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!

1 Million vs Armani Code Cologne Comparison

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Over the past 10-15 years, two of the best selling men’s fragrances, have been our two competitors featured in this post. 1 Million by Paco Rabanne vs. Code by Giorgio Armani. They are extremely well known, well loved, but which option is the better cologne? Which lasts longer? Which should you buy?

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict

1 Million wins on opening, projection, longevity, and overall scent, while Armani Code wins on versatility.

Buy 1 Million if you want the bolder, sweeter, louder nighttime fragrance with better performance.

Buy Armani Code if you want the more flexible scent for office wear, casual use, nights out, and slightly more formal situations.

Category 1 Million Armani Code Winner
Opening Bold mint, blood orange, grapefruit, rose, leather, spice, and amber Citrus, apple, lavender, anise, tobacco, leather, and powdery spice 1 Million
Projection Very strong reputation, still stronger than Code EDT even in newer bottles Starts with some power, then becomes moderate for most of the wear 1 Million
Longevity Now around 8 hours; older bottles could go 10+ hours About 5–6 hours from newer bottles 1 Million
Versatility Best for colder months, casual wear, and nightlife; not ideal for workplace wear Works for office, casual, nighttime, and more formal events Armani Code
Overall Scent Bold sweet-spicy blend with amber, leather, citrus, spice, and strong personality Powdery, creamy, citrus-leather scent with apple, tonka, tobacco, and versatility 1 Million
Best For Guys who want a bold, sweet, loud cold-weather/nightlife scent Guys who want the more versatile daily and semi-formal option —

Tale of the Tape

1 Million

Notes include: Mint, Grapefruit, Rose, Patchouli, Amber, Cinnamon, White woods, Blond leather, Blood orange, Spice notes

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne 1 Million By Paco Rabanne For Men Edt Spray, 3.4 Ounce

Read my review: 1 Million

Armani Code

Notes include: citrus, lavender, apple, leather, tobacco, star anise, woods

Click here to try: Armani Code By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 4.2 Oz.

Read my review: Armani Code

Opening

The opening of 1 Million is a blend of notes, that is quite bold, and starts off with plenty of power. It’s a mix of mint, blood orange, leather, rose, and grapefruit. It’s a mix of spice and sweet, with warmth and cooler elements. All of this is surrounded by a nice amber note.

Armani Code kicks off with citrus and apple, being fairly strong at the top. It turns more powdery with some spiciness from notes anise, tobacco, and leather. The fruity notes start to fade, somewhat after the first minutes.

Which is better? I like how Code starts off, its quite nice. However, I prefer the beginning of 1 Million. It’s intensity and depth, is a bit more engaging, and the smell is better to me.

Edge: 1 Million

Projection

Armani Code has some power, at the start, but is really pretty moderate for the majority of the wear. The newer bottles, don’t seem to have the same strength. Meanwhile, 1 Million has a very strong sillage, and has always had the reputation of being able to fill up a room.

Update: Newer 1 Million bottles also don’t seem to have that same power and longevity, but are still better than Code EDT.

Edge: 1 Million

Longevity

Code used to be better, in this regard. I could get 8 hours of wear from it. Now, it seems to go 5-6 hours. Either way, it never hit the same level as the Paco Rabanne. 1 Million will go for over 10 hours. It pretty easily wins this category. Update: 1 Million is now around 8 hours.

Edge: 1 Million

Versatility

Due to its sillage and somewhat youthful vibe, 1 Million mainly gets relegated to nighttime use. Plus, it holds up better in the colder months of the year. So, a casual or nightlife scent. Not a workplace wear.

Code, on the other hand, can venture into the office. It is good for nighttime wear, casual, or even more formal events. It’s also better in the colder climate, but it has more uses than 1 Million.

Edge: Code

Overall Scent

Armani Code is still a really good pick for a daily wear. It’s got solid versatility and performance, even if it’s lost a step. The smell itself is still a beautiful composition. The powdery elements, the apple, citrus, leather, and creamy tonka bean are all great. For many guys, it will be the better choice, out of these two based on lifestyle and need.

However, which one is better? I still like 1 Million more than the Armani. Yes, it skews to a younger wearer, but this scent can still be a great wear. I’ve always loved its boldness and the awesome blend and balancing act between different aromas and styles.

