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!

Allure Homme Edition Blanche EDT by Chanel

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Allure Homme Edition Blanche EDT was released by Chanel back in 2008. I got a sample of this version a few months ago, along with the newer EDP that the brand still sells. My sample is marked concentree, so, I’m not sure if it was a further release beyond the regular EDT. Either way, this one is no longer produced, but I figured I’d do a review for posterity’s sake. 

What does Edition Blanche EDT Eau Concentree Smell Like?

Notes include: lemon, pink pepper, vanilla, sandalwood, vetiver, tonka bean, amber

My Full Review

Blanche EDT opens with a sharp and dry use of lemon, vetiver, sandalwood, and pink pepper. You’re absolutely going to have to be a citrus lover with this one, to really appreciate it, as it is very sharp upon opening.

The lemon is going to dominate through much of the wear. Early on, it feels especially intense, but once the vanilla and tonka bean kicks in…it will settle.

The pink pepper is the first note to fall off and that gives the sandalwood and vetiver a bit more room in the base. The vanilla creaminess will start to envelope the lemon note, along with the tonka bean. 

This Chanel fragrance is actually pretty darn linear and there isn’t much development beyond that. Just more of the lemon/vanilla aroma and less of the other notes within the composition.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is moderate in the early stages and then pretty light thereafter. However, it does project itself very nicely early on and it’ll hang around well after spraying. Just don’t expect a complete beast for the duration.

Longevity wise, I get 6-ish hours on my skin with this Eau Concentree. Allure Edition Blanche spends much of that time, as a skin scent, but it does indeed hang around. Still noticeable, just not amazing with its performance.

 

Seasonally, Allure Edition Blanche is a spring and summer fragrance, all the way. Mainly, for the summertime. I like to wear it casually or even for a night out. Though, I’d say that it’s probably at its best in the daytime. 

Overall Impressions of Edition Blanche Eau Concentree

Do I like this fragrance? Absolutely. I know they don’t produce this version anymore, and the EDP is close enough, but I really do love this scent. Uden by Xerjoff is an available replacement (and in many ways even better).

That dry lemon and pink pepper opening act could scare some away from this. However, that creamy vanilla/sweet/dessert like finish is so damn good on a warm summer’s day. I have been slowly depleting my sample vial, since I know it’s such a rare commodity. 

The performance of Allure Edition Blanche was never its strong suit. The sillage is moderate, at its peak, but detectable. For much of the wear, it will be a softer experience. Though, it does stick around on the skin for a nice amount of time. 

I wish Chanel could’ve beefed up the performance a bit more.

If you want a bottle of this one in particular, you’ll have to shell out over $300 in all likelihood off a site like eBay. Or you can just go with the EDP, which is also near this same level. Uden is usually $200, but well worth it. 

Spicebomb Night Vision EDT by Viktor & Rolf

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Spicebomb Night Vision is one of the latest set of flanker fragrances from Viktor & Rolf for the very popular Spicebomb lineup. I’ve been testing out both of the Night Vision colognes for the past few weeks to see how each performs. What does the EDT smell like? When should it be worn? Is it even worth a try?

What does Spicebomb Night Vision Smell Like?

Notes include:  grapefruit, sage, black spice complex, geranium, roasted almond accord, tonka bean

Click here to try: Spicebomb Night Vision Eau De Toilette Spray By Viktor & Rolf Cologne for Men 1.7 oz

My Full Review

The opening act of Night Vision has been fairly strange in terms of what I pick up from it. Sometimes, it feels much sweeter and closer to the dry down stage of the EDP version. Then, it seems quite fresh and green during other wears.

The opening act is usually highlighted by the grapefruit, sage, geranium, and black spice complex. The spice complex is black pepper and it seems like a bit of chili pepper, as well. Though, sometimes it also smells like there is cumin in here…as I’ve said, it’s weird.

If I happen to get a sweeter opening, it’s usually the tonka bean popping up early to match with the grapefruit note. The sage freshness is always present.

Other reviews that I’ve seen on this scent, don’t seem to pick up as much geranium and sage as I do on my skin. But, that’s a lot of what I’ve come to expect from Night Vision.

The dry down is a tonka bean and roasted almond creaminess, with the aromatic freshness of the aforementioned notes. It’s a bit green and not as cold or woody as the EDP version. Really, this one isn’t too complex.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage with Spicebomb Night Vision is light to moderate. The first hour is pretty decent with how it projects itself. Then, it does go into skin scent mode pretty quickly on my skin and stay there for the rest of the time. Not really great.

The longevity is also lackluster, with this Viktor & Rolf cologne lasting just over 5 hours, in my experience. Maybe, it’s gotten close to six for one wear. The performance is probably the biggest negative for me, with this fragrance…it’s pretty bad for a designer cologne.

When it can be worn, is one of the strengths, however. Seasonally, Night Vision is fine, outside the height of the summer, but could work well in autumn through the springtime.

