13 Fragrances Similar to Bleu de Chanel (2026)

by

Bleu de Chanel is a very popular name in the world of men’s fragrances. The three releases are all very popular and highly sought after. As such, there are going to be guys who want to smell close to Bleu, a near dupe, but don’t want to have to pay the same price. Not to worry, as there are alternatives, which can give you a similar experience for cheaper.

In this post, I want to present some colognes that can serve as alternatives, have a similar style, or just come close enough to what BdC EDT, EDP, or Parfum smells like…while being inexpensive.

Quick Overview

Bleu de Dua is one of the strongest picks if you want the smoky, citrus, mint, and woody side of Bleu de Chanel. It is not the cheapest option, but it gets closer to the deeper incense-style profile than many of the lighter alternatives.

Citrus Ginger by Dossier is the better choice if you want something clean, simple, and affordable. It does not have the same depth or smoky feel, but it gives you a fresh citrus-ginger take on the Bleu style for much less money.

Club de Nuit Blue Iconic is the best pick if you prefer the smoother, woodier, warmer side of Bleu de Chanel. It leans more toward the Parfum style, with mint, ginger, incense, sandalwood, and amber.

 

Fragrance Best For Style Key Notes / Main Accords Why It Works
Bleu de Dua Closest smoky Bleu-style option Citrus, mint, incense, woods Citrus, mint, incense, woods, sweet touch It has a smokier Bleu-style profile with good performance and a woodier dry down.
Citrus Ginger by Dossier Affordable cleaner option Light, clean, citrusy, blue Citrus, ginger, clean woods It gives a lighter, cleaner take on the Bleu de Chanel idea at a much lower price.
Bleu Memoire by Alexandria Bleu EDP-style alternative Citrus, amber, woods Citrus, amber, woody notes It is included for those who want something closer to the Eau de Parfum side of Bleu.
Dusk by Oakcha Extrait-style inspired option Bleu EDT-style, heavier concentration Similar It is positioned as a heavier concentration option for fans of the original Bleu EDT style.
Divino by Fragrenza Sample-friendly Bleu EDT alternative Fresh, citrus, blue, woody Similar It is another Bleu EDT-style option, with smaller sizes available before buying a full bottle.
Armaf Tag Him Very cheap Bleu-style wear Citrus, spice, woods Citrus, ginger, mint, cedar, pink pepper, vetiver, sandalwood It overlaps with Bleu through citrus, spice, mint, cedar, vetiver, and sandalwood, especially in the dry down.
Missoni Pour Homme Similar blue designer style Citrus, ginger, jasmine, woods Citrus, ginger, jasmine, woods, lavender It is not exact, but the citrus, ginger, jasmine, and woods create a related fresh blue feel.
Voyage Bleu by Armaf Bright citrus option Clean, juicy citrus, ginger, pepper Citrus, ginger, pink pepper It is cleaner, juicier, and more mellow than Tag Him, with a likable fresh citrus profile.
Club de Nuit Blue Iconic Bleu Parfum-style direction Mint, ginger, incense, sandalwood, amber Mint, ginger, incense, sandalwood, amber, woods It leans more toward Bleu Parfum, with smoother spice, incense, dry sandalwood, and a warmer amber base.
Benetton Aim High Fresh citrus without smoke Lemon, grapefruit, sage, mint, vetiver Lemon, grapefruit, sage, mint, vetiver It has the citrus and spice direction without the smoky incense side of Bleu.
Versace Dylan Blue Mainstream blue fragrance option Citrus aquatic, ambroxan, spice Grapefruit, bergamot, aquatic notes, fig, ambroxan, light spice It is not trying to be exact, but it sits in a similar blue fragrance family with citrus, ambroxan, and aquatic freshness.
Perry Ellis Pour Homme Lighter cheap option Citrus, spice, musk, woods Cardamom, lavender, musk, sandalwood, cedar It captures some of the same clean citrus-spice spirit, but feels lighter and less smoky.
2145 for Men Perfume oil option Mint, woods, softer citrus Citrus, mint, woods It comes close through the mint and woods, though the citrus is not as bright as Bleu de Chanel.

Fragrances that are like Bleu de Chanel 

A First Alternative

Bleu de Dua by Dua Brand– This is the more expensive of the similar smelling options, but they also currently have a smaller travel spray size available for $20 (as of posting). Bleu de Dua is their inspired version of the original Bleu formulation from over a decade ago.

This has a smokier vibe than the Dossier scent listed below. Not massive smoke, but that nice incense infusion playing off of the citrus and mint note.

The citrus is somewhat toned down, but the rest of the note compensate with great performance, a woodier dry down, and a sweet touch.

Dua is usually really good with their inspired versions of designer scents and this one hits the mark.

Another Blue 2

Citrus Ginger by Dossier– Citrus Ginger is a lighter and cleaner sort of interpretation of Bleu de Chanel. It’s also a less expensive option at $29 (as of writing) for their full bottle. But, you can also try it out to see if you like it, with how Dossier has things set up.

This one can be a good option. It doesn’t have as much depth and complexity. It also goes with more citrus than the original BdC, not the same incense level as Bleu de Dua, but gives you most of what you get with the current Chanel for a fraction of the price. 

Bleu EDP Similarities

Bleu Memoire by Alexandria– Other ‘inspired by’ takes on Bleu, tend to be of the original EDT version, which is great. My personal favorite Bleu de Chanel variant is the Eau de Parfum and Bleu Memoire sets out to be Alexandria’s version of that.

The EDP has the same great citrus opening, but a greater use of amber in the base. Not as woody as the other Parfum version, but more substantial than the original Bleu de Chanel.

