Paris-Biarritz by Chanel

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Chanel’s Les Eaux de Chanel line is one that I’ve been testing out for a while now. I’ve become familiar with all of the scents and am now writing up my full reviews of each. Today’s entry is Paris-Biarritz. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is this one worth a try?

My Verdict

Paris-Biarritz is a cold, refreshing citrus fragrance that opens with juicy grapefruit, mandarin, and a noticeable lemon-like sharpness. A subtle aquatic quality gives the opening an almost icy ocean-air effect, while neroli adds a green and lightly spicy undertone.

Overall, Paris-Biarritz smells pleasant and works well as a casual spring or summer daytime fragrance.

Chanel Paris-Biarritz Overview

Notes include: grapefruit, mandarin, lily-of-the-valley, vetiver, musk, neroli, patchouli

Click here to try: Paris-Biarritz by Chanel

🌊 Paris-Biarritz by Chanel — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Fresh Citrus Floral Aquatic
Key Notes Grapefruit, Mandarin Orange, Neroli, Lily-of-the-Valley, Vetiver, Musk, Patchouli
Season Spring, Summer, Warm Weather
Occasion Casual Daytime Wear, Work, Around Town, Semi-Formal Events
Longevity Around 4–5 hours, even with some over-spraying
Sillage Moderate initially, then light and fairly close to the skin
Rating ★★★☆☆ 6.3 / 10
Quick Verdict A cold and refreshing citrus fragrance with grapefruit, mandarin, neroli, soft florals, and a subtle watery character. The juicy opening is the highlight, while the later soapy, green, and musky dry down is pleasant but fairly familiar. It is clean, versatile, and well suited to warm-weather daytime wear, but weak 4–5-hour longevity and Chanel pricing prevent it from being a must-have.

My Full Review

Paris-Biarritz begins with its citrus notes out in full force. According to Chanel, it is grapefruit and mandarin orange. But, I definitely pick up on a lemon note, pretty clearly. To me, it actually starts off the strongest.

The citrus is juicy, refreshing, but very cold. Almost like they threw in an iced accord. The composition does have a bit of an aquatic note in there. Almost oceanic, in how it comes across. Now, it isn’t super powerful, but I get it each time I spray this perfume.

Beyond all of that, the neroli not adds to the citrus, while also creating a green and spicy fresh undertone to Biarritz.

Once the juiciness of the citrus has faded, this becomes drier, greener, and more floral. Neroli and lily of the valley are the floral notes here. Paris-Biarritz becomes a balanced mix of those along with some ample vetiver, musk, and patchouli.

It’s a light soapy citrus with woody, green, and musky aromas exchanging places during the dry down. It’s something I’ve experienced with plenty of other scents, but the watery/sea vibe I get, does give it some distinction.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one is pretty moderate at first. Then, becoming lighter for the rest of the wear. Now, the citrus notes can initially come on strong, as it has that usual sharpness. That is short-lived.

For the rest of the wear, it is going to sit close to the skin, 2-3 feet away. Not a powerhouse, like most summertime citrus perfumes. I do wish that it had a little bit more strength behind it.

The longevity also isn’t very good. I can squeeze 4-5 hours out of Paris-Biarritz, with a bit of over-spraying. That’s about all it is going to provide. Not shocking for the type of perfume this is, but I’d expect more.

Seasonally, this is a warm day wear for spring and summertime. It is a unisex fragrance, that sort of starts off more masculine, and finishes more floral and feminine. It’s about the same impression as something like, Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford.

If you can wear that, this will be fine.

I would stick to daytime wear. Around town casually, maybe to work, or semi-formal events. It’s attractive and clean, but not anything that would be considered sexy.

Overall Impressions of Paris-Biarritz

Overall, do I like Paris-Biarritz? Yes, I do. It’s just my least favorite of the Les Eaux de Chanel line of perfumes. Go after another one of those on the list.

The aroma itself is nice.  I really like the citrus top, with its cold juiciness. The rest of the wear, it pretty standard issue. It smells like a bunch of other stuff, which is fine, but not at Chanel prices. Plus, there are better options than this from the brand.

The longevity here is only 5 hours at best, which doesn’t lend itself to wanting to acquire a full bottle. If that were beefed up, I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to it. Though, I can’t say that this one that I’d constantly be wanting to wear.

It’s nice, with how it smells. The performance is meh. Just not too much to get excited about with this one. Not terrible, just not a must have.

