AD | Fragrance is a powerful thing. Certain scents take me back to my childhood in the 1970’s, when summer was 300 days long and I played outside all day with my friends and our bikes. Until my mother called us in for tea. OK, I’m exaggerating slightly, my mother was allergic to cooking, it was most probably my father who called us in. Anyway, my point is that our sense of smell is one of our most powerful senses. I may have been too young to wear the classic British perfumes, Aqua Manda and Aqua Citra*, first time around, but I was thrilled to review them recently and see what feelings they evoked for me.
Contents
- 1 Who Made Aqua Manda?
- 2 Aqua Manda Perfume Review – What Does Aqua Manda Smell Like?
- 3 Aqua Citra Perfume Review – What Does Aqua Citra Smell Like?
- 4 Would I Buy Aqua Manda Perfume and Aqua Citra Perfume?
- 5 Can You Still Buy Aqua Manda Perfume?
- 6 What Perfume Smells Like Aqua Manda?
- 6.1 4711 Original Eau de Cologne by Mäurer & Wirtz*
- 6.2 Roger & Gallet Jean Marie Farina Eau de Cologne*
- 6.3 Penhaligon’s Blenheim Bouquet*
- 6.4 Diptyque L’Eau Des Hesperides*
- 6.5 L’Occitane Verbena Eau de Toilette*
- 6.6 Molton Brown Orange & Bergamot Eau de Toilette*
- 6.7 Jo Malone Orange Blossom*
- 6.8 Hermès Eau d’Orange Verte*
- 6.9 Acqua Colonia Blood Orange & Basil Eau de Cologne*
Who Made Aqua Manda?
Aqua Manda is remembered by many as part of the backdrop to the late 60’s and early 70’s along with the music and the fashion. Both perfumes were sold in Boots and other department stores until they were discontinued in 1975.
Thanks to a massive online petition that started in 2008, this classic British brand was re-launched in November 2013. The original creator of the Aqua Manda perfume, Christopher Collins and the original oil suppliers have acted as advisors on the relaunch so the new fragrances are close as possible to the originals. At the time of writing this review (2019), both Aqua Manda* and Aqua Citra* were still available to buy online in select range of stores.
Before we delve into the details and scent notes for each fragrance, can we please take a moment to admire the beautiful retro-styled packaging and gorgeous vintage brown glass bottles? They look stunning on my dressing table. I’ve written previously about finding my signature scent, my beloved Origins Ginger Essence*, which is a tantalising citrus, bergamot and ginger blend. So how do the Aqua Manda fragrances compare?
Aqua Manda Perfume Review – What Does Aqua Manda Smell Like?
Top notes: citrus and floral – Mandarin, Lavender.
Middle notes: herby and spicy – Eucalyptus, Tarragon, Juniper Berry.
Base notes: oriental – Cinnamon, Ginger, Patchouli.
All the essential oils in the original perfume are ones I love, with the exception of that 1970’s classic, Patchouli, which used to make me sneeze. So I was a little nervous that it might be overwhelming. At first, I could only detect a powdery floral scent but, over time, the more herby middle notes came through. And after about 30 minutes I was definitely getting a warmer and sweeter drydown.
Somewhat to my surprise, the Patchouli element isn’t strong at all, so I found it easy to wear and very lovely to inhale. Unlike the Patchouli and Sandalwood fragrances I remember from my parents’ parties back in the day.
Incidentally, Alan likes this perfume too and Flora says it reminds her of marshmallows (she’s a strange child…) A 100ml of Aqua Manda perfume retails for £39.99 and the range includes some luxurious looking bath oil, soap, powder, and a handy purse spray as well.
Aqua Citra Perfume Review – What Does Aqua Citra Smell Like?
Top notes: citrus and spice – Bergamot, Lemon Verbena, Star Anise.
Middle notes: fresh and floral – Green Leaves, Damask Rose, Geranium, Peach.
Base notes: woody and musky – Balsam Fir, Cedar, Musk.
I love citrus and floral scents so I was certain Aqua Citra would be the one for me. The freshness of Bergamot and Lemon Verbena come through straight away and after a little while, so do the floral and fruity middle notes. The base notes take longer and definitely deliver that woody undertone to balance the overall bouquet.
Aqua Citra wasn’t what I was expecting, to be honest, and it’s a lovely, refreshing scent. The essential oils in this fragrance are ones that you usually find in motivating and stimulating blends, which is certainly true of this perfume.
