Cruise Collection - Escale a Portofino Dior for women

Cruise Collection - Escale a Portofino Dior for women

main accords
citrus
aromatic
fresh spicy
woody
white floral
green

Perfume rating 4.06 out of 5 with 2,305 votes

Cruise Collection - Escale a Portofino by Dior is a Citrus Aromatic fragrance for women. Cruise Collection - Escale a Portofino was launched in 2008. The nose behind this fragrance is François Demachy. Top notes are Bergamot, Lemon and Petitgrain; middle notes are Orange Blossom, Juniper Berries and Almond; base notes are Cypress, Cedar, Musk, Galbanum and Caraway.

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Pros

Pros

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Suitable for hot summer days
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1
Refreshing and uplifting scent
22
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Unisex fragrance
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Classy and elegant bottle design
16
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Great for feeling fresh yet elegant in the summer
10
0
Fascinating and high-quality ingredients
7
3
Long-lasting and never turns rancid
6
4
Similar to the classic 4711 but more rounded and woody
Cons

Cons

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Not suitable for those who dislike strong citrus scents
5
9
Too much citrus for some people's liking
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4
Opening notes may not be entirely pleasant
5
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Smells like lemon dishwashing detergent on some people's skin
5
12
Unpleasant opening notes resembling cleaning liquid
2
10
May be better suited for men
0
8
Can cause migraines for some people
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10
Conflicting notes and undetermined persona

Note: The pros and cons listed on this page have been generated using the artificial intelligence system, which analyzes product reviews submitted by our members. While we strive to provide accurate and helpful information, we cannot guarantee the complete accuracy or reliability of the AI-generated pros and cons. Please read the full reviews and consider your own needs and preferences before making a purchasing decision.

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Perfume Pyramid

Top Notes

Bergamot
Lemon
Petitgrain

Middle Notes

Orange Blossom
Juniper Berries
Almond

Base Notes

Cypress
Cedar
Musk
Galbanum
Caraway

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All Reviews By Date

Saveria

A lovely lemony smell reaches my nose. It's sweet, pleasant, not bitter at all. Not sweet either. Nice balance.

A light aromatic side perfects everything. It's fresh. I almost think I'm in Capri, a gentle breeze caressing my face. But someone whispers in my ear that it's not Capri, it's Portofino. Okay, no problem, a "Stopover in Portofino" suits me just as well.

"I found my love in Portofino, perché nei sogni credo ancor"...

A very pretty eau de toilette, simple, light but effective which recalls summer, holidays and which allows us, for a moment, to escape to Italy.

Ariete76

Worn so many times that it's difficult for me not to say a few words about this little gem, a pure citrus, fresh and lasting, it lasts several hours on me, aromatic in purity that I can almost smell these little plants, my beloved petit grain which gives it an unmatched freshness! In the summer it is wonderful

UnearthlyApothecary

It’s a cologne so you know it’s going to be citrusy and fresh and probably not very strong or long lasting. But. This one is something special. Yes it’s citrusy and fresh. Yes it doesn’t have massive throw. BUT it has an unexpected warmth and complexity and lasts all day on my skin. The drydown leans more gourmand with that almond vanilla vibe. It’s slightly more femme but I think men that love gourmand scents will really dig it. I have a tester bottle from 2008 and it’s incredible how well it’s held up …it has lost absolutely nothing over the years.

oxeslevy

I love it.
I get gin and tonic with lemon peel garnish. Pine trees on a sea breeze. Something warm like laundry drying in the hot sun. It lasts all day too.
I'm not usually one for very citrus perfimes as they can smell synthetic and sharp on me but this one is different. The orange blossom is rounded and creamy as are the woody notes. This softness stops it from leaning towards cleaning products which could so easily happen with pine and lemon!

mohsen95

6/10

Hifza

Absolutely love this fragrance! The citrusy notes merged with white floral notes, creating such a top-notch fragrance which is not only light but also fresh and soapy. It is best suitable for monsoon, spring and summer.

JennB2022

Super lemon peel-type lemony. I started layering this with Joe Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt. These two fragrances work very well together. Escale a Portofino by itself is reminiscent of wood furniture polish but can be nice if layered with another fragrance that will compliment the prominent lemony scent. Strongly recommend layering.

pablo1975

Well, what we have here is a very light citrus/soapy fragrance. This was a blind buy, yes I know it's not a right thing to do, but I m trying to assemble a collection of citrus/bergamot scents. Escale a Portofino is a VERY light scent, it almost resembles eau fraiche which has very similar power. Ideal for hot summer days and beach holidays. It has pretty unfortunate dries down - soapy/cleaning agent. Overall, perfect for summer and holidays in Portofino.

TDSollog

This is an easygoing citrus. 100% unisex. I notice the bergamot, lemon and orange blossom, with a hint of woodiness. Office friendly and refreshing. Upscale bottle too.

WhiteFlowerGirl

Reminds me of a woodier less feminine version of Lubin’s Gin Fizz.
Can’t wait to get a bottle for the summer.

Ground hound

Lemon on ice.
A burst of citrus and the lemon is very prominent. Not sure why bergamot was voted for more times, the lemon is clearly stronger in this. Summery lemonade, very zesty and positive yet not childish.
The distant faint conifer notes make it more "mature". A bit of cold aftershave too.
I see why some say it has a lemon detergent note, but I think it`s one of the best and less "chemical" lemon notes out there.
Definitely a unisex as most cold citrus fragrances.

Charlotte_

This has been my summer signature scent for well over 10 years, and I long for this scent every year. It's crisp, fresh and beautiful. Summer in a bottle! I've tried to find something that can match this, but so far nothing comes close. I absolutely love this.

Mel555

I only smell gin/juniper and that is off-putting at first. Now it's kind of reminding me of hikes in the Rocky Mountains, which is nostalgic. I've never been a martini fan. I think this is a bit too refined for me, but I might wear it this summer to keep the bugs away!

Nora805

When you become a wine aficionado you train your pallet maybe with a rose work your way to appreciate a rich oak cabernet or zinn that you can stick a fork in. This is how I feel about woody notes in my frags.
2013ish: The first time I wore this fragrance I was sensitive to woody note. I didn’t wear it for years.
2022: Maybe the cedar note has mellowed out or I’m not that sensitive to wood notes.
Wearing it again & enjoy it now.
Its a stylish mature mellow citrus floral chyfre
Gin & Tonic not Margarita.
California Casual. Palazzo pants and Dior Saddlebag.
The scent of orange blossoms carried on warm Santa Ana Winds in the fall.

Laurus

This is disturbingly delicious and in my opinion the first fragrance that is realistically foody and not synthetic smelling. It smells so delicicious that I feel thirsty and longing for this sour lemony beverage for all day long. In my opinion it does not smell masculine but truly gender neutral. It is not a perfect fragrance for me even though I love the smell of it. It is simply taking too much of my attention away, I can not focus. To me perfect fragrance is something that is pleasant but stays whispering on the background. This is not it as it keeps me longing for a drink all day long. Might even make me an alsoholic if Id buy a full bottle.

lemmenkukka

A Citrus scent. Sunny, bright, old school, stylish and elegant. My second bottle going on and very sad if this has been discontinued. I wear it any season any occation. Happy memories were born with it. I recommend highly!

scentsuelle

I'm starting to feel like I bring bad luck to perfumes, as all my favourite ones get discontinued, including this beauty.
It is summer elegance in a bottle, perfect for the office as well as for dinner in the evening. Citrus with a hint of spice, never intrusive, just a beautiful hint of scent.

melanie

amelie09/05/09 17:55
Fresh and bitter, somewhat sharp and may be fed to male skin but this is an excellent choice for a woman. Pleasant, cooling and long lasting, mysterious, a bit retro but modern at the same time and perfect for hot summer day!
Everyone who loves Dior will appeal to it.

