Aqua Velva Ice Blue

Cooling, yet spicy and decidedly masculine. This is what you use when you want that brisk, mentholated feeling on your face after a shave. Still a big seller, and still smells amazing, but unfortunately like most aftershaves it doesn't last. You'll be able to detect it on your hands for about an hour, but that's about it. Edit: I've been using this stuff for a while, and it lasts a little bit longer than I thought it did. It's very light, but it lasts a good 2 hours, it's okay and better than most aftershaves that you can find at drugstores. I own a 50ml of the vintage as well, and that one lasts substantially longer, closer to about 4 hours with a little bit better projection and it's just nicer all around, less synthetic smelling, but the same overall scent profile. PAA's Sacre Bleu, though, that's the one you really want if you want one that lasts. If you're in love with the Aqua Velva scent, but you're wanting something that lasts all day and projects and you're willing to invest in something like that, then get the aftershave AND the EDP, which together last a full work day for me easily with 4 sprays, and 6 sprays will give you a little extra oomph.

This is a classic aftershave used by men since 1917, so basically over a hundred years. Unfortunately it is now only sold in plastic bottles rather than in glass as it used to be (and in my opinion everything smells better in glass than in plastic). Luckily I still own the original glass bottle of Aqua Velva that my dad used to use (he gave it to me); when it runs out I will keep the glass bottle and just refill it with modern Aqua Velva. This is a really refreshing and cooling aftershave due to the intense menthol and mint in it. It really cools the face, while also providing a slight burn if used after shaving. As for the scent, I detect mainly mint, lavender, oakmoss, and leather - these notes are very noticeable. It's an odd combination but somehow works really well. Sillage from it is actually pretty good (although it's an aftershave) while longevity is weak as it's an aftershave. Still, it's the best "minty" aftershave out there in my opinion and will forever be a staple for me. 5/5

This is the original Aqua Velva fragrance, and it's a classic for a reason. This is a fresh, bracing, slightly sweet and mossy barbershop aftershave, which is amazingly long-lasting (especially for an "aquatic"). My Dad used it on occasion (although he was more of an Old Spice guy), and I borrowed it for my own use. It works as a unisex, especially in warmer weather. Applied lightly, this is suitable for office wear. When I was a teen, there was an amusing TV commercial with a tough American football player (I think it was Dick Butkus)who mocked a teammate's locker which contained designer men's cologne. "Must be the quarterback's locker!", he declared, then said "Real guys who get mud on their uniforms use Ice Blue Aqua Velva!". Then he walked off, flanked by two shapely cheerleaders, to the tune of the jingle "There's something about an Aqua Velva Man!".

Epic Journey Into the Bottled Yonder, 066 ------------------------------------------------------- Purchased August 2017 For a while this reminded me of Halston 1-12, but perhaps 1-12 copied around half of the Aqua Velva scent because it obviously pre-dates it. Almost the same thing except it has a dirty, raw edge that gives it the name Aqua Velva. Honestly I don't wear it because I'd rather smell like something else after a nice wet shave. I no longer use soap and brush, just a foam (not a gel, those instantly clog up all types of razors), and switched to cold water many years ago.

This is a no-brainer pick for a drugstore aftershave. The menthol is stimulating, the fragrance itself transcends it’s 1930’s heritage and is completely appropriate for the modern man. In my opinion, this is not a unisex fragrance, rather it is the fragrance of masculine ambition, experience and confidence. Aqua Velva Ice Blue lasts for several hours on my skin and seems to project at about half an arms length with light to moderate sillage. All things considered this may very well be one of the best inexpensive fragrances on the American market today.