Best Men's Colognes

Best Men's Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with the different fragrances that I've owned, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, that new hobby grew into a consistent passion, helping millions of readers along the way. I have personally written reviews for well over 800 perfumes and colognes for both men and women. This is along with writing hundreds of other in-depth fragrance guides. You can also follow me on: YouTube, Instagram, and Tiktok!

Man Rain Essence by Bvlgari

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Rain Essence is a 2023 release, that is a part of the Essence series of fragrances by Bvlgari. I have already reviewed the others that have been put out thus far.

So, I bought a sample of Rain, to try and keep up to date with this lineup. How does it smell? Does is last long? Is it worth a try?

Quick Overview

My Verdict

Bvlgari Man Rain Essence is best when the citrus, green tea, lotus, and watery accord are the main focus. That early stage gives it the rain-like effect promised by the name, with a fresh, light, ozonic quality.

As it dries down, it becomes muskier, soapier, and more like a clean body wash scent. There is also some warmth and smoky spice from the guaiac wood, but the fragrance stays light overall.

It works best in spring and summer, especially outdoors during the day. The scent is clean, safe, and somewhat unique, but the performance is only decent and the price makes it a tougher recommendation.

If you want a cheaper alternative, The Dua Brand has: His Rain Drops

🌧️ Bvlgari Man Rain Essence — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Fresh Woody Musk
Key Notes Orange, Green Tea, Lotus, Musk, Guaiac Wood, Amber
Season Spring Summer
Occasion Daytime, Office, Casual Wear, Outdoors, Warm Weather
Longevity About 5-7 hours
Sillage Moderate — projects around 4-6 feet at first, then closer to 3 feet
Rating ★★★★☆ 7.2 / 10
Quick Verdict A clean, light, ozonic fragrance with green tea, lotus, citrus, musk, and watery freshness. Best in spring and summer, but performance is only moderate and the price makes it harder to recommend at retail.

What does Rain Essence Smell Like?

Notes include: orange, green tea, lotus, musk, guaiac wood, amber

Click here to try: Rain Essence

My Full Review

Here’s how Bvlgari describes it: An ode to the transformative force of rain. A fresh and woody musk signature, signed by Master Perfumer Alberto Morillas.

The opening is a very ozonic and green tea heavy start. The ‘rain’ feeling is there. This one is light with an aquatic watery accord. This is made up by the citrus, tea, and lotus.

The lotus gives this one a further floral and stem-like green aroma in the background. I like the freshness that this one starts out with.

Then, Rain Essence will start to lose much of the orange note that presented up top. The fragrance begins to transition into its musky phase. A phase, that will last for the duration.

It’s still light, but less ozonic, with a soapier finish to it (and hints of powder, at times).

Rain Essence is clean, but warmer, and there is a spice/smoky aspect from the guaiac wood in the base. Basically, what you’re getting is a woody musk fragrance with the remaining lotus, some green tea, and maybe a slight remnant of the orange note.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This does keep to a lighter feeling, much like the name suggests. It’s not going to be a heavy cologne that leaves a massive scent trail. Though, it projects well enough. 4-6 feet, at the start. Around, 3, after that.

Not great, but it doesn’t need to be a monster.

The longevity is fine, but again, not great. Somewhere in the 5-7 hour range, is what I got out of Rain Essence during testing. It hits the bare minimum, of what I’d expect for something at a bit of a lower price.

For what this costs? It probably should be better.

This is one that you’d want to wait until spring and summertime to wear. Outdoors, in the sun, Rain Essence holds up very well and it’s at its best.

It does have good versatility as a daytime fragrance for those seasons. Safe to wear at the office or just around town casually. It’s not offensive or super pungent in any way, quite safe and clean, with a fairly unique profile.

Man Rain Essence isn’t one that’s going to dominate the nightlife or be labeled as being particularly ‘sexy’.

Overall Impressions of Rain Essence

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Eh, it’s okay. In this Essence series, this one is at the bottom for me, along with Glacial. I might have more of a preference for Rain Essence, but not by much of a margin.

So far, I’d rank them like this: Wood, Terrae, Rain, Glacial. I would’ve figured beforehand that Rain and Glacial would’ve been my favorites based on the concept. Even so, I’m not a massive fan of any of these Bvlgari scents. I like the idea, more than the execution.

Again, if you want a cheaper alternative, try: His Rain Drops

It does manage to create a rain-like effect, especially early on in the wear. That’s probably the highlight of the whole thing, for me.

I like it a lot more when I have citrus, tea, and lotus as the main focus. Very nice ozonic/aquatic fragrance. After that, it’s muskier, more like a soapy or body wash type of clean. Not bad, just nothing great.

Performance is also pretty mid. So, that’s not even a saving grace.

Beyond all that, though, this retails for over $100 per bottle. At that price, it’s a strong pass from me. Personally, I probably wouldn’t buy a full bottle even with a heavy discount, but you should wait until it hits the discounters if this is a cologne that you want to try.

FAQ: Bvlgari Man Rain Essence

What does Bvlgari Man Rain Essence smell like?

Bvlgari Man Rain Essence smells fresh, watery, ozonic, green, and musky. It opens with orange, green tea, lotus, and an aquatic rain-like accord, then dries down into clean musk, guaiac wood, amber, and a soapier finish.

Is Bvlgari Man Rain Essence good?

