Man Blue by Jimmy Choo is a woody aromatic men’s fragrance created by Nathalie Lorson and launched in 2018.
This fragrance is officially the first one from the Jimmy Choo I have ever owned. Although I don’t particularly care about their perfumes, I tried it after getting it in a swap with another fellow fragrance enthusiast.
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Unlike a couple of years ago, when I sold or swapped perfumes for which I didn’t care about before writing a review, this time, I decided to give this one a chance and wear it for a month.
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JIMMY CHOO MAN BLUE ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
A NOTE FROM THE BRAND: “This woody aromatic leathery fragrance boasts top notes of clary sage to strike a balance between freshness and refined texture. The tonic transparency of bergamot brings a breath of fresh air and contrasts with the spicy warmth of black pepper. The intense texture of leather reveals itself in the heart of the fragrance, assuming an extreme masculinity enhanced by the urban elegance of grey amber and the vegetal woody facets of cypress.”
PERFUME INFO
- PERFUMER: Nathalie Lorson
- OIL CONCENTRATION: Eau de Toilette
- FRAGRANCE TYPE: Woody Aromatic
- RELEASE DATE: 2018
- TARGET AUDIENCE: Men
- MASCULINE/FEMININE: 80% – 20%
- DOMINANT NOTES: Lavender, Ambroxan, and Vanilla
- AGE GROUP: 18+
- SEASONS: Spring and Fall
- OCCASIONS: Night Outs and Leisure
- PERFORMANCE: 5 – 7 hours with moderate projection
- COMPLIMENTS: High
- LIKEABILITY: Moderate
- UNIQUENESS: 1/5
- PRESENTATION: 3/5
- VALUE FOR MONEY: 5/10
- PRICE: $$ ($72.00)
- ACCORDS: Aromatic, Woody, Spicy
- REVIEWED BATCH CODE: 05N41N263 – September 2023
- REFORMULATED: Yes
- HOLY GRAIL RATING: C
- SAMPLE/BUY/PASS: Pass
- TESTING PERIOD: 1 month
- PRODUCTION: Yes
- POSSIBILITY OF DISCONTINUATION: Low
PERFUME PRESENTATION
The fragrance comes in a sturdy, heavy‐glass bottle featuring a blue ombré effect that fades from deep azure at the top to translucent at the base.
The design evokes the “blue” theme and the upscale aesthetic for which Jimmy Choo is known. The bottle is topped with a metallic cap—silver with a touch of blue faux leather—adding a luxurious contrast.
It’s funny that most fragrances I don’t like come with superb sprayers, which is the same here. One of the best atomizers in the game. Without a question.
My bottle is the big 200ml one, meaning I didn’t get the classic, crocodile-like design box that Man Blue usually comes with. Instead, I got a weird, half-see-through plastic discovery set kind of box, for which it’s better not to talk about how poor it is.
NOTE BREAKDOWN
In this section of my Scent Grail review, I’ll dive into the note breakdown that plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of a fragrance.
Understanding how the top, heart, and base notes interact can provide valuable insight into the scent’s overall character.
Whether you’re considering adding a fragrance to your collection or are simply curious about how the notes unfold, this breakdown will help you appreciate the craftsmanship and both the positive and negative aspects of a particular fragrance.
PERFUME NOTES
- TOP NOTES: Lavender, Black Pepper, Clary Sage, Bergamot
- HEART NOTES Ambergris, Leather, Apple, Cypress, Pineapple
- BASE NOTES: Vanilla, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Patchouli
TOP NOTES
To be honest, I would never have guessed that this was Lorson’s work if she hadn’t been mentioned as the nose. And from everything I’ve tried from her, this has to be the most uninspiring work she’s done so far.
On initial application, the interplay of lavender and bergamot delivers a refreshing herbal-citrus burst. Black pepper adds a subtle piquancy, while clary sage contributes an aromatic, almost velvety texture.
It’s nice, all right, just not for me. I guess teenagers are going to enjoy it much more than us, a little bit older perfume aficionados.
