8 Best Smelling Prada Colognes for Men

Prada is an Italian design house which has been around for decades and has made a huge impact within the world of fashion. It features a really great menswear line but also has some signature scents for guys up its sleeves as well. For this post, I want to explore eight scents from Prada which I consider to be their best that they have released thus far.


Key Takeaways

Here is a quick list for those in a hurry. I go into much more detail on each of these and the others below.


What are the Top Prada Perfumes for Him?

Top Sporty Cologne

Prada Luna Rossa SPORT Eau de Toilette Spray 3.4 oz– Luna Rossa Sport is a simple fragrance and is a flanker of the original Luna Rossa, that is listed towards the bottom of the page. While it is a simple and fairly linear wear, Sport, is super fresh and smells really great.

It opens up with a blend of vanilla and tonka bean, which creates a sort of powdery aromatic aroma, with sweetness provided in part by a nice juniper berry note.

Beyond that, ginger adds a lightly fresh spice, and there is the lavender note that is ubiquitous in the Luna Rossa series. Refreshing and crisp.

This one stays pretty tonka and vanilla heavy, with lavender and that juniper note flanking it. Sometimes, this is my absolute favorite Prada scent to wear, but then I get tired of it. It’s great, but not something I want to wear all of the time. I reviewed it here.


Best L’Homme Cologne

Prada L’homme Intense Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– I’m going to go with Prada L’Homme Intense before the original. Mainly, I like the darker aroma of this one, and the fact that I can get 9 hours of wear on my skin.

It has the powdery iris note of the original, amber, and a healthy dose of leather, in the opening.

Later on, there is a subtle base of patchouli and sandalwood, which add to the overall enjoyment and aren’t a distraction. The dry down is mainly iris and tonka bean, with the leather and amber, playing support roles.

It’s super rich and fits beautifully in the colder weather of autumn and winter. I think that Intense is the best of the L’Homme line from this brand.  L’Homme Intense Review


Top Prada Olfactories Les Mirages

Soleil au Zenith– I also liked Dark Light from this series (that’s more vanilla and amber). However, Soleil au Zenith is also an amazing perfume from this more expensive Prada line (these are going to run around $300).

Zenith does open up much closer to a traditional ladies’ fragrance, versus being purely unisex. Ylang-ylang and peach are the top notes, but will ultimately give way to is deep and rich base of ingredients.

The peach gets wrapped up with vanilla and sandalwood. You have spices including cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg becoming more prominent as it wears on. It becomes a softer warmer spice with powdery flourishes. To me, the ylang-ylang all but disappears.


Floral Unisex Perfume

Prada Amber Pour Homme by Prada for Men – 3.4 oz EDT Spray -This one is clean and soapy with bits of leather and lavender. A good fresh scent with solid performance. Honestly, it’s my least favorite on the list, personally.

I know a lot of people have said that this is among the absolute best, so, I include it for the sake of giving it a fair shake.

It does smell good, but it gets way too floral and soapy. for my taste. Has more of a unisex vibe, but it is a well put together, and classy scent overall. Amber Pour Homme is a mature or professional fragrance. You’re going to have to dig amber-laden floral scents.


Best Summer Fragrance

Prada Luna Rossa Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– I don’t usually care for bitter orange notes like in Terre d’Hermes (which I hate), but it quite simply works in Luna Rossa, and is by no means overpowering.

Plus, the citrus is only the main attraction at first. Then, there is an emergence of mint and lavender. What a great little scent. It is a bright citrus aroma with a cool demeanor thanks to the spearmint and calming lavender note.

The dry down does have a slight powdery/soapy feel, but it isn’t that much, and way less than what is in some of the others. This is super fresh and my main alternative to wearing Luna Rossa Sport, from the Prada line. The spearmint is utterly perfect.  Luna Rossa Full Review


Another High End Option

Cargo de Nuit– A lot of the Olfactories line of scents, get way too girly and not truly something that would be unisex. Cargo goes a bit more masculine with how it comes across, it smells great, and performs like a beast.

