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!

9 Fragrances that Smell Similar to Spicebomb

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Spicebomb for a long time, did its own thing. There really wasn’t much that smelled like it and that’s part of what made it so awesome. However, sometimes a good thing can be too expensive. Some even complain, that this popular fragrance, has reformulated.

I don’t know about that last part, as last I’ve tried it, Spicebomb smelled the same. Maybe it lost some power, but it definitely hasn’t been wrecked.

Either way, guys want an alternative to the Viktor & Rolf powerhouse, and that’s what I want to tackle in this post. Is there an exact clone of Spicebomb? I still say, no. However, there are definite options, which deliver similar experiences.

I’m also going to use this page for scents that are like the flankers, such as, Spicebomb Extreme, Infrared, and Night Vision. At least, if and when I find such alternates.

What Colognes Smell Like or are Clone Alternatives to Spicebomb?

Boozier Spicebomb

Bvlgari Man in Black Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– So, Blvgari’s Man in Black, isn’t always thought of when it comes to seductive sort of fragrances; but it most certainly is one from my experience. It’s not a super intense bomb or one that lasts all night (roughly 4-6 hours), but that’s more than enough for when I use it.

This is a boozy version of Spicebomb, in a lot of ways. I say, that this one is darker, and has its own personality. But man, they are like brothers, closely related but not exact copies.

Man in Black has become for me, a nightlife wear on cooler evenings. Why? Because there is a certain percentage of women, who go nuts for this scent. Not kidding. I’ve had multiple random women stop me at a bar and just flat out tell me how sexy I smell.

I’ve also worn it on a few dates and pretty much been mauled by my companion, while repeating how much they love my cologne. At times, this has been that mythical ‘panty dropper’, scent that often gets talked about on fragrance forums and YouTube videos.

So, while it’s not universally as popular as some of the other scents on this list, Bvlgari’s dark and boozy fragrance can do work when out in the field. It starts off with rum and cinnamon spices that is tempered by a smooth leather note.

There is a oud base which amps up the masculinity and floral notes lingering around to give it a bit of sweetness.

Again, it actually projects pretty moderately, but does the job when someone gets close to you. This isn’t one that I wear everyday, rather, I break it out at night to see what attention it attracts me. Man in Black Full Review

Inspired Remix

Spice it Up with Belgian Choco– This one is a hybrid mix from The Dua Brand. Their version of the Spicebomb formula, is ‘Spice it Up’. However, it appears that they’re no longer selling the stand alone, at this time.

But, they do have the version mixed with their own scent called, Belgian Chocolate Truffle. So, essentially this is a fragrance that smells like Spicebomb, just with added: chocolate, almond, plum, and caramel notes to the mix.

I haven’t tried this one out, in particular. I have bought more than 10 fragrances from Dua in the past, including their ‘inspired takes’ on designer perfumes. They do a good job at coming coming close to replicating the smell.

This one should be fun with the sweeter gourmand elements added in.

Great Inexpensive Alternative

Spice & Black Vanilla by Cremo– Spice & Black Vanilla is a great one from Cremo that doesn’t cost very much, but it delivers a pretty close experience to scents from the Spicebomb line.

I for sure see the connection, between the two. To me, it’s sort of like Spicebomb with touches of Spicebomb Extreme, but simplified. Sweeter than either, too.

The spice mix seems to be a cardamom and cinnamon blend, with the latter being weaker, and not to the same extent as the Viktor & Rolf cologne. That top is spicier, but the dry down is vanilla based and quite woody.

Performance is in the 5-7 hour range with this, in my experience. Pretty good, considering this currently retails for about $20 (as of writing).

Sweeter & Inexpensive

Beverly Hills Polo Club Blaze by Beverly Hills Polo Club, 3.4 oz Eau De Toilette Spray for Men– This is a really inexpensive options that can mimic much of what we’re looking for with Spicebomb.

Is it amazing? No. It doesn’t have the depth, nor the staying power of our target. Nonetheless, it can be an option for those really pressed, for price. It’s got a heavy dose of cinnamon and more of a sweeter edge than does Spicebomb.

Drier and Smoother

Hanae Mori Him Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce– This Hanae Mori release, isn’t an exact duplicate of Spicebomb, but it’s a fairly close relative of what we’re looking for. The biggest overlap comes in the use of both cinnamon and pepper, for the spiciness, but includes additional cardamom.

