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!

L’Homme Parfum Intense by Yves Saint Laurent

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I just got a hold of something like 40 new sample vials of fragrances for both men and women…sooooo I’ll be getting to a lot of reviews on the site here in the near future. First up to the plate, is a scent by Yves Saint Laurent that I have yet to try, L’Homme Parfum Intense.

Being a pretty big fan of YSL colognes, I knew that I had to grab this one and try it out. As usual, I’m going to cover what’s in it, how it smells, how it performs, when it should be worn, and whether or not I think this scent is worth a buy.

What does L’Homme Parfum Intense Smell Like?

Notes include: cedar, orange blossom, suede accord, lemon, bergamot, amber, black pepper

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent L’homme Parfum Intense Men Edp Spray 3.4 OZ

My Full Wear Review

It has been a while since I’ve worn the original L’Homme, so,  I was interested to see how this one stacked up versus that one, even if my memories of it are kind of hazy. Right off the bat, I’m drawn to Parfum Intense, as I usually dig amber scented fragrances.

It’s dark, spicy, and floral. Don’t let the orange blossom fool you, because this cologne definitely isn’t girly, in the slightest. Maybe unisex, however.

It opens with a bright citrus blend of lemon, orange, and of course orange blossom. There is a spiciness from pepper and it’s all swimming in a warm/sweet amber note.

A few minutes in, I really get the orange blossom as the main note, taking over for the lemon combination. The scent is very floral with an increasingly smooth profile.

I think it might be the suede/leather that is combining with the orange blossom, to give it that soft powdery scent, that illuminates the background.

To the best of my recollection, Parfum Intense almost inverses the order of some of the notes and let’s the cedar become more prominent yet retains that beautiful citrus note that adds almost a boozy quality to it.

I was trying to figure out why I was into this cologne so much when I sprayed, then I went and grabbed some of my Armani Code Profumo, and found my answer.

Leather, amber, and orange blossom are the common notes between these two scents, although the Armani is highlighted by tonka bean. That tonka bean, does really help to set them apart and creates a vastly different effect. Sweeter, heavier.

L’Homme Parfum Intense is so smooth, rich, and warm. It’s a sweet floral that’s backed by wood and masculine notes that give it a fully developed identity.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it can be towards the strong side, if you over-spray it. But for most guys, one or two spray should be enough to make it more than noticeable. It’s not a bomb, but it can be a handful up top.

My one complaint, is the longevity, which is decent but not a complete beast. I wore this out to a bar with an outdoor patio area and while it was still there after 5-6 hours of wear, it had become mostly a skin scent.

Other times that I’ve tested Parfum Intense, it performed basically in the same manner. By that fifth hour, it is mostly on its last legs, and not really going to go beyond that.

This is another gem for the colder weather months, but I wore it that evening in mid-70s degree weather and it seemed fine to me. I wouldn’t wear it when it’s hot outside because it’d probably turn to complete shit, but it worked for this particular summer night.

Parfum Intense, seems like it’s cologne with some versatility in terms of its wear. Office, casual, or on a date and this stuff will shine. It’s quite attractive and sexy.

It’s not a cologne for every guy, as not everyone is into such a heavy amber and orange blossom note being present, in their scents. That being said, it will set you apart from the masses, and the endless array of ‘blue’ colognes nowadays.

Overall Impression of L’Homme Parfum Intense

Overall, would I recommend this? Absolutely. I actually like it better than the La Nuit L’Intense flanker sample that I also got (which is good) and I also think that I prefer it over La Nuit L’Homme Eau Electrique, which I enjoyed thoroughly.

This is a really great flanker fragrance to the original. It’s got a rather unique scent and is a fantastic use of floral notes in a men’s fragrance. Again, it’s best for the autumn or winter months, but I do really like it.

The amber, orange blossom, with a dark and spiced edge gives you something a bit different for a men’s cologne. I wish the performance was a tad better, but this is a really nice example of a floral scent for guys.

YSL even seems to have taken some cues from this one, with their more recent ladies’ release, Libre Intense. This one doesn’t seem to be around anymore, but Parfum Intense was a nice fragrance. Had its limitations, sure, but was different from most other men’s options.

Viva La Juicy Soiree by Juicy Couture

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For today’s review, I have another ladies’ perfume. This time it’s an entry from Juicy Couture, which was released in 2017 under their Viva la Juicy banner, called: Viva la Juicy Soiree. How does this flanker fragrance to the original popular Juicy Couture scent, smell? Does it last a long time? When should it be worn? Is it even worth a look?

What does Viva La Juìcy Soireè Smell Like?

