Blue Rush
Avon (2005)

Avon Blue Rush for Him (2005) is probably the first proper aquatic fragrance from Avon that felt like something competitive in the aquatic field while also still retaining some of Avon's quirky charm. Previous attempts at legitimate aquatics dating back to Avon Seazone (1992) were either not proper aquatics at all (like in Seazone's case), or were some weird hybrid fougère/aquatic monster like with Avon Triumph (1995), almost unabashed clones like with Avon Coastline (2000), or were just something else entirely like Avon Individual Blue for Him (2003). You had Avon Peak Zone (2002), which is the first proper modern-ish aquatic from the house, but that one shared some of its citrus DNA with Avon RPM (2002) and had a lot of florals going on the heart, pushing weirdness just a bit too much. With Avon Blue Rush for Him, the house seemingly figured out just the right balance between typical Avon DIY-style kitch, and a bit conventional wisdom that makes the scent more comparable to designers. The usual feeling across most of the Avon their range, that their in-house compositions feel like they are made by student perfumers out to do something different on a shoestring budget, is seemingly absent here. You won't find any surprises odd note choices Blue Rush, and that's either a good thing, or something that may push you away if you're looking for a unique experience. Avon Blue Rush is pretty much just that: a fragrance that assaults the senses with it's ocean fresh energy, then washes out back with the tide.

The opening of Blue Rush is not altogether different from Peak Zone, except that it's missing the infusion of citrus, mint, and fruity notes, while instead shooting for something similar to Bvlgari Aqva (2005), which came out alongside it. By that, I mean you get some salty marine notes and an airy aldehyde to mix with your dihydromyrcenol and calone 1951 watery fruity melon blast, with just a light dusting of pepper. Basil and a bamboo note show up, which for me translates more into the cucumber of Kenneth Cole Reaction (2003), but minus some of the "wetness" of that cucumber note, being a little greener and more arid, particularly with a galbanum and vetiver touch. The base is synthetic woods and white musks, with Iso E Super anda bit of fuzzy cashmeran with a backbone of Avon's house amber. Blue Rush goes on appropriately "ocean fresh", and remains "blue" until the woody musky base anchor it down. This reminds me sort of like a framework for Versace Man Eau Fraîche (2006), that would eventually be amplified with higher-quality materials and a few sophisticated notes like neroli and less focus on fruit. As it is, Blue Rush feels both younger, cheaper, and more effete than the later Versace Man Eau Fraîche, or even DOlce & Gabbana Light Blue pour Homme (2007), something Avon rectified in it's continuing aquatic output through the 2000's. Wear time is 6 hours, and projection is light without over-spraying, so this is strictly a casual summer scent or something you'd douse yourself in when going to the beach. Like most light aquatics, I enjoy this one after a shower.

Avon would at least try to solve performance gripes with Blue Rush by taking (the relatively rare by comparison) Europe-only Avon Midnight (2008) and repackaging it as Avon Blue Rush Intense (2008) for the US market, although this wouldn't really seem like a proper intensified Blue Rush since it's actually an altogether different fragrance posing as a flanker. Driven by Derek Jeter (2006) or it's non-celebrity cousin Avon Interact (2006) would finally congeal all the ideas Avon had been playing with in previous aquatics like Blue Rush or Peak Zone, without any real standout flaws or sometimes hard-to-bear quirks, plus had enough performance to make it through a work day. Blue Rush was definitely a step in the right direction, and the only thing really hurting it besides the slightly juvenile design of the fruit-heavy composition is the lack of anything that really jumps out at you to make it memorable. Like I said in the beginning, Blue Rush is a perfect balance between Avon's usual quirks and a more "make no waves" kind of conventional mindset most other mainstream brands in Avon's price bracket implement. As it turns out, compromise isn't one of Avon's strong suits. In any case, this was plenty popular when launched and sadly commands a bit more money than other discontinued Avon men's fragrances from the period because it had fans. I enjoy the simple rush of no-frills "blue" aquatic freshness here, but because a bottle of Versace Man Eau Fraîche is actually cheaper per ml despite being a designer, it makes no sense to seek this unless you collect Avon. Thumbs up

It's somewhat similar to 212 on ice, but far less powerful. Sillage is very weak and so is longevity. It lasts only about 30 min on my skin.

Very, *very* fresh scent - remarkably similar to the Aqua notes of Lynx Atlantis, which I used to absolutely adore.Was gutted when Lynx Atlantis stopped production, and searched for something similar for ages - then discovered this, quite by mistake.Obviously hugely synthetic, but still superb value for money

Clean and fresh citrus scent good for summer.

I agree with previous posters. This is a good cheap alternative to a nice fresh summer scent. Reminds me of a less intense cool water and a little more summery, if that makes sense. Definitely recommend it.

I NEVER USUALLY BUY AVON BUT, I SMELLED THIS AND IT WAS AMAZING. I ORDERED IT AND IT IS SIMILIAR TO ISSAY MIYAKE. I SMELL IT ON MY HUSBAND AND I SWOON. VERY SUMMERY AND FRESH.