The luxury Italian brand of Acqua di Parma was founded in 1916 when Baron Carlo Magnani created his very first fragrance – his very own personal Colonia. Fast-forward to 2022 and Acqua di Parma is now one of the most highly regarded niche perfume houses in the world. And they’ve certainly branched out over the years, now offering a wide range of scented luxuries – from colognes to candles.
But with so many icons in their portfolio, it can be tricky working out where to start if you’re new to the brand, raising the question of ‘which Acqua di Parma product is best?’ On the flip side, if you’re already a loyal fan but you’re fancying a refresher on why some of their best-sellers are so good. So, I thought I’d make it easy for you by compiling this list of the best Acqua di Parma fragrances, home fragrance and men’s skincare that you need to know about…
1. The Classic Signature Scent
The Icon: Acqua di Parma Colonia Eau de Cologne
Why It’s An Icon: This has to be the most iconic Acqua di Parma fragrance out there. In fact, we wouldn’t have the brand of Acqua di Parma as we know it if it wasn’t for this timeless signature. Colonia was originally created in 1916 for Baron Carlo Magnani’s own particular use – but everyone wanted a slice of it, so it was quickly commercialised and effectively launched the brand. Not that I’m surprised that people fell in love with it; it’s all the very best bits of the glorious Italian landscape, bottled.
Said to be a personal favourite of acting legend, Cary Grant, Colonia continues to give people a taste of the Italian sunshine all these years later. And the fact that this perfume has reigned supreme for over a century shows just how good it is. But, if you haven’t yet had a chance to try this cult-classic cologne, let me give you the lowdown. In short, Colonia by Acqua di Parma is Italy: it’s tangy lemon, fresh green Calabrian bergamot and sweet, sun-kissed orange. But it paints a picture of the entire landscape, not just a few fruit trees; you’ll also find a warm, aromatic blend of lavender and rosemary, and a hint of fresh rose too before rich, comforting woody tones rise to the surface. All of this is packed into the instantly-recognisable, art deco-inspired Acqua di Parma bottle, housed in the cylindrical hatbox-like outer packaging dressed in Acqua di Parma’s signature yellow.
2. The Bergamot Beauty
The Icon: Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Bergamotto di Calabria Eau de Toilette
Why It’s An Icon: If you were to ask the masses, ‘which Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo is best?’, a large percentage would answer, ‘Bergamotto di Calabria.’ An incredibly popular signature, it’s yet another fragrance that celebrates Acqua di Parma’s Italian heritage. Released in 2010, it honours the bergamot fruit – AKA one of Calabria’s finest and most sought-after ingredients. In fact, this unique citrus-green fruit is so greatly admired in Calabria that it’s gained Protected Designation of Origin status (meaning that Calabria is recognised for its bergamot produce.)
A fan-favourite scent within the best-selling Blu Mediterraneo collection, the sparkling, joyful perfume takes the luminous notes of bergamot – which is tart, green, citrusy and bright – and pairs it with the freshness of cedarwood, the mood-boosting warmth of red ginger and the grassy green tones of vetiver. This time around, Acqua di Parma’s signature bottle is given a deep blue spin, evoking the colour of the sparkling blue sea.
3. The Fig-Inspired Fragrance
The Icon: Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Fico di Amalfi Eau de Toilette
Why It’s An Icon: Launched in 2006, Fico di Amalfi is a globally-recognised signature scent that celebrates the fig. But it doesn’t just represent the soft, fleshy sweet fruit; it portrays the fig tree in its entirety – and in all of its complexity.
It blends sticky, syrupy fig nectar with fresh green leaves, while throwing in a few sparkling citrus notes to capture the Italian countryside. You’ll also find a sprinkling of pink pepper and velvety white jasmine petals here too.
4. The Sparkling Citrus Scent
The Icon: Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Arancia di Capri Eau de Toilette
Why It’s An Icon: By this point you’ll have noticed that the Blu Mediterraneo fragrance collection is one of Acqua di Parma’s most beloved lines. And Arancia di Capri is yet another standout scent from the range. It’s also the oldest Blu Mediterraneo to make my line up of Acqua di Parma icons. Released in 1999, Arancia di Capri continues to charm fragrance fans by offering a joyful celebration of the history, culture and nature of the island of Capri.
Joyful and relaxing, the top-selling perfume feels like warm summer sunshine on your skin; it bursts with bright, radiant citrus fruits, like orange, mandarin and lemon, but also has a touch of greenery (thanks to petitgrain)and a subtle layer of spice, created by cardamom. My personal favourite thing about this icon? It has to be the sweet, irresistible waft of caramel and musk you get when the fragrance settles on your skin.
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5. The Luxe Home Fragrance
The Icon: Acqua di Parma Luce di Colonia Reed Diffuser
Why It’s An Icon: Although Acqua di Parma started off as a fragrance brand, it’s successfully ventured into the realm of home fragrance and men’s skincare too, so it’s only right that these area are covered in my list of Acqua di Parma icons!