Notes include: lily, pink kiwi, jasmine, mandarin orange, cassis, wood, amber, musk

Click here to try: Viva La Juìcy Soireè Perfume For Women 3.4 oz Eau De Parfum Spray

Full Review

Before we get into my full review, let’s see what Juicy Couture has to say about this fragrance: Escape reality to an over-the-top masked party with Viva la Juicy Soiree. The fragrance dances to life with jeweled fruits like pink kiwi while vibrant water lily and soft woods pulse with an intoxicating allure. Let the party begin. 

The opening of Viva la Juicy Soiree immediately reveals the fragrance’s star attraction, the pink kiwi note. It’s very fresh, fruity, and juicy. This is supported by a light mandarin orange, that skirts along the edges of the scent.

You can definitely tell that its a Juicy Couture fragrance, if you’ve tried others from the collection, just taken in a slightly different direction.

Honestly, the kiwi note here is great. While it’s not used in a ton of perfumes, this is one of the better instances of kiwi being prominent in a composition, that I’ve ever smelled. It’s delicious.

Underneath the top notes, I can smell some cassis, mostly lily, and a bit of jasmine as well. To me, that’s as far as Soiree develops, at times you get more of the floral notes but it’s pretty straightforward throughout.

Water lily has the largest role, in the latter stages beyond the pink kiwi.  Is that a bad thing? Not in this case, because that fresh and tropical fruity aroma, is really attractive and has a soothing cool aspect to it that I enjoy.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, the sillage of Viva la Juicy Soiree is pretty middle of the road. It’s not weak by any stretch of the imagination, but it isn’t a complete bomb either. Fits in nicely with most of the rest of this designer’s collection.

I also got some decent longevity out of it, about 7 hours of solid strength, and an hour or so of complete skin scent. Nice, though, not extreme. For a warmer weather fragrance, it’s actually pretty darn good

Seasonally, spring or summertime all the way. This one would be beautiful in the heat, refreshing, and wouldn’t turn into a mess. Here in the cold, it is nice, and has no problems.

However, it does have that tropical kiwi sort of scent, which doesn’t fit with the mood of the weather but no performance issues.

I’d call this one an everyday wear for the warmer months. It’s safe for work. Can be worn casually. Plus, it is delicious smelling enough to be attractive for dates.

Overall Impressions of Soiree

Overall, do I like Juicy Couture Soiree? I do. It’s a pretty linear and simple scent, but it does what it does well. The kiwi note is the most noticeable, but it never feels overdone.

It’s a clean and fruity mix with some floral notes sitting underneath, to add a bit more depth. Solid performance and really attractive to smell.

I like the top notes, the kiwi and orange, as it lends a freshness to the overall composition of the perfume. The floral notes, such as the lily also give it a watery sort of fresh, that pairs well with the sweetness and tropical aroma of the kiwi.

It’s a nice fragrance overall. Not super complicated, but I think that it does everything well enough. The performance is solid, just not amazing, and it’s enjoyable on the whole. Very youthful with a tart/sweet blend and just a fun scent.

I do believe that this has been discontinued, as of this update. So, it might be tough to find bottles of it, going forward.

Made to Measure by Gucci

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For today’s fragrance review, I have a scent from Gucci, Made to Measure Pour Homme. This one was released back in 2012, enjoyed some moderate success, but mostly flew under the radar as a product.

I have worn this one a few times, over the past number of months, and will now share my thoughts and experiences with it. How does it smell? What are the notes? How’s the performance? Is it worth a try?

What does Made to Measure by Gucci Smell Like?

Notes include: plum, nutmeg, juniper berries, water lily, leather, lavender, bergamot, amber, cinnamon, patchouli, labdanum

Click here to try: Gucci Made to Measure Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Made to Measure is a smooth spicy smell, with some sweet fruit notes, and floral ingredients playing a major role. It reminds me somewhat of Guilty Pour Homme, not exactly in the aroma, but just the general category of fragrance.

This is a very Gucci cologne, so to speak. Even if I didn’t know the name and smelled this fragrance, I’d say, “Oh, that’s definitely a Gucci fragrance.” They even categorize this on the sample card as a ‘spicy Oriental’ fragrance. Though, I think that’s oversold, especially the spiciness.

To my nose, the fruit notes, aren’t that distinct. I get the impression of both plum and bergamot, but they don’t truly stand out. When I compare the plum note in this one, versus something like 1 Million Lucky, the presence of that ingredient is entirely different.

What I do pick up in the opening, is nutmeg, juniper berries, and lavender/water lily. It’s a fresh and light spice, that is very floral, for a men’s fragrance.

