Radiant, Sophisticated, and Sure to Attract Praise—This Italian Perfume Is My Go-To for Summer

      Finding the "best" fragrance is a subjective and ongoing journey, but in my opinion, what distinguishes a good perfume from an exceptional one is its power to transport you with just one spray. Perhaps you wish to mentally escape to a French jazz club, an upscale ski lodge, or a romantic dinner with a handsome soccer star. The right scent can whisk you away with a perfect blend of notes that set the mood. All it takes is a bit of imagination—maybe a bit more for that last scenario. As the temperature rises, there's nothing I desire more than a fragrance that carries you to the shimmering Mediterranean. A vibrant, luxurious scent that isn’t overly tropical (apologies to all coconut-perfume fans!) is what I seek this season, and trust me: Nothing fulfills that need quite like Bulgari's latest creation, Eau Parfumée Thé Impérial. If you want to smell as though you’ve just basked in the sun along the Italian Riviera, I encourage you to read on.

      BULGARI

      Eau Parfumée Thé Impérial Eau de Toilette

      Notes: Lemon, mandarin, bergamot, Sri Lankan black tea

      What Does Bulgari Eau Parfumée Thé Impérial Smell Like?

      Thé Impérial starts with the bright notes of lemon, mandarin, and bergamot, and you certainly get a strong burst of citrus right from the first spray. Normally, I'm not a huge fan of citrus fragrances (if I choose something fruity, I prefer a juicy peach or strawberry), but this blend lacks the sharp bite typical of many lemon-based scents. It’s zesty and sparkling, definitely, but it matures into something refreshingly elegant due to the earthy, woody nuances of Sri Lankan black tea. This unique combination creates what I now consider a "citrus musk," which has officially become my new favorite fragrance category. Picture wandering through a sunlit lemon orchard in Tuscany, enveloped in a warm, intoxicating citrus mist—that, my friends, perfectly captures Thé Impérial.

      You might not immediately associate citrus and tea as an ideal scent pairing, but both carry their own representation of luxury. In ancient Rome, citrus was a rare and costly item reserved for imperial banquets, while in China, tea symbolizes wisdom, refinement, and respect in social customs. Thé Impérial merges these two legacies, resulting in a harmonious blend of freshness and sophistication. Many citrus perfumes tend to lean playful and light, yet this particular fragrance, while certainly vibrant, also boasts an opulent dry-down due to the grounding tea extract. I dare say it’s one of the most refined citrus fragrances I have ever experienced.

      Given that citrus and tea have historical ties to hospitality, it’s no wonder that Thé Impérial was originally created as a signature scent for Bulgari Hotels, which are located in cities such as Paris, Milan, Rome, Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing, Dubai, Bali, and London, with additional locations being developed. What began as a special treat for globe-trotters has now become a signature scent that you can carry with you anywhere—just one whiff, and you’ll feel like you’re heading off on a luxurious summer getaway. If you adore fragrances that make you feel like a wealthy woman in a sophisticated hotel lobby, you’ll cherish this unexpected citrus-musk blend.

      How Long-Lasting Is Bulgari Eau Parfumée Thé Impérial?

      Thé Impérial is labeled as an eau de toilette, meaning it contains a lower concentration of fragrance oils compared to eau de parfums and extraits. Nevertheless, I can confidently say that it’s one of the longest-lasting eau de toilettes I own. In fact, I tend to prefer its scent after it has settled, as that’s when the musky black tea essence truly comes to life. Don’t get me wrong: you can still catch subtle hints of that lively lemon, mandarin, and bergamot opening, but as it develops on your skin, it shifts into a sunlit essence that is simply captivating. Most of the compliments I've received while wearing Thé Impérial (notably, "You smell like a late afternoon on the Amalfi Coast") have come a few hours after application, which speaks volumes about its noteworthy allure.

      Is Bulgari Eau Parfumée Thé Impérial Worth It?

      Take it from someone who typically doesn’t favor citrus fragrances: Bulgari's Thé Impérial is heavenly. While I usually gravitate toward amber and vanilla-infused scents, I can’t help but fall in love with this bright citrus-musk concoction. Bulgari perfumes radiate sophistication, so it’s no surprise that the brand managed to elevate citrus—which often has a reputation for being unstable—into one of the most refined notes around. I highly recommend picking it up before your next sunny vacation (or whenever you want to be mentally whisked away to one). I personally have trips to Italy