Zara Emotions is the brainchild of the folks at Zara and Jo Malone – but are they worth the space on your vanity? The following Waterlily Tea Dress and Bohemian Bluebells review will help you decide.
Launched in cooperation with Jo Malone (the person, not the brand) in 2019, it might’ve taken me a bit to try some of the scents. But well, given that Zara has just launched (more here) a big beauty collection, maybe you want to also try a fragrance?! (Or throw that into your basket on top of all that new makeup?) Both of those would be worth a sniff.
Initially, the collection included just 8 fragrances. Nowadays, you can choose between different sizes, and even body and hair care products and candles. So, a lot of choices if you’ve found a scent you like.
Now, just to see where I’m coming from, I really like Jo Malone fragrances. They’re not terribly complex, but just the thing when you want to smell ‘nice’ and not drench everyone around you in a cloud of Fracas (which is the loudest fragrance I own). I ordered a few of the Zara Emotions scents untested, just based on reviews, and well. They are NOT what I thought they would be. (Which is not a bad thing.)
Bohemian Bluebells review
Notes: Lavender, Sandalwood, Musk
Inspiration: “This scent breathes a bohemian spirit, it’s full of bold, unexpected notes and its vibrant character mesmerises the wearer. It’s like nothing you have ever smelt before.”
10ml for 5,95€ at Zara
Apparently, if you believe some people on Fragrantica, this is the worst fragrance ever. People have likened it to old cheese, bug spray and dog shampoo. I mean, I really wonder where the bluebells in the name come from, but this is honestly a very pretty lavender scent.
It opens with a burst of fresh lavender. It’s not the spicy, dried bundles from markets in Provence, but the fresh flowers, and it’s very well balanced. This is paired with a heavy dose of honey that’s nearly too sweet for me, but dries down to a sweet musk.
Bohemian Bluebells has a decent wear time and staying power – it’s around the five to six hour mark when I feel I’ve to apply it again. Still, its projection is rather weak, at least in the rollerball version. You’ve to be rather close to someone to smell it.
From all the fragrances from the Zara x Jo Malone coop I like it the most and also think it’s the most unique. What Bluebells and the Bohème have to do with it is anybody’s guess. And what’s up with the people on Fragrantica as well.
Waterlily Tea Dress
Notes: Bergamot, Spearmint, Musk
Inspiration: “Soft jazz music plays in the background, picnics on the lawn, a vintage tea dress floats by in the gentle breeze.”
10ml for 5,95€ at Zara
Again, people talked about tea scents, mint tea and basil and I’m absolutely puzzled. What ARE they smoking?! And: did they ever drink tea in their lives?!?! And what’s going on with waterlilies? And what about tea dresses?!!?!? I’m confused.
But here’s what I know: Waterlily Tea Dress opens with a bright burst of fresh mint that’s over much too quickly for my liking. It’s lovely, bright and green. THEN comes a floral accord that’s purely hyacinth and lily of the valley. It’s still fresh and bright, very carefree and young. That’s a fragrance I’d choose for a young girl, or, maybe, for a tea party. The dry down is a gentle, skin-like clean musk.
Again, decent wear time and staying power, but also, weak projection that wears close to the skin. It’s nice if you like green, fresh florals that aren’t even one bit cloying or overwhelming.
Worth it?
I mean, those aren’t bad fragrances. They’re nice! Fine! Sure! But then, they really don’t sweep me off my feet. I’m not looking forward to applying them in the morning. They’re, in fact, a bit of a no brainer, like a good one-and-done eyeshadow or a neutral eyeshadow palette: perfect to throw on in the morning and go about your day without worrying that you might offend.
I don’t know if I had chosen them if I had had the chance to try them on before buying. And I can’t help but feeling that both scents make great room scents – how fortunate that there’re also candles in Zara Emotions’ range!
Please note that this post is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods or money for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
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