Arabian Sky

How it Smells

Arabian Sky opens with a blast of grapefruit and marine notes, similar to Invictus Aqua 2016. The mandarin is there, but it's a bit sharper, more synthetic-smelling compared to the original's smoother citrus. The heart mirrors the bay leaf and violet leaf accord, but the hedione feels a touch less refined. Drydown brings the ambergris, guaiac wood, and patchouli. It's a decent attempt, capturing about 92% of the Invictus Aqua vibe. The clone leans slightly woodier in the base, and the initial sharpness doesn't quite disappear, especially up close.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity is surprisingly decent. I get around 6 hours on my skin, with moderate projection for the first 2. It creates a nice scent bubble that others will notice. Don't expect beast mode, though. It performs like a typical aquatic fragrance in its price range. It nails the overall impression without completely capturing the original's nuances. This scratches the itch for a fresh, aquatic scent without breaking the bank. A great dumb reach for summer if you don't want to waste your expensive stuff.