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!

Code Parfum by Giorgio Armani

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Code is the still and long-running series from Giorgio Armani. In 2022, the designer came out with Code Parfum for men to continue on the name. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth a shot?

What does Code Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, sage, iris, tonka bean, cedar

Click here to try: Code Parfum by Armani

My Full Review

So, this is going to be a one wear review, at least until I update it in the future, after longer testing. I tried this out with 5 sprays from a tester bottle in a department store.

Here’s how Armani describes it: ARMANI CODE PARFUM rewrites the code of a timeless masculine fragrance – infusing the powerful and seductive signature Tonka Bean with fresh notes of iris, sage, and bergamot, to create a woody aromatic blend that is long-lasting and uniquely distinctive. ARMANI CODE PARFUM speaks to a man who rewrites the codes of masculinity – a new seduction that is charismatic, a confidence that is refined, and a self-expression that is authentic.

From the first spray of Code Parfum, I am reminded a lot of Luna Rossa Ocean. Sage, bergamot, and iris are all major players early on with both of these colognes. It’s as if you took the main idea of Ocean and combined it with elements of the original Code.

Parfum lacks the suede and caramel, but also includes the tonka bean note. So, it’s not as smooth as Ocean, nor does it have that ‘blue’ aroma. But, I think that this one has a great colder freshness.

The bergamot is awesome here. Sparkling, enough juiciness, and it actually lasts throughout the wear, on my skin. The citrus note tends to disappear, as it does in the Prada cologne. But, with this one you get a nice run.

The iris note, is sort of two fold. You get the sunny aldehyde version and then, the rich orris butter. The aldehydes give this one a colder feeling throughout. Sage and aldehydes together. Yes, the iris has a faint powdery smell, but honestly isn’t that heavy with it. This one actually leans more towards a light soapy/cream aroma.

The tonka bean here is much weaker than it is in Code EDP, for example. Which was heavy on that and vanilla, to the point of distraction. Still nice, just wasn’t great. Here, I like the light sweetness and smoothness that it adds to the mix.

The tonka bean does play more of a role in the dry down, as the bergamot fades somewhat. Yet, the end is headed up by the tonka bean and iris. With the bergamot and a bit of cedar playing support.

Clean, simple, and effortless to wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Parfum has an above average amount of projection and will probably leave a trail for around 2 hours, with proper sprays. For me, during this test run it felt like it radiated off of my skin well enough.

It’s not a heavy scent or a club beast, so that’s not what I’d expect.

Longevity here was in the 7-8 hour range. Maybe it’s capable of a little more, but I wouldn’t count on it, outside of heavy spraying.

Seasonally, I wouldn’t mind wearing this anytime outside of the summer. The freshness allows it to definitely venture outside of the winter months, also. Ideally, I’d like wearing this best here in autumn or the early spring.

This is a daily wear cologne. Super safe for the office. Attractive and not going to blow out the room. Code Parfum has plenty of versatility. It can be worn more formally, casually, or even on a date if need be.

Overall Impressions of Code Parfum

Overall, do I like Code Parfum? I do. Code Absolu is still my favorite from the series currently. But, I think this is better than the EDP and the modern version of the EDT.

Update: Coming back to this one a few years later, this one is great. It might be more enjoyable to me than Absolu, at least at times. Plus, they don’t make that one anymore, so I’d go with Parfum.

I was a fan of Luna Rossa Ocean’s opening act, so I really enjoy the similarities here. This one, is better over the duration of the wear, and doesn’t turn into a super boring cologne. Simple, yeah, but the aroma is very nice and kept my attention.

You’re still going to get plenty of the vibe of the original EDT, just in a fresher and cleaner form. It’s updated and modern, from an older formula which has been degraded over time.

Performance isn’t amazing, but it seems to be able to hit a standard work day. Versatile enough for multiple seasons, office or even night life.

One issue here, might be the pricing. As a Parfum version, the higher concentration is going to sell for a higher price. So, you might want to test it out before blind buying.

It’s probably not going to offend anyone, just you may want something different for the same price point. I don’t think the price is anything outlandish, however. Perhaps a bit elevated.

