Giorgio Armani Parfums Acqua di Gioia Eau Fraîche

Giorgio Armani Parfums has introduced a new fragrance: Acqua di Gioia Eau Fraîche ($58-75). I received a press sample, and I love it! Like everything Armani touches, it's elegant and sophisticated. Now is the perfect time to investigate. During March, Giorgio Armani Parfums is donating $5 from every purchase of this new fragrance, as well as Acqua di Gioia, Acqua di Giò, and Acqua di Giò Essenza, to UNICEF's Tap Project to provide clean water to children who would live without it - if it weren't for this charitable movement.

An exclusive infusion of just-picked flowers offers a new experience of natural and radiant femininity. This fresh, refined, and tender interpretation of Acqua di Gioia can be described as precious, transparent, and delicate - much like Armani's top-of-the-line clothing. The top notes burst to reveal grapefruit, ylang-ylang, and cedarwood.  The middle notes develop to include mandarin, water jasmine, and a brown sugar accord.  Lastly, the base notes passionately envelop the skin to lay forth bright primofiore lemon, a whisper of jasmine accord, and a hint of soft musk.  The delicate balance and harmony of notes is both delicious and divine.

Acqua di Gioia Eau Fraîche is fresher and lighter than the original Acqua di Gioia fragrance that was introduced in 2010. Armani compares it to a delicate breeze, gentle shower of water, and soft green leaves. Compared to the original, the aquatic notes are more pronounced, and the florals subdued, yielding a floral fragrance that you will find refreshing, light (but with staying power), and perfect for the warm months. I'd call the sillage moderate. The bottle, with its shades of light green, is smooth and graceful in the hand.

Perhaps its due to Mr. Armani's home in Italy, but Acqua di Gioia Eau Fraîche tells me a story. I'm staying in a delightful seaside hotel. I've had a full day of shopping for treasures one can only find in Italy. In the late afternoon, I return to the hotel and sit by the sea with my companion, drinking prosecco and munching on crusty bread. The smell of the garden and the sea mingle to delight my senses, leaving me with a relaxing, fresh, scent of paradise. I have no cares and can enjoy the moment. Life doesn't get better. That's the scent of Acqua di Gioia Eau Fraîche.

You can find Acqua di Gioia Eau Fraîche at Giorgio Armani Beauty counters, boutiques, and, of course online at the Web site. Please remember that your purchase alone will support Armani's Acqua for Life program, in turn allowing UNICEF to provide one child with safe drinking water for 200 days. Giorgio Armani Parfums has donated over $1.3 million to support UNICEF's Tap Project. The children of the world deserve to enjoy the clean water we take for granted.

Photos courtesy of Giorgio Armani Parfums and colourbox.com