Aqua Pura

Scent Breakdown

Aqua Pura opens with a blast of citrus – mandarin, mostly. It lacks the refined, photorealistic edge of Bvlgari's Aqva. There's a slightly synthetic tang here, a clear indicator of its budget origins. The heart attempts to capture that aquatic essence, but the seaweed note feels muted, less bracing and more…polite. The lavender is a ghost. Where the original evokes a deep ocean dive, Aqua Pura feels like splashing in a chlorinated pool. The base settles into a cedar-forward woodiness. The patchouli is subtle, a grounding element rather than a statement. I'd say it captures roughly 90% of Aqva's DNA, but that missing 90% is where the magic lies.

Projection Power

On my skin, Aqua Pura projects moderately for the first hour, creating a subtle, fresh bubble. After that, it retreats closer, becoming a skin scent within 3-4 hours. Expect to reapply if you want to maintain the initial impact throughout the day. Longevity is acceptable point, but don’t expect all-day performance. The original undoubtedly has more depth and realism. For someone starting their fragrance journey, or who simply enjoys the style, this is a good entry point.