Carthusia is a brand of centuries-old fragrances formulated by monks from the local herbs and flowers on the island of Capri in Italy.
I discovered Carthusia at least 10 years ago at C.O. Bigelow. I used the testers in the store, and I bought the rich fragrance Ligea de Sirena, named for one of the three sirens who tried in vain to bewitch Ulysses. Ligea La Sirena is a sensual, passionate, and powdery fragrance that is formulated with so many of my favorite notes, including opoponax, benzoin, vanilla, patchouli, and more. I still love it.
Carthusia Shower Oil: A’mmare
A few weeks ago, I received a bottle of Carthusia A’mmare Shower Oil.
What’s In It?
The shower oil is formulated with two natural oils:
- jojoba oil: with strong emollient properties, jojoba oil revitalizes and soothes the skin, leaving it smooth and silky
- almond oil: with softening, nourishing and elasticizing properties, almond oil is suitable for treating irritated skin and skin imperfections.
Both of the oils are neutral oils, so they are perfect for adding fragrances to them.
What Are Its Benefits?
Carthusia A’mmare Shower Oil also contains antioxidants, Vitamins B and E, to fight skin aging due to environmental aggressors and pollution.
Applied after showering or bathing to damp skin, Carthusia A’mmare Shower Oil hydrates the skin and strengthens the skin’s barrier.
The description of the product on the C.O. Bigelow and another foreign website is a little unusual when it comes to a body oil. They describe the shower oil as a “cleanser” that should be rinsed off. Oils are cleansers but, frankly, I think they real benefit is in restoring hydration to skin. So, when I use, Carthusia A’mmare Shower Oil, I apply it after showering and I don’t wash it off!
It leaves my skin delightfully hydrated and soft. <3
What Is the A’mmare Fragrance?
Before I was sent the A’mmare Shower Oil, I thought it might be the same scent as the eau de parfum that I have. I forgot my EDP is Ligea de Sirena, not A’mmare. But I am enjoying A’mmare especially for the summer.
The key notes are:
Top: Bergamot, Salt Crystals, Rosemary
Middle: Water Accord, Mint Leaves
Base: Cedar Wood, Patchouli, Guaiac Wood, Musk
It’s a greener, more watery scent than I typically choose, but I like it. I think it’s perfect for summer. In fact, the inspiration was from the island of Capri: the blue water, the beaches, the fragrant gardens. “Mare” means sea in Italian, so I think the name, A’mmare, means “at the seaside” or something similar.
Here’s how Carthusia describes the A’mmare scent:
“The horizon is blue. Bergamot, sunny and bright, meets Rosemary, aromatic and occasionally pungent. Salt is on the skin, crystallized. A plunge is refreshing, leaving room for what is new. Mint Leaves, green tender smoothness. Hidden energy. Now the vision is fulfilled, the horizon complete. Cedarwood and Guaiac, a precious forest, protect Patchouli and Musk, incoming gifts from faraway lands. The magic of the tale is complete, all around.”
Lovely and summery!
Retail Info
Carthusia A’mmare Shower Oil, made in Italy, comes in a plastic flip top container with 6.7 fl. oz./200 ml. It’s sold at C.O. Bigelow Chemists and is priced at $60.
Ingredients: Alcohol Denat., Parfum (Fragrance), Aqua (Water), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Geraniol, Linalool, Citronellol, Citral, Eugenol, Benzyl Alcohol
This shower oil sounds positively delightful! I think that I would love this, and the scent sounds perfect for me this time of year. I have never tried anything Carthusia before, but I would really like to after reading your lovely review, Allison! <3
Lola Seicento recently posted…Revisiting Baylis & Harding Goodness Sea Kelp & Peppermint Body Wash
Carthusian is an Italian fragrance brand that is worth investigating! They have rollerballs with perfume oil, and I’m thinking of trying some of their other scents. Italy in a bottle!!
I have trusted jojoba oil for years. It’s really good! Even more in this combo, I bet.