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!

Tango by Masque Milano

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At the end of last year, I received a whole bunch of sample fragrances, both that I purchased and that were thrown in as bonuses. Now, while I’ve gotten around to doing a review on most of them, I have fallen behind somewhat on getting all of them posted. Let’s rectify that.

Today’s entry is a scent release from 2013 by Masque Milano in Italy, called Tango. How does it smell? What are the ingredients? Is it worth a try? Please continue below, for my full take.

What does Tango by Masque Milano Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, black pepper, cardamom, jasmine, Damascena rose, cumin, patchouli, vanilla bean, amber, leather, benzoin, musk

My Full Wear Review

The fragrance from Masque, is pretty much a niche sort of scent, that is never going to be known by a wide audience. Only certain stores will carry it and it’s going to be pricey.

Nonetheless, I wanted to do a review here, even if no one is going to be reading this page; mostly, because I think that this is a really nice cologne.

The opening notes of Tango, mainly consist of the bergamot and black pepper. The citrus note is highly present, but wrapped up in the warm spice of cardamom/amber, and dotted with the black pepper note. It warm and smooth, the bergamot prevents it from becoming too heavy, and overbearing.

After that initial opening, Tango’s floral and earthier notes, really emerge. I get more of the jasmine note, than the rose, with a light touch of patchouli; which doesn’t distract from the overall composition.

As Tango moves along, the amber note really comes to dominate things. The spice is less noticeable and it really just gives off the effect of being warm, with some saltiness from the amber.

Finally, what I am left with is amber, leather, jasmine, vanilla, cardamom, and benzoin. The bezoin in the base note brings to mind Kouros Body by YSL, with a warm spicy profile, instead of being a sweet spicy scent.

Tango is amber soaked leather and jasmine, with cardamom, and a bit of vanilla peaking through with that benzoin note. It’s rich, fairly resinous, and smells quite nice.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Tango is a strong fragrance, at first. Overall, it’s more in the moderate range, but it can pack a punch early on.

The longevity is actually great and this Masque Milano scent, will last on my skin, all work day long. So, you will get the performance to match the price. It can go 10 hours, at times, but it seems closer to nine for the most part.

Tango is deep, ambery, and sexy. As such, I’d only be wearing this when it is cold out, as it won’t react well to the heat. Much more of an evening/romantic sort of wear.

If you go light with it, you could pull it off, in an office environment. However, I’d mostly be wearing this for nights on the town.

Overall Impressions of Tango

Overall, do I like Tango by Masque Milano. Yes, I really do. I don’t think it’s the greatest thing ever, but, I do think that it is a great example of a niche cologne. It is actually pleasant to wear, and not just weird, for the sake of being different.

It’s warm, has a nice spicy profile, with a dark and deep resinous quality. I dig it. If you can find a bottle, I recommend giving it a try at least. The performance matches the quality of the scent and it’s a very good scent, all around.

Elie Saab Le Parfum Review

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I’m getting really close to making it through the write ups, for my latest haul of sample fragrances. One of them, and the subject of today’s review, I’ve been meaning to do a full write up on for a long time. That would be Elie Saab Le Parfum, which was released in 2011. How does this one smell? How long does it last? Is it even worth a try?

What does Elie Saab Le Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: jasmine, orange blossom, cedar, rose, honey, patchouli

Click here to try: Elie Saab Le Parfum Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 3 Ounce

My Full Review

Elie Saab Le Parfum opens up with a sweet floral aroma. Orange blossom is the dominant note, especailly at the start, and is joined by a noticeable honey and patchouli.

The patchouli and rose note, seem to be intertwined in this composition, and form a singular ingredient. So, from the start you get orange blossom, with a light soaking of honey, rose/patchouli.

It feels like a blend of sweet floral, with an underlying freshness. After some time, the jasmine note moves up in the ranks, to join but not overtake the orange blossom. Whatever rose note there is, falls back to being nearly imperceptible.

What I get for most of the wear, is an orange blossom note, with jasmine undertones. Honey, patchouli, and cedar round things out. However, Le Parfum is mostly about those top two floral notes, working in conjunction.

Really late into the wear, there is more of a cedar presence, at the base. Clean woodiness, but nothing that overwhelms the scent overall.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

While this Elie Saab isn’t a complete bomb, with its projecting capabilities, it does indeed have a strong sillage. There’s really no need to go heavy, with this one. The performance is really a positive.

