Aura

Olfactory Experience

Aura opens with a bracing grapefruit and marine accord, mimicking the Invictus Aqua 2016 blueprint closely. The mandarin is dialed back significantly, creating a slightly sharper initial blast. The heart maintains the crucial bay leaf and violet leaf combination, but the hedione seems less pronounced, resulting in a less airy and more grounded mid. The base attempts the salty ambergris effect. Here, the deviation is most apparent; the ambergris leans synthetic, lacking the nuanced depth of the original. Guaiac wood adds a smoky touch, contrasting the brighter top and heart. Overall, it captures roughly 88% of the Invictus Aqua 2016 DNA. The reduction in quality mostly comes from the base notes.

Conclusion

Aura is a solid budget option for those seeking the Invictus Aqua 2016 experience. It isn't a perfect recreation, the synthetic edge is definitely noticeable in the dry down, but it provides a similar fresh, aquatic profile. Worth considering if you want to wear the profile but cannot afford to wear your original everyday.

Performance Reality Check

Longevity is respectable for a fragrance of this type. Expect around 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is moderate for the first 1-2 hours, creating a noticeable scent bubble before settling closer to the skin. Considering the price point, the performance is more than adequate.