Best Men's Colognes

Best Men's Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with the different fragrances that I've owned, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, that new hobby grew into a consistent passion, helping millions of readers along the way. I have personally test out and written reviews for well over 800 perfumes and colognes for both men and women. This is along with writing hundreds of other in-depth fragrance guides. You can also follow me on: YouTube, Instagram, and Tiktok!

Noir Extreme Parfum by Tom Ford

by

Noir Extreme is one of my personal favorite fragrances to wear. So, when I saw that the Parfum version was being released in 2022, I had to order a bottle for myself upon release. I was excited for a bolder and spicier remix of the original. Does it deliver? How long does it last? Is it actually worth a buy?

What does Noir Extreme Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: Shimoga ginger, cardamom, amber, tonka bean, guaiac wood, leather

Click here to try: Noir Extreme Parfum at Sephora

noir extreme parfum review

My Full Review

Here’s how Tom Ford describes it: A bold intensification of the original scent, Noir Extreme Parfum merges amber, spices, and woods, evoking the private, daring aspects of the Noir man.

Note: As of now, these are my initial thoughts of Extreme Parfum. Since it’s brand new, I’m going to be updating the page over the next week(s), as I get more time spent wearing it.

The opening of Noir Extreme Parfum has a lot going on. You get the same light citrus and neroli notes, as the original. What I do notice, is that the floral accord in this one does not have the same strength.

Those white floral notes do not play a major role in Parfum. Not that they’re massive in the original, but they are always present in that one. However, the citrus notes do have more of a role, adding a sparkling quality to the spice, and are playing off that initial ginger.

One of the main changes here, comes with the spices. The ginger note replaces the nutmeg of the original Extreme and is paired with that same cardamom note. The opening sprays are spicier, warmer, less sweet, and smoky.

The guaiac wood is also a new addition, hello smokiness. This a very rough, dry, and somewhat animalic version of the note, not a sweeter one. It’s funny that this base note, is so noticeable in the opening, but really tones down as it dries down.

So, the kulfi note is still present with the vanilla note. The vanilla is weaker in Parfum, splitting its strength with a tonka bean. This actually gives that kulfi accord a bit of a boost within the composition. A very similar effect overall, just slightly different.

The kulfi is sweet, creamy, with a pistachio finish.

Once the spices and guaiac wood has settled down, the leather note really comes out fully. That’s the biggest change with Parfum. Smooth, yes, but the smokiness and warmth doesn’t allow it to pop in the same way it does in something like Ombre Leather.

The final dry down is a leathery and spicier/warmer version of the original. It’s really a split between the remaining kulfi/tonka/vanilla notes and the leather. The amber note is noticeably weaker in the Parfum version’s dry down.

As a single note, the leather has the greatest weighting at this point.

noir extreme parfum

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The performance on the whole, is roughly the same as Extreme EDP. However, I don’t think that Parfum has the same sillage and projection as that one.

Not a huge difference, but it is a slight step back. You get that initial power from the ginger and cardamom, then, it settles into that same kind of moderate projection. Not a huge deal, but I thought that this would be a beast mode with the higher concentration.

Coming back to it again and again. It really doesn’t seem to be stronger than the original for me. I’ve tested on shirts to see how far away I can detect it and there’s almost no difference, other than EDP feels a bit more powerful.

With the EDP, I get 6-8 hours of wear from it usually. Though, with the way that I spray (heavy), it hits that 8 hour mark more often.

Parfum seems to be able to go up to 9 hours, during this initial testing. It’s a slight step back in terms of its strength, but its staying power is also slightly better on me. Again, about the same overall, but this is what I’ve gathered about it thus far.

Seasonally, Parfum is still a colder weather fragrance. It’s summer now, so, I’ve had to test it out in the air conditioning. Not ideal, but it’s fine in the temperate climate. In the heat, it gets messy like the original.

I can’t wait to give it a go in autumn and winter. That leather addition should be great.

Noir Extreme often felt like more of a unisex wear than being strictly something men would want to wear, since it’s based off the original Noir. This one, falls more so in the masculine camp, still wearable by anyone just heading toward one side of the spectrum.