Flora prefers this fragrance as (to her) it’s reminiscent of my favourite aunt, which is a compliment of the highest order. A 100ml of Aqua Citra perfume retails for £39.99 and the range includes some soap and another handy purse spray too.
Would I Buy Aqua Manda Perfume and Aqua Citra Perfume?
I cherish my Origins Ginger Essence so I was anticipating I’d like Aqua Citra and find Aqua Manda too oriental for me. Confounding all my expectations, I’ve discovered that although I love Aqua Citra, I absolutely adore Aqua Manda.
Both fragrances are light, fresh, feminine and easy to wear, day or night. Their aromas linger a long time too, you won’t need to reapply like some other well-known brands. If you’re looking for something a little different, or a perfume that isn’t worn by lots of other people, then either of these scents would be a wonderful choice. Perfect for a Valentine’s Day gift, Mother’s Day surprise, birthday present, or just a self-care treat for yourself.
I’ve had quite a few people ask me what fragrances I’m wearing recently, and have very much enjoyed being able to say they’re British classics. The 100ml bottles are going to last me a good while and I’m going to get a couple of those perfume travel containers from Amazon* so I can decant some to keep in my handbag too. Big thank you again to Aqua Manda for sending me these lovely fragrances to try, and for reminding me of some of the good times of my childhood!
Can You Still Buy Aqua Manda Perfume?
Sadly, no, you can’t. As of 2024 both the original Aqua Manda and Aqua Citra have been discontinued AGAIN,
What Perfume Smells Like Aqua Manda?
While not exactly the same, I’ve pulled together a list of Aqua Manda dupes that have similar olfactory profiles, capturing that vintage, citrusy, and spicy vibe:
4711 Original Eau de Cologne by Mäurer & Wirtz*
- Notes: Citrus (lemon, orange), neroli, bergamot, lavender, and rosemary.
- Why It’s Similar: Like Aqua Manda, it has a bright citrus opening with herbal undertones.
- Where to Buy: Available at major perfume retailers like FragranceX, Notino, and Amazon.
Roger & Gallet Jean Marie Farina Eau de Cologne*
- Notes: Lemon, bergamot, rosemary, myrtle, and cedar.
- Why It’s Similar: Shares the same fresh citrus and herbal elements as Aqua Manda, with a classic, vintage feel.
- Where to Buy: Available at Roger & Gallet’s website, Sephora, and Amazon.
Penhaligon’s Blenheim Bouquet*
- Notes: Lemon, lime, lavender, and pine.
- Why It’s Similar: The sharp, fresh citrus combined with herbal touches creates a similar atmosphere to Aqua Manda’s opening citrus-spice notes.
- Where to Buy: Available at Penhaligon’s boutiques, FragranceNet, Harrods, and Amazon.
Diptyque L’Eau Des Hesperides*
- Notes: Cinnamon, clove, geranium, and rose.
- Why It’s Similar: This fragrance carries a similar spicy warmth with floral undertones that echo the cinnamon-forward spiciness of Aqua Manda.
- Where to Buy: Available at Diptyque stores, Nordstrom, Selfridges, and Amazon.
L’Occitane Verbena Eau de Toilette*
- Notes: Verbena, lemon, and geranium.
- Why It’s Similar: Verbena’s fresh, lemony sharpness with a hint of warmth provides a lighter, more modern interpretation of Aqua Manda’s citrus profile.
- Where to Buy: Available at L’Occitane stores, L’Occitane website, Ulta, and Amazon.
Molton Brown Orange & Bergamot Eau de Toilette*
- Notes: Orange, neroli, and musk.
- Why It’s Similar: The vibrant orange and citrus notes resemble Aqua Manda’s sunny top, and the musky base adds warmth and depth.
- Where to Buy: Available at Molton Brown stores, Nordstrom, FragranceNet, and Amazon.
Jo Malone Orange Blossom*
- Notes: Clementine flower, white lilac, and orriswood.
- Why It’s Similar: Although more floral, it has a light, citrusy vibe that mirrors the bright mandarin aspect of Aqua Manda.
- Where to Buy: Available at Jo Malone boutiques, Sephora, Nordstrom, and Amazon.
Hermès Eau d’Orange Verte*
- Notes: Orange, lemon, mandarin, mint, and patchouli.
- Why It’s Similar: A citrus-centric fragrance with earthy patchouli in the base, much like Aqua Manda’s mandarin-patchouli heart.