Beyond that, the performance has always been great for me. Strong, bold, and something that I can throw on during certain occasions and completely love wearing it. Both of these scents are great, 1 Million, just a little more so.

Update: If you’re looking for Code, I would nowadays go with Code EDP for the closest thing to the original. Code EDT just doesn’t hold up anymore. You could also go with the other Code flankers, which are great, but smell somewhat different.

Winner: 1 Million

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose 1 Million if:

You want the stronger performer between the two
You prefer bold sweet-spicy fragrances
You like mint, grapefruit, blood orange, leather, rose, cinnamon, amber, and patchouli
You mainly want something for nights out, casual wear, or colder weather
You want the fragrance with the bigger personality and stronger overall impression

Choose Armani Code if:

You want the more versatile fragrance
You prefer citrus, apple, lavender, tobacco, leather, tonka, and powdery spice
You need something that can work in the office or semi-formal settings
You want a smoother, less loud scent than 1 Million
You care more about flexibility than maximum performance

1 Million vs. Code FAQ

Is Armani Code more versatile than 1 Million?

Yes, it is the more versatile fragrance of the two. 1 Million skews younger and more towards the nightlife. Meanwhile, Code is much more of an all-around or daily wear sort of cologne.

Is Armani Code still worth buying?

The original Code EDT? Maybe. It still smells great, even if the performance isn’t as good anymore. You can usually find bottles for cheaper nowadays too. However, if you want a better performer or potentially better scent for your tastes from the code line, try: Code Parfum or Code EDP.

Are 1 Million and Armani Code similar?

Not really in terms of how they smell. They often get compared to one another because they were both released in the same era and are the best-sellers that survived to this day. So, this has led them to being mentioned together somewhat often.

Does 1 Million project more than Armani Code?

Yes. The difference has always been there. The older bottles of 1 Million were truly quite powerful and Code was better also, just not nearly to the same level.

Versace Eros vs Eros Parfum Comparison

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Eros is one of the best-selling fragrances in the world. Eros EDT started things off and the line has now spawned three additional iterations, such as today’s competitor, Eros Parfum. Since both of these are closely related in terms of everything, how do they actually compare and contrast. Which fragrance lasts longer? Which smells better?

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict

Eros Parfum wins on opening, longevity, and overall scent, while Eros EDT wins on projection and slightly better versatility.

Buy Eros Parfum if you want the smoother, richer, and more refined version of Eros with stronger lasting power and a better dry down.

Buy the original Eros EDT if you prefer the louder mint-apple sweetness and stronger youthful club-fragrance energy, but overall Parfum is the better fragrance.

 

Category Versace Eros EDT Versace Eros Parfum Winner
Opening Mint, green apple, lemon, vanilla, and strong youthful sweetness Mint and citrus opening with smoother woods, amber, and a richer sweeter base Eros Parfum
Projection Very strong and louder off the skin Strong, but smoother and less aggressive Eros EDT
Longevity Around 7–8 hours depending on batch Usually 8–10 hours with a stronger dry down Eros Parfum
Versatility Nightlife, colder weather, younger crowd, but still wearable casually Nightlife, dates, cooler weather, slightly more mature versatility Eros EDT
Overall Scent Louder sweet mint-apple vanilla club scent with strong youthful appeal Richer, smoother, more polished Eros with stronger balance and refinement Eros Parfum
Best For Those who want the louder original club-fragrance feel Those who want the smoother, more mature, better overall Eros —

Tale of the Tape; Eros vs Eros Parfum

Versace Eros EDT

Notes of Eros: mint, green apple, tonka bean, madagascar vanilla, vetiver, Italian lemon

Shop Amazon for: Versace Eros Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

My Full Review: Eros

Eros Parfum

Notes include: lemon, mandarin, black pepper, elemi, tonka bean, Madagascar vanilla, litsea cubeba, pomarose, geranium, lavender, clary sage, benzoin, cashmeran, patchouli, vetiver

Click here to try: Eros Parfum

Read my full review: Parfum

Opening

So, with the newer bottles of Eros EDT, I get a stronger opening of the lemon note versus what it was in the past. To me, it used to have more of a balance between the vanilla, mint, green apple, and that lemon.

Sweet, fresh, rich, and bold. Now, it’s quite citrusy on my skin and has a sharpness to it, that just doesn’t have that same vibe.

