranticans love opulent big, complex fragrances, and I get it. Judge it for yourself. Unisex 100% Pretty good longevity for a freshie for sure! 6 hours at room temp for me. Ehh... 80/100? Full 100's go to groundbreaking scents. This one is short of that; it is just very nice. FB worthy? Yes, if you agree with what I described.

I had a bottle of this when Ineke first released it. I wanted something niche I was wearing a suit everyday and wanted something that fit that vibe. It was the mid 2000's and aquatic scents were everywhere. I found Derring-Do to be perfect for spring and summer in Florida's humid heat. I did not get the cool water feeling of it as it was much lighter and more sophisticated to my nose not to mention it just did not smell like cool water. It was a fresh water aquatic (no salt at all) and the floral from I guess the cyclamen and magnolia floated over some very light woods. Fresh, nice in the humid heat and unobtrusive in the office. I never replaced my bottle as I just wasn't that into aquatic scents but if I was wanting something light and fresh for spring this would not be a bad choice.

Would've been a killer 80's 90's crossover scent, the fougere acquatic. Although not on the note pyramid violet leaf dominates the opening and mid of this fragrance. Think peppery fresh green

It's just flat our lazy to compare this to Cool Water. I swear people just see or hear "aquatic" and it's an immediate impulse to compare to Cool Water. Cool Water is more musky and floral. This is more citrusy and woody. The pepper in Derring-Do also brings out an interesting element. Both Cool Water and Derring-Do are fine...but the biggest thing they have in common is the strong water notes. Otherwise, they take different paths...especially on the dry down. My only complaint on Derring-Do is the sillage. It's almost non-existant. It's definitely a skin scent and while it's fine to constantly hold your wrist to your nose to enjoy it, it kind of kills the idea of wearing a fragrance. It's such a lovely, springy scent...I wish it had more projection. Spray it liberally and allow it to get on your clothes. Not FB worthy, but worth the sample to enjoy on a nice sunny day.