Overall Impressions of Noir Extreme Parfum

Overall, do I like Noir Extreme Parfum? Yes, I do. Is it better than Noir Extreme? First impressions…not really.

These Tom Ford fragrances are really similar to each other, just with the differences that I mentioned above. I am a massive fan of the original, it’s one of my favorites ever, and it’s going to be tough to top.

I like the changes here, but there’s nothing about it that truly surpasses Extreme EDP.

Now, that’s my first impression. In a week or two, it might have flipped completely. As of this moment, Extreme Parfum is a few points below its predecessor.

Update: Parfum has grown on me more. It’s almost a tie at this point between these two fragrances for me. I will often spray both of them on at the same time. Like, two sprays of EDP for every spray of Parfum. Still, I think I still enjoy EDP more, personally.

That being said, you may prefer the added spice, smoke, and dirtiness that Parfum brings to the table. Though, if you also already have a bottle of Extreme EDP, the differences may not be enough to justify a bottle of this.

I’ve seen some people say already that these smell exactly the same. They don’t. There are distinct differences, but this also isn’t a complete re-imagining of the formula. Just expect less of that amber and white floral notes, also.

Is it worth a buy? Yes, it’s a great fragrance. If you already own one, you don’t ‘need’ the other. If you’re undecided, I might wait to be able to test this one and see if you dig the new changes versus the EDP version.

Guilty Absolute Pour Femme EDP by Gucci

by

Gucci Guilty is the staple of both the brand’s men and women’s fragrance lineup. There have been updates and new flankers over the past half-decade plus once Gucci got a new creative director. The Pour Femme line has a multitude of choices, that I’m working my way through reviewing. Absolute Pour Femme is today’s entry to the reviews. How does it smell? Is it worth a try?

What does Guilty Absolute Pour Femme Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, blackberry, pink pepper, Bulgarian rose, cypress, golden wood, vetiver, patchouli, amber

Click here to try: Absolute Pour Femme

absolute femme review

My Full Review

Here’s how Gucci describes it:  Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Femme is created using a particular blend with a structure that remains unchanged from the first time it is applied to the skin. Goldenwood is complemented with a mysterious note of blackberry, creating a non-traditional chypre fruity fragrance for a contemporary woman. The fragrance’s composition is intensified with patchouli oils and Bulgarian rose.

The blackberry note is the main focus here and it’s great. I love the juiciness and pairing with a light bergamot citrus as well. The pink pepper gives it a tiny bit of spice, but really doesn’t have too much of an impact.

Like the men’s version of Absolute, Pour Femme is a very woody take on the Guilty name. The same cypress and golden wood notes are present here. However, that’s about all they share, as this one is way less intense and smoky.

Aside from woods and fruits, you get further support from a nice pinkish rose and the patchouli base. The patchouli actually doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb here, more so helps to add an edible quality to the blackberry.

Guilty Absolute does a fantastic job at avoiding becoming too much of a girly/sugary/fruity mess. No, this one is dark and has a well-rounded sexiness about it. Deep woods, naturalistic green smells, and that awesome berry note highlighting it all.

Rose has its time to shine, after about an hour of wear. That will subside and the blackberry will sit on top of woods with some of that smokiness that’s found in the men’s version. Once again, the men’s version is a lot bolder on that front.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one isn’t super powerful and is pretty moderate for the duration. I do get some power out of it early on. I’d say it’ll hit about 7 feet from the skin at its peak. Closer to 3-5 for the majority of the wear.

Not crazy, but you get a nice bubble.

The longevity also goes for like 7.5 hours on me, maximum. On clothes, it goes for days. I sprayed it on an old t-shirt and it hung around for a long time. But, if you don’t want to ruin your fabric, the performance is just above average.

Seasonally, it’ll work in any, so long as it’s not too hot. So, most of the summer will be a no go, in most regions. Outside of that, it’s go time. Personally, I think if it’s a little chilly, Absolute Pour Femme would be awesome.

This is also a great perfume for those who want some versatility. It’s not obnoxious, so, it’s safe in most daytime scenarios. But, it’s also stylish and attractive enough for the nightlife.

Overall Impressions of Guilty Absolute Pour Femme

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Yes, I think that this is the best of the Guilty Pour Femme lineup. It’s a very good perfume.