Eros Parfum actually opens up being more fresh than citrus. Yes, the citrus does pop at the top and its sparkling quality is nice. But, it’s actually more muted in the blend.

The usual lemon, mandarin, and that verbena-like litsea cubeba. Pepper and sage are more apparent, as is the base of amber and resinous notes like, benzoin and elemi.

Sage is the leader, geranium is stronger in this composition, and I get very little of the mint note.

Which is better? As it stands currently, I prefer what Parfum has to offer versus what I’m getting from the original EDT. It’s different, but familiar, and utilizes the fresh notes very well.

Edge: Eros Parfum

Projection

Both are strong. Neither are powerful, anymore. You’ll get a nice scent trail with either of these.

The projection reaches a tiny bit further with the Parfum version. Older Eros EDT, would outdo both of these. The performance has taken a step back, but these are still good performers for mainstream designer fragrances.

Edge: Parfum

Longevity

Eros EDT used to routinely get me 10+ hours, with the older bottles. Now, it is basically hitting 8 hours and can on occasion, still be detected at the 10 hour mark.

With Eros Parfum, the longevity seems to be 8.5-10+ hours. Mostly towards the upper end of that range. One time that I wore it, Parfum did fade at the 8.5 hour mark.

So, while the longevity now overlaps. Parfum is a more consistent performer for me, than is EDT.

Edge: Parfum

Versatility

As far as use cases go, these are obviously going to be very similar. Both are mainly used in the colder months of the year. An advantage that Parfum has, is that it can extend its usefulness further into the springtime than EDT.

Neither is a summertime wear, but Eros Parfum just keeps it together better when it gets warmer out.

Secondly, I think that Parfum is the smoothest and most refined of the Eros line. It’s got more maturity than any of them and can be worn by older men, as well as younger guys.

These are the main differences to me and Parfum takes this category.

Edge: Parfum

 

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two fragrances do I prefer? It’s tough, because I would prefer older bottles of Eros EDT to Parfum. However, even comparing what I can buy right now, I only slightly prefer Parfum to the current incarnation of EDT.

EDT is still fine. I don’t want to make it seem like it’s terrible, it isn’t. Actually, all of the main Eros variants are about the same in terms of how each smells. But, I do think that Parfum is currently the best of them.

I like the freshness that Parfum has, while keeping it smooth in the latter stages. The vanilla and amber are very nice here, getting paired with a prominent vetiver note. The amber is the most tolerable in the series, to my nose. Whereas, EDP gets annoying after a while.

Beyond that, the performance and versatility of Eros Parfum are also better. Even if its not by too much, I still give it a definite edge, and it’s the winner of this contest.

Winner: Eros Parfum

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose Eros EDT if:

You prefer the original loud Versace Eros DNA
You like mint, green apple, lemon, tonka, vanilla, and stronger sweetness
You want the bigger projection and youthful club-fragrance feel
You mainly wear fragrance for nightlife, parties, and casual colder-weather use
You prefer louder attention-grabbing scents over smoother refinement

Choose Eros Parfum if:

You want the better overall fragrance
You prefer smoother woods, amber, vanilla, and a more refined dry down
You want better longevity and a more mature take on Eros
You like fragrances that still perform well but feel less aggressive
You want the best full-wear experience rather than just the loudest opening

Versace Eros FAQ

Which Eros fragrance is the best?

They’re all sort of close in terms of likeability in my opinion. If I had to say right now: Eros Parfum. I might go Eros EDT or Flame (if you wanted something a bit different) from the ‘blue bottles’.

Does Eros Parfum last longer than Eros EDT?

Nowadays, yes. Parfum does have the edge in terms of how long it lasts on skin. Older bottles of Eros EDT were amazing with how they performed. Now, they’ve lost a step or two, in my experience.

Are Eros EDT and Eros Parfum very similar?

Eros EDT, Parfum, and EDP all have a lot of overlap. There are different notes between them, but mainly its about the strength of the main core of the ‘DNA’. So, it comes down to preference, and I lean toward Parfum first. Then, EDT.

 

Alien Goddess vs. Intense Comparison

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Alien Goddess is the latest flanker series from Mugler utilizing the Alien name and style. Even if, it is a fairly different wear from the original classic Alien. But, the first Alien Goddess has now gotten a flanker of its own, Alien Goddess Intense. I’ve tested both of them and am going to compare the two in this post to see, which is the better buy?

