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!

Alien Flora Futura by Mugler

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Alien has been such a popular fragrance for so long, that it will seemingly never stop spinning off new flanker options based on that original concept. One of the latest perfumes from Mugler, is Alien Flora Futura, which I recently grabbed a sample of and tried out. How does it smell? How long does it last? When should it be worn? Continue below for my full take on this perfume.

What does Flora Futura Smell Like?

Notes include: orange, jasmine, white amber

Click here to try: Thierry Mugler Alien Flora Futura for Women Eau de Toilette Spray, 2.0 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

Before I get into my thoughts about this fragrance, let’s see how Mugler describes it: Extraordinary flowers blossom at the heart of an addictive and fresh Eau de Toilette. Alien Flora Futura, a futuristic flower.

Alien Flora Futura celebrates the beauty of otherness: the beauty of being yourself, being different, being original. But also the beauty of hope. A hope and a uniqueness that are embodied in a desert flower. A flower of the future that blooms in a world of light.

Also to update this post, apparently this has two formulations with different notes. The other one sounds pretty interesting with night blooming cereus flowers and buddha wood. That’s not the sample that I got and the review is based on the notes I wrote above.

Upon spraying Flora Futura, I immediately pick up on citrus, a greenish aroma, and jasmine. The citrus does have an orange note (maybe orange blossom?), but it smells like there is a bit of lemon here also. I like it, it’s a pretty aroma, that does bring on memories of the original Alien.

The main differences between them, from what I can remember are: the jasmine is toned down here and so is the general power of the fragrance. Flora Futura should be a lot more tolerable for the average person versus the original Alien.

This one does have a bright sort of disposition. Quite upbeat and pleasant. Once the initial wave of citrus passes, there is more of the greenish smell and some watery elements. Like a cut flower stem floating in a vase. Some other unlisted floral note that isn’t jasmine.

As it dries down, amber and sandalwood really start to come through.  At this point, what you smell is what you get. Jasmine, amber, sandalwood, and whatever is left over of the opening citrus notes. Mostly, a light and somewhat creamy white floral fragrance.

Not very complicated or a journey with many twists and turns, but one that is nice to go on.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage with this one is pretty light to moderate. There are a lot of super loud and powerful fragrances by Mugler, but Flora Futura isn’t one of them. Not that it is weak, but I never felt as if this perfume would take over the room. A lighter and sheer sort of floral.

The longevity is decent, but not spectacular. 6-7.5 hours it’s lasted on my skin during testing. The last few hours being a skin scent. Not great, but again, this isn’t a heavy kind of fragrance.

Seasonally, Flora Futura is a spring and summer fragrance all the way. It thrives in warmer temperatures.

This could be worn casually in the daytime, to work, or any other daytime event. It is an attractive fragrance, but not bold enough for the nightlife. As a man, I do find it to be a pretty sort of scent, but wouldn’t really call it sexy.

Overall Impressions of Alien Flora Futura

Do I like this perfume? Yes, I do. It’s not an amazing fragrance, but I actually enjoyed the scent a lot. This can be a great option for those who want a lighter warm weather version of Alien. Alternatively, those who think the original is too much, may find this more to their liking.

Mostly this version is a jasmine affair. Somewhat unique and citrusy top, but full of white flowers, amber, and wood in the base.

It’s a clean, lively, and simple fragrance. The performance isn’t going to be great, but it is certainly passable in my book. Just don’t go into this thinking that Flora Futura is going to be a powerhouse.

This is a nice addition to the Alien lineup. I’m not sure if they made a futuristic floral, whatever that was supposed to mean (must be the other formulation). I do also dig Alien Fusion and Alien Goddess to about the same degree as this one. There are many more creative Mugler perfumes beyond what this accomplishes, but still very nice.

Update: I think that this one is now discontinued. Bottles are still around somewhat, though.

Shalimar EDT by Guerlain

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Shalimar EDT is a flanker of a different concentration to the original Eau de Parfum. Lots of similarities, but how does it differ? What does the EDT version smell like and is it actually worthwhile to try? I grabbed a sample recently to test it out for a full site review and share my thoughts below.

What does Shalimar EDT Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, iris, jasmine, rose, vanilla, tonka bean

Click here to try: Shalimar EDT

My Full Review

Here’s how Guerlain describes it: A vibrant contrast between the fresh flight of citrus and the bewitching sensuality of both vanilla and powdery notes. Shalimar, let you senses take over…

Shalimar EDT opens with a strong use of the bergamot note up top. Obviously, it’s quite similar to the eau de parfum version. However, this one has a spicier kick early on versus the smokier aroma I get with EDP.

It also has some leathery facets to the aroma, courtesy of the tonka bean and vanilla, but less so than EDP. The bergamot here calms way down, on my skin, and this shifts more towards a powdery floral fragrance.

