Raw and Real by Perfumérica

UPDATE: I finally bought it BUT… The one I tested in-store was better with a light opening and fresh lemon water notes. Mine smells heavy like it’s releasing zest juice instead of water. The fig is very prominent and there’s even a slight spicy kick. This is my fourth Perfumería purchase and I think they bottle them fresh; the first few days smell terrible. The Leather Wood smelled like rotten bergamota at first but it improved over time and was 90% similar to CH Men though I sold it to a friend because the scent just didn’t work for me (not a quality issue just a taste thing). Sea Salt also started with a horrid bitter citrus opening but now it smells marine and floral very pleasant—it’s my fragrance of the week. For Raw and Real I’ve already sprayed it several times shaken the bottle and will let the oxygen do its magic for a few days to improve it; it’s likely due to lack of oxygen while stored. FIRST REVIEW: Potent! I don’t have it yet but I tested it at the mall and wow what a powerhouse. Before that I stopped by Zara and Palacio de Hierro. I had Dior Sauvage Cartier Noir Hugo Boss and CH for Men on my chest Vibrant Leather and Violet Blossom on my shirt and Raw and Real on my wrist. Out of all of them this one lasted the entire afternoon and even into the early morning. Fresh slightly unsweetened citrus dominates. I like that it doesn’t explicitly declare bergamot and you really can’t smell it. The florals are light but present. In the dry-down there’s a slight sour lemon juice vibe. It feels like the whole process of making lemon and orange water in the heat drinking it in a garden with flowers and finally smelling your fingers with lemon zest. Ideal for extreme heat; few sprays indoors but go wild at the beach or pool. I’ll definitely buy it by the end of the month.

This fragrance reminds me of homemade lemonade; at first on the skin, it smells too strong of natural lemon, as if you just squeezed one right there. Then the intensity fades and the heart notes of jasmine emerge, finishing with a sensation of lemon blended with strawberry and small herbal sparkles. Personally, it doesn’t have great longevity, max 4 hours. I recommend it for very hot climates, since being so citrusy, its performance in cold weather is non-existent.

Note by note is a dupe of BDK’s Citrus Riviera. It’s not bad at all, but something feels slightly off. The opening is super citrusy, like lemon. Then the lemon fades to let the fig and strawberry shine. Unlike the HC8 Fig, this fig is actually wearable in the heat. Imagine lemon with sweet strawberry jam—that’s the vibe. Edit: Now I wear it before bed and I’m so happy with it; I’ve really grown to like it.

Fresh and natural fragrance, a sweet lime with a subtle eucalyptus touch and delicious neroli. As a citrus scent, it’s light with moderate sillage and lasts about 5 hours, but given the price and the practical bottle, it’s worth always carrying it. Ideal for hot weather, very versatile and refreshing. Great option for citrus enthusiasts.