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!

Devotion Intense Pour Femme by D&G

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Devotion Intense is the first follow up in the newer Devotion series by Dolce & Gabbana. This Intense version obviously has a lot of similarities to the eau de parfum, but what about it makes the perfume different and how does it stack up in comparison?

I recently grabbed samples of both of these fragrances in order to test out and review each. What does Devotion Intense smell like? How long does it last? Is it ultimately worth a try?

Devotion Intense Pour Femme Review

Notes include: hazelnut, orange blossom, vanilla

Click here to try: Devotion Intense

My Take

The opening does still share some of the brightness of the original and the citrus, but it’s toned way down. In place of the rummy sort of glaze aroma you get a hazelnut note, giving this a really nice almost roasted nuttiness.

It’s a bit denser, though, still not completely heavy or thick with how it sits on the skin. The orange blossom is also very prominent in comparison to the Devotion EDP, especially at this entry stage.

So, if you take the original formulation ramp up the vanilla and orange blossom while reducing everything else, you get this…with added hazelnut. Earthy, smooth, and again that toasty sort of smell coming off of it. Less like a lemony cake.

Pretty much the same thing throughout the entire wear. Though, its basically just a mixture of the hazelnut, vanilla, and orange blossom. The rest of the original’s DNA seems to fade almost entirely for me.

The ultimate dry down is a very vanilla dominant fragrance with nutty touches and I guess some vague hints of the orange blossom still hanging about.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Devotion Intense is somewhat thicker and heavier feeling than its predecessor. Again though, it  doesn’t actually bog you down or feel completely cloying when you’re wear it.

The projection is actually better, strong without being overwhelming, and not a fragrance that is going to dominate a room with a normal amount of sprays. However, it is still well above average with its reach and scent trail creation.

The longevity here is also a bit better than the EDP. Not by a whole lot, but 9 hours seems to be a comfortable floor for what to expect with Devotion Intense. Maybe a bit further into the 10-ish hour range, but not much beyond that for a peak.

Seasonally, this one is autumn through early springtime. Neither of the first two Devotion releases are built for the warmer weather specifically, but I think that the EDP holds up better than Devotion Intense.

Like EDP, this could be a daily wear for some people. For those who enjoy mainstream designer gourmand scents, Devotion Intense can fit the bill very well.

It’s not a formal fragrance and is more of a cozy kind of wear versus being some kind of sexy club beast. I think it’s put together more maturely than is the EDP. The hazelnut versus the candied citrus, gives it that vibe. Yet, this one still isn’t a formal wear.

Overall Impressions of Devotion Intense

Overall, do I like Devotion Intense? I do. But, I also really enjoyed the original. I think this one is a bit better. If the lemon note in Devotion EDP was too bothersome for you (but you liked the rest), this one should work quite well.

It’s really pretty close in terms of the style, just remixed somewhat. So, I’m not greatly favoring this option versus the original, it’s more of a slight lean towards it.

I do like the glaze effect that it has here in the opening. Sure, not as much of the citrus and it is a darker formula, but it works well. The hazelnut is really most prominent in the front half of the wear, before it turns into a vanilla and orange blossom dominant scent.

As such, comparing this and the Eau de Parfum version, is really going to come down to your preference of style. Sometimes these flanker fragrances are either way worse or way better than their original, this one is more refined, but mostly just an alteration moving away from the candied citrus.

Nonetheless, I like what Dolce & Gabbana are doing with this series. Very mass appealing and crowd pleasing sort of scents, but one of the better current options in this style category.

Cool Water Parfum by Davidoff

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Cool Water Parfum is one of the many flankers that Davidoff has brought out over the years, using the name of it’s insanely best-selling cologne from the 1980s.

This Parfum version of the scent was released in 2021, but I recently received a sample of this stuff to test it out and see how it compares to the original and rest of the series? How does it smell? Does it last long? Is Cool Water Parfum worth a shot?

Cool Water Parfum Review

Notes include: lemon, pink pepper, vetiver, and sandalwood

Click here to try: Cool Water Parfum by Davidoff

My Take

The opening here is heavy on the pink pepper. Right away, this would be called a ‘blue’ fragrance with its clean and fresh vibe, and you’ve smelled fragrances like this one before.

It isn’t going to be like the original Cool Water, however. So, don’t expect that at all.

