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Lorenzo Villoresi Mare Nostrum Aura Maris ~ fragrance review

Posted by Kevin on 3 April 2013 6 Comments

Nereide su cavallo marino

Mare Nostrum Aura Maris* (let’s translate as “Mediterranean sea breeze”) is the latest fragrance from Italian niche line Lorenzo Villoresi. Marine fragrances are not a favorite of mine; they are often abrasive, Calone-rich banalities (and just because a niche perfume house produced this one, I didn’t expect to like it).

Mare Nostrum begins with intense bergamot and mandarin aromas (the mandarin is especially realistic, a fruity, oily-peel scent). Next up are floral notes mixing with the citrus; jasmine comes first, then there’s a nice indolic narcissus note (both floral notes are on the sheer side). This may be the first time I’ve noticed that narcissus has a “water” aspect, more “pond” than “ocean”, but still conjuring a wet place. Mare Nostrum’s base notes are see-thru; to the residual citrus and flowers, a super-dry driftwood note and talcy musk are added (I don’t detect patchouli).

Lorenzo Villoresi Mare Nostrum Aura Maris, flacon

Dabbed on, Mare Nostrum produces a sweet, citrus-floral summer cologne aroma; its character changes dramatically when sprayed on full force — then, its notes combine to produce a marine accord that will be familiar to “oceanic”-fragrance lovers. However, Mare Nostrum is not a one-dimensional or harsh marine perfume, but a pleasantly hazy/foggy sea scent; dabbed or sprayed I enjoy it. Mare Nostrum is subtle; you’ll smell it for hours but it doesn’t have much sillage (which is a good thing in hot weather, when I think you’d be most likely to reach for it).

Lorenzo Villoresi Mare Nostrum Aura Maris is available in in 50 and 100 ml Eau de Toilette ($90/$130). For buying information, see the listing for Lorenzo Villoresi under Perfume Houses.

Note: top image [altered] via Wikimedia Commons.

*Mare Nostrum Aura Maris features fragrance notes of green citrus, bergamot, mandarin, narcissus, patchouli, jasmine, amber, musk and woods.

Possibly of interest

Lorenzo Villoresi Theseus ~ fragrance review
Top 10 Winter Fragrances 2012
Lorenzo Villoresi Teint de Neige ~ fragrance review

Filed Under: perfume talk
Tagged With: aquatic, lorenzo villoresi

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6 Comments

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  1. Oakland Fresca says:
    3 April 2013 at 10:24 pm

    Help the ignorati! What are some examples of Marine fragrances that are distinctly Marine? Thanks!

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    • Kevin says:
      3 April 2013 at 11:32 pm

      OF: Bvlgari Pour Homme and Pour Homme Marine come to mind.

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      • Rictor07 says:
        4 April 2013 at 9:17 am

        Dont you mean Bvlgari Aqva and Aqva Marine?

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        • Kevin says:
          4 April 2013 at 11:34 am

          Yes, thanks Rictor!

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  2. hajusuuri says:
    4 April 2013 at 9:16 pm

    I ordered a sample of this with the STC anniversary sale!

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    • Kevin says:
      10 April 2013 at 12:15 am

      Hajusuuri, enjoy!

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