The blackberry and deep woods combination helps to give this one a different feeling from others in the line and it stands out from the bunch, in my mind.

I love the fruit note, the darkness here, and the mix of the traditional cypress and their own smoky golden wood ingredient.

The performance is good enough. It isn’t amazing, on me at least. I do wish it had a bit more consistent strength. Though, I wasn’t all that disappointed.

Guilty Absolute also feels pretty unique. There’s nothing that I can think of which smells exactly like it, but it seems familiar at the same time.

You get a versatile, sexy, and easy to wear scent that doesn’t do anything poorly. It is definitely worth a try and a pretty safe blind buy, as well. Is it the greatest thing ever? Nope, but it delivers most of what you want in a perfume.

Encens Satin by Giorgio Armani

by

Armani Prive is the upscale line of the Giorgio Armani brand. I’ve tried some of them out before, but not the entire range. I really wasn’t checking for Encens Satin, but when I had the change to buy a sample as a part of a lot, I went ahead and added it on. How does this one smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth the high price?

What does Encens Satin Smell Like?

Notes include: incense, amber, woods, spices

encens satin review

My Full Review

Here’s how Armani describes it: Celebrating a new vision of legendary, sensual, incense. Blue satin, as fluid as the Mediterranean. A midnight blue, refined and modern, one of Giorgio Armani’s most emblematic colors. Satin that caresses as it envelopes the body, always in motion. It is this opulence and radiance that inspired Giorgio Armani to create Encens Satin, a fragrance where each note is wrapped in a deep, luminous embrace.

This is an absolutely smooth, warm, and rich incense fragrance. many other perfumes which use that note, have a harsher and smokier incense. This one is hot and almost like it hasn’t been burned in a while, and yes, somehow feels like it’s wrapped in satin. Weird.

With that, there are some generic spice notes up top. Not very distinct in how they come across, almost like they are sprinkled within the amber itself. It feels like they used labdanum here too, along with the amber note. It’s sweeter, spicier, and deeper than I’d expect otherwise.

The wood here is quite light. I get brief hits of it throughout, but this really turns into the incense and amber show. Sure, some hints of spice remain, just not to the same extent as the beginning.

Again, since the smokiness isn’t heavy, Encens Satin actually comes across as clean and very dry. I get the same deep darkness impression that I get with another Armani scent, AdG Profumo, just on the opposite end of the spectrum.

Water based incense versus this dry aroma. Oh, the frankincense is way higher quality here, though.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Encens Satin isn’t a super heavy fragrance. It has depth, but it very wearable. I don’t find it to be blow out a room powerful. It projects itself well above average, in the first few hours, and will leave a nice scent trail.

But, never made me feel as if it were dominating absolutely everything.

The longevity is great. I got well above 10 hours on my skin. Probably in the 12-ish hour range, at least as a faint amber note. There is no disappointments with how this scent performs.

Seasonally, this is going to be autumn and winter. Maybe the early part of spring, at night. But, I really wouldn’t go too warm with when I ventured to wear Encens. It works in the cold and crisp weather, but can fall apart completely in the heat.

This Armani is indeed a true unisex. Doesn’t lean too far in either direction. Perhaps, a slight bit more traditionally male. Not enough to make a fuss over.

This isn’t a daily wear for most people. Sure, cold weather and out a night, it’s great. Maybe not a daytime fragrance to go with in many office environments. Some folks, might have jobs where it’d be fine.

Again, not too intrusive and not obnoxious. Just kind of depends on your own circumstances.

Overall Impressions of Encens Satin

Overall, do I like this fragrance? I do. I’m not a major fan of the incense based fragrances of this sort, but this Armani is fantastic for what it is.

The amber and the incense lead the way, with only hints of spices and wood throughout. However, it simply works. Not too complex, but you get a full array of sweetness, spiciness, smokiness and just a great perfume all around.

It projects strongly, but isn’t so overpowering as to make it off-putting. But, it also lasts a long time, helping to make the cost of entry with Encens Satin more palatable.

I am pretty sure that Encens Satin has been discontinued, as it’s out of stock everywhere that I’m looking, at the moment. As such, you’ll probably have to track down a bottle in order to experience it…or grab a sample first on eBay, if available.