I was tempted to grab a full bottle for myself. I enjoyed wearing Code Parfum. As of now, it’s sort of borderline. Not something I definitely want, but may end up with at some point.

Guerlain L’Homme Ideal EDP vs Extreme

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Ideal Extreme and Eau de parfum are two of the most popular and sought after colognes from this Guerlain line. The question is, which fragrance is really better? Which lasts longer? Which should you buy? In this post, I break down and compare each cologne based on my experience in testing each.

Tale of the Tape: L’Homme Ideal EDP vs. Extreme

Notes include: cherry, almond, lavender, vanilla, incense, rose, rosemary, leather, tonka bean, and more

Click here to try: L’Homme Ideal EDP at Selfridges (ships from UK)

Ideal Extreme

Notes include: plum, almond, tobacco, heliotrope, leather, cinnamon, bergamot, pink pepper, patchouli, cedar

Click here to try: Ideal Extreme from Selfridges

Read my review: Ideal Extreme

Opening

Ideal EDP opens with its natural cherry and almond blend. The opening features a slight spiciness, but it is overall a very smooth and refined opening act. Leather, vanilla, and other warmer hints are coming through from the base.

I actually get a nice dose of leather with Extreme early on in the wear. It’s not a total dominant note, but it is there. With that you get pink pepper and cinnamon spice in the background.

The dried fruit aroma of plum, with a dash of citrus at the very beginning, and the signature almond note. The mix isn’t a juicy fruit and that plum note adds a tart quality versus something sweeter like EDP.

Which is better? It is a very close call for me. The opening of each, is my favorite aspect of both scents.

Yet, I think that I slightly prefer the cherry, almond, and vanilla blend more so than that of the plum and leather ingredients.

Edge: EDP

Projection

Before trying each out, I would’ve thought Extreme would’ve been an absolute powerhouse, based on the name. Not so much.

Both of these are actually pretty moderate with the sillage. Strong openers, sure. After that, noticeable and solid, just nothing beast mode. No clear winner here.

Edge: Push

Longevity

The longevity with both of these fragrances is in the 8-9.5 hour range, on my skin. There’s no real difference in this category. Each provides a nice, albeit not elite amount of wear.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Both of these are autumn and winter wears. Each can be versatile within that time frame. Casual and nightlife options are about equal.

However, I think that Ideal Extreme is a bit better for something like the office, with less of the sweetness that the EDP can have. It might also be better for dates, as cherry can be hit or miss for some people.

Edge: Extreme

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these colognes do I actually prefer? This is really neck and neck between them.

With Extreme, I like that opening act. That leather note, the later tobacco, and the presence of the Ideal almond. Everything about the fragrance is at least good. There’s no particular flaw with the scent.

But, I do like Ideal EDP just a tiny bit more. I’ve long gone back and forth between them, but after this last round, I can safely say that I like EDP more.

The cherry note is what does it for me. Vanilla, almond, and the floral accords only further seal the deal.

The performance of each is about equal, so this one really does come down to which scent you prefer. For me, it’s EDP.

Winner: Ideal EDP

21 Best Smelling Fragrances for Men

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Another year is almost in the books and I am once again updating my list of the top fragrances for men. As of now, this isn’t an exhaustive list, and I probably could expand it to 50 colognes without much of a problem. But, I also don’t want to overwhelm and this total should suffice. I tried to get a balance of different styles, but really wanted to highlight the best of the best as a whole. 

What are the Best Colognes for Guys?

Gourmand Apple Brandy

Angels’ Share by Kilian– Angels’ Share was an instant love for me when I tested it out. So much so, I quickly grabbed a full bottle, and looks like it’s going to has a very long-term spot in my rotation.

This is a boozy gourmand and unisex perfume. It opens up with cognac, tonka bean, and oak. It’s sweet and has an apple brandy like aroma. The cinnamon note, plays a pretty big role here, and it will give off a booze-soaked apple cinnamon scent.

The dry down is sweet with vanilla/praline, though, the oak note really takes the lead. It’s not too heavy of a perfume, but the performance is great, as I get double digit hours worth of wear.