I haven’t tried Bleu Memoire from Alexandria as of yet. I have tried other scents from this brand and they do a really good job at replicating a close experience to the designer fragrance that they’re basing the formula on.

I’m adding it to the list for those who want a Bleu Eau de Parfum alternative.

Bleu Dusk

Dusk by Oakcha– Here’s the latest inspired by Bleu de Chanel option that I’ve found. This time it one from Oakcha called Dusk. 

Now, I don’t have any experience with this brand at all, so I cannot speak to its quality personally. Though, I’ve read a lot of reviews and they generally are very positive.

This is another affordable option for those who want something that smells close to Bleu de Chanel EDT…just with a heavier Extrait de Parfum concentration than the Chanel itself.

Divine Bleu

Divino by Fragrenza– Fragrenza’s version of the BdC formula, is the latest one that I’ve run across. This one is inspired by Bleu EDT, so, yet another option for those who like the original.

I’ve bought samples from Fragrenza about a year ago, testing out a lot of their designer inspired perfumes, and they were all quite good. Very close to what you’d want from a cheaper alternative.

One great thing about them, is the fact that you can buy samples or smaller sizes, without committing to a fully bottle purchase. Even if those are also fairly inexpensive. Just another one to consider.

Pretty Linear but Somewhat Similar

Armaf Tag Him 3.4 Eau De Toilette Spray for Men– To continue on the list, we will highlight this inexpensive option, as an alternative to Bleu. Tag Him has a very heavy overlap with the ingredients of the Chanel, and thus, shares quite a close aroma with it.

The closer resemblance to me, is more in the dry down period. The opening here, isn’t my favorite and the weighting of the notes is noticeable different versus what you get with the Chanel scent.

The citrus, ginger, mint, cedar, pink pepper, vetiver, and sandalwood are all here. Is this Armaf, an exactly the same aroma of BdC? No, but it does occupy a similar space, and can be a solid choice for guys who want a cheapie.

You don’t get the same quality or nuance, this is a nice citrus with spice, and without that incense smokiness of Bleu. Not as much depth or layered spice effect, but still a good overall wear. Tag-Him Review

Missoni Style

Missoni Pour Homme– Citrus, ginger, jasmine, and woods. That’s what this one has in common with BdC. So, obviously, it’s going to strike a fairly close chord to what we’re going for.

It’s not exact, by any means, just a much cheaper alternative that brings a similar style. Noticeably missing is the mint note that Bleu EDT has fairly prominently. Missoni also added lavender into the mix.

To me, it seems sharp in the beginning, perhaps too much so. But, the dry down feels woody and fresh and has a much better balance. Performance is okay, just not spectacular.

Journey to Blue

Voyage Bleu by Armaf– Yes, another of the many options from Armaf. This one is better than Tag-Him, more mellow, less spicy, and without the soapiness than can come through in Tag’s opening act.

Voyage gives you an array of citrus. It’s clean and bright, with a juicier aroma when compared to Tag-Him. Ginger still plays a role here, as does pink pepper, with the latter thankfully neutered in strength.

Still, compared to the Chanel fragrance, this is much simpler. Less spicy than either BdC or Tag-Him and none of the smokiness. But, as a fresh citrus with a close composition to Bleu, Voyage is very likeable. Not much depth, however.

A Bit of Parfum

Club de Nuit Blue Iconic by Armaf– Armaf strikes again with this newer addition to the Club de Nuit lineup. This one actually favors Bleu Parfum versus the original EDT. It doesn’t hit either exactly, but leans toward the former.

Whereas, the others from Armaf lack the same incense smokiness, Blue Iconic makes up for it with a well-balanced incense note that pairs well with the dry sandalwood.

The strength versus Tag-Him is enhanced, with Blue Iconic giving you at least a couple hours more of wear. I like that this one has mint and ginger heightened, losing the pink pepper. It feels smoother, warmer, in its spice. Not as rough as the other Armaf editions.

Like BdC Parfum, this doesn’t end with the citrus still being massive. It’s woodier, with a good amber base to boot. Note that this one is pricier versus the other Armaf scents and the savings won’t be as extreme.

Fresh Citrus without the Smoke

United Colors of Benetton United Dreams Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, Aim High, 3.4 Ounce– Aim High from Benetton is another affordable choice, for those looking for a scent of the same type as Bleu. This one really does seem like a thinner and less quality version of Bleu EDT, at times.

The citrus is just about right, less spice but close, and no smokiness. Lots of lemon and grapefruit, some sage and mint, with vetiver coming through later on. The longevity isn’t all that amazing, but it’s definitely serviceable, and a pretty good alternative of Bleu for cheaper.

 

A Similar Style 

Versace Pour Homme Dylan Blue FOR MEN by Versace – 3.4 oz EDT Spray– This isn’t an inspired fragrance, by any means. However, it does some of the same things as Bleu (I’d actually put it closer to Bleu Parfum, though). Dylan Blue is a citrus aquatic, with strong ambroxan notes.

As such, it is in the same fragrance family as, Dior Sauvage and  Acqua di Gio Profumo also.

It opens with a grapefruit and bergamot mix, sitting on top of a watery base. Then, there is the addition of a lovely fig. The dry down is more about the ambroxan and light spiciness.

This one has lots to like, but overall, it just never stays at those heights in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very nice cologne and a best seller, but doesn’t make the cut among the Versace elite. Dylan Blue Review

Lighter but Somewhat Similar Cheapie

Perry Ellis Pour Homme, 3.4 fl oz EDT– This is another inexpensive option that gets close to what Bleu smells like. The citrus and spice, is different here, along with most of the other notes.

