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!

Vert d’Encens by Tom Ford

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Continuing on with my reviews of Tom Ford fragrances, I have today, an entry from 2016: Vert d’Encens. This one was released under the Private Blend umbrella and is one of the options with the Vert title.

In this post, I will share my experiences with this fragrance and review it on a number of metrics. How it smells, what the ingredients are, how long it lasts, when it should be worn, etc.

What does Vert d’Encens Smell Like?

Notes include: fir, pine resin, incense, heliotrope, wood

Click here to try: TOM FORD VERT D’ENCENS EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY 1.7 oz / 50 ML SEALED 2016 NEW …

My Full Wear Review

Vert d’Encens opens up with a blend of fir and pine with a strongly resinous undertone. In the beginning, it can be fairly sharp and green, but there is a sweetness within the composition, throughout the wear. I actually like how the sweetness plays off of the forest notes. It’s quite warm and green.

A few minutes in, I really start to get more of the resin, but also the smokiness of the incense. I know at this point, that this Tom Ford scent, isn’t really going to be a standard issue pine wood cologne.

Then, there is the heliotrope, which I think adds to the sweetness and lends a very slight powdery quality to Vert d’Encens. There is a bit of a nutty aroma, lurking in here. I don’t know if there is a nut as an ingredient or if that’s just how the notes are coming together.

It dries down finally, into a slightly sweet and resinous woody fragrance, with some leftover smokiness from earlier on. It’s a pretty straightforward perfume, has some development, especially after the initial ‘green’ opening. Though, it doesn’t undergo major transformations thereafter, either.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The projection of this one is pretty average. No massive sillage here. It doesn’t even start off strong, on my skin, and settle down later. Nope, it hits that mid-tier level, and just sits there the rest of the way.

However, the longevity is very good here, and it will go for over 10 hours without a problem. It’s just a steady beat throughout.

Is this actually unisex, as listed? In my mind, very much so. It’s not super woody or earthy, but the sweetness never pulls things too far in the other direction.

Well balanced, for anyone to wear. It would be good in cold to mild temperatures, but doesn’t give me summertime vibes, in the slightest.

I like it as a casual or business wear. Vert d’Encens is pleasant enough to be around, but don’t expect a super sexy fragrance or a club banger. It’s just not that type of thing.

Overall Impressions

Overall, do I like Vert d’Encens by Tom Ford? I do like it, but I don’t love it. It is an interesting change of pace from what I usually wear, but never crosses into the spectacular. I am quite fond of resinous sorts of fragrances, so, on that level I do enjoy wearing it.

If you’re looking for a woodsy scent, with some sweetness/smokiness, then this would be a very good buy. If it doesn’t sound like your thing, it’ll be easy to pass up at Tom Ford prices.

Polo Red Extreme vs Polo Black Comparison

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For this edition of the men’s fragrance comparisons, I am going to take a closer look at two scents offered from the Ralph Lauren line, Polo Black vs. Polo Red Extreme. Which of these colognes is the better buy? Which has better longevity? Which just smells better overall? I have reviewed each already and will now break the head to head match up, in different categories.

Tale of the Tape: Polo Black vs. Red Extreme

Polo Black Tale of the Tape

Notes include:  mango, sandalwood, tonka bean, tangerine, sage, lemon, patchouli

Click here to try: Polo Black by Ralph Lauren for Men – 4.2 Ounce EDT Spray

My review: Polo Black Review

Polo Red Extreme

Notes include: blood orange, coffee, ebony wood

Click here to try: Polo Red Extreme Eau de Parfum Spray 4.2 Ounce, Ralph Lauren Men

Read my review: Polo Red Extreme

Opening

Polo Black opens up with an icy mango note to go along with patchouli and sage. It has a juicy fruit note at the top, with warm spice underneath. It’s a great little balancing act, of sweet and spice, and there are other citrus notes sitting at the top, also.

Polo Red Extreme starts off with a bold blood orange note and coffee. The blood orange is juicy and sweet, to go along with the warm smell of coffee beans. It’s simple and there is a bit of cranberry, which is found in the original Polo Red.

Which is better? I really like Polo Red Extreme, but to me, the opening of Polo Black is one of its strengths. It is more balanced and the mango/citrus notes are really great in the composition.

Edge: Polo Black

Projection

The sillage of Polo Black is fairly moderate. It is pretty good for the first few hours and then weakens somewhat. Red Extreme has a strong sillage, not super powerful, but it is definitely stronger and projects itself further than does Black.

Edge: Red Extreme

Longevity

Polo Black, is once again pretty good, as it will last for 6-7 hours. With Red Extreme, I get 8-10 hours of wear, on my skin. It’s an easy win for Extreme.

Edge: Red Extreme

Versatility

Neither of these scents, holds up great on the hottest days of the year. However, Polo Black probably does a better job in warmer weather. Both are great for casual wear, can be worn in an office, or for a night out. I’d say that, Polo Black has a better versatility for climate though, and thus an edge.

Edge: Polo Black

Overall Scent

Polo Black has a great opening act of mango, citrus, and spice. I find this to be quite appealing and better than how Polo Red starts out. The dry down is nice, woody and has some tonka bean, but I think that it’s not as good during this period. Beyond that, the sillage is average, and the longevity is too.

Red Extreme is really straightforward with that bold orange opening, with coffee, and tart cranberry. It features an ebony wood note, at the base, but most of what you get is the orange and coffee. I think that it is a bold and dynamic scent, