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!

Romance by Ralph Lauren

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Romance has been one of the most popular fragrances from Ralph Lauren for decades now. I was sent a sample of the latest batch, with a fragrance order that I put in a few months ago, and so I of course had to write a review finally. How does it smell? How long does it last? Is it worth a try?

What does Romance by Ralph Lauren Smell Like?

Notes include: jasmine, rose, musk, mandarin essence, pink pepper, marigold, geranium, patchouli, oakmoss 

Click here to try: Ralph Lauren Romance Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

My Full Review

A romantic heart of rose Damascena blended with a delicate veil of jasmine absolute.

Romance opens up with a light mandarin orange essence, that feels quite watery within the composition. This is a well put together floral blend with a certain herbal green-quality coming through the mix, probably the geranium.

It’s fresh and has a chilled sort of aroma. Early on, I do pick up plenty of that rose note, but it isn’t super distinct from the rest of the floral heart. In some ways, I think that the floral notes are hidden by the ever-present pink pepper and musk notes.

As it dries down, I get just a musky and fresh floral fragrance. Sometimes, the jasmine will peak through or the rose will have its turn again. Mostly, it is just the impression of a bouquet. Clean with a spicy kick from the pink pepper note and the woodsy green-ish aroma still coming through.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here, isn’t too powerful. It’ll project somewhere in the 4-6 foot range, at its peak, in my experience. A moderate wear that is clean and unobtrusive.

I can go above 7 hours of wear with Romance, on my skin, maybe it’ll hit 8 under certain circumstances. But, mostly that 7 hour mark should be what to expect.

Seasonally, spring and summer mostly. Anywhere from a temperate climate to a hotter one. It would probably be a bit out of place during the coldest days of winter time.

Romance is quite versatile. It would fit a wide age range. It can venture into work, school, casual, and nightlife. It does have a romantic kind of vibe, as the name implies, but isn’t really a super sexy scent. Nice and attractive, but not something that I’d go crazy for.

Overall Impressions of Romance

I’m pretty sure that this fragrance has undergone some reformulations, over the years. This review is for the latest batch here in 2021. After over 20 years, it’s not surprising that they have changed things up.

Do I like this version? I do. It certainly has its pluses, but doesn’t completely wow me. It is a very green/watery/musky sort of floral. Very attractive and has enough going for it to not smell completely like a garden.

The performance is good, but not outstanding. I can get nearly a full workday of wear from Romance without much trouble. It’s a nice smelling and versatile scent, that can be beautiful on the right person.

Tory Burch EDP by Tory Burch

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Tory Burch eau de parfum was the first women’s fragrance released by the designer back in 2013. Since then, it has garnered a lot of popularity as a daily wear fragrance, with a bold citrus opening. While already familiar with this scent, I have never posted a full review here, and it’s time to rectify that situation. So, let’s get into it.

What does Tory Burch EDP Smell Like?

Notes include: neroli, grapefruit, cassis, bergamot, peony, tuberose, jasmine, vetiver, sandalwood

Click here to try: Tory Burch FOR WOMEN by Tory Burch – 3.4 oz EDP Spray

My Full Review

Feminine and tomboy. A bright mix of citrus and florals, anchored by earth vetiver.

Tory Burch EDP opens up with a strong citrus accord of grapefruit, bergamot, and neroli. It does have that bright juiciness that you would expect, but you also get the floral accord wafting up from the heart immediately.

To me, the grapefruit is the strongest of the bunch. The bergamot is there, but it isn’t much of a factor to my nose. It’s a bit spicy from the jump, as I’m picking up the cassis  note, but I think that there might be some unlisted pepper in there as well.

As it dries down a bit more, the floral notes emerge much more. Personally, I get a lot of peony, but there is also a nice amount of tuberose and the remaining neroli in here too. The citrus has settled at this point and Burch EDP becomes more of a floral/musk fragrance…with some of the orange still hanging on.

Still further, Burch EDP is a tuberose/peony blend with a vetiver base and musk. It’s fairly different from that sharp citrus start, but still appealing and some residual spiciness still coming through.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Burch EDP isn’t super powerful, but I’d put it down as a moderate, maybe close to the upper end of that range. It will project in the 4-7 foot range, for much of the wear. You could overspray it, if you went crazy, but not with a normal application amount.

The longevity is also good, just not elite. I usually get at least 7 hours of wear from this one and it can venture into the 8 territory in the right circumstances.

Seasonally, I’d stick to the spring and summer months with this. The citrus could be too much in the cold and crisp air of winter. Though, within those seasons, this a very versatile fragrance.