Spicebomb Infrared vs Night Vision EDP

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Viktor & Rolf have put out some newer Spicebomb flankers over the past year or so under the Infrared and Night Vision banners. As such, people are always comparing them or simply wondering what’s the difference between these colognes.

For this post, I’m going to compare Spicebomb Infrared to Night Vision EDP (it’s better than EDT), and declare a winner of which one is best.

Quick Overview

Spicebomb Infrared wins this comparison because its hot, sweet opening has more personality and stays closer to the original Spicebomb DNA.

The combination of cinnamon, red berries, habanero pepper, and tobacco is more engaging than Night Vision EDP’s cooler blend of lemon, fir, spice, and balsamic freshness.

Overall, Night Vision EDP is pleasant but never becomes especially memorable. Infrared has the more enjoyable scent, creates a better outdoor scent bubble, and is the easier choice in this head-to-head.

Category Spicebomb Infrared Spicebomb Night Vision EDP Winner
Opening Opens hot and sweet with cinnamon, red berries, habanero pepper, and tobacco. Spicy, distinctive, and reminiscent of the original Spicebomb. Starts cooler and fresher with lemon, red pepper, fir, sage, and balsamic woods. Pleasant and lightly sweet, but less immediately engaging. Infrared
Projection Reaches the upper end of moderate projection before gradually settling. It can create a strong scent bubble, especially outdoors. Starts strong and settles into moderate projection. It reaches slightly farther overall, though the difference is not dramatic. Night Vision EDP
Longevity Usually lasts around 6–7 hours, giving it average to slightly above-average wear time. Lasts around 7–8 hours, although the final two hours sit very close to the skin. Night Vision EDP
Versatility Best for fall, winter, casual wear, and nightlife. It also performs surprisingly well outdoors in mild warm weather. Also suited to fall, winter, casual situations, and nightlife. Neither fragrance is an ideal formal option. Push
Overall Scent A lively blend of berries, cinnamon, pepper, tobacco, and saffron that feels closer to the classic Spicebomb style. More memorable and enjoyable overall. A fresh, woodsy, and lightly sweet fragrance with fir, spice, powdery notes, and a balsamic finish. Good, but it never fully holds my attention. Infrared

Tale of the Tape: Spicebomb Night Vision vs Infrared

Night Vision Eau de Parfum

Notes include: black spices, sage, lemon essence, fir balsam 

Read my Full Review: Spicebomb Night Vision EDP

Night Vision Infrared

Notes include: red berries, tobacco, habanero, cinnamon, saffron

My Review: Infrared

Opening

Spicebomb much like it’s green bottle color suggests, does open up with a woodsy freshness and cooler profile. It’s got red pepper for spice, not as much sweetness as the EDT or Infrared, but also a lemon essence to separate it.

The fir and maybe some light benzoin give this a fresh and balsamic aroma, but when I move away from the skin, it can hang in the air as a fresh sweetness.

Infrared starts off hot and sweet. The cinnamon note pops, along with the red berry oil, and habenero pepper. I like that initial punch, very reminiscent of the original Spicebomb, but unique. The tobacco note from Extreme is also running around in this mix.

Which is better? It was fairly close at first. However, the more I tested Infrared, the more I gravitated toward it instead of Night Vision’s opening.

I love the spicy and sweet mix of notes. The cinnamon is a favorite spicy note of mine and the red berries is a nice touch.

Edge: Infrared

Projection

Night Vision is an eau de parfum with a higher fragrance concentration, while Infrared is an EDT. The sillage in the Night Vision is marginally better, but I don’t find there to be a huge difference.

Night Vision EDP starts off strong and settles into a moderate. While, Infrared probably reaches the upper limit of what could be considered moderate, and then settles.

Neither is a bomb, but both can reach that 4-6 foot radius mark without issue. Night Vision reaches a little further, on the whole.

Edge: Night Vision

Longevity

With Night Vision EDP, I get 7-8 hours of wear. Now, the last two hours or so, it’s very close to the skin. Still there, just not projecting very much at all.

Infrared seems to hit the 6-7 hour range, on my skin. Both of these are well within what could be called average to maybe slightly better than that.

Night Vision has the edge, but not by much even as an EDP.

Edge: Night Vision

Versatility

So, both of these fragrances are geared more towards autumn and winter. But, I’ve tested both of them in 75-80 degree Fahrenheit weather, with pretty high humidity and they held up well. I wouldn’t go much beyond that, but they’re pretty equal.

Actually, Infrared gets better when worn outdoors. It was actually what started me getting more into the cologne.

