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 test out and 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!

Le Male Airlines by JPG

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Airlines is a limited edition Le Male flanker released by Gaultier back in 2020. I had never tried it, but came across a bottle, while ordering other fragrances and decided to try it out. I believe it is a variant of Le Male Aviator, slightly different, but I’ve never tried that either.

JPG’s Le Male scents are somewhat hit and miss, but I am generally positive on the lineup. How does Airlines smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Le Male Airlines Smell Like?

Notes include: vanilla, cardamom, mint, artemisia, lavender, caraway, cinnamon, bergamot, and more

My Full Wear Review

So, Airlines really separates itself from others in the Le Male series, by being heavily weighted with the cardamom note. Early on in the wear especially, Airlines is a cardamom bomb. But, you’ll still definitely know this cologne is from Gaultier, as it strikes a lot of the same Le Male chords.

Along with that, there is a very light citrus, mint, artemisia, and cinnamon. So, there will be an herbal and greenish influence in this one, not that it is overwhelming just present. I think there is a touch of violet leaf in the mix too. Fresh and a warmer spice to this cologne in the opening act.

The initial complete dominance of the cardamom will pull back some, giving the chance for the mint and vanilla notes to take on a larger role. The cardamom and artemisia have a slightly bitter edge to their smells, with the latter fading a lot after 30 minutes or so.

The next phase has some more balance to it, with the emergence of the lavender note. Things feel softer, cooler, and there’s a powdery aroma coming from underneath. At this point, it’s a: cardamom, lavender, vanilla, and mint blend mainly.

That’s pretty much how it’s going to finish as well. The only really differences being, that the ‘greenish’ scent has pretty much gone, and there is an emergence of a woody accord. Yet, the cardamom, lavender, and vanilla are going to be what Le Male Airlines is about for the rest of the way.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here starts off with a bang, almost close to my bottle of Ultra Male. It can project very well and leaves a nice trail in your wake.

However, that will fall apart quickly and it’s slightly above average for the rest of the duration.

The performance is pretty good, but doesn’t dare approach anything great. I can get about 6.5-7 hours of wear on skin. Falling short of Ultra Male, but in line with most of the other editions in this series. It’s fine, not too much to complain about.

Seasonally, this is a very versatile fragrance. Outside of the height of summer, this will be fine. I’ve worn it on milder and very warm spring days, and Airlines performed well and didn’t start to smell weird.

Though, it’s more of an autumn through early spring wear, at its best.

It can also serve as a daily wear or something to use for the nightlife. It’s got that great spiciness and freshness and generally is attractive. It does have more of a younger man’s vibe to it, but isn’t completely immature. Just not going to be a formal type of cologne.

Overall Impressions of Airlines

Overall, do I like Le Male Airlines? I do. I think it’s one of the better releases out of the Le Male flankers (better than In the Navy, which I also recently tried). It’s not great, but overall pretty enjoyable and a cologne that I will wear from time to time.

This is really heavy with the cardamom, which I already own a few fragrances like that, so it’s not filling much of a need. I do like the varying spices. Not just warmth, but also a cold mint, and other assorted green freshness.

The end result hangs pleasantly in the air, with a more balanced approach with vanilla and lavender notes. It’s nothing too complicated, but a solid scent on the whole.

The performance is basically mid-range. It has that bold start and quiets down quickly. Even with that, it stays around for a while. As long as you’re not overpaying for a bottle, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

This was a limited edition, and while bottles are still floating around, you’re going to have to make a move soon to avoid paying outlandish prices. Mine was about $45, which seems about right for this cologne.

6 Perfumes Similar to Chanel Chance

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Chance by Chanel is one of the best selling ladies’ fragrances of the past decade or so. It’s just one that has its legion of followers, who will swear by it. The one main issue is, you’re going to be paying Chanel prices in order to enjoy it. Which then begs the question, are there any cheaper fragrances that smell comparable to Chance? In this post, I present 6 options that can competently do the job (If you’re looking for scents like Eau Tendre, that’s my post).

What Fragrances Smell Similar to Chanel Chance?

Poker Cheapie 

Milton-Lloyd Cosmetics | Poker | Parfum De Toilette | Spray for Women | 0 | 1.7 oz– If you want something pretty close to how Chance smells, but costs under $15 per bottle…Poker is it.

Milton Lloyd actually does a great job with most of its inspired by fragrances and Poker is an example of such. Poker is closer to smelling like the aroma of Chance EDT, though, it’s not an exact match. This one doesn’t have the same depth and has more of a fruity aroma versus the Chanel.