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict

Alien Goddess Intense wins on opening, projection, longevity, and overall scent, while versatility is basically a tie.

Buy Alien Goddess Intense if you want the richer, creamier vanilla-jasmine version with stronger projection and better lasting power.

Buy the original Alien Goddess if you prefer a lighter coconut-citrus floral scent with a fresher tropical feel, but overall Intense is the stronger fragrance.

Category Alien Goddess Alien Goddess Intense Winner
Opening Coconut water, bergamot, jasmine, vanilla with a lighter tropical freshness Coconut, jasmine, vanilla, benzoin with a richer creamy sweetness Alien Goddess Intense
Projection Moderate projection with a softer scent trail Stronger projection and fuller scent bubble Alien Goddess Intense
Longevity Around 6–7 hours Usually 8+ hours Alien Goddess Intense
Versatility Spring/summer friendly, daytime wear, vacations, casual use Still versatile, but stronger sweetness suits evenings and cooler weather more Push
Overall Scent Bright tropical coconut floral with lighter vanilla warmth Creamier, deeper vanilla-jasmine scent with stronger warmth and richness Alien Goddess Intense
Best For Those who want the fresher tropical version Those who want the stronger, richer, better-performing version —

Tale of the Tape: Alien Goddess vs. Alien Goddess Intense

Alien Goddess

Notes include: bergamot, coconut water, jasmine, vanilla, heliotrope, cashmeran wood

Click here to try: Alien Goddess at Macy’s

Read my review: Alien Goddess

alien goddess review

Alien Goddess Intense

Notes include: coconut, bergamot, jasmine, jasmine tea, benzoin, vanilla, cashmere

Click here to try: Intense at Sephora

Read my review: Goddess Intense

Opening

Alien Goddess opens up with coconut and bergamot. But, the bergamot is quite light, and the coconut is more of a watery one. The jasmine and vanilla also begin to come through early.

It is a bright, sweet, and creamy perfume. The heliotrope will come on soon after to split some of the duties with the jasmine note.

Alien Goddess Intense is more substantial and ‘thicker’ than the original. Here, the coconut isn’t watery, but more of the fruit itself. It is also joined by vanilla and benzoin early, which further add to it.

But, early it’s the coconut, jasmine, and vanilla notes mainly. It does also have that bergamot, but it doesn’t play much of a role in Intense either.

Which is better?

They do have a similar aroma, but I think I prefer that of Goddess Intense more so. The earlier vanilla emergence and the fuzzy amber-like qualities of the benzoin are nice additions. I do like the original too, so, it’s not a complete blow out victory here.

Edge: Intense

Projection

Intense does come across as being a heavier scent and one that has more projection than the original. A bit more of a scent trail too.

I don’t think Intense massively outperforms the original, in this regard. However, it does have the edge for sure.

Edge: Intense

Longevity

The original Alien Goddess went 8-9 hours for me, on skin. It’s actually got some really nice performance and wasn’t a disappointment.

However, Intense will go 9-10+ hours of wear. It’s not a massive difference, but I can detect it for an hour or two past, what I got with the original EDP.

For a mainstream designer fragrance, Alien Goddess Intense is borderline elite, with how long it lasts.

Edge: Intense

Versatility

The only real difference here is the the climate each is worn in. Sure, there is overlap. Though, the original is a better bet for the warmer spring and summer weather. It’s lighter and not as cloying in the hotter temperatures.

That being said, Intense is the better bet in colder weather. Both can fit in on moderate days. Outside of that there really isn’t much distinction.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these perfumes do I prefer? It’s a closer call than it may seem. I consider them both to be good smelling fragrances, though, neither blows me away. But, each is bolstered by its general likeability and performance.

With the original, I like the lighter coconut, the sweetness and the heliotrope which comes through in the middle act. It’s a very nice and wearable perfume.

But, Intense is slightly better to me, across the board. The vanilla, amber, benzoin combination isn’t wholly different from the original. It’s just more of an enjoyable mix overall.

Plus, the performance is better. Not a huge win, but I’ll take Intense.

