Relic
Relic by Água de Cheiro is a charming oriental floral fragrance that features prominent notes of ylang-ylang, tuberose, and vanilla. Created for women, this 2018 release thrives in autumn and winter, offering a cozy, woody finish that lingers. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a sweet and sophisticated scent for evening wear.
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Performance Metrics
99 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Relic provides moderate performance, with longevity typically lasting between four to six hours. The sillage is controlled, radiating within an arm's length for the first two hours, which makes it well-suited for intimate social settings or dinner dates in cooler autumn and winter climates.
Notes Pyramid
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Relic offers a warm, oriental floral experience defined by creamy tuberose and ylang-ylang, underpinned by a deep, sweet foundation of vanilla and tonka bean. The initial citrus burst provides a bright, fleeting lift, while the base notes of driftwood and patchouli ground the scent, creating a soft, woody, and resinous texture on the skin.
Main Accords
10 MAPPEDThe dominant accords are sweet vanilla and white florals, which blend seamlessly to create a comforting, velvety feel. Over time, the floral sharpness softens, allowing the woody driftwood and warm spicy nuances of the tonka bean to take prominence, moving the scent from a floral-forward opening to a warm, balsamic dry down.
Community Data
164 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
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GENDER APPEAL
REVIEW SENTIMENT
When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in winter and fall. The vote picture leans most toward night.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
warm vanilla base is perfect for colder months
creamy floral heart is very approachable
excellent value for the price point
moderate projection makes it safe for dates
driftwood note adds a unique woody depth
easy to wear for daily evening occasions
appealing balance of sweet and woody accords
well-suited for autumn and winter climates
not overpowering for close-contact settings
reliable choice for fragrance beginners
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
longevity is limited to about five hours
citrus opening fades away too quickly
might feel too heavy for warm summer days
projection can be too subtle for large spaces
lacks the complexity of high-end niche scents
patchouli note might polarize some users
reapplication is needed for all-day wear
packaging is somewhat standard and uninspired
tuberose intensity can be hit or miss
not ideal for professional office environments
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“A Cozy Evening Companion: Exploring Relic by Água de Cheiro”
The opening of Relic is an immediate, bright statement. You are greeted by a sharp, crisp blend of mandarin orange and grapefruit, underscored by a light touch of orange blossom. It is energetic and clean, providing a pleasant, uplifting start that feels perfect for stepping out into the crisp air of a cooling autumn evening. The citrus does not linger for long, but it sets the stage for the depth that follows.
As the heart opens up, the fragrance settles into its floral core. Ylang-ylang and tuberose take center stage here, creating a creamy, dense texture that defines the fragrance. The mimosa adds a soft, almost honeyed touch that prevents the white florals from feeling too sharp or soapy. It is here that the fragrance feels most sophisticated, shifting from a bright opener to a rounded, velvety floral bouquet that hugs the skin.
The dry down is where the true character of Relic resides. Vanilla and tonka bean emerge, providing a sweet, gourmand lean that is balanced by the slightly salty, dry woodiness of driftwood and the earthy base of patchouli. This combination provides a long-lasting, warm finish that feels like a soft sweater on a cold day. The driftwood note is particularly interesting, adding a unique, natural layer that keeps the sweetness of the vanilla from becoming too synthetic.
Regarding performance, Relic sits firmly in the moderate category. On average, you can expect between four to six hours of wear. Projection is equally measured, extending just enough to be noticed by those in close proximity, making it ideal for dinners or intimate gatherings. It performs best in cooler weather, where the warmth of the tonka bean can really shine without becoming cloying under the weight of heat or humidity.
This fragrance is aimed at those who appreciate a blend of florals and sweetness. It is not trying to be a daring, niche challenge, but rather a reliable, pleasant signature for evening wear. It leans feminine, but anyone who enjoys a warm, vanilla-forward profile will find it easy to wear. It is particularly well-suited for someone who needs a go-to scent for cooler months that feels comfortable and inviting.
Overall, Relic is a solid, well-rounded fragrance that delivers exactly what it promises. While it may not be a groundbreaking piece of perfumery, its balance of sweet, woody, and floral notes is highly effective for its intended use. If you are looking for a reliable, warm scent that won't break the bank, this is a very strong contender that deserves a spot in your rotation.
FAQs
What is the primary scent profile of Relic?+
Relic is an oriental floral fragrance defined by a strong vanilla and sweet accord. The opening features bright mandarin orange and grapefruit, which quickly give way to a heart of tuberose and ylang-ylang. The base relies on tonka bean and patchouli, creating a warm, resinous foundation suitable for autumn evenings.
How does the scent change from opening to dry down?+
The opening is notably crisp, dominated by orange blossom and citrus notes that feel vibrant. As it settles, the fragrance shifts significantly, becoming creamier as the tuberose and mimosa emerge. By the dry down, the driftwood and vanilla become the dominant players, leaving a soft, powdery, and woody trail on the skin.
Is Relic suitable for daily office wear?+
While Relic has a pleasant floral character, its high concentration of sweet vanilla and tonka bean makes it quite noticeable. It might be better suited for casual outings or dinners rather than a strictly professional office setting, especially if you work in a small, enclosed space where projection could be distracting to others.
Which season does Relic perform best in?+
This fragrance excels in cooler temperatures. Fall and winter are the ideal seasons because the warm, woody, and sweet profile is cozy and enveloping. In high heat or humidity, the vanilla and patchouli notes might become too heavy or cloying, potentially losing the balance of the floral middle notes.
How many hours does it typically last on skin?+
Performance is generally moderate. Most users report that Relic lasts between four to six hours before becoming a skin scent. If you are planning an evening out or a long day, you might need to reapply after five hours to maintain the initial intensity of the citrus and white floral top notes.
Does Relic have strong projection?+
The projection is moderate, typically extending about an arm's length for the first two hours. It creates a noticeable scent bubble that is inviting but not overpowering. It is unlikely to fill an entire room, making it a safe choice for dates or social gatherings where you want to be smelled without dominating the environment.
Who is the target audience for this scent?+
Relic is marketed as a female fragrance, but its woody and patchouli base makes it versatile enough for anyone who enjoys sweet, oriental floral compositions. It is a good pick for those who prefer warm, comforting scents over sharp or purely green perfumes and appreciate the prominence of ylang-ylang in floral blends.
Can this fragrance be layered with others?+
Yes, you can layer Relic. Because it has a strong vanilla and tonka bean base, it pairs well with lighter citrus or spicy scents to add depth. Try applying a single spray of a crisp bergamot perfume first to lift the opening if you find the base too heavy during transitional weather.
Is Relic a good blind buy?+
If you generally enjoy sweet, oriental floral fragrances with vanilla, it is a relatively safe bet. However, the presence of tuberose can be polarizing for some. If you are unsure about tuberose or patchouli, it is definitely better to sample first rather than buying a full bottle blindly.
How does Relic compare to other floral perfumes?+
Relic differentiates itself through its heavy reliance on driftwood and vanilla, which gives it a more resinous, grounded feel compared to lighter, airy floral scents. It shares a similar sweet vibe with many modern designer gourmands but keeps a traditional floral structure at its heart, balancing sweetness with white floral depth.
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Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCORERelic shares a similar sweet, floral DNA with fragrances like Montblanc Femme Individuelle and certain vanilla-heavy designer scents. If you enjoy this type of profile, exploring other warm oriental florals like Jean Paul Gaultier Classique or YSL Black Opium may offer adjacent, albeit more expensive, alternatives.
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