perfume

Carolina Herrera CH Under The Sea Review: A Dive into Aquatic Bliss

Your no-nonsense guide to this limited edition summer scent.

By James Whitmore ·

Carolina Herrera''s CH line often evokes a sense of playful elegance and youthful exuberance. CH Under The Sea, launched in 2019, is a limited edition flanker that takes this theme into a vibrant, aquatic realm. Positioned as a fresh, summery scent, it aims to capture the exhilarating feeling of a day by the ocean. It''s part of the brand''s strategy to offer seasonal and collectible variations on its popular CH theme, appealing to a younger demographic and fragrance enthusiasts looking for something unique and thematic. Unlike the more classic and sophisticated offerings from the House of Herrera, the CH line, and particularly its flankers like Under The Sea, leans into a more casual, accessible, and trend-driven market. This fragrance specifically taps into the enduring popularity of aquatic and marine notes in perfumery, offering a familiar yet distinct interpretation.

The inspiration behind CH Under The Sea is clear: the boundless energy and refreshing beauty of the ocean. Imagine shimmering turquoise waters, the salty breeze, and the vibrant life beneath the waves. The fragrance aims to bottle this experience, making it wearable throughout the year, but especially suited for warmer climates and seasons. It''s designed to be uplifting, invigorating, and a touch whimsical. The packaging, often featuring marine-inspired motifs and colors, further emphasizes this concept, making it not just a scent but a visual and olfactory escape. This thematic approach is a common tactic in the fragrance industry, especially for limited editions, to create a narrative and an emotional connection with the consumer.

In the fragrance community, CH Under The Sea has been met with a generally positive reception, particularly from those who appreciate fresh, clean, and slightly sweet aquatic scents. It''s often praised for its pleasant and inoffensive nature, making it a safe choice for various settings. While it might not be considered a groundbreaking artistic masterpiece by niche perfume aficionados, its mass appeal and well-executed profile have secured it a loyal following. Its limited edition status also adds a layer of desirability for collectors. It successfully bridges the gap between mainstream appeal and a desire for something a little more special than an everyday staple, offering a taste of luxury without the often-intimidating complexity of high-end niche fragrances.

The reputation of CH Under The Sea is that of a reliable, crowd-pleasing summer scent. It’s the kind of fragrance you might wear on vacation, to a beach party, or simply when you want to feel a sense of lightness and refreshment. It’s not a scent that typically sparks intense debate; rather, it garners smiles and nods of approval for its straightforward, enjoyable character. Its accessible price point compared to some other designer releases also contributes to its positive standing among consumers looking for good value in a pleasant fragrance. It represents the accessible side of luxury, offering a thematic and enjoyable olfactory experience without demanding a significant financial commitment or deep understanding of perfumery.

The Nose Behind the Scent

AmΓ©lie Bourgeois, a French perfumer known for her modern and wearable creations for brands like Juliette Has A Gun and Maison Francis Kurkdjian.

4.1 Overall
Longevity
4.0
Projection
3.5
Sillage
3.3
$70 - $95 for 100ml EDT
🌸Springβ˜€οΈSummerπŸ‚Fall❄️Winter

Accords

Aquatic 40%
Fruity 30%
Floral 15%
Woody 10%
Musk 5%

Notes Pyramid

Top
Sea SaltGrapefruitMandarin Orange
Heart
Water LilyRoseJasmine
Base
White MuskCedarwoodAmberwood

Scent Journey

1
Opening 0-30 min

A bracing burst of sea salt, sharp and clean, immediately met by the zesty tang of grapefruit and juicy mandarin orange.

2
Heart 1-2 hrs

The aquatic notes soften, giving way to a delicate floral heart of watery lily, elegant rose, and soft jasmine.

3
Drydown 4+ hrs

A clean, musky base emerges with smooth white musk, dry cedarwood, and subtle amberwood warmth, leaving a comforting, skin-like trail.

Performance Dashboard

⏱️ Longevity 4.0/5

Lasts 6-8 hours on skin, solid for a fresh scent.

πŸ“’ Projection 3.5/5

Noticeable scent bubble for the first 2-3 hours, then settles closer.

πŸ’¨ Sillage 3.3/5

Moderate trail, subtle and pleasant rather than overwhelming.