Winner: Alien Goddess Intense

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose Alien Goddess if:

You prefer lighter tropical fragrances
You like coconut water, bergamot, jasmine, and softer vanilla
You want something fresher for spring and summer
You mainly wear fragrance during the day or on vacations
You prefer a softer, less sweet scent profile

Choose Alien Goddess Intense if:

You want the better overall fragrance
You prefer richer vanilla, coconut, jasmine, and benzoin
You want stronger projection and better longevity
You like creamier, warmer feminine scents
You want the stronger-performing version for evenings or cooler weather

Mugler Alien Goddess FAQ

Is Alien Goddess more tropical than Intense?

Yes, the coconut water and bergamot notes give it a lighter and fresher aroma that’s tropical and a nice wear in the warmer weather. You still get coconut with Intense, but it doesn’t feel as tropical as the original.

Which is the best Alien Goddess perfume to buy?

Out of the releases so far, I like: Goddess Intense and Supra Florale most. I like Intense a bit more than Florale. But, those two are pretty close in terms of how much I enjoy each.

Which Mugler Alien Goddess should I buy first?

I think that Goddess Intense is the best of the series that they’ve released as of now. But, it may not be the best for what you want. Again, you might like that lighter and fresher formula of the original more.

Phantom vs Phantom Parfum Comparison

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Phantom is a release from Paco Rabanne that has become very popular with the public since its release. It’s one that I don’t completely understand personally, but enough folks seem to enjoy the scent. Anyway, the brand has followed up the original Phantom with a newer Parfum version in 2023.

Which of these robot bottled colognes smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy? I’ve tested each and the following are my results.

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict

Phantom Parfum wins on opening, projection, longevity, and overall scent, while versatility is basically a tie.

Buy Phantom Parfum if you want the fresher, stronger, and better-performing version with a smoother citrus opening and longer-lasting projection.

Buy the original Phantom if you specifically prefer the apple note and slightly juicier tropical sweetness, but overall Parfum is the better buy.

Category Phantom Phantom Parfum Winner
Opening Apple, lemon, lavender, vanilla, and a juicy semi-tropical sweetness Lemon, bergamot, rhubarb, cardamom, and a fresher colder citrus opening Phantom Parfum
Projection Strong start, then quickly falls to moderate and later lighter Stronger start and stays upper-moderate for much longer Phantom Parfum
Longevity Around 6–7 hours Around 8–9 hours Phantom Parfum
Versatility Autumn/winter, younger, casual, nightlife Autumn/winter, younger, casual, nightlife Push
Overall Scent Nice opening, but becomes a more average patchouli-heavy sweet scent later More of the best parts of Phantom with stronger performance and better citrus freshness Phantom Parfum
Best For Fans of the original apple-heavy Phantom opening Those who want the stronger, fresher, better-performing flanker —

Tale of the Tape: Phantom vs. Phantom Parfum

Phantom

Notes include: lemon, lemon zest, lavender, patchouli, vetiver, apple, smoke, and more

Click here to try: Phantom by Paco Rabanne

My Full Review: Phantom

Phantom Parfum

Notes include: bergamot, lemon, rhubarb, cardamom, lavender, patchouli, vanilla, geranium, balsam, cedar

Click here to try: Phantom Parfum

Read my review: Parfum

Opening

With Phantom, I actually kind of like the start. Phantom kicks things off with apple and lemon notes, creating a juiciness that is quite nice. The aroma is semi-tropical and sweet, with the way it ties together.

Under that, is lavender and vanilla, further pushing the aromatic creaminess.

That juicy citrus fruit opening will be pushed out by a drier and earthy aroma. The juiciness fades, and patchouli will have its time to shine, with an herbal sort of spice coming together. It dirties it up, and yes, there is a touch of smoke.

With Parfum, we get a stronger use of the citrus up top. That lemon, bergamot, and semi-tropical aroma is back, longer lasting, and better than the original.

With that, you get a rhubarb and cardamom in lieu of the apple note. Once the fruitiness has toned down, this one feels fresher and colder. Slightly greenish undertones, in the early stages.

Which is better? I think Parfum is preferable. I like the start of the original, but I think that Parfum is more appealing in comparison.

Edge: Parfum

Projection

The original Phantom starts off quite strong, but will pretty quickly decay into something moderate, and finally a lighter scent that I can catch whiffs of.

It wasn’t a sillage powerhouse, but could be decent.

With Parfum, I do get a bit of a stronger start. Not by much, though. However, the real value with it, is how long it lasts at a higher level.