However, HiM has a sweet quality with tonka bean, light citrus, and warm amber. This all sits on top of mainly cedar, with some other woodsy notes.

Not the same level of spicy intensity, this is drier, and has a smoother character. Solid performance and available at a affordable price.

Leather and Spice Fendi

Fendi Fan Di Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 1.7 Ounce– Fan Di Fendi is a line that has gotten overlooked for the past few years. I wore the Aqua version, over the summer, and it’s got a lot of positive qualities.

This fragrance, is another option that sits in the same ballpark, as Spicebomb. This one amps up the leather, gives you the pink pepper/cardamom combo, and a solid woody base. Smooth with a bit of citrus, not as rough, and has a better ability to venture into warmer weather.

The good news is, this stuff has been heavily discounted. Again, not a clone of the Viktor & Rolf fragrance, but similar sensibilities.

Dry Spicy Burberry

BURBERRY London for Men Eau de Toilette , 1.7 fl. oz– London was my first Burberry cologne and its woody fragrance is probably the most masculine of the lot. Its base notes include mimosa, leather, tobacco, cinnamon leaves, and lavender.

This fragrance is probably best served as an evening wear option because of its sensual appeal. However, I used to daily wear this seasonally, back in college. Just with lighter sprays.

London opens up, at its spiciest, with that tobacco note surrounded by both pepper and cinnamon leaf. It also features a port wine ingredient at the top, to give the scent, an ever so slight booziness.

If you pay attention, you can pick up on the wine, it’s a nice addition. Further along, the spices notes are fading in place of the leather, and dry woodsy notes.

This is an option for those who want a good designer wear, that occupies a similar space as does, Spicebomb. This is much drier, but does share many related ingredient as Spicebomb. I just wanted to throw it out there, as another candidate.

It can be very dry and earthy at times, with a certain masculine ruggedness. It has its refinement along with a wild undercurrent. The most prominent notes are the tobacco, cinnamon, and leather notes. Great stuff.

London starts off with a strong sillage, but ends up being pretty moderate. The longevity is good and this one is still so enjoyable to me, after all these years. Burberry London Review.

Another Cheaper Alternative

Lomani Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, Body and Soul, 3.3 Ounce– As far as cheap alternatives to Spicebomb, this one is probably the best. It definitely brings that peppery kick up front, can clone much of what Spicebomb does, but then has its own personality.

Body and Soul gives you a touch of citrus, a lovely tobacco note, and fresh lavender to help make it feel clean. Not that sweet, but has enough to offset the pepper and tobacco note. The performance is good, but the sillage isn’t super strong. Not terrible, either.

Night Vision Dive

Zino Davidoff Cool Water Night Dive EDT Spray for Men, 2.5 Ounce– A very nice take off of the original Cool Water with mint, berries, aquatic elements, pepper, and tobacco.

It’s sweet and interesting yet still maintains an oceanic vibe but built for the nighttime as the name suggests.

It has some resemblance to the original Cool Water, with a sweetish and fresh aroma that has similarities to Night Vision EDP.

The main difference will be with its aquatic notes, which don’t feel to powerful and not really a salt water smell, at least for me. But, that just adds to the synthetic sort of freshness that each of these colognes can produce.

Much sweeter than Cool Water, more ‘blue’, less herbal/floral ‘greenish’ qualities. But, the rest of it feels a lot like Spicebomb Night Vision. Not going to be an exact match Performance isn’t bad, can be a nice wear for the summertime.

Bleu de Chanel EDP vs Versace Eros Comparison

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In this edition of the head to head men’s fragrance comparisons, I wanted to take a closer look at two very popular scents for men: Versace Eros vs. Bleu de Chanel EDP.

Now, of course, BdC has multiple variations to compare; however, I chose the eau de parfum version because I think that it’s the best.

While Eros, has it’s own set of flankers (not counting Flame). I’ll go with the original. Which cologne smells better? Which lasts longer? Read below for my full break down.

Tale of the Tape: Eros vs Bleu EDP

Versace Eros

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 review: Versace Eros

Bleu de Chanel EDP

Notes include: grapefruit, sandalwood, amber, vanilla, tonka bean, ginger, mint, and more

Click here to try: Bleu De Chaneⅼ Eau De Parfum Pour Homme Spray 1.7 Fl. OZ. / 50ML.