However, Perry Ellis Pour Homme does still manage to replicate the same sort of spirit as Bleu. Citrusy clean, with spice, and then some musk in the dry down.

Plenty of cardamom and lavender in this one, none of the incense, and feels lighter than BdC. Light woodiness at the base, mostly from sandalwood, and some cedar. The performance is okay, but nothing amazing. For the price, it fits the bill, and gives you a nice mimic of our Chanel.

Perfume Oil Option

2145 for Men from The Fragrance Shop– I recently bought a sample of this to see how it compared to Bleu EDT. Actually, they did pretty darn well at recreating Bleu de Chanel’s aroma. However, the weighting of the notes is off.

I compared it directly with the real thing and the citrus notes in the Chanel are much more prevalent than in this one. 2145 doesn’t have that same pop that the original does, but the mint and woods are pretty spot on.

I don’t like this as much as the Chanel, but it does come awfully close, I just wish the grapefruit and bergamot were amped up to similar levels. Then, it would be a great alternative choice…as of now, it’s just good. 

FAQ: Bleu de Chanel

What does Bleu de Chanel smell like?

Bleu de Chanel has a fresh, citrusy, woody, spicy, and slightly smoky profile. It is known for its grapefruit-like citrus, aromatic freshness, woods, spice, and clean masculine blue-fragrance style.

Is Bleu de Chanel worth it?

Bleu de Chanel is worth it if you want a high-quality, versatile designer fragrance that works in many situations. However, the price can be high, which is why many people look for more affordable Bleu-style alternatives.

Which Bleu de Chanel is best?

The best version depends on what you want. The EDT is fresher and brighter, the EDP is smoother and more balanced, and the Parfum is woodier, richer, and more mature.

Is Bleu de Chanel good for everyday wear?

Yes, Bleu de Chanel is excellent for everyday wear. It works for casual use, work, dates, nights out, and dressed-up situations.

Is Bleu de Chanel good for the office?

Yes, Bleu de Chanel is a strong office fragrance because it is clean, versatile, and polished. The EDT or EDP are usually the easiest versions to wear in professional settings.

How long does Bleu de Chanel last?

Longevity depends on the version and skin type. The EDT is usually lighter, the EDP tends to last longer, and the Parfum is generally the richest and smoothest version.

Does Bleu de Chanel project well?

Bleu de Chanel usually has moderate to strong projection, especially during the first few hours. The EDT tends to feel brighter and more noticeable early, while the EDP and Parfum feel smoother and denser.

Is Bleu de Chanel good for summer?

Yes, Bleu de Chanel can work in summer, especially the EDT. The EDP and Parfum can also work, but they are better with lighter sprays in hot weather.

Is Bleu de Chanel better than Dior Sauvage?

Bleu de Chanel is usually smoother, woodier, and more refined. Dior Sauvage is sharper, louder, and more ambroxan-heavy. The better choice depends on whether you want polished versatility or stronger projection.

What is a good affordable alternative to Bleu de Chanel?

Citrus Ginger, Armaf Tag Him, Voyage Bleu, Benetton Aim High, and Perry Ellis Pour Homme are affordable options from the list. Bleu de Dua and Club de Nuit Blue Iconic are stronger picks if you want something closer in style.

Eternity Aqua for Men by Calvin Klein

by

For our next entry in our series of review of Calvin Klein colognes for men, we are going to be taking a closer look at Eternity Aqua which was introduced by the designer in 2010. Yes, it’s a much more recent and up to date version of the highly popular Eternity, though, the two are quite different fragrances even if they share the same name.

How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it even worth a try? Continue below for my full review.

Quick Overview

My Verdict

Eternity Aqua opens with a clean cucumber, citrus, and watery freshness. It has some similarity to Polo Blue EDT in the first 15-20 minutes, especially through the cucumber and marine-style freshness.

After the opening, it becomes more citrusy and fruity with plum and a Sichuan pepper kick. Later, the lavender, sandalwood, musk, and soapy quality give it some overlap with the original Eternity DNA.

This is best as a casual spring and summer fragrance. It is affordable, easy to wear, office-safe, and pleasant, but the performance is moderate and it probably will not become anyone’s signature scent.

Here’s a similar alternative from The Dua Brand: Eternal Aqua

💧 Eternity Aqua for Men — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Fresh Aquatic Green
Key Notes Chilled Cucumber, Citrus, Plum, Green Leaves, Lavender, Szechuan Pepper, Sandalwood, Musk, Cedar, Guaiac Wood
Season Spring Summer
Occasion Casual Wear, Office, School, Daytime, Warm Weather, Summer Outdoors
Longevity About 5-7 hours
Sillage Light to moderate — fresh and noticeable without being overpowering
Rating ★★★☆☆ 7.1 / 10
Quick Verdict A crisp, clean, affordable fresh scent with cucumber, citrus, plum, lavender, musk, sandalwood, and a cool watery feel. Great for summer and casual daily wear, but not very unique or especially powerful.

What does Eternity Aqua for Men Smell Like?

eternity aqua

Notes include: green leaves, white cedar, citrus, guaiac wood, water lotus, patchouli, Szechuan pepper, mirabelle, lavender, sandalwood, musk, chilled cucumber

On Amazon: Calvin Klein ETERNITY for Men AQUA Eau de Toilette, 3.4 fl. oz.

My Full Wear Review

For many of the aquatic fragrances, I am of the thought that I will only wear them in certain circumstances, and that none of them have ever become an everyday wear for me. That isn’t to say that I don’t like aquatics, I do, I just find these scents are more of a specialty item for my own personal style than anything else.