Hisztina

Annyira de annyira jó. Igazi nyári illat, ami frissen tart egy kis ideig. Nekem egy nagy pohár hideg citromos tonic jut róla az eszembe.

ingeneuxo

-Powdery citrus scent with a vintage vibe.
-Dries down somewhat nondescript and perfumey. Cheap, almost. (-)

Tincel

For the longest time, I struggled to understand why this is my boyfriend's favourite scent on me, as I have worn dozens of other much better quality fragrances.

Then came the lightbulb moment: Escale à Portofino smells like his favourite Tanqueray flor de Sevilla Gin&Tonic. It even has the longevity of a Gin&Tonic.

It's a perfectly pleasant scent for the summer, but now I am unsure if it is what I'll be wearing the next one.

diego.lesgart

My second review for this marvellous fragance. With the imprint of previous Dior s decades this hight qualitly cologne (I d dare to say eau de toillet) starts refreshing , optimistic and full of summer life in the waterly way. Then on my skin it becomes dry and appaers the woods and herbs, but don t lose the power of a summer retro natural cologne. It goes for the same vein of Eau de Cologne by Les Exclusives de Chanel, Eau de Rochas and Moschino Uomo? Really natural! Nothing to do with Dior Homme Cologne and Mercedes Benz, both plastics, sacharine and synthetics. Great launch for Dior, but saddly discontinued

MegWhite

Smells like expensive soap. In a very good way. Probably one of the best citrusy fragrances out there. The only bad thing is the almost nonexistent longevity.

maya2000ro

An extremely fresh fragrance that can take you to an imaginary journey to Portofino :). It gives you fully confidence in the middle of a 40 Celsius degrees summer day. I expected a longer persistence, but I know it depends on the skin ph and being a citrus fragrance is understandable.

Sorfan

The ultimate summer fragrance. Very bright and smooth. I compare all my summer fragrances to this.

Abry_81

This is a fragrance where citrus is the main star (Bergamot from Calabria and Lima) and reminiscent of old classics of this style, such as the "Eau d Cologne Imperial d Guerlain" and the classic Cologne "No 4711". In its notes you also find bitter almond, juniper berries, cedar and one of my favorite notes in the perfumery orange blossom , but they only come to light in the drydown giving it a great touch. This Escale a Portofino is a light eau de toilette so don't expect a good projection and performance, but it does smell great. This cruise collection are fresh essences that allude to the destinations in which they are inspired, made with the highest quality like everything from Dior and with a beautiful bottle that radiates light at all times like the juice inside

amelia.g

This is a sure bet for those days of intense heat - which, where I live, happen far more often than I would like. Refreshing like a tall glass of caipirinha (lime cocktail), very elegant and completely devoid of sweetness. Perfectly unisex. Low projection after the first 5 minutes and average longevity for such a predominantly citrus scent (3-4 hours on my skin).

A staple for beach days, when you want to make sure you smell good without choking fellow passersby.

Kitojj

This screams summer! Super fresh and juicy, being perfect for hot days. You need to like lime, lemon and woods to enjoy this one. This takes me back when I was in Liguria over the summer.

Daao

Still my all-time favorite, but I'm still pissed at the 30mn longevity for such a pricey bottle.
Yet I found that it can pleasantly be layered with Ellena's "Eau parfumée au thé vert" (Bulgari), thus allowing to use a bit less of this expensive scent and re-apply only once or twice during the day (Ellena's has much better longevity, but lacks a bit of acidity on its own for my taste. What can I say I just love citrus so much...)

Frangipanilove

I liked it right from the start. So fresh but with a bit of spice, that juniperberry pushing through the beautiful citruses. So elegant, crisp yet juicy and not too dry. A female cologne. So often the unisex fragrances of this type veer too much onto the male side for me; not this one. This is a crisp, flawless white shirt on a woman with big sunglasses, Amalfi coast sunshine, aperitif before late lunch, sunlight falling onto flawless white tablecloth, flowers on the table and gorgeous italian food. Good sillage and great staying power on me, last ages. Perfect for summer and spring, too. Just a superbly elegant, expensive fragrance.

LaContessina

Do you remember when this fragrance came out back in 2008? I was immediately seduced.
First of all the ad campaign: so classy, so Fifities...On the left, a black and white picture depicting a sophisitcated lady in summer outfit, wearing a huge hat seated outside on a marble staircase. On the other side, a full blossoming garden in front of the sea. Wow.... It was about time seeing something so elegant.
And then the bottle: so classy, tall and styled but sexy at the same time, with this typical Dior cannetage but rounded somewhat, sensual: you felt like you wanted to hold the bottle in your hand all day.
And the the frag...in the very moment i tried it, I fell in love on the spot.
Fresh like bergamot, citrusy like a splash of tangerine and cedar, a delicate orange blossom ...just a hint of bitter almond at the begining that makes it different and deeper compared to the many resembling eaux fraiches on the market.
White flowers like honeysuckle, the crisp part led by bergamot being predominant in all the developping stages of the fragrance.
The dry down is again very fresh, some grapefruit and a musky creamy cedar.
Smells like a mediterranean posh place in the Fifties.
Smells like you would love to smell in summer: on holidays and always refreshed!
My only negative is the poor staying power. You have to reapply often (but a decant in a purse spray bottle will do).
In any case a staple in my collection.

diaanz81

Esacle a Portifno opens with blast of citruses so tart that it immediately makes my mouth water. There is a subtle green note along with an earthiness, a hint of a delicate floral note and a clean musk which my nose picks up, all of which enhances the refreshing and invigorating effect this fragrance has, when one wears it. It has decent longevity on my skin for an edt about 3-4 hours where I can detect wafts of it when I move around. This is bright, crisp, clean and definitely unisex scent, one that does not lean soapy. I only came across of the Cruise collection from Dior quite recently and was initially, completely captivated by the beautiful bottle design. My understanding and the name of this collection suggested that these are light, eau de cologne like scents meant to be worn during high heat when anything else would be too cloying and I find this to be true of the ones I have tried from the line. This line has me curious and I look forward to trying more from it, if I can find them!

LuLu803

This is just my favorite scent ever! I just wish it lasted like 10 times longer! It is my signature fragrance - I can't get enough of that orange blossom/bergamot. I'm looking for an oil or something to layer below to make it last. Suggestions appreciated!

ElliCoco

I'm so disappointed. To me it smells like toilet detergent. I ess hoping for a fresh citrus scent to love.

dvlcis

It smells exactly like Castile soap, the citrus type (lemon-orange). That is why I like this perfume so much. Clean and classy. Also, has a nice sillage and good lasting power.

shadaroba

DEFINITELY a summer scent! It's citrusy, classy, fresh. Perfect for summer days.

raiza1990

To me, it smells like male after shave or a male cologne. To my (also female) work colleage, it smells like summer in Sicily.
It reminded me of Saharienne by YSL. It is a nice fragrance, with moderate longevity and soft sillage. Not particularly original, but well done. Not my thing (too masculine) but it is not bad.
If you want something fresh and elegant for summer, try it.
P.s: in this category, i still prefer Saharienne.