The iris, leads the way, and it seems like any rose and jasmine sort of just blend together into a more generic floral accord.

It becomes powdery, fresh, sweet, warm, with a light dynamic citrus still lingering. Mostly going to be all about that iris and vanilla combination, though.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Another difference with the EDP, is with the performance. Shalimar EDT isn’t a weak scent, but there’s a noticeable step down versus the original.

Still, that first hour or two is plenty strong. It isn’t a complete bomb that’s going to reach across of the room. After that, this one will be much more mild. Noticeable, but not popping hugely off of the skin.

The longevity is pretty good, just not great. For me, Shalimar EDT will last somewhere in the 6-6.5 hour range max. That is one drawback, with the EDT, it’s not a great performer by any stretch.

Seasonally, you’re more likely to get to use this one in the autumn and wintertime. Though, I think that it’d be just fine during the spring months too. Summer, is too hot and humid in most places for this to be very useful.

Within this timeframe, Shalimar can be used as a daily wear, casual, and pretty much whenever else you’d want to wear it. Not really a party perfume but it is attractive scent that is clean and non-offensive. Very versatile scent.

Overall Impressions of Shalimar EDT

Overall, is this one worth it? Absolutely. Shalimar is one of my personal favorite classic perfumes and the EDT is a great representation, with some of it’s own unique touches.

However, I do still prefer the original to this, and I think that Parfum Initial is about neck and neck with Shalimar EDT.

With EDT, I enjoy the bergamot and spicy top a lot. You get a nice amount of time with the citrus note and some more dynamism when compared to the EDP. Powdery and sweet with the iris and vanilla finish. It’s enjoyable as well, just not to the same level as the totality of EDP.

It might not be different enough for some people to warrant having a bottle of both. In that case, I’d definitely go with the Eau de Parfum first. But, if you want a somewhat gentler finish (less smoke and leathery aroma) with plenty of powder, then the EDT might be a good bet as your first option.

Alien Man by Mugler

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Alien Man was released in 2018, named after the long-running and popular ladies’ Alien line of perfumes. It’s kind of surprising that they waited literal decades after the women’s fragrances had been released to put out a men’s counterpart, but whatever. I recently grabbed a sample of the stuff, to put it through its paces, and see if I liked it. 

What does Alien Man Smell Like?

Notes include: anise, dill, leather, mint, lavender, pepper, thyme, lemon, vanilla, amber, and more

Click here to try: Thierry Mugler Alien Man, 3.4 Oz, Multi color

My Full Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see how Mugler describes this one: Alien Man EDT, a vibration of aromatic freshness, mysterious woody and sensual leather notes.

So, the Alien name becomes quite clear from the jump, because this one does smell pretty different. I think that it dries down fairly conventional, but it does start out with a weird sort of blend, that I’m not sure how to feel about.

First, there is a blend of smoky woods and the ever-present leather. However, along with that is a dill note and also thyme. Oh, also a cooling mint and fresh anise. Yes, indeed the dill does give it a slight pickle juice aroma. It’s not too noticeable on my skin, but it is there. Kinda strange.

Thyme and dill aren’t included in too many fragrances out there, even the women’s Alien went with being a jasmine bomb, and not venturing into odd notes. 

Alien Man is at least interesting. You get cool herbal freshness, sweetness (dare I say powdery), smokiness, and the usual leather and woods. Plenty of depth and the notes don’t always stand out individually.

I won’t say that it smells like Drakkar Noir or Passion by Elizabeth Taylor, but at times it definitely has that same kind of style. That classic style sitting underneath a different sort of opening act.

The middle will be a transition, loss of the dill and thyme influence, more of the herbal cool freshness. That will lead the way to the woods and leather’s growing influence.

The final dry down to my nose, is a fresh blend of woods (with surprisingly less smoke than it had before), with leather, herbal notes, and an amber/vanilla thickness. It’s deep and dark with its presentation.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is somewhat strong, though, I’d say that it’s in the upper range of moderate. It does have a thick/heavy kind of aroma and can be over-sprayed. Though, with a few sprays, it’s very tolerable. 

That opening can come off as kind of aggressive. I don’t think that it is massive or a slap you across the room sort of cologne. However, with the early note structure it does ‘feel’ stronger than it actually is.

The longevity is excellent. On my skin, this stuff can go 9-10.5 hours while holding on to much of its power. Mugler definitely comes out with some unique fragrances, but they are usually always awesome performers.

Seasonally, I’d stick to autumn and winter with this one. It’d be a mess in the heat of summer. Especially, that start. It really needs the crisp and cold air to be fully appreciated.

