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!

Bloom Profumo di Fiori by Gucci

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Bloom has been a popular line of perfumes for Gucci over the past handful of years. I’ve been working my way through reviewing the entire series and am almost complete with what they’ve released, up to this point. Today’s entry is Bloom Profumo di Fiori, which was released in 2020. How does this one smell? How is it different? Is it worth trying out?

What does Bloom Profumo di Fiori Smell Like?

Notes include: jasmine, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, tuberose, sun-drenched wood, orris, benzoin, musk

Click here to try: Bloom Profumo di Fiori

profumo di fiori review

My Full Review

Here’s how Gucci describes it: Debuting within a visionary campaign set in a garden of dreams where magic blooms, Profumo di Fiori eau de parfum enters the world of Gucci Bloom—conceived by Alessandro Michele and created by master perfumer Alberto Morillas. A radiant twist on the classic Gucci Bloom accord, Profumo di Fiori unleashes the addictive magnetism of Tuberose Essence, blended with Jasmine Sambac Closed Buds and Jasmine Sambac Absolute

This one does have a lot in common with the original Bloom, but takes things in a slightly different direction.

The opening really goes strong with the white floral notes. Jasmine and the Rangoon Creeper found in the others. However, the ‘sun-drenched wood’ accord here does really bring a bright and sunny feeling to Profumo di Fiori.

Creeper starts off the strongest to me. Then, the jasmine really kicks into overdrive for a long while.

Solar notes have become more common in fragrances over the past few years. With the blend of floral notes, this perfume does have a warm and somewhat buttery quality to it. In the early stages, at least.

Ylang-ylang comes in to further this trend. A nice yellow floral touch to the jasmine dominant mix.

The sandalwood stands out as the non-floral part of this early. Well, aside from that generic wood note, that is sun-drenched. Later, this gets muskier, not to a huge extent. Just, more noticeable than the woods.

As it dries down, the tuberose and the jasmine sort of split duties as the leading notes. Ultimately, more of the tuberose. The ylang-ylang sticks around somewhat, but whatever is left of the Rangoon Creeper has gone into oblivion it seems.

In the end, this is a sunny and upbeat white floral with bits of ylang-ylang, musk, and wood.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one hits about the same level as the rest of the series. That being, pretty moderate, though slightly above average. The start does give you a fairly substantial projection off of the skin, but it isn’t massive.

It lasts for 5.5-7 hours, on me. Again, about in line with what you get from the Bloom lineup. The performance for all of them are decent, just not super long-lasting or completely beast mode with how they project.

Seasonally, it sticks to its heritage and gives you another wear for the spring and summer months. You’re not going to venture too far out of that time frame, but if it’s not too cold out, this would be fine.

Profumo gives you the same mostly daytime application of this style of this fragrance. Honestly, I’m surprised Gucci never really went for a bolder nightlife edition of Bloom, but this one doesn’t break the mold either.

Casual, work, and even something a bit more formal. Pleasant and attractive enough to receive complements and one of the more appealing perfumes of Bloom.

 

 

Overall Impressions of Bloom Profumo di Fiori

Overall, do I like Profumo di Fiori? Yes, it might be the best smelling of the Bloom series, in my opinion. It’s a pretty close call with Ambrosia, but this has the edge after testing each of them.

I really dig the woody notes here, the buttery quality of the early stages, and the ylang-ylang that has its time to shine. This is much less greenish or even aquatic feeling versus some of the other perfumes that have been released under this banner.

The dry down is more floral with the jasmine and tuberose taking over leading positions in the mix. Much closer to how the others are, but the balance is different.

You’re not going to get much difference in the performance with this one.

I can recommend giving this edition a try. If you’re a fan of the Gucci Bloom series, this is one that I’d try out first, if you want to narrow down the selections.

If you haven’t liked others in the series, this does share a lot of overlap. It’s the best smelling, but even the changes might not be enough to sway your opinion.

Paris-Venise by Chanel

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Les Eaux de Chanel is a series from the house that I’ve been working my way through reviewing, over the past year or so. I sort of forgot to publish this one on Venise, so, here I am correcting that now. How does it smell? How long does it last? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Paris-Venise Smell Like?

