First Instinct Blue

It's funny when I find a fragrance I like by blind testing it in a shop, it usually matches up to the notes I love the most. I found this yesterday while looking for free samples (Testers) in Bern again. Never experienced A&C frags before so I thought I'd give this one a go. And for me it was love at first whiff! Maybe it's because I'm not jaded by buying whatever was trendy over the years. I've stuck with my Azzaro PH and classic Lagerfeld for decades. But something in FIB caught my nose. Was it the frozen apple? Not sure. But something like the wintergreen essence of Root Beer, or what reminded me of Root Beer caught my attention and stayed with me all day long. It was extremely enjoyable but not sugary sweet the way many young men's frags are these days. I've read a lot about this one being a cheapy, or just not having any longevity. But here in Switz. we are not a huge consumer culture like it the U.S. So unless you buy it online the price is a steep 91 dollars in a shop. Though I found it online for half that price. And I am not sure about sillage since everyone is wearing masks these days. But the fragrance lasted on me for a good 8 hours. No Joke! I don't know if it's my skin type. But when I test a new frag I always shave and moisturize my face and neck. it makes a difference for me. I will be asking for this for Christmas and wearing it often for assorted occasions. It leans towards being a bit sporty and outdoorsy. But I think you could wear it for some formal occasions as well. It also seemed a bit linear on me over the whole day, but I enjoyed it immensely. This is definitely a "just for me" fragrance.

BODYWASH-DEEP/DARK BLUE/BLEU-LIGHTLY SWEET-AQUATIC (Aromatic) A&F First Instinct Blue is a great blue designer frag, smells very similar to Versace Dylan Blue; starts off with that blue bodywash shower gel accord but the fruits adds a tad bit of sweetness, then pepper+rosemary+cardamom adds dense fresh spiciness, the sandalwood, amber, and tonka bean aren't overly done (but are still detectable in the base, especially the more it dries) and rounds the fruit sweetness with a hint of warm creaminess; very well composed fragrance especially for the price and for a "blue/bleu" fragrance, mass appealing while not being just another 'run of the mill' generic blue frag, very versatile can be worn day &/or night spring summer fall (not on the level of Bleu de Chanel but i'd put it on the same level of Versace Dylan Blue). A&F got another 1, they just keep producing great smelling fragrances; Projection/Sillage' is GOOD, not super loud (can apply liberally) but it's aromatic and noticeable in the air, provides nice scent bubble radius 1-2 feet for 1-2 hours, then becomes more of in-close scent. . Performance/Longevity is GOOD, last about 6-7 hours, light enough that can be applied liberally to makes it last

Glad I got this, paid the extra $3 to get a 1.7oz over a 1.0oz bottle at Ross ($18 vs $15) Its projection is a bit weak, solution is to toss on a extra spray. Hence why I went with the larger bottle. Off the atomizer it doesnt even smell like ambercrombie, smells musky,spicy, woody and a tad of citrus AND chemy. Smells very unique. After spraying middle notes are similar of that of first instinct together minus the fruity smell/grape. Drying down smells aqua/blue/woody/slight powdery. Further drying down hour or so later smells like first instinct together minus all the extra fruity notes. Like this cause its not too strong where you constantly smell it on yourself but you'll get a whiff here and there. Im sure if your skin chemistry is right like mine itll fire up if you start to sweat or if your out in a spring/summer day moving around. I love blue scents and this is right up my alley. Wish I would've bought this at the other ross location first instead of hollister free wave, but this worked out for the better got a bigger bottle at this ross that the other location didn't have. Will report back with any updates after more use.

This was my first ever Fragrance. I love the smell of it. It is probably one of the best-smelling fragrances in my collection. It is also very versatile. However, the longevity and sillage is disappointing. I bring the bottle with me just because of it. If I can't smell it anymore, I would ask someone if they can. If they don't, then I respray. Fixed! I would rather have a better-smelling fragrance than a longer-lasting one. This is why I would prob give this an 8/10 overall. I might be biased since it is my first fragrance, but I think the smell is amazing. If the Longevity had been better, then I might have given this a 10/10. If you don't like the idea of respraying, then don't get it. Otherwise, this can be a signature fragrance worn casually and in the office. Love it!

Soapy and clean, a little spicy. Typical "shower gel" type of frag. Definitely shares a similar tone with Dylan Blue, MB Legend, and many other popular blue scents, but this one is still unique and easy to like. It's a warm weather scent that could really be used any time you want to smell clean, a perfect "gym bag" cologne. It smells "young" as in "vigorous" or "sporty" but not in a juvenile or immature way. I'm pretty sure this performs well, but it seems like I go nose blind to it every other time I wear it. If you have plenty of blue fragrances, you probably don't need this one. But if you're looking for one on the cheap, this one smells awesome, and you can get a tester for around $20.