Sauvage EDT comes to mind, but only somewhat in style, not exact smell. Also, it’s a better and more substantial version of Light Blue Living Stromboli in the opening, without the calone (blue instead of aquatic) and the Haitian vetiver note ramped way up in the Davidoff.

Citrus, pink pepper, vetiver are the major commonalities. Bits of those two colognes are here, but I am liking Cool Water Parfum more.

Spicy, fresh, and blue early on from the pink pepper note with a light lemon backing it. As it dries down it will feel woodier and soapier. Still has that kick to it, but the pink pepper begins to take a back seat to the vetiver and sandalwood.

It’s not always a smooth transition and the mix can feel slightly harsh at times, but for this price range I think Parfum does a very nice job.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Cool Water Parfum does have some body to it and it can also project itself quite well. Not a complete monster with its reach nor does it feel like a heavy cloud surrounding you all day. However, it is completely noticeable to have on and substantial.

For me, the longevity on this one can hit around the nine hour mark before it fades completely. I’d expect for most it’d be in the 8-10 hour range potentially. A very solid performer and I wasn’t disappointed at all.

Seasonally, it might be too fresh for the coldest days on winter, but outside of that I think Parfum works just fine. It might waver somewhat in extreme heat too. I think it’ll be just fine, if you’re not spending the day outside or something like that.

Within that frame, this Davidoff cologne is quite versatile. It has a fresh and cleanish aroma that will fit in pretty much anywhere. It’s not necessarily a nightlife fragrance, if you want to really go bold with your fragrance, but this one will do just fine.

Mostly, it’s going to be a daily wear and sort of ‘do it all’ utility cologne in your rotation.

Overall Impressions of Cool Water Parfum

Overall, do I like Cool Water Parfum? Yes, it is an enjoyable wear. Not too complicated, not perfect, but a scent that can cover a lot of bases.

Pink pepper and Haitian Vetiver are two notes that really dominate the composition. So, if you’re not into those, this might be one to avoid. To me, the peppercorn can be somewhat annoying at times, but not too bothersome.

It’s got a blue-ish presentation like so many other of the mainstream designer fragrances of the past decade. As such, you’ve smelled plenty of other fragrance that are like this before. Though, this does somewhat separate itself, despite being a bit simple.

The performance is also good. Not quite elite, but if you can get this for a discounted price, you’re usually not going to get better than this. Davidoff is one of those brands that can get heavily discounted from its retail price, but those savings aren’t always available.

So, you may have to pay $98 or thereabouts for a full bottle of the stuff. At that price, I’d probably pass, but this could also be a very good pick up if you can get it for relatively cheap.

Light Blue Capri in Love Pour Femme by D&G

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Capri in Love is 2025’s edition of the extremely popular and long-running Light Blue series of perfumes by Dolce & Gabbana. I bought samples of both the men’s and women’s releases of this fragrance title and have been testing them out recently.

How does Light Blue Capri in Love perform? What does it smell like exactly? Is this women’s fragrance, even worth a try?

Capri in Love Pour Femme Review

Notes include: jasmine tea, apple, longoza

Click here to try: Capri in Love

My Take

Upon first spraying, I thought that this had ginger as a note. Then, I had to look up what longoza is, and it’s apparently a plant in the ginger family. So, that made sense.

Anyway, the opening here is a fresh mix of the three notes. The jasmine tea is initially playing the background, while the crisp apple and longoza are the main attractions.

Capri in Love does have a nice spice, some sweetness, and a greenish edge to things. Yet, this is fairly sharp with things mainly present.

As it dries down, this Light Blue fragrance starts to veer into the soapier territory. Not entirely to my nose, because that jasmine note is presented as a watered down version.

Just a clean and rather simple fragrance, that is less green and spicy and more of a somewhat of a clean apple soap aroma.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here isn’t particularly heavy, but it has enough to it, for Capri in Love to be noticeable.

The longevity here is in the 6.5-7 hour range, on my skin. Keep in mind, that last hour or two is pretty darn light with the projection. However, it is still technically there, you just shouldn’t rely on Capri in Love to have insane performance.

Seasonally, obviously this is another spring and summertime wear, that can extend into the early autumn in many regions. But, like all of the Light Blue series, this perfume is going to function best in the warmer weather.

