Maitre de Blue

To Buy or Not to Buy?

Look, this isn't Bleu de Chanel. But, Maitre de Blue is a solid option. It's a very good daily beater that captures the essence of the original without breaking the bank. If you're on a tight budget and want that BdC vibe, this is a worthy compromise. But if you want something “good enough,” especially for casual wear, grab this.

First Impressions & Dry Down

Maitre de Blue aims squarely at Bleu de Chanel EDP. The opening hits you with a similar grapefruit and lemon blast, but it's not quite as refined. There's a slightly sharper, almost cleaning-product edge for the first few minutes. The heart tries hard to replicate the ginger and nutmeg, but it lacks the smooth integration of the original. The drydown is where it gets closest, with the incense and sandalwood providing a familiar, if somewhat less complex, base. I'd say it achieves about 90% accuracy to BdC. The key difference lies in the quality of the ingredients; Maison Alhambra's version smells a touch synthetic.

Wear time & Sillage

Longevity is surprisingly decent. I get around 6-7 hours on my skin, which is respectable for a clone at this price. Projection is moderate for the first hour, then it settles closer to the skin. Don't expect it to fill a room, but it's noticeable in close encounters.