Is this going to be for everyone? Probably not, some don’t like cinnamon or sweetness or gourmands for that matter. However, this one gets plenty of complements and love. Angels’ Share is one the expensive end, also. Angels’ Share Full Review

angels review

Creamy Summer Citrus with Rum

Uden by Xerjoff– I’m a big fan of Chanel’s Allure Homme Edition Blanche, but the performance isn’t all that great. From my interest in that cologne, I was put on to Uden, which actually surpasses the Chanel.

The main difference between Uden and Edition Blanche, is that, Uden is smoother and includes a great rum note. The lemon and bergamot blend is great here, with a fantastic creamy vanilla, woody base, and that rum kick. 

This is a fantastic option for the summer months, if you want to escape the usual ‘blue’ aromas and various oceanic colognes. Uden is a citrus that actually lasts and provides a good ability to project to boot. Another higher end fragrance, in terms of price and quality. Uden Full Review

Well Put Together Prada

Prada L’homme Intense Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– Out of all of the fragrances of the amazing L’Homme line by Prada, Intense is my favorite. I get better performance and an overall denser and darker aroma from it than the others.

It opens up with that signature L’homme iris note, giving a powdery floral freshness. Add to that, amber and smooth leather.

Later on, there is a subtle base of patchouli and sandalwood, which add to the overall enjoyment and aren’t a distraction. The dry down is mainly iris and tonka bean, with the leather and amber, playing the background.

It has a rich and full aroma, with plenty of style. Great for the fall and winter months.  L’Homme Intense Review

My Favorite Tom Ford

Noir Extreme by Tom Ford– Noir Extreme is a fragrance that I’ve come back to pretty heavy over the past few months. I truly forgot how much I loved this scent.

It is led by a kulfi dessert accord of saffron, nutmeg, amber, vanilla, and pistachio. Spicy, warm, and very rich. Noir Extreme shines in the depths of late autumn and winter.

Very sexy and has a mass appealing scent. Good for nightlife and romantic wear and really so much more. I like the original in the black bottle the best. But, the new Parfum version is also nice, and I bought a bottle of it to supplement my Noir Extreme stash. Noir Extreme review

Sweet, Spice, and Smoke

Parfums de Marly Herod Men’s Edp Spray, 4.2 Ounce– 

Herod is going to be my selection from the Parfums de Marly line. I could also throw in Oajan and Layton, as they are also awesome fragrances. 

Herod is a blend of sweet, spicy, dark, and smoky. Vanilla, cinnamon, pepper, and incense are all playing defining roles within this French parfum. But, Herod is really led by the tobacco note, that smells like an uncured leaf rather than rolled tobacco.

Warm and creamy, with a spicy edge, and smoky undertones. This one has plenty of depth and all day longevity, that easily hits double digit hours. Read my full Herod Review

Tux Luxury

Tuxedo by YSL– I’ve arrived pretty late to the game with Tuxedo from Yves Saint Laurent. But man, is this an absolute gem of a fragrance.

Luxurious and rich. Tuxedo settles into a blend of amber, vanilla, and patchouli. However, it opens with a black pepper and coriander spice. Plus, has a enough rose to make an impact but not overwhelm the composition.

Softer on the sillage side of things, but with the right amount of sprays, one can easily stand out with this fragrance. It’s got the right balance of freshness, warmth, sophistication, spice, and sweetness. 

One

The One EDP– This is another fragrance that I’ve come back to and simply forgot how much I liked it. The One Eau de Parfum is always popular, but it does absolutely smell great.

It starts off with a blast of the grapefruit flanked by spices of coriander and basil. It’s a signature opening act, with the ingredients being heightened by the tobacco note and dipped into a sea of amber.

Sexy, refined, and one that will draw complements. There are several spice notes involved but the coriander and cardamom are the ones that stick around the longest and play the largest role.

The performance this one is fine, so long as you go pretty heavy with the sprays. That’s the only way I’ve gotten it to last long, but it’s worth it. The One EDP Review

That Top Sauvage

Sauvage Elixir at Macy’s– Sauvage Elixir is the latest flanker from Dior in this series. It is also the most distinct and expensive out of all of them. If you want a more affordable Sauvage, the Eau de Parfum is the next best.