It will also last, around a full work day. Somewhere in the 7-9 hour range, on my skin. Not an elite level of longevity, but good enough for what most folks will need to get out of it.

Climate wise, this one is best for cooler to mild days. I wouldn’t use it on the really warm and humid days, as it wouldn’t hold up to well. Though, when worn in the right climate, it comes across beautifully.

This is a great option for daily wear. This can be worn to the office, school, casually, or to events. While it has a pretty aroma, it’s not a sexy sort of perfume, nor is it really built for the nightlife.

Very balanced all around.

Overall Impressions of Le Parfum

Do I like this fragrance? I do. It comes across strong, in the opening act, but it settles nicely. The opening feels too fresh, underneath that orange blossom and honey mix.

I do like it when, the jasmine comes in fully, and lends stability to the composition. The performance is great and it gives you a nice versatility for daytime wear.

You’re going to have to enjoy orange blossom and jasmine, to really like this fragrance. Those two notes, along with honey, are mostly what this is all about. A fresh white floral perfume, with a bold presentation, and sweet underpinnings.

Le Parfum is an easy fragrance to add to the rotation or rely on as a daily wear. There’s no particular weakness with this one. Everything about it is well above average, but just missing a higher level of greatness. Still, one that’s worth picking up.

Fougere d’Argent by Tom Ford

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I’m back again, with another Tom Ford fragrance review. I’ve got 3 or 4 more to go, in this current batch, and hopefully I can pick up some others in the collection. Anyway, today’s entry is a review of Fougere d’Argent, which isn’t a particularly well know Tom Ford cologne. It was released in 2018. What does it smell like? When should it be worn? Is it even worth a try?

What does Fougere d’Argent Smell Like?

Notes include: lavender, ginger, labdanum, orange, tonka bean, akigalawood

Click here to try: Fougere D’argent by Tom Ford Eau De Parfum 1.7oz/50ml Spray New In Box 

My Full Review

Before we get into my own review of Fougere d’Argent, let’s see what Tom Ford describes it as: Impeccable. Dashing. Provocative. New and unabashedly bold, Fougere d’Argent is a legend redux that converges impeccable decorum with the modus operandi of an agent provocateur. Tom Ford’s sleight of hand redefines the classic fougere in an exquisite work of beauty. 

The opening of Fougere d’Argent gives me a clean and spicy aroma. I pick up a lot of ginger, with lavender being the second in command, with wood and light citrus bringing up the rear.

The ginger note here, is particularly intense and sharp, which I actually like a great deal. The aroma is a classic gentleman’s clean, a barbershop quality, with the rough masculine edges smoothed out by notes such as tonka bean and lavender.

After the first few minutes, the orange note seems to get stronger to my nose. I’m not sure if that’s just the case for me, but it honestly feels weak after the initial spray, and then is quite prominent.

I like its combination with the lavender and ginger spice, which does help Fougere d’Argent have a more modern edge, versus the classic fougere colognes.

As it dries down further, the ginger and orange, begin to fall off. Lavender takes ahold of the reins, along with what I guess is the akigalawood, and what definitely is tonka bean. It’s really smooth, woody, fresh, with a hint of powdery spice.

There is something that is so simple, yet so utterly appealing with a fragrance, like this. So many fougere fragrances for men, that I come across, are really dated in how they smell. Fougere d’Argent doesn’t hit my nose that way, at all.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this is a lighter moderate scent. It’s not going to project like crazy, but will stay in a small radius, around the wearer. Will you forget that it is on you skin, at times? Sure. However, you will also unexpectedly catch a whiff of it, randomly during the day.

While the sillage isn’t a complete monster, the longevity is actually quite good. 7-9 hours on my skin, seems to be about the norm for Fougere. Not an elite wear, but certainly nothing to scoff at either.

Seasonally, this is versatile enough to be worn, almost anytime. I’m not convinced of it, in the summer heat, but outside of that this will work great. It absolutely can be worn for any occasion, also. It does seem like a formal fragrance for some of the wear, but it isn’t stuffy, and can go casual.

It’s not really a nightlife beast, but again, it wouldn’t be out of place. You’d just not be projecting your fragrance all over the bar or club.

Fougere d’Argent will get some complements, has a pleasant appeal, but isn’t necessarily ‘sexy’ with its scent. It’s definitely appreciated and adds something different from most of the modern fare.

