Fugazzi Fragrance review

Fugazzi Santa Monica Review: A Refined White Floral Collaboration

Discover the breezy, citrus-forward co-creation between Fugazzi and Monica Geuze.

By Vivir ·
In 2022, the Dutch niche house Fugazzi expanded its portfolio with the release of Santa Monica, a fragrance developed in close collaboration with Dutch personality Monica Geuze. While Fugazzi has built a reputation on high-impact, often polarizing compositions like 'Parfum 1', Santa Monica represents a more restrained and airy direction for the brand. This release marks a strategic move toward the 'everyday luxury' segment, offering a profile that is both approachable for the mass market and sophisticated enough for the niche enthusiast. Santa Monica enters the market as a unisex Eau de Parfum, though its heavy reliance on white florals and citrus traditionally leans toward a more feminine-leaning profile. However, the inclusion of white tea and a grounded patchouli-tonka base ensures it remains versatile. As a news-led publication, Vivir.com has analyzed the data surrounding this release to determine if it lives up to the hype of its high-profile collaboration or if it simply floats by on the strength of its celebrity association.
Longevity
3.0
Projection
2.0
Sillage
2.0
N/A
SpringSummerFallWinter

Accords

Citrus 30%
White Floral 25%
Amber 15%
Sweet 10%
Vanilla 10%
Musky 5%
Aromatic 5%

Notes Pyramid

Top
Orange BlossomMandarin OrangeBergamot
Heart
White AmberNeroliWhite Tea
Base
Tonka BeanMuskPatchouli

Scent Journey

1
Opening 0-30 min

The fragrance opens with a bright, solar burst of citrus. The mandarin and bergamot provide a sharp, clean introduction, while the orange blossom immediately introduces a honeyed floral sweetness that defines the initial 30 minutes.

2
Heart 1-2 hrs

As the citrus settles, the heart reveals a sophisticated blend of neroli and white tea. The white amber adds a slight warmth and 'glow' to the composition, preventing the tea notes from becoming too herbal or dry.

3
Drydown 4+ hrs

After several hours, the fragrance rests on a base of creamy tonka bean and soft musk. The patchouli here is expertly restrained, providing a clean, earthy anchor rather than a dominant spicy character.

Performance Dashboard

Longevity 3.0/5

Moderate; typically lasts 5 to 7 hours on skin.

Projection 2.0/5

Intimate to moderate; sits very close to the skin after the first hour of wear.

Sillage 2.0/5

Moderate to soft; it creates a personal scent bubble rather than a room-filling trail.

When to Wear

SpringBest
SummerBest
FallOK
WinterAvoid
OfficeEveryday wearWarm-weather daytimeCasual outings

Pros & Cons

  • Highly versatile for daytime use
  • Sophisticated use of white tea and neroli
  • Non-offensive and office-safe
  • Performance is weaker than other Fugazzi offerings
  • May feel too simple for hardcore niche collectors
  • Sillage drops off quickly

Price & Value

N/A
Mid-tier niche

“A solid purchase for those who prioritize scent profile over raw power.”

Reformulation History

No significant batch variations reported since its 2022 release.

Who It's For

Ideal For

  • Fans of clean, white floral scents
  • Professional environments
  • Those seeking a 'skin-but-better' citrus profile

Not Recommended For

  • Lovers of heavy, dark ouds
  • Those seeking extreme projection
  • Winter-specific fragrance hunters

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Layering Ideas

Final Verdict

Fugazzi Santa Monica is a successful exercise in understated luxury. While it lacks the sheer horsepower of the brand's earlier releases, its refined blend of orange blossom and white tea makes it an essential consideration for warm-weather rotations.

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FugazziMonica GeuzeWhite FloralUnisexSummer FragranceNiche