To me, this has a classic sort of smell, and can totally be worn at the office. That initial period of time, provides the futuristic aroma, before falling back into a leathery aromatic/barbershop scent. It fits well for all age ranges, really.

Alien Man is an anytime kind of fragrance, during those cooler months. Maybe go with something else for romantic or nightlife, but it can sort of fit in anywhere.

 

 

Overall Impressions of Alien Man

Overall do I like this fragrance? Not too much, but I don’t hate it either. I gave it several tries and I can appreciate aspects of it, just not the entire thing.

The opening is pretty strange to smell on my skin. Then, the smoky woods come in, with leather, and some sweet vanilla. When that happens, it feels a lot more familiar, while still maintaining some level of uniqueness.

It’s just an okay smell to me, overall. The dry down is basically a modern take on an old-school style that’s been done a thousand times. It’s fine, I like it enough to wear on occasion, but not for a full bottle. 

The performance and the uniqueness are all pretty top notch. That’s to be expected with pretty much all Mugler fragrances. They provide you at least something different and are bold with how they come across.

As such, if you dig the scent itself, it does present a very nice buying opportunity. I don’t fall into that camp, personally, but plenty of you very well may. 

Starwalker by Mont Blanc

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Having already done a few other Mont Blanc cologne reviews (see: Individuel) and a best of list from the brand, I thought that it was time to put up a review of Starwalker.  The name is what initially had me wanting to give this a try, as I found it to be a rather unique and interesting moniker. Turns out, it is named after one of the pens which the company also produces.

Nonetheless, this was still a review that I was looking forward to doing and seeing how Starwalker stacks up versus the rest of the Mont Blanc line. Please continue below for my full impressions on how it smells, its performance, and if it is a good bet to buy.

What does Starwalker Smell Like?

starwalker

Notes include: amber, mandarin, musk, bamboo, bergamot, sandalwood, ginger, and more.

Click here to try Starwalker: Mont Blanc Starwalker Edt Spray 1.7 Oz By Mont Blanc [Misc.]

My Full Review

Starwalker isn’t one of the most well known fragrances out there. In fact, it isn’t even the most popular cologne for men by Mont Blanc (see: Legend). However, this under the radar scent is rather unique and that is one of the reasons that I wanted to give this one a closer look.

The opening of Starwalker is mostly dominated by the citrus notes, but, it isn’t a bold and overwhelming citrus like some other colognes. This one is more subdued and surrounded by woodsy and floral aromas.

Enough juiciness, but more of a fresh and somewhat sweet aroma coming through.

The wood in this case, is bamboo, which is what I think gives Starwalker its unique sort of vibe; as bamboo isn’t a frequent ingredient found in most colognes. The orange and bergamot, aren’t really allowed to become overly sharp, as the wood keeps it in check.

There is a very slight spice with nutmeg and ginger, but that’s more of a temporary experience, even if it were bolder in how each note presents.

As it dries down, this cologne smells very smooth and refined. In many citrus fragrances, you’d expect it to really come to the forefront. Instead, what you’re left with is something that is very light, clean, and beautiful.

Sandalwood, bamboo, and a muskiness floating in the background alongside the fading citrus in these latter stages. Even the sandalwood, doesn’t last for that long it seems. Musky bamboo with cedar and citrus highlights, in the end.

Quite freshly clean and low key.

It does seem to have some similarities with other citrus/woodsy fragrances out there, mainly, Versace Man Eau Fraiche. I do enjoy the Versace cologne more than Starwalker but this fragrance is really nice as well.

However, I don’t think that it smells exactly like that cologne. After all, the lemon and star fruit in Eau Fraiche, are very strong and dominate the scent. It has a cedar note, but the wood in that fragrance, aren’t nearly to the same extent as it is in Starwalker.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Starwalker is light and non-intrusive, you’ll smell it but you won’t be enveloped in its aroma. It starts off decently strong, but quickly settles into having a 3-4 foot radius, around the wearer.

It is pretty steady, for the entirety of the wear, at least until the 4th or 5th hour.

The longevity is pretty moderate in my opinion and it’s usually good for about 4-5 hours and sometimes longer. It’s definitely not a top notch performer, in that regard. Many Mont Blanc scents, seem to have this longevity issue. Many of them are decent, but few are truly outstanding.

Starwalker isn’t one of them. But, if you can get past needing to have an all-day wear, this could be a scent that you enjoy.

It’s really a spring/summer type of fragrance, the light citrus aspect of it, draws it into that category. I like it as a versatile daily wear, during these months.

Starwalker can be worn to work, casually, or for semi-formal events. It’s a well put together scent, but not completely stuffy or anything like that. It’s attractive, rather than being super sexy and begging for attention.