Again, this is one you can expect to spend $300 for. You’ll also have to source it from Prada, most likely. Saks has it sometimes or eBay.

Ambrette and tonka bean are the main attraction here, after an opening of aldehydes and musk. A very nice mix of sweet and spicy with a smooth muskiness to it. Prada says that, “Inspired by the mystery of a night voyage in the ocean”…Sure, why not? Not really what it makes me think of.

It dries down woodier, with a creaminess, and a cozy warmth. Cargo de Nuit isn’t going to be one that everyone will want, but is a great option for a more niche collector.


Top Powdery Fragrance

Prada Lhomme Prada Leau for Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce– L’Homme L’eau is another flanker to Prada L’Homme. It doesn’t have as much of the iris note, as the original does, but does have a stronger wood base.

It opens up with the wood, neroli, and iris notes. So, yes, this falls in the masculine floral category of colognes.

L’Homme L’eau is a very clean sort of scent, with a heightened baby powder kind of smell, when compared with the original. It starts off with strong sillage, but mellows out over time, and hangs in the air.

This is the kind of scent that you can wear formally or to the office, since it is inoffensive, and you get decent performance.  L’Homme Eau Review


Great Fresh Scent for Spring/Summer

Prada Luna Rossa Eau Sport Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 2.5 Ounce– Eau Sport isn’t just a slightly different fragrance from Luna Rossa Sport, it is actually a different fragrance almost entirely.

This one opens up with citron, bergamot, and ginger. It is very fresh and captivating. Yes, it has that usual lavender from the Luna Rossa line, but this one reminds me of the old Dior Homme Sport just swapping the iris for lavender.

Eau Sport quickly became one of my favorite Prada scents and a very enjoyable one for the summer. Not too complex, with some light amber and cedar in the base. However, it smells great and give a nice performance. Luna Ross Eau Sport Review


Honorable Mentions

Luna Rossa Black– Black was probably the most unknown fragrance from the Luna Rossa line. Though, that’s changed recently. Actually, it’s got lots of overlap with Cargo de Nuit…just not the same level of scent.

It’s different, really good, and has fantastic performance. Pretty simple presentation, as well.

My main problem with this fragrance, is with how it opens. Patchouli, bergamot, angelica…it doesn’t come together all that wonderfully. However, Luna Rossa Black surprised me during the dry down. Amber and tonka bean combine to make it sweet, smooth, and warm.

Is it incredible? No, but I love the use of that familiar Prada amber note, and tonka bean is among my favorite note. If you can get a good price, it’s a darker sweet scent for the winter.


Luna Rossa Carbon– I like wearing Carbon occasionally. It often gets compared to Dior Sauvage EDT, but, I think that this Prada version is better.

It opens up with a strong bergamot, ambroxan, pepper, and lavender. The lavender will really come into its own later, and take over the scent. It has good longevity and sillage.

Not my favorite scent, but I thought that I’d list it here, as another option. It’s certainly popular and has its fans.

11 Fragrances Similar to Dior Sauvage EDT (Elixir or EDP)

Dior’s Sauvage EDT became one of the most popular, if not the most popular, men’s fragrance over the past five or so years. It is amazing how near ubiquitous, that this scent has become. Once a cologne has achieved such popularity, it will no doubt spawn other fragrances which smell similar or very comparable.

In this post, I am going to provide ten options for guys who want a scent which is close to Sauvage by Christian Dior, whether you want Sauvage EDT, Elixir, or EDP like versions.

 


Key Takeaways:

I go into further detail about all of the fragrances below. But, here’s a quick list for those in a hurry.


Which Fragrances Smell Similar to Dior Sauvage?

