Eternity Air For Men Calvin Klein cologne – a fragrance for men 2018

First impression of CK Eternity Air is this stuff is BRILLIANT. As in mainstream brilliant, if not totally unique (but what is?). If you wait it out, you will witness no less than three distinct phases in this fragrance, which is practically unheard of in the CK line (or much of anything at this price point). Through these phases, I sense not only a thread of continuity to the Eternity line, but also some other familiar yet different accords that simply work at every level.

Upon spraying, I get a heavy hit of alcohol and some of its lighter elements – what seems to me like sharp grapefruit (probably orange/juniper combo) and an ozonic, slightly aquatic spin on the original Eternity. I have to say that there are many, MANY fragrances that are ruined by this aquatic note, but not this one. All in all, I find it nicely balanced and uplifting without being too… well, anything. I also draw a bit of a connection to D&G Light Blue in this phase, just to put it in perspective. Light, optimistic and very agreeable.

As some of the more volatile aromatics burn off, Air moves into a different direction – bringing a layer of sweeter, fruitier elements that bring a shadow of the likes of Bvlgari Aqva Atlantique, but also something of a barbershop vibe, reminding me of other lavender-forward scents like Ferragamo F Black or Mont Blanc Presence. And yes, there is also that slightly bitter seaweed note keeping it all in balance. IMO, it’s here where some might suspect it’s gone due to anosmia or olfactory fatigue, hence some of the criticism I’ve read about it.

Finally, after an hour or more, Air enters its third life (at least on me) – woody, a bit sweet and vanillic to my nose. It reminds me in some ways of CK Obsessed or Antonio Banderas Secret Temptation (which I believe is criminally underrated).

How a fragrance can begin its life as a work-friendly aquatic and somehow morph itself into something so date night worthy is beyond me. Air does all of that and more. On initial wearing, it seems to check all the boxes for me.

Bear in mind the name: Air. This is not a name that would be given some club banger scent. It’s light, of modest reach and moderate longevity – par for the course for modern designer fragrances. You may need to reapply during the day, but a scent like this makes it feel very worthwhile. No one will hate this, many will love it. It’s honestly like wearing three different crowd pleasers, one after another. What’s not to like about that?

Thumbs up and a strong “like” from me.