That being said, I think Eternity Aqua is a really good, but not great option in this category of scent.

(Update: Here in 2022, I am higher on this cologne than before, as the price has come way down, and it’s entered bargain territory. Now, it’s well worth a shot for the price).

The construction of its notes aren’t really aquatic at all, in the sense of having sea note (like Bvlgari Aqva). It’s almost something else posing as an aquatic fragrance.

Eternity Aqua is really crisp in clean in its presentation and when the cucumber note emerges, I find it to be rather soothing as well. While it does mimic aquatic colognes in some respects, I feel that it is more of a sporty scent full of fresh green aromas than anything marine based.

Coming back to this fragrance, years after this original review, it now smells a whole lot like Polo Blue EDT to my nose. I didn’t make the connection before, but the opening 15-20 minutes, are really close.

The cucumber and marine aspects are what give it that similarity to the Polo cologne, but it is separated by a plum note and citrus ingredients. The plum comes in more later on, but it is there at the top.

After about 30 minutes or so, I get less of the cucumber, and more citrus/plum with a Sichuan pepper kick. At this point, it is much like a lot of other marine based fragrances, with a citrus spiciness leading the way.

Then, it kind moves towards being like the original Eternity. They don’t completely overlap but with the lavender, sandalwood, and soapy quality during the dry down, you can tell that Aqua shares that DNA with a CK classic.

It’s got more citrus than the original and has more of that cool watery vibe. But with musky, sandalwood, and lavender giving it some familiarity.

Sillage, Longevity, and When to Wear

This fragrance is a light option, so unless you drown yourself in it, it shouldn’t offend and have people running away from you. Eternity Aqua isn’t a weak fragrance, just one that is fresh and not overly heavy.

I haven’t found it to be particularly long-lasting, but it isn’t a complete let down either, it’s somewhat moderate in that regard around 5-7 hours. I wish it were more of a beast, but for what I paid, it’s good enough.

Aqua is best left to the summer months, when the warm temperatures, can cause many other scents to wilt in the exposure. It does blend some citrus and floral notes which gives it an interesting opening before it settles down into a light, clean, and almost powdery like aroma.

I wouldn’t mind wearing this at all during the daytime in the summer months, as it presents itself perfectly well, and the scent while it is nothing too unique is attractive and pleasant.

People seem to like the way this smells and it is one that will gather complements. It’s not really sexy but has such a great freshness, that it becomes attractive. It is a casual scent and one that is safe for office or school wear.

Overall Impressions of Eternity Aqua

All in all, if you need an affordable option for the warmer months, Eternity Aqua by Calvin Klein is a solid performer that will get the job done. It smells really good, isn’t overpowering, has decent longevity, and can be had at a good price.

It isn’t unique, but not everything needs to be. This one is a cheaper alternative to Polo Blue and in many ways, is actually a better fragrance. Is it groundbreaking? Nope, but now that you can grab it at $30 or less, it’s a steal.

I like the mix of crisp cucumber, spice, and the plum note in the early stages of the wear. To me, that’s the best part of the wear. After that it’s pretty basic and there isn’t too much development.

The performance is just okay, not going to blow the doors off or anything. I was tending to over-spray Eternity Aqua on me, when I was using it over the summer. That’s the way I could get some level of longevity with it.

I don’t  think that this Calvin Klein cologne will be anybody’s signature. Just something to add to the lineup that won’t break the bank, but has a nice scent.

FAQ: Eternity Aqua for Men by Calvin Klein

What does Eternity Aqua for Men smell like?

Eternity Aqua smells clean, crisp, watery, green, and lightly fruity. It opens with cucumber, citrus, green notes, and a cool aquatic feel, then dries down into plum, pepper, lavender, musk, sandalwood, and a soapy freshness.

Is Eternity Aqua a good cologne?

Yes, Eternity Aqua is a good affordable fresh cologne. It is not groundbreaking, but it smells pleasant, clean, and easy to wear.

How long does Eternity Aqua last?

Eternity Aqua lasts around 5-7 hours. The performance is moderate, but acceptable for a lighter fresh fragrance.

Does Eternity Aqua project well?

Eternity Aqua has light to moderate projection. It is noticeable, but not heavy or overpowering.

Is Eternity Aqua good for summer?

Yes, Eternity Aqua is best for summer and warm weather. Its cucumber, citrus, green, and watery notes work well in the heat.

Is Eternity Aqua good for the office?

Yes. Eternity Aqua is clean, safe, and not too strong, which makes it a good office or school fragrance.

Is Eternity Aqua similar to Polo Blue?

Eternity Aqua has some similarity to Polo Blue EDT, especially in the opening. The cucumber, watery freshness, citrus, and clean blue-green style create overlap.

Is Eternity Aqua better than the original Eternity?

Eternity Aqua is fresher, cooler, and more aquatic than the original Eternity. The original has more of a classic lavender, sandalwood, and soapy feel, while Aqua is better for hot weather.

Is Eternity Aqua unique?

Not really. Eternity Aqua smells good, but it is not very unique. Its appeal is more about being clean, affordable, and easy to wear.

Is Eternity Aqua worth buying?

Yes, Eternity Aqua is worth buying if you can find it at a discount. It is a solid warm-weather fragrance that smells good, performs decently, and does not cost much.

Ultra Male by Jean Paul Gaultier

by

In today’s post, I am going to be taking a closer look at a cologne by Jean Paul Gaultier called, Ultra Male. This is a flanker fragrance to the now classic, Le Male. Ultra Male was released in 2015 and occupies a similar bottle to the original JPG scent.