For those months of the year this is going to be a daily wear. Something that’s not too formal, but can be used more than just casually. Capri in Love isn’t much of a nightlife scent, so, it’s pretty much going to be a daytime thing.

Overall Impressions of Capri in Love

Overall, do I like Light Blue Capri in Love? It’s fine. This edition of the Dolce & Gabbana series is pretty simple and straightforward. I was never particularly put off by it and I did enjoy the ginger-floral presentation mixed with the apple note.

The light tea aroma and ginger is pleasant. There’s nothing here that is super amazing or unique, but for what this is, it’s a fairly decent perfume.

At full price? There are better options for a summer scent. Once it heads to the discounters, it’s worth a try, especially if you’re a Light Blue fan. Just don’t expect Capri in Love to be near the top of the list in the series.

Neither this nor the men’s version of Capri in Love are all that great. Kind of a miss in both cases, for this year’s Light Blue releases.

Devotion Pour Femme by D&G

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Devotion Pour Femme is the first release in what will seemingly be a further long-running series of scents from Dolce & Gabbana. This one came out back in 2023, but I recently received samples of both it, the men’s edition, and the Intense version of this perfume.

So, what does Devotion eau de parfum smell like? Does it last long? Is this D&G perfume actually worth a try?

Devotion EDP Pour Femme Review

Notes include: candied citrus, orange blossom, rum, pana cotta, vanilla

Click here to try: Devotion EDP

My Take

Devotion EDP opens with a sugary candied lemon note, which sits like a glaze mixed with rum on top of a warm cake. 

Initially, the lemon will be the strongest note in the mix, but it does calm down into something that highlights the blend. We have orange blossom as a flower here, but there also seems to be a separate orange note too. Just a zest or peel of orange.

Up top, things are bright and a bit spiced. It does have a slight juicy quality, but again, this is more of a candied or artificial lemon aroma. 

This Dolce & Gabbana perfume is a sweet gourmand and one which isn’t overly complicated. However, there are a few phases.

The next is the blended lemon cake with orange blossom. The spice fades and the vanilla really starts to move in. Paired with the orange blossom and pana cotta, the vanilla sometimes smells powdery, and creates a ‘fluffy’ near marshmallow kind of effect.

The final dry down is mostly a lemony vanilla, with the remnants of the other notes playing the background and keeping the warmer aspects of this fragrance alive.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

While this is a gourmand scent, it isn’t too heavy and actually does have a good deal of freshness to it. It’s light enough, that it never felt cloying to me, but it does also have the projection power to make it never feel weak.

The longevity is also pretty good, just not elite. It will last somewhere around 9 hours or so, on my skin. You get plenty of time with it, but it wasn’t a double digit hours long wear for me.

Seasonally, this one is good to go from autumn through the springtime. I’d probably only avoid wearing it on the hottest days of the year. Outside of that, Devotion will almost certainly work well and without much issue.

This could be a daily wear for some people. For those who love these sorts of delicious and mainstream gourmand scents, this is a good example of that type and very likeable.

It’s not a formal fragrance and is more of a cozy kind of wear versus being some kind of sexy club beast. More delectable versus being sultry and attention grabbing. For most casual or daily wear situations, Devotion EDP probably isn’t going to be too out of place.

Overall Impressions of Devotion Pour Femme

Overall, do I like Devotion EDP? I do. To be fair, I have always enjoyed gourmands, especially scents that have a lemon note mixed with some kind of baked good vibe.

With the lemon note, a lot of people will say that it smells like ‘cleaner’, no matter what perfume that it’s in. I don’t think that’s the case here at all. But, maybe you go with Devotion Intense instead, the citrus influence isn’t as much in that one.

I think that this one gets associated with Burberry Goddess, also. I think I slightly prefer Devotion, but it’s not a strong preference, either way. That has a heavier vanilla influence, even if both of them, greatly rely on that note.

The performance is good for this sort of scent, just nothing amazing. It’s one that can easily slot into a fragrance rotation, because if you like the way it smells, there will be plenty of opportunities to wear it.  Very much a crowd pleaser.

Is it anything too groundbreaking? No, not really. It’s pleasant and has an easy to wear sweet aroma. If that sounds like your type, check this one out. If not, you basically already know what to expect with this one, and can look elsewhere for a perfume.

Which is the Best Dior Sauvage Fragrance?