It is decent, but not a must-buy. The opening is the best part, especially when the citrus, tea, lotus, and watery freshness are strongest. The dry down is clean and wearable, but less exciting.

How long does Bvlgari Man Rain Essence last?

Bvlgari Man Rain Essence lasts around 5-7 hours based on testing. That is acceptable, but not especially strong for the price.

Does Bvlgari Man Rain Essence project well?

It projects well enough, but it is not a heavy fragrance. It can reach around 4-6 feet early on, then settles closer to about 3 feet.

When should you wear Bvlgari Man Rain Essence?

Wear it during spring and summer, especially during the daytime. It works well outdoors, at the office, around town, or in casual warm-weather situations.

Is Bvlgari Man Rain Essence good for the office?

Yes. It is clean, light, safe, and not overly pungent, which makes it a good office fragrance.

Is Bvlgari Man Rain Essence good for summer?

Yes. Summer is one of its best seasons. The citrus, green tea, lotus, musk, and aquatic freshness fit warm weather well.

Is Bvlgari Man Rain Essence sexy?

Not really. It is clean and pleasant, but it is not especially sexy, bold, or nightlife-focused.

Is Bvlgari Man Rain Essence worth buying?

It is worth trying if you like clean aquatic musk fragrances, but it is hard to recommend at full retail price. It makes more sense if you find it discounted.

Which Bvlgari Essence fragrance is best?

Man Wood Essence is the best in my opinion. Man Terrae Essence ranks above Rain Essence, while Rain Essence is next up before Glacial.

Darley by Parfums De Marly

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Parfums de Marly is a high end brand, that I’ve extensively covered on the site. I’ve for whatever reason, never got around to using my sample of Darley, probably because I have so many other. This one was released by PdM in 2009.

Recently, I began testing Darley, and wanted to post my Darley review here today. What’s it like? What’s inside? How does it perform?

Quick Overview

My Verdict

Darley opens with lemon, lavender, cinnamon, and mint. It has a fresh spicy feel that immediately brings Le Male to mind, though it is not an exact clone.

As it develops, the citrus fades and the mint, lavender, and rose become more important. The sandalwood, tonka bean, amber, and patchouli give it a smooth, sweet, creamy warmth.

It is clean, elegant, and versatile, with good longevity and a softer but noticeable scent bubble. It is enjoyable, but not necessarily the best Parfums de Marly to buy at full bottle pricing.

🐎 Darley by Parfums de Marly — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Fresh Spicy Aromatic Fougère
Key Notes Lemon, Lavender, Mint, Cinnamon, Rose, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Amber, Patchouli
Season Fall Winter Spring
Occasion Casual Wear, Work, Night Out, Romantic Wear, Mild Weather, Cold Weather
Longevity About 8-10 hours
Sillage Moderate — creates an airy scent bubble, but not a heavy room-filling cloud
Rating ★★★★☆ 7.7 / 10
Quick Verdict A clean, elegant, warm fougère with lemon, lavender, mint, cinnamon, rose, sandalwood, tonka bean, amber, and patchouli. It is versatile and long lasting, but sample first before paying full Parfums de Marly pricing.

What does Darley by PdM Smell Like?

Notes include: mint, tonka bean, lemon, sandalwood, lavender, rose, cinnamon, amber, patchouli, and more

Click here to try: PARFUMS DE MARLY Darley, 4.2 Fl Oz 

My Full Review

Before we get into my review of Darley, let’s see how Parfums de Marly describes it: Darley, inspired by the refined Arabian stallion, bred for speed, is embodied through this masculine fougere scent, with lavender and rose notes unfolding unto a sensuous oriental base.

The opening of Darley gives me: lemon, lavender, cinnamon, and mint. This immediately brings to mind Le Male by JPG (review). Are they exact clones of one another? No, but it’s hard to miss the overlap between them. 

The sharpness of the lemon is kept in check by the lavender’s influence, which allows for the spices (mostly cinnamon) to give Darley a warm freshness. 

One of the main distinctions between this and Le Male, is the presence of the rose note. It’s not super loud, but it does have a further softening effect on the composition, when brought together with lavender.

As it moves further along, the citrus begins to fade, mint takes over as the dominant spice, and the base notes come through. Amber, sandalwood, and patchouli. 

Darley becomes warmer, with a smooth and sweet creaminess, provided by the sandalwood and tonka bean. The notes on top are mint, lavender, and rose.

That’s what I get for the rest of the time. A trio of lavender/rose/mint, with an amber laden sandlwood, tonka bean, and a dash of patchouli. 

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This is a fairly soft fragrance, but it actually does project itself well. I kept getting whiffs of this scent, while walking outside, on a mild day. It was really great. It’s not a room-filler, mind you, but it will create a nice airy scent bubble around you. Not a thick cloud.

Actually, kind of does have the same level of strength as my bottle of Le Male.

The longevity is really good. 8-10 hours, on my skin, and not a completely weak performance during that time either. This isn’t meant to be a heavy or bold cologne, but I can say that it is quite good, with how long it lasts.

Is this a versatile scent? Yes, it is. Darley can be worn casually, at work, out at night, or romantically. It’s not a super sexy type of cologne, but on that is indeed very attractive, and will get noticed. 