Mojtabaa

Very fresh, juicy, natural and fantastic start but...

Alas... forgive me bros... less than half an hour it becomes very dull, blurry and awkward
uninspiring woody scent. What a shame!
By seeing that high price tag and tantalizing presentation and bottle, I expected a brilliant citrus frag but it ruined my expectations so bad.

gelkita

I use to love it when it came out and for about 5 summers in a row... then I got « bored of
it ». However with this hot summer, I am reconsidering it...

Now online on main fragrance eshop, the 75 ml is no more available and I only found 1 Website that still sells the 125 ml only with low stock...

Is this fragrance being discontinued ??

indigo

The citrus in Portofino is very sharp, it's like an acid drop sweet that (in theory) you want to eat but once in your mouth it's too dry/sour & you want to spit it out. It feels very "high pitched" overall. The addition of the orange flower adds to this impression, on my skin I found it screechy..and very "bright" - just a bit too much. I can't detect any almond, which is a shame because I think it would've provided some balance & tempered the harshness which I perceive.

I wonder if this would perhaps behave better in a tropical climate, as opposed to mediocre British "Summer" temperatures.

ZELJO

Calling it for women is utterly ridiculous,this is so citrusy and fresh tnan its totally unisex,few fragances makes you feel as fine as this one in the hottest summerdays,especially in wet summers like we have here,its a must,I use this to sllep,to the gym...

dglightblue

Beautiful bottle and liquid.

The scent?... well

Very limey lemoney, almost like a good smelling cleaner.

I don’t know if I want to wear it tho.
I’m thinking as I know other scents that start out very citric ... nope can’t think of it

cats8398

This is another fragrance that I don't like until the dry down. At first it's almost cliché citrus and not in a good way. I then found it brightened, if that makes any sense and after a couple compliments I knew I'd be wearing it again. To think I almost tossed out the samples I got. Now I'm looking for the full bottle.

ibibonica

Very much alike O'de Lancome and Eau de Rochas.

thepinch

I fell in love with Escale A Portofino when I was working on a cruise ship. I was told that it was composed of notes from ingredients in the Portofino area, and this enchanted me. I spent as much time in Portofino sniffing as I did looking!

And this is how this relatively simple, fresh fragrance has become a vacation in a bottle for me.

Sure, there are plenty of gorgeous colognia types out there - 4711 and CK1 come to mind EAP has a unique and distinctive herbal story.

My mother told me that cologne types could be worn over other fragrances to add freshness during the day for touch ups. EAP, however, is too distinctive to run in partnership, and must be worn solo.

Which I do, particularly in the middle of a snowstorm, for my own enjoyment.

I only have about an ounce left, and I'm metering it out over miserable days just to get a whiff of warm sun on my back and the ease of a wide brimmed hat.

Cheers!

smellavision

Fresh, spicy and simple summer cologne.

Composed by Francois Demachy, who also was behind AdP's Colonia Intensa, this should be off for a good start. Very good and refreshing for hot summer days. Opening with neroli, herbs, loads of bergamot and a dry citrus and going through an bitter almond-y phase before settling on a pillow of musk and cedar. It has the vibe of a classical "eau de cologne" and is easily unisex, I have absolutely no problem wearing this as a guy. Love the bottle design.

Longevity is unfortunately rather poor, so reapplying about every 3-4 hours will be necessary. Overall, a great "eau fraiche".

witch_mum

I like the summer & seaside feeling without smelling some watery/sea-notes.

The spices and flowers are well-balanced and help to avoid smell like a toilet-cleaner which sometimes happens with citrus fragrances.

It is one of my fav fragrances in warmer temperatures. The longevity is also very good on my skin.

SueC

My go-to summer hot weather fragrance. Love the packaging and I don't know why Luca Turin didn't. Definitely a feminine fragrance, it is delicate and lacks masculine notes like lavender. Don't know why people are obsessed with longevity, these fragrances are designed to be reapplied frequently. Love the almond note that adds to the Italian flavour. Wear it with something white and floaty, on a terrace overlooking the sea. You can hear the glasses clinking. The best of the Dior Cruise collection.

sarage

My third review on Portofino: I got a big bottle of 125 ml, almost 75 ml left, from a neighbour who asked only a package of coffee in exchange. What a deal!

The opening smells a lot like the inexpensive Yves Rocher's Agrumes en Fleurs, but the major difference between these two scents (and usually between a Dior/ any good designer and an inexpensive perfume) is the rich nuances in the drydown and the longevity.
I love the drydown of Portofino, it is more deep and aromatic than the fresh, a bit sharp opening. The sharpness disappears very soon. (The YR scent remains sharp and opening is the same as the drydown)

Very elegant, and definitely not only for the cruise in the Med! I wear it every day.

This smells like summer in the Mediterranean, and it fits amazingly well in the cold winter season in Finland as well.

alessandra.ferag

This has been my go-to fragrance for the summer. Light and fresh with lots of citrus and orange blossom. This is the type of fragrance I imagine should be kept in the powder room for everyone (men and women) to spritz on hot days and freshen up, rather than the one that is for you and you alone. Sadly, the staying power is nil on me. It's imperceptible to me in 15 minutes. But it is a lovely scent and easy to wear on hot days.

diego.lesgart

I smell it nowadays (October 2016) in my country Argentina. At first is fresh and warm at the same time as 4711 or some of Acqua di Parma ... but then became into woods, mist and powder and yellow and warm lights ... The woods are more intensive than the Fragantica chart says ...

KDW17

I bought a 1ml sample of this online, and am not disappointed. It reminds me distinctly of what I recall of D&G Light Blue (I have not tried them side by side), but as it is harder to find and much more expensive, I am not sure I will buy. Lasts a couple of hours; it is not unisex (in my opinion). Great for warmer weather.

woodlandwalk

The opening is very classic eau de cologne, but it lasts longer thanks I think to musk. I notice the bitter note of juniper, which is refreshing, and adds to the unisex feel. I like it, but it's too similar to classic eau de cologne to get me excited, and the dry-down is quite soft.

Actually I'd be more likely to wear Prada's Infusion de Fleur d'Oranger, which has that slightly bitter neroli and milky orange blossom combination, but is rounder and more lasting, though the Prada is more typically feminine I think.

If you're looking for a clean, soapy Mediterranean classic mood this is nice, but I believe there are more interesting versions out there

feelyah

Definitely one of my favorite fragrances , perfect for all seasons although in summer releases all of its freshness always leaving a note of feminine sweetness . Unfortunately, after a while, you get used to the smell and fragrance no longer feels.

DashaRayOfLight

Gorgeous summer cologne! Very citrusy and minty fresh, but I am surprised to see the notes in it and find no mint... Am I the only one who feels mint in this?

ana hen

Smells divine . citrus trees old garden and calm rain.you just can feel the tears of rain on your skin and sweetness of fruit.
For my opinion it's good for cold weather as it good for hot summer evening.

Unisex .oh and bottle it's masterpiece.remind luxury bottle of alcoholic beverages :)

hannyd168

FRESH citrusy NOT lasting on my skin chemistry :) but is superb good :D

pansylady

I fell in love with this scent when I lived in Stockholm- I used to spritz it on my scarf in the wintertime at the fragrance counter at NK's- it helped me to gather my courage to deal with the hustle and bustle of the city and public transportation, not to mention the winter darkness- it was like a megadose of vitamin C, laced with an antidepressant! Not surprisingly, it smells wonderful in the summertime, too!

