Isola Blu

Roja’s Isola Blu is my latest acquisition, and I must admit that I primarily purchased it for its exquisite bottle, which I wanted to add to my collection. However, I also desired to own the fragrance in its entirety before writing a review, so I made the decision to purchase a full bottle. Online, I discovered that Isola Blu is a rerelease of Oligarch Parfum, a fragrance I had previously owned before its discontinuation. In my opinion, Oligarch Parfum was a derivative of Terre D’Hérmes, which did not particularly surprise me given Roja’s penchant of replicating popular designer releases. Isola Blu is a very positive and uplifting scent. It emits a persistent wafts throughout the day, which is particularly noteworthy considering it’s a freshie. However, the scent profile lacks originality. After finishing Oligarch Parfum, I purchased a bottle of Terre D’Hérmes and there was not a huge difference in terms of scent profile, so I never looked back. Terre D’Hérmes does not possess the same feel-good wafts as Isola Blu, but its overall scent profile is remarkably similar. Now that I own a bottle of Isola Blu, I am in a position to compare both fragrances side by side. Here are my observations: Initially, Roja’s Isola Blu is heavily citrus-oriented, and it offers a more fruity aroma consisting of mostly bergamot and a juicy lemon/lime rather than the “dirty orange” often associated with Terre D’Hérmes. Personally, I prefer the professional and more mature scent of Terre D’Hérmes over Isola Blu, which I perceive as more casual. As it dries down, Isola Blu undergoes a significant transformation, becoming more floral, while Terre D’Hérmes develops a more earthy character. The ambergris in Isola Blu provides a distinctive boost, resulting in persistent confidence-lifting wafts throughout the day I mentioned earlier, and Terre D’Hérmes lacks this aspect in its composition. This Roja fragrance, like any other in the line, presents a comprehensive list of notes. However, upon analysis, it becomes evident that a significant portion of these notes are merely embellishments. Notably, there are no distinct oakmoss, tonka, birch, leather, or Orris notes. This fragrance essentially follows a floral and citrus-heavy approach to the TdH DNA, which was originally characterized by its earthy and vetiver-focused scent. In the tradition of Roja, it appears to be a derivative of another popular designer fragrance. My bottle bears the batch number 44724/L8291. The performance of this fragrance is commendable for a freshie, lasting approximately 7-8 hours with moderate projection, the projection remains consistent throughout its lifespan, which I find highly desirable. In comparison, TdH and its flankers exhibit significantly inferior projection. I would unequivocally prefer this fragrance over TdH in terms of projection. However, the scent profile is where I believe it falls short. Despite its premium price, which is double that of TdH, I still find TdH to possess a superior overall scent profile. The quality of the fragrance is exceptional, with a smooth texture. Nevertheless, I am unable to discern any discernible difference in quality beyond TdH. This fragrance can be classified as a high-end designer freshie rather than a niche fragrance, and even TdH itself smells to be more niche in nature. In light of these considerations, I must unequivocally state that this fragrance is not worth the asking price. It is, in fact, one of the most overpriced and overrated perfumes I have ever owned, based solely on its scent, originality, and the price being charged. I purchased it solely because I can afford it and wanted to treat myself to a beautiful bottle. Additionally, I wanted to write an objective review based on a full bottle to dispel any misconceptions that I may be criticizing it due to not being in a financial position to own a bottle. The bottle itself is a work of art and is undoubtedly the most beautiful bottle I have ever owned. If you appreciate beautiful bottles in your collection and enjoy the finer things in life, then I would recommend purchasing this fragrance. However, if you are seeking an unique scent profile, I strongly advise against purchasing it.