Elixir starts out with its awesome spice blend of nutmeg and cinnamon, grapefruit, and the signature Sauvage lavender note. It’s spicy in the beginning, but gets sweeter and more focused on the lavender in the middle act.

That note is joined by a light licorice and amber note. This is all sitting on top of a blend of fresh woods. Sauvage is a monster with its performance. Powerhouse sillage and will hit 13-15 hours on my skin. Sauvage Elixir Review

So Bleu

Bleu de Chanel EDP- I was always going back and forth between my favorite Bleu de Chanel fragrance, but the eau de parfum is the one I keep coming back to. Though, both the EDT and Parfum have their strengths, respectively.

EDP opens up with a strong blast of its citrus notes, as well as the fresh spices of pink pepper and ginger. Grapefruit and lemon are the strongest aspects, sometimes it can come across sort of like lime. 

It dries down with some fresh wood and amber notes, which really tie the whole thing together. Personally, I get around 8 hours of wear from this, which while not amazing is still quite good. All of the BdC fragrances are popular and easy to wear, jus this one is the best of them.

 

 

The Most Wanted

Azzaro The Most Wanted Eau de Parfum Intense | Cologne for Men 1.7 fl oz– Azzaro has made each successive Wanted release better than the previous one. As of now, The Most Wanted is their crowning achievement.

It kicks things off with a warm and slightly spicy cardamom note. However, the one they use here actually has a lemon-like aroma which gives The Most Wanted a fruity kick. The spice here is fresh with a warm profile and the overall fragrance is sweet.

It’s a tug of war between sweet and spice, with a delicious caramel note, and a balsamic finish. Really good performance with this one and a fragrance that is a solid choice for younger men (college age-twenties). The Most Wanted Review

Winter Beast

Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme Eau De Parfum Spray 50ml/1.7oz– Extreme is the absolute best of the Spicebombs. However, I will say that it is for use in colder weather, so you’ll need somewhere with a real winter. If not, I’d go with Spicebomb Infrared instead.

You’d think that Extreme would be heavier on the spices than the original, but that’s not the case. It’s actually more about tobacco, vanilla, and lavender. It’s somewhat spicy, but really smooth and sweet too.

Tobacco and vanilla are going to the main players, along with saffron and the cinnamon/cumin notes. Spicebomb has a very nice projection, though, it will last forever. It’s one of the longest lasting designer fragrances that I’ve tried. Spicebomb Extreme Review

Super Unique Rose Fragrance

MOSCHINO Toy Boy Eau De Parfume Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– Toy Boy is a masculine floral that I expected very little from before trying. Man, was it a shocker when I experienced first hand what a gem this one actually is.

Yes, I hate the name too. But this fragrance in the cutesy bear bottle is legitimately very good. It opens up with a juicy pear and bergamot citrus blend. This is joined by the floral notes of rose and magnolia, as well as, a warm pink pepper.

The rose is greenish, it features a light spice throughout, and a clean musky finish. This Moschino won’t be for every guy out there, but the brand really knocked it out of the park with this one. Toy Boy Review

My Favorite Tom Ford Leather

Ombre Leather- This is my personal favorite leather fragrance from Tom Ford, above the popular Tuscan Leather. 

Ombre Leather is dark, dry, and warm with the use of its signature note. It’s a high end and beautiful leather note, that is along with its other ingredients, supposed to invoke the desert landscape.

Jasmine is the main pairing here along with a touch of amber and base of patchouli and moss. It has an earthiness and slight spice. A neat mix of clean and dirtiness that deserves a spot on the list. Ombre Leather Review

Best Armani Code

Giorgio Armani Code Absolu EDP Eau de Parfum For Men 3.7oz– Code Absolu is replacing Code Profumo, on this list, as it has now become the definitive edition of this Armani fragrance. It is very similar to Profumo, but enhances that fragrances weaknesses.

Code Absolu opens up with nutmeg, rum, suede, and tonka bean. There is also a hint of citrus and crisp apple, in the background. The spice of the nutmeg is dominant for a few minutes, before the suede and tonka bean really take over.

The fresh spice here is great, nutmeg and rum, are surprisingly great together. The fruit notes, are also just strong enough, to prevent it being a completely dark fragrance.