As it moves further along, Made to Measure, loses much of the bergamot and plum mix that it had at the start. Juniper moves into that role fully, and its freshness, plays well off an emerging cinnamon spice.

At this point, the floral notes are dominant, but there is an added leather note at the base. It keeps things masculine, but doesn’t totally intrude on the composition. Also, I can smell a bit of the amber, but that’s extremely light.

In the end, it is a smooth floral fragrance with a fresh spiciness. There are hints of sweetness, leather, and fruitiness. However, they are just dancing in the background of the aroma.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, this stuff is light. The sillage isn’t going to venture much more than an arm’s distance from your skin. At least, with normal application. For me, it wasn’t as strong as many others from the Gucci line.

Personally, I’d spray Made to Measure more than many other fragrances, that I own. That way, I’d be able to get some better performance from it.

While it is a skin scent, the longevity isn’t bad. I can get 6-7 hours from it. Though, that is with putting on a greater amount. Any aspect of its performance is probably average at best.

Seasonally, it’s extremely versatile. It’s not too heavy and not something like an aquatic, which will feel out of place in the winter months. You can wear this year round and it’s low key enough to wear for any occasion.

Made to Measure isn’t a beast mode type of nightclub scent, so, you may want to go with something else, if you want that sort of bold power. Nonetheless, this Gucci is a solid daily wear.

Overall Impressions of Made to Measure

Overall, do I like Made to Measure? Yes, I think that it is a very pleasant fragrance, but nothing amazing. Again, this would be good as a daily wear, for a guy who wants to smell attractive but not have to put too much thought into what he is wearing.

It’s fresh and clean, has a light spice, and enough sweetness to bring it all together. The strength of this cologne, could be much better, but you can double up the sprays and be fine. It’s not the greatest scent ever, but it does smell quite good, and is serviceable as a whole.

Honestly, if you really want a Gucci cologne, there are better options than this (Guilty Intense or Black)…which is why I won’t be buying a bottle.

I like the opening act, especially. Made to Measure certainly has some interesting facets, can be fairly enjoyable at times, but is overall just kind of middling. It doesn’t do anything extremely well, but it’s not terrible either.

Update: This one has been discontinued for a long while now and it’s become pretty scarce on online discount retailers. I do see some bottles floating around, but the price is too high for Made to Measure.

I wouldn’t bother with this one, unless you already loved it in the past and want it in your rotation again. Or, if you happen to see a cheap bottle for sale somewhere and want to give it a try.

Armani Code vs Code Profumo

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For this entry in the men’s fragrance match ups, we are going to be taking a closer look at two Armani scents, Code vs. Code Profumo. Which cologne is better? The original or its flanker? I have worn both a lot and reviewed each of them, so, which one do I prefer? I am going to break them down by category, before ultimately declaring a winner.

Tale of the Tape

Armani Code

Notes include: citrus, lavender, apple, leather, tobacco, star anise, woods

Click here to try: Armani Code By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 4.2 Oz.

Read my review: Armani Code

Armani Code Profumo

Notes include: leather, amber, tonka bean, cardamom, lavender, and nutmeg

Click here to try: Giorgio Armani Code Profumo EDP Spray for Men, 3.7 Ounce

Read my full review: Code Profumo Review

Opening

Armani Code opens up with top notes of fruit, apple and citrus. The citrus is the strongest of the fruit notes, and it is joined by: leather, anise, and tobacco. It’s got a powdery quality along with, fresh spiciness, and that citrus which will slowly fade.

To my nose, the newer bottles of Code seem to use more of the tonka bean note. It’s got that creaminess/powdery type of aroma and the anise still gives it a nice kick up top. It’s much the same way that I remember older batches, but probably a bit different.

Code Profumo starts with amber and tonka bean. It also features citrus in the beginning, but its spice, is that of nutmeg and cardamom. It quite rich and warm with a sweet fizzy kind of aroma.

Profumo does have some apple and orange in the opening as well. I get orange way more so than any apple. With the warm fizziness and sweetness, this Code does have a cream soda-like smell at times.

Which is better? While I enjoy the original, I really like the way that Profumo starts off. It has elements of its predecessor, but then, also has its own dynamic personality. It’s sweet, warm, with a nice bit of spice.

Edge: Profumo

Projection

Code starts off pretty strong, but it pretty much moderate in its sillage, for a majority of the wear. Meanwhile, Profumo is stronger from the start, and keeps it close to that range for the rest of the time its on my skin.

Code isn’t weak, it’s just not the same kind of powerhouse. It has lost a step over the years, but it never did have the same ability to project as the newer Profumo does.

