Match #43 in the second-chance bracket features Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum versus the now-discontinued Dunhill Icon—and this one is a fairly easy decision. Bleu de Chanel EDP (2014, created by Jacques Polge) remains one of the most versatile fragrances out there and, for me, one of the most sophisticated takes on the fresh blue fragrance. Grapefruit, ginger, incense, cedar, and sandalwood give it freshness without sacrificing depth. Office, casual, evening, almost any season—it simply works. Dunhill Icon (2015, created by Carlos Benaïm) also starts in fresh territory, with bergamot, neroli, black pepper, and lavender over vetiver and woods. I enjoy the aromatic citrus opening, but there's a slightly synthetic quality to it on my skin that keeps it from competing with the smoothness of the Chanel. No real drama today. Bleu de Chanel is the more polished, balanced, and versatile fragrance, and it advances comfortably. Dunhill Icon is eliminated from the tournament. And Chanel continues to have an impressive run: two fragrances remain in the main bracket, with three more still fighting their way through the second-chance bracket.

Today was another hot day and with a heavy cloud of Sahara Dust in my area, since Monday I wore Y Iced Cologne, I decided to wear this MYSLF today. More cleaner & fresher than the other flankers, I enjoyed wearing this one today also. Projected solid for the first two hours and it stayed for more than 6 hours but as a skin scent.

"Plunge into the exhilarating surf of the Celtic Sea. Immersed in the wild waters, every wave carries a fresh minerality. Joining a burst of bergamot, driftwood anchors this sea-salt fresh scent. Experience the untamed beauty of the British coast." I just picked this up yesterday and giving it a test drive. The description above references the British coast but the opening of bergamot & mineral takes me on a different journey. The first scent immediately after applying was reminiscent of a sunny summer afternoon sipping a limoncello spritz on Napoli’s Lungomare. I’m curious to see how the rest of the notes come together but so far enjoying this one.