Eight fragrances, eight quick dates: Today, Akro is off to an olfactory speed-dating event. I’m testing the scents on the spot and as objectively as possible. That’s why I’ll take a look at the specific notes only afterward.
Each fragrance is first applied to a test strip and then to the skin. That’s because it’s often only on the skin that you can tell whether the first impression lasts or whether a completely different side suddenly reveals itself.
I’m curious to see which scents will grab me right away, which ones will surprise me, and who will end up getting a second date. Let’s find out. 😉
Date #1: Akro – Bake
Test strip: Citrusy, gourmand, and vanilla-sweet. My first thought is practically immediately of lemon cake batter. The zesty freshness meets a soft, sweet note of batter, making Bake instantly quite delicious.
On Skin: Here, Bake reveals a surprisingly different side. The fragrance opens bright, cool, and airy—almost radiant—and comes across as significantly less sweet and gourmand than on the test strip. Only gradually do the cake-like notes emerge into the fragrance profile. Delicately doughy, soft, and very transparent, Bake remains closely linked to the lucid lemon note. As a result, the fragrance feels decidedly summery and light on my skin—much more subtle than I would have expected based on my first impression on paper.
Final thoughts: I really like Bake, and I’m especially surprised by how light and transparent it remains. A neo-gourmand with lemony pastry notes that feels airy and bright—and is thus a far cry from anything heavy, opulent, or cloyingly sweet. For me, it’s a sunny, summery, feel-good fragrance with a gourmand twist.
Fragrance notes: lemon , vanilla, gourmand notes, cream
Date #2: Akro – Smile
Scent strip: On paper, Smile comes across as fruity, citrusy, and slightly green. It also features floral notes and a soft, almost slightly fluffy quality. Overall, the fragrance comes across as quite prominent and strong.
On skin: On the skin, Smile becomes clearer, livelier, and more sparkling. A juicy, tart citrus note meets distinctly fruity berry notes. At the same time, the fragrance feels airier, more transparent, and overall lighter than on the test strip. The floral and soft facets recede slightly, giving way to a very bright, summery blend.
Final thoughts: Smile is an easygoing everyday companion for the summer that instantly puts you in a good mood. Fresh, with a Mediterranean touch, and wonderfully balanced. If you like harmonious citrus-fruit scents, you really can’t go wrong with this eau de parfum. And yes: Smile truly does bring a little smile to your face.
Fragrance notes: bergamot, sage, raspberry, musk
Date #3: Akro – East
Test strip: On paper, East comes across as rich, bold, and very distinctive. Spicy and dark woody notes clearly take center stage, accompanied by a subtle smoky facet that immediately reminds me of oud. Overall, the fragrance feels deep, dark, and quite prominent.
On skin: On the skin, East opens with a fresher, clearer scent, yet retains its dark, woody-smoky undertones. These are joined by delicate berry notes that add a touch of fruitiness to the composition. Despite its intensity, East feels surprisingly calm and unfolds slowly. Gradually, it becomes lighter, airier, and more transparent, and as it unfolds, it also becomes slightly warmer. For me, however, the smoky woody note remains very dominant throughout.
Final thoughts: Well done, but for me personally, it’s too bold and dark. To me, East comes across as rather masculine. Still, this isn’t a fragrance just for the evening or special occasions—it’s perfectly suitable for everyday wear.
Fragrance notes: raspberry, agarwood (oud), leather, ambroxan
Date #4: Akro – Rise
Scent notes: Very bright and tropical-fruity. Mango and pineapple immediately come to mind, along with a milky, creamy note. Overall, on paper, Rise reminds me of a piña colada.
On Skin: Rise is more subdued on the skin. Delicate fruity notes remain, especially the exotic, zesty, sweet pineapple. At the same time, the fragrance feels airier, more watery, and less creamy than on the test strip. A subtle hint of coconut is also detectable, though not dry or powdery, but rather crisp and light. The piña colada vibe remains, nonetheless.
Final thoughts: Fruity and tropical, airy, crisp, and wonderfully summery. Rise feels light, sunny, and uncomplicated. Very nice.
Fragrance notes: coconut, piña colada, tiare flower, sandalwood
Date #5: Akro – Heat
Scent strip: Bright, citrusy, and spicy, yet very clear and transparent. The scent feels cool and airy, but is infused with a subtle sharpness that lends it a touch of excitement.
On skin: Heat remains fresh, cool, and citrusy. This is complemented by green and woody notes, as well as a subtle sharpness that runs through the fragrance. Overall, it comes across as rather understated, close to the skin, and very clean.
Final thoughts: Heat is very light, fairly subtle, and transparent. It also doesn’t last very long on me. For me, it’s a nice burst of freshness for the summer and perfect for anyone who isn’t looking for a 24-hour high-performance fragrance. If you prefer to reapply more often or switch up your scent throughout the day, this is the perfect choice for you.
Fragrance notes: chili pepper, coriander seed, lemon, cardamom, ginger, juniper, cedarwood, ambroxan, musk
Date #6: Akro – Breathe
Sniff test: Light, tart, greenish, and aromatic. Herbal notes are clearly at the forefront and initially even give Breathe a slight barbershop vibe. This is complemented by a cool, fresh clarity.
On skin: For me, the barbershop notes disappear completely. Breathe now comes across as much softer, calmer, and almost meditative. Subtle herbal nuances blend with delicate citrus, light woods, and a gentle, tea-like facet. Overall, the fragrance has a slightly Asian feel to it on my skin.
Final thoughts: A lovely, bright, greenish-herbal, and airy fragrance with subtle woody-citrus undertones. Breathe stays close to the skin and feels gentle and fluid. It’s precisely this calm, unhurried quality that I really like.
Fragrance notes: bergamot, lavender, aquatic notes, musk
Date #7: Akro – Crush
Scent notes: Light, powdery, and dry, with fruity, berry-like nuances. On paper, Crush isn’t all that easy for me to pin down, and it’s kind of hard to describe.
On skin: The fragrance comes across as bright and fruity. It’s complemented by fresh, floral notes that remind me of rose. Crush stays close to the skin and, as it develops, reveals a nutty, powdery, and slightly molecular side.
Final thoughts: To me, Crush falls somewhere between gourmand, floral, and fruity, without clearly leaning in any one direction. Sweet fruits, powdery blossoms, and nutty undertones blend into a soft, airy fragrance that feels romantic and carefree.
Fragrance notes: Roasted almond, lychee, Bulgarian rose, gourmand notes, hazelnut, vanilla
Date #8: Akro – Glow
Scent strip: Boozy, fruity, and spicy, with woody notes and a subtle spiciness. Glow comes across as quite bold on the paper and leaves you wanting more.
On Skin: On the skin, Glow becomes softer and airier. Spicy, woody, and amber notes remain, but now come across as more transparent and supple. These are complemented by a gentle vanilla sweetness and a cozy warmth that grow increasingly pronounced as the fragrance develops.
Final thoughts: Sophisticated and elegant, soft and cozy, boozy and spicy—and quite sensual at the same time. Glow is a beautiful fragrance with plenty of sex appeal and a smoky vanilla note that I really love.
Fragrance notes: pink pepper, frankincense, vanilla
And who gets a second date?
In the end, there are three fragrances that have really stuck with me. Glow is clearly number one: warm, soft, boozy, spicy, and with just the right amount of sex appeal. Next is Bake, which really surprised me with its light, airy take on lemon cake. And I’d also like to test Breathe more thoroughly. I find its calm, clear, and unassuming nature particularly intriguing.
And who would be your pick for a second date?
Be First to Comment