Blue Rush Intense for Him
Avon (2008)

Avon Blue Rush Intense (2008) is an unlikely flanker to the original Avon Blue Rush for Him (2005), which had gone on to become one of the more successful fresh fragrances in the 2000's Avon canon, in addition to being the most popular of aquatic offerings from the house outside of its celebrity-branded Driven by Derek Jeter (2006). Avon is no stranger to flankers but didn't typically do them for their US masculine launches outside the occasional musk variant or new addition to its classic ranges, which were tested in the Latin American market first, where demand for their products was outpacing the US for some time. That fact, combined with the "captive import" nature of Avon Blue Rush Intense make it so unlikely. You see, this is stuff is really Avon Midnight (2007) perfumed by Yann Vasnier and Stephen Nilsen of Givaudan for Avon Europe, relabeled as a Blue Rush flanker because of popularity. If you've already smelled Avon Midnight you can stop here, but if you aren't from Europe or just never got around to it, carry on.

The opening of Blue Rush Intense is similar to the original Avon Blue Rush in the way that it has a similar citrus, aldehyde, sea note, and white floral treatment, but is a lot rounder. While originally composed as Avon Midnight, it's clear that the composition here is cut from the same cloth as many were from Avon in those days, but the rounded spices of cardamom, ginger, and coriander add body beyond the usual Aquatic. The melange of woody-amber notes and vetiver in the heart move this further away from aquatic territory, reaching something closer to the post-aquatic "blue" genre that was only a few years around the corner. The base retains these woody ambers from the heart and is otherwise the usual laundry white musks, with benzoin and amber touches (but not "Avon amber") to make a smooth clean warmth. Wear time is about eight hours and although projection doesn't live up to the "intense" moniker, sillage is nice and persistent during the entire wear. Best use is casual or romantic evenings in spring through fall but Blue Rush Intense may be a bit cloying in summer humidity during the day.

The big buzzkill with Avon Blue Rush Intense, is that since it was a rebadged "captive import" of sorts and relegated to flanker status, it's a bit on the rare side these days since its production was even shorter than the usual short-lived Avon and it was rather popular in that small time available. What stock remains shouldn't be any more expensive than the original also-discontinued Avon Blue Rush, which isn't saying much as the OG seems to be over-valued in the aftermarket and not worth what sellers want considering discounted designer aquatics are cheaper, but the trouble with Blue Rush Intense is actually finding an unmolested bottle for sale. Assuming you're a collector of 2000's Avon and find one, Blue Rush Intense makes an interesting addition that inspires occasional use but isn't really all that special outside of its circumstances and "missing link" nature in the grand scheme of blue juice evolution. I like this stuff, although considering how many blue things Avon was adding to it line-up, I understand how this got so quickly lost. Thumbs up.

This has quickly become my favorite and most wearable aquatic. The opening combines freesia, melon, and kiwi and the notes do not change in the drydown. Longevity is wonderful on me and it can still be plainly detected at the end of my day. I also own and love Xeryus Rouge and this is better.

A fruity aquatic. Opens up with a grapefruit zing! and then dries down with velvety fruits like the reformulated Xeryus Rouge or Elements Aqua but fresher. Actually great for the price. Average sillage and longevity.