Celestia Viola

Conclusion

Celestia Viola is a respectable attempt at Instant Crush. If you enjoy the DNA but find the original overpriced, this is a viable option. Just be aware of the somewhat synthetic opening and less complex drydown. A good choice for casual settings.

Scent Breakdown

Celestia Viola opens with a fairly convincing saffron, though a slightly sharp ginger adds a synthetic bite. The Sicilian mandarin is present, but less photorealistic than in Mancera's Instant Crush. The heart mirrors the original with amberwood, rose, and jasmine. The rose leans slightly powdery here, edging away from the original's jammy sweetness. The drydown is a blend of vanilla, sandalwood, and white musk. This is where Celestia Viola deviates most. The vanilla is less nuanced, more of a basic vanillin. It lacks the creamy depth of Instant Crush. Overall, it captures approximately 80% of the original's DNA. The amberwood in the mid is more prominent, giving it a slight woody edge that is less pronounced in the OG.

How Long Does it Last?

Initial projection is strong, filling a room easily for the first hour. After that, it settles closer to the skin. Longevity is decent; I get around 6-7 hours on skin, closer to 9 on clothes. It performs adequately but lacks the nuclear projection of the Mancera.