Great Sea

Great Sea chases one of niche perfumery's most distinctive aquatics. It opens with a tart citrus shimmer of bergamot and lemon before crashing straight into its dominant marine heart - briny seaweed, oceanic calone and airy hedione building the salty, slightly algae-like sea-spray accord that gives Orto Parisi Megamare its arresting, almost stormy character. The base settles into clean musk, ambroxan and cedar, adding just enough warmth to stop it turning thin or fleeting. The original is a polarising love-it-or-hate-it powerhouse with nuclear projection and 10-plus-hour longevity; this dupe captures the salty, storm-fresh signature convincingly but reads a touch less airy and complex, and while it performs well for the money it gives up some of that beastly reach and staying power. Best in spring and summer, it is a bold, fresh aquatic for casual days, sport and the office that carries to easy dates - a recognisable, gutsy budget stand-in for Megamare.