When to Wear

🌸SpringBest
β˜€οΈSummerBest
πŸ‚FallAvoid
❄️WinterAvoid
πŸ“Œ Daytime Casual OutingsπŸ“Œ Beach VacationsπŸ“Œ Resort WearπŸ“Œ PicnicsπŸ“Œ Outdoor GatheringsπŸ“Œ BrunchπŸ“Œ Light Office Wear

Community Verdict

⭐ Overall
4.1
πŸ‘ƒ Scent
4.3
⏱️ Longevity
4.0
πŸ’¨ Sillage
3.3
πŸ’° Value
3.8
πŸ’Œ Compliment Factor 4.2/5

Consistently receives compliments for its pleasant, clean, and refreshing aroma.

Pros & Cons

  • βœ… Refreshing & Uplifting
  • βœ… Pleasant & Inoffensive
  • βœ… Good Longevity for a Freshie
  • βœ… Beautiful Packaging
  • βœ… Versatile for Daytime
  • ❌ Can Be Generic
  • ❌ Limited Edition Status
  • ❌ Performance Drops Indoors
  • ❌ Not Unique Enough for Some

Price & Value

$70 - $95 for 100ml EDT
Mid-range to Premium

“Good value for its category if you love fresh, aquatic scents and can find it at retail price.”

πŸ“œ Reformulation History

No widely documented significant reformulations or batch issues for this limited edition. Minor variations possible as with most fragrances.

Who It's For

βœ… Ideal For

  • Women 18-35
  • Youthful, optimistic personalities
  • Active lifestyles
  • Fans of fresh, clean, sweet scents

⚠️ Not Recommended For

  • Lovers of heavy orientals or gourmands
  • Those sensitive to aquatic notes
  • Formal evening events

The Family

CH Eau de Parfum Carolina Herrera

The original, often more gourmand.

CH L''Eau Carolina Herrera

A lighter, fresher interpretation.

CH PrivΓ©e Carolina Herrera

A more sensual, sophisticated take.

CH Garden Party Carolina Herrera

Another limited edition with floral/fruity notes.

Explore More

πŸ” Similar Fragrances

Acqua di Gioia Giorgio Armani

Shares fresh, aquatic, and floral notes.

Pour Femme Dylan Blue Versace

Modern aquatic with fruity and floral accords.

Light Blue Dolce & Gabbana

Classic Mediterranean freshness with citrus and woody notes.

Aqva Divina Bvlgari

Sophisticated aquatic with salt, bergamot, and magnolia.

πŸ’‘ Clone Alternatives

Voyage Nautica

Offers a fresh, aquatic vibe at a lower price point.

Cool Water (Women''s) Davidoff

Classic fresh aquatic with melon and florals.

❀️ You May Also Enjoy

Escada Moon Sparkle Escada

Playful, fruity, and aquatic summer scent.

L''Eau d''Issey Issey Miyake

Iconic minimalist aquatic floral.

Daisy Eau So Fresh Marc Jacobs

Bright, fruity, and floral freshness.

Un Jardin Sur La Lagune Hermès

Artistic aquatic and floral notes.

More from Carolina Herrera

Good Girl Carolina Herrera
Bad Boy Carolina Herrera
212 VIP Carolina Herrera
Herrera Confidential Carolina Herrera
CH Men Carolina Herrera

πŸ§ͺ Layering Ideas

πŸ† Final Verdict

Carolina Herrera CH Under The Sea is a delightful fragrance for anyone seeking a refreshing and uplifting scent experience. It masterfully captures the essence of a sun-drenched day by the ocean, blending invigorating aquatic notes with bright fruits and delicate florals. Its performance is commendable for a fresh fragrance, offering solid longevity and a pleasant projection that won''t overwhelm. While it may not be the most complex or groundbreaking scent on the market, its accessible charm, crowd-pleasing profile, and beautiful presentation make it a fantastic choice for spring and summer. It’s the perfect olfactory companion for vacations, casual outings, or simply when you want to inject a dose of joy and freshness into your day. If you appreciate clean, bright, and subtly sweet fragrances that evoke a sense of carefree bliss, CH Under The Sea is an easy recommendation. Its limited edition status adds a touch of exclusivity, making it a sought-after gem for those who discover its appeal.
carolina herrerach under the seadesigner fragrancewomen's perfumeaquatic perfumesummer fragrancelimited editionfresh scentfloral aquatic