What does it smell like? How does it perform? When should it be worn? Is it better than Le Male? Please continue reading below for my impressions after a few wears.

Quick Overview

My Verdict

Ultra Male opens with pear, vanilla, cinnamon, mint, and citrus. The pear is the main attraction early on, creating a candy-like sweetness that can come across almost bubblegum-like.

As it dries down, lavender and vanilla become more important, while amber and woods add warmth. It has some overlap with Le Male, but the pear note and lack of powder make Ultra Male feel more like its own scent.

This is best as a cold-weather nightlife fragrance. It is sweet, youthful, strong, and attention-grabbing, but it can become too much in the heat or in professional settings.

🍐 Ultra Male by Jean Paul Gaultier — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Sweet Spicy Amber
Key Notes Vanilla, Pear, Amber, Woods, Cinnamon, Cumin, Sage, Lavender, Mint
Season Fall Winter
Occasion Nightlife, Parties, Dates, Cold Weather, Casual Evening Wear
Longevity About 9+ hours, with double-digit wear possible
Sillage Strong — can project heavily, so go light indoors
Rating ★★★★☆ 8 / 10
Quick Verdict A sweet, spicy, youthful nightlife fragrance with pear, vanilla, lavender, cinnamon, mint, amber, and woods. Great performance and strong projection, but best saved for cold weather and nights out.

Notes include: vanilla, pear, amber, woods, cinnamon, cumin, sage, lavender, mint

Click here to try: Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male for Men Intense Spray, Eau de Toilette, 4.2 Ounce

What does Ultra Male by JPG Smell Like?

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Ultra Male is a meeting of the pear, vanilla, cinnamon, mint, and citrus notes that produces a candy-like sweetness that is akin to bubble gum. Now, this may not sound appealing for some folks but it quickly settles on my skin into something that is warm and smooth, and a scent that I find very appealing.

The pear note is the main attraction early on. Mint and cinnamon surround it and provide the composition with a definite spiciness. Ultra Male is intense straight out of the bottle, with a very captivating aroma.

Next up, the lavender and vanilla begin to move in. Lavender and pear share the spotlight, with an increasingly strong vanilla coming in more later.

The most noticeable difference between this and the famous, Le Male, is the complete lack of that powdery aroma that was so prevalent in that JPG cologne.

While there is a lot of overlap between these two scents, the strength of each note is different, and the inclusion of the pear makes Ultra Male a standalone scent from its progenitor.

I’m just going to say it right now, I am enjoying Ultra Male more than Le Male, which I also liked a lot.

During the dry down, it turns into a vanilla, lavender, and amber laden fragrance on my skin. It at times, reminds me of a more youthful and sweeter Luna Rossa Sport.

Not saying its the same, but the lavender and vanilla combo, are obviously going to deliver at least somewhat similar results.

Ultra Male is a super fresh and sweet kind of scent that is going to be a nice addition to any night life fragrance collection.

There is a slight spiciness provided by the cinnamon note which prevents the cologne from become a complete mess and that is further bolstered by the mint note, which seems to be more in the background than it was in Le Male.

Ultra Male sort of falls into the same category as a fragrance like, 1 Million, does. Smooth, candy-like sweetness, with enough staying power to be a night club favorite.

Sillage, Longevity, Versatility

Projection wise, I would rate it as a very strong starter that fades into something much more moderate. While it is in the same ‘family’, so to speak as 1 Million, it doesn’t have the same loud and bold projection.

It certainly isn’t weak and with enough sprays it is capable of overpowering, but with my 1-3 spray tests, Ultra Male was perfectly tolerable.

Update: with further wear, once I got a full bottle, this does project itself a lot more than you can tell. People will notice, so, go light when inside enclosed areas. It’s actually kind of massive with how it projects. I do have a bottle of the initial release, so, I don’t know if Ultra got weakened over the years.

It does have great longevity on my skin, 9-ish hours, maybe a little longer on some wears (depending on the weather or other environmental circumstances). It’s pretty excellent in that regard.

Update: I do get double digit hours of wear, fairly regularly with Ultra Male. It does depend greatly on the climate, see below.

Cold weather scent. Like Le Male, Ultra Male would turn to crap in the heat, so if your climate is warm year round, this probably isn’t the best bet.

On the other hand, if you plan on wearing it at night, I have done so effectively when the temperature was in the mid-70s Fahrenheit but it thrives in the cold.

 

Really, I would not wear this at all when it is hot out. It becomes a pretty big mess, so if you’re going to have this, also have a spring/summer scent to wear. In the cold, it is at its peak and can be a great wear.

You could wear this as a daytime scent, as it isn’t too loud (with light sprays), but I love it for nights out and party-type atmospheres. It’s an attractive, almost unisex kind of fragrance, with a sweet sexiness that women seem to enjoy.

I’ve mostly been wearing this on winter evenings out, just casually from time to time, and around the house. I’m not sure that I’d try to make this a daily wear. Especially for guys, who work in a professional setting. That’s not what this cologne does.

Ultra Male can come across as very sweet and has a youthful party vibe. I am older than the target demo of this cologne and like it a lot. Yet, I find myself not always wanting to indulge in it, with its candy-like aroma.

Overall Impressions of Ultra Male

Overall, would I recommend Ultra Male as a buy? Yes, provided you like this kind of scent. Some guys don’t like the sweets and if that’s you, pass on this cologne.

Otherwise, I find this to be a fun wear, and prefer it to the original Le Male…it just strikes me as better on the whole.  This is another great entry from Jean Paul Gaultier.

