top of page
gold_render_edited.png

Sun-Kissed Days, Chlorine Breezes, and a Thrill You Can’t Shake!

Writer's picture: Tom GoedhartTom Goedhart

Updated: Dec 18, 2024

People often say there’s no such thing as a bad perfume; it just hasn't been tied to anyone's personal memories yet. While that may be true, it can also be quite frustrating! I wish I could approach perfume selection with the same confidence I have when choosing clothes - touching, feeling, and trying them on to truly connect. Instead, I often find myself swayed by marketing, the design of the box, and the bottle itself. I’ve fallen for this trap time and again, but I never seem to learn. Do you feel the same way? There’s an inexplicable thrill in “blind buying” a perfume - making a purchase without testing it first. This summer, I’m on the hunt for a new and distinctly different fragrance...


When you think of summer, what comes to mind? For some, it’s the scent of the ocean, citrus fruits, or mint. For me, childhood summers meant scorching afternoons spent at the pool with my dad. Those summers were filled with cool, blue water, mixed with the unmistakable smell of chlorine and the lively cheers of other kids. My brain has been trained to associate that pool scent with long school breaks, the "freedom" to forget about books, and the joy of sneaking out to do silly things with friends.


While no one really enjoys the pungent scent of pool chemicals on their skin, "VACATION" is a daring perfume that captures that very essence.


To clarify, Vacation isn’t a traditional perfume brand; their main product is actually sunscreen. Crafted by Carlos Huber, a renowned perfumer from Arquiste Parfumer, "VACATION" is known as the fragrance from a budget-friendly sunscreen brand. Perhaps that's why it doesn't feel the need to prove itself or try too hard. "VACATION" delivers precisely what it promises: a perfume that embodies the scent of sunscreen and pool water.


You heard it right - this unisex fragrance boasts a distinctly retro design, blending classic sunscreen notes like coconut, banana, and pineapple with the unforgettable aroma of chlorine and even the plasticky scent of pool floats. It may sound unusual, but in a good way!

From the first spray, you’re hit with strong, sweet notes of coconut and banana, mimicking that fresh sunscreen application. Within seconds, you might find yourself checking to see if you’re wearing a swimsuit! As it develops, pineapple and orange blossom introduce a light, fruity touch, followed by subtle notes of pool water, sea salt, and a hint of plastic - don’t worry, these are pleasantly balanced. One user on Fragrantica mentioned that "VACATION" evokes the image of a sunny day, lazily floating in the pool on a plastic float, with a cold, creamy Piña Colada in hand.


"VACATION" boasts decent longevity, lasting about 7-8 hours with moderate sillage. At $60 for a 30ml bottle, it’s reasonably priced - not overly cheap, but also not luxurious. This is a fragrance for fun and enjoyment, best saved for weekends or outings, just as its name suggests. I wouldn’t recommend it for the office.

0 comments

Related Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page