This is listed as a unisex fragrance, though, it really leans masculine. It’s not too heavy or anything to preclude women from wanting to wear it, but it definitely favors one side of the perfume spectrum.

Overall Impression of Fougere d’Argent

Do I like this fragrance? Yes, it I really did, much more than I thought. When I see the word fougere, I have my doubts, that it’d be my style. This one, however, got my attention and admiration.

Is it the most amazing thing out? No, but it does give you an option, if you’re looking for a very well put together modern take on a classic concept. It’s not overly complex, but smells wonderful, and is of high quality.

It’s not going to be for every man. Some will want more strength, from their colognes. Others, might find this style to be boring. For me, I think that it’s a very good fragrance, albeit at a hefty price point.

It doesn’t seem to be around at every store, that the more popular Tom Ford scents are. So, you might have to go through the online route. I don’t think it’d be a bad blind buy, it’s got a easy to like scent and the performance is good enough.

Carlisle by Parfums de Marly

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For this entry into my long running review posts, we have a cologne from Parfums de Marly, Carlisle. This one was released in 2015 and there’s been a lot of hype behind it, but is it actually any good? What are the ingredients? How does it smell? In this post, I want to break down my thoughts and experiences wearing this fragrance, and if I think this scent is a winner.

What does Carlisle Smell Like?

Notes include: vanilla, sandalwood, patchouli, nutmeg, saffron, tonka bean, apple

Click here to try: Carlisle by Parfums de Marly

My Full Wear Review

Before we dive into my review, let’s see what Parfums de Marly has to say about Carlisle: This voluptuous fragrance is structured around one main accord ‘sandalwood’. Warm, sweet like a balm, it leaves a trail with of vanilla & dark patchouli. This composition takes heart in distilling a mysterious “oriental” aura, playing with its delicate accents of nutmeg, saffron, and tonka bean. It is the unexpected union between the crisp of a green apple and the softness of vanilla, yet with a rich and textured arrangement revealing itself on the skin like a captivating smile. 

The opening of Carlisle immediately brings to mind other Parfums de Marly fragrances, mainly Oajan, but this one strikes me as being better at times. Other times, I’d say they’re even. I have a full bottle of Oajan, so, that’s a nice surprise.

It opens up with that crisp green apple note, saffron, vanilla, and sandalwood. It is very warm, sweet, with a non-harsh spice; has that gourmand sort of baked goods aroma but darker. Carlisle is a rich cologne with depth and an interesting life cycle.

Saffron really sticks out to my nose here and it plays off of the other notes to create a leathery type of smell. Now, I haven’t found leather as an ingredient in any of the note listings online, so I’m assuming its just an illusion of sorts.

Either way, it smells great, and lends a definite smoothness the the composition with the vanilla and tonka bean.

As it dries down further, I get less of the apple sweetness, and more patchouli and smokiness. It’s not a super heavy patchouli, which is nice, and it does have a ‘balmy’ feeling like Parfums de Marly was describing.

Nutmeg definitely lets itself be known, when I put my nose directly to my skin, and pairs well with the vanilla.

Ultimately, what I get out of the cologne is: sandalwood as the starting point, vanilla, patchouli, saffron, and tonka bean. Everything else, turns into a bit player.

It’s a perfect blend between sweet and warm spice. Not basic candy sweet, but well blended, and totally refined. Carlisle is dark throughout with a light touch of smokiness.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Carlisle is strong, but not offensively so. You could over spray it, but with any normal amount, that won’t be a problem. It sticks to the skin well and the sillage is consistent throughout.

With this scent, I get all day wear from it without a problem. This is one of those colognes that will touch double digits, in terms of hours. I’d say that it ultimately falls in the 12 or 13 hour range. Really pretty much all you need for any effective use.

Seasonally, it will mostly be great for cold weather. However, I think that it should hold up nicely in moderate to warm temperatures, as well. Just not into extreme heat or humidity situations.

Carlisle also has very good versatility with what situations you could wear it in. It’s more of a dressed up kind of fragrance, it works in the office, romantically, late nights out, suited up, etc.

It does have a wonderful smell that is seductive and sexy. Folks around the wearer should take a liking to this scent.

Overall Impressions of Carlisle

Overall, do I like Carlisle? Yes, I think that it is great. This is one of the best men’s fragrances by Parfums de Marly and a nice all around wear. It is familiar to me, by being related to other colognes from this brand, but still has its own identity.