Despite being quite overpriced in my opinion, in a vacuum where its retail (and even discounted) price isn't a factor, I think its a very high quality and excellently crafted standalone scent. It opens up on my skin with a LOT of citruses and a characteristic Lime above them all, however I also get a hefy dose of soft but elegant Woods and a vetiver kind of smell, it's around here just after the opening and leading into the early dry down that it most resembles TDH on my skin, but it still smells different, in the same way people may get reminded of Aventus upon smelling Hacivat, but it becomes its own thing once the oakmoss settles in, and thats the Case with isola Blu on my skin except with a fruitiness and increase In depth and added nuances that TDH doesn't have, but they're still both great fragrances. After the opening fades, the fizzy and fresh Lime goes I the back and merged with a fruity note that does remind me of an apple, but they merge so seamlessly I can't smell any sharp edges oe airyness that an apple can sometimes have, I also get a bit of a cocktail vibe as well minus the alcoholic smell, which is probably from the Juniper, and lastly the a cacophony of clean white florals, clean musks, and a soft sweetness merge with the woods from the opening and that makes up majority of the wearing,(I don't really get the plethora of another notes listed, and if I do its onky for a few seconds every now and then so it's not that big of an impact). I got around 7 or 8 hours projection, with the fizzy and Lime parts dying down around the 4-5th hour onwards which was impressive, and as for projection, on my skin it had a strong opening but within 10 minutes becomes a soft-medium projecting scent with a beautiful scent bubble and light trail. Leans Masculine but is definitely unisex in my opinion, and in terms of wearbility it very much is a casual spring-summer scent, humidity may be my mortal enemy, but its the best ally possible for this fragrance 😂. Lastly I want to emphasise that to me whenever I get whiffs of this, it just smells like the penultimate "summer holiday" fragrance, even as I'm meandering through my own city it feels transportive in a subtle way, it really does encapsulate an exaggerated albeit stereotypical summer holiday in the best way imaginable, and I can imagine this being something to take the load off to a degree on hot days where you just want to relax, and in that line of thinking I personally thinks a higher quality upgrade of the OG Terre D'Hermes taken to a higher degree, but sadly the price is also taken to a higher (bit too high if you ask me) degree😭, but if you have the money and spot a hefty discount (and you truly enjoy it, most importantly) then I'd say its worth it, all round beautiful fragrance. 8.9/10 for me (I'd give it upwards of a 9.5 if it was priced better)

I just got my bottle and had a chance to compare it to a sample of Oligarch EDP. I had gone through 2 samples of Oligarch but never bought it because it had a slight prickliness in it, a kind of stiff upper lip that reminded me of salespeople in Swiss watch stores. But there was also something about the magical blending that haunted me enough to want to give Isola Blu a try. I was not disappointed because it eliminated all of my issues with the OG EDP - ie at no point did it seem overly dry and snobby in its demeanour. Isola Blu is far deeper and richer - even sensual - and evolves much more slowly. Side by side on opposite wrists, `Oligarch EDP seems thin, but also moves into the woody - earthy phase so fast that Isola is still in the luxurious citrus and lavender opening while Oligarch is in the dry down! It eventually settles into a stronger and more nuanced version of the Oligarch dry down and last several hours more. If this is not the best citrus in my collection of 60+ niche fragrances I don't know what is. All I know is that I prefer it to both versions of Elysium and think it is more luxurious than Xerjoff Renaissance or Nio, better than TDH or Fragrance du Bois Oud Vert Intense, which some call a niche version of TDH. I think Oligarch EDP has some resemblance to TDH, but Isola Blu does not - it is just so elegant and dense and juicy and aristocratic. The pure luxury and roundedness and opulence is just something else. Is this the King of citrus fragrances? Maybe. The only one that I think compares in quality is Xerjoff Fierro, which has beautiful Lifesaver citrus and great longevity, but is more vintage old school and herbal-aromatic than Isola Blu, while Isola Blue is more opulent and luxurious.