That being said, if your an incense fan or just think that this one sounds interesting, Encens is definitely worth a try.

L’Interdit EDP Rouge by Givenchy

by

L’Interdit is a long running fragrance with Givenchy. In recent years, however, the brand has been adding newer flanker fragrances to that original formula. Perhaps the most popular of them, is L’Interdit Rouge, which was released in 2021. I’ve been testing out this entire lineup over the past little while, after purchasing samples of each. How does Rouge smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth it?

What does L’Interdit Rouge Smell Like?

Notes include: blood orange, ginger, jasmine, orange blossom, tuberose, patchouli, sandalwood

Click here to try: L’Interdit Rouge by Givenchy

l'interdit rouge review

My Full Review

Here’s how Givenchy describes it: A whisper of carnal excitement is at the heart of the iconic L’Interdit white flower bouquet. Luminous orange blossom and opulent jasmine combine in incandescence. A spicy red accord composed of blood orange, ginger, and pimento leaf is caressed by suave sandalwood, leaving a trail of provocative promise.

Wow. I really enjoy the way the Rouge starts off. Blood orange and ginger. The ginger is the same as the original EDP, but the dose has been turned way up. It’s sweet and spicy, with that familiar L’Interdit candy-like aroma, just matured.

There is a good amount of the orange blossom early on here. But, that note fades really quickly and this becomes tuberose dominant much more quickly than the EDP. Jasmine has a reduced role but sticks around.

That initial sweetness will tone tone, but the spicy warmth and sweetness on the whole, sticks around just with less of a punch.

Noticeably, this one lacks the vanilla. I like the change, but be prepared for more patchouli and sandalwood.

That warmth of ginger and patchouli spice is really a highlight for me. With the tuberose, the creaminess, and the general woodiness of the sandalwood base, Rouge really takes the L’Interdit formula in a new direction…without being completely far off from the original DNA.

Though, it ends pretty close to being like EDP. Both have the tuberose and patchouli. Except this goes with a sandalwood finish versus the aforementioned vanilla.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is strong, scent trail for a nice long time, but not overwhelming. It’s got a solid punch, but isn’t a complete beast with how it projects itself. But, Rouge also won’t be accused of being a weak fragrance.

On my skin, it reached around 8 hours of wear, maybe a bit more. Again, not completely incredible, but more than enough for most use cases. Rouge will give you plenty of time to spend with it.

Seasonally, this is autumn and winter all the way. The spice and thickness here from the creamy tuberose doesn’t really fit in during the summer months, and would pretty much take a beating in the heat and humidity.

Rouge does have a mature sort of smell. Not ‘old’ or like out of touch, but something that is confident and sexy. It has its sweetness, but doesn’t come across as childish or something designed for youth.

I would like to smell this more in nightlife or other evening situations. But, I suppose daytime use is fine as well. Just go easy with it. But, on cold and crisp nights, this would be one to grab and spray on before heading out.

Overall Impressions of L’Interdit Rouge

Overall, do I like L’Interdit Rouge? Yes, this is a fantastic perfume. It’s become my favorite from the L’Interdit series. Just a notch above the original and Intense, but it’s really separated itself in my mind.

The contrast between that bold ginger spice and the blood orange is really awesome. It’s a great start to a fun ride, on the whole.

The toned down vanilla is actually nice and the tuberose plays its role nicely, as the signature of this Givenchy lineup. Warm, sweet, spicy, and the balance between ginger and patchouli in the latter stages…all amazing.

The performance here isn’t the greatest, but definitely above average in every way. This is the most dynamic and memorable of the L’Interdit line, in my opinion.

I think that it’s worth a try and lives up to the hype that Rouge has gathered since its release. It might not be your favorite out of them, however.

Try it, but I’d also check out Intense and the original too. One may fit more in line with your own style, but I think that this one is a great place to start.

Dior Homme EDT (2020) by Dior

by

Dior Homme is a series which has been well-loved in its multiple iterations during the past two decades. Well, Dior once again reformulated the fragrance in 2020, moving away from the iris based scent. The 2011 version was my daily wear for a long stretch of time and I’ve been really slow at giving this newer edition a try. How does it smell? Is it actually worth a shot?