The performance is great and the smell is really nice. It can come across as unisex, at times, but for the nightlife it’s a great pick up. The uses for this can be limited, outside of that. So, one will need to assess exactly what you’re wanting it for.

Update: The longer that I’ve had this, the less I wear it. The pear note doesn’t really do it for me anymore and it’s super sweet/spicy mix, isn’t something that I always want to wear. It’s still something for younger guys to wear and not a fragrance that’s going to be a daily wear for most people.

I definitely don’t dislike it, but it’s more something that I wear on occasion. Ultra Male is still one of the better releases in the series, which has produced a lot of just ‘okay’ colognes over the years.

FAQ: Ultra Male by Jean Paul Gaultier

What does Ultra Male smell like?

Ultra Male smells sweet, spicy, fresh, and warm. It opens with pear, vanilla, cinnamon, mint, and citrus, then dries down into lavender, vanilla, amber, and woods.

Is Ultra Male better than Le Male?

Ultra Male is better if you want something sweeter, stronger, more youthful, and more nightlife-focused. Le Male is better if you prefer the classic powdery lavender-vanilla style.

How long does Ultra Male last?

Ultra Male lasts around 9 hours or more, and double-digit wear is possible depending on weather, skin, and spray amount.

Does Ultra Male project well?

Yes. Ultra Male projects very strongly, especially from a full bottle or with heavier sprays. It can become overpowering indoors, so lighter spraying is better.

Is Ultra Male good for winter?

Yes. Ultra Male is best in cold weather. The pear, vanilla, amber, cinnamon, and lavender perform especially well in fall and winter.

Is Ultra Male good for summer?

No, Ultra Male is not a great summer fragrance. It can become too sweet, heavy, and messy in hot weather.

Is Ultra Male good for clubbing?

Yes. Ultra Male is one of its best uses. The sweet pear, vanilla, spice, strong projection, and long wear make it a strong nightlife fragrance.

Is Ultra Male a good everyday fragrance?

Not for most people. It can be worn casually with light sprays, but it is usually better as a night-out, party, date, or cold-weather fragrance.

Is Ultra Male too sweet?

Ultra Male can be too sweet for some people. The pear, vanilla, and candy-like opening give it a very sweet profile.

Is Ultra Male worth buying?

Ultra Male is worth buying if you want a strong, sweet, youthful nightlife fragrance. Skip it if you dislike sweet fragrances or need something more versatile for work and daily wear.

Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford

by

Continuing on with my Tom Ford fragrance reviews, today we have a citrusy-floral perfume from the designer. This is a 2011 release entitled, Neroli Portofino. It is actually one of the more popular scents from the lineup, but what makes that so? How does it smell? What’s inside? Is Neroli Portofino even worth it?

Quick Overview

My Verdict

Neroli Portofino opens with a bright citrus burst, led mostly by lemon and orange blossom. The neroli becomes more noticeable later, while the opening feels juicy, floral, clean, and slightly soapy.

As it dries down, the citrus fades back but never fully disappears. Jasmine, lavender, neroli, and amber make up most of the later wear, giving it a clean citrus-white floral profile.

It is best for spring and summer, especially daytime and warm weather. The scent is enjoyable and high quality, but the performance is light for the price, so it is better to sample first or buy only if you really love this style.

What does Neroli Portofino Smell Like?

Notes include: neroli, orange flower, amber, mandarin, bergamot, jasmine, lavender, lemon

Click here to try: Tom Ford Neroli Portofino 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray

🍊 Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Citrus White Floral
Key Notes Neroli, Orange Flower, Mandarin, Bergamot, Lemon, Jasmine, Lavender, Amber
Season Spring Summer
Occasion Daytime, Warm Weather, Casual Wear, Vacation, Clean Fresh Wear, Unisex Use
Longevity About 5-6 hours
Sillage Light to moderate — noticeable for the first couple of hours, then sits close to the skin
Rating ★★★☆☆ 6.9 / 10
Quick Verdict A juicy citrus-white floral fragrance with lemon, orange blossom, neroli, jasmine, lavender, amber, and a clean soapy feel. It smells very nice, but the light projection and 5-6 hour longevity make it tough to justify at Tom Ford prices.

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Neroli Portofino presents my nose with a citrus burst, mainly comprised of lemon, and a mix of floral notes particularly orange blossom at first and then the neroli.

The neroli will come into its own, later in the wear. But, initially I get a lot more orange blossom than the namesake of the perfume.

It’s juicy citrus with floral undertones and a noticeable soapy quality. It actually feels quite similar to other scents that I have tried, so this isn’t one that I can say is wholly unique.

Is there a spiciness here? Sure, neroli and the rosemary briefly give Neroli Portofino some kick, but it’s not to the same extent as some of the other Tom Ford releases, that share this same sort of style.

There is a nice amber note within the composition which adds a different aspect to this fragrance besides really clean citrus-flower. It creates a warm heart and adds to the inviting soapy vibe, though it isn’t very powerful.

As it dries down, I begin to get more of the neroli, less of the lemon and orange notes and the jasmine peaks through also. Neroli Portofino is admittedly pretty darn linear in its presentation.

Sure, the citrus subsides more, but it never really goes away to become just a floral fragrance. The only further development to my nose from here, is some lavender, entering the picture.

Neroli, jasmine, lavender, and some amber for the rest of the wear. Citrusy white floral, when boiled down.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, the sillage of Neroli Portofino is pretty light to moderate. It’s by no means a bomb, but you’ll notice it for the first couple of hours with a decent amount of application. After that, this Tom Ford perfume, sits quite close to the skin.

If you want any sort of real projection with it, you’re going to have to spray heavy.