Notes include: citrus, iris, petitgrain, pink pepper, vanilla, tonka bean, violet, neroli, rose, ylang-ylang, and more

Click here to try: Paris-Venise from Chanel

paris venise review

My Full Review

Here’s how Chanel describes it: Inspired by the enchanting city Gabrielle Chanel revered, PARIS-VENISE Eau de Toilette is a composition of shadow and light, between freshness and sensuality.

The opening of Venise is a bright blend of citrus and floral notes. The citrus doesn’t feel too juicy here, but the lemon and orange are bolstered by the presence of the neroli and petitgrain in the mix.

Aside from that, you’re going to get some early powder from iris and violet. Not super heavy or anything, but it is there. Paris-Venise does stay much more of a spring and summer scent, so, it isn’t an imposing amount of powder.

I also get the ylang-ylang coming through early on. It has its moments, during this part of the wear, but will fade to the background as we move along.

Is it just citrus and powder? No, there is some spice to liven up the mix. Pink pepper, neroli, and even a bit of a resin from a benzoin note lurking behind everything.

The citrus, iris, and ylang-ylang (plus other floral notes) are most prominent in the opening act. Then, as it settles, you get the softer sweet and creamy notes coming through.

Once this initial phase passes, this becomes more about the iris, with musk, and the vanilla/tonka bean combination.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Like the others in this series, Venise doesn’t leave a massive scent trail behind when you wear it. I think the projection at its peak, is a bit better than most of the others (maybe not Edimbourg), but still fairly moderate in totality.

On skin, Venise goes 7 to maybe around 7.5 hours. Not a superb performer, but it gets the job done for most occasions.

Seasonally, Venise is another one for the spring and summer months, in particular. Though, if it’s somewhat mild outside you could wear it at other times. Mainly, focus on the warmer days, since that’s when it is at its best.

While the Les Eaux lineup is considered unisex, about all of the lean heavily towards the more feminine end of the spectrum. Paris-Venise is no exception.

This is an attractive and clean fragrance. Daytime wear. Not sexy or sultry, but quite attractive, and one that can gather complements. Venise is easy to wear and appropriate for just about anytime outside of the nightlife or super formal events.

Overall Impressions of Paris-Venise

Overall, do I like Paris-Venise? Absolutely. This one is my favorite from the Les Eaux series of fragrances. Deauville, is another one, that I personally enjoy a lot. However, I think Venise has enough of an edge to claim the top.

I always like a good iris perfume, especially when it gets that powdery and make-up bag vibe going. Venise has that, but it isn’t overwhelming with the powder. I do like the citrus, vanilla, and spices which add different elements to the mix.

The performance is on the upper range of what you could consider average, but still well within those bounds. But, I feel like you get more than enough out of this Chanel, especially since it’s not at an extreme price point.

This is one from the Les Eaux de Chanel series that you should definitely check out. It’s pretty safe to blind buy, as there really isn’t anything too offensive here. Unless, you just really hate iris.

Irresistible EDP by Givenchy

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Irresistible is one of Givenchy’s main fragrance series for women. I got samples of each of the perfume options from this line to test them out and review for the site. The eau de parfum was released in 2020. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does Irresistible EDP Smell Like?

Notes include: rose, pear, ambrette, iris, cedar, musk

Click here to try: Irresistible EDP

My Full Review

Here’s how Givenchy describes it: A magnetically powerful contrast between two opposite accords: luscious rose and luminous blond wood. Irresistible Givenchy Eau de Parfum entices you to feel charmingly, irresistibly you.

Irresistible kicks off fresh, juicy, with a sweet muskiness. The rose is advertised as the dominant note in this one, to some extent that becomes true later. However, early on there’s a good deal of pear.

The pear note alone gives you that usual sweet and watery juiciness. But that ambrette, gives it a further sweetness and is really better than just a standard musk would be by itself in this composition. Though, you do get that as well.

That opening is bright, sparkling, with a nice fizziness from the notes coming together.

As it moves forward, Irresistible does start to show more of it rosiness. That, with a further powdery punch from the iris note. But, it never strays into full baby powder mode, and the powder is simply complementary.

