Our take
What does Azur Riviera smell like?
Azur Riviera joined Berdoues’ Grands Crus collection in early 2019. Jean-Marie Santantoni composed it. The formula uses very few materials, and that is the point. It opens on sea spray and fucus, the brown algae clinging to rocks at low tide. The effect is salty and mineral, far from the sugary marine scents of the 1990s. Egyptian jasmine then softens that cold water. It stays quiet and bright, a little like a white flower picked near the shore. Tunisian orange blossom carries the drydown with a clean, slightly soapy warmth that recalls sun-dried skin. There are no heavy woods and no loud musk, so everything sits close to the body. Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue plays lemon and apple. Azur Riviera picks salt and white flowers instead, and it comes across as more grown up and less sweet.
When to wear it
A summer scent for hot days that works on a linen shirt or bare skin. Plan to reapply after a few hours, since longevity is modest.
It belongs to the Floral, Aquatic family. Azur Riviera is one of 4 creations by Berdoues in our encyclopedia.