Tory Burch EDP is more of a daily wear scent. It can be worn to work, school, or casual. While it is a fairly pretty scent, it really isn’t a sexy club beast or anything like that. You’ll get plenty of wear out of it, sort of an easy to wear perfume that you really don’t have to think about.

Overall Impressions of Tory Burch Eau de Parfum

Overall, do I like Tory Burch EDP? I do. It can certainly have its place in any woman’s collection and it does have a close resemblance to the ever-popular Clinique Happy. So, if you like that, you’d enjoy this one. If not, you know that you can probably avoid.

The opening act of citrus notes is really a highlight for me. Although, I do like the peony and tuberose mix that comes later. The performance is good enough and this is one that can be worn in a variety of situations.

No, it’s not a completely unique fragrance or one that will really stand out. However, it does its job well and is good in every facet of what you’d want from a fragrance. It’s a solid daily wear that can be appreciated by a wide swath of people.

Météore by Louis Vuitton

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Météore is a men’s fragrance released by Louis Vuitton in 2020. I am still working my way through the LV review write ups for the site and this is a cologne that I’ve worn multiple times, at this point. How does it smell? How long will it last? Is it worth a try?

What does Météore by Louis Vuitton Smell Like?

Notes include: mandarin, Java vetiver, neroli, bergamot, black pepper, pink pepper, Sichuan pepper

My Full Review

Before we get into my review of this fragrance, let’s see what Louis Vuitton has to say about it: The sizzle of spicy mandarin awakens boundless energy. A magnetic name that evokes power and light. A fragrance that arouses fascination in its wake, like the dazzlingly flamboyant clouds that so captivate humankind.

Météore kicks off with a burst of citrus set in a blue-ish frame and dotted with different types of pepper. Immediately, my closest fragrance comparison is Fan di Fendi Acqua, if you stripped it of the leather note and amped up the citrus.

That’s not to say that Météore smells just like that, it doesn’t, but that’s the closest thing that I can think of. The mandarin and bergamot are quite juicy and naturalistic, very reminiscent of those found in Afternoon Swim.

So, the citrus is dominant. Out of the pepper notes, the pink pepper is the one that comes through the most. Pink pepper and neroli are the next two notes that are sitting underneath the juicy citrus notes.

As it dries down, Météore is a juicy orange with a strong amber and vetiver note sitting at the base. It all comes together as quite sharp, especially with all of the remaining pepper notes wafting up from the heart of the fragrance. I’m less enthusiastic about this one, during the latter stages.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Météore does have some power. It’s not super strong and going to fill up a room, but I’d say that it is above average and will project itself much beyond just a standard skin scent.

It will also last 8-9 hours, on my skin. I haven’t hit double digits with the wear yet, but, it does get me a consistent workday of use. Very good, just not elite.

Seasonally, this one is a spring and summer wear totally. It has enough style to be more than a casual fragrance, but it doesn’t strike me as a nighttime or romantic wear. I could wear it just hanging out or even to work, if need be. Not a formal fragrance, but well put together.

Overall Impressions of Météore

Do I like this fragrance? I do, but I don’t love it. It’s solid all around, though, it isn’t anything super special. The vetiver and amber notes are the lowlights of Météore. I like the citrus top notes a lot, like the other Louis Vuitton entries that also feature them.

You do get good performance from Météore, but really at this price point, you should expect to get that. Is it worth a purchase for over $300 a bottle? To me, not really. I think that Louis Vuitton has put out better colognes than this.

It’s solid, but I also bought a bottle of Fan di Fendi Acqua for $20 4 years ago. I happen to like the added leather in that one, and so, see no reason to get a full bottle of Météore.

Coach EDT by Coach New York

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Coach New York has revamped its fragrance lineup over the past 5-6 years and among these newer releases is Coach eau de toilette for women. I received a sample of this perfume with an order a few months back and have been testing it out for the site. How does it smell? When should it be worn? How long does Coach last? Is it worth a buy?

What does Coach EDT Smell Like?

Notes include: pear, cedar, white Alba rose, grapefruit, musk

Click here to try: Coach Eau de Toilette from Coach New York

 

My Full Review

Before I get into my thoughts about Coach EDT, let’s see how the brand describes it: Coach eau de toilette is inspired by the spontaneous energy and chic downtown style of New York City. Fresh pear gives was to timeless and elegant white Alba roses, before drying down to a sensual cedarwood base note.

Coach Eau de Toilette starts off with a bright and juicy blend of its fruit notes. Pear, is going to be the major focal point of the top notes, but the citrus shares a fairly equal weight in the beginning. The smell is very pretty and fresh. 