Read my Review: Bleu de Chanel EDP

Opening

Versace Eros starts off with a bold mix of mint, apple, and lemon. In some newer bottles, the lemon seems stronger to my nose, and the vanilla doesn’t come on as early.

Update: But, with my most recent travel sprayer it’s more of a balanced blend again.

Eros is a interesting mix of a warm cloud of sweetness and a cool crisp freshness.

Apple and mint, bring on the latter. Tonka bean and vanilla, create that cloud-like effect.

Bleu de Chanel EDP also starts off with citrus, including lemon, but the grapefruit note is actually the stronger of the two.

Bleu also brings on its mint note, but the ginger and pink pepper, have a stronger spice. A little later, you get a smoky incense, and warm amber.

Which is better? I do enjoy the opening of Eros, a whole lot. I liked the original batches the best, however. Now, the lemon does seem stronger, which throws off the balance a bit (not too much, but noticeable).

The opening of Bleu EDP can be sharp, but I enjoy the citrus notes, and the spicy freshness which comes through. I think I’ll give the Chanel the edge.

Edge: Bleu

Projection

Eros has always been a loud fragrance, on my skin. The sillage will project itself pretty far and wide; it totally has the ability to take over a room.

Bleu EDP, is strong, but doesn’t have a crazy powerful projecting ability. In fact, as it wears on, it’s pretty moderate. Bleu never touches the capability of Eros.

Update: Newer bottles of Eros aren’t as strong, as they used to be, in my opinion. I still think it has the slight edge, but they are now almost equal.

Edge: Eros (slightly)

Longevity

Bleu de Chanel EDP, gets me about 8 hours of wear. For me, Bleu Parfum, has the best longevity in the BdC family (10 hours).

Eros still gets me 10 hours, even with the newer bottles (swear, they are different from the originals). Both of these scents, have the staying power, Eros just goes a bit further.

Update: I’m changing this one from Eros to a tie. The power with Eros has retreated over the years, as has the longevity. Now, it also stands at about 8 hours or so.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Versace Eros is good as a casual scent for younger men, and also as, a nightlife powerhouse. It is best worn in the autumn/winter months and can completely fall apart in the high heat. Springtime, it’s decent.

Meanwhile, Bleu EDP can go year round, but is just okay when it’s really hot. Nonetheless, Bleu is better in a variety of climates than is, Eros.

Beyond that, Bleu is much better as an office scent or a formal-type of fragrance. It isn’t just limited to that, though, as it also fits while wearing a t-shirt and jeans.

It’s the more mature of the two, but not an ‘old man’ cologne, by any means. BdC EDP just has many more applications, than Eros does.

Edge: Bleu

 

Overall Scent

All right, we’re tied up going into the final category. I really do enjoy both of these fragrances and have no problem recommending either. Versace Eros has been a favorite for a long time, since I first had a sample, upon its release.

Back then, it was so bold and enveloping, with a fresh mix of sweetness and spice. The sillage was crazy, as was the longevity. I started wearing it on a regular basis, for a year or so.

However, I have a more recent mini bottle, and it seems different. It’s still very nice, but again, the vanilla/tonka bean isn’t the same.

The lemon feels amped up and it’s not the same powerhouse it once was (it’s still strong as hell, but it was once monstrous). Legend Night, has taken on the role, that the older bottles of Eros used to occupy.

I do still love the mint and apple. Plus, the dry down is still great, in my opinion. I’m not bashing Eros, it just doesn’t do much for me any longer. The formula is still good, but it doesn’t have that same level of greatness.

Bleu de Chanel EDP is a better fragrance, though. It is more refined, balanced, and versatile. It doesn’t have the same crazy performance levels, but it’s still very good across the board.

The smoky citrus and sandalwood, in the dry down is great. For me, it’s not a big win, but Bleu does get the nod. Eros, really isn’t even similar to Bleu de Chanel, and they aren’t substitutes for one another.

Winner: Bleu de Chanel EDP

bleu parfum review

9 Best Leather Scented Perfumes for Women

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Leather is fairly common as the lead ingredient in men’s fragrances. However, it usually only plays a minor role, in those targeted toward women. Nevertheless, it is still a very popular and familiar smell for people, that it will lead the way in perfumes from time to time.

