by Salvador Dali
Laguna by Salvador Dalí is a uniquely complex, tropical aquatic fragrance that evolves into a warmly sweet, powdery, and subtly briny scent. It opens with a bright, zesty burst of citrus and tropical fruits—pineapple, grapefruit, peach, and mandarin—finely balanced with a subtle green herbal note that some perceive as medicinal. Over time, this quickly transitions into a creamy, soft focus of coconut, vanilla, tonka bean, and sandalwood, gently blended with subtle floral notes of jasmine and lily-of-the-valley. The dry-down features a warm, soft, and slightly atypical floral-woody base—some experience this as a clean, melon-like sweetness, while others describe a vague incense or aromatic quality not listed in the notes. Despite its vibrant top notes, the projection is modest, and longevity is moderate, often fading within four to six hours. The scent is subjective, with strong emotional associations around nostalgia, summer vacations, and artistry. It is very much a vintage, full-bodied fragrance that resists being 'light' or 'naturally fresh'. While many find it refreshing, others report it as overly sweet, detached, or even slightly synthetic, particularly in warm weather. It’s best suited for cool, dry days or early evenings, and is most commonly worn in summer—though some enjoy it year-round. Its universal design and blue bottle make it visually striking, but the scent demands personal contemplation and is not for those seeking subtle, minimalist scents. The core appeal lies in its full sensory story—the 'strange' opening, the smooth transition, and the warm, sticky finish—which deepens with familiarity. It is unisex in potential, though some describe it as more masculine. It performs well on sensitive skin and those with intense olfactory memory. Its longevity and projected sillage are modestly effective but often frustratingly inconsistent across users. One of its most profound qualities is its ability to trigger deeply personal memories in a way few other perfumes do.