Surfari

One of the few fragrances I've received repeated compliments for, a truly beachy scent. Smelling it genuinely transports you to lying on a beach somewhere covered in sun lotion baking in the heat with a citrusy drink in hand. As someone who HATES all things coconut, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this, there's just enough coconut to push it into tropical territory without ending up in cheap body spray territory. Lasts ages, and has amazing sillage, I got stopped repeatedly by customers and colleagues. The full size bottle is expensive at nearly £100, but I got more compliments on this than I did on my JPG Paradise Belle which is over £100 and meant to be in the same theme from a household name.

This has become one of my favourite summer perfumes, but I do have to be in the right mood for it! To me, it perfectly encapsulates the smell of holidays, instantly transporting me to a sunny beach bar somewhere exotic! The coconut comes through strongly, and I’m surprised by some other reviews slating the longevity, because it lasts really well on me and stays quite linear. I only ever use a couple of sprays, as too much of this one could easily become overpowering. It layers well with citrusy scents that give it a lift. It’s also one of the rare perfumes that earned me an instant compliment from my partner the first time I wore it!

I’m really surprised this hasn’t got better reviews. I love coconutty suncream type fragrances and this is probably my favourite one I’ve ever tried, it lasts all day, this morning I layered with palmers Brazilian coco cream and sol de janeiro 59 and I’ve had 4 people stop me to tell me I smell nice! I love it so much!

Surfari is an example of how to push coconut to it's limits. I am well versed in the Saltworks universe, so I know that their perfumes often come with decent sillage and superior longevity. Surfari has neither of those, but when you look at the composition, it is obvious why. The good thing about Surfari is how much wellie they've squeezed out of the coconut. In most other perfumes in the world, coconut is used as a background/supporting note. But in Surfari, it takes center stage, like a pissed up actor that has forgotten their lines. It sort of doesn't know what to do with itself, as it isn't often used in such a role. The notes that "support" it (I use that term VERY loosely) are all extremely flighty ones. Apple, bergamot and jasmine try to put the leg work in to keep Surfari from disappearing, but they all struggle to do so, which means the coconut dies a death at around the two hour mark. But, whilst it is around in the composition, it is BEAUTIFUL. I can see why they have chosen the name Surfari, but I think it would be better themed on the idea of how beauty does not last. It's fucking fannytastic when all components are present, but once the coconut dies, it all sort of falls into a black hole of nothingness. The very faint sandalwood and the microscopic amount of ambergris do their best to pick up the pieces, trying desperately to keep the fragrance alive, but they only give it a few more moments, like chemotherapy for someone who is absolutely riddled with cancer. Three hours in, it has nothing left to give. 6/10. Whilst it is around, it is absolutely stunning. But it doesn't go the distance or punch people in the chops.

If you love coconut, you will enjoy this fragrance. It's not overpowering, it is rather sweet and slightly floral. Almost suncreamy. When I wear this I don't really get the top-notes very strongly, it is more of a milky, musky fragrance to my nose. There's something delicate about it. On a tester strip, the apple/citrus notes become apparent to me. It's a great combination. There's not a great deal of sillage, but I think that's nice for a fragrance of this kind. Very summery. It has formidable staying power. I could still smell in on my skin after 12 hours.