However, for the price, you’re not going to do better. It opens up with a nice and soft citrusy aroma, that takes on the powdery and musky qualities of the base notes. The performance is actually pretty darn good for such a cheapie, but you may have to spray a bit more than usual for the same effect.

Inspired Dossier

Woody Hyacinth by Dossier– The next three perfumes on the list, I haven’t tried. However, they are all ‘inspired’ by Chanel Chance, and I have used other designer inspired fragrances from each of these brands in the past.

I will say, that this Dossier has some mixed reviews, as to its accuracy in matching our target. Can’t say that it’s true, but there are also plenty who seem to think that it hits the mark. The ones that I have tried, were all pretty solid or very good.

But, maybe you give it a try?

Another Chance Taken

Leave it To Chance by Dua– So, Dua is a brand that I have faith in their quality. I’ve owned 7 full bottles from them, as well as, smaller travel sprayers. They do a great job at getting as close as possible to the aroma of the designer scents.

Leave it To Chance is their inspired version of the 2003 original formula of Chance EDT. It’s about $4 ($33 as of posting) more than the Dossier. Which if you wanted to try all three of these types on the list, it’d still be cheaper than one bottle of the real thing in most cases.

Impressions

Cherasco by Fragrenza– This is the third potential alternative, which attempts to come close to our Chanel target. The good news about Fragraenza, is that you don’t have to commit to a full bottle, and can buy a smaller sample to test out.

Again, I haven’t tried this one. But, I did try their inspired versions of BR 540, some Kilian’s, Lost Cherry, Bitter Peach, etc. The quality was there and the brand does come pretty close, if not completely exact to what they’re trying to match.

Performance was good with all of the scents that I tried, so, I doubt that this one is any different.

Similar Smell, but Distinct

Vince Camuto Femme Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Fl Oz–  Camuto Femme isn’t one to one of Chance’s structure, but it hits a lot of the same beats, at a more affordable price. Not nearly as inexpensive as Poker, but it’s not going to break the bank.

To me, the main difference seems to be having less of the patchouli note or musk, depending on whether you’re comparing it to Chance EDP or EDT.

Camuto feels like a cleaner citrus, with a nice dry down period where the vetiver really shines. Not a super powerful scent, but the performance is certainly passable.

Love Spice

Perry Ellis Love Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Ounce– Love by Perry Ellis actually mimics both Chance and Coco Mademoiselle to some extent. A bit closer to the Chance side of things, but it provides you with another affordable close option.

This is a bit heavier on the spices, while still retaining a great citrus aroma. Other than the rose, the floral notes here aren’t going to be the same, and that’s probably the biggest difference between them. Even that note is a light one.

Love has a somewhat light projection once it settles. However, the performance overall is good and it’ll last for most (if not all) of a workday.

L’eau EDT by Chloe

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L’eau EDT is another entry into the long-running Chloe series from the brand. This version was released in 2019. I grabbed a sample of it, as a part of a lot, in order to finally give it a full review for the site. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is L’eau EDT worth a try?

What does Chloe L’eau Smell Like?

Notes include: rose, magnolia, grapefruit, lychee, moss, cedar, musk, amber

Click here to try: Chloe L’eau

chloe l'eau review

My Full Review

Here’s how Chloe describes it: A fragrance with a rare simplicity and eternal grace. A light natural dew drop trail where notes of rose absolute blend with a voluptuous magnolia accord.

The opening act of Chloe, does give you a clean and dewy sort of aroma. It’s a bit of that juiciness from the lychee and grapefruit notes. Plus, the greenish aroma coming off of the early bits of moss and rose.

This is a fruity opening, not really sweet, more of a tart sort of smell. But, on me that is kept in check and will gradually fade into the background.

As we move past the opening 20-30 minutes, this gets floral, woodsy, and musky. The rose is the note that stands out most, but this isn’t a pure rose, by any means. There actually is a good deal of magnolia present in the first 2-3 hours.

The rose and ‘dewy’ aroma do make this one come across as a rose water scent, as the name would suggest. Light, with a move into soapy clean territory.

The dry down, is more musky and woodsy. There seems to be a patchouli note poking up, during the wear. A nice amount of moss, but the latter stages are about the musk and amber. A drier clean, with less of the rose water fragrance. However, that stays somewhat present throughout.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here isn’t massive, but it is safely above average. It’ll project well off of the skin and leave a decent scent trail for a time.