What does Dior Homme (2020) Smell Like? 

Notes include: bergamot, elemi, pink pepper, Haitian vetiver, Atlas cedar, musk, patchouli, cashmere, Iso E Super

Click here to try: Dior Homme at Macy’s

dior homme edt review

My Full Review

Here’s how Dior describes it: The virility of Atlas Cedar embraces the enveloping warmth of Haitian vetiver with a caress of spices. An intensely woody yet luminous signature that leaves a sensual trail.

Dior Homme does open up with the same slight citrus quality as its predecessors. Now, completely different fragrances, but that bergamot is still here. It just doesn’t punch you in the face like other citrus openings.

Actually, what this one actually reminds me of is the old Guerlain Homme, that I used to wear 6 or 7 years ago. That one was boozy/sweet with its mojito accord, but the underneath that, it is very similar to the start of this new Dior.

They share the bergamot, vetiver, and cedar notes. Plus, an overall freshness with some spice. Here it’s pink pepper and patchouli, rather than mint and geranium.

Aside from that light citrus top, pink pepper and vetiver are pretty strong for me early on. I get much more of that Haitian vetiver than I do the cedar in this early stage, but that will change as we move forward. 

The spice isn’t overwhelming at all here. It’s more of just a touch, along with a bit of resinous warmth from that elemi note. Another scent that seems to be a distant cousin to this is Allure Homme Sport Cologne…which is almost a dead ringer for Dior Homme Cologne.

That cologne version of the popular Chanel has a cedar finish and that same elemi resinous warmth.

As this rolls along, it’s less of that fresh spice and the woods have a sweeter quality. Cedar and the Iso E Super influence really start to show. A light general musk and some smooth cashmere wood also join the fray. 

This Iso E Super seems to add a general woody/earthy quality that leans more towards the patchouli side of the spectrum. It’s very clean when it’s all brought together. I like the cedar note a lot in this blend. 

The final dry down of this fairly simple fragrance, is more of a sweet musky aroma with touches of the remaining woods. Really easy to wear and is quite clean.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here isn’t amazing, but it is a fragrance that leaves a trail and has a nice ability to project itself from the skin. Just not a beast at all, however.

Dior Homme is pretty moderate. You’ll probably stop noticing it, before others around you do. Since it isn’t a heavy scent with one note that really sticks out, you can sometimes think that it is gone, and then it’ll re-emerge. 

The longevity here seems to be in the 6.5-8 hour range, on skin. Not great, but very serviceable for most purposes. There’s a decent chance that you’ll make it a full work day, but you may need to reapply, if you’re getting drinks afterward. 

The strength of this scent, lies in its versatility. I mean, it wouldn’t be my winter fragrance, but it could probably still work decently there. In the height of summer, I’d also probably go with something else. Though, it did do an okay job in the heat during testing.

It’s mass appealing, safe for work, and has a masculine aroma without being overbearing. It can be worn almost anywhere and be fine. Unless you want a nightclub beast, Dior Homme should have you pretty much covered.

As a daily wear office cologne, Dior Homme is definitely one to reach for.

The age range should be everyone. It’s modern and fresh. Dynamic enough for younger guys, while not being childish or tacky. Plus, a classy confidence for the professional type. 

 

 

Overall Impressions of Dior Homme EDT (2020)

Overall, do I like the 2020 version of Dior Homme? I really do. It’s not as good as Intense or the 2011 version, in my mind, but has a very great and simplistic aroma that I find attractive.

The old Dior Homme with the iris, leather, and cacao notes had a uniqueness and depth that this one doesn’t. But, this will probably have more mass appeal, without that famous iris note.

I am getting a complete Guerlain vibe from this cologne, though. It’s a better scent than Guerlain Homme, which was kind of quirky with its mojito influence. But, this has that same vetiver and cedar almost to a tee. 

This isn’t super powerful, but the longevity is good enough for most purposes. Beyond that, Dior Homme EDT, is extremely versatile, safe to wear for all ages, and exudes the usual Dior class. 

This is for sure worthy of a buy. Just understand that this is a fragrance that is more low key and understated. Dior Homme doesn’t beg for attention, but it will still attract it.