Apex Eau Intense

The Verdict

Roja Dove's Apex Eau Intense, released in 2025, is Antoine Cotton's attempt to create a fresher, more accessible version of the Apex line. The result is a competent, well-performing green-fresh chypre that has split the community between those who appreciate its polished freshness and those who expected something more distinctive for the Roja price tag.

With an 8.4 scent rating on Parfumo from over 170 ratings, the fragrance has clearly found its audience. However, the recurring comparison to Roja's own Elysium Eau Intense and to various designer freshies raises questions about whether it offers enough unique character to justify its position in the lineup.

What It Smells Like

The opening is the composition's strongest moment. Pomelo dominates alongside bright bergamot, lemon, and a refreshing hit of mint. One Parfumo reviewer described this as "gorgeous, a bright, citrusy, refreshing combo" with the pomelo being the most prominent note. Chlorophyll and clary sage add green depth while lavender contributes an aromatic warmth.

However, as multiple reviewers note, that stunning citrus burst fades within minutes, giving way to a heart and base of green, clary sage and lavender mixed with pepper, woody notes, and ambroxan. The drydown settles into a blend of patchouli, cedar, sandalwood, and musk that is pleasant but more conventional. The complete trajectory moves from thrilling freshness to solid but somewhat familiar territory.

When to Wear It

The community agrees that Apex Eau Intense is primarily a warm-weather fragrance. Its bright citrus opening and clean woody base make it ideal for spring and summer daytime wear. The office-appropriate sillage and fresh profile also make it a natural choice for professional settings. Some reviewers suggest it has enough substance for year-round use, positioning it as more versatile than the original Apex.

Longevity & Projection

Performance is one of Apex Eau Intense's genuine strengths. Parfumo users rate longevity at 8.2 out of 10 and sillage at 7.7 out of 10, translating to eight to ten hours of wear time with strong projection for the first four to five hours. This is significantly better than many competing fresh fragrances in its category, and several reviewers specifically praised the above-average performance.

The Community Says

Parfumo reviewers average 8.4 out of 10 with praise for the opening and performance. Fragrantica early reviews describe it as "a much improved flanker, lighter but still long-lasting, fresher, and perhaps more suitable for all year wear." However, the comparison to Elysium Eau Intense is persistent, with one reviewer noting it is "very similar in structure" with "a peppery, musky base." Another described it as "a heightened, more well-defined version of a designer freshie" that resembles Louis Vuitton freshies in approach.

Who Should Buy This

Apex Eau Intense makes the most sense for someone who wants niche-level performance in a fresh, citrus-green fragrance and does not already own Elysium Eau Intense. If you love bright, pomelo-forward openings and want a fragrance that will last through a long day without fading, this delivers. Just approach it as its own creation rather than a variation on the original Apex, which it barely resembles.

The Bottom Line

Roja Dove Apex Eau Intense is a well-crafted, high-performing fresh chypre that opens brilliantly and delivers solid staying power. Its main challenge is justifying its distinctiveness within Roja's own lineup and against the broader fresh fragrance market at a fraction of the price.