This one is fresh, warm, with a nice sweetness from vanilla and tonka bean. The projection is strong, but not absurdly so, and the longevity consistently hits 10+ hours, on my skin. Code Absolu Full Review

Y

Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 3.3 Ounce– A year round wear, this is a new addition to the best men’s colognes list, and I’ve really digging what Y EDP has to offer. The original EDT is just okay, but this stronger version, stepped it up big time.

It opens with apple and bergamot at the top, along with, the light and cool spice of ginger. It is crisp, refreshing, and smells amazing. Underneath that top layer is warm amber, creamy tonka bean, and a juicy juniper berry.

It’s stays super smooth, warm, with a nice sweetness that doesn’t go too far into candy-like territory.

As it dries down, you get a green herbal and woody base. Y EDP is a versatile cologne, which lasts all day, and has a strong but not overwhelming sillage. This is one that should be really popular for a long while. Y EDP Review

Rose and Earthy Truffles

Tom Ford Private Blend Noir De Noir Eau De Parfum Spray Edp 3.4 Fl / 100 Ml– Noir de Noir was another that I wasn’t expecting to really like when I first read the list of notes years ago. It also has a rose note, that is actually sweeter than the green one in Toy Boy.

This rose is joined by moss, patchouli, and oud giving it an earthy and woody base to work from. If that weren’t enough, this Tom Ford scent also features truffle and vanilla to round things out.

Noir de Noir hits me slightly different each time I’ve worn it. It’s quite balanced, but has plenty of depth, and its own style. Unisex overall, maybe a slight feminine vibe, but with very nice performance. One of the best from this label, without question. Noir de Noir Review

Aventus

Creed Aventus Millesime Spray for Men– Aventus is a wonderful scent from the house of Creed, that is of course, on the higher end of the cost spectrum. Aventus is known for its layered use of fruit notes like French apples and pineapple and blending it with currant, birch, and jasmine to create a memorable yet masculine cologne.

The opening few minutes of Aventus is quite sharp and intense. I personally don’t like that starting aroma, but Aventus settles down, and becomes much more pleasant to wear. The pineapple note becomes less of a factor and that dry birch/oak moss combination takes better shape.

Even with the black currant and pineapple’s sharpness, Aventus, has a dry smoky quality to it throughout the fragrance’s life cycle. It is crisp, juicy, woody, and that dry earthy scent. I’ve likened the earthy aspects of this fragrance to walking alongside the woods, on a cold Fall day.

What I get for most of the day from this scent is pineapple, birch, and oakmoss. Black currant, vanilla, and amergris add a supporting layer to that main trio of notes.

I usually get 8-9 hours of wear from Aventus and the sillage, while not huge, is enough that you don’t need more than a few sprays. Quite a versatile cologne.

I like to wear it in the more moderate temperatures of spring or early autumn, but it works well almost year round. This is the type of cologne you could wear casually but also perfectly fits in on a more dressed up occasion.  Creed Aventus Review

Another Great Chanel

Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme– Allure Homme Sport was a great fragrance in its own right. However, it seems weaker than it used to. Plus, I have come around to Eau Extreme being the better Chanel cologne of the two.

Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme has much of the same fresh and attractive notes of the original, with a different opening act full of sage and cypress. It is cooled by mint with a generally herbal greenish quality early on. 

Underneath that is the same citrus, sea notes, and creamy tonka bean as the original. It does have better sillage and longevity, but it isn’t completely a powerhouse despite the name. Still, Eau Extreme is hard to go wrong with, as a daily wear. Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme review

Top Gucci Guilty

Gucci Guilty Black– I wore this one back when it first came out years ago. I also really like Guilty Intense, but that got discontinued.

Guilty Black shifted a bit from the original Guilty releases, swapping out the citrus fruit notes for orange flowers. Neroli and orange blossom. These two give the impression of sweetness, blended with lavender, and a spicy coriander note.