At first spray I thought “not this again...” thinking that it resembled all other scents released in 2018... the sauvage effect. Or is it the invictus effect? Anyway - within 5 minutes I was digging it. I absolutely get the original out of this - it’s more of a buttoned up version of the original - dare I say...more adult-ish? Don’t get me wrong - this isn’t encre noir - but it’s not squidward juice either. For all the people who loved the first one - there’s simply no reason not to love this one. In fact - I strongly prefer this over the original. The melon note seems to be gone or lessened.I think Abercrombie does a nice job with their fragrances and this is no exception. 7/10

On my second day of smelling this, I noticed that it is very similar to Versace Dylan blue but in a lighter sense... It definitely carries a note of ambroxan mixed with the spices that smell very nice... I definitely noticed that it is very weak, but at the beginning you get some silage and my maximum duration was about 2 hours or 3.... That said, it is selling at discounted prices, obviously I think it's worth it if you can find it for twenty dollars.... If this had a force of eau de parfume, It may have been worth a second buy and abit more popular.., but it is very weak EDT.... I give the aroma itself the scent an 8.0/10 and the Strength/Longevity a 6.0/10......CIAO

I found this for a very good price at a TJ Maxx store. The first time I sprayed it on, 2 hours later it was still projecting around me and smelling really quite nice. I know that this is nothing new to the game, and doesn't have great performance, but it does perform just as well as much of my collection. It reminds me of Nautica Life (also a cheapie) and Coach for Men. A fresh fragrance with prominent note of apple and citrus. This will serve me just fine as a warm-weather dumb reach that will certainly lift my spirits.. it does have an energizing affect. If you can find it at a Ross or TJ Maxx or Marshalls.. go for it.

The opening is insane and almost worth the price of admission, there is something there that has this unique sparkle that just grabs you, electric, citrusy, juicy, peppery, a hint of sweetness. With that said the opening does not last, 15 minutes later it turns into familiar Dylan Blue profile or at least hints of it, not as strong or projective, its more so into generic blue territory, I do not pick up too much of original Fierce in this, its an ok casual cheapie scent for those who dont buy many bottles.

This fragrance here in my opinion smells so similar to YSL Y Eau De Parfum, ive seen both notes and they seem to share the same notes but with this one here being more spicy that YSL Y, to me i would definitely purchase again it smells really great and for the price i picked it up at my local ross for $19.99, but highly recommended it, only cons is it last between like 5 hours on my skin with 5 sprays. I give this fragrance a 8/10.

I was in dilemma whether I should buy this or not. Watched review on YouTube #Perfume Emotions. I immediately bought it. Yes, it is really a great scent. Perfect office wear. Has longevity issues, but at this price it's no brainer. Opening is citrus, dry down gives same feelings like Montblanc Legend. Sillage and projection is minimal , so it is less likely to get compliments. In conclusion, it's worth to buy, but not a blind buy.

Surprisingly solid freshy (scent wise). I really like the opening and dry down. I say it’s perfect for running quick errands, the gym and hell it’s even more perfect for a business/office setting. Just make sure to take the bottle with you or a decant if you’re planning on reapplying cause unfortunately it doesn’t last which makes me sad 3-4hrs max even with overspraying . But it smells niceee

You really cannot complain about this fragrance. I don't understand the hate on this one. Maybe because its a blue fragrance? Probably. Will you regret buying this when you like blue fragrances? Maybe. But probably not. 3 hours is pretty good for a gym frag. You'll be the best smelling dude at your local gym. Worth the $20 for the 3.4 oz. I recommend.

Ive had a chance to compare this to the original long discontinued Victoria's Secret Sexy For Him, and it does have many similarities for sure. First Instinct Blue does feel more modern and stronger "blue" vibe, Sexy For Him has a slight old school and cologne'y vibe. Still, this could be a good option for the relic replacement.

This is a compliment getter. Clean, fresh and crisp. It starts sweet & becomes spicy & woody. This reminds me of Versace Dylan Blue. If you want an affordable yet a quality blue fragrance then look no further. You will smell great and will get you compliments. 8/10

Was in dilemma buying a and F. But this turn out to be great. Purchased after watching review on Perfume Emotions. Really it is three in one Although performance is average, at this price point it is a great perfume.

Fierce with Dylan blue is what I get. Less water notes though. Very very nice stuff. No it doesn't perform long range but it's cheap so re spray and don't complain.

I LOVE this scent, let’s be very clear, yes, it smells like a black axe body wash, very fresh and clean. But there’s a complexity to it. I love it

Bought it for my 17 year old son. It reminds me of VPH Dylan Blue and YSL La Nuit De L'Homme combined. Really nice scent.

this stuff is good, like, REALLY good. can’t wait to use this this summer whilst in Florida. ciao