Orange blossom, lemon and cypress are the prominent notes- it reminds me of Annick Goutal's eau de Hadrien, but I think this scent is a little less sharp and "pointy', if that makes sense-

Oftentimes, people complain about citrus fragrances being too ephemeral- that said, I think that this scent will surprise you with its longevity-

If you love citrus aromatics, you are gonna be enchanted-

margarita.angelova

This is the most typical scent of a refreshing wipe that I know of, like those you usually get in restaurants to wipe you hands after ordering fish for example. This exact smell is used in probably half of the dish washing liquids and floor cleaners out there.

The scent itself is really nice, so bright and fresh (and clean :D) but that spontaneous association is absurd.
The overly lemony part goes away after a while and if you are able to overcome the fact that people may find you smelling like a good housewife, you could also enjoy tons of crisp freshness. The dry down is especially beautiful.

Little Prince

Dior’s line has some of the most fascinating colognes you can find in the world of perfumes. From the laid back Eau Sauvage to the more plethoric Diorella and the classic Eau Fraiche the choices are pretty good. However if you happen to wish for something more modern or simply want to avoid the chypre elements you‘ve got to look elsewhere (Mugler’s unorthodox cologne). At least this is what I believed until I stumbled upon Escale a Portofino. The “last” name made me suspicious of another tourist trap but the fragrance proved different. It simply is an eau de cologne done right with high quality materials that smells extremely natural, lemony green with a slight bitter-sweet effect (probably the almonds). It feels modern (not in the futuristic way of Mugler of course), greatly elegant and classy.

duckduck1995

First things first, I see this as a unisex fragrance, guys can easily pull this off because in my opinion the citruses in this perfume isn't feminine at all. With that out of the way, I can safely say this is quality at it's finest in terms of composition. The bergamot and lemon are the two notes that is most apparent and gives me a feeling of just chilling at a very classy part of town in a bright summers day. The only flaw in this fragrance is the performance as the longevity is pretty weak for it's premium price. Unless if I can find it at a discount, I'll just manage with my sample :)

ScarlettX

People describe it as fresh and simple, but my opinion is quite different. I don't think it's usual citrusy fragrance at all.
I can't say much about notes, it simply doesn't smell familiar enough. There are many interesting notes in here and I don't know what all of them smell like.
I don't know if it's petitgrain or not but something in the top notes smells so poisonous, it's suffocating. I was so sure I don't like it at all. Overwhelming green smell.
After some time it had changed so much, that I can't believe, it's the same scent. It's nice and light. Also seems to be a little citrusy, but not quite as usual.
I find it feminine and it reminds me of summer. But the top notes were terrible, so probably won't be buying it.
Interesting one!

galoguiu

Summer fragrance. Wears very well on hot days and nights. Escale à Portofino reminded me a bit Dior Homme Cologne in 2013, but Portofino seems to be better behaved and gentle. The longevity was 4 hours on my skin and the silage is very discreet. The bottle is beautiful and elegant. Although it is female, a man can use quietly. By research that seems to be the best of the Cruise collection.
I liked it a lot.
You should try the skin before buying. Thumbs up.

amine.bz6

I am a man i m using this one in summer it works perfectly for men i love the odor it´s perfect for summer evenings my favorite summer perfume

Bigsly

This is not a light, "summery" citrus scent, at least not with my skin chemistry. Instead, it is rather deep and dark, actually. Yes, there's some citrus, but the bergamot seems to dominate. I don't get strong wood, galbanum, or juniper berry, and the musk is mild. On the other hand, the caraway is obvious and quite heavy/earthy (not minty). I can't remember any other scent like this one, in terms of composition. Longevity is quite good and you can control projection by spraying more or less. It's natural smelling and rather interesting, though it's not that rich, which is not surprising (it's not supposed to be an oriental or gourmand), though I would have liked it if the dynamism was a bit better. Instead, it has a kind of sizzling quality, which some might like while others dislike it. What's funny is that it quickly moves into an "old school" masculine type of base! Note that there is very little sweetness in this one. The comparisons to traditional cologne type concoctions doesn't make much sense to me (no oakmoss here, it seems, but plenty of caraway and a bit of galbanum), nor do the complaints about poor longevity. So, it would seem that at least a few people are having olfactory fatigue and fixating on the top notes.

UPDATE: Several hours after application and the wood and/or musk aroma chemicals are fairly obvious, though not irritating.

kit1982

This is one of the most complimented citrus I own. Almost all of my officemates love it.

Very well balanced citrus that evokes luxury and style. I used this cologne the entire summer, and I always get a perk of freshness.

These cologne I own that manages to create both moods of freshness and cleanliness;

(1) Caldey, Island - Lavender
(2) Guerlain - Aqua Allegoria Herba Fresca
(3) Dior - Escale a Portofino
(4) Tommy Hilfiger - Tommy Girl
(5) Lalique - Encre Noir

EastCoastRose

This is a lovely light and fresh fragrance. I was searching for something close to Tom Ford Neroli Portofino and it doesn't quite meet the intensity of Tom Ford's Neroli (which is one of my favorite citruses). I find the other Dior fragrances to be very heavy and this one is very different, refreshing, certainly something good for a cruise. I do think it is feminine.
I actually have a bottle that I'd love to trade. I find that while it is very nice, I just don't use it.

Arlene-Beatrix

Good heavens! This is bergamot overdose!
And I am afraid I can tolerate bergamot only in very limited doses, being well blended with other ingredients, and not dominant.
Don't get me wrong. I like this scent, find it nice citrus aromatic, but I think I couldn't wear it. Too tiring. Too heavy. Not for me.
However, if someone likes energetic citrus, can give it a try. Scent is pleasant, after all.

Daao

I love it so much, yet it's such a disappointment...
I just love the smell, I feel I'll never grow tired of it. And never will indeed, because it holds barely 30 minutes on my skin or clothes.
When I smelled it in a shop I was so sure it was The One I immediately bought a bottle (almost €100 !!). What a disappointment to find out I'd have to spray myself every hour if I wanted the least bit of sillage...
So I guess my quest for my Prince Charming of Perfumes is still not over. Pity. (especially after such an expensive buy)

joan100

If you love citrus notes and Italy you will sure love this fragrance!

boncuk

I love this fragrance. It's like the light version of Neroli Portofino/Tom Ford.

bevren

Yes it is like 4711, but after about 30 minutes it reminded me of Eau d'Orlane - and I've sadly had to compare this with Toilet Duck. However - on a work colleague the juniper was strong and it smelled quite wonderful. Not on me though....

valerie.aardahl

Elegant, luxurious, beautiful. It is fresh and chilly. It is not romantic enough for a date. Therefore, it can fit for the office, for business lunch. For those days when spring and summer days are coming, and you want to emphasize it, it is the fragrance for you

rickyrebarco

oh my goodness, this is an explosion of fake smelling lemon scented molecules. No real citrus ever smelt like this. I dislike this almost as much as Lancome O, which I truly despise.

This reminds me not of Italy, but of a lemony dishwashing liquid or air freshening spray. There are so many authentic beautiful Italian citrus scents I cannot imagine why someone would choose this synthetic smelling mess. If you want citrus try Acqua di Colonia with real Sicilian citrus or Eau d'Italie Le Bateau de Capri, again an authentic Italian citrus scent.

genny17

This is not my favorite Escale, just too citrusy for my taste, but I bought one for my mom and she loved it, but she loves O de Lancôme also, it is mind you an elegant citrus, layered in floral notes, just that lemon isn't isnt working best for me!?