In this post, I want to present nine options for ladies’, who are looking for a great leather scented perfume. If you want some more options, here is my men’s list, and there should be some fragrances that aren’t too masculine.

What are the Best Smelling Leather Perfumes for Women?

Best Tom Ford Leather

Tom Ford Ombré Leather Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4-oz–  Ombre Leather is a new 2018 release, but one that I’m really enjoying. It is unisex scent but leans more masculine, in my mind. This fragrance is very dry and warm, with leather being the main star.

However, it is joined by amber and moss, that play the background. The description by the marketing department at Tom Ford, describe this one, as taking a lot of cues from the arid landscape of the western United States.

Jasmine is another important part of Ombre Leather and it is shockingly good when put together with the leather in this fragrance. The leather is rich and very smooth, it really reminds me of a supple leather jacket. The dry down period is mostly about the jasmine and leather notes, being at the forefront. Smooth, sweet, lightly floral, and with that subtle amber note hovering in the background.

I actually prefer this scent to Tuscan Leather, but that’s just my opinion, and I think I’m in the minority there. A moderate wear, with an overall clean aroma, but with an earthy dirtiness underneath. Patchouli and dry moss, only add to the rugged outdoorsy smell of the dry down. However, that is just one layer, underneath that dark gem of a leather not. Awesome.

Ombre Leather has moderate sillage for the first 6-8 hours of wear, then, it’s more of a skin scent. That period will go on for an additional 2-3 hours. It’s not a beast, in terms of its power, but it does have a long lasting lifespan. Ombre Leather Review

Memoir

Memoir Woman by Amouage– Now, this one isn’t a direct leather fragrance. Rather, it is one with a significant amount of the note.

However, that’s not a bad thing, as this is still a great perfume with a great leathery accord. You’re also going to get plenty of wood, amber, incense, spice, and some lighter floral touches. Memoir Woman has depth and cycle that will present different facets of its structure.

The opening will have less of our target note, but I find the middle and dry down to have a very leathery presence on my skin. Sure, that’s paired with some sweet resinous notes, tuberose, and wood. But, I really like the effect. It’s just a pricey perfume.

Classic Warm and Rich Leather

Habanita By Molinard For Women Eau De Toilette Spray, 1.7-Ounces– Habanita dates all the way back to the 1920s. Is it the same exact perfume from back then?

Almost certainly not. However, it is a classic fragrance with a great leather notes playing a leading role. It starts off with fruit notes, blended together, but you can sense peach.

Then, it becomes warmer and rich with tobacco, amber, and leather. Floral notes dance in the background, creating a powdery aroma, which combines with leather in the dry down. This stuff is bold and can be hard to find, but it’s been around for close to a century for a reason.

Unisex Leather Option

Valentino Donna Noir Absolu– Donna Noir Absolu has overlaps with the men’s version of this, but is unisex at the same time. A blast of peppery spice in the opening, settles down into a smooth leathery joy.

On top of that leather is a sweet/tart fruitiness and just a hint of booze, at least early on. The further along you get, the drier that the perfume becomes, with an incense smokiness permeating the fragrance.

The opening has a dark plum note, with that initial booziness, and peppered kick. Then, you will transition into something that is more of a smooth woody leather, when out target note is paired with sandalwood.

Not super heavy, not too sweet, just a well-blended and great smelling perfume.

Cuir Chanel

Cuir de Russie by Chanel- Another high-end leather fragrance and a classic from Chanel. Cuir de Russie is ultimately a leather floral fragrance.

However, it doesn’t stop there. It opens up with some light sparkling citrus, along with some dry and smoky birch wood from the base. Tobacco comes into to add some heft and sweetness of its own.

You get the usual Chanel floral notes like jasmine and ylang-ylang. Yet, all of this is in support of a supple and rich leather note which permeates the wear. In the end, it’s more of a leather, jasmine, and birch finish. Less sweet than it started, but hints of that opening still remain.

Super pricey, in the EDP version. So, I’d probably track down a sample before committing to the full bottle purchase.

Vanilla Blend

Fan Di Fendi Extreme Eau De Parfum Spray – 75ml-2. 5oz– Fan di Fendi Extreme is from this century, but still one that seemed to fly under the radar. Actually, you could say that about both the men’s and women’s fragrances, released under this title.

