FRAGRANCE | Gold Sugar EDT by Aquolina is sugar done right

After revisiting the odd but intriguing Black Sugar by Aquolina some months ago, I now turn my nose to one of its sisters, Gold Sugar. I'd say that both packaging and scent are as shining and shimmering as the fragrance's name. And as implied, it's definitely going to be sweet. 

Gold Sugar is an exuberant scent, marked by an orangey and creamy opening. This combination of something acidic and bright with something heavier and sweet almost always works. Think Majaïna Sin by The Different Company or Tom Ford Metallique, both of which feature a warm and sweet vanilla base contrasted by citrus and spice. Coconut is also evident in Gold Sugar but it's easily subdued by the oranges. It's still there, though, just pushed to the back. 

After several minutes, a sugary sweet cream appears, absorbing all of the citric oranges in its path. With the oranges practically neutralized, the coconut steps back into the light—but not for long, as it's also whipped into the cream, resulting in a delectable dessert-like aroma (crème brûlée, as listed). The scent later develops a mild sharpness, somehow just to keep the sweetness in check, so it never gets cloying. Hours later, amid the now-softened sweetness, I smell a whispering musk up close. It's subtle but nonetheless lovely.

Projection is generally moderate but the scent lasts fairly long. Despite the "sugar" in the name, Gold Sugar never gets to a point where I find it sickening. Though predominantly sweet, I find it balanced. Unlike most sweet scents that carry an inherent weight in them, this can be worn in almost any weather or occasion, as long as it's not really, really hot. Guys and girls alike can wear this with ease. All in all, this is a pretty good and affordable fragrance that's worth a try.