Best Overall 

Prada Luna Rossa CARBON for Men Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 ounce– Aside, from Sauvage EDP listed below, Luna Rossa Carbon is the closest smelling men’s fragrance to Dior Sauvage at any price. In fact, it is one which I actually prefer to the Dior fragrance. They share the bergamot, ambroxan, lavender, and pepper notes.

Carbon is smoother, less spicy with the pepper, but with more lavender. Carbon also has a slight metallic tinge, that Sauvage does not. I’ve compared these scents: here. Carbon has good performance and is a damn near clone of Sauvage, at times.

I recently wore both scents on back to back days. Honestly, my experience with Carbon was so much more enjoyable. Plus, I can get 7-11 hours of nice wear from it. I’m not always in the mood for a lavender fragrance, but I cannot really say that I’m ever going to choose Sauvage EDT against this Prada cologne. Luna Rossa Carbon Review


The First Inspiration

Aromatic Star Anise by Dossier– Dossier is a brand that has become well-known for their fragrances which smell a great deal like popular designer perfumes. Aromatic Star Anise is their impression of Dior Sauvage.

With these, you don’t get a 100% accuracy, but to say that it is above 90% of the same smell wouldn’t be outrageous. The same citrus, a focus one spicy star anise note (not the same Sichuan pepper, but a pepper note is there too), lavender, and the rest of the ingredients. 

All of that for the current price (as of writing) of $29. Beyond that, you can try it out and send the bottle back, if it doesn’t meet expectations. This is one from Dossier, I haven’t personally tried, but other options have been quite good.


Inspired 2

Selvaggio by Fragrenza– Fragrenza is another brand with cheaper fragrance impressions of expensive designer scents. It’s not too well known, as of yet, but I was impressed by the batch of samples that I bought from the company.

The perfumes really came close to what they were trying to mimic, not exact dupes, just very close and had outstanding performance. Also, you don’t have to buy a full bottle, you can buy a smaller sample to see if you’d like to go ahead with committing to the larger size bottle.

Selvaggio is the company’s Sauvage inspired cologne. It has the same basic structure as our target, including the citrus and Sichuan pepper start. The full bottle currently goes for $39, which is a really low barrier to entry in comparison to Dior.


Inspiration of All Sauvage

Savage Elixir by The Dua Brand– If you’re looking for something very close to Sauvage EDT, the Dua Brand has you covered.  (Update: It looks like this one isn’t currently available, so, I linked to the Elxir version. Not sure if it’ll come back, so you might want to check when you see this page). However, it goes further than Dossier and Fragrenza, because it also has its inspired versions of Sauvage Elixir, Sauvage EDP, and blends with other famous colognes.

It sort of depends what’s in stock at the time, but they’re usually really good a re-upping the popular fragrances. I haven’t had a bad experience with any of the inspired perfumes that I’ve bought from them in the past. Every one has been pretty much what you get with the designer brand, just sometimes a bit more linear and not the same exact depth.

But, if you want something very similar to Elixir, EDP, or EDT you can try out the options from Dua.


Better Sauvage Option

Sauvage by Dior Eau de Parfum Spray 60ml– The eau de parfum version of Sauvage, is obviously going to smell very much like the EDT original. However, this one is arranged differently and smells better, in my opinion. This would be my first option, if I wanted a Sauvage fragrance.

The ambroxan note is stronger here from the start and takes the sharpness of the bergamot and Sichuan pepper away. It also pairs a sweet and smoky vanilla note with the lavender and ambroxan, which gives it a nice distinction. Sauvage EDP also has great sillage and lasts for over 10 hours.

Yeah, it’s a flanker of Sauvage, but it still gives you enough of that original experience while being better in every regard. I’d also go with the Parfum version, before the EDT. Sauvage EDP Review


In the Same Vein

VERSACE Dylan Blue Pour Homme Eau De Toilette Spray Box Sealed, 6.7 Ounce– Dylan Blue is a close relative of Sauvage, as an aroma. This Versace starts off with a similar citrus pairing of bergamot and grapefruit, ambroxan, and pepper. However, Dylan Blue also has a slight aquatic element to it, and a very prominent fig note.