There is some light citrus and tuberose in the opening stages, but the main start are the leather and vanilla.

Leather is the prominent note, and it is fantastic in this one, with a creamy vanilla to flank and provide support. Very well put together and can feel unisex, at times. The opening is a bit sharp, but it calms down, into a more beautiful form.

Natural Floral and Leather

Bottega Veneta Bottega Veneta Eau De Parfum Spray, 1.7 Ounce– Bottega Veneta start off with some fruity top notes, which lose their strength quickly, but linger around for quite a long while. Pink pepper moves in, with some awesome jasmine, and a super smooth leather.

It’s light, with floral elements, and a clean somewhat outdoorsy presentation. Later, it takes on more of a powdery finish with the leather still leading things. Has a very good blend of sweetness, leather, and creaminess.

Hermes Entry

Hermes Kelly Caleche Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 3.3 Ounce– This is one for those who want a more floral blend with the leather. This one has plenty or rose, violet, with some iris thrown in. The leather is the centerpiece, but each flower, seems to have its turn to shine.

Kelly Caleche is fresh, interesting, with nice vanilla undertones. Not too heavy, but solid performance, and has a somewhat playful vibe.

Unique and Dark

Black By Bvlgari Eau De Toilette Spray 2.5 oz– Bvlgari Black is a unique sort of scent, that also has mass appeal. Black features green tea and a rubber note in there also. Yep, rubber, but it’s actually really nice.

Leather with green tea, a warm amber, and vanilla bringing things all together. This is a unisex fragrance that has a dark profile, but enough sweetness, to keep its more unusual ingredients in line.

Terre d’Hermes Eau Intense Vetiver by Hermes

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Eau Intense Vetiver is a Terre d’Hermes flanker fragrance that was released back in 2018. I’ve thought it was the best of the line, back when I originally tried it, and I recently bought a sample to try and confirm that opinion. I’ve been testing Intense Vetiver out for a full review, as of late. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Terre d’Hermes Eau Intense Vetiver Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, Sichuan pepper, vetiver, geranium, amberwood, patchouli, olibanum

Click here to try: Eau Intense Vetiver

My Full Review

A nice mix of citrus, but not as noticeable as in the original or Tres Fraiche. It’s a balance between grapefruit, lemon, and bergamot. Not orange like the others in the series, but it actually still seems to have an orangey aroma, at times.

That citrus top is blended with the geranium note and the already peaking through star of the show, vetiver. Fresh and a minty sort of geranium as found in Tres Fraiche.

You also do get that peppery kick pretty early on. The citrus notes will already start backing off in favor of the woodsier notes and the Sichuan pepper.

For me, it’s after about 15 minutes and this one smells like a clean and peppery woods cologne, with an old school style to it. Very crisp and cooling.

The citrus doesn’t fade away completely per se, it just sort of adds a further brightness to the feeling of this one. Eventually, it becomes less peppery, you get more wood, and a touch of olibanum smoke.

But really, this is a big hefty dose of vetiver. Vetiver with a refreshing additional woodsy style, built more for the warmer weather. Not super complex with its composition.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The opening hour has a good reach with its projection. It’s not a fragrance that feels heavy, substantial enough to leave a trail in your wake, and not a light mist around you. Above average with its sillage and doesn’t evaporate quickly into a skin scent.

On my skin, Intense Vetiver lasted just over 7 hours. Maybe, 7.5. It’s pretty solid with the performance, not a marathon wear or complete beast. Though, it basically gives you what you’d need from it.

This is one of the Terre d’Hermes flankers that works well in the cooler weather. I’d stick to this autumn through early springtime. I tried it out in the summer heat on day, wasn’t great, took on a slightly weird smell.

This is one that you can wear casually or as a daily wear to the office. Intense Vetiver is going to be mostly a daytime fragrance. Not a sexy nightlife beast or one that’s super formal (though, it’s fine when dressed up). It’s clean and fresh, not too much of an attention grabber.

Overall Impressions of Eau Intense Vetiver

Overall, do I like Intense Vetiver? Yes. I’m not in love with any of the Terre d’Hermes fragrances, but I think that this is my favorite of the bunch. Was never the one that I would’ve picked out based on the notes alone, but it’s quite good.

