Aquolina

I like this product.

Reading the reviews for Gold Sugar makes me feel so close to my MUA sisters: sounds like we're all on the same quest for the perfect vanilla perfume. Like many others, I wore Pink Sugar long ago, until I decided it was too sweet and wanted something a bit more complex and subtle. So far, Jessica Simpson's Fancy perfume is my favorite--it's vanilla and pear and wears easily; nothing sharp or offensive, with decent longevity. Then I heard about Aquolina's Gold Sugar and figured I had to try it--the description of it is really impressive. Since I'm late to the party and this scent came out a while ago, I couldn't find a place to test it in person, so ordered online. Upon application: YIKES. The neroli (bitter orange) is really strong here, which overpowers the vanilla and mixes weirdly with the musk or sandalwood. This results in a scent that is a little soapy and what I can only describe as cheap hairspray--sort of plastic and alcohol and synthetic. It just smells unnatural and reminds me of other neroli-forward scents that smell bitter and a bit like hair products. I'm giving points for longevity and drydown--like Pink Sugar, this scent is strong and sticks around for a while so you don't need to use much, and also like Pink Sugar, the drydown is nice--after most of the other notes have faded away, you're left with a subtle warm vanilla on your skin which is pleasant. The bottle packaging is cheesy--it's not something I'd want to display on my counter, which is a bummer because having this out for guests to try or use as a bathroom air freshener would be a good way to use it up. :-P

This is a great sugary sweet cotton candy scent for girls and teenagers. It's nicely blended, cheery while also being comforting. Lasting power is ok for the price. If you're over 21 though please please stop embarrassing yourself by wearing this. I know it's in to say "everyone should wear whatever they want" but the truth is a grown woman wearing this comes across just as ridiculous and out of place like a 14 yo drenched in Cartier's 'Le Baiser du Dragon.'