If Dylan Blue, could have retained much of the opening act, with that fig note…I would be a much bigger fan. I like it, but it’s not a love. In most cases, I think I’d wear this before Sauvage EDT, but it’s more of a tossup.

I wasn’t really sold on this cologne, when I first tried it out. However, I came around to liking the opening hour or two, the more I wore it. I’m still not completely impressed by the second act, nor the fairly standard performance, but it is a very good scent overall. Dylan Blue Review

 
 

 


A Cheaper Alternative?

F Armaf Ventana Pour Homme Eau De Parfum Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce– Ok, so, Carbon is probably the best alternative fragrance at any price. However, if you want something similar down market, Ventana by Armaf is a really good affordable option.

Ventana has a spicy quality to it, but definitely not the same level of pepper intensity as our comparison.

This Armaf has a fruitier open with a nice amount of lavender. You get grapefruit and a light mandarin, with woody notes, and a weaker amber. Ventana isn’t as much of a sillage beast, as what we’re trying to replace, but it does have very good performance. Plus, after the first hour it smells very very close to Sauvage, all for under $30.

Overall, Ventana is a more mellow and understated scent than the EDT version of Sauvage. It provides you a very good substitute for our target, at this price level, while still having enough of a personality to remain a distinct scent.


Cheaper Close Blend

ARMAF The Pride Eau De Parfum Spray for Men, Multi 3.4 Fl Oz The Pride is another option from the Armaf line, with a bit of a creamier profile than Sauvage EDT and in some ways a closer to Sauvage EDP…but not quite.

The citrus opening is similar to, but not exactly the same as Sauvage. More of a pure lemon than bergamot. Beyond that, the spices here aren’t as intense as the Sichuan pepper note. It is fresher and has less of a warmth to it.

Nonetheless, for the price The Pride by Armaf is surprisingly deep and has a bit of its own personality versus just being another comparison of the best seller.


Bottom Priced Story

La Rive Extreme Story For Men Eau de Toilette 2.5 oz 75 ml Spray Extreme Story has a nice amount going for it at such a low price. This one sells for around $10, at any given time. Just getting it out of the way, this isn’t as good as Dior.

However, it’s also not terrible like you might expect. Actually, it isn’t as sharp with its citrus notes, and doesn’t have that power kick from Sichuan pepper. It does still have plenty of spice, just in a different variety. Mainly, cardamom. 

This La Rive cologne is fresh and has a cleaner floral/soapier aroma than does the more expensive designer scent. Geranium, lavender, and vetiver notes will do that. The overlap is going to mostly be in the lavender and citrus notes, add spices/freshness and you’ve got something pretty close.


Less Citrus, Fresh, and Surprisingly Good

Ajmal Kuro for Men Eau de Parfum Spray, 3 Ounce I became aware of Ajmal as a brand, after finding some of their women’s releases that also were close comparable aromas of famous perfumes. Does this one replicate Sauvage? Ehh, a lot of the DNA is there, but not entirely to my nose.

The citrus notes are brought way down in comparison. It’s like Sauvage stripped of much of its citrus, more focused on freshness (geranium is pretty strong here), woodier, but with a nice lavender (actually much like Luna Rossa Carbon).

Performance is solid for around 6 hours and it only runs about $25 currently. Kuro is worth a shot.


A Bluer Parfum

Faris by Kajal– This isn’t a cheaper alternative. In fact, it can be pricier than Sauvage. However, it is a great alternative and more so favors Sauvage Parfum, while still doing its own thing.

This still has a spiciness to it with a clove, but it doesn’t come across the same as the Sichuan pepper in Sauvage. Personally, I like the change. There’s a deeper lavender and a freshness coming from the top juniper note.