Neither of these is a formal wear. Can both be worn casually, more for younger guys, and can venture into the nightlife. Not really much difference.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Night Vision Eau de Parfum is a nice fragrance. It does have its moments during the wear, when I really enjoy it. When compared to Night Vision EDT, it absolutely is better (that’s my least favorite Spicebomb).

However, like its predecessor, it doesn’t run the table. The fir note is nice, giving it that woodsy feeling. The greenish freshness, the slight powdery and balsamic finish are good too. It just doesn’t completely hold my attention or wow me.

It’s fine, but not something I’m clamoring to own.

Spicebomb Infrared is my pick here. Since the original Spicebomb has lost much of its performance over the years, Infrared might be my second favorite now behind Extreme.

In fact, I might just pick up a full bottle of Infrared, since I don’t get enough cold days around here to justify owning another pure winter wear like Extreme.

I really love the opening act of the berries, habanero, and cinnamon. It reminds me of other ‘red hot’ style fragrances and it still has more of that original Spicebomb DNA when compared to the Night Vision scents.

It almost lost me during the dry down the first time I work it, as I was getting more tobacco and saffron with a sweet touch. But, when I wore it outside, Infrared created an awesome scent bubble around me.

The performance is okay and I hope they make a worthwhile EDP version of this cologne. As of now, I’ll happily take Infrared as is, and pretty easily in this head to head.

Winner: Spicebomb Infrared

Spicebomb vs. Spicebomb Extreme Comparison

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Spicebomb is a long-time favorite of fragrance fans. It always delivered a great experience and a nice masculine smell. As such, anytime a flanker is released, people will love to give it a go to see if Viktor & Rolf have improved upon the formula. Spicebomb Extreme is once such flanker cologne that the brand has released. How does it smell? Which is better? Which lasts longer?

Quick Overview

Spicebomb Extreme is the overall winner because it takes the original’s spicy character in a sweeter, richer direction while delivering much stronger performance. Its opening emphasizes tobacco, vanilla, lavender, and cinnamon, while the original Spicebomb is sharper and more spice-forward with cinnamon, pink pepper, saffron, citrus, leather, and tobacco.

The original still smells excellent and remains the more affordable option. However, newer bottles generally project at a moderate level and last around 6–7 hours, with the final portion of the wear sitting close to the skin.

Extreme projects more strongly and consistently, while longevity can reach roughly 10–13 hours. Both work best during fall and winter for casual wear or nights out, but Extreme wins for scent and performance when price is not the deciding factor.

Category Spicebomb Spicebomb Extreme Winner
Opening Opens with cinnamon, pink pepper, saffron, grapefruit, and bergamot. Tobacco and leather emerge shortly afterward, creating a sharper and more spice-driven scent. Starts sweeter with tobacco, vanilla, and lavender leading the way. Cinnamon and cumin provide spice, but the overall blend is warmer and smoother. Spicebomb Extreme
Projection Newer bottles generally have moderate projection. It remains noticeable and usable, but is not as powerful as older versions. Projects more strongly and maintains its presence for longer. It is not overwhelmingly loud, but its performance is consistently impressive. Spicebomb Extreme
Longevity Usually lasts around 6–7 hours, with the final one or two hours becoming mostly a skin scent. Can last around 10–13 hours depending on skin, weather, and wearing conditions. It easily outperforms the original. Spicebomb Extreme
Versatility Best suited to fall and winter, particularly for casual wear, dates, and nights out rather than formal occasions. Fills almost the same role, working best during colder weather for casual situations and evening wear. Push
Overall Scent An enjoyable blend of cinnamon, pepper, saffron, citrus, leather, and tobacco. It is the spicier option and offers better value at discounted prices. A richer tobacco-and-vanilla fragrance with cinnamon, lavender, cumin, and bourbon-like warmth. It smells slightly better overall and performs far more strongly. Spicebomb Extreme

Tale of the Tape: Spicebomb vs. Spicebomb Extreme

Spicebomb Extreme

Notes include: tobacco, cumin, cinnamon, saffron, vanilla, bourbon

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme Eau De Parfum Spray 50ml/1.7oz

Read my Full Review: Spicebomb Extreme

spicebomb extreme edp

Spicebomb

Notes include: cinnamon, saffron, bergamot, pink pepper, pimento berries, white leather, tobacco, grapefruit, vetiver

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3.04 Ounce

Read my review: Spicebomb EDT

Opening

Spicebomb starts out as the name implies, with its spices out in full force. However, there is also a light citrus blend up top of grapefruit and bergamot. It’s more noticeable after the initial spray, but it does stick around for a while.

