Friday, September 9, 2011

Review: Inis Energy Of The Sea Cologne Spray

I was recently contacted by Fragrances of Ireland and asked if I wanted to try their Inis - the energy of the sea perfume. They generously scent me the full 50ml bottle to try. Per their name, Fragrances of Ireland is a small fragrance house based in County Wicklow, Ireland and Inis was launched in 1998 coinciding with the Lisbon World Expo and the UN year of the oceans. It reminds us that "we are all connected, by seas, by oceans, by dreams, through keeping the channels clear" - it definitely is a nice and slightly unusual message for a perfume in a "sea*" of perfumes that are at-times provocative.

I'm going to be honest and say that I really didn't care for Inis when I first sniffed it. Although, I do delve a little into "fumes", I mostly prefer scents that have more warmth to them or are brighter citruses. The marine scents aren't usually something I would buy for myself. Back when I worked at ULTA, I could give you a list of notes from the perfumes the store carried and I would typically ask customers, "what perfume do you like" or "what notes do you like" and walk over to a perfume and know that they would absolutely love it. I've since lost my touch a bit. I will say that although this is marketed as a unisex scent, I think it's a lot sweeter than a lot of the marine scents on the market that are either unisex or catered to men, and a lot stronger. When I first received my bottle, I sprayed my wrist and went to bed a few hours later. In the morning I could still smell it!

However, I will say it grew on me and I started reaching for Inis everyday. It's a great summer scent. It has major longevity and there is a sweetness to it that I quite enjoy. On first spritz I get the marine note, the citrus notes, a bit of sparkle and also a spiciness. A few seconds later, the marine note overwhelms and it smell much more masculine. However, after it melds into the skin, it develops a sweeter base and the musk and sandalwood really start to come out (with hints of citrus, light floral and the marine note). I was shocked to discover that this did not give me a migraine but also that if I'm feeling poorly, this isn't something to wear.
As I mentioned, this has major longevity and also is a whole lot stronger than the cologne name would lead you to think. This is not a perfume to liberally douse yourself in unless you want the entire office to smell like you! Nonetheless, I'm glad I was given the opportunity to try this. Too bad summer is almost over, my muskier vanilla scents don't really work well during hot weather.

Slightly unrelated. I liken this scent (though not in exact smell) to something like Elizabeth Arden's Green Tea which is fabulous in the spring and summer months.
I really enjoy the simple bottle with the etched letters. The perfume isn't tested on animals. It comes in 30ml, 50ml and 100ml sizes, the smallest being $35. Given the amount you need, I feel that's quite reasonable. I've been wearing it nonstop for a few weeks and I haven't made a dent.

After looking through their website a bit, I also found that 2ml samples of the brand's perfumes can be ordered through the website for a small fee that will be put towards a future purchase if you chose to order. This is quite smart given the brand is not carried most places although I believe you can buy it in some select boutiques (also I saw a listing on Amazon).


You can find all information on Inis and their full range of products on their website www.perfume.ie or www.fragrancesofireland.com.


Disclosure: This was sent for review.
* I clearly think I am very funny. Pun intended.