I’d say somewhere at 5-6 feet from the skin, at its maximum projection. After that, it’s in the 2-4 foot range, until it’s skin scent time. Pretty decent.

The longevity hit right at 7 hours for me. Again, not a huge and overpowering fragrance, but the performance is nothing to complain about.

Seasonally, Chloe L’eau is best in the spring and summer months. The warmer weather makes this one come alive. Yes, it does have the drier woodsy undertones, but the perfume is balanced and still has that dewy lightness to it.

It’s mostly a daytime wear. It can absolutely serve as a daily wear for the spring and summer. Not super formal, but one that can get plenty of use, even at the office. Or, just going about your day elsewhere around town.

Overall Impressions of Chloe L’eau

Overall, do I like L’eau? Yes, I think it’s a very nice all-around rose scent. It has a nice balance with the early citrus/lychee notes and the dry down into a dewy, greenish, mossy/woods perfume.]

L’eau EDT doesn’t have to go too far in any direction and part of its appeal, is just how versatile and easy to wear it can be. Not necessarily one that everyone is always going to love, but a fragrance which can find a place in a collection and get used even as a daily wear.

The performance is slightly above average, but not by much. The name alone suggests that it isn’t going to be a heavy wear, but it isn’t too faint or airy. Noticeable, but not going to be screaming for attention.

To me, this is a buy, if it sounds interesting to you. Maybe try to find it discounted. There are other options out there that will go further with the moss or dew, but this Chloe perfume does it all well.

Burberry Hero EDT vs Hero EDP Comparison

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Hero is a newer series from Burberry, coming on the heels of their Mr. Burberry line. It has been a pretty popular scent thus far, already producing an eau de parfum version following the initial EDT. The question is, how do these two colognes compare? What does each smell like? Which lasts longer? Which is actually the better scent?

Tale of the Tape: Hero vs. Hero EDP

Burberry Hero EDP

Notes include: pine needles, cedar, incense, benzoin, amber, olibanum

Click here to try: Burberry Hero EDP from Macy’s

My Full Review: Hero EDP

Hero EDT

Notes include: cedar, bergamot, juniper, black pepper

Click here to try: Hero EDT

Opening

Hero EDT starts things off with a lightly spiced, citrusy aromatic tone. The citrus note isn’t overwhelming, but it does have a major role in the start. Along with, the ever-present cedar accord, which will really dominate the latter parts of the wear.

But, early, the cedar and juniper will pretty much split duties. Aromatic, but a touch sweet and quite fresh. Black pepper isn’t highly concentrated in the blend. However, I do think that it is a great addition to the citrus and woods.

The opening of Hero EDP is fresh, smokier, and surprisingly still has a sweetness to it. It stems from the olibanum, in this addition, which can give off a level of fruitiness to the aroma. Apparently, the grapefruit has been stripped out of it.

EDP has plenty of resinous amber influences here. The early stages are more of a fuzzy impression and resinous, with the olibanum and benzoin notes. Then, it becomes a cleaner, warmer, and more straightforward amber.

Which is better? The opening of EDT is better to me. It’s fresh and mass appealing. Not overly complicated, but attractive. EDP’s opening act, is probably its weakest link, in my opinion.

Edge: Hero EDT

Projection

On me at least, I really don’t notice a difference between the higher EDP concentration and the EDT. After all, the are somewhat different formulas. Maybe the EDP has a better ability to project and leave a scent trail.

I don’t notice it at all, after testing out both of these colognes. If it is, pretty negligible, and both scents are above average but moderate.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Now, with the longevity, I can get between 8-9.5 of wear with the eau de parfum. Sort of a wide range, but it is certainly capable of hitting that upper limit.

Hero EDT, is also a pretty good performer, just with a lower ceiling. I get 7-8 hours of wear, on skin. With it being quite noticeable for most of that timeframe.

Not a huge blow out win, but EDP definitely lasted longer.

Edge: EDP

Versatility

Seasonally, EDP is an autumn and winter release. It can be somewhat cloying and isn’t all that great in the heat.  When it is cold out, Hero EDP is at its best.

With EDT, I feel a lot more comfortable extending it use case into the warmer days. It is one of those colognes which can work year round pretty much. I wouldn’t go with it on the hottest or coldest days, but outside of that EDT is better at fitting in.

Hero EDP skews towards being more of a nightlife or casual type of scent. Both of these scents probably skew towards younger guys. But, can be worn by anyone. I actually think EDT is the more versatile. Not a formal or super serious cologne. Very much a modern mainstream release, that can do almost anything else.

