Steps123

When I heard about a summer flanker of my favorite scent, I had been on the lookout for that one summer fragrance for so long, and it was hyped like never before for an upcoming release.
After the first spray right after the arrival of my sample, this hype initially transformed into boundless joy, because I have rarely had such a beautiful scent under my nose.
The DNA of the OG comes through directly, albeit somehow diluted or perhaps a bit cooler, which might just be in my head due to the ice accord... In any case, it is exactly what I had hoped for with Sweet Heaven Ice and was immensely disappointed.
Then the most elegant citrus hits in, which I have ever smelled. It is so well balanced with the sweetness, not a trace of bathroom cleaner or what you often find, and it beautifully envelops this wonderful DNA.
Unfortunately, the dream is over after 2-3 hours, the scent becomes close to the skin and completely disappears after another 1-2 hours. On clothing, it lasts a bit longer as always, but only if you hold it to your nose.

Conclusion: One of the best scents I have ever had the pleasure of smelling, but the performance for the price segment is, in my opinion, inappropriate. Especially in 2025, where as a manufacturer you have to expect that some Arab fragrance house will release your creation in the next 6 months quite well for a tenth of your price, you simply have to shine with performance to justify your price.

My only hope is that perhaps the scent was released a bit hastily and in the next 6-12 months the dreaded M-word will show its effect ;-)

After this fragrance was hyped so much in the summer of 2024, it was clear to me that this would be my vacation scent for our trip to America. Already two months prior, I ordered a bottle at the increased price of $45 (normally more like $30-35), simply out of fear that the scent might be sold out everywhere again. So, it sat in its UPS box on a dresser for a good 60 days until we finally arrived. My first act after the long flight: unpacking the package, showering, and then spraying it on...

The scent is labeled online as a cross between Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum and "Invictus (Eau de Toilette) | Rabanne," and what can I say, that actually describes it quite well, although I personally find it a bit closer to BR 540. But let's start from the beginning.

Upon the first spray, it reminds me of very sweet apple shampoo. On the second sniff, the association with BR 540 immediately comes to mind; it has that special, synthetic sweetness. And yes, somewhere in the background, there's also that bubblegum vibe from Invictus.

The longer I wear it, the more this squeaky sweet synthetic note emerges, which could definitely be a Rabanne. And then, somehow, more and more of a shower gel vibe joins in, interesting! However, I initially search in vain for the much-described watermelon. Spoiler alert: After the fragrance sat open with me for a few months, this note does come out more and gives the whole thing a slightly fruity character.

Conclusion:
For me, who finds aquatic and shower gel scents rather boring, this fragrance has exactly what the others in this category lack, namely a certain portion of extravagance. So, if you're looking for a fresh scent for everyday wear or sports with a little something extra, I believe you'll find it here at a good price. It's also worth mentioning the longevity on clothing, as it lasts a solid 24 hours.