Ambush by Dana, a fragrance launched in 1955, quickly became a beloved classic in the world of perfumes. The creation of this scent is attributed to Jean Carles, a renowned perfumer known for his exceptional skill and artistry. Carles, celebrated for his pioneering use of synthetic ingredients and his keen understanding of olfactory balance, brought a unique flair to Ambush. His expertise helped craft a fragrance that was not only innovative for its time but also enduring in its appeal.
Upon its release, Ambush captured the imagination of many with its distinctive blend of notes. It was characterized as a slightly woody oriental fragrance, infused with crisp, fruity undertones.
It was available in parfum and eau de cologne.
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Fragrance Composition:
- Top notes: aldehydes, lemon, peach, bergamot, sage, melon, basil, mandarin, chamomile, lime oil
- Heart notes: rose, lavender, plum, carnation, jasmine, angelica, iris, geranium, reseda, ylang ylang, orchid, heliotrope, clover
- Base notes: ambergris, cedar, vetiver, vanilla, oakmoss, Indian sandalwood, patchouli, tonka bean and musk
Scent Profile:
As I take in the fragrance of Ambush by Dana, the initial impression is a vibrant, refreshing burst of fruity and herbal notes. The top notes are a delightful concoction of aldehydes, lemon, and bergamot, creating a crisp, effervescent opening. The aldehydes provide a sparkling, almost soapy cleanliness that lifts the entire composition. Lemon and bergamot add a zesty, tangy brightness, while the subtle sweetness of peach introduces a juicy, succulent element. Sage and basil bring a green, aromatic twist, adding a fresh, slightly spicy herbal quality. The inclusion of melon adds a watery, cool sweetness, blending beautifully with the citrus. Mandarin brings a touch of sunny warmth, and chamomile contributes a soft, calming note, while the lime oil injects an extra zesty kick, invigorating the senses.
As the fragrance evolves, the heart notes reveal a rich floral bouquet with a complex interplay of scents. Rose, with its timeless, classic aroma, introduces a soft, romantic quality. Lavender, known for its calming properties, adds a soothing, herbal undertone, while plum contributes a subtle, fruity sweetness. The spicy, clove-like scent of carnation adds depth and warmth, contrasting beautifully with the cool, green note of angelica. Jasmine brings its heady, intoxicating floral scent, lending an exotic, luxurious feel. Iris provides a powdery, slightly earthy aspect, and geranium introduces a fresh, green floral note with a hint of mintiness. Reseda, also known as mignonette, adds a sweet, green floral touch, while ylang ylang offers a rich, creamy floral scent with hints of banana. Orchid contributes a delicate, exotic floral note, and heliotrope rounds out the heart with its sweet, almond-like aroma, adding a touch of gourmand warmth. Clover adds a subtle, earthy green note, enhancing the natural, fresh feel of the bouquet.
As the fragrance dries down, the base notes create a warm, sensual foundation. Ambergris imparts a sweet, marine-like quality, adding depth and longevity. Cedarwood introduces a dry, woody note, grounding the fragrance with its warm, resinous scent. Vetiver adds an earthy, slightly smoky touch, while vanilla contributes a soft, creamy sweetness, balancing the composition with a comforting warmth. Oakmoss brings a rich, mossy green note, evoking the scent of a damp forest floor. Indian sandalwood enhances the woodiness with its smooth, milky aroma, adding a luxurious, exotic dimension. Patchouli provides a deep, earthy, slightly spicy undertone, adding to the oriental feel of the fragrance. Tonka bean adds a sweet, nutty warmth, reminiscent of vanilla and almond, while musk wraps the entire composition in a soft, velvety embrace, leaving a lingering trail that is both alluring and comforting.
Ambush by Dana is a complex, multifaceted fragrance that transitions beautifully from its bright, fruity opening to a rich, floral heart, and finally settles into a warm, woody, and slightly oriental base. It captures the essence of youthfulness and romance, with a blend of fresh, soft, and warm notes that create a distinctive and memorable scent experience.
Fate of the Fragrance:
Ambush by Dana, originally a popular fragrance known for its distinctive blend of vibrant top notes and a warm, rich base, experienced a significant change in its availability and formulation over the years. The original version, cherished for its unique composition, was discontinued sometime in the 1970s. This discontinuation left many fans nostalgic for the iconic scent that had encapsulated a blend of crisp fruity notes, warm woody undertones, and a rich floral heart.
In 1997, recognizing the enduring appeal of Ambush, the fragrance was reformulated with modern ingredients, re-packaged, and re-launched. The aim was to capture the essence of the original while updating the formula to meet contemporary standards and preferences. This modern iteration sought to retain the core identity of Ambush, with its lively aldehydic opening, lush floral heart, and warm, sensual base. However, as often happens with reformulations, some nuances of the original scent were inevitably altered, leading to a slightly different olfactory experience. The re-launch brought the fragrance back into the market, allowing a new generation to discover its charms, while also catering to the nostalgia of longtime fans.
Despite the efforts to revitalize the brand and fragrance, the reformulated Ambush did not remain on the market indefinitely. Eventually, the fragrance was discontinued again, leaving it as a cherished memory for those who had loved both its original and modern versions. The discontinuation of Ambush marked the end of an era for a scent that had once been a hallmark of youth and romance, celebrated for its imaginative blend of light-hearted notes and warm, comforting base. The legacy of Ambush by Dana lives on in the memories of those who experienced its unique blend, and in the occasional vintage bottles that surface, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past.
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