More floral at times, but less of the citrus and not an explosion of lavender for the entire wear. Great performance too. Not exactly like Sauvage, it still has its own personality, but it covers much of the same ground in a great way.

6 Fragrances that Smell Similar to Nautica Voyage

Nautica Voyage may already be the all-time cheapie best seller. Though, there could be some older scents that are still flying off the shelves, this scent has been the front runner for more than a decade now. People really seem drawn to Voyage.

Yet, you can grow tired of a cologne and might want to try something different, but close enough to the Nautica. In this post, I want to present alternative colognes which fit the bill as being similar to or near matches (if possible) of Voyage.


What Colognes Smell Comparable to Nautica Voyage?


Original Inspiration

Ocean Mist Men by Dua– Dua is a brand that not only has its own unique fragrances they create, they also create their own inspired takes on designer scents. Ocean Mist Men, is there take on the original Voyage formulation.

Now, this is going to be somewhat more expensive than the modern Nautica Voyage sold in stores. However, it is also an extrait de parfum concentration (higher percentage of fragrance oils), which will lead to a more potent perfume.

Clean, aquatic, with that apple and mimosa combination really coming through. Worth a try, if you want a potentially higher quality version of the Voyage note structure.


Spicier Blue Mix

Polo Blue Gold Blend– The Polo Blue line is mostly only tangentially related to our targeted cologne, but Gold Blend does show some noticeable similarities to Voyage.

Still very much a version of Polo Blue, but with nods to Voyage, and a greater use of herbal spice and ambroxan than either.  The opening of this features that crisp melon note with a nice use of citrus and the spice blend.

Sage and incense play a big role here, so expect some smoky spiciness in this mix. Nautica Voyage isn’t an exact overlap here, but the DNA is closely related, particularly the use of apple. Gold Blend Review

gold blend review


Great Newer Flanker

Nautica Midnight Voyage– Voyage was such a monster hit for Nautica, that they keep reusing the name to release flanker fragrances. Most of them aren’t that great, but Midnight Voyage actually brings the same value with the familiar yet distinct aroma.

Amber, mint, and pink peppercorn blend with seemingly a bit of the original Voyage DNA. It has that amber/ambroxan sort of aroma, like found in the popular Dior Sauvage. It’s not the same, but you get that kind of vibe.

Midnight Voyage is a bit spicy, but in a fresh and cooling way, while retaining its nautical and summery mystique. I’m almost positive that there’s an unlisted citrus accord in here. This has gone to the discounter’s recently and is a nice pickup if you liked the original.


High End Cold Gin

Roses on Ice by Kilian– Roses on Ice is a part of Kilian’s Liquors collection. I got a sample of this stuff a month or so ago and it does have a similar structure to Voyage. Which is surprising, as this costs about 10x as much. So, I don’t expect many to go for this option.

Basically it’s ice cold gin, cucumber, and a pinkish rose with a greenish aroma. It has the same ozonic/aquatic feeling as our target with the cucumber playing the role of apple. That floral heart and a musky/woody base.

Are they exactly the same? No, Roses on Ice isn’t trying to be, it just has that similar style and approximates what it’s like to wear Voyage. But, at around $200, I don’t find it to be worthwhile.


Crisp Fruits, Less Florals

Kenneth Cole Reaction Connected Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 4.2 Ounce Reaction Connected is another close cousin of Voyage. It has a crisp juicy melon opening act, with the aquatic sea notes also playing a role.

However, as it dries down, you still get the fruits but also plenty of violet leaf and wood. The middle is more herbal and the end is more earthy/woody. Connected has a really nice sweet and juicy fruit profile, but with more depth than other similar fragrances, on the market.

Reaction Connected is a lot like Nautica Voyage, but with less of the green-ish smell, and the floral notes. Melon with a ‘blue’ impression and some earthier qualities in the dry down. Kind of splitting the difference between Voyage and Polo Blue.