As the perfumes settles, it will move into its more fruity floral phase. The citrus will begin to subside and the pear takes over. However, it is also joined by the Alba rose and some jasmine.

Coach EDT isn’t super complex. It takes on a bit of a clean shampoo sort of aroma, once the musk and cedar fully arrive. At that point, it is a rose/pear/jasmine blend, that’s sitting on top of the musk and cedar base. 

You’ve almost undoubtedly smelled something similar, if you’ve tried any sort of perfumes before. Though, this is a great example of this style of scent.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is pretty light to moderate. You’ll notice that it is there, but it isn’t going to take over the room. It’s about what you would want with a fragrance like this, non-offensive and non-intrusive. A nice balance, without being weak.

It’ll go for as long as 7.5 hours, on my skin. I’d say it’s mostly in the 6-7.5 hour range, depending on the day. Not a complete workhorse, but this Coach is still plenty useful. 

One of the main selling points with Coach EDT is just how versatile it is. It can be worn by any age group, works well in different seasons, and can be worn in a variety of situations.

Seasonally, I’d say that it is best in the spring and summer months. Maybe you’d want to go with something else in the winter, that reflects that season, but this wouldn’t be bad there either.

It is safe for work, school, casual situations, and is attractive enough to venture into afterhours if needed. It might not be the stand out in your collection, though, it will will get plenty of use.

 

 

Overall Impressions of Coach EDT

Overall, do I like this scent? I really do. Not a super unique fragrance, but it smells very nice. The opening with the pear and citrus is my favorite part.

This is a great choice for a simple daily wear perfume. Well balanced, a simple fruity floral, but enjoyable to wear. The performance is solid, just not extreme. If you need something that’s clean, fresh, and versatile…this is worth a try.

Really kind of a no-brainer scent, but not one that’s going to set the world on fire.

Nuit de Feu by Louis Vuitton

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Nuit de Feu is one of the men’s fragrances that Louis Vuitton released back in 2020. The luxury brand has really churned out the perfume releases over the last few years and many of them have been quite good. Is Nuit de Feu, one of them? In this post, I’ll share my thoughts on how it smells, when it should be worn, and whether or not it is worth a buy.

What does Nuit de Feu Smell Like?

Notes include: leather, white incense, black incense, musk, oud

My Full Review

Before we get into my thoughts about Nuit de Feu, let’s see how Louis Vuitton describes it: In the dark of night, scents of incense rise from the shadowy hollows in the dunes. Plunged into the icy night, the desert seems frozen under an endlessly star-studded sky. In the heart of this darkness, a camp fire is crackling, its dancing flames warm the travelers, its smoke curling upwards into the sky.

Nuit de Feu can hit pretty hard in the first few minutes. The incense and the oud are out in full force. Mainly, the smoky pair of incense notes.

However, that oud note does have that usual barnyard-like finish, that many people don’t like. I’m usually one of them, but here the oud settles down a lot and what you get from the rest of this Louis Vuitton fragrance is great.

It’s got a rich and naturalistic leather note, that comes across really great once you’re past that initial stage. By then, the incense have settled and the oud is in the background as a support player.

That’s what most of the wear is going to be, the leather as the highlight, with incense creating that night fire vibe. A very dry and dark fragrance with just a bit of musk coming through the base.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Nuit de Feu is not a powerhouse on my skin. It’s above average, call it the upper end of moderate, but it doesn’t blow the doors off. A few hours in, I’d say it’s pretty middle of the road.

The longevity is pretty good as well, but not elite. I’d say it will go from 6.5-8 hours on my skin. Definitely not amazing, at this price point, but it serves its purposes well enough.

I’d stick to the colder weather with Nuit de Feu. Autumn and winter is what it is made for and it’ll melt in the heat.

This is a fairly niche scent. Not anything crazy, but probably not something that is going to be considered main stream. It’s not a youthful fragrance, rather, one that should be worn by a man who’s established in his life and has a mature/stylish presence.

Semi-formal, work, nightlife and many other appropriate events in the winter months.

Overall Impressions of Nuit de Feu

Do I like this scent? I really do. It’s not my favorite thing ever, but the incense and leather notes are awesome here. Plus, the oud isn’t too much to handle.

The performance and sillage could be better, but it’s not terrible. This Vuitton cologne is going to appeal to those who love a good leather scent or something with a smokiness to it.

For a lot of you, it’s not going to be the one you want to buy. Again, Nuit de Feu has a somewhat narrow audience for whom it will actually appeal. If you want a more typical designer wear, I’d look elsewhere.