Phantom Parfum doesn’t just quickly fall off and it will be in the upper moderate range of projection for a large portion of the wear.

Edge: Parfum

Longevity

With the original Phantom, I could get 6-7 hours of wear on my skin. It wasn’t great, but it was fairly solid, as a fragrance.

The Parfum version will go a bit further. During testing, it lasted 8-9 hours. Not a ton of extra time, but it is noticeably stronger and lasts longer.

Phantom Parfum easily takes this.

Edge: Parfum

Versatility

I don’t think there’s any real distinction here. Both are built better for the autumn and winter months. Neither is going to hold up well in the heat and humidity.

Parfum isn’t different enough to change what the Phantom DNA is all about. Skews younger, casual, can be worn out at night, etc.

To me, this is a tie.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Paco Rabanne fragrances do I prefer?

Phantom never did much for me. I didn’t completely hate it. I enjoyed the apple and lemon peel notes, after the initial spray. When those two blend with everything else it’s nice.

After that, Phantom was basically just an average scent. Nothing really stood out about it.

Phantom Parfum gives me more of the parts that I like, with more performance.

Parfum doesn’t completely win me over to the Phantom line, as I personally still don’t want a bottle of either. However, I do like it more than the original.

Note:  If you still can’t decide between these two, you could get a similar fragrance to the original Phantom for cheaper by the Dua Brand called: Error 414. Then, buy Phantom Parfum also. 

The dry down is a big dose of vanilla, some woods, and a now generic sweetness from the top notes. That initial ‘tropical’ scent isn’t there anymore and it has the same vibe as any number of Paco Rabanne scents after that.

In the end, if you liked the original Phantom, you should try Parfum. If you didn’t, I don’t think you need to put Parfum through its paces. Even if, it is the best between them.

Winner: Phantom Parfum

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose Phantom if:

You prefer the original Paco Rabanne Phantom DNA
You like apple, lemon, lavender, vanilla, and juicy sweet openings
You enjoy the more tropical fruity feel at the start
You do not mind average performance after the opening fades
You mainly care about the original opening rather than the full wear experience

Choose Phantom Parfum if:

You want the better overall fragrance
You prefer stronger citrus with bergamot, lemon, rhubarb, and cardamom
You want better projection and longer-lasting performance
You like fresher, colder openings with smoother development
You want the best version of the Phantom line based on this comparison

Paco Rabanne Phantom FAQ

Which Paco Rabanne Phantom should I buy first?

This is a line that I think that you should try before spending. Again, I’m not a big fan of any of these, but the answer is probably Phantom Parfum or maybe Phantom Intense. I haven’t tried every single release as of now, but those would be my picks if I had to purchase a Phantom cologne.

Is Phantom more fruity than Phantom Parfum?

Actually, Parfum has more of an initial fruitier kick and it also lasts longer. That’s part of its appeal for me in comparison to the original. But, Phantom comes across as sweeter, while Parfum is more citrusy.

Are Phantom and Phantom Parfum very similar?

They are quite similar. The differences are that Parfum is a smoother experience and the dry down periods are different with how they smell. Woods and vanilla, mostly.

Tobacco Oud vs Intense Comparison

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For this head to head match up, I wanted to take a look at two Tom Ford fragrances but in particular, the two Tobacco Oud scents: the original vs. Tobacco Oud Intense. Which of these colognes smells better? Which has better sillage? Better longevity? Which one is the fragrance to consider buying?

Update: Both of these fragrances have seemingly been discontinued. For sure, Intense. Tobacco Oud seems to pop up and then go away, but you can still find it places online. If you want to try an alternative, The Dua Brand has their ‘inspired by’ take on each: Tobac Aoud and Tobac Aoud Attar. 

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict

Tobacco Oud Intense wins on opening, projection, and overall scent, while the original Tobacco Oud wins on longevity.

Buy Tobacco Oud Intense if you want the smoother, sweeter, less harsh version with stronger sillage and a better overall wear experience.

Buy Tobacco Oud if you prefer more whiskey, spice, booziness, and longer wear time.