Overall Impression of Starwalker

Overall, is Starwalker worth a purchase? I’d say yes, if you’re looking for something light, casual, and relatively inexpensive, then this one could be right up your alley. It’s by no means the greatest cologne on the market but it’s very good for what it is.

I like the bamboo and citrus mix. Later, the woody notes of sandalwood and cedar, give it a nice finish. There is also a great addition of ginger, in there as well, even if it is ephemeral.

The performance isn’t all that great, so, I’d say definitely pick up a discounted bottle if you can. I wouldn’t go full price for this. It’s actually not a very complex fragrance, just nice and simple with how it develops.

The style itself is pretty common, but Starwalker is a unique take on this sort of simple citrus and woods cologne. The smell is among my favorites from Montblanc, if the performance was beefed up, this would’ve been borderline great.

Tag-Him by Armaf

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Tag-Him is one of the most popular releases from Armaf and one of its multitude of ‘blue’ colognes for men. It gets attention for its similarities to Bleu de Chanel, but how does this fragrance actually smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Tag-Him Smell Like?

Notes include: lemon, pink pepper, bergamot, nutmeg, mint, ginger, vetiver, sandalwood, patchouli

Click here to try: Tag-Him by Armaf

My Full Review

The opening here is a citrus and freshness explosion. Obviously, lots of similarities to Bleu de Chanel EDT, but not a one to one rendition. This is actually when it seems the least like it. I’m not a massive fan of how Tag-Him starts off.

Pink pepper and ginger are more pronounced in Tag-Him versus a Chanel scent that can have a minty opening. Also, the citrus notes here, aren’t as juicy and penetrating as I get with Bleu.

The freshness here has a soapy and somewhat less distinct note pyramid in comparison too. At some point, the pink pepper, ginger, mint all just seem to run together and the citrus just doesn’t stand out.

Also, a lack of smokiness is noticeable with Tag-Him versus the incense note that runs through its Chanel competitor.

The opening 30 minutes has a lavender note, adding to that cleanliness, and is really responsible for that somewhat soapy aroma. Along with the vetiver, which will be a bigger factor as that lavender fades.

On my skin, the pink pepper takes a dramatic step back at around 30-45 minutes in. Ginger to a greater degree takes up that space, along with mint, and the aforementioned vetiver.

Tag-Him isn’t all that complicated. Once past the first hour, you pretty much get into the final dry down. Sure, it’ll be woodier in the actual last stages, but a lot of this is already developed by this point.

Cedar, sandalwood, and vetiver. With some ginger and citrus notes. The citrus and spice will be more prominent earlier and the woody notes, come through more later. That’s essentially all that is left at the end.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Tag doesn’t strike me as being a weak fragrance. I can easily smell it floating off of the skin for pretty much the entire duration of the wear. If I spray it on a shirt, I can pick it up from about 7 feet away, at it’s peak. A 3-5 foot distance, after the initial burst subsides somewhat.

All in all, it’s above average and certainly provides your money’s worth in terms of sillage.

The longevity, on the other hand, is simply okay. I get about 6 hours total. With it’s power, I was expecting to probably hit the 8 hour mark, but it really starts to fade quickly in that fifth hour.

Again, it’s not terrible, by any means. However, the performance doesn’t really go above and beyond what you’d expect at this price point.

Seasonally, it’s more of an all-climate sort of fragrance. I would still skip it, if it is extremely hot or cold outside, as I don’t think it’d hold up too well. Beyond that, it should be fine.

Since I don’t think it has the same quality or refinement as Bleu de Chanel, I’d go a lot easier on Tag-Him, as an office wear or more formal sort of wear. If you want that, just buy the Chanel.

Casually or as a cheaper alternative for younger guys, this can work pretty well. It does have a synthetic type of vibe at times, can be sharper, etc. Though, you can get plenty of wear from this Armaf, just not to the same extent as Bleu.

Overall Impressions of Tag-HIm

Overall, do I like this Armaf scent? Sure, I don’t think that it is as good as Bleu EDT. The quality isn’t the same and the smell is somewhat different structurally. But, for the price, I don’t think that it is all that bad of a substitute.

To me, the biggest weakness is the opening. It’s still similar, but I don’ think that Tag-Him is  that great in this phase. Once the spices shift around some and the woodsy notes come in, this is a nicer fragrance.

That opening can be too sharp and unbalanced. It’s easier to wear and enjoy, as you move further along.

The performance is slightly above average, on the whole, but it is also not spectacular. I’m currently seeing the price at around $30 per bottle, so, it’s tough to complain too much about that aspect.

If you want Bleu de Chanel, buy that. If you can’t afford the Chanel, Tag-Him can be a useful substitute for some guys. It certainly has its limitations, but overall, I’m positive about this cologne.