This isn’t super complicated. The pear does take a step back. you get more of the standard musk, rose has a greater weighting, with the iris and cedar freshness coming from the base.

More of a floral musk, with some fruity sweetness. To me, this doesn’t get too soapy or shampoo-like with how it comes across. Sure, to some extent, but it stays balanced and attractive.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, it’s a bit moderate. The opening actually has a decent amount of strength, with a fairly short-lived but pronounced scent trail. This all projects well off the area you applied Irresistible to for a few hours.

Thereafter, it’s going to be a lighter scent. Not a skin scent, but maybe a 2-3 foot scent bubble.

The longevity is pretty run of the mill, but slightly above average. I get about 7 hours on the high end, but somewhere in the 5.5-7 hour range is about what to expect on the skin. Not great, but I didn’t find it to be entirely weak.

Seasonally, this is a versatile fragrance, but mostly for spring and summer. Though, it’s fine in the autumn, when it’s not too cold outside. Maybe a bit too sharp or bright for the dead of winter, but fine outside of that.

Irresistible is a pretty sort of perfume, that will get complements, and less of something that might be called sexy. But, it’s one that is a crowd pleaser and nothing that should offend.

It’s fairly wearable. Light and upbeat. More of a daily wear, casual, and semi-formal. Again, I’d probably skip using this as a nightlife sort of scent.

 

 

Overall Impressions of Irresistible

Overall, do I like this perfume? Yes, to me, this is the best of the Irresistible lineup thus far. The EDT and Fraiche aren’t as enjoyable or long lasting. Plus, this is nice fragrance overall. Not completely amazing, but I like it. 

The performance could be better, but I didn’t think that it was too bad. Irresistible doesn’t have that beast mode performance, however. 

The pear and ambrette are the highlights of this one to me. The latter part goes more in the musky floral direction, tried and true, yet it’s a simple formula which works well. 

As a daily wear, this one will work just fine for most people. Maybe you don’t want to pay full retail for Irresistible, but it’s worth a try, and a great option at a discount. 

Beautiful Magnolia by Estée Lauder

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Beautiful Magnolia is a perfume entry from the Estee Lauder ‘Beautiful’ perfume series. It was released in 2021. I received a sample of this at some point with another order, and so, decided to put this fragrance through its paces for a review. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does Beautiful Magnolia Smell Like?

Notes include: magnolia, gardenia, sandalwood, cedar, musk, solar notes, mate, lotus, Turkish rose

Click here to try: BEAUTIFUL MAGNOLIA by Estee Lauder, EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY 3.4 OZ

lauder perfume review

My Full Review

Beautiful Magnolia stays close to its name, from the very jump. That magnolia note is already present and very prominent in the composition.

But, it is also very fresh and semi-aquatic thanks to the lotus flower that about equals the magnolia for the first part of the wear. It comes across as very clean and watery, with a light herbal tea aroma from the mate, that’ll fade fairly quickly.

While rose is apparently a note in this one, I don’t get any on my skin. Maybe it’s just tough to pick out, but this is mostly the magnolia’s show. Some gardenia, at times, and the opening lotus influence.

Outside of the floral notes, this becomes a muskier perfume, as we dry down. The lotus aquatic smell begins to subside, the magnolia gets stronger, and the musk and cedar base intensifies.

Pretty simple in the close. Magnolia, musk, woods, and a generic floral impression. The musk and wood do turn this into more of a shampoo kind of fragrance.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this is a lighter moderate fragrance. It’s not going to leave a huge scent trail and will become more of a skin scent about half way through.

However, the performance for the first few hours is pretty solid on my skin. If I spray Beautiful Magnolia on a shirt, I can pick it up from up to about 5 feet away. It’s not a complete powerhouse, so don’t go in expecting that.

The longevity hits the 5-6 hour range. Again, it’s pretty run of the mill. It’s not going to last a full work day it seems, but can get somewhat far into it. Maybe, some people will get better longevity from this one. Though, my skin doesn’t really ‘eat’ perfumes.

Seasonally, break Beautiful out in the warmer weather of the spring and summer months. It can be a bit too sharp or even aquatic feeling for the wintertime.

