Nuxe Sun Delicious Fragrant Water: A 2016 Summer Classic Reviewed
Affordable tropical luxury that captures the spirit of the French Riviera in a bottle.
By James Whitmore, Fragrance News Reporter·
James covers releases, brand news, and industry shifts in fine fragrance. Former beauty desk editor; trained nose since 2014.
In the world of accessible luxury, few brands have managed to capture the essence of a sun-drenched holiday as effectively as Nuxe. Known primarily for their legendary Huile Prodigieuse, the French pharmacy giant expanded its olfactory footprint in 2016 with the release of Nuxe Sun Delicious Fragrant Water (Eau Délicieuse Parfumante). This release was designed to complement their sun care line, offering a scent that mirrors the experience of warm sand and tropical breezes.
Developed by perfumer Serge Majoullier, this fragrance is not a traditional Eau de Parfum or Eau de Toilette, but rather a 'Fragrant Water.' This distinction is crucial for consumers to understand, as it dictates the scent's behavior on the skin and its intended use case. It is a composition that leans heavily into the 'solar' fragrance category—a genre that has seen a massive surge in popularity over the last decade.
As a news reporter for Vivir.com, I have tracked the trajectory of Nuxe’s fragrance offerings closely. While many brands attempt to bottle the sun, Nuxe Sun Delicious Fragrant Water stands out for its specific balance of citrus freshness and lactonic creaminess, all while maintaining a price point that remains accessible to a wide demographic without sacrificing the 'luxury' feel of the brand.
3.9Overall
Longevity
2.0
Projection
1.0
Sillage
2.0
$34-$43
🌸Spring☀️Summer🍂Fall❄️Winter
Accords
Sweet15%
Floral15%
Creamy12%
Fruity10%
Fresh10%
Tropical10%
Lactonic8%
Musky5%
Powdery5%
Citrus5%
Coconut3%
Vanilla2%
Notes Pyramid
Top
Sweet OrangePetitgrainBergamotLemon
Heart
Tiare FlowerCoconut
Base
VanillaMusk
Scent Journey
1
Opening0-30 min
The fragrance opens with a bright, sparkling quartet of citrus. The sweet orange and bergamot provide an immediate uplifting sensation, while petitgrain adds a slightly green, woody nuance that prevents the opening from becoming too sugary.
2
Heart1-2 hrs
As the citrus dissipates within the first 30 minutes, the heart reveals a lush, tropical core. The Tiare flower—a hallmark of Tahitian beauty—takes center stage, supported by a smooth, creamy coconut note that feels more like sun lotion than a gourmand dessert.
3
Drydown4+ hrs
The final stage is a soft, skin-scent finish. The vanilla is non-cloying and light, blending with a clean white musk that extends the 'post-shower' freshness for a few hours.
Layer over Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse for enhanced longevity
Combine with a citrus-heavy cologne to boost the top notes
🏆 Final Verdict
Nuxe Sun Delicious Fragrant Water is a masterclass in evocative, budget-friendly perfumery. While its performance is fleeting, its ability to instantly transport the wearer to a tropical paradise makes it a staple for summer collections.