HEART NOTES
After the initial brightness, ambroxan emerges, lending a marine sensuality. Cypress adds a green‐woody nuance. The overall atmosphere is pleasant and energetic.
This mid-phase feels well-balanced: neither too citrusy nor overly green, making it suitable for casual settings.
I have seen some people mention prominent leather accord during this phase, but for me, maybe it is, perhaps it isn’t. It’s a guessing game at this point.
BASE NOTES
As the scent evolves into its dry-down phase, a cosy and smooth base of vanilla and sandalwood emerges, establishing the essence of its enduring nature.
Vanilla unfolds with its signature sweet, cosy, and comforting aroma—primarily driven by vanillin—which also imparts subtle animalic and woody facets that help fix the fragrance on the skin.
This is the best phase of the composition when everything sits in its place, which is why younger generations love these kinds of sweeter fragrances.
PERFORMANCE & APPEAL
Man Blue typically lasts around seven hours on my skin before becoming a complete skin scent, with moderate projection (about 1–2 feet) in the first couple of hours.
If you’re a young professional, still in high school or college, or anyone who wants a clean, fresh scent, this one might be your choice.
Just because it’s not for me, it doesn’t mean everyone should ignore Man Blue. Someone younger 15 years than me could have a completely different opinion than me, which is okay.
I’ve received compliments from friends during weekend gatherings. Its mass-appeal profile—refreshing and sweet, yet not too loud—makes it a safe “compliment-getter.”
OCCASIONS & VALUE
This option is a go-to choice for spring and early fall. It stands out in bright daylight and comfortable temperatures, creating a fresh vibe perfect for outdoor lunches or commutes.
Regarding the uniqueness, oh boy. It isn’t particularly unique; it shares DNA with other “blue” fragrances and can feel generic compared to standouts like Dior Sauvage, which also no longer feels too unique.
However, its balanced performance, cool-looking bottle, and brand cachet justify its price point when purchased at a discount. At full retail, I recommend waiting for a sale.
PROS AND CONS
Each composition brings charm, complexities, and shortcomings to the diverse perfume landscape.
Exploring the pros and cons provides a comprehensive view, aiding fragrance enthusiasts in their quest for the perfect olfactory experience.
Understanding these nuances allows you to make a more well-informed choice, ensuring a tailored match for individual tastes.
Pros
- A great first fragrance for teenagers
- Respectable performance
- Compliment-getter
Cons
- Generic scent profile
- Retail price is steep
- You can find many better “blue” fragrances at the similar price point
COLLECTION & SIMILAR PERFUMES
Jimmy Choo Man line has been around since 2014 and includes six different perfumes in that collection.
The most famous is Man Ice, which is a good substitute for Dior Homme Cologne. Neither of them has gained massive popularity within the fragrance community, but they are usually known as good scents at an affordable price.
COLLECTION
SIMILAR PERFUMES AND ALTERNATIVES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
FINAL WORDS
Jimmy Choo Man Blue is a reliable, well-rounded Eau de Toilette that blends freshness, spice, and warmth in a polished package. The thing is, it’s neither unique nor for me.
These types of scents would have suited me in the mid-to-late 2000s when I was much younger. Even with this statement, I don’t think it pushes the perfume industry forward or does anything else besides being a versatile warm-weather fragrance for younger guys.
This is why it gets such a low score, and not because I prefer a different kind of perfumery. If you must, sample it first. Otherwise, you can sleep well if you decide not to check it out.
What do you think about this article covering Jimmy Choo Man Blue? Let’s start a conversation, and let me know in the comments section below.
If you are unsure whether to buy a fragrance, looking at Scent Grail’s S.P.A. Signature Factor Guide is always a good decision.
It is easy to use and the most relevant perfume-buying guide on the web. This way, you can determine whether a particular fragrance is worth checking out and potentially find your signature perfume.
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Until next time, stay humble, and keep smelling great!
Best, Marin!
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