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!

Stronger With You Absolutely by Emporio Armani

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Stronger With You is a series that I’ve been working my way through, as far as posting reviews for the site. Today’s entry is SWY Absolutely, another one of the flankers off of the main original EDT formulation. How does this one smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does Stronger With You Absolutely Smell Like?

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

My Full Review

Here’s how Armani describes it: Stronger With You Absolutely parfum is an addictive fragrance for men, inspired by the power of absolute love. This powerful and sensual fragrance is boosted by an addictive new rum accord, while lavender, sustainably sourced in France, is irresistibly enhanced with liquorous and fruity facets. Warm vanilla, harvested in Madagascar while supporting local communities, and smoky cedar wood, carefully extracted in Virginia, USA, round up this powerful scent. 

The opening spray gives me a blast of the very short-lived bergamot and some of the other fruity sweetish notes, that seem to be associated with the lavender accord.

This is met with some spice and warmth. Not overly so, however. Armani talked something about pink pepper being here, I think that may be a part of this initial mix, since that is in Stronger Intense as a note.

But, this one also strikes me as being quite resinous from the get go. Elemi or the ‘glaze’ of the chestnut note is something that really sticks out after that top blast.

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.

Much different than something like Man in Black or the intensity of the cinnamon in Spicebomb Infrared.

Once we’re past all of that, the chestnut will ramp up. The warmth of the blend, the woody influences from cedar (bit smoky), with the vanilla and lavender playing support. Not as boozy at this stage, at least its been drained of any spice.

I think that when the chestnut really has the lead, as the strongest note, that’s when this one is at it’s best.

Yes, later in the dry down, it’s still the strongest. However, the lavender seems to start creeping up more on my skin, for the final run.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one has some definite strength. Though, it’s about the same as some of the others in the series. You get a few hours of a scent trail and solid projection off of the skin.

The projection is really good, able to reach pretty far across a room. Then, it’ll become a 4-5 foot scent bubble, and finally a skin scent. Not the heaviest or most beast mode projection out there, but I wasn’t disappointed.

On my skin, Absolute lasts up to 11 or 12 hours. This and Intensely are the same in terms of their performance and somewhat better than the EDT.

Like the others in the series (other than Freeze), this is an autumn and winter wear. It can probably do the early months of spring as well, particularly evening wear. Though, this isn’t one for the summer months.

This is a casual, nightlife, and date night kind of fragrance. It’s sweet, so, I’d not really wear it to the office or as a super formal cologne.

Overall Impressions of Stronger With You Absolutely

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Yes, it’s among the best of this line. Though, I personally prefer Intensely over this one a little bit more. It’s pretty neck and neck, but that gets the nod.

I do like the chestnut note, in this one, in particular. The elemi, cinnamon, and rum are all nice touches. Maybe could’ve had more of each to really distinguish and make Absolutely an even bolder scent, but it’s nice enough for what it is.

The performance here is on equal footing with Intensely and about what you get with the rest of the line. No issues there.

If you like the rest of the series, this is also one that you’ll enjoy, also. It’s not super different, but it does have its distinct qualities about it. But, if you already own other SWY fragrances, you don’t necessarily ‘need’ this one.

It’s a very good scent, on the whole. An enjoyable wear and one of the better options out of this lineup.

English Pear & Freesia by Jo Malone

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Jo Malone has a whole host of fragrances that are great by themselves or layered with another perfume from the line. That’s what they’re made to do. I somewhat recently received a sample of what I consider to be one of the better scents from this designer, which gave me the opportunity to retest it and finally give English Pear & Freesia a full review. What does it smell like? How long does it last?

What does English Pear & Freesia Smell Like?

Notes include: King William pear, melon, freesia, patchouli, rhubarb, rose, musk

Click here to try: English Pear & Freesia

english pear review

My Full Review

Here’s how Jo Malone describes it: The essence of autumn. Mellow. Cool. Golden.

So, Jo Malone scents are designed to be both worn solo or layered with other offerings from their line. If you go with English Pear & Freesia they have the following suggestions. Try layering this one with (according to Jo Malone): Wild Bluebell for a fresher scent. Velvet Rose & Oud for a warmer scent.

The pear note here is probably the highlight of the entire wear. It’s crisp, bright, and has less of the sparkling quality than some other perfumes, but it smells better to my nose. The light melon note helps add that juicy or watery sort of fruit aroma to the opening act.