This is a daily wear type. Safe for work. Casual. Semi-formal. Not a nightlife perfume or anything that would be classified as sexy. It fits the ‘beautiful’ moniker or at least could be called pretty.

Overall Impressions of Beautiful Magnolia

Overall, do I like Beautiful Magnolia? Yes, it’s enjoyable to some extent, but wasn’t something that I’m crazy about.

As far as shampoo-clean floral perfumes go, this is a nice example. The magnolia and lotus give it more of a unique identity than some along with the tea aroma, found early on. At the end of the day, it’s a musky floral that’s clean and inoffensive.

The performance is run of the mill, but it is one that you should get plenty of use out of if you enjoy magnolia as a note. If not, I don’t think that this Lauder fragrance would change your mind.

It’s on about the same level as Hermes’ Un Jardin Sur le Toit, another magnolia perfume, which is more expensive.

Worth a try, but not an absolute must have.

Legend Red by Montblanc

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Legend Red is the latest release from the popular Montblanc series, introduced in 2022. Based on the notes, it seems to take the line in more of a unique direction than just being another complete ‘re-imagining’ of the original EDT. How does Red Smell? Is it worth a try?

What does Legend Red Smell Like?

Notes include: grapefruit, blood orange, sage, cedar, juniper berries, tonka bean, mahogany, cardamom

Click here to try: Legend Red by Montblanc

legend red review

My Full Review

Let’s see how Montblanc describes this: A charismatic woody fragrance that evokes the thrill of speed and makes the heart beat a little faster.

Tried this scent? Leave your rating and review in the comment section below.

The grapefruit note shares the duties about equally with the blood orange, upon first spraying. It’s a juicy and energetic citrus duo, that reminds me of The One Gold. But, I think this is a better fragrance.

There is a cardamom note early, it’s honestly pretty weak, especially compared to the one in Legend Night. Instead, you get more of the clary sage and juniper freshness.

The sage and juniper have their run at the top, but you can already pick up strongly on the woods coming from the base, even at the very start. Cedar, for sure, but the mahogany starts to really come through in the middle act, on my skin.

That aspect really brings to mind the note in Euphoria for Women, also this has an element of the men’s version, as well. Mahogany strength isn’t something you get too often in fragrances, even in this limited capacity.

So, Legend Red goes from citrus herbal to citrus woods. The only other real aspect is the tonka bean, adding a sweetish aroma to the dry down with its vanilla-like profile.

For me, the juniper actually stays around more than the sage, in the late stage.

Not too complicated of a scent.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one is pretty moderate in terms of sillage. At its peak, it’s probably a little better than average. On the whole, it is about middle of the road.

It’ll create a nice scent bubble of 3-5 feet, depending on your sprays. Then, move closer into being a skin scent.

On my skin, it can last up to about 6.5 hours. More in the 5-6.5 hour range, with multiple tests going towards the lower end of that range.

Seasonally, this is mostly for spring and summer. Though, it really works whenever the temperature is moderate to warmer. I like wearing it outdoors and catching some of it coming off of the breeze.

It’s versatile enough to be worn almost whenever during the spring or summer. Maybe not the most formal scent, but semi-formal or office wear should be fine. It’s got a nice maturity to it, but isn’t at all stuffy.

Legend Red is a likeable fragrance that should have plenty of mass appeal. It’s an easy to reach for cologne, that is fresh, and not overly complicated with more difficult notes to pull off.

More of a daytime wear, but wouldn’t be totally out of place in some nightlife situations.

Overall Impressions of Legend Red

Overall, do I like Legend Red? I do. It’s not my favorite thing ever, but I think it’s a very nice and highly wearable freshie for the spring and summer months. Legend Night and Spirit are still my favorites from the line, but this is quite good.

I like the blood orange note and the use of mahogany. That’s what helps to give this one some distinction, even while it doesn’t have too much in common with the other Montblanc Legend colognes.

This gives you a clean, appealing, and rather versatile fragrance to wear. It’s not going to offend, it should get a decent amount of complements, and covers a lot of bases.

The performance is decent enough. Not a complete beast or workhorse. Though, it should get the job done in most respects. A couple more hours of wear would be great.

Not a mind-blowing experience, but I think most people would at least find this to be okay, if not something the really enjoy.