Seasonally, it will work well almost year round. Not for extreme heat, but in the mild temperatures and cold, it works perfectly. So, I’d call it autumn through springtime. Pick something else up for the summer months.

Overall Impression of Darley

Do I like this scent? Yes, it’s not the best Parfums de Marly fragrance, but it is a very enjoyable one. If you like Le Male, you’ll like this, it’s of better quality and with a different take. 

Not way better, in terms of smell versus the Gaultier fragrance, if at all. Sure, more sophisticated, but Le Male can be a very nice fragrance to wear at times.

I really like the cinnamon in the opening. Also, when the sandalwood, rose, lavender, and mint are working in conjunction…it’s great.

While the sillage isn’t huge, it does hang around the wearer, and will last a full work day. Occasionally, I have gotten it to that 10 hour mark. I just wouldn’t count on that being the norm. 

Very clean and elegant. I’ll definitely be wearing the rest of this sample, over the next little while.

Is it worth the full bottle? Maybe. I’d get a sample and test it out for yourself before dropping $300+. Again, there are better Parfums de Marly scents. Personally, I went with Oajan before this, and would go with others ahead of it as well.

FAQ: Darley by Parfums de Marly

What does Darley by Parfums de Marly smell like?

Darley smells fresh, spicy, clean, creamy, and warm. It opens with lemon, lavender, cinnamon, and mint, then dries down into rose, sandalwood, tonka bean, amber, and patchouli.

Is Darley similar to Le Male?

Yes, Darley has some overlap with Le Male because of the mint, lavender, spice, and sweet warmth. It is not an exact clone, but the resemblance is noticeable.

How long does Darley last?

Darley lasts around 8-10 hours on skin. It is not a heavy fragrance, but the longevity is very good.

Does Darley project well?

Darley projects fairly well, but it is not a room-filling scent. It creates a pleasant airy scent bubble around the wearer.

When should you wear Darley?

Darley works well casually, at work, out at night, and romantically. It is best in fall, winter, spring, and mild temperatures.

Is Darley good for summer?

Darley is not the best choice for extreme summer heat. It can work in mild weather, but hotter days call for something fresher and lighter.

Is Darley worth buying?

Darley is worth trying if you like clean, warm, aromatic fougère fragrances. However, because of the high Parfums de Marly price, sampling first is the smarter move.

Is Darley a good office fragrance?

Yes, Darley can work well at the office. It is clean, elegant, and noticeable without being too loud.

Is Darley a sexy fragrance?

Darley is attractive, but not super sexy in a bold or seductive way. It is more clean, elegant, and refined.

Is Darley one of the best Parfums de Marly fragrances?

Darley is enjoyable, but not one of the very best Parfums de Marly scents. It is good, versatile, and well-made, but there are stronger options in the brand’s lineup.

Matière Noire by Louis Vuitton

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Matière Noire is going to be yet another entry into the Louis Vuitton fragrance reviews, that I’m going to be posting on the site over the next few months. I’ve already made some headway in getting a solid number up and today’s is this release from 2016.

What does Matière Noire smell like? How long does it last? When should it be worn? Is it even worth a try?

Quick Overview

My Verdict

Matière Noire opens with a noticeable but controlled oud note paired with fruity blackcurrant. The oud is present in a large amount, but it does not feel overly heavy or overwhelming.

As it develops, the rose, jasmine, and cyclamen become more important while the blackcurrant fades. The floral notes have a dewy feel, sitting over a smoky, woody, darker base.

It is a good option if you want a lighter, more floral oud scent that can work beyond just cold weather. However, it is not the most exciting Louis Vuitton fragrance and is probably not a true daily wear scent for most people.

 

 

🌑 Matière Noire by Louis Vuitton — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Floral Oud Woods
Key Notes Oud, Blackcurrant, Rose, Jasmine, Cyclamen, Narcissus, Patchouli, Incense
Season Spring Fall Winter
Occasion Evening, Dressed-Up Wear, Cool Weather, Mild Spring Days, Special Occasions
Longevity About 8-9 hours on skin; longer on fabric
Sillage Pretty powerful, but not overwhelming or monstrous
Rating ★★★★☆ 7.9 / 10
Quick Verdict A lighter floral oud fragrance with blackcurrant, rose, jasmine, cyclamen, smoky woods, patchouli, and incense. It performs well and has a pleasant dark floral style, but it is more above average than truly great.

What does Matière Noire Smell Like?

Notes include: jasmine, agarwood, narcissus, patchouli, blackcurrant, rose, cyclamen, incense

My Full Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see what Louis Vuitton has to say about this fragrance: A blend of dark wood and white flowers ventures into a world of mystery. Exploring the universe is the ultimate travel fantasy and most thrilling adventure. Matière Noire plumbs intangible depths with a journey through the darkest, most precious woods, namely patchouli and agarwood. The agarwood’s animal notes are intensified by blackcurrant and contrasted with the whiteness of narcissus and jasmine, a floral vibration that cuts the darkness like a comet. Plumes of sacred notes unfurl on the skin. The disruption is total, almost mystical.

The opening of this fragrance has a very noticeable amount of oud and it is paired with a fruity blackcurrant note. Now, the oud itself doesn’t feel overwhelming or heavy, but it is there in a rather large amount…on my skin at least. 