The longevity isn’t great, but I get about 5-6 hours of wear from it. It doesn’t seem like it lasts very long, because it isn’t one that projects itself very well, but it is still there.

Even still, 5 or 6 hours of wear at this price, is pretty bad. The performance takes Neroli Portofino down a few notches, in my book.

Seasonally, this is one for the spring and summer months. I’d lean more toward wearing it in the summertime, due to the great citrus elements. That’s actually my favorite aspect of this scent, the lemon and orange zesty element that hangs around during the wear.

Neroli Portofino is listed as a unisex perfume and it is. I’d say that it leans more toward the female side of things, since it is pretty flowery, but it isn’t overly so and not feminine enough to take away the unisex aspect.

Overall Impressions of Neroli Portofino

Overall, do I like it? I do enjoy the scent of Neroli Portofino, but I wouldn’t buy it for myself. It smells very nice, but the longevity and sillage isn’t great enough for me to justify paying Tom Ford prices for it.

Plus, there are many other scents that have a similar or almost exactly the same aroma for a better price. Good fragrance? Absolutely. Worth it? Ehhh, not for me at least.

I like the citrus notes and the opening act. The floral dry down is nice, but it gets a little too soapy. I prefer the fruits to the floral notes. Forte goes too hard with the citrus notes and is nicer, when it dries down.

The citrus and orange blossom, I usually prefer over neroli anyway. That being said, the neroli note in this is spectacular in its quality. Very fine stuff, if it’s a scent that you personally enjoy. Though, it’s not really a fragrance that everyone needs in their collection.

FAQ: Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford

What does Tom Ford Neroli Portofino smell like?

Neroli Portofino smells like juicy citrus, orange blossom, neroli, jasmine, lavender, amber, and clean soap. It is fresh, floral, bright, and very clean.

Is Neroli Portofino for men or women?

Neroli Portofino is unisex. It may lean slightly feminine to some people because of the floral side, but it still works well as a unisex fragrance.

How long does Neroli Portofino last?

Neroli Portofino lasts around 5-6 hours. The scent is still noticeable, but it does not project strongly for very long.

Does Neroli Portofino project well?

Projection is light to moderate. It is noticeable for the first couple of hours with enough sprays, then sits much closer to the skin.

Is Neroli Portofino good for summer?

Yes. Neroli Portofino is best for spring and summer, especially because of its lemon, orange, neroli, and clean floral freshness.

Is Neroli Portofino worth buying?

It smells very good, but it is hard to justify at Tom Ford pricing because the performance is not great. It is worth trying if you love citrus-white floral fragrances, but not a must-buy.

Is Neroli Portofino soapy?

Yes. Neroli Portofino has a noticeable soapy quality, especially alongside the citrus, neroli, orange blossom, jasmine, lavender, and amber.

Is Neroli Portofino unique?

Not especially. It fits into a familiar citrus-floral style, though the neroli itself smells high quality.

When should you wear Neroli Portofino?

Wear Neroli Portofino during warm weather, spring, summer, daytime, vacations, casual settings, or anytime you want a clean citrus-floral scent.

Is Neroli Portofino better than Neroli Portofino Forte?

The original has the better opening, while Forte is better later in the dry down. The original is the better choice if you want more citrus and orange blossom freshness.

Invictus EDT by Paco Rabanne

by

Paco Rabanne ‘s most famous fragrance is 1 Million, which comes displayed in a gold ingot bottle. However, 1 Million is not this design house’s, only great scent. Invictus is another great fragrance choice for guys who like something that is fresh and sporty.

Since its release, Invictus has been a best seller and a permanent staple for many younger guys. It is one that has become exceedingly popular in bars and night clubs around the word.

This one also comes in a great, and interesting bottle, but I want to focus this review on what’s inside of that container…since that’s what counts, isn’t it?

Quick Overview

My Verdict

Invictus EDT opens with citrus, fruit, aquatic notes, ambergris, and bay leaf. The early stage has a sweet bubblegum-like aroma, but it leans more blue, watery, and salty than candy-like.

As it dries down, the fragrance becomes more marine, soapy, floral, and woody. The jasmine comes forward after a few hours, while the ambergris adds a salty oceanic feel.

This is best for younger guys who want a clean, fresh, versatile scent for casual wear, summer, fall, nights out, and everyday use. It is not the most complex fragrance, but it performs well and gets positive reactions.

🏆 Invictus EDT by Paco Rabanne — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Fresh Aquatic Fruity
Key Notes Grapefruit, Sea Notes, Mandarin Orange, Bay Leaf, Jasmine, Ambergris, Oak Moss, Woods
Season Spring Summer Fall
Occasion Casual Wear, Night Out, Summer Wear, Everyday Use, Bars, Clubs
Longevity About 6-7 hours on skin, sometimes more; can linger much longer on clothing
Sillage Large for the first few hours, then moderate to pretty strong afterward
Rating ★★★★☆ 7.6 / 10
Quick Verdict A fresh, sporty, aquatic-fruity fragrance with citrus, sea notes, ambergris, bay leaf, jasmine, and woods. Best for younger guys who want a clean, versatile, attention-grabbing scent with solid performance.

What does Invictus by Paco Rabanne Smell Like?

invictus

Notes include: grapefruit, sea notes, mandarin orange, bay leaf, jasmine, ambergris, oak moss, and more.

Click here to try: Invictus by Paco Rabanne for Men 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray

My Full Review

There are many scents on the market, which are just all together boring or flat. Sometimes, as men, we need to switch it up and add something with a bit of flair and energy to it. Invictus is a scent, which I feel, does just that.