- Where to Buy: Available at Hermès stores, Sephora, FragranceX, and Amazon.
Acqua Colonia Blood Orange & Basil Eau de Cologne*
- Notes: Blood orange, and basil.
- Why It’s Similar: A citrus fragrance with herbal undertones, like Aqua Manda’s fresh opening citrus-spice notes..
- Where to Buy: Available at Acqua Colonia website, and Amazon.
Hopefully, these fragrances will help you recapture the nostalgic essence of Aqua Manda with their similar citrusy, spicy, and floral profiles. Most are readily available online at fragrance retailers, department stores, through their respective brand websites, and of course on good old Amazon.
While I’ve done my best to find perfumes that closely resemble Aqua Manda, individual perceptions of scent can and do vary. So, I’d always recommend you try and sample fragrances before purchasing, to ensure they meet your personal preferences. And on that note, I wish you lots of happy sampling, and I hope you find something bring back some of those good times!
Do you have a favourite fragrance? And is there a particular scent that evokes happy memories for you?
* This post features gifted items and affiliate links (please see my Disclaimer), but all opinions are my own.
Wow, those bottles are so beautifully unique and eye catching! I especially love the bright and colourful yellow and orange packaging, it’s great that they have kept all the retro vibes but made it modern and fresh too. The story behind the brand is so interesting, it’s awesome that they re-launched again by the power of an online petition! Both perfumes sound wonderful, I think the Aqua Manda would be my fave as I do like sweet and floral scents, especially if it smells like marshmallows too 🙂 I’ve never heard of this brand before so thank you for introducing me to something new (and giving me some Mother’s Day gift inspiration too!) – fab post Lisa and gorgeous photos! <3 xx
They are, aren’t they? To be honest, I don’t remember Aqua Manda the first time around but I’m pretty sure my mother would have heard of them. And yes, the power of the internet is an amazing thing, whoever would have thought that a ’70’s classic owes its rebirth to social media! Thank you for reading, and for your lovely comment 🙂 xx
Lisa I’ve only just found this site and I have been desperately seeking for years a scent that closely resembles the original 1970’s Just Musk. I managed to find a few unopened original bottles on e- bay which sell for quite a lot of money so I know there must be plenty of women who were teenagers in the 70’s feel the same way I do. As soon as I smell it I’m 15 again! I’ve never been able to find another perfume I like so much. I wish they would bring it back!
Ah, thank you so much for your lovely words! Sine writing this review, I fear they’ve stopped making it again, which is such a shame as it clearly had lots of fans 🙁 Fingers crossed 🤞 for a change of heart!
I’ve never heard of these before, so this was really interesting to read! I love when the people of the internet join forces and make stuff happen. Also, the packaging of these is absolutely gorgeous – it would probably be enough to draw me in. From your descriptions, I think Aqua Manda would be my favourite, as I prefer sweeter scents.
The power of the internet is an awesome force 🙂 I loved trialling these perfumes so much, I’ve been alternating them and I’m wearing Aqua Manda today in fact. It is slightly sweeter but I don’t think it’s marshmallowy, haha! x
They remind me of the large bottles of cider I use to give certain relatives at Christmas; they sound lovely!
Haha, they certainly smell a lot nicer than cider 🙂 x
Great post Lisa! Those bottles look lovely. I agree, fragrance is a powerful thing. Some scents take me RIGHT back to a certain place or time. I have one particular perfume from Avon (which they don’t even stock anymore) which as soon as I smell it, reminds me of Disneyland Paris. Because it’s the perfume I took with me on my last two visits and it makes me really emotional when I smell it because I just want to go back to my happiest place on Earth! <3
Jenny
http://www.jennyinneverland.com
Ah, Jenny, that’s so lovely! I know how much Disney means to you so that’s wonderful that a fragrance can evoke such happy memories 🙂 thank you for your lovely comment xx
These bottles are gorgeous! I would definitely be drawn to them if I were to pass them in a shop. I’ve never heard of this brand before but they sound like they would smell heavenly. I love citrus scents, so I’m instantly intrigued by Aqua Citra. Thanks for sharing.
Britt | http://alternativelyspeaking.ca
They are so pretty 🙂 I hadn’t heard of the two perfumes before either but both fragrances are very familiar and very gorgeous! X
I love that they came back because of a petition, it’s amazing when that happens. I’m personally not that into citrus scents, I prefer woody and musky scents so I’m not sure if these ones would be for me. The bottles are beautiful, they’d look amazing sat on a dressing table. I’d love to know what in the Aqua Manda reminds Flora of marshmallows though!! x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Well, they are quite musky, but with floral and citrus overtones, if that makes any sense at all? (Probably not!). They do look beautiful on my dressing table, I’ve been alternating them and I’m wearing Aqua Citra today. Yes, I agree, I’d love to know about the marshmallows too, I can’t understand that at all! xx
These sound so good! I love citrus scents as well:)
I’m so delighted to have them, they are just gorgeous! 🙂
That set looks absolutely beautiful!?. Fragrances are such a powerful thing to bring back memories and take you to a past experience. It can sometimes be overwhelming. They look and sound gorgeous! Your photographs look beautiful xxx
Ah, thank you so much 🙂 They are both gorgeous, I feel very lucky not to have to choose because they both evoke happy memories! xxx
I’m always unsure of fragrance reviews because I feel like people just say “it smelt great!” or “this wasn’t for me” but this is great, I feel like Aqua Citra would be perfect for me, I envision it smelling like a lovely warm summer’s night somewhere abroad! I love that there was such a demand for these nostalgic fragrances, and kudos the brand for having Chris Collins & the original oil suppliers acting as advisors so they remain close to the originals.
Kate x
Yes, a warm summer’s night is exactly right! I’ve been alternating the two fragrances over the last month or so and I do find it hard to pick a favourite, although Aqua Manda does have the slight edge for me. I don’t know what the originals smelled like but, as you say, it’s great that the brand got all the original creators and suppliers on board 🙂 x
These bottles are so pretty. I’m not a big fragrance person, I get overwhelmed with the scents and want to wash it off immediately. I do enjoy seeing the bottle collections though.
Jennifer
They really are lovely – although very hard to photograph -but I was surprised by how much I love the fragrances 🙂
I’m old enough to remember the original Aqua Manda. It’s said that the sense of smell is closely linked with memory, probably more so than any of our other senses. I recently saw this in a chemist’s shop window, and hurried in to try it, for the sake of nostalgia. I was fully prepared to be rocketed back in time…
Sadly, it smelled nothing like the original. I’m not saying it was a poor fragrance, but I was waiting to be whisked back to the seventies and it didn’t happen. I’m not sure why they called it a faithful recreation of the original, because it honestly wasn’t.
Ah, that’s such a shame it didn’t live up to your expectations. I don’t know what the original scent was like but I’m loving the recreations, they certainly do remind me of my childhood 🙂
Hi Lisa,
I remember Aqua Manda very well. It was the signature fragrance of my teenage friends and I in the 70’s, along with Brut, which we girls wore too!
It’s a shame they didn’t recreate the chunky bottle and carved bottle top. That made it really special. I’m put off buying it because the bottle isn’t the same. Also, I’ve read reviews saying these fragrances are nothing like the original, but I’d have to smell them to decide.
Ah, well I don’t know what the original fragrance smelled like but I certainly loved these two. They did remind me of the 70s but not in an overpowering patchouli way, fortunately. Could you try a travel EDT perhaps? That might help you decide one way or another? 🙂
Sadly these are out of production again as the new firm making them went under.
I would love to see some of the other Goya scents put back into production.
Gardenia,No5 (my favourite),Heather,Love Affair to name but a few.
Ah no, that’s such a shame – I guess it’s a case of hunting them down on eBay and keeping fingers crossed. I did find some for sale on https://www.scentstore.com/aqua-manda-perfume-100ml-spray/ today but who knows how long they’ll be in stock 🙁
Oh how disappointing. My friends and I have been discussing perfumes of our youth.
I remembered the AquaManda bottle, but not the name initially! Decided to do some research.
Found the name and then delighted to see it had been reproduced. On researching to find out where the scent could be bought today, I discover that sadly, it is once again unavailable/ discontinued! Disappointing.
It’s very disappointing, I agree. We can only hope the company will bring it back again, so many people love it, it seems like a no-brainer. Fingers crossed!
Congratulations on your “Aqua Manda Gift Set” inspirational thanks for sharing. I Morine got Aqua Manda back in the good old day from Janet my classroom friend as a school leaving gift. An orange a day keeps the wrinkles away. Thanks Janet. Love You Loads
🧡💖💛.
That’s lovely to hear, what a wonderful memory!