Nmsekhmet

a tiny hotel with a vertical lemon grove overlooking the bay of naples.....true luxury

maeculpa

It is VERY citrussy. I've started layering fragrances I don't normally use and this is lovely with Cuir de Lancome - lifts up the leather and tones down the citrus edge.

Bad idea to buy perfume at airports unless you are buying something you already know and love. You are just trapped there for so long that the will I / won't I impulse takes over and you have enough time to decide that you like it enough to go and buy it. I pity the fool who sits next to me on airplanes as I usually smell like a headshop..

I decided it was classy and chic and that I need a lemon scent. But I must admit, somewhere in the back of my mind the demure chick in the floppy white hat has a second face that screams lemon scented toilet cleaner. It's not the fault of the high class lemons, it is just that that is what strong lemon evokes to me.

melange

To me, it smells of soap - Nesti Dante "Capri" variety, to be precise. Very fresh, very intensive, quite long lasting - all in all, a very pleasant fragrance, but I don't see myself spending my money on what is to me, almost literally, bottled geranium. (Alright, I do realise it is technically bergamot, but where I live, geranium is a part of life. Bergamot is a part of Earl Grey.)

Edit/ Update: It definitely grows on me! I've recently been sick, and found myself using this after shower to feel fresh and better about myself. Got me out of bed in an instant:) As a lasting cologne scent, if that's your thing - priceless. Must be perfect for traveling! I'm definitely trying out other fragrances from the series, and consider buying this one.

MUST8936

A kind of description to luxury...

grasslands

I bought two 75ml bottles of Escale a Portofino for $30 each at My Chemist. When I tested it the male teenager serving me was horrified by the sharp citrus opening and directed me to Gucci Flora, which he had just given his girlfriend. I laughed and told him to give me two bottles of the Portofino. He looked even more horrified –‘are you serious?’ I finally eased his fears by asking for a bottle of Gucci Gucci as well. Still, he was shaking his head all the way to the cash register.

This is a lovely and refreshing eau de cologne type scent – very similar to 4711 but more rounded, sweet and woody. Instead of lasting 15 minutes like 4711, I get all of two hours from it. How sad. But I solved the problem of longevity when I realised it was fabulous, sprayed liberally, after a cold shower on a hot night before going to bed. I feel so cool and fresh in a cloud of bergamot and sweet orange blossom; it’s practically better than air-con. I drift off to sleep before the scent disappears - it’s my favourite eau for this purpose.

meligonlan

This perfume reminds me of a refined version of Nenuco's baby cologne.

canadianpetite

Very citrusy from beginning and all through drydown. A hint of orange blossom and perhaps cedar. It's fresh, young and modern - not what I expect from the usual elegant, sophisticated and classic scents from Dior. The bottle, however, is so classy like Dior Miss Dior (the originale, extrait, or whatever they call it now). There are similar scents that doesn't cost as much if you like citrusy fresh scents.

On me,
Sillage: not more than arm's length
Longevity: two hours
Rating: 2 (1 for the scent but upped to 2 for the gorgeous collectible bottle)

vw

Free and open!
Happy and Fresh!
Uniqe and exclusive!
Perfect for warm days.
You will be immersed in cool lemonade!

It is incomparable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I llllllllllllove it!

nattonline

Guys should give this a try because I get this soft but very obvious cedar note here along with some light floral and sharp citrusy accord. The drydown is better too. It smells all farmiliar to me but it definitely has a higher quality smell to it. Very similar to 4711 as many people have voted, and also similar to Purple Water by Asprey which I have. Plus, the bottle is so collectible!

jenise

I wanted this frag for months, it smelled divine at the store and I frequently went in to sample it on my skin. My lovely husband bought it for me for Mother's day and when I opened the package I thought it looked a bit darker yellow than the sample at the counter. But what a disappointment when I used it! It smelled exactly like Lemon Pledge! I have to layer another perfume with it to tone it down. I don't have any idea why my bottle was different from the counter sample, but it was a very expensive mistake! No returns. I purchased it in India.

michau

Similar to 4711, but ingredients are of much higher quality - which is crucial in the genre of cologne style. Has a very nice almondy and rosemary/juniper facet, making Escale a Portofino stand out the line of ther eau de cologne offerings.

Ouch!

This is pleasant enough but not something I would buy. Now that it’s summer it’s sitting perfectly on my skin. This would be a lovely one for just spritzing to actually feel cool. Like a refresher spray as opposed to an actual “perfume”.

Citrussy, defiantly aromatic, very weak lasting power but I’m not sure it was meant to be a powerhouse fragrance anyway. I really cannot pick out individual things with this one. So my review isn’t as detailed as I would like it to be but hey..

gosuico

I love citrusy scents and I liked the scent of it the bottle but sprayed on...
First smelled like lemon furniture polish. After half an hour calmed down to lemon dishwashing detergent.
I believe that it smells wonderful on some people but it was a total disaster on me.

Mignonette6

This has been my go-to fragrance for the summer. Light and fresh with lots of citrus and orange blossom. This is the type of fragrance I imagine should be kept in the powder room for everyone (men and women) to spritz on hot days and freshen up, rather than the one that is for you and you alone. Sadly, the staying power is nil on me. It's imperceptible to me in 15 minutes. But it is a lovely scent and easy to wear on hot days.

sarage

This is my second review of Portofino.
When I tested the first time, it was in a perfume shop. It was so awful, truly, that I later thought the tester bottle must have been kept open for too long, producing the notorious "grandmother's old perfume"-smell.

So, I found this bottle on my aunt's shelf and re-tested it. (My aunt has a collection of fine perfumes.) It was much, much better than the tester in the shop. Actually I like the freshness of lemon and orange blossom in it a lot.
This is great in a hot climate. Reminds me of Yves Rocher Agrumes en Fleur, which I am wearing at the moment. :)

mariacristinavalentini

This perfume it's like a little bit of Italy and Mediterranean sea inside a bottle.... it reminds me the real Italian summer, it's fantastic!!!!!

Stargazing

Absolutely gorgeous, a fresh blast of citrus elegance with an intriguing woody/herbal backbone. Beautifully constructed.

mayita23231

Very refreshing, femenine, traditional and chic. Perfect for the summer

Rose Hip

It's beautiful, summery, lovely for holidays.

Dryne

I love this SPLASH of the summer and the sensual freshness for... 2 hours.
Bad... the problem it's he dasn't stay at the peel. But i love it!

Mellyhelly

Mmmm, this is so damn good! Think of uplifting finest Eau de Cologne with sillage! It's citrusy, fresh, aromatic and slightlt herbal in a very refined way, great for feeling fresh yet elegant in hot summer! Unlike many citrusy scents it never morphs to rancid on my skin. It stays well all the time and it's longlasting!

Lolita7

Esta fragancia me trae buenos recuerdos es muy especial. Elegante, refinado y muy agradable.
Lo recomiendo para el verano.

Es una pena pero en mi piel no dura mucho tiempo.

****

This fragrance brings me good memories is very special. Elegant, refined and very pleasant.
I recommend it for summer use.

It's a shame but in my skin does not last long.

sarage

Sharp, bitter, like raw fruit. Fresh, yes, but not refreshing.
I had to wash my wrist well after trying this. It just isn't for me.