With that, is a rose and jasmine blend, which will later become rose and cyclamen. When the floral notes really come in, the blackcurrant has faded quite a bit to my nose. The floral notes feel a bit dewy, which plays off of the smoky and woody darkness emanating from the base. 

Narcissus is there. I found that on my skin, it’s almost non-existent. Though, what I put on an old t-shirt, did have more of a balanced floral aroma that featured narcissus. Oh and the final dry down, of the fragrance on a t-shirt, feels fairly powdery mixed with oud.

Matière Noire finally moves into its later phase on the skin, where it is patchouli, oud, smokiness, and a combination of the floral notes (jasmine seems strongest to me, at this stage). Not a super complex fragrance, but it does have some depth and development beyond the first hour.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is pretty powerful, but again, I never feel overwhelmed with it on. The oud isn’t allowed to really run wild and overall it isn’t monstrous with how it projects itself. You won’t need to spray a lot, but it doesn’t bomb either.

The longevity is very good, but not elite. It goes 8-9 hours on my skin, a lot more on fabric, like most other perfumes out there on the market.

Matière Noire is marketed more as a women’s fragrance, though, it is pretty unisex for much of the wear. Maybe the more floral moments, may scare some men off, but it isn’t ever that one sided with how it presents itself. 

Seasonally, it isn’t relegated to the colder weather like most other oud scents. Still, I wouldn’t venture into the high heat with it either. Though, for most places in the springtime this would be acceptable right through May at least. 

I don’t personally find Matière Noire to be a sexy perfume. Most people will probably find it to be pleasant and it can fit into enough situations, to not be a completely niche wear. 

 

Overall Impressions of Matiere Noire

Do I like Matière Noire? I sort of do, but I’m not blown away by it. I do see how it’s sort of along the lines of Noir de Noir by Tom Ford. The thing is, that is a much better scent than this one. Matière Noire doesn’t do anything particularly bad, but it’s not that exciting.

The blackcurrant is nice, but short-lived for me. The rose and cyclamen pairing is pretty interesting and the performance is more than passable.

All in all, it strikes me as an above average scent, just not one that ever truly draws me into it. If you’re a oud fan, that wants a lighter and floral example which can venture into the springtime, Matière Noire might be worth a look.

If you’re looking for a true daily wear, this isn’t going to be it for the vast majority of people out there.

FAQ: Matière Noire by Louis Vuitton

What does Matière Noire by Louis Vuitton smell like?

Matière Noire smells like a floral oud fragrance with fruity blackcurrant, rose, jasmine, cyclamen, patchouli, smoky woods, and incense. The oud is noticeable, but it is controlled rather than overwhelming.

Is Matière Noire a women’s fragrance?

Matière Noire is marketed more toward women, but it wears pretty unisex for much of the fragrance. The floral moments may lean feminine to some people, but the oud, patchouli, smoke, and woods keep it from feeling one-sided.

How long does Matière Noire last?

Matière Noire lasts around 8-9 hours on skin and can last much longer on clothing.

Does Matière Noire project well?

Yes. The sillage is pretty powerful, but it does not feel overwhelming. It has noticeable projection without becoming a heavy oud bomb.

Is Matière Noire good for daily wear?

For most people, Matière Noire is not a true daily wear fragrance. It is more suited to dressed-up wear, cooler weather, evenings, or situations where a darker floral oud scent fits.

What seasons are best for Matière Noire?

Matière Noire is best for fall, winter, and mild spring weather. It is more flexible than many oud fragrances, but it is not ideal for high heat.

Is Matière Noire similar to Noir de Noir?

It has some similarities to Tom Ford Noir de Noir because of the dark floral style, but Noir de Noir is the better scent, in my opinion.

Is Matière Noire worth buying?

Matière Noire is worth trying if you want a lighter floral oud fragrance with good performance. However, it is not a blind-buy recommendation and may not be exciting enough to justify the price for everyone.

Is Matière Noire a sexy fragrance?

Not really. It is pleasant and elegant, but your review does not frame it as a particularly sexy perfume.

Should men wear Matière Noire?

Men can wear Matière Noire if they enjoy floral oud fragrances. It has enough smoke, patchouli, oud, and woods to work as a unisex scent, though the floral side may not appeal to everyone.

12 Best Smelling Victoria Secret Mists

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Victoria’s Secret sells all types of fragrance related items, from perfumes, to lotions to soaps to body mists. The body mist line, is an inexpensive way for people to smell great, with a less concentrated scent than an EDP.

In this post, I want to take a look at some of the best mist options from Victoria’s Secret, and give a starting point to find the right fragrance for you.

Quick Overview

Coconut Passion is one of the best picks if you want something creamy, sweet, tropical, and easy to wear. The coconut and vanilla pairing gives it a beachy gourmand feel without becoming too heavy.

Amber Romance is the better choice if you want something warmer and cozier. It has amber, vanilla, sugar, and a cherry-like sweetness that gives it more of a creamy dessert-style feel.

Aqua Kiss is the freshest option from the list. It goes in a cleaner aquatic direction with cucumber, floral notes, and a cooling summer-friendly vibe.

