ILYA PARFUMS
HEAVEN’S TIDE

2023

PERFUMER
Ilias Kakis

oceanic accord
citrus notes
Jasmine
Bergamot
White Musks
Gardenia
Cedarwood

‘Heaven’s Tide celebrates the symphony of pure white florals and aquatic notes. With refreshing citrus head notes and a complementary oceanic accord, this fragrance unfolds heart notes of delicate Jasmine and sacred Gardenia that gently drift upon serene tides. The base notes of Cedarwood and Musks create an angelic white mist with a shimmering light shining through.’ – Ilya Parfums

I’m notoriously bad with aquatic, marine or blue fragrances. In my entire collection, 40 Knots is the sole exception for being a real love. So kudos to Illias for being a risk taker and letting me test his aquatic creation.

Frankly, Heaven’s Tide is a fragrance that I shouldn’t like, but I do. I’ve had some great weather in the past two weeks, so I was able to test it under the right conditions and it was surprisingly nice to me.

Now, despite me not loving aquatics, it’s usually a mass appealing style. I say that because I’m not sure if Heaven’s Tide will be an easy love for everyone. This is aquatic, but I’d say it’s more of a green fragrance, than a blue fragrance. Neon green to be exact or maybe bright yellow and white come to mind before blue here.

Straight away it opens highly floral, with acidic and musky facets creating an almost buzzing, fizzy sensation. A bit later in the wear the florals turn into fresh linen and the scent of pure white detergent powder.

It ís also very watery, but not oceanic. To me Heaven’s Tide smells like a pool. Cold, fresh, chlorined pool water. The sort of unnatural water that I get from Amouage Reflection Man. Almost clinically clean, but with the overall scent profile constantly keeping a green hue.

Having avoided some aquatics over time, it’s hard to give a good reference. The one that came to mind instantly was Clive Christian Crab Apple Blossom; I’ve not smelled that in years, but it should give you a good idea of Heaven’s Tide’s vibe.

It’s still not going to be a favorite for me, on account of what it is. I had a chance to sample Ilya’s Black Velvet and that’s more up my alley. That being said, Heaven’s Tide is a strong performing freshie that is worth a look for those looking in that direction.