LaPetite

Love love it ...
The best of the Cruise series imo !
Citrusy indeed, i'm surpised bergamot is the one and only citrus here , so i guess it's freshness comes also from other notes .
Despite it's freshness and the citrus note , It's not sharp at all , it smells clean , but not like dishsoap or whatsoever . The musk is not very present (which is good because my skin doesn't like it).
One of the best summer fragrnace EVER imo ! Really not a hype scent , but it's a good thing because i'm tired of those pink pepper / patchouli/bergamot combo which has been omnipresent in recent frags ! Like some other reviewers , i think it can fit to men too !

pansylady

Redolent with orange blossoms, Portofino is probably the most cheerful, energizing fragrances on the planet! I love spraying it on a scarf in the dead of winter-

Oddly, it makes me think of St. Joseph's orange flavored aspirin for children- but that's not a bad thing-

monimasch

What I really like about this scent is the fact that it is so incredibly light and fresh. I like wearing it, especially in the summer. Still, I have the feeling that it is somehow a little too ordinary and not so special. To me it is more like a perfume for every day.

nilizio

Eau de Portofino is exceptionally refreshing. Its fragrance lift my spirits during dark days, encourages me and gives me energy. Freshness of Eau de Portofino really extreme. I do not use this specific perfume daily frequency. Still, these days, I noticed that I have used a bottle of 125 ml. Of course I'll buy a new soon ..

Pinni

I just smelled it quickly from the bottle and it was whoppiedoo sour! Very strong sharp citrus that's somewhat bitter. It wasn't straightforward bad but too sharp for me. I can also imagine that it can be difficult with the skin chemistry as it might turn into detergent on some people.
I didn't keep a sample so I don't know how it develops or how the base comes up.

Definitely a summer scent for daytime use! Very energizing and fresh scent for lemon lovers! Instead if you're looking for something gentle stay away from this one as the best word to describe this one is, SHARP.

Edit: Lately I've noticed that after smelling many sweet, powdery, gourmand and complex scents I start to gravitate towards strong fresh citruses like this. (Even orange juice!) They seem to freshen my senses and help with the nauseous feeling I get after smelling and trying out too many perfumes within one day.

liligen

The first notes are a mix of sandlewood with a definite splash of italian lemons. It's definitely a fresh and lemony fragrance at first but it calms down to a lightly lemon scent (think lemon gelato) and the "boisé" side of it comes out more. At the end of it all, I find this fragrance to be more of a day time, pick me up type of scent for the elegant italian woman inside of us all. Did anyone smell ginger in there?

Henriette

It would be like many other fresh colognes if it weren't for the lasting power which is very good. I love its being not too green, not too woody, not too citrusy. I think you can describe this scent better by saying what it's NOT than what it's about. Nothing exceptional but wearable and in my opinion the best among the Escale series.

Doc Elly

I hate spray samples that don’t work. This carded sample didn’t spray at all, it just dribbled, and barely did that. I got more on my fingers than anywhere else. Please, manufacturers, don’t use these cheap, malfunctioning sprayers! What’s wrong with a pop-top dabber vial? Rant over.

The scent itself is a light, bitter, citrusy, woody cologne. The bitter seems to be galbanum and caraway, which is a wonderful combination. The citrus is the standard bergamot and petitgrain, and the wood is something teak-like, but not in an obnoxious way. A tiny dab produces mega-sillage without any real sweetness or florals.

The cologne phase lasts for about 3-4 hours, after which it dries down to a synthetic woody base that is there for the long haul, over 12 hours, and it stays there even after showering. I’m not really into colognes, but I like this one. I just wish I could use the rest of my sample without having to break the plastic sprayer to extract it.

roam

I loved the wood notes and spicy but clean smell I got from the bottle. Unfortunately, it turned straight into orange flower as soon as it hit my skin. And it stayed that way until I got frustrated and washed it off. I expected much more of this.

derkargy

It smells exactly like a fresh cologne but lasts longer.

agi

I love this perfume,its is wery fresh citrus and kind of sugar smell i feel too.Its is wery nice,i like but when its finish i will not buy other bottle.

merlin

I wanted to love this... I really enjoy citrusy fragrances...but this one is TOO MUCH. It smells like lemon dish washer. yuck

Vamy69

Love this!!!!!! Bright and fresh. Perfect for Summer!

Sassy1

After my AAPamplelune let down I picked myself up and continued my quest for a summer citrus scent.
I'm delving into the Eau de Colognes and this one caught my eye.

Tried it on tester and skin today. On tester, clear bright citrus bordering on almost too much, with an edgy sharpness. Then there seems to be the addition of crisp linen to the equation and this combo goes on and on forever.

On skin, it is similar in scent but much more subdued as it melts in and seems to become part or you. There's a fresh aura that envelopes you but doesn't seem to overpower (if used in moderation that is) It's actually pretty potent for an EDT.

I think it probably could have used just a touch of vanilla in the drydown and it would be perfection. Many women may find it too sharp and masculine but I like it very much.

Definately made for 100 degree weather!

Mandana

This perfume is extraordinary: just when you think it smells like any other light citrus summer fragrance, the fragrance starts to "settle"; the cold bright citrus notes that first hit you like shower needles suddenly mellow into something extremely classy, cool, sparkly-bright and bitter-sweet. The sillage is beautiful: like a pale yellow cloud smelling of lime and grapefruit juice mixed with the scent of a fabulous and expensive white bar of soap is wafting by Although it is only EDT it stays on for ages. Think of sipping wine at a harbour restaurant in the South of France or Italy; it is late evening, the sun is setting, the waiter has just taken your order (fish), the table is set with a crisp white linen cloth and gleaming silver cutlery. A white candle is burning and you and your man raise your wine glasses, making plans for the following day. You feel relaxed and happy, and so glad you wore your Escale à Portofino perfume! Simply because this wonderful light fragrance suits the wonderfully relaxed occasion! This is a edgy, modern European Summer fragrance. Will definitely wear it, it is great!

ashenlady

Classy, effortless, open-airy brightness.

THIS is what I wished when I bought Pure White Linen.

The opening is a burst of energetic green citrus, very ò-de-lancome, and later the fragrance morphs into an embracing crystalline freshness, without a hint of sharpness. Beautiful almond.

It's a hot day, you're strolling around, in a summery mediterranean pinewood, smelling the slightly aromatic atmosphere, and then you put your feet in a cold stream, relaxing, smiling.

lolalolita

I really love this smell in summer time or hot weather. Because make me fresh and clean and give energy and fresh power green around me.

Tigerlillian

Incredibly bracing the moment you spray. Some sharp, bitter green citrus notes which are very close to a strong lemongrass scent. I imagine it's the greenness of the galbanum and juniper and dryness of petitgrain that give off this intense accord when combined with bergamot. Intensely refreshing none-the-less.

When Escale a Portofino starts to settle it does become softer with only hints of sweetness that smooth the edges, however, not a lot which would also make this fragrance suitable for a man too.

Some evergreen notes are revealed in the base as the lighter aromatics diffuse. The subtle sweetness keeps them fresh rather than appear too resinous and heavy--rather like sniffing a fresh wound in the trunk of a live tree.

Green, herbal and energetic is what the overall effect is to me. A well blended summer 'wake up' perfume.

angelyna

I really wanted this perfume for quite a while before finally buying it.