Mist Best For Scent Profile Key Notes Vibe
Velvet Petals Floral/fruity sweetness Light, creamy, sweet, floral Praline, almond, floral notes Soft, sweet, feminine
Coconut Passion Coconut gourmand scent Tropical, creamy, clean, sweet Coconut, vanilla Beachy, warm, attractive
Pomegranate & Lotus Juicy floral freshness Fruity, aquatic, floral, light Pomegranate, lotus Fresh, simple, pretty
Amber Romance Sweet amber vanilla Creamy, powdery, sweet, cozy Amber, vanilla, cherry, sugar Warm, addictive, dessert-like
Pure Seduction Juicy casual wear Sweet, fruity, floral, light Plum, melon, floral notes, vanilla Playful, casual, spring/summer
Strawberries & Champagne Fun fruity freshness Fruity, fresh, bubbly, lightly floral Strawberry, champagne, floral notes Fun, bright, easy to wear
Mango Temptation Mango lovers Juicy, tropical, crisp, slightly candy-like Mango, hibiscus Fresh, upbeat, summer
Bare Vanilla Simple vanilla scent Warm, creamy, rich, lightly woody Vanilla, light woods Cozy, soft, colder months
Aqua Kiss Aquatic freshness Fresh, cooling, floral, aquatic Plum blossom, daisy, freesia, cucumber Clean, refreshing, summer
Rush Amber warmth Sweet, warm, creamy, floral Amber, light fruits, floral notes Cozy, relaxing, autumn/winter
Crush Fruity peony scent Floral, juicy, sweet, soft Peony, pear, peach Pretty, feminine, casual
Love Spell Classic fruity mist Very fruity, floral, sweet, youthful Peach, apple, cherry blossom, florals Classic, playful, nostalgic

Favorite VS Luxury Fragrance Mists

OK, so, we’ve covered the eau de parfum options in depth. However, Victoria’s Secret also sells body mist scents, that are not only less expensive but also different from the perfumes (mostly). However, have a look at the other list, as many of those perfumes also come in mist form.

tease edp review

Best Floral/Fruity Blend

Victoria’s Secret Fragrance Mist Velvet Petal 250ml/8.4 fl oz– Velvet Petals uses touches of floral notes to be paired with a light and sweet blend of praline and a nutty almond aroma.

It’s on the much sweeter side of things, yet not too cloying or heavy. Lighter and creamy with the floral notes peaking through more towards the middle act.

This one has been remixed under this same name by Victoria’s Secret a bunch. So, you can also find a ton of flankers to Velvet Petals. For now, I’ll keep the original on the list.

That Coconut Gourmand

Victoria’s Secret Coconut Passion, Fragrance Mist, 8.4 Fl Oz- A beachy blend of coconut and vanilla, that comes across as somewhat tropical (though, not joined by the notes you’d usually associate that style with) and lotion-like, while also having that edible gourmand quality.

Coconut Passion is sweet, though, it doesn’t take on that heavy quality that so many gourmand scents can. Instead, this Victoria’s Secret mist, remains extremely wearable for the summer and beyond.

Quite clean and lightly creamy scent that is enjoyable and super attractive.

Pomegranate Lovely

Pomegranate & Lotus– This one is an absolute gem, even with its simplicity. I love a good use of pomegranate in women’s fragrances and this mist hits the mark.

Yes, it’s a lighter application of the fruit, without the density of a full bottle EDP perfume.

But, the delightful juiciness is still there, not candy-like sweet or overly tart, and the semi-aquatic floral presence of lotus giving this VS mist a unique combination.

The blend shifts more floral, after a while. Again, not much development with mists, this one is just delightful.

Vanilla and Amber 

Amber Romance, 8.4 Ounce– Warm amber meets creamy vanilla with sugary notes underneath including a delicious cherry note.

A very sweet smell, especially at the start, before becoming something which is a bit more powdery and creamy overall. A rather addicting aroma. Enveloping and cozy.

The amber title can be somewhat misleading for people. Yes, it’s a main draw, but that’s not everything by a long shot.

This one is a sweet creamy dessert or cola like aroma. Maybe like a cherry cola float or custard kind of aroma to it.

Seductive Plum and Floral

Pure Seduction Body Mist for Women, 8.4 Ounce– Another VS classic, and one that goes with some different fruit notes, to achieve its seductive aroma.

Pure Seduction starts off with plum and melon, when combined become very sweet and sort of have a berry like smell. Add a light floral and vanilla and you’ve got an attractive winner.

This one has been a Victoria’s Secret best seller for a long time. It always seems to come back around again, with its juicy profile being a great option for the spring and summer months.

The sweetness isn’t heavy and it’s an awesome casual daily option when warm out.

Has a similar style to Love Spell, just utilizing different fruit notes instead of that apple and peach combo.

Pop a Bubbly

Strawberries & Champagne– This one kind of reminds me of an old Viva La Juicy perfume. Less complicated and uses strawberries in lieu of citrus. But, the effervescent and bubbly champagne note brought the flashbacks.

This is a fun sort of wear, rather than being super sexy or relaxing. The strawberry is pretty bold and the whole composition has a cool freshness to it, especially in that opening bit.

It has its fruitiness for sure, but it’s not all that much of a sweet scent, in comparison to some others on the list.

There might be a floral note in the mix too. It definitely has a floral aroma lurking around to my nose.

Fruity, fresh, and pretty easy to wear as a daily use.

Mango Love

Victoria’s Secret Mango Temptation Fragrance Mist for Women, 8.4 fl. oz – Mango Temptation is one that they have recently brought back, for at least a limited time.