Early on, the fruity notes are in charge. But, I do get plenty of musk in the early stages of this perfume. Musk flanked by the rose note, which plays more of a role than you might think by the name alone.

However, the freesia is ultimately the star here. A lovely white floral impression with hints of green stems and the underlying patchouli note.

The dry down will pretty much be a shift away from the pear dominance, to a more traditional floral soapy sort of perfume.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one has a nice opening burst of strength and can project itself well for the first hour or so. Then, it’ll become pretty moderate, with about a 3 foot radius of a scent bubble on the wearer.

Finally, the last couple hours are lighter still. It isn’t a weak fragrance, but not exactly a beast either. That opening is pretty substantial on me, however.

This one actually lasts a decent amount of time, on my skin. Somewhere in the 6.5-7 hour range, at its best. It’s not a long lasting powerhouse scent, but it’s not terrible for what it is.

Seasonally, this is at its best in the spring and into the summertime. But again, what you’re layering it with can determine whether it can venture further into the heat or the cold. That’s great, if you’re looking for a super versatile scent to base things off of.

On its own, this is a pleasant and clean smelling fragrance that can fit in a variety of situations. Not really a sexy or nightlife scent, though. Outside of that, it’s going to give you most of what you’d want in a perfume.

This is technically a unisex scent, but I will say that it definitely leans more traditionally feminine than being down the middle.

Overall Impressions of English Pear & Freesia

Overall do I like this fragrance? Yes, English Pear & Freesia is simple, but ultimately a lovely experience. You just have to understand what you’re actually getting with this perfume.

I do enjoy that sparkling, almost champagne-like opening, with the rather unique pear note and the melon coming through. Juicy, fresh, sweet, with the underlying musk that will be more prevalent in its support of the floral notes later.

The performance actually isn’t bad for such a simple and somewhat linear fragrance. The performance on my skin, is solid, but others report that it doesn’t last long for them. So, maybe this Jo Malone perfume is more dependent on your own skin chemistry, versus some other scent on the market.

I do think that this one is worth a try on its own. The tail on of the scent isn’t completely unique or earth-shattering, but it does smell quite good. I do still think that this is one of the better options in the Jo Malone catalogue, even after all these years.

Flora Gorgeous Jasmine by Gucci

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Flora Gorgeous Jasmine is the latest flanker fragrance from the Flora line here in 2022. I’ve had a chance to try it out here recently, a fairly short time after testing Gorgeous Gardenia for the site. But, how does this one actually smell? Does it last a long time? Is this jasmine perfume even worth a try?

What does Flora Gorgeous Jasmine Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, mandarin, black pepper, jasmine, magnolia, Damask rose, benzoin, sandalwood, and patchouli

My Full Review

Here’s how Gucci describes it: Gucci Flora Gorgeous Jasmine Eau de Parfrum bursts with a radiant composition led by Grandiflorum Jasmine. Tender wreaths of noble Jasmine are transformed through extraction into the heart and spirit of Gucci Flora Gorgeous Jasmine, resulting in an enlightened expression of this precious flower. Blended with base notes of Sandalwood and Benzoin, its sensual notes create a skin imprint unique to the wearer.

Gorgeous Jasmine opens up with a bright burst of citrus surrounding the titular floral note. Bergamot is there, but I pick up more of the mandarin orange. It’s a bit watery, lightly green, with some fresh spice.

There’s apparently pepper here, which contributes to that opening bit of spice, but it is light and pretty darn short-lived.

The next phase, gets cleaner, almost has a musky quality to it. The jasmine is certainly dominant throughout the wear. But, that opening citrus has a nice little run near the top, and the magnolia also has its second place moment.

Any Damask rose that is here, must be getting outdone by that jasmine and magnolia, as I really don’t get any.

Soft and soapy clean/fresh, but with some sweetness there, before we transition to a sandalwood and patchouli infused base. Much more of the sandalwood, to my nose, versus the patchouli.

Finally, the only real noticeable difference, will be a bit of a resinous finish thanks to some benzoin. However, this one dries down like a jasmine shampoo thanks to the floral combination and the Australian sandalwood.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is above average. Gorgeous Jasmine is not at all a weak fragrance, but it’s also not an absolute bomb that’s going to take over a room.

