Navy Black

Olfactory Experience

Navy Black opens with a bright, albeit slightly sharp, grapefruit and lemon accord. The mint is present, adding a cooling counterpoint. It echoes Bleu de Chanel's initial freshness, but lacks the refinement and natural citrus zest. The heart introduces a spicy ginger-nutmeg combination, coupled with a hint of jasmine. This is where the divergence becomes apparent. Navy Black's spices are less nuanced, more straightforward. The drydown leans heavily on a synthetic amber and sandalwood base, with a whisper of incense. Bleu de Chanel's creamy sandalwood and elegant incense are only vaguely represented here. I'd say it captures roughly 84% of the Bleu de Chanel DNA.

Bottom Line

Navy Black is a respectable budget alternative to Bleu de Chanel. Its synthetic edges are noticeable upon close inspection, but it delivers a similar, fresh-spicy-woody impression from a distance. Ideal for someone who enjoys the Bleu de Chanel profile but is unwilling to invest in the original. It's a worthy gym fragrance or everyday casual scent. But Navy Black offers a solid impression .

The Performance Stats

Longevity is moderate. I observed about 4-5 hours of noticeable projection before it becomes a skin scent. Projection is average for the first hour, radiating within arm's length. Not a performance beast, but acceptable . Reapplication is necessary for all-day wear.