However, it is a great option for those who love a juicy mango or tropical sort of fragrance. It’s fresh and upbeat, with a hibiscus note flanking the main fruit.

The cooling effect of all the notes combining here, give it the perfect chill summer vibe. It’s pretty crisp, at times.

Less of a natural mango scent and more of a candy-like sort of aroma. Though, it isn’t too sweet and has periods where it has a sour appeal. Nonetheless, it’s a nice one. You just need to enjoy the smell of mangoes.

Simple, Rich Vanilla

Bare Vanilla Fragrance Lotion and Body Mist Set– A pick for vanilla lovers, this one is a simple warm vanilla, with light wood undertones. Bare vanilla is quite creamy and rich. Not too heavy, nor sugary sweet, but a great uplifting vanilla scent for the colder months of the year.

This one is basic and you get exactly what you’d expect. Yet, it is a captivating fragrance nonetheless.

Has some similarities with Eilish, just way stripped down since that has berries and chocolate notes that simply aren’t here. Closer in style, though.

Also, a scent that has been the source of a bunch of different popular Victoria’s Secret fragrance mist releases, under the Bare Vanilla title. Such as: La Creme, Untamed, Noir, etc. Some of those are also worth checking out.

Top Aquatic Victoria’s Secret Mist

Aqua Kiss by VS, 8.4 Ounce– This one, goes in a different direction, from the previous entries. Aqua Kiss gives you some light plum blossom, with other sweetness added, but they are secondary to the refreshing aquatic vibe.

Floral notes including daisy and freesia, with a crisp cucumber bite. Delightfully fresh, cooling, and a great summertime wear.

This one has more depth than something like Pomegranate & Lotus, but still manages to keep things light enough for the heat.

Plus, Aqua Kiss actually provides the salty aquatic aroma and not just a watery floral impression.

An Amber Rush

Victoria’s Secret Rush 8.4 oz Fragrance Mist– Amber’s warmth permeates through the heart of Rush. This mist is sweet, with some light fruits, and more floral notes in the top.

However, it’s really all about the amber, here. It’s a completely different feel from Amber Romance, has a fresher scent, compared to that.

But, the sweetness is still warm and cozy, with some gourmand facets. Not quite chocolate, but sort of a fluffy creaminess. Kind of like a marshmallow, just not exactly. Floral notes are generic, but pleasant.

Rush is a good mist option for autumn and winter nights, when you just want to relax in the delightful embrace of its scent.

Fruity Peony Mist

Crush Fragrance Mist by VS– Crush is a peony based scent, with enough fruitiness underneath, to keep it dynamic.

Mainly a floral, but has a nice juicy fruity sweetness, from pear and a bit of peach. I’m not even sure if this one is still around, though, you can find bottle online.

Update: The EDP version of this is currently available on clearance. I didn’t find the fine mist spray on the VS website. So, the Crush line may be getting the axe.

Popular Classic

Love Spell Lotion and Mist Set– Good ole Love Spell. This was always geared more towards the younger set, and pretty much, was a staple throughout high schools. It’s very fruity, with notes of peach, and apple.

Cherry blossom is also present, with a bed of floral notes playing support. This is another one, I think may be discontinued, but online options are available or even similar alternatives.

Update: It was out of stock for a while it seems, but I just now saw it again as of this 2024 update.

FAQ: Best Smelling Victoria’s Secret Mists

What is the best smelling Victoria’s Secret body mist?

Coconut Passion, Amber Romance, Pure Seduction, Bare Vanilla, and Aqua Kiss are some of the best options, depending on what type of scent you want. Coconut Passion is great for a creamy tropical scent, while Aqua Kiss is better for something fresh and aquatic.

Which Victoria’s Secret mist smells the sweetest?

Amber Romance, Velvet Petals, Bare Vanilla, and Pure Seduction are among the sweeter options. Amber Romance has a warm amber-vanilla sweetness, while Velvet Petals leans creamy, nutty, and floral.

Which Victoria’s Secret body mist is best for summer?

Aqua Kiss, Coconut Passion, Mango Temptation, and Pomegranate & Lotus are the best summer choices. Aqua Kiss is the freshest, while Coconut Passion and Mango Temptation are better if you want something more tropical.

Which Victoria’s Secret mist smells like vanilla?

Bare Vanilla is the best vanilla mist from the list. Coconut Passion and Amber Romance also feature vanilla, but Bare Vanilla is the most straightforward warm vanilla option.

Which Victoria’s Secret mist is best for everyday wear?

Pure Seduction, Aqua Kiss, Pomegranate & Lotus, and Love Spell are easy daily-wear choices. They are light, casual, and simple enough to wear often.

Which Victoria’s Secret mist is best for colder weather?

Amber Romance, Bare Vanilla, and Rush are better for colder weather. They have warmer, sweeter, creamier profiles than the fresher spring and summer mists.

Is Coconut Passion a good Victoria’s Secret mist?

Yes, Coconut Passion is a strong choice if you like coconut and vanilla. It is sweet, creamy, lightly tropical, and easy to wear.

Is Love Spell still worth buying?

Yes, Love Spell is still worth buying if you want a classic fruity Victoria’s Secret mist. It has peach, apple, cherry blossom, and a youthful floral-fruity style.

Which Victoria’s Secret mist smells clean?