It’s comes across a being clean and green with some light soapiness to it. Gucci Guilty Black is one that is extremely versatile and crowd pleasing. It’s a fragrance that almost anyone can wear and it has proven itself for years now. Is it the most complex or astounding scent ever? Nope, but it does its job well, and I still love it. Gucci Guilty Black Review

Louis Louis

Imagination– Imagination is an awesome fragrance from Louis Vuitton. Citrus with black tea and amber. Supremely fresh and mass appealing

For the opening act, you get the citron and other citrus notes, such as mandarin orange. The citron is the lead ingredient, but there is a definite neroli floral infusion in the heart. The pairing between that and the ginger note, creates a cold and dynamic scent, that’s a joy to be around.

Early on, it a greenish citrus blend. Then, you get the floral touches. But, ultimately tea and the lighter amber get surrounded by the remaining citrus to create an easy to wear gem. Full Review

Burberry Entry

Burberry London- London has been around for a long time now (I wore it in college). But, that’s for a good reason, it’s a terrific scent.

This is a spicy and leathery tobacco fragrance. Early on, it will hit with the punch of pepper and cinnamon, before giving way to leather and a hint of port wine. 

Later, London is dry, smooth, and woody with the tobacco still leading the way. It has a nice presence about it and stands out versus many of the other popular fragrances of today. It’s still better than all of the brand’s newer releases. London Review

Stronger With You vs. Absolutely

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Stronger With You is a seemingly ever expanding series from the Emporio Armani line. Absolutely is one of the more popular flankers from to spawn off of that original formulation. In this post, I want to compare the two: Stronger with You EDT vs. Stronger with You Absolutely. Which is the better cologne? Which lasts longer?

Tale of the Tape: Stronger With You vs. Absolutely

Stronger With You

Notes include: vanilla, mint, cardamom, chesnut, amber, pink pepper, sage, violet leaf

Click here to try: Emporio Armani Stronger With You for Men Eau de Toilette Spray, 1.7 oz

My Full Review: Stronger With You

Stronger With You Absolutely

Notes include: glazed chestnut, rum, lavender, cedar, vanilla, elemi

Read my Full review: Absolutely

Opening

Stronger With You opens up fresh and with its spicier notes out front. To me, the cardamom really stands apart from the other notes, it really has a significant weighting in the mix

Beyond that, it’s: pink pepper, mint, sage. The vanilla and chestnut notes are there also, but will gain strength a bit further in. Early on, it’s cardamom and the others.

With Absolutely,  the opening act gives me a blast of the very short-lived bergamot and some of the other fruity sweetish notes, that are associated with the lavender accord.

The difference is the resinous qualities, along with the spicy booziness here. Elemi or the ‘glaze’ of the chestnut note is something that is really distinct versus the other Stronger fragrances

The Armani website mentioned cinnamon in addition to the rum accord. Yes, there is some warm spiciness and booziness , but this is a lot smoother composition than a heavily spiced boozy rum note.

Which is better? I’ve always been pretty indifferent to Stronger EDT’s opening act. Absolutely is more interesting, has greater depth, and just smells better.

Edge: Absolutely

Projection

Both of these are on the stronger side, especially for designer fragrances. Stronger with You EDT is very good with its ability to create a scent trail and project off of the skin. From the first time that I tested it out, I wasn’t disappointed.

Is Absolutely better? Not really. But, it also isn’t worse. To me, these have been about equal to one another with how they project.

At least in this aspect of their performances, these Emporio Armani colognes are equals.

Edge: Push

Longevity

The original Stronger With You lasts for at least 9 hours on my skin. However, it can go above 10 hours at times, as well. It just sometimes fails to hit that double digit hour mark.

Absolutely is better on this front. I routinely get 11 or 12 hours of wear from this one. Both of these fragrances have great staying power for mainstream colognes.  But, the flanker is a notch above the original.

Edge: Absolutely

Versatility

Both of them are best in the autumn and winter months. Though, each can sneak into the early spring, especially if you’re planning on using them for evening wear.

Neither is a formal wear or one that is built for offices. Casual, nightlife, and romantic wear would be better uses.

I think Absolutely has a slight edge versus the original in this department. The aroma is more mature, even while being sweet. The scent is just put together better in a more refined presentation.

Edge: Absolutely

Overall Scent

So, which one of these fragrances is the better one to try?