It’ll mostly provide a solid scent bubble around the wearer, with some early projection ability, that can reach rather far from the skin itself.

This one also has fairly good longevity, not elite, but it’s another aspect of this Gucci perfume which is above average. Somewhere around 8 hours on me, before it finally fades away entirely.

Seasonally, this is an obvious choice for the spring and summer months. The floral aspects, the citrus, the cleanliness all combine to make it a warm weather wear. Moderate to warmer temperatures is when it’s at its best, probably skip wearing it at the extremes.

This is a daily wear. Casual, work, semi-formal. It’s pretty and attractive, but not a sexy date night fragrance or one for the nightlife. Much more of a subtle and easy to wear perfume versus something that is going to scream for attention.

Overall Impressions of Gorgeous Jasmine

Overall, do I like Flora Gorgeous Jasmine? I do. It’s not the best or most ‘naturalistic’ smelling jasmine scent out there. However, it still is quite good for what it is.

The mandarin orange and the light spice add some dynamic qualities to this fragrance. I enjoy the opening act a lot. The dry down is where you really get into the jasmine, joined by a sandalwood note, and general soapy clean aroma.

It doesn’t blow my socks off, but I enjoyed Jasmine the whole way through. It gives you a worthy performance and an opportunity to wear it in a variety of situations.

If you’re a jasmine fan or just want a nice mainstream floral perfume, this is a good one to check out. Might be a little on the expensive side for what it is, but it also isn’t a complete ripoff or anything.

Tease EDP by Victoria’s Secret

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Tease is another of the more popular fragrances by Victoria’s Secret line. It’s been in lotion, body spray, and eau de parfum form. In this post, I am going to be review the latter, and seeing just how this EDP performs. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Tease EDP by Victoria’s Secret Smell Like?

Notes include: anjou pear, gardenia, black vanilla, litchi

Click here to try: Tease EDP

tease edp review

My Full Wear Review

Tease is a sweeter perfume at times, but it actually starts out fairly tart. The pear and litchi combination will do that. Maybe a little apple thrown in the mix to boot. 

On the whole though, it is more of a light fruity sweetness than a sugary kind of perfume. A gourmand with a larger age range than just being for teenagers. Some VS scents are too youthful for women above 25 to wear them, but I think this one has a broader appeal. 

Vanilla and gardenia really star here. The pear early, these two notes later in the wear. That shift will come at about 45 minutes after application, that’s around when it happened for me.

There is slight resinous quality from an amber note in the base. Keeps it warm and smooth.

There does seem to be some other white floral notes in the mix. But, this is at least 85% gardenia in how it presents. Maybe a little bit of jasmine, but that’s about all I get distinctly. Otherwise, it’s a mishmash. 

Less fruity more vanilla floral with some touches of woods and amber. Pear and it’s sparkling quality start to play the background.

Tease EDP isn’t a very complicated fragrance. So, you pretty quickly get to experience most of what you’ll get for the duration of the wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is pretty moderate. You get a fairly big and bold start with a normal amount of sprays. Though, that’ll last maybe a little less than an hour. Then, it’s noticeable, just not anything bold or with a far reaching projection.

On my skin, Tease lasts between 6-7 hours. Not amazing, but honestly better than many of Victoria’s Secret’s other fragrances. Though, overall it’s pretty basic, and what you’d get from most other brand’s perfumes. 

Seasonally, Tease is an interesting fragrance. I’d say it’s a bit better in the colder weather than warmer, but it isn’t exclusive to autumn or winter. Really, I’d mostly just stay away from the extreme heat of summer days.

It’s not the most formal fragrance ever, but it can serve its purpose as a casual scent or daily wear. It’s attractive enough for the nightlife and will gather compliments, as these sorts of gourmands to have a mass appeal.

Tease isn’t a difficult fragrance to wear around and versatility is one of its strengths. Not the most mature or serious perfume out there, but that’s not what everyone needs either.

 

 

Overall Impressions of Tease EDP

Overall, do I like Tease? Yes, it’s a very nice entry from VS. Not the most unique, but it smells nice, and gives a good enough performance.

I do slightly prefer something like Eau So Sexy from Victoria’s Secret to this one. But, it’s not an overwhelming preference. 