Spicebomb Night Vision is more of a casual or nightlife wear versus being anything formal. It also skews younger, think 20s through early 30s, and not a teenager’s cologne. The scent itself is pretty mass appealing and should be able to draw some complements. It’s not groundbreaking stuff, but I think plenty of people would enjoy Night Vision.

Overall Impressions of Night Vision EDT

Overall, do I like Night Vision? When I first tried out this Spicebomb scent, it wasn’t that appealing to me. However, it did grow on me somewhat. Even with a bit more appreciation in its favor, Spicebomb Night Vision isn’t all that great.

It smells fine enough and there are periods, that I quite enjoy. As a whole, there’s nothing that really stands out about it. The fragrance’s performance isn’t good, the smells is nice but not super attractive, and it doesn’t supplant any of the other Spicebomb colognes.

For the retail price, I cannot recommend it. If you can find it on sale, then maybe it’s worth a go. Still, I like the Eau de Parfum better. It actually has decent performance and a better aroma, as a whole.

It certainly has some positive aspects to its presentation, but overall this is pretty forgettable. At the price point, you could do better.

Mont Blanc Legend EDT vs EDP

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Legend from Mont Blanc is still being used to inspire new flankers for the brand. The latest is an eau de parfum version of the famous Legend formula. I recently got a hold of a sample of Legend EDP to test it out and wanted to do another comparison post, with the original. Which of these is better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Mont Blanc Legend vs. Legend Eau de Parfum

Mont Blanc Legend

Notes include: Bergamot, Pineapple Leaf, Sandalwood, Apple, rose, oak moss, lemon verbena, geranium, lavender,  And Tonka Bean

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Legend Eau de Toilette 3.3 fl.oz.

Read my review: Mont Blanc Legend

Legend EDP

Notes include: violet leaf, leather, jasmine, moss, bergamot, woods

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Legend eau de parfum 3.3 fl oz, 3.3 fl. oz.

Read my full review: Legend EDP

Opening

Legend opens with a blend of pineapple, bergamot, and apple. It is clean, but doesn’t have the same type of sharpness, as it is calmed by lavender and tonka bean. It also has a dry underlying aroma from the base, that will become more prominent later on.

Legend eau de parfum starts off with a pretty strong violet leaf note, some bergamot, and leather. It’s fresh and somewhat green, with what I’m guessing is their synthetic oakmoss substitute. There’s really not much going on here, it feels pretty flat.

Which is better? I’m not a huge fan of the original Legend, but I like the opening act more so than the EDP. It has way more personality. The EDP just sits there as a giant dose of violet leaf on my skin, with some additional notes lurking around, but not really standing out.

Edge: Legend

Projection

I’d say that both of these are moderate. I know EDP has the higher concentration, but it doesn’t feel any stronger when I compare it to the original. The sillage is about the same at its peak. Maybe EDP goes a little longer with its strength, but that’s about it. 

Not giving it an edge.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Legend EDT gives me 5-6 hours of solid wear. During testing, I’ve gotten between 6.5-8 hours of wear from the EDP version. Neither one is going to give a marathon type of wear, but the EDP has the clear edge here.

Edge: EDP

 

 

Versatility

Mont Blanc Legend is a very versatile scent and that’s definitely one of its strengths. It can be worn year round and fits in, within all environments. It is attractive enough for dates, can go out for an evening, but doesn’t have that massive club beast persona.

Legend EDP is about the same. The violet leaf and leather doesn’t really change when it can be worn compared to the EDT version. The leather isn’t that intense and the violet leaf works pretty much year round.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Legend EDP is a similar take on the original, but with some slight differences. Less of the top fruity notes, upping the violet leaf, and a leather/woody base coming through. The opening act isn’t all that great, but the dry down gets better for me.

I wish the leather was given more of a role versus the violet leaf. That would have given it more distinction and a bit more personality than it has. The performance is solid, just not incredible.

Honestly, the fragrance strikes me as just fine. If you liked the original, you’ll probably like the eau de parfum, even if you don’t necessarily need a bottle for yourself.

Between these two? I’d rather wear the EDT. Again, I’m not even much of a fan of Legend, but it at least has some more personality. The EDP is closer to A&F Fierce or Egoiste Platinum, than is the EDT, but isn’t as good as either of those fragrances.

There’s nothing all that new with the eau de parfum, to make it a must have versus the original. I don’t think it smells any better and the performance, isn’t that much better.

Winner: Legend EDT

3 Perfumes Similar to Chance Eau Fraiche

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The Chance line from Chanel is very popular. These perfume do offer something a bit different from one another, so, if you want them all the costs can get somewhat out of hand.

Chance Eau Fraiche is a great option for the summertime and if you want a comparable aroma or  just something similar for cheaper there are alternative options out there. For me, I haven’t found the exact same thing, but there are similar fragrance choices to be had.

What Perfumes Smell Similar to Chance Eau Fraiche?

Pretty Close Designer 

Versace Versense By Gianni Versace For Women Edt Spray 3.4 Oz– Versense by Versace is a pretty popular scent with the type of citrus and woody aroma we’re looking for. The opening notes are dominated by bergamot and mandarin, while it gets later support from cedar and fig.