The cinnamon is the leader, a bit of pink pepper, and some underlying saffron,. After a few minutes, you will start to pick up hints of the tobacco and leather.

Spicebomb Extreme actually starts out much sweeter. The tobacco is the main attraction here, with vanilla and lavender. The spice is there, but secondary, and led by the same cinnamon and the additional cumin.

Which do I like better between the two? It’s awfully close in my opinion. However, I think I like the sweet/spice blend of Extreme somewhat more than the spicier original. Both are really great, though, I’ll give the edge to the flanker.

Edge: Extreme

Projection

As I recall, older bottles of Spicebomb used to have pretty heavy sillage. You could spray and the projection was really good, though, short of being elite. Now, it’s more moderate. Though, I still get a nice wear from this latest batch. Any rumors of its full decline have been greatly exaggerated.

Spicebomb Extreme is the stronger and better projecting of the two. It also is more consistent in its power for a longer duration. Extreme also isn’t the elite of the elite, with its sillage, but it doesn’t disappoint.

Edge: Extreme

Longevity

This latest sample of Spicebomb will go for 6-7 hours on my skin. The last hour or two, it’s pretty much a skin scent. The performance isn’t bad, just not as good as it used to be. Still very usable.

Spicebomb Extreme can go anywhere from 10-13 hours, depending on the day, skin, and climate conditions. It really is an awesome performing scent, especially for a more mainstream designer cologne.

Extreme takes this one, easily.

Edge: Extreme

Versatility

Both scents do have plenty of similarities. Seasonally, I’d stick to the autumn and winter for both of them.

For either, I’d generally wear both casually or for a night out versus any sort of a formal event. I don’t really see much of a distinction between them, in terms of how versatile each is.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Despite how the categories have shaken out thus far, this is actually a tough call for me, as I really like each of these Viktor & Rolf fragrances.

The original Spicebomb is always an enjoyable wear. It has a lot of overlap with another favorite of mine, Man in Black, so it’s an easy one to love. Yes, newer bottles have lost a step, but it’s really not as dire in my experience, as some have said.

The longevity is still pretty good and it can project itself moderately well. It’s just not an absolute beast.

Spicebomb Extreme is a beast. The performance is among the best, in terms of how long it will last on my skin. It also develops differently, with a greater emphasis on tobacco and sweetness, versus just being a spicy monster.

In terms of smell, I might give a slight edge to Extreme. Though, it’s close.

Performance is an easy win for Extreme, also. So, it’s going to be the overall winner here. But, bottles of Spicebomb can be found for much cheaper, if that’s a big factor for you…go with Spicebomb. You could also try the cheaper inspired by version: Spice it Up Extreme

If the cost doesn’t matter, Spicebomb Extreme is the better bet.

Winner: Spicebomb Extreme

Libre Intense by YSL

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Libre Intense was released in 2020 by YSL, as a follow up to the immensely popular and powerful Libre EDP. I got a sample of this, along with the original to really test them out and see how each differs from one another. Here’s my direct comparison post. In this one, I am going to do a deeper review of Libre Intense. How does it smell? Perform? Is it worth a try?

My Verdict

YSL Libre Intense is a richer, creamier take on the original Libre, opening with bright bergamot, orange, orange blossom, and warm vanilla.

The lavender is still noticeable, but it plays a smaller role here, allowing orchid, jasmine, vanilla, and tonka bean to create a sweeter and more balanced floral profile.

The later ambergris and white-floral stage is not quite as appealing as the opening, but the overall scent remains deeper and more enjoyable than the original Libre.

It is not particularly unique, but its richer scent and massive performance make it one of the stronger Libre releases.

YSL Libre Intense Overview

Notes include: lavender, orange blossom, orchid, vanilla

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent for Women Libre 1.6 oz Eau de Parfum Intense Spray

🔥 Libre Intense by YSL — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Sweet Floral Amber Vanilla
Key Notes Lavender, Orange Blossom, Orchid, Jasmine, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, Ambergris
Season Fall, Winter, Early Spring, Cold Weather
Occasion Nightlife, Dates, Evening Wear, Social Events, Dressier Occasions
Longevity Easily reaches double-digit hours and can last more than 12 hours
Sillage Very strong — projects heavily and leaves a noticeable scent trail
Rating ★★★★☆ 8.1 / 10
Quick Verdict A richer and creamier version of Libre, blending orange blossom, orchid, lavender, vanilla, tonka bean, and bright citrus. It is sweeter and more balanced than the original, with less emphasis on soapy lavender. Massive projection and 12-plus-hour longevity make it an excellent cold-weather and evening fragrance, though its powerful performance requires a restrained application.