Edge: EDT

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these fragrances do I prefer? From the first time that I tried them both, I was already slightly leaning towards the original EDT.

After testing each out further? I’m still going EDT, except that margin only grew wider. I without a doubt prefer it to the EDP. The EDP is fine, it gets better in the dry down. Cedar, amber, dark, and smoky. The pine needles are an interesting touch, but it doesn’t do enough for me.

EDT. I think that opening act is just more captivating. The cedar, juniper, and citrus notes just work all together to produce something that is wholly enjoyable. It’s not a mind-blowing experience, but I’ve found myself wanting to wear Hero EDT consistently. I can’t say the same for EDP.

The performance of Burberry Hero EDT is good enough, that it doesn’t have an effect on my call between these two. I like them both, EDP does have that darker resinous woods going for it. I enjoy it to an extent, not as much as I might have thought.

Winner: Hero EDT

Light Blue Eau Intense vs. Versace Pour Homme

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Light Blue Eau Intense and Versace Pour Homme are two of the more popular citrus based men’s fragrances over the past decade. Because of this, these colognes can often get compared to one another as potential buys. The question is, which fragrance smells better? Which lasts longer? Which actually is the top cologne option?

Tale of the Tape: Eau Intense vs. Versace Pour Homme

Light Blue Eau Intense

Notes include: mandarin, frozen grapefruit, juniper, aquatic accord, amber woods, musk

Click here to try: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Intense Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 1.6 Ounce

My review: Light Blue Eau Intense

Versace Pour Homme

Notes include: bergamot, bitter orange leaves, geranium, sage, oud wood, mineral amber, tonka bean, musk, neroli

Click here to try: Versace Pour Homme Eau De Toilette Natural Spray 3.4 fl. oz.

My Review: Versace Pour Homme

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Opening

Light Blue Eau Intense starts off with citrus notes, bringing out a mandarin orange and frozen grapefruit note that is slightly different from the one in the original. It actually does have a great cold feeling to it, that is refreshing to wear.

The aquatic note is less of a salt marine type, but is joined by a nice juniper note. Colder synthetic water with plenty of that amberwood note coming from the base. I like it.

Versace Pour Homme opens up with a bitter orange leaf and bergamot note. It is a purer citrus distillation than is Eau Intense. Very fresh and neroli comes in, to pump that up even further.

Tonka and the greenish floral notes will emerge more later. Initially though, it is a very citrusy cologne.

Which is better? I actually like the way that Light Blue Eau Intense begins. It’s not a massive advantage, but I do have a slight preference towards the Dolce, early on.

Edge: Eau Intense

Projection

With old bottles of each, I would say that these two are pretty equal with their sillage and ability to project off of the skin.

But, with the latest batches that I’ve tried, I’d give the edge to Eau Intense. It seems to have held up better over the years

With that, Eau Intense is going to be in the 4-6 foot range, for most of the wear. Stronger at the start, but well ahead of newer bottles of Versace Pour Homme.

Edge: Eau Intense

Longevity

Light Blue Eau Intense remains a great performer for me. Other Light Blue’s only seem to stick around for 5-7 hours. However, Eau Intense will still hit over 9 hours for me. This formula really nailed this aspcet.

With Versace Pour Homme, I do only get 5-6 hours of wear out of it on skin. Not great. But, since I use both in the summertime, it’s not too concerning to not have it be an absolute beast.

Yet, Eau Intense wins this category easily.

Edge: Eau Intense

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are at their best in the warmer weather. But, I think that Versace Pour Homme is the more versatile of the two.

It’s a cologne that is a signature scent for many guys out there. It can be worn casually, out at night, even as a daily wear to work or school.

Eau Intense also has plenty of versatility, but it can feel too casual and too limited to the summertime versus Versace.

Edge: Versace Pour Homme

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these colognes do I prefer?

While I like the start of Eau Intense a bit more than Versace, and it’s better performance is something worth considering. I actually like the overall smell of Versace Pour Homme slightly more than I do Eau Intense.

I will gladly wear either of these, but the dry down of the Versace is better to me, especially once you get that tonka bean fully engaged and the citrus tones down some.

Eau Intense becomes musky and has that amberwood note, which can be bothersome to some. It can get annoying, at times, for me too.

Versace Pour Homme probably has a greater broad-based appeal for that reason too. Sure, you need to sacrifice some on the performance end, but it’s an easy scent to plug into anyone’s rotation. It gets the nod here.

Winner: Versace Pour Homme