Drier but Fresh

Tommy Bahama Maritime Journey for Him, 4.2 Fl Oz–  Maritime Journey has a similar style to Nautica Voyage, but is closer in smell to Eternity Air. To me, it is definitely better than that Calvin Klein cologne.

There was an older cologne that was more like Voyage, but Tommy Bahama no longer produces it. But, this is a good replacement.

It opens up fresher than the Nautica. Coriander and the same kind of apple note. This goes along with lavender and violet. It will eventually dry down into a greener fragrance with a base of moss, cardamom, and cedar.

Martime Journey is a drier aromatic when compared to Voyage. It still has the floral notes and that apple sweetness. Not totally akin to the other, but if you liked Voyage, you will probably enjoy this. Maritime Journey Review

Nautica Voyage vs Acqua di Gio Cologne Comparison

In this edition of our head to head men’s cologne match ups, we have two best-selling entries: Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani vs. Nautica Voyage. Which of these two fragrances smells the best? Which has the better performance? Ultimately, which is the better deal? I will break down several deciding factors and as always, have linked to my original reviews on both, below.


Tale of the Tape: AdG vs. Voyage

Nautica Voyage

Notes include: apple, musk, cedar, lotus, amber, mimosa, and oak moss

Click here to try: Nautica Voyage Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 oz

Read my original review: Nautica Voyage Review


Acqua di Gio

Notes include: bergamot, tangerine, neroli, jasmine, rosemary, patchouli, rock rose, hyacinth, persimmon, marine notes

Click here to try: Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces

Read my review: Acqua di Gio 


Opening

Voyage opens up with a crisp, chilled, and water opening; it’s sort of like a cucumber aroma. This stems from the blend of apple, musk, and mimosa. It’s quite musky and has a green floral vibe sitting underneath that crisp apple top note.

Meanwhile, Acqua di Gio opens with, a citrus blend of tangerine and bergamot. This is flanked by a wonderful sea breeze-like accord with soft jasmine only beginning to peak through. With newer bottles, the jasmine does seem a bit stronger than it once was, but I like it.

The citrus is juicy enough up top and the mix of the marine notes with the floral highlights is still awesome, after all of these years.

Which is better? I’ll go with AdG. The start of Nautica Voyage is my least favorite part of that fragrance. It’s kind of messy and the musk overwhelms. The Armani cologne, on the other hand, has a really great citrus aquatic start that is both fresh and captivating.

Edge: AdG


Projection

Both fragrances are pretty moderate in their sillage. The projection of either isn’t going to be huge, but is solid throughout the wear.

However, Acqua is slightly more powerful than is Voyage, and the original bottles were quite a bit stronger. It used to be more in the upper moderate range of projection, while not being a heavy fragrance, now it’s on that lower end of moderate for most of the wear.

Edge: ADG


Longevity

Acqua di Gio and Voyage are pretty consistent with what they get me, in terms of how long they last on my skin. Voyage is 5-7 hours of wear. AdG is 6-7 hours. There’s no real clear advantage here.

Edge: Push


Versatility

Voyage has several strong points, for a cologne in the price range. One of which, is its versatility. It can be worn casually or at school or even at a job. Best fits in spring/summer, but can go year round, as well.

Acqua di Gio, can do all of that, and more. It has a more substantial and even somewhat of a more mature smell (though, neither is overly serious). AdG can be worn on a date or for other evening events, while Voyage doesn’t fit that mold.

Edge: ADG


Overall Scent

My clear winner in this match up is Acqua di Gio. The Armani fragrance is better smelling and the performance is fairly equal. I’ve owned both and I would pick AdG over Nautica almost every time.

Voyage is a great cheapie, though. The dry down period is nice and it does have its own vibe and popularity within this space…it just doesn’t out do Acqua. The Nautica is one of the better options at its level, though, it doesn’t compete too well with other designer scents.

If you’re going based off pure smell, go with Acqua di Gio. If price is the biggest factor, then, obviously Nautica Voyage is going to be the best bet. For me, I’d pick Profondo or Profumo ahead of either, but they’re generally more expensive.

