Eau So Fresh Discovery Box

Gardenia & Cardamom is, by definition, a floral fragrance. It’s almost like an <experience>. Energetic mandarin gets us going, closely followed by a cacophony of aromatically spiced florals that can only mean one thing: we’re wandering through an impossibly exotic landscape. Add to that the warmth of a driftwoody base, and we’re most certainly on a heat-filled adventure far, far from home.

The mouthwatering, thirst-quenching orange that kicks off this scent is sublime; like diving into a cool, clear pool on a hot day. The citrus-floral introduction soon gathers momentum to reveal a warmly spiced, powdery heart that, while being robust, is somehow simultaneously light; olfactory alchemy at its finest. The creamy and, frankly, edible tonka and vanilla that then follow seal the deal for this most summer-suitable gourmand scent. 

The opening of pear and pistachio gives this scent an instant feeling of being contemporary, relevant and youthful without feeling ‘young’ — the sophisticated twist of orange blossom at this fragrance’s marzipan heart makes sure of that. The base of tonka and patchouli, meanwhile, only serves to compound this by feeling as worldly, warm and inviting as it is carefree and dreamy.

This is a beautifully crafted, streamlined and ultra-fresh eau de toilette bursting with crisp greenness — zingy bergamot, the freshest mint and citrusy verbena to be precise — and it has us (mentally) walking on the lush Italian riviera surrounded by a gentle, cooling breeze. Simple yet elegant; wellness-focused yet indulgent; discreet yet magnetic.

There’s no doubt that prevention is better than cure but sometimes we want (not to mention need) both, particularly when it comes to suncare. Most of us are seeking a hardworking, protective SPF that simultaneously corrects any environmental damage already done, yes? Thank you, then, to Ultrasun, a brand that has been pioneering this approach for years, with the hypoallergenic Face SPF30 being one of its must-have formulations.