Light Blue Eau Intense is awful – try these instead
You’ve been lied to about Light Blue Eau Intense. Whilst chronically overhyped by influencers, this Dolce & Gabbana release isn’t the powerhouse we’ve been led to believe. I first tried it in 2020 due to a tsunami of positive reviews. Back then, I was completely appalled by what I smelled. I thought there’s no way this could be one of the best summer colognes on the market. Revisiting it in 2024, I still feel the exact same way. Fortunately, there’s 3 alternatives that do a better job – for the same price. Let’s rip in.
Why is Light Blue Eau Intense so nasty?
In short, Light Blue Eau Intense is piercing, nauseating, and fresh to a fault. It features a screechy marine aspect that draws an uncanny association with Australian laundry detergents. The fragrance contains notes of grapefruit, mandarin, sea water, juniper, musk, and amberwood.
It opens with an astringent, headache-inducing citrus concoction. Likely a zesty amalgamation of the grapefruit and mandarin top notes. Unless you plan on pulling out the paracetamol, don’t keep your nose close for long.
Soon after comes sea water, emanating an extremely salty, aquatic odour. In parallel comes a juniper accord, aiming to give a crisp and bracing feel. Yet in reality it only adds to an already overwhelming sense of sharpness.
Lastly, the dry down phase rolls in. Admittedly, things get a little better here. Only remnants of the synthetic, sharp salty oceanic accord endure. Additionally, musk and amberwood coalesce into an airy, slightly sweet and woody aroma.
Don’t take just my word for it. Here’s a few other opinions:
I did this as a blind buy, I regret it. The marine note is overwhelming and headache inducing. Literally can just get table salt, put it in your hand with some water and rub it on your skin. Boom, you have light blue intense.
Fragrantica.com
Smells like rubbing sweat on my hand in the opening, dry down a little nicer but so overhyped
Fragrantica.com
However, I do have some good news. Although I discourage you from buying this, there’s 3 worthy alternatives that you should consider.
Option 1 – Acqua di Gio Profondo
Acqua di Gio Profondo is a aquatic fragrance by Giorgio Armani. It’s also far superior to Light Blue Eau Intense.
Profondo has a similar marine essence, thanks to a sea note that’s present throughout. However the devil, as they say, is in the detail.
This deep blue juice doesn’t possess the astringency of Light Blue. Instead, you’re greeted with mineral notes, and bracing herbaceous elements of rosemary and cypress. Furthermore, there’s lavender which infuses an aromatic facet.
This all equates to a cologne that smells more authentic and inviting, and unlikely to be mistaken as an overdose of your household laundry detergent.
Option 2 – Versace Pour Homme
Versace Pour Homme is another standout alternative. A house renowned for its affordability and impressive fragrance range boasts a solid competitor to Dolce & Gabbana.
Pour Homme has less of the sea and oceanic hues. Instead, it banks on citrusy and aromatic qualities winning you over. Opening with fresh bergamot and soapy clean neroli, with an interesting and uncommon floral touch of hyacinth coming through afterwards.
However, the best part of Pour Homme is the transformation when sprayed on skin. No linear soapy citruses from beginning to end here. Instead, cedarwood, tonka and musk come to the fore. They present a sweet, diffusive creaminess that lingers in the air.
Option 3 – Bentley for Men Silverlake
Lastly, we have my third option – Bentley for Men Silverlake. The least known and most underrated substitute for the awful Eau Intense.
The Bentley brand is much more recognised for deeper and darker colognes. Which may be why the underrated Silverlake gets limited love. Although I have no plans to gatekeep this juice.
Silverlake draws a ton of comparisons to the Acqua di Gio line. It opens with an uplifting, zesty burst of lemon and fresh, cooling, spicy mint. Then, some violet leaf and pepper come into play. These two provide a subtle ozonic and masculine duo.
Much like Versace, Silverlake changes as it dries. We see amberwood and fizzy musk working together, an addictive and airy ending. Ultimately contributing to a scent that has mountains more depth and character than Light Blue.
Evade Light Blue Eau Intense like your life depends on it
In conclusion, Light Blue Eau Intense should be avoided at all costs. I’m beyond baffled how this cologne attracts so much hype. From the harsh citruses to the salty sea water, Eau Intense screams sharp and laundry-like for most of the journey.
There’s no need to screw with this juice given all the superior, affordable alternatives out there.
I wouldn’t even embellish my fiercest foe with such smelly dog water.
