Bad Boy Cobalt isn’t hot garbage? Wow (Reviewed)
It finally happened. Carolina Herrera released a cologne that isn’t meteorically nasty! Bad Boy Cobalt was released in 2022 as another addition to the Bad Boy range of fragrances. This release took a different approach to those from before – leaning into aromatic notes, truffle, and a surprising plum note. I’m so relieved they deviated from the past synthetic messes. In particular, my mind is unable to escape the shameful release of the disgusting Bad Boy Extreme. Fortunately, I easily rank Cobalt above its siblings – let me tell you why.
Cobalt smells familiar…yet different
Bad Boy Cobalt is an energetic aromatic, woody, and fruity fragrance. It contains notes of pink pepper, lavender, plum, geranium, truffle, vetiver, and cedarwood.
On first spray you’ll notice the combination of pink pepper and lavender. The former smells like a rosy spicy punch to the senses whilst the latter provides its classic floral freshness.
Not an unusual opening for a modern men’s blue fragrance. However, the contrasts soon reveal themselves.
A plum note surfaces amongst the aforementioned accords. It smells juicy, lending a dark fruity sweetness to the aroma. This is a note that doesn’t pop up much in men’s colognes but is used prominently in the Bad Boy line.
Additionally, geranium appears in the mid phase. A masculine floral note that exudes a rosy, fresh hue.
The dry down is largely a mixture of truffle, vetiver, and cedar. The truffle infuses an addictive earthy tone whilst the other two smell woody and dry.
Although if you’re paying attention you’ll also catch some lasting whiffs of that sweet plum.
Overall, I’m enjoying the uplifting, sparky smell of Cobalt. Despite giving a warm review of the original Bad Boy, this new release is my red hot fave.
Also, it reminds me of another prized freshie of mine, YSL Y EDP Intense. However, I’d say Cobalt has a touch more uniqueness and charisma.
What do other reviewers say?
Here’s a few takes on Cobalt I agree with:
Pleasantly surprised with this one! The opening can be a bit abrasive, and as is it settles it will remind you of your “blue fragrances”. As it dries down though, it becomes more unique. Sweet and woody! Very enjoyable to my nose.
Fragrantica.com
This cologne is one of the better aromatic colognes on the market, with its lavender note being an underrated staple of the scent. This is certainly the best cologne from the Bad Boy line, and the only spring/summer focused scent.
Fragrantica.com
Nevertheless, there are some reviewers that consider this too sweet and obnoxious.
Loud, sweet and synthetic to the point of irritating your nostrils. This is the sort of fragrance specifically designed for young people who want to go clubbing. Yes it projects very well, and lasts very long, but at the expense of being aggressive and obnoxious.
Fragrantica.com
Don’t be deterred by the critical comments. I own Cobalt and it isn’t nearly as bothersome as snobs would have to believe. Not when you compare it to clubbing monsters like Versace Eros, anyway.
Get more information and buy now on Amazon >>>
Rating Cobalt’s performance and versatility
Cobalt rates well in both departments.
Firstly, the performance. After spraying, I catch strong whiffs in the air for the first 2-3 hours. Then, it tends to linger closer to skin for another 6 or so. Not bad for a fragrance on the fresher side. And certainly above other fresh designers in this price bracket.
I judge the versatility as solid too, with Cobalt applicable across many occasions. For example, social outings, catch-ups with friends, and general everyday wear. Additionally, wear this one year-round, except the dead of winter.
Final verdict – Bad Boy Cobalt is a welcome change
Cobalt has been a nice surprise.
It exploits the likeable modern blue fragrance template that we all know. However, it’s not afraid to inject its own attitude.
Sometimes, all I ask is for is the willingness to try something different. And Carolina Herrera has done that with a few interesting notes. Particularly, the plum and truffle that give this a juicy and earthy edge over its competitors.
At last, a Carolina Herrera cologne that isn’t a sickly mess. That’s progress.
Get more information and buy now on Amazon >>>