I remember when I first tested it, I didn't pay much attention to this fragrance (I'm not a huge fan of Dior perfumes). Luckily, I did sampled it on my skin, rather then on paper, as I usually do. So, I got home, took a shower and started reading. After a while, I realized an alluring, sexy scent was all around me. It took me some time to remember which perfume was on that specific patch of skin ( I sampled quite a few that day :D ).

First burst is very citrussy. If you can survive it for a while (a maximum of 15 minutes), you're in for a surprise: very feminine and perfumed flowers. I do get the scent of honeysuckle, rather then orange blossom. And this note lasts, and lasts, and is quite amazing. Now, for the base notes, woody, somewhat powdery, but nothing out of the ordinary, thou I have to say, it's the appropriate ending for such a fabulous fragrance.

As for the time and place to wear this, well, it's true, I goes well with a warm temperature, but now, in my country, it's freezing cold, and I have to say it also goes well with this weather (I sprayed a few drops on my synthetic fur coat, and whenever I go out this scent surrounds me and keeps me warm and shiny).

Uplifting, fresh, so feminine!

rednut

This is very similar to 4711 but about 6 times the price. It is very nice and the longevity is good by comparison. Its a very fresh scent, citrus and wood and I would say it wouldn't smell out of place on a man as well as women. Its not really my style but I will say that it is arguably the best of its kind,

movs

This fragrance evokes happy memories of a summer holiday by the Mediterranean Sea.
A blend of fresh citrus and orange flowers with a bit of aromatic woodsy notes. The citrus is very natural and not too sharp or sour, just fresh and sparkling. I don't really smell the almonds themselves, they are rather present as some kind of layer that softens the citrusses and makes this fragrance just a little bit powdery. When the perfume has settled it becomes more floral and reminds me of rose hip flowers.

This is the kind of fragrance I could imagine myself wearing, strolling around in the streets of Capri or relaxing on a small boat cruise along the Promontory of Portofino.

I would describe this fragrance as an extremely feminine and elegant light citrus. Perfect as a summer scent on a day where you want to be relaxed and feminine at the same time. This perfume really matches the beautiful bottle and the photographs from the advertising.
Somehow this fragrance makes me smile.

In 3 words: ELEGANT - CITRUSSY - FEMININE

zvoncica

Opening notes of Portofino are not entirely pleasant. Citrus peelings, cold and resembling to cleaning liquid. Like temporary blindness caused by sun eclipse.

I do hope you return to smell your skin few moments after. There are million shades of yellow and green, more than you could imagine. Pure brightness of citrus and woods. To me Portofino evokes bell ring. Thick crystal melody on seaside cathedral. Kind of a frequency that makes bird fly and accidental passenger to stop and enjoy.

Portofino is similar (very) to Cristalle eau Vert. The first lasts longer and better radiates from skin. I personally love it and rate as second best in Escale group.

eilismaireg

I think this really encapsulates the scents of a mediterranean summer, a tinkling glass with slices of lemon from the tree overhanging your head, a pine breeze from the coast. Absolutely lovely, jolly scent for summer holidays and white linens.

sweetlola

I love this smell very much make me fresh and happy always look like walk in fresh garden woods smell orange fresh.I never find fresh smell like this.

Persephone

A perfect blend of citrus and orange blossom with a dominating warm almond note. Modern with a classic touch, definitely more than just a summer cologne. To my taste - the best from Escale line.

nancinha

I do not like this one at ALL. Way too strong, almost suffocating... at least to me.

MDWake8

Diet Acqua di Parma, though lighter and not as spectacular.

scent_lover

A very fresh, yet sophisticated scent! It makes me think of summer in Italy or in Greece! to me a sophisticated mixture of citruses. Definitely for summer!

Corto Maltese

This is a wonderful fresh scent that opens with delicate citrus notes. Some may think that there are many other such perfumes on the market, but this one is more special. It is as clean as White Linen, but warmer (it lacks the aldehide touch) and more emotional, although still elegant and subdued. It is made for a lady with high esteem and respect for traditional values, but not with a heart of stone. Overall, it smells very elegant and rather expensive, but not too classy, just right for summer holidays.

vuelo

I think this is rather gourmand- it smells like lemon cake with almonds and some bitter syrup on top. Definetly gourmand. It if fresh and very very long lasting, but I doubt I want to smell like lemon cake. It's ok, overall. If you want an "edible lemon" perfume, try this, it's good stuff.

Migotka

I found Portofino quite exquisite as a fragrance in general, as most Dior's creations. I remember when I started learning French, my book was full of painting reproductions of Renoir's Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette, or Monet's Haystack series. I think this fragrance spiritually belongs to this time period. Women in corsets, elegant hats, the charm of the Industrial Revolution mixed with the urge to escape to the countryside. If I were to choose a fragrance for a country scape weekend in Provence, that would definitely be it. It is far from being a boring citrus, I like the sort of herbal-forest touch it has to it.

lopezannie

My after shower fragrance! Great for day wear and casual activities. It will make you feel fresh and invigorated. Very citric.

boncuk

i love it but i wished it would be a little bit more long lasting..

xxHarlequinn

I find this fragrance to be very nostalgic.
It reminds me of the Jhonson's Baby Cologne "Heaven" and it indeed is very "heavenly."
There's something fresher and more mature about this fragrance.
It's definitely not baby cologne.

melancholybaby

Lovely summer orange fragrance that actually not only smells of orange, particularly in the opening, but also lasts and has interesting development. Unlike many "summer" fragrances, this one has a bitterness in the dry-down that makes it interesting, yet it retains sufficient sweetness to make it warm.

Adriana_87

I think it smells like lemon tea,very nice and pleasant for summer

sherapop

ESCALE A PORTOFINO is a blindingly bright perfume, with a powerful lemon verbena-like opening that shines down like a white sun from a cerulean blue sky. The rays of light reflect off the sand and the sea and illuminate abundant orange blossoms!

This extremely invigorating and aromatic eau de toilette manages still to be feminine, thanks to the neroli. It also has depth that is often missing in special edition summer scents. The fresh and natural-smelling aromatic notes are anchored in wood, galbanum, and musk, so the drydown has some real complexity, and the bright elements do not appear only to evaporate immediately away.

ESCALE A PORTOFINO is the perfect lazy Mediterranean summer scent to wear as you sip cold limonata by the sea. Makes me wish I were in Nice! Or Capri!

rithacha

Annick Goutal Neroli meets O de Lancome. If you're like me, you've been through dozens of those "uni-sex dry citrus colognes" - what makes you think you need this one? Well, get to a tester, sweetie. Stat.

Missk is right; this is the quintissential summer cologne. This was the vision in my head for Eau Sauvage, Hermes Concentree d'Orange, AG Eau d'Hadrien, O de Lancome, Cristalle . . . all of them are great citrus colognes, but seriously, none of them match up to Escale a Portofino.

I don't even know where to start describing it. It's a dry astringent citrus-neroli one-two that plows through the room at first spray. Powerful sillage that softens out with softer notes. The citrus goes from dry to Juicy with a green barely-there dusting of sweetness. It stays green, but not abrasively so. It's woody, but not obviously so. Escale a Portofino recalls the harshness of the Green classics (think No.19, Silences, O de Lancome) and represents them with a gentle modern accord. Still a similar ballsy masculine complex, but nobody would accuse you of being ol**dy

True, the sillage dies after a few hours. That's why they sell this in big bottles!! Spray liberally, and often!

ezdravkova

very strange.. and no lasting power whatsoever.. great disappointment from dior

Lady Venomtongue

I suppose dear Missk member has said it all about such fragrance ,
for me its utterly dissapointing with such conflicting notes & undetermined persona , full of citruses , woods & herbs ,,, i would conclude its for men use only . Apparently this hilarious Cruise collection is not for me .

missk

Dior's Escale a Portofino, is in my opinion the essential Summer fragrance. Citrusy, pleasantly fresh and full of vitality, this fragrance has me thoroughly impressed.