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Christian Dior’s Sauvage is probably the most popular men’s fragrance line in the world, right now. However, when you are given three options with the same name, it can be difficult to discern the differences and which you should choose.

In this post, I am going to rank these colognes, and break down which smells the best. I’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed each Sauvage scent, so, the rankings are very clear in my mind.

Dior Sauvage EDP vs. Parfum vs. EDT vs. Elixir

The Best Sauvage

Sauvage Elixir at Macy’s– The newest release is now the best of the bunch. In terms of smell, it’s slightly ahead of the EDP version, but this concentrated Elixir is an absolute beast performer.

It does go in a different direction from the other Sauvage fragrances. However, it retains is central lavender note and the same structure of citrus, spice, and woods.

To me, the best part of Elixir comes from its newer spice accord, mainly the cinnamon and nutmeg notes. I never liked the Sichuan pepper very much in the original, but this new blend is absolutely great. 

Yes, it’s more expensive, but it lasts all day and actually brings a new interpretation to the line. Sauvage Elixir Review

Update: Coming back to this one, a few years after its release, and I do still really like it. The dry down with the lavender is even more appealing to my nose than before. It’s really powerful, but I think it is the top pick in this Dior line.

The Close Second

1. Sauvage by Dior Eau de Parfum Spray, 2 Fl Oz– Sauvage EDP was (before 2021) my favorite offering from this lineup, without a doubt. I was pretty much indifferent to the original EDT, but this edition, really grabbed my attention and I thoroughly enjoyed wearing it.

It opens up, as a much smoother wear. The warm ambroxan leads the way and calms down the sharper elements of Sichuan pepper and bergamot. Beyond that, you get a dark and smoky vanilla note, and the EDP is less of a lavender bomb than its predecessor.

It’s clean, well put together, and has depth. The anise, pepper, and nutmeg trio are introduced later on to give Sauvage EDP some more spice, but it’s never overwhelming.

Finally, the performance is top notch. The sillage is huge, it can project itself very well off of my skin, and lasts all day without quitting. For those who don’t want to pay the high price of Elixir, this is still a great option.  Sauvage EDP Full Review

Darker and Woody

2. Dior Sauvage Parfum 100 ml 3.4 oz spray– Parfum really strikes me as the middle ground fragrance of the Sauvage line. It opens up with a citrus blast, like the EDT, but with an added juicy mandarin orange note. It also doesn’t have the same spice.

It differs from the EDP version, with way less of the ambroxan note. You do get vanilla, but it is paired with tonka bean and sandalwood, giving this a creaminess that is more pronounced than the others. 

Later on though, Sauvage Parfum develops its own identity. It’s dark, dry, woody, with a some sweetness. Sandalwood and cedar are in a leading role, along with vanilla, and some of the citrus juiciness.

It doesn’t have the same strength as the EDP, but it is still a powerful fragrance, and will last 10+ hours. I do enjoy this one, it’s just a notch below EDP, in my opinion. Though, if you want a less ambroxan heavy version, this is it. Sauvage Parfum Review

 

The Original

3. Sauvage by Christian Dior Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– To me, the original Sauvage is the least compelling of the bunch. Not that it is a bad fragrance, it’s just been outdone by its successors, and other colognes on the market.

Luna Rossa Carbon, for example, smells very similar to Sauvage EDT but is a better version. 

Sauvage EDT is much more geared toward the citrus notes. The opening is a mix of sharp bergamot and spicy pepper. It is intense and not my favorite aspect of the scent.

Later, the signature ambroxan note comes in, along with lavender to calm down the composition. The longevity is good, but not as long lasting as the EDP. Though, this is a good performer when the climate is warm. Sauvage EDT Full Review

5. Sauvage Eau Forte– It’s not as bad as everyone seemingly made it out to be. But, Eau Forte is my least favorite fragrance in the series. Though, I actually liked parts of it.

I like the cold almost misty sort of aroma that it gives off early. This is an alcohol free version of this scent and I’ve always gotten the mental impression of being near a waterfall in a forest with the opening sprays.

The spice here feels more generic and is held back somewhat by the resinous elemi note. Lavender and woody notes are the main thrust of Eau Forte for much of the wear. 

But, having tested this one out plenty, the back half becomes muskier and much less remarkable than the rather enjoyable start. Mostly just lavender and musk. The weakest and worst performer of the Sauvage lineup too. Eau Forte review