My Full Review

Before we get into my review of Libre Intense, let’s see how YSL describes it: The iconic structure of Libre, a tension the lavender from France and the orange blossom from Morocco, reinterpreted in a suave and sensual way. The intensity of a melting floral core, where orange blossom flower absolute & blazing orchid accord fuse. A fragrance like a shout of freedom, the freedom to live everything with excess.

Libre Intense starts out with a sweet aroma. I don’t find it to be sugary or candy-like, but the citrus top and vanilla do give it that bright, warm, and upbeat attractiveness. It’s actually a great deal like YSL’s L’Homme Parfum Intense, but more vanilla.

The opening gives you quite a bergamot and orange-laden aroma. Both the fruit and the orange blossom itself. Which is why it strikes so close to that men’s YSL scent.

The lavender note is going to be present in this Libre flanker, but less so than in the original. That one had more of that note and a greater muskiness. This one goes more with the vanilla note and a balanced floral foursome.

Here it is: lavender, orange blossom, jasmine, and orchid. Orange blossom is strong early on, but my nose gets more orchid during the dry down stages. Jasmine is present, but it does come on all that strong, on my skin.

The vanilla qualities will ramp up, as the initial bergamot and orange juiciness fades. You also get tonka bean here, so there will bee that creamy and powdery aroma versus the soapy lavender of the original.

The ambergris, white floral notes, and vanilla end this one. It actually feels much drier and the sweetness has gone down a whole lot, by the late stage of this wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, Libre Intense will leave its mark. This perfume is powerful, can project like crazy, and will never really be considered weak.

It’s not the absolute most powerful fragrance that I’ve come across or anything. But, for a designer scent, Intense is massive in comparison to most others…including the original.

The longevity here is also great. It will easily hit double digit hours, and went 12+ hours in my experience while testing it out.

So, performance isn’t an issue and not something you’d need to worry about. Except, maybe going overboard with the sprays.

Seasonally, Libre Intense is more of a cold weather fragrance. I’d stick to this from autumn through early spring. I wouldn’t venture into the summer months with this on, seems like it’d melt pretty quickly.

A cozy fragrance, but one that doesn’t completely shy away, more like a blanket that wraps you.

This one is probably better for adults rather than teens. It has a more mature vibe, not old-ladyish, but wouldn’t match with most younger girls or younger adults.

It is attractive, has a certain sexiness to it, and can absolutely venture into the nightlife.

Overall Impressions of Libre Intense

Overall, do I like Libre Intense? I do. It’s a good fragrance on the whole and I do enjoy it much more than the original.

Mainly, less lavender makes this one better. It’s sweeter, has more orchid and orange blossom versus Libre. This one is more balanced, while actually living up to the Intense name. Libre Le Parfum is another newer edition, that I think is even better.

I like that opening especially, as it reminds me of L’Homme Parfum Intense, which was great but had mediocre performance. Libre Intense does not, but does change into the dry down away from that YSL scent.

You can also try this ‘inspired by’ version from Dua: Intensely Liberated

The latter stages are closer to the original. But, the lavender still shares the stage with the other floral notes. Still, orchid and orange blossom, mainly. It’s creamier and just feels richer than the first one.

The floral and ambergris end, isn’t my favorite. However, I like the opening and middle enough, for it to be not too big of a deal.

This one lasts freaking forever, has a great ability to project, and can leave a scent trail in your wake. For a designer and not niche perfume, this YSL is a monster.

Nuit d’Issey Blue Astral by Issey Miyake

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Still working my way through a huge box of sample fragrances to do review on. Today, I have an offering from Japanese designer Issey Miyake: Nuit D’Issey Blue Astral. How does this one perform? What does it smell like? Is it even worth a purchase? Read my full take below.

My Verdict

Nuit d’Issey Blue Astral is a dry, fresh, and masculine fragrance that opens with lime, bergamot, coriander, and an underlying blend of woods and leather. The citrus never becomes overly bright, giving the scent a darker, slightly smoky character with a refined edge.

As it dries down, coriander, amber, ambroxan, leather, and woods become more prominent. The scent is fairly simple, but it feels distinctive enough to stand apart from the usual modern blue fragrances.

Overall, Blue Astral is a pleasant and inoffensive fragrance with a classy masculine presence.