Aqua Kiss is the cleanest option from this list. It has a fresh aquatic scent with cucumber, freesia, daisy, and a cooling summer feel.

Which Victoria’s Secret body mist should I buy first?

Buy Coconut Passion first if you want something creamy and tropical. Buy Aqua Kiss if you want something fresh and clean. Buy Amber Romance if you want something warm, sweet, and cozy.

8 Best Smelling Jean Paul Gaultier Colognes

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Jean Paul Gaultier fragrances have enjoyed massive commercial success for both its men’s and women’s line. While now, Le Male is almost ubiquitous in its usage, when it was released in 1995 it became popular because of its great scent, even if now it trades based on its reputation.

For this list, I have selected eight scents from Jean Paul Gaultier which I feel represent a best of their men’s cologne collection.

I have updated this page to take off a lot of discontinued colognes and add a host of new ones to the mix.

Quick Overview

Ultra Male is the top nightlife pick from the list. It is sweet, powerful, spicy, and built around pear, cinnamon, vanilla, mint, amber, and lavender. It is not the best daily-wear option, but it works extremely well for colder nights out.

Le Beau Paradise Garden is the best warm-weather pick here. It takes the Le Beau coconut style and turns it into a lighter tropical scent with coconut water, fig, and a green freshness. It is best for spring, summer, and beachy casual wear.

Le Male Le Parfum is the best option if you want a more mature take on the Le Male DNA. It has cardamom, iris, lavender, vanilla, and warm spice, while still keeping enough of the familiar JPG style.

Fragrance Best For Season Key Notes Performance Sillage
Ultra Male Nightlife star Colder months Vanilla, cinnamon, pear, amber, mint, lavender Great longevity Bold
Le Male All-around classic autumn, spring Orange blossom, mint, lavender, vanilla, cinnamon, woods Decent Moderate
Scandal Le Parfum Sweet aromatic wear autumn, winter Geranium, tonka bean, woods, creamy notes Really good Strong
Le Male Elixir Absolu Captivating elixir Autumn, winter Lavender, plum, tonka bean Strong Massive
Gaultier 2 Bold cold-weather scent Cold weather Musk, amber, vanilla Strong Bold/heavy
Le Beau Paradise Garden Bright tropical wear Spring / Summer Coconut water, fig, green notes Good Moderate
Le Beau Le Parfum Tropical mass appeal spring, summer Pineapple, coconut, ginger, woods, amber 9-10 hours Good
Le Male Le Parfum Most versatile Le Male autumn, winter, spring Cardamom, iris, lavender, vanilla, spice Very good Good

Favorite Gaultier Fragrances for Men

The Nightlife Star

Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male Eau de Toilette Intense 40ml Spray– This is the best choice in my opinion and the Gaultier fragrance that I keep a full bottle of for myself.

Ultra Male was introduced as another flanker fragrance to the original Le Male (listed below) and has surpassed its predecessor in terms of quality, smell, and performance.

I will say, this won’t be the best option for those who are looking for a daily wear. This isn’t an office scent, is limited to colder climates, and skews to a younger audience.

It’s sweet, powerful, and spicy with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, pear, amber, mint, lavender, among others. Ultra Male has great longevity and a bold sillage, that works well for the nightlife during the colder months of the year.

Pear, cinnamon, and mint are really strong early in the wear. The pear and cinnamon give it a distinct vibe from Le Male.

It’s got a candy-like presence while maintaining a masculine vibe throughout. Read my full review: Ultra Male Review

All Around Classic

Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier for Men – 4.2 Ounce EDT Spray– One of the most popular and widely used fragrances in the world. Le Male blends orange blossom, mint, lavender, and woods to create a fragrance that is sexy and wholly masculine.

The vanilla note is paired early on with the orange blossom, bergamot, cinnamon, mint, and lavender. The cinnamon and minty fresh spice aroma, is at its peak during this time.

The bergamot does give it a slight citrus note up top, to break things up a bit. Then, the cinnamon will begin to fade and it becomes a creamy/powdery kind of scent.

Things end with amber, vanilla, tonka bean, and woods enveloping the floral heart.

It’s been around for decades and is still going strong. This one is more vanilla and mint than Ultra Male and doesn’t have to same bold projection. However, Le Male is still a very nice option for an everyday scent, particularly for younger men. Le Male Full Review

le male jpg review

Something Else Scandalous 

Scandal Le Parfum by JPG– To give the list more representation outside of the other Le Male flankers and Le Beau, I’m going to update and change this one to Scandal Le Parfum.

I received a sample of this scent and I started to warm up to it more than Scandal EDT which I used to give an edge to. I sprayed it on clothing and kept getting whiffs of this scent throughout the day and it increased my opinion of it.

I have yet to try the Absolu version of Scandal, since I’d already bought three bottles of other fragrances from them in a short period of time. So, maybe that’s better?

Here, you get a nice use of geranium and tonka bean. It’s a greenish and sweet aromatic in the early stages. Quite attractive and you get a woodier and a creamier finish.

Performance here is really good, also. Strong with a far reaching projection and it sticks around for a long time.

A Captivating Elixir

Le Male Elixir Absolu- I am replacing the original Le Male Elixir on the list with the newer Elixir Absolu.

I wasn’t sure that this one would be anything different or worthwhile in comparison to Elixir. Also, Absolu kind of gets off to a slow start, as I still prefer the opening act of the original.

