Parfums de Marly Delina

Ah, Delina. The first time I smelled this, I hated it. Literally a 0/10. I put the sample away for about 8 months, and then gave it another chance. Now I think it's amazing.

I think the opening scared me off the first time. It is a LOT! Delina opens up with a biting, tart rhubarb note, layered with a generous amount of lychee, perfumey rose, and soft vanilla and musks in the base. It is for the most part pretty linear, though the rhubarb does soften over time, and the soft incense note emerges during the dry down. It is about 60% fruit and 40% rose, so I think you really have to be a fan of the rhubarb and lychee to enjoy this one. None of the notes are particularly natural smelling, and all are very punchy.

I do enjoy the tartness now and think it's perfect to wear even in hot weather (with a light hand). Delina La Rosee would be even better for the heat, but smells a bit generic to me. Delina Exclusif is alright. It's a bit too cloyingly sweet for me. OG Delina is by far my favorite. The tartness of the opening really makes the whole perfume special and cuts the sweetness perfectly.

The projection and performance are both beast mode, so I have to be very light handed... 1-2 sprays max, or it takes over. It lasts all day through sun and sweat and I still get whiffs after 12 hours. This is an "It Girl" type fragrance that screams, "Look at me!" It is 100% a compliment getter. My son and husband both love when I wear this. This morning, my son said I smelled, "better than super flowers!"

An appealing fruity rose with a sharp opening and incredible projection and performance. 10/10 for me. I want to buy a small bottle after I work through my sample. PDM just has the prettiest bottles!