With SWY EDT, it was always a fragrance that I liked aspects of, but was never really blown away by. There’s nothing much to complain about with the performance aspect of the scent, but the smell is a good one which never approaches great.

It actually made me be not too inclined to try out the rest of the series, since I thought it was ‘fine’ rather than being anything spectacular.

Absolutely, on the other hand, is either the second or third best scent that Emporio Armani has released thus far under this banner. I like Intensely more and Leather depending on the day.

The opening resinous elemi, the cinnamon/rum, the fruitiness and the chestnut coming in later on make this one a better option.

It’s not any heavier, but you do get a few more hours of performance out of it. It’s not overwhelming better, but this is still an easy choice for me.

Winner: Stronger With You Absolutely

Versace Bright Crystal vs Yellow Diamond

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In today’s ladies perfume comparison, we have a head to head match up between two Versace fragrances: Bright Crystal vs. Yellow Diamond. Now, which one of these popular scents, smells the best? As usual, I am going to break down each one of these fragrances, and compare them in different categories. Then, I will declare a winner.

Tale of the Tape

Yellow Diamond

Notes include: citron, pear, neroli, bergamot, nymphea, freesia, orange blossom, mimosa, amber wood, musk, palo santo

Click here to try: Versace Yellow Diamond Eau de Toilette Spray, 3 Fluid Ounce

Read my original review: Versace Yellow Diamond

Bright Crystal

Notes include: yuzo, peony, pomegranate, musk, magnolia, iced accord, lotus, amber

Click Here to try Bright Crystal: Versace Bright Crystal Eau de Toilette Spray for Women, 3 Ounce

Read my original review: Bright Crystal Review

Opening

Bright Crystal does indeed open bright with yuzo and a blast of juicy pomegranate. This fragrance has a crisp profile due to the iced accord within. It starts out with these fruity notes and then moves into something that is more floral, mostly from peony.

Yellow Diamond also starts off with citrus from citron, but this is tempered by floral notes including mimosa and freesia. It doesn’t have the same level of fruitiness as Bright Crystal. It’s also bright but is like being surrounded by greenery and flowers.

Which Versace is better after first spray? I think that Bright Crystal starts off better. The cold juiciness of the fruits are very nice and the peony is a great addition that doesn’t overpower the fruit top notes.

Edge: Bright Crystal

Projection

Both of these scents are light to moderate throughout the wear. There isn’t a huge difference between them, n my mind. However, I think Bright Crystal does have a bit better sillage than Yellow Diamond.

It might just be that its particular notes feel stronger and just come across as so.

Edge: Bright Crystal

Longevity

Yellow Diamond would last around six hours on my skin, which is decent, but not amazing. It was pretty consistent about vanishing at about that six hour mark. Meanwhile, I could get 8-10 hours out of Bright Crystal on a regular basis during testing.

Yellow Diamond isn’t terrible, but Bright Crystal performs very well in every aspect.

Edge: Bright Crystal

Versatility

Both of these scents can be worn year round. I’d peg them both more as spring/summer. Neither one is super sexy, but both are quite pretty and pleasant to be around. Each can be worn casually or even more dressed up. There really isn’t a distinction in this category.

In either case you get a very versatile scent, more useful for daily wear, but that can venture into other uses. No real complaints about their versatility.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Yellow Diamond is a very solid everyday wear, if you like florals with enough citrus to keep it from being annoying. It’s a good perfume, but never blows me away.

The mimosa is an interesting choice for the floral notes, with the freesia, it gives this one something a bit different from the usual fare. It’s also got some greenish qualities, a bit of pear, and other random floral notes.

Nonetheless, it’s still not all that exciting or super memorable. Nice, sure. Though, I don’t think it ever gets to the same level of attractiveness as Bright Crystal.

In comparison, I really enjoy the way that Bright Crystal smells. It offers better performance than does Yellow Diamond and a more unique aroma.

The fruit notes at the top, the iciness, the juiciness, and then the floral/musk in the dry down are great. It never becomes too floral and strikes the right balance.

They each have some light aquatic qualities and juiciness, along with the floral aspects. But, Bright Crystal has more of each in a more pleasing composition.

It is simply a better Versace perfume than is the original Yellow Diamond.

Winner: Bright Crystal