Got a 10ML last week and tried it a few times now and I can see this is a very pleasant citrus forward fragrance. Altough every hour something is backing up this citruses, as in the beginning it’s pretty strong and even animalic a bit... The oils used here are very good and quality for sure. It’s overpriced I can say that, but if you like to smell this profile in perfection ( earthy citrus) this is it! For me it’s a nice fragrance and it really gives me a spa treatment kind of smell and vibe.. for some luxury, for some a Russian oligarch as it used to be named.. but in every aspect this is perfection in this profile. Performance is pretty good to, it evolves and evolves with every 30 minutes on my skin.. the very drydown is exact TDH EDT tbh, but that’s okay since that’s a great fragrance as well. The first few hours you will notice the difference and notice the big quality difference.. Anyhow coming back to this, it’s lovely and it’s definitely a full bottle worthy, but not for the retail price.. mostly available for 30% off so check it out! And for those who don’t have much, but still wants this.. don’t buy it blind as for this price you can buy much better fragrances. But again in this profile this is perfection! 9/10 ( as for the price is ridiculous)

Dont listen to the copers. I have both samples side by side. This is Terre d'Hermès Parfum (don't know about the edt) 99% in the dry down. It does open a bit more harsh and has definitely lower quality ingredients like BHT and other "to be avoided if possible" substances, but the smell is "exactly" the same. "Exactly" in the sense Isola Blu might be a bit smoother, but to the average nose indistinguishable and definitely not worth the x5 price tag. If you don't believe me, watch Aaron Terence Hughes comparison on yt. I reckon a professional perfumer knows what he's talking about. EDIT : Just got The Monarch from Dua and let me tell you, its better than both, Isola Blu and TdH. Insane! It is, I'd say 95% the same with the others, but there is that 5% that has something magic to it and I can't really tell what it is. This is unbeatable in longevity, sillage and price. Also, it seems to get better with every time I spray it. Like the first time I've sprayed it, it was ok, but now, 5 days later, the magic unfolds.

I'm just glad I can own Oligarch again. I love this juice. The performance is moderate. This is a status scent. It is not loud, and it does not scream "look at me". This is not a scent for attention seeking people or people that feed of it (the attention w**** type of people that you see on social media for example). This is not a scent for people who want everybody to smell them on a kilometre radius and yet, I guarantee you that this scent will assert dominance and make everybody that will actually be able to get close and personal with you realise a simple fact: there is very a big difference in position between you and them. I think Roja accomplished exactly what he wished for with this scent. The name Oligarch was very fitting, and it is a shame that it was rebranded for political reasons. Wear this when you want people you grace with your presence to know what’s up. Wear this when you want to remind the people you grace with your presence that you are HIM. Greetings from Paris.

This is an amazing scent, lasts very long, and has above average projection due to its parfum concentration. This smells so good that I've put it on at night before, just so I can smell it before I fall asleep - and the best part - I can still smell it when I wake up, even when I sleep 8+ hours. As for the scent, it's complex, citrusy notes are just excellent and make you want to keep smelling it. The florals are just excellently blended as well. That being said, is it worth the price tag? If you have the disposable income, sure. If not, I would not recommend buying this at retail, as you can get it from discounters from ~$260 from my personal experience, making it very worth the price tag. Overall this is my top scent of all time, and I wouldn't necessarily trust the opinions of others disparaging it for being a TdH clone. Sure, it smells 60% similar, but it's much more complex and enjoyable.

This is a Slightly breezy version og Terre D'Hermes edt. I own both now, and i can barely smell the difference between Isola Blu and Terre D'Hermes edt after the opening. Isola blu is Terre D'Hermes edt with a gentle sea breeze. Yes, i can smell the quality difference, because i can spray one on each arm and compare. But most people can't tell the difference. It's a gorgeous scent. But a little too close to TD'H for the price. You can literally get 4+ bottles of 100ml TD'H edt. I purchased my used TD'H edt with 65-70ml left in the bottle, for under $40. Isola blu is $550 for 50ml (where i live). I'm a Huge Roja fan. I own 7 bottles (and will probably get a lot more over time), and use them all the time. But this bottle disappointed me a bit, unfortunately. Performs great, projects good, and has a solid scent bubble. But so do TD'H edt. Overall score is 9.5/10. Score with TD'H in mind is: 4/10.

