Infinite Wave

Is it Worth It?

Infinite Wave is a decent budget option for those seeking a light, citrus-aquatic fragrance profile. However, manage expectations. It’s a decent approximation of L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme, not a perfect replica. If you value nuanced, high-quality ingredients and a more complex experience, the original is worth the premium. But if you simply want a cheap and cheerful office-friendly scent, Zara's offering fits the bill.

Olfactory Experience

Zara's Infinite Wave opens with a prominent, albeit synthetic, citrus blast. The yuzu leans heavily into a candied lemon accord, somewhat masking the bergamot. It lacks the natural zest and photorealistic quality of L'Eau d'Issey's opening. The heart attempts the signature aquatic floral with blue lotus and lily-of-the-valley, but the blending feels rushed. The nutmeg is amped up, creating a slight spicy powderiness that isn't as pronounced in the original. The drydown features a clean, almost sterile musk alongside cedar, and a whisper of vetiver. It aims for the grounding effect of Issey Miyake, but falls short. Overall, it achieves roughly 84% similarity. The biggest difference is the absence of Issey Miyake's sophisticated refinement and smoother integration of notes.

The Performance Stats

Longevity is surprisingly moderate. I get about 4-5 hours on skin, with projection that extends to arm's length for the first hour before quickly settling closer to the body. It's not a beast mode fragrance. Reapplication is needed for all-day wear.