This fragrance is similar in some instances to the classic 4711 Eau de Cologne, however Escale a Portofino is much more feminine and sparkling.

The spicyness is very subtle to my nose, barely there in fact. I get more citruses and woods than spice in Escale a Portofino.

The scent opens with Sicilian lemon, bergamot and petit grain, which makes for a very bright and energetic opening. Thankfully the lemon in this fragrance doesn't turn sour on the skin or remind me of dishwashing liquid.

This fragrance does indeed have a rather masculine quality, which is brought about by the juniper berries, cedarwood and caraway. In my opinion, Escale a Portofino is perfectly unisex.

Its simplicity is very appealing to me, however this fragrance doesn't last to well. About 2-3 hours was all I could manage to get out of Escale a Portofino which was a shame. Apart from the poor lasting power, Escale a Portofino would make a wonderful casual and refreshing scent for the warmer months.

andrew85

perfect summer scent, but this should be called an unisex cologne. i am a man, and i have and wear this.... perfect neroli - almond fragrance... when you use this, you will smell like a mediterranean breeze comming from the sea... luxurios, fresh eau de cologne..

perfumelover95

This is the perfect perfume to wear in the summer ! Its soo citrussy! I just adore it ! What a great job did dior did on the this perfume! I think that this is one of the best that they have done !

melanie

Fresh and bitter, somewhat sharp and may be fed to male skin but this is an excellent choice for a woman. Pleasant, cooling and long lasting, mysterious, a bit retro but modern at the same time and perfect for hot summer day!
Everyone who loves Dior will appeal to it.

atenais_only

I find that orange blossom is perfect for summer, but other notes especially musk makes it heavy and too strong for hot days.I would recommend it for the cold rainy summer or night party on the open air.
THough I like it in general and find it modern and casual which is great.

MoietToi

I really like the opening it's very fresh,zesty and sparkly. The opening is abit similar to the one in JPG's MaDame. Just sharper,more alive and slightly more sophisticated. I am not sure if I would want this one allthough but it sure is nice.

perfumesheep

I got this as a present and it was love at first sight.This one is perfect for really hot days when you don´t want to wrap yourself in a heavy scent.
It feels like walking through a lemon tree plantation in Italy.It´s fresh,green,woody and of course fruity.
Also Dior did a great job on the bottle which is so elegant.

EternalSunshine7

This sends a punch of sharp bitter citrus straight from the get go. I can see why people say it reminds them of dishwashing liquid or Pinesol. To me, this is not a cozy scent. It's more rejuvinating & energizing. Musk and cedar always seem to increase the energizing power of citrus (in this case, bergamot), which I like. It's refreshingly sparkly, cool, crisp, and clean. It dries down to a somewhat softer, SLIGHTLY sweeter citrus with just a bit of crushed flowers mixed in. Weird, but I don't get any spice at all.

Escale a Portofino is a more elegant and refined fresh citrus scent, IMO. Something about it reminds me of Eau de Rochas. The beginning might be too potent for some, so I suggest you try it before you buy it. I can't say that it's a "safe" citrus fragrance. It could even possibly be an acquired taste sort of citrus that I recommend trying first.

Darkangel

I finally got my much desired bottle of this deliciously fresh fragrance. I feel energised and ready for the day with one spritz of Escale. The bottle is simplistic and elegant. LOVE IT!

Biliana

In love with it. I'll keep on buying it.

nadmal

the best fragrance by Dior! so fresh!

kewart

This is a refreshing,classy fragrance for hot,summer days. I love the interplay of the lemon with the almond and the woodsy drydown. The bottle is very chic and the whole product is very desirable in my opinion. I keep mine in the fridge by the way!

BethAshley

Recently I was at a department store looking to purchase something on impulse. I was sniffing away and then came across this very different EDT in a stylish bottle...

Escale a Portofino has a very sharp, slightly bitter, bright scent. The dominant notes for me are most definitely citrus and cedar which gives it a somewhat Pinesol cleaner scent. Unfortunately on me the bitter almond note is unnoticeable.

I noticed that many reviewers say that this could be unisex and I believe that is because it is not overly floral or sweet. However, for me it is too light and airy to be a man's scent. I love that it is not fussy or girly and that it is beautifully simple and chic. I can easily imagine a cool, elegant woman wearing this.

This fragrance is perfect for daily use since it is so light. You literally can not spray on too much of it. It is not sensual enough to ever become my favorite fragrance in my collection but it is such a refreshing break from my other fragrances that I know I will keep coming back to it.

liat

Very sparkling, fresh and clean.
It's light but lasting power is decent.
A great everyday perfume. It DOES seem to remind me of the beach. I mean, one sniff and I can totally imagine myself sitting by the sea, smelling the salt and enjoying the breeze. OOOOOOOOh! I can't wait for THAT!

The bottle is also lovely, has a real old-fashioned feel to it.

perfumes_addict

smells like a cheap and old cologne... to citrusy and not lasting at all. to me this is the failure of Dior...

allexa27

i really like the sweet almond dry down on me,.It makes me feel calm and cozy.I know that this is a summer fragrance but for me always will be Christmas smell.smell of lemons ,oranges and nuts.it is very very nice perfume

alina terec

to me it smells a bit like those old colognes from grandpas. it's very citrusy, all lemon but the top note fades away quick and leaves room to a floral middle- base and a bit of wood. it's ok i guess but i don't know if i like it that much...

fruttella

A truly sparkling fragrance, it smells like a lime fresh juice, which I love...Not surprisingly there is no lime in the pyramid but this fragrance makes me dream, laugh and take things positively. For me it stays almost at the same position with Chance Eau Fraiche but does not have the chick and elegancy of the Chanel. I think it will be one of my faves in this summer.

Garfield

One of the best and most elegant fragrances by Dior. I'm addicted to it !

Marianne

By the way, why is this called Cruise COLLECTION? Are there going to be fragrances other than Escale a Portofino? Or, maybe, is there already another one?
I would be very curious to test them.

jeca

Yes, the lasting power is very good ;o)

ruby

I love it very refreshing and dynamic with a luxury touch

flannelman

A very nice fresh and summery citrus fragrance. Very elegant, too...

klonk

I like it too! Normally I prefer 'warmer' scents but this one really captivated me. Fresh (citrus all the way), spicy, unusual and classy! Find it a summer fragrance!

Mitsouko

Without extravagance. Simply - summer, easy , characteristic for elegance Dior’s, citrus smell for elegant woman. Traditional and modern.
In reality – very charming fragrance.

jeca

I love this perfume very much, Italian, sharp green citrus :o) Great classic scent, that smells as good as old classic perfumes with citruses I love.

Cappuccino21

At the beginning it was intriguing and I didn't know why. Now I know...I must say I agree with Marianne - you don't consider it a women's fragrance because it simply smells almost the same as Dune for men (I know it because my dad uses it). Did Dior make a copy of his previous product? You decide..

Suseken

It is great.It is fresh,spicy an i like the woody note in its base.

Marianne

I quite like its fresh, spicy scent although I don't consider it a women's fragrance.

 
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