🌌 Nuit d’Issey Blue Astral by Issey Miyake — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Fresh Spicy Woody Leather
Key Notes Lime, Bergamot, Coriander, Leather, Amber, Ambroxan, Woods
Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Occasion Casual Wear, Work, Dates, Summer Nights, Formal and Semi-Formal Events
Longevity Around 6–7 hours before fading away
Sillage Moderate for the first few hours, then becomes lighter and stays closer to the skin
Rating ★★★★☆ 7.4 / 10
Quick Verdict A dry and refined citrus-woody fragrance with lime, coriander, leather, amber, and a subtle smoky quality. It has moderate projection, reliable 6–7-hour longevity, and excellent year-round versatility. The scent is pleasant and somewhat distinctive, but it never becomes impressive enough to feel essential. Best considered as an affordable alternative for someone seeking a fresh, classy, and masculine everyday fragrance.

What does Bleu Astral Smell Like?

Notes include: leather, amber, coriander, lime, wood

Click here to try: Nuit D’issey Bleu Astral By Issey Miyake For Men Edt Spray Vial

My Full Wear Review

Man, I really didn’t like the original Nuit D’Issey, that Bleu Astral is based off of (maybe I’m in the minority opinion). It was a cologne that I truly found terrible to wear, and as such, I was really in no rush to try this flanker fragrance out.

However, I will say from the start that I like Bleu Astral much better than the original. So, my apprehensions were unfounded.

The opening gives me a fresh bergamot on top of a woody base sprinkled with some coriander. It’s actually quite a simple scent. It has a smoothness to it provided by the wood and the leather note which begins to emerge after a while.

It also has a sense of class and elegance, as the citrus note never gets too far out ahead of the rest of the composition. Definitely not a bright and sunny type of citrus, it has a darker depth and a hint of smokiness to it.

As it dries down, I tend to pick up more of the fresh and soft spiciness of the coriander, the warmth of the amber, and that familiar leather aroma. The bergamot takes more of a supporting role at this point. It’s all a rather dry affair.

The amber also isn’t a pure amber, more of the ever so often used, ambroxan. Here, it actually works well.  During the latter stages, it can have more of an earthiness to go along with that dry leather and wood.

Not sure what the name Bleu has to do with this, but, I think anything with ambroxan nowadays gets tossed into a blue bottle…seemingly, anyway. Still, this Issey Miyake comes off as being a pretty unique smell. Familiar, yes. Though, one that can for sure stand on its own.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it really doesn’t feel all that strong to me. I would say it’s more of a moderate, as you probably won’t choke out a room unless you go overboard, and it’s not a airy skin scent either. Just not a heavy monster of a fragrance, by any means.

3-6 feet from the skin, depending on which part of the wear you’re in. The opening is pretty good. Again, not powerful, but it brings a nice kick.

On my skin, I get about 6-7 hours of wear out of Bleu Astral before it begins to fade away. A few hours with that moderate sillage. Then, the rest of the time it becomes much lighter.

Testing a few more times, it seems that the 6-7 hour range, is all that this one is capable of.

What I like about this scent, is how versatile it is. Bleu Astral can seemingly be worn in any weather condition and even holds up in the heat of the summer. It can also be worn casually, out on a date, or formally. I wouldn’t call it sexy, this is more fresh and refined.

Nonetheless, it is going to offend anybody. Also, it doesn’t feel too youthful nor too out of date. So, a wide swath of the population can wear this, if they so chose.

Overall Impressions of Bleu Astral

Overall, do I like Bleu Astral? It’s decent. I find it to have a rather unique and inoffensive smell. Nuit d’Issey Bleu Astral has a classy masculine presence and an ability to be worn in many occasions. If you can get it at a fair price, it wouldn’t be a bad addition to a man’s collection.

I do like the opening with the lime note and the underlying wood and leather. Though, if I’m going to go with a citrus and wood blend, I’d probably just pick up a Bleu de Chanel bottle way before ever getting to Nuit d’Issey.

But, this can be an affordable replacement. In terms of style, not smelling like a total match of the Chanel.

It doesn’t wow me, however. I have the feeling that I won’t remember it in a few months, even when smelling it directly, it’s not super impressive…but it’s pretty good. I still like the original L’eau D’Issey the best from Issey Miyake’s line of fragrances.

It’s fresh and the leather and coriander is somewhat interesting in the dry down. I could wear this on summer nights and probably enjoy it somewhat. Blue Astral is not something I’m clamoring for, even while I have no real complaints about any aspect of it.