Here’s my YouTube video comparison.

However, that changes as it moves into the middle and latter stages of wear. Lavender, plum, and tonka bean highlight the mix and make it a much more pleasing and wearable fragrance versus the honeyed scent of Le Male Elixir.

Plus, the performance is the same for me.

If you already own Elixir, you don’t really need both. But, this is different enough to be distinct, while the changes they made are better. If I didn’t have a bottle of either, I’d go with Le Male Elixir Absolu.

The Bold JPG

Gaultier 2 By Jean Paul Gaultier For Men and Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 4 Ounces– Not as heralded as Le Male, however, Gaultier 2 is a winner. It brings together a triumvirate of notes including, musk, amber, and vanilla to create a sweet, warm, and memorable fragrance.

This is a unisex fragrance, that is also quite simple, and very appealing. Gaultier 2 is bold and heavy on the amber and vanilla, which generates a seductive cloud of inviting heat around the wearer.

It’s been discontinued, but you can still pick up a bottle on the secondary market. If you live in a warmer climate or if it’s summertime, this is one to avoid. However, it can be an absolute gem in the cold and crisp weather.

Note: The Dua Brand has their ‘inspired by’ version, called: Error 405.

Le Beau Favorite

Le Beau Paradise Garden– I bought a bottle of this and the newer flanker, Flower Edition, and Paradise Garden turns out to be my favorite scent of the Le Beau series.

It takes that well loved coconut note and makes it a coconut water that is paired with a sweet and greenish smelling fig note. It’s light and has a tropical air, really well built for the spring and summer months.

I get good performance for what this is. It’s a notch below Le Beau Le Parfum, in that department, but I think that how it smells makes up for it.

Might not be for everyone, especially if you don’t want a bright, beachy, and tropical fragrance. But, this is one that will get some use when it gets hot out. Paradise Garden Review

The Other Le Beau

Le Beau Le Parfum– I actually think that I personally prefer Le Beau Flower Edition to this one. But, I think that has less appeal for a general audience and may only be a special edition release.

Le Beau Le Parfum is a bit better than the EDT, has the best performance of the line, and has a greater mass appeal.

Pineapple, coconut, and ginger start things off. This has a freshness on top of that sweet and tropical fruit aroma. It will end up with a woodier and amber finish. More substantial than the original Le Beau.

I get 9-10 hours of wear out of this one. Again, it’s not my own most liked scent from Gaultier, but it deserves a spot on this list, as of now. Le Beau Le Parfum review

Most Versatile Le Male

Le Male Le Parfum– The most popular iteration of the Le Male series and it’s a really good one.

A nice amount of cardamom and soft powder from the iris note. Very nice with the appealing DNA of the original Le Male, especially coming from the lavender in the beginning.

I originally had a mini bottle and wasn’t impressed. Turned out to be a crummy batch. I received a travel sprayer of this and liked it more. Still not my personal favorite, but I get what people like about Le Parfum.

However, it also gives you hints of Ultra Male, without the same powerful sillage (though, performance is still very good). Very warm with spicy punches throughout and wrapped up in that familiar JPG vanilla note.

It’s a more mature fragrance than either of the others. Not super high-end and formal, but it does give a nice update to the classic formula.

Le Parfum is another solid entry from this line and I prefer it versus something like In the Navy, in comparison. This is one if you want something beyond Le Male, but not the same level as Ultra Male. Le Male Le Parfum Review

gaultier le male

FAQ: Best Jean Paul Gaultier Colognes

What is the best Jean Paul Gaultier cologne for men?

Ultra Male is my personal top pick. It has great longevity, bold sillage, and a sweet spicy profile that works especially well for nightlife and colder weather. Le Male Le Parfum is better as a daily wear, though.

Which Jean Paul Gaultier cologne lasts the longest?

Le Beau Le Parfum is one of the strongest performers on the list, with around 9-10 hours of wear. Ultra Male and Le Male Le Parfum also perform very well.

Which Jean Paul Gaultier cologne is best for summer?

Le Beau Paradise Garden is the best summer choice. It has a bright tropical style with coconut water, fig, and a green freshness.

Which Jean Paul Gaultier cologne is best for winter?

Ultra Male is one of the best winter picks. Gaultier 2 is also a strong cold-weather option because of its heavy amber, vanilla, and musk profile. But, you’d have to buy it from a secondary market. Le Male Elixir Absolu or Ultra Male, currently.

Is Le Male still worth buying?

Yes, Le Male is still worth buying if you want the classic JPG style. It has mint, lavender, vanilla, cinnamon, amber, tonka, and woods, though it is not as bold as Ultra Male. Le Male Le Parfum is better nowadays, however.

Is Ultra Male better than Le Male?

Ultra Male is better if you want stronger performance, more sweetness, and a better nightlife scent. Le Male is better if you want the classic, more everyday-friendly version. But, yes, I do consider it to be a better cologne.

Which Jean Paul Gaultier fragrance is most versatile?

Le Male Le Parfum is the most versatile Le Male option on the list. It is warm, spicy, slightly powdery, and more mature than Ultra Male.

Which Jean Paul Gaultier cologne has the best performance?

Ultra Male, Le Beau Le Parfum, Scandal Le Parfum, and Le Male Le Parfum are among the best performers on the list.