Edge: Profumo

Longevity

Older bottles of Code used to last for about 8 hours, in my experience. Now, it seems to hit the 5-6 hour mark, and quits. Code Profumo, however, will go for over 10 hours each time. It outperforms the original, easily.

Profumo has always delivered a solid performance, when I’ve used it.

Edge: Profumo

Versatility

Both of these scent check the same boxes, as to when they should be worn. Both are suited for the colder weather. Both can go from the office and into the nightlife. There’s no winner in this category.

I might, however, give the slight edge to Code over Profumo because it doesn’t have the same sweetness and power. So, it might be more office appropriate.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Armani Code is a classic cologne, at this point, but it’s been surpassed by flankers that came after it. I still like wearing this stuff. The citrus top is nice, the leather and tonka bean during the dry down, the spice, and the powdery softness…it’s all very enjoyable.

It has been somewhat changed, also. It doesn’t have the same strength, but, I’d still pick up a bottle for the right price.

Code Profumo is awesome. It’s sweet and creamy. It envelops your senses perfectly, on a cold day. Profumo is bold and will last a long time. I love the tonka bean, amber, and leather trio in the latter stages.

For me, it’s absolutely a better fragrance than Armani Code. The clear winner in this contest. I will say, though, Code Absolu which was released recently; has taken the crown from Profumo as the ‘best Code’ fragrance.

Winner: Code Profumo

I Want Choo EDP by Jimmy Choo

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I Want Choo is a popular release from Jimmy Choo, which came out a few years ago. I’ve been familiar with it for a while, but got a full sample with an order a while back, so I’ve been testing it to do a full review for the site. How does it smell? Is it worth a buy?

What does I Want Choo Smell Like?

Notes include: peach, mandarin, jasmine, red lily, vanilla, benzoin, resin

Click here to try: I Want Choo

top choo fragrance

My Full Review

I Want Choo opens up with its fruity notes out, the peach is the stronger of the two, but you will get a dash of the mandarin juice.

But, the fruits up top aren’t really allowed to truly express their full juiciness, as the middle floral notes and the resinous vanilla qualities from the base are there early too. It’s got a sparkling fruitiness to it instead.

The red lily and jasmine sambac are going to increase in strength from that peachy start. The jasmine is the stronger of the two floral notes, to my nose, but Choo says that the perfume is built around the lily.

It’s sweet, somewhat soapy, with a nice mix of the vanilla and benzoin note. I’m glad they included benzoin and resin in the mix, because I think that really helps to give I Want Choo a bit more of a distinct character.

The fruit notes will really drop off and basically become a sweetish impression sitting underneath the floral notes, with the jasmine still having the lead.

The final dry down is basically jasmine, vanilla, and the benzoin note. The rest of the notes are vaguely there, but this Jimmy Choo is dominated by those three.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, I Want Choo will start out on the upper end of what could be considered moderate, but it will quickly move into a lighter territory. Though, this isn’t a skin scent until the the latter stages.

It has a nice amount of projection off of my skin and I never really felt that it was weak, when I had it on.

The longevity is right about seven hours on skin. On clothes, it’ll keep going like most other perfumes. It’s a pretty good performer, but nothing that would be considered elite.

Seasonally, I Want Choo is nice enough year round. It’s not really a summer scent, but it won’t completely melt away either. I might avoid the absolute hottest and most humid days, but it is fine almost any other time.

Probably best in the more moderate temperatures of spring and autumn or even cooler weather of winter.

This can be worn by all age ranges, but it’s not going to be a formal wear type of perfume. It’s fine for most daytime use, casual wear, or even a night out. It’s sweetness is pretty, cozy, and has a certain appeal to it. I don’t know if I’d call it sexy, though.

Overall Impressions of I Want Choo

Overall, do I like I Want Choo? Yes, it’s nice enough. I like the resinous base, the peach, and the vanilla with the jasmine. I do think that it’s been one of the better recent Jimmy Choo releases.

It’s nothing that’s super exciting or all that original, but it is sweet and attractive. It’s an easy to wear perfume with plenty of versatility and pretty good performance.

If you like a fragrance like Good Girl or Coach Dreams Sunset, this is similar to both. Not an exact match, but definitely in the same ballpark. The dry down is fairly close to what you get with Good Girl and the opening is related to Dreams Sunset, just switching a few notes.

The lily and the jasmine make for a nice pair to go along with the vanilla. If you don’t want a sweet vanilla based floral perfume, look elsewhere, because that’s what you get with this one. But, it’s an attractive example, that can be had for a fairly reasonable price.