It has a very similar aroma to Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche and Light Blue Pour Femme. Though, it leans more towards Eau Fraiche than it does the D&G.

The floral notes in this one share the jasmine, much like our target, but you also get a good amount of lily and some narcissus blended in also. Is it a complete match? No, but Versense gives you a more affordable option that covers many of the same bases.

Light Blue Plus Eau Fraiche

Bond No. 9 The Scent Of Peace Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.3 Fluid Ounce– The Scent of Peace isn’t exactly the same Fraiche, but it does share some similarities in its presentation. Also, it quite often gets compared to D&G Light Blue, sort of splitting the difference between these two scents.

What it has in common with the Chanel, is the grapefruit, cedar, and musk notes. Also, the floral heart gives it a similar structure. The Scent of Peace is much more of a fruity-floral, as the black currant and grapefruit are quite strong and the cedar note is amped up for woody freshness.

In exchange for the jasmine and hyacinth, you get lily of the valley, with not as much floral punch as Chance Eau Fraiche. While it’s not the same, that citrus and cedar combo bring it quite close to what we’re looking for. Nonetheless, it is another great option with a fairly similar structure, albeit taking another path. The Scent of Peace Review

Similar Perfume With Rose

Chloe L’Eau De Chloe Eau De Toilette Spray for Women, 3.4 Ounce – This one has a similar structure to Eau Fraiche, but takes things in a slightly different direction  L’Eau de Chloe is a fresh floral scent that is great for the summertime.

Citron, patchouli, rose petals are pretty key players here and there is some spiciness underneath the fruity and floral notes. At least, more so than our Chanel comp.

The main difference is going to be the rose note. It’s not a heavy rose, nor does it overwhelm the composition, but it does take the lead. You get a great citrus lemon, grapefruit, and peach mix. Then, comes the spiciness and woody notes which takes it to another level.

This is one of the better modern fragrances by Chloe. The woody freshness isn’t as intense, but it’s one that I think can fit the bill.

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Spicebomb Night Vision EDP by Viktor & Rolf

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Spicebomb Night Vision EDT was released in 2019. The brand then quickly followed it, with an eau de parfum version in 2020. I’ve been trying out sample of both for the past few weeks to get a sense of how these colognes perform and whether or not they’re actually worth a buy. Please continue below for my full review of Night Vision EDP.

What does Spicebomb Night Vision Eau de Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: black spices, sage, lemon essence, fir balsam 

My Full Review

Spicebomb Night Vision EDP kicks off woodier and with a cooler spiciness than the original or others in this series. I get a bit of lemon essence and red pepper up top to give it some familiarity to the EDT. Though, this one isn’t as sweet to my nose.

The spices here seem to be a black and red pepper blend. But, the clary sage note, is the one that jumps out to me after the opening act begins to fade. It’s fresh and cool but also smoothed out by the woodsy base notes.

The wood is fir, but this is a fir balsam, giving it that sort of benzoin-like smell.

From here, it is a pretty straightforward fragrance. The spiciness fades and it becomes more of an aromatic freshness, which allows for some of the sweetness to peak back through. The woodiness and balsamic base scent sticks around from the duration, while the spice and fresh/sweetness trade places.

The individual notes aren’t too discernable, but the overall scent is pretty consistent thereafter.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The first hour or so of the wear has a fairly strong sillage and this one can project in the 5-7 foot range, with normal sprays. However, it becomes much more moderate as you get an hour in. Not a weak fragrance, but Night Vision EDP isn’t a complete beast. Very serviceable.

On my skin, I get a total of 7-8 hours of wear. Again, it’s worthwhile and pretty good as a whole. Though, don’t expect something that is too far above average with its performance.

Seasonally, Spicebomb Night Vision can fit from autumn through spring. Really, so long as it’s not hot outside, the fragrance is quite wearable. The good news, is that it is more of a nighttime scent, so you will probably also get some use during the summer months.

EDP is one that has a mass appealing smell and a level of sexiness about it. Not really a formal cologne, but one that can go from casual to semi-formal to dates to a night out without problem. Probably skews more to something a younger man would wear.

Overall Impressions of Night Vision EDP

Overall, do I like Night Vision eau de parfum? I do enjoy it somewhat. It grew on me, the more that I wore it during testing, but it never became something that I loved. Though, it certainly has its very good moments.

I like the coolness of the spice, the fir note, and the periods where you have a bit of sweetness. It’s a balanced and easy to wear fragrance, with plenty of appeal. It’s also an upgrade over the EDT version, which really isn’t that great.

Spicebomb Night Vision EDP will get you good, but not amazing performance and a nice aroma. Some may dig the smell more than others. It’s not really groundbreaking, but I do think it’s worth a try.

The main hang up for me, would be the price. If it’s discounted, yes. At full price? It’d have to be one that you would have to be all in on to feel justified. To me, the original Spicebomb and Extreme are both still better than this.