Katarina Light Blue

The Scent Profile

Katarina Light Blue opens with a blast of sugared blackcurrant. It's less the sophisticated cassis of the inspiration, and more like a slightly medicinal blackcurrant lozenge. The bergamot is fleeting, quickly overtaken by a synthetic green accord that veers towards freshly cut grass rather than nuanced foliage. The heart reveals jasmine sambac, but it's a shy, soapy version, overshadowed by a prominent, almost screechy lily-of-the-valley. The base is where the imitation falters significantly. While vanilla and tonka bean are present, they lack depth, and the sandalwood smells like cedarwood shavings from a hamster cage. There's a distinct plasticky accord that wasn't present in the original I tested.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

Katarina Light Blue is best suited for casual, daytime wear when you want a sweet, uncomplicated scent, but don't expect it to turn heads. It could function as a gym fragrance or a quick spritz after a shower. Due to the somewhat cloying sweetness, apply with a light hand to avoid becoming anosmic to it.

How Long Does it Last?

Longevity is moderate, clinging to the skin for about 4 hours. Projection is initially strong, projecting easily within arm's reach for the first hour before quickly settling into a skin scent. I wore it during a grocery shopping trip and found it overwhelming in the enclosed car but almost nonexistent by the time I reached the checkout line.