Bro I don’t get why ppl compare this shit to TDH it smells nothing like that and it’s really starting to piss me off. TDH smells like an old man in a retirement home who shit his pants and needs his catheter bag drained out while Isola blu smells like a young rich sophisticated gentlemen on a yacht in Miami about to pull some picture perfect IG baddies. It’s mature yet clean and classy enough to be pulled off by a young guy who has great style and is confident. If you’ve never smelt it don’t let these mfkrs influence your decision by saying it smells like TDH bc it smells NOTHING like that. I’ve got 2 bottles. The one that says roja parfums on the plaque I think is older and the sprayer is kinda shitty. The one that just says roja is the newer one with a longer amazing pressurized mist atomizer. They both smell the same, don’t listen to stupid assholes who say they’re different.

This is a great scent, and while similar to others at a cheaper price point, this has its own touch of character and is done much better than the others! What I don’t understand is how no one has made the comparison to Mancera Intense Cedrat Boise?! It shares so many notes with Intense Cedrat Boise, with some of the notes in different layers of the scent profile for Isola Blu. Notably they share Citrus, Juniper, spices, leather, patchouli, oak moss, white musk, and others. Immediately at the opening, it is very different from ICB but you can still tell the similarity, but it quickly dries to a less abrasive ICB on my skin...to the point that Mancera ICB becomes redundant in my collection. To me it is closer to ICB than Sospiro Basso and any others it is often compared to, and just like the others, Isola Blu is done better IMO. This is an easy 8.5/10 for me.

ROJA Isola Blu is a captivating fragrance that evokes the serenity and beauty of the Mediterranean. The opening features bright citrus notes, like bergamot and lemon, which provide an uplifting and energizing start. As it develops, the heart reveals floral elements, including jasmine and rose, adding a soft, romantic touch. The base notes of warm amber, sandalwood, and a hint of musk create a rich and inviting finish. Isola Blu is known for its elegant balance; it's fresh yet sophisticated, making it suitable for office ware. Its longevity and projection are moderate, ensuring that it remains noticeable without being overpowering. Paying so much premium price, getting less than 3 hrs of longevity and 1-2 feet silage. Scent: 8.5/10 Silage: 7/10 [ 1- 2 Feet radius] Longevity: 6.5/10 [ Solid 2 Hrs afterwards it becomes skin sent] Bottle: 9/10 Price: 5.5/10

I have a very special connection to this fragrance. It is in my Top 3 but can it be the best Ive smelled? I have smelled over 500 fragrances, many of them were summer ones. Because I like to save money I taught: I just go and buy another summer perfume. There must exist a similar scent or even a better one. Simply put: It does not. I just come back here every time. This is just summer luxury captured in a bottle. This fragrance is the reason my love for Rojaparfums started. It is a very masculine take on a luxurios combination of coconut bergamot black currant combined with a beautiful grass accord and labdanum. I would feel bad to recommend this to anyone because if the astronomical price tag, but if you fall in love with a fragrance, you cant sometimes let go and purchase a 50ml bottle for 450€.

This is the best smelling perfume I have ever smelled. The way it dries it down is just... Truly magical. I've been sampling different niche fragrances each day and after experiencing the quality of this, many niches smell cheap and I've become very pick about what I like. Extremely complex and there is a beautiful dance between each vibrant note, with nothing in particular standing out. Expertly blended. My best description would be that is a very warm & soothing scent designed to stage a majestic party for one person and one person only: you. It evokes a warm & inviting sense of luxury that openly states it does not mean to impress anyone but you. My best wears have been on the super hot days, talking 35+ Celsius, this seems to bring out the elaborate dance of notes the best.