In terms of Acqua di Parma’s home fragrance line, the Luce di Colonia Reed Diffuser continues to prove incredibly popular. Inspired by the signature Colonia, it radiates brightness and positivity throughout your living space with its harmonious blend of citrus notes. It certainly looks the part too as it’s dressed in the classic sunshine yellow shade, complete with black rattan reeds.
Acqua di Parma continues to push the boundaries in the world of home fragrance. In fact, their Acqua di Parma Smart Home Diffuser clinched the top spot as the 2022 Innovative Fragrance Product of the Year at The Fragrance Foundation Awards.
6. The Oud Original
The Icon: Acqua di Parma Oud & Spice Eau de Parfum
Why It’s An Icon: Sure, Acqua di Parma are masters of citrus fragrances. But that’s not the only genre they’ve mastered – and Oud & Spice goes to prove that. It’s a great example of a oud fragrance – and one that people fell in love in our #EscentualScents oud box (not that I’m surprised!) One of Acqua di Parma’s warmer, richer scents, it might have only launched in 2021, but it’s already risen through the ranks to become a best-seller here at Escentual.
As this is a relatively new release, you might not have had a chance to try it. If that’s the case, let me explain what it smells like. Yes, it’s got the warmth and depth of oud, but this is Acqua di Parma we’re talking about – they’re going to make sure you at least get a little bit of citrus! So, to start, you get a dazzling citrusy green hit of bergamot, alongside rose and raspberry. The heat kicks in once you reach the heart before the rich, smooth and resinous oud-powered base. It’s different from a lot of other Acqua di Parma – and that’s what makes this icon stand out.
7. The Forward-Thinking Fragrance
The Icon: Acqua di Parma Colonia Futura Eau de Cologne
Why It’s An Icon: When Colonia Futura launched back in 2020, I instantly knew that it would be a hit, so I’m not surprised that it’s now a best-seller just two short years on.
The reason why Colonia Futura is so popular is because it takes the key aspects of the brand – Acqua di Parma’s Italian heritage and specialty of vibrant citrus scents – and gives them a sustainable spin. Offering a 99% natural origin formulation, the scent starts off with the sharp, vibrant tones of Calabrian bergamot, lemon and grapefruit, enhanced by softly spiced pink pepper. As it settles, it warms into an aromatic blend of lavender and clary sage before welcoming in a dry, grassy base of vetiver. The sage note is picked up in the design – in fact, the label is created from marble mining waste. The finishing touch to the label is the coat of arms, which honours the long history of the Maison whilst the scent within takes the house in a new direction for the future.
8. The Barber Shop-Inspired Serum
The Icon: Acqua di Parma Barbiere Beard Serum
Why It’s An Icon: The Acqua di Parma Barbiere line is inspired by the style and sophistication of Italian barber shops. And out of the collection, the Beard Serum is particularly popular here at Escentual.
Created to help you achieve a soft, tangle-free and healthy-looking beard, the serum is enriched with sweet almond oil and sunflower seed oil to make facial hair look and feel its best. But of course, this wouldn’t be an Acqua di Parma icon without having an amazing scent. Thankfully, the Barbiere collection doesn’t disappoint; it scents the skin with the timeless notes of Colonia. As a result the Barbiere men’s skincare line also doubles up as a fragrance layering step, acting as a base to the iconic cologne.
9. The Pretty Floral Fragrance
The Icon: Acqua di Parma Peonia Nobile Eau de Parfum
Why It’s An Icon: As you might guess based on the name, the beloved Peonia Nobile fragrance is inspired by the multi-faceted peony flower – a floral that’s somehow delicate and yet still energetic.
A widely cherished Acqua di Parma fragrance for women, Peonia Nobile opens with the fresh fruity note of raspberry, enhanced by a dash of pink pepper. The heart celebrates the sumptuous petals of peony in all its glory, while adding in a generous handful of geranium, Turkish rose and fresh freesia before the warm, long-lasting notes of amber, patchouli and musk take over.
10. The Colour-Block Candle
The Icon: Acqua di Parma Large Cube Candle – Yellow – Colonia
Why It’s An Icon: Acqua di Parma is known for its classic fragrances and its vibrant yellow brand colour – and the Colonia candle celebrates both of these aspects of the brand. Gently releasing the emblematic Colonia fragrance, the candle adds a touch of warm to your home whilst lifting your mood with its uplifting aroma.
Its simple yet iconic cube shape epitomises the brand’s Italian philosophy of sunny sophistication. It also reflects the Maison’s attention for detail and master craftsmanship. It’s entirely handcrafted using artisanal techniques; in fact, the wick is specially weaved to ensure that the scent is effectively fragrance diffused in your living space, and to guarantee a steady flame for the perfect ‘tear-drop’ look.
The height of luxury, it’s no surprise that this Acqua di Parma candle is so popular with fans of the brand. But, if you’ve not had a chance to try it, you’re probably wondering how long this supersized candle might last; it’ll scent your home for up to 60 hours.
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Bobo
Acqua di Parma Colonia Eau de Cologne Spray 50ml
Already know this product it's a firm favourire of my husband's!