I think that Eau Intense Vetiver has a nice balance in the notes, until the vetiver fully emerges. Even, if it’s not my favorite note ever, it all works well in conjunction with everything else.

Yet, this is one of the best Hermes fragrances for men, even as a flanker of the brand’s most popular release.

You get a light citrus, smokiness, earthiness, woods all wrapped up in a classic styling. Others in the series have been too sharp with the citrus or even too much of the earthy/dirtiness. This has a more even distribution.

If you liked the original Terre d’Hermes, you’ll almost certainly enjoy this one too. There are better vetiver colognes out there, but I think this is a very nice example, that has enough depth and other notes to make it not be a one tone fragrance.

Soleil Blanc vs Virgin Island Water Comparison

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In this post, I want to do a comparison between to popular unisex summertime fragrances, Virgin Island Water vs. Soleil Blanc. Now, these two perfumes get compared to one another a whole lot, but are they actually that similar? Which one is better? Creed or the Tom Ford release? As usual, I will compare them in different ways, and declare a winner. Plus, I have linked to my individual reviews of each below.

Tale of the Tape: VIW vs. Soleil Blanc

Virgin Island Water

Notes include: bergamot, lime, rum, sugar cane, coconut, ylang-ylang, and ginger

Click here to try: Creed Virgin Island Water by Creed for Unisex – 4 oz Millesime Spray

Read my Original VIW Review

Soleil Blanc

Notes include: coconut, bergamot, pink pepper, ylang ylang, cardamom, pistachio, jasmine, tonka bean, amber, benzoin, tuberose

Click here to try: Tom Ford Private Blend Soleil Blanc Eau De Parfum Spray for Unisex 3.4 Oz / 100ml

Read my review: Soleil Blanc

Opening

Virgin Island Water starts off with lime, coconut, and bergamot. This is my favorite part of the fragrance, when it is so tropical and juicy, at the top. I really enjoy how the citrus and coconut play off of one another.

Coming back to it after a while, the opening of VIW is truly great. Very beachy and delightful.

Soleil Blanc has a similar start, it is coconut and bergamot, but is flanked by floral notes including tuberose. It then, shifts toward including pink pepper and cardamom, and other floral scents.

Which is better? I prefer VIW, as it is less floral, and more of just that pure tropical juice that I like. Soleil also has that kind of start but the tuberose, distracts from it somewhat.

Edge: VIW

Projection

Neither scent has huge sillage. VIW is pretty moderate and gets lighter, as the wear moves on. I’d say that the Tom Ford perfume, is stronger and more consistently projecting itself throughout.

Edge: Soleil Blanc

Longevity

Virgin Island Water, lasts for 4-6 hours on my skin. It’s pretty disappointing, not useless, but not as good as it should be. It’s among the worst performing Creed fragrances, in my experience.

Meanwhile, Soleil Blanc will lasts for over 10 hours for me. It is a performer and won’t quit early. Really top notch.

I’ve tested VIW many times and it simply never sticks around on my skin for any great length of time. Blanc, crushes it.

Edge: Soleil

Versatility

So, do these scents occupy the same space? Sort of. They are both listed as unisex, but honestly, Soleil Blanc is pretty much a women’s perfume. VIW can be worn by either gender, much more universally.

However, both of these fragrances are spring/summer wears, mostly. VIW is much more of a casual fragrance.

Whereas, Soleil Blanc can venture into an office environment, for women at least. It’s tough to see a clear winner here, because of the nature of the fragrances, but I’ll say their about equal.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Which fragrance smells better? When I get down to it, I like Soleil Blanc more than the Creed. It is smooth, creamy, with tropical notes and a spicy undertone.

The start of VIW is better, but not by much, and that’s the best part. Soleil, on the other hand, gets better as it goes along and has more depth. Virgin Island Water isn’t one that I particularly enjoy, once the opening act has burned off. It’s fine, but Soleil is much better to me.

Each has that beachy suntan lotion aroma. VIW has it in a more prevalent way and has the boozy rum note added. Soleil is more floral and feminine.

I like Soleil, but I can’t wear it really, as it is much too feminine for me. It’s great, though. One of my favorite Tom Ford scents for women.

So, I’d say most guys should go with VIW (if you must have one of them). Women, go with Soleil Blanc, unless you really don’t like the floral notes.

Winner: Soleil Blanc