Royal Sapphire Blue

Bottom Line

This fragrance screams for attention, but not in a refined way. It’s best suited for cooler evenings at a crowded club or a casual social gathering where subtlety isn't a priority. Definitely a nighttime fragrance and a young man's game.

Notes & Nuances

Royal Sapphire Blue erupts with a jarring, candied orange, reminiscent of overly sweet, mass-produced marmalade. A fleeting peppery tickle attempts to cut through the initial sugar rush, but it’s quickly subdued. The heart introduces a soapy geranium that clashes with a phantom rose, more like rose-scented dish soap than a blooming flower. The base descends into a predictable, slightly cloying vanilla-tonka accord, tinged with a plasticky sandalwood that lacks depth and warmth. It's a bolder, louder interpretation that misses the nuanced interplay of the original. The chinotto note is almost non-existent; instead, there's a generic citrus cleaner vibe.

Wear time & Sillage

The initial blast projects aggressively, filling a room within the first hour. It settles to about an arm's length for the next 3-4 hours, then fades into a skin scent that lingers for a total of 7-8 hours. I tested it during a brisk autumn walk; it cut through the cool air, but felt somewhat out of place in the natural surroundings.