It’s a solid enough cologne, but its popularity is based off of how it covers so many bases for so cheap. AdG, has a reputation built on its great smell, and has been a best-seller for decades now.

Winner: Acqua di Gio

Very Cool by Tommy Bahama

I have already reviewed two Tommy Bahama colognes for men on this site and since I have a bottle of a third, Very Cool, I thought that I would do another for this post. I am updating this post in 2019, to further expand upon, my experiences with my bottle of this cologne. I’ve worn it enough times, to have a great feel, as to what it’s all about.

How does Very Cool measure up? Is it worth a purchase? How well does Very Cool perform? Read below, as I take a closer look at this cologne and see where it ranks among the pack.


What does Very Cool for Men Smell Like?

FullSizeRender (34)

Notes include: nutmeg, ginger, vetiver, bergamot, paprika, and mandarin orange

Click here to try: Very Cool by Tommy Bahama for Men Eau De Cologne Spray 3.4 FL. OZ./100 ML


My Full Review

During the opening of Very Cool, I definitely detect the ginger note in it. This fragrance has a spicy warmth to it that is mostly woodsy/outdoorsy fresh in its presentation. Though, I do detect a slight bitterness (perhaps the orange mixing with nutmeg?).

Also, there is a very faint similarity with Set Sail St. Barts, that emerges and I think that it is a bergamot note because I compared the two side by side and noticed a distinct scent in both.

The initial spray, really doesn’t have too much citrus to my nose. The orange and bergamot really sit underneath the surface, while the spiciness at the top develops.

Paprika, ginger, and nutmeg are the stars of the front end of this Tommy Bahama fragrance. This is the warmer part of Very Cool.

After about 15-20 minutes, this fragrance does become noticeably more of a citrus scent. Though, the citrus doesn’t seem to fully take over, it’s more of a 50/50 split with the woodsy/spiciness of the ginger and nutmeg notes.

This is also at the point where Very Cool, indeed lives up to its moniker, and becomes a cooler and more refreshing scent.

It is an interesting development for a summery type of fragrance. The use of spice here is much different from something like, Light Blue, which utilizes much more citrus with the pepper. This goes heavier on the freshness and spiciness and uses the citrus as sort of a dressing.


Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Longevity wise, Very Cool would rank as poor to moderate. It doesn’t disappear completely, but it really isn’t an all day affair either. I tend to use my small 0.5 ounce bottle to freshen up before going to the gym. I can get 3-5 hours from it, of decent wear.

It also seems to project well at first, but then definitely dies down, and is ultimately a fairly light and airy fragrance.

The sillage goes from pretty strong to skin scent. It isn’t the worst longevity/projection scent that I’ve ever come across but it isn’t anywhere near where I would want it to be.

This is more of a casual daily wear. Spring and summer mostly. You can wear it in plenty of situations, but Very Cool isn’t much of a formal wear fragrance or one for romantic wear or nightlife.

It’s an easy to wear cologne, that’s going to be one you can have in your rotation for days you just want something refreshing and don’t need to think very much about it.


Overall Impressions of Very Cool

Would I recommend Very Cool? For the price, it’s a nice smelling cologne (it’s been discontinued, so, if you can even find a discounted bottle anymore. But, I wouldn’t spend more than $30, if you do come across it.).

Update: It looks like it’s back here in 2024. I’m seeing it on Amazon again. Though, selling for $65 per bottle, which is a reach.

This Tommy Bahama fragrance isn’t my favorite of all-time or anything, but I could definitely wear it on certain occasions.

My only real issue with this scent is the longevity, which could easily be fixed with some reapplication, which isn’t a bad idea because it is so inexpensive.

It is a really fresh casual scent that offers something different from the usual summertime fare.  Very Cool is a good smelling and safe scent, just know up front it isn’t a longevity beast.