The anjou pear note is really great up top and one of the highlights of the scent for me. You might think with vanilla, amber, and some other gourmand influences that this might be a heavier/thicker fragrance.

Not really, it has substance, but isn’t going to completely melt if venturing into warmer temperatures. This is a very balanced and versatile fragrance. Pretty, straightforward, and likeable for most people. 

Not a must have, but for sure worth a try, if this is your style. 

Costa Azzurra EDP by Tom Ford

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Tom Ford has had several iterations of Costa Azzurra, including one from 2014 and Acqua and the new Parfum. I randomly got a sample of the newer version of Costa Azzurra EDP with a  recent fragrance order and was interested to come back to this scent again. Since I didn’t have much of a memory of the older one. How does Azzurra smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Costa Azzurra EDP Smell Like?

Notes include: lemon, orange, cypress, oak, incense, seaweed, cardamom, lavender, vetiver, oud, and more

Click here to try: Costa Azzurra EDP by Tom Ford

My Full Wear Review

Here’s how Tom Ford describes it: COSTA AZZURRA CAPTURES THE EASY SENSUALITY OF A PURELY UNINHIBITED ESCAPE. THE EXHILARATING AROMA OF SEA AIR, FRESH AROMATIC NOTES, EVERGREENS AND CITRUS SET THE SCENE AND MINGLE WITH DEEPER WOODY SCENTS — A CRISP MEDLEY OF CYPRESS, OAKS AND AROMATICS.

Costa Azzurra EDP opens up pretty heavy on the cypress note, on my skin. I’m not usually a huge fan of this style of fragrance, but this one definitely captures my attention more than others.

Citrus, woody, fresh, spicy, and smoky. There is definitely an incense and oud influence wafting up to give this one that warm smoky finish.

This will turn to a more woody fresh dominant scent, as we move forward. However, there is a nice spicy punch up top. Cardamom and maybe some other herbal notes.

The marine notes are here, as well. Seaweed with a more generic ‘blue sea’ type of smell. Though, it’s more an impression of seaweed, not a dense copy of the actual stuff.

The seaweed isn’t as heavy as something like the Bvlgari Aqva scents. Also, at times the aquatic/incense/citrus notes remind me of a brighter version of AdG Profumo or the aromatic cypress smell of Guilty Cologne.

The cypress and the citrus have a light an effervescent sort of aroma. When I wore this outside, the hot July breeze, really helped bring this Tom Ford fragrance to life.

I must say, as this one dries down, it does come across as less aquatic and more like a sea breeze. But, a sea breeze while standing in a coastal forest. Super dry and fresh, but you can still tell you’re near the ocean, if that makes sense.

In the end, the lavender makes Azzurra more approachable and soft. The breeziness is still there, somewhat salty, and the citrus has faded away. Cypress, driftwood, and the dryness of notes like vetiver really reign supreme.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Costa Azzurra actually isn’t a massive fragrance, frankly, it’s quite moderate. Maybe slight above average with how it projects or leaves a scent trail.

Don’t expect a beast, because that’s not what this one is. No real complaints, though.

The longevity here is pretty good, just not elite. It lasts on my skin for 7-8 hours in total. At the price point, I do kind of want more, but it’s about what I get with some other Tom Ford fragrances that I really enjoy.

Seasonally, it should be pretty obvious by now that this is a spring and summertime wear. I really can’t imagine wearing Costa Azzurra much outside of that.

Now, if you live in a tropical climate or one where the summer temperatures drag on pretty late, you’ll get more use out of this one.

This is a daytime wear. Casual to semi-formal mostly. It might be an office wear, for certain folks, since it’s not too heavy.

This isn’t really a nightlife beast or date night sort of scent, however.

Overall Impressions of Costa Azzurra

Overall, do I like Costa Azzurra EDP? I do. Again, this isn’t usually my style, but this is a better example of this kind of marine/woody fragrance.

The scent itself is good. I really like the blend of citrus, cypress, and incense early on in the wear. Also, the fact that the seaweed isn’t overbearing and it’s more an impression of a marine aroma, than the actual smell of the sea itself.

The performance is fine. Not amazing, but certainly not terrible.

It’s one that is worth checking out, but not might be to everyone’s taste. If this sounds, like one you’d like, I definitely recommend giving it a go. If you’re in the market for a warm weather scent, this is certainly a solid option.