What I like about the opening, note is how the citrusy/fruity notes captivate the senses, and locks people’s attention solely on you. That isn’t to say that this is a loud or obnoxious fragrance, but it does emanate a certain confidence.

The fruit notes, ambergris, bay leaf, and aquatic elements in Invictus, combine to give the scent a sort of bubblegum like aroma, at the top. It is quite sweet and has that light powdered sugar scent, for a little bit early on.

I didn’t like it all that much, upon my initial tests years ago, but I’ll admit it did grown on me thereafter.

The bubble gum aroma in Invictus, isn’t the same warm spicy kind found in, Ultra Male. It’s got a bit of the same vibe that the edition of 1 Million called, 1 Million Cologne, has.

It’s a an aquatic fruity sweetness, but leans more toward the blue watery end than the candied end of the spectrum.

As it dries down, this Paco Rabanne cologne, moves away from the fruitiness of the opening. The ambergris, really starts to peak through, and adds a saltier touch to the aquatic notes. It feels more oceanic, as it move forward, and less of that clean aqua smell.

Beyond that, the bay leaf comes in a bit more, but especially the jasmine. It’s got a solid floral soapiness, a few hours into it, with a dry woody base. It’s nice, still has a smooth vibe, but I think that I prefer the start over this period of the wear.

In the end, I get a very fresh scent, with lots of citrus (fairly synthetic citrus) and a nice salty marine aroma. It’s clean with a masculine base of wood to tie things all together. It isn’t overly complex, but not all fragrances need to be.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

I do think that this cologne would appeal more to the younger man. (let’s say high school/college age to early 30s), and it is for sure one that captures the attention of girls.

I like it, but females seem to respond to this one more positively, than I do. Why? Who knows? It just works.

If you’re older, you’d almost certainly want to go with something else as your daily wear. If you really love the smell of Invictus, just keep a bottle for yourself when you want to wear it.

Invictus is another great option for summertime wear and even into the fall months. Honestly, though, it’s one that can easily work in all climates. It’s versatility is probably Invictus’ greatest strength.

I don’t think I’d wear this stuff formally, but it can fit in just about anywhere else, that you’d want to wear it. Mostly for casual situations or a night out.

It projects well without being overbearing (unless you put on too much, but what cologne doesn’t?) and it is a scent which will last for a good amount of time. In fact, I could smell remnants of it on my shirt for a few days after I wore it.

Update: I have smelled this cologne on other guys, a few times in public, in the past year. It is absolutely grating, as they probably doused themselves with it. Avoid that, for the sake of others.

On the skin, it gets about 6-7 hours, and sometimes a bit more. The sillage is quite large for the first few hours, but becomes pretty moderate for me, thereafter. It goes from beast to simply a pretty strong fragrance. The performance is very solid, however.

For an eau de toilette, the strength is good in comparison to others at this price point.

Overall Impression of Invictus EDT

The downside to this cologne? Well, if you’re one who is really into having the most complex and unique scents ever, then you might one to skip this one.

However, if you are a young guy and just want to smell good and have a scent that can work well for any occasion then Invictus is a very good choice.

It is a moderately priced cologne that will leave the wearer feeling clean and fresh, all day long. It delivers a good performance, already has plenty of fans, and has a fine aroma.

It still isn’t a fragrance, that I’m personally crazy about, but I respect it. For me, it is wearable, but for many others Invictus is lovable.

Since this has been released, Invictus has spawned many flankers, including Invictus Intense and Legend. I think both of those are better than the original, not leagues above it, but still quite a bit more well put together than Invictus EDT.

The good news is that you can usually find cheaper bottles of this stuff nowadays, at the discount sellers and the like.

This is still a pretty nice cologne, that can have its place. Though, I feel that it has been surpassed, by members of its own line and by other scents under the Paco Rabanne name.

FAQ: Invictus EDT by Paco Rabanne

What does Invictus EDT smell like?

Invictus EDT smells fresh, aquatic, fruity, sweet, salty, and clean. It opens with citrus, fruit, ambergris, bay leaf, and sea notes, then becomes more marine, soapy, floral, and woody.

Is Invictus EDT good?

Yes, Invictus EDT is a good fragrance if you want something fresh, sporty, youthful, and easy to wear. It is not very complex, but it smells clean, performs well, and works in many casual situations.

How long does Invictus EDT last?

Invictus EDT lasts around 6-7 hours on skin and sometimes a bit more. It can also last much longer on clothing.

Does Invictus EDT project well?

Yes. Invictus EDT has large sillage during the first few hours, then settles into a moderate to pretty strong scent trail.

Is Invictus EDT good for summer?

Yes. Invictus EDT is a strong summer option because of its citrus, aquatic notes, salty ambergris, and clean fresh profile.

Is Invictus EDT good for younger guys?

Yes. Invictus EDT is especially suited for younger men, from high school or college age into the early 30s. It has a youthful, sporty, casual, and nightlife-friendly style.

Is Invictus EDT good for clubs?

Yes. Invictus EDT works well for bars, clubs, nights out, and casual social settings. Just avoid over-spraying, since it can become grating when applied too heavily.

Is Invictus EDT formal?

Not really. Invictus EDT is better for casual wear, summer use, nights out, and everyday situations than formal events.

Is Invictus EDT unique?

Invictus EDT is not especially unique or complex. Its strength is that it is fresh, clean, versatile, youthful, and easy to wear.

Is Invictus EDT worth buying?

Invictus EDT is worth buying if you find it discounted and want a fresh, sporty, aquatic fragrance. It is still good, though some flankers and other Paco Rabanne scents may be better put together.