212 by Carolina Herrera

In today’s review post, I want to take a closer look at a reasonably priced fragrance for men, 212 by Carolina Herrera. I want to give an overview of its ingredients, my impressions of it, how it performs, and rate whether or not that I think it is worth a buy. Also, check out my post in the best Carolina Herrera colognes for men for more options that might suit your tastes better.

What does 212 by Carolina Herrera Smell Like?

Notes include: grapefruit, sandalwood, bergamot, ginger, green notes, musk, spices, violet

Click here to try: 212 By Carolina Herrera For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces

My Review

The opening of 212 is a rather unique blend of green notes, ginger, and grapefruit. This gives is a sort of grassy/floral scent at the start, which isn’t my favorite but it is moderate and short lived enough that it doesn’t distract from the overall scent which is very pleasant.

While this cologne is for men, it strikes me more as a unisex fragrance with enough musk and spice to make it lean slightly masculine.

It has quite a bit of citrus after the beginning, a commonplace bright and clean aroma, with ginger and pepper sitting underneath the grapefruit. I can’t pinpoint what other fragrance that 212 smells like, but it has a pretty generic scent, so to speak.

When wearing it, it’s like I’ve been here before, just with another scent. Then, 212 gets more interesting.

The dry down period is where 212 really begins to shine. The floral/green note is present during the whole way and the citrus scent from the grapefruit and bergamot takes on a support role.

Ginger is a strong element to this fragrance and gathers some of it warmth and spice from the musk. It’s a very clean scent overall. I pick up on those notes, herbal elements, and sandalwood.

However, one note that really come through for my nose is violet, like the actual flower and not violet leaf that is usually used. The floral element in 212 has a well-established place in the dry down, among the other grassy/outdoorsy smells that are present. I like this part, much more than the typical start.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

212 is a moderate fragrance in terms of projection. At first, it comes on pretty strong (in terms of projection) but quiets down later in the wear.

Also, it longevity is average, not bad but really not an all-day longevity champ either. I can get 5-7 hours out of this one, on my skin. This doesn’t hit the same level as some of the other Herrera colognes, that can be absolute beasts.

It is a versatile cologne that can be worn on any occasion but it is a better where for the warmer months of spring and summer. 212 for Men is a pleasant sort of cologne. You can wear it casually, to school or work, or any other situation in which you need something that doesn’t require much thought.

Overall Impressions of 212 Men

Is 212 worth a buy? Yes, it is a moderate, non-offensive scent that is affordable enough to be a value purchase. Carolina Herrera, has a whole line of great scents for men. I personally like CH or 212 VIP better than this one, but 212 for men is still a great pick for many guys.

It’s longevity isn’t the best nor is it very original, but it smells good enough and has decent performance. 212 is a good starter fragrance or one that you can go to whenever and not really have to worry about it.

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.