Isola blu is a very refreshing, yet complex fragrance - I do see resemblance with TdH; I don't have much experience with the OG (it's been awhile), but there is a commonality with Isola Blu and TdH (eau intense vetiver) in the usage of the juniper berry and vetiver. The initial opening reminds me more of grapefruit than other notes presented in the breakdown. It lasts pretty decent amount on my skin (which is very very rare) with moderate projection. I know this used to be called "Oligarch". Just using the scent profile, I believe that the Isola Blu (Blue island) is a better name than Oligarch. The composition utilizes different aspects of the island - citruses to show that brightness, woodiness to show calm aspects of the island and earthy vetiver for the ground. Nice.

hear people comparing this to terre d'hermes but im not sure of how close this is to that as it's been awhile since i've smelt terre d'hermes. i'll review isola blu for the fragrance it is. one of the best fresh offerings from roja, along with his elysium & oceania. this is abit similar to elysium where this has more fruitiness and less ambergris/musk whereas elysium is more green and has more florals. this has good longevity for the scent profile, decent projection & sillage but the price is ridiculous. it definitely smells of quality and i also realised that it's easy to go anosmic/noseblind to this scent as the citruses and woods are strong! overall, an almost perfect summer-spring fragrance. 9.5/10 (-0.5 for price)

I reminiscing about my first spray of Isola Blu. I was concerned does it truly lean masculine? First spray.... Lime. Juicy lime and coconut vibe. First minute is tropical. After two minutes I would describe it as green and green citrus. My fear of it leaning feminine is gone. Some jasmine comes up to say hi but more in the background. Masculine woods a beautiful birch adds solid depth and foundation to the fragrance. Once the grass note takes over the foundation it goes even more masculine. You would mistake it for a unique vetiver. Performance is good not quite great. Zero complaints. You smell the quality and master blending. Smells very expensive.

This is not TdH. You can say there are shared elements between them, but in all honesty that’s as far as I’d go. To say they’re the same is a huge stretch to say the least. Basso by Sospiro is the closest thing but has a touch of vetiver. What Isola Blu is though, is a modern take on some of those more classic male fragrances that are in the same vein of TdH. It’s a lot smoother, more complex, more modern, & sweeter. If anything, to me it’s almost a moves to a more effervescent L’Immensite when it dries down. It’s blended really well though. Definitely more geared to warmer weather. So far this might be my fave from Roja.

Comparing side by side with TdH parfum. The opening is missing the slightly sour/metallic accord front the flint in Tdh. Instead this has a much sweeter and juicier lemon-lime with a slight earthiness lurking underneath. Right now Isola Blu is pumping off my hand, and I'm really liking the opening. Will update after the day. Edit: After about 3 or 4 hours the roja began to resemble Tdh much more, while still retaining a more natural vibrance, as opposed to the overdose of chemicals in the drydown on the Hermes. I certainly preferred Isola Blu, and I think it is worth a higher price tag, but not $450 for 50mL.

جميل جدًا، أجمل عطور روجا الصيفية اللي جربتها، العطر منعش وفخم في نفس الوقت. اللي يشبه العطر بتيري دي ايرمس ما عنده سالفة، هذا أجمل بمراحل وأكثر إشراقًا وانتعاشًا. تيري ثقيل ومكتوم ومزعج بعض الشيء في الصيف، لكن أيسولا فنان في الصيف. يعيبه أن السعر مبالغ فيه خصوصًا أن الحجم 50 مل فقط. تمت التجربة في الظهر ودرجة الحرارة 43 ---- The best summer frag from Roja. This is not TDH, this is way better, bright, fresh, clean and elegant. This is all year round, TDH is annoying on hot weather 40c+. Overpriced for sure, I would get it if it was 100ml for the same price. Tested on day 43c.

One thing that impressed me apart from that gorgeous bottle is the performance. Don’t listen to the haters saying 10 minutes performance, we know uncle roja gets shade for many reasons, and I’ll be the first to admit if something isn’t up to scratch for the price, and the price here is eye watering. However, this is beautiful, it really is. It’s also nothing like TDH. Again with the comparisons. This is far more complex and luxury smelling. I will most likely buy a bottle, then sell my house after. Oh if you want a cheaper alternative and more juice, Sospiro Basso.