Summer Collection

How it Smells

Zara's Summer Collection attempts to bottle Light Blue Eau Intense, and gets surprisingly close. The opening is a blast of grapefruit, sharper than the original's lemon, and slightly more synthetic. That initial mandarin fizz is there, just not as refined. The heart brings that bracing sea water accord, with juniper adding a slightly piney edge. It's about 86% of the way to the D&G. The drydown reveals the gaps. Amberwood, not ambroxan, is the fixative. It’s still marine-y, but a touch generic and lacking the airy sophistication of the original's base.

The Verdict

Summer Collection is a solid warm-weather option. If you want a Light Blue Eau Intense experience on a shoestring budget, this delivers. It's not a perfect recreation, lacking some of the original's depth and longevity. But it's a no-brainer for casual wear. Grab this for errands, gym trips, or quick summer outings. It's a refreshingly good deal.

How Long Does it Last?

Don't expect miracles. This is a budget juice, after all. Projection is moderate for the first hour, creating a nice scent bubble. After that, it sits closer to the skin. Longevity is the biggest drawback. I get around 4 hours on skin, maybe 5 on clothes. Definitely needs reapplication if you want it to last the day.