The sandalwood and saffron really got my attention and my positive feelings were only solidified with the vanilla, apple, and nutmeg. I’ve enjoyed wearing this scent. If you’re not into warm, sweet, smoky colognes…this isn’t for you, though.

But, I think that this will have a mass appeal, and many guys would enjoy wearing this. the only question is the price point, which is outside of the realm of possibility for many.

Bonbon by Viktor & Rolf

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I got a hold of a sample of Bonbon perfume for women and have tested out its candy-like fragrance over the past few days. This scent from Viktor & Rolf followed the ever popular, Flowerbomb, and while the two do share some similarities, the notes are different enough for them to be definitely distinct perfumes. Bon was released back in 2014.

In this post, I want to share my thoughts on how Bonbon smells, perfumes, when it should be worn, and if I think it is worth a purchase.

What does Bonbon Smell Like?

bonbon perfume review

Notes include: caramel, orange, peach, mandarin, amber, sandalwood, jasmine, orange blossom, and cedar

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Bonbon Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 3.04 Ounce

My Full Review

My initial impression of Bonbon is of how bright, sweet, and delicious that it smells. The caramel is the main attraction here, so if that’s not your style, Bonbon isn’t the fragrance for you. However, I do love how it pairs with the orange and peach notes to create an underlying juiciness.

It does have a somewhat similar opening to Black Opium because of the orange note and the sweetness of coffee in that one versus the caramel in Bonbon.

The opening is quite juicy with the fruit notes and there are the light floral notes, mostly orange blossom. The caramel is there, right from the start, but it takes a bit of time for it to fully take over.

When it does, the amber note joins it, giving Bonbon a warm and slightly salty feeling. Salty, in addition to the caramel itself.

As it dries down further, the citrus fades, but the peach note hangs around in a support role. Sandalwood lends its usual creaminess to the composition, but it honestly, isn’t that strong in this perfume.

The final dry down is heavy with caramel and amber, with solid portions of peach and orange blossom. The rest of the notes are light and fairly well-blended.

Some might think that Bonbon is too sweet of a perfume, but it really isn’t, in my opinion. I find it to be really appealing in how gourmand and pretty it smells. It is very creamy and feminine but maintains a youthful energy throughout.

I sprayed some on my wrist and found its presence to be delightful, even though, I’m a guy and it’s completely out of place on me. The dry down is the best part in my opinion, when the amber note adds a bit of warmth to the caramel. Very nice.

Sillage, Longevity, When to Wear

Projection wise, it is good without being overpowering. I sprayed a shot of it on a sweatshirt about six feet away from me before I began writing this post and I can get that faint aroma of Bonbon from here.

I might have to just use this sample as an air freshener, since I can’t really wear this perfume, as a guy.

Longevity is also really good, the night I sprayed it on my wrist, it stayed strong until I went to sleep and I could still faintly detect it the next morning. Since then, on the skin, it seems to hit a good 8 hours without issue. It can go longer, depending on the climate.

Bonbon is an option for the cooler months of the year and is safe to wear to work or school. I’d stay away from it during hotter days or if you live in a more tropical climate. I don’t know that I’d call it sexy, but it is appealing, and I honestly would like smelling this on a woman.

It is a more youthful scent but I don’t think it is quite as ‘girly’ as some of the Britney Spears fragrances or something along those lines. Bonbon feels a bit more mature, like in your twenties, instead of teens.

All in all, it is a versatile fragrance, so long as you don’t go overboard with the sprays. I’d lean toward saying it is more appropriate for casual or nightlife situations, but it won’t be out of place when worn lightly, in an office.

Overall Impressions of Bonbon

Is Bonbon worth a buy? Maybe. I actually find this perfume to be really attractive, but also understand that if you’re not a fan of the sweet scents, keep away from Bonbon. It’s not amazingly complex or sexy or mature but it does smell good.

It can be pretty pricey, however, and that might be the biggest strike against it for some people. Is such a straightforward scent worth that much? That depends entirely you and your tastes.

I really like caramel as a note and the opening pairing of citrus/peach, is very well done. It’s juicy, sweet, with a warm saltiness. The amber and caramel dry down is appealing, serves as a nice platform, for the other ingredients to waft out of from time to time. Bonbon isn’t the greatest thing on the market, but certainly qualifies as a good perfume.