Lavender Thorne
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The Icon
by Antonio Banderas
The Icon by Antonio Banderas presents a fresh, aromatic masculine fragrance with prominent black pepper and grapefruit notes in the opening, leading into a herbal, woody dry down with lavender and sage. While it shares lineage with Dior Sauvage in its overall DNA — particularly in the bold use of pepper and a clean, modern blue aesthetic — it leans more toward a lighter, airier interpretation, reminiscent of Versace Dylan Blue or Montblanc Explorer. The scent unfolds with a crisp, slightly synthetic grapefruit burst, followed by a soft, aromatic blend of sage and lavender that gives it a polite, subdued maturity without harshness. It projects moderately, most noticeable within arms’ length initially but quickly reduces to a skin-scent after a few hours, with longevity typically lasting 4–6 hours. Performance is not strong, especially on the sillage front, which remains intimate or moderate, and users note that reapplication may be needed for sustained presence.
Pros
- +Offers a clean, refreshing 'out of the shower' quality that works well for daily wear and all occasions, especially in spring and summer.
- +Delivers an affordable, pleasant, and accessible fragrance with a modern blue aesthetic that stands apart as a unique entry in the budget-friendly category.
- +Provides a more balanced, subtle alternative to the heavier Dior Sauvage Parfum or excessively peppery variants, ideal for those who prefer a lighter, less aggressive profile.
Cons
- −Performance is notably weak; sillage remains moderate and longevity is short, especially without reapplication.
- −The grapefruit and black pepper opening can feel synthetic and overly sharp for sensitive noses, making it off-putting for some.
- −Lacks depth and originality, feeling more generic than distinctive despite its relatively pleasant profile.