 

Category Tobacco Oud Tobacco Oud Intense Winner
Opening Big oud, whiskey, cured tobacco, coriander, earthy patchouli, rough smoky start Tobacco, oud, amber, tonka bean, dark smoke, smoother sweetness Intense
Projection Strong early, but does not hold peak strength as long Stronger sillage and maintains strength longer Intense
Longevity 10+ hours on skin Around 7–9 hours Tobacco Oud
Versatility Cold weather, dressed-up situations, less casual wear Cold weather, dressed-up situations, less casual wear Push
Overall Scent Boozier, spicier, harsher opening that improves into smoother woody sweetness Smoother, sweeter, almost leathery amber-tonka oud with a better full wear Intense
Best For Fans of boozy, spicy, rougher tobacco-oud scents Those who want the smoother, sweeter, stronger-projecting version —

Tale of the Tape: Tom Ford Tobacco Oud vs Intense

Tobacco Oud

Notes include: tobacco, oud, amber, whiskey, vanilla, cinnamon, benzoin, patchouli, sandalwood, coriander, cedar, incense

Click here to try: Tom Ford Private Blend Tobacco Oud Eau De Parfum Spray 100ml/3.4oz

Read my original review: Tobacco Oud Review

Tobacco Oud Intense

Notes include: oud, tobacco, amber, cedar, coriander, tonka bean, patchouli, sandalwood, labdanum

Click here to try: Tom Ford Tobacco Oud Intense by Tom Ford, 3.4 oz EDP Spray Unisex

Read my original review: Tobacco Oud Intense

Opening

Tobacco Oud opens up with a big dose of the oud, but also whiskey, which is more prominent than the tobacco at the start. Under that layer, there is the cured tobacco, spicy coriander, and an earthy patchouli. The start is rough and pretty smokey.

Intense starts off with the tobacco and oud notes, it is dark and smokey, but under that is a smooth amber and tonka bean blend. It is much sweeter and not as harsh as the original. For that reason, I will give the opening round to Tobacco Oud Intense.

Edge: Intense

Projection

Is the intense version better in terms of sillage? Yes. Tobacco Oud Intense reaches a higher level of strength and maintains that strength for longer than the original’s peak. Even after that, it is still stronger in its more moderate stages.

Edge: Intense

Longevity

This is where it is actually interesting. With the original, I could get 10+ hours of wear on my skin. With Intense, I only get 7-9 hours. Why? I don’t know. Maybe it’s the particular batch or maybe the original just has better staying power.

Edge: Tobacco Oud

Versatility

No real difference here. Both are cold weather fragrances. Better for dressed up versus casual. Both attractive, but not particularly sexy. The similarities don’t provide for distinctions in this category.

Edge: Push

 

Overall Scent

I like the dry down of the original Tobacco Oud, but the opening act, kind of puts me off. It’s too harsh and boozy. The latter stages get, better before it settles down into a smoother woody fragrance with an underlying sweetness…pretty much what Intense is throughout.

The original has more spice and booziness, which I usually enjoy, but not so much in the composition.

Tobacco Oud Intense, just has a better smell throughout. The amber and tonka bean help to create a smooth, almost leathery effect, in the fragrance.

Plus, the oud is toned down, the further along you get into the wear. For me, it is just a better overall experience. Between the two, I’d definitely go with Intense.

Once again, if you can’t find either of these Tom Ford fragrances, you can get a cheaper alternative(s) from The Dua Brand: Tobac Aoud and Tobac Aoud Attar. 

Winner: Intense

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose Tobacco Oud if:

You want the longer-lasting fragrance
You like whiskey, tobacco, oud, coriander, patchouli, and spice
You prefer a rougher, boozier, smokier opening
You enjoy the original Tobacco Oud dry down
You do not mind a harsher start if the fragrance lasts longer

Choose Tobacco Oud Intense if:

You want the better overall scent between the two
You prefer a smoother, sweeter tobacco-oud profile
You like amber, tonka bean, oud, tobacco, cedar, and labdanum
You want stronger projection and sillage
You want a less harsh version that still feels dark, smoky, and powerful

Tobacco Oud FAQ

Did Tobacco Oud Intense get discontinued?

Yes, as did Tobacco Oud. As of this update, neither is available for sale through Tom Ford’s website. Will they come back? I don’t know. Much less likely that Intense does.

Is Tobacco Oud Intense smoother than the original?

For me, yes. I think that the Intense version comes across as less harsh and more well-rounded than the original Tobacco Oud.

Which one is better for winter?

They’re both at their best in the winter. So, there’s no real difference, it’s just which fragrance you like more.