This weekend, I had the chance to open and try my travel bottle of Bergamote 22 by Le Labo, and here are my thoughts on this fresh scent. From the first spray, the fragrance opens with vibrant notes of bergamot and grapefruit, creating a fresh and tart profile that's perfect for a hot day. It’s the kind of invigorating scent that can really uplift your spirits. After about a minute, a sweet, green floral note emerges, beautifully complementing the citrus initial punch. Within five minutes, a subtle creamy wood aroma begins to weave itself into the mix, rounding out the scent. To me, this fragrance embodies the essence of a classic men’s cologne — bright, fresh, and consistent, with little transformation after that initial burst. In terms of performance, Bergamote 22 has a solid scent bubble for the first 30 minutes post-application, which is great for those looking to make an impression. However, around the three-hour mark, the scent begins to fade significantly, and by the four-hour point, it’s entirely gone, even from clothing. While this is somewhat disappointing, it’s somewhat expected from a fresh citrus-based fragrance. If you ask me whether I like Bergamote 22, the answer is a resounding yes. It’s a delightful aroma I’d happily wear on warm days. But here's the catch: is it worth the price tag? In my opinion, no. Given what Le Labo charges for their bottles, I struggle to see how it makes sense for most people to invest in a full-size bottle. Unless money is no object, feel free to overspray to maximize its presence. Nonetheless, it’s a refreshing scent that is definitely worth trying, especially for those who appreciate citrus fragrances.

What's the one fragrance in your collection that, while you love it, you also tend to reach past it more often than not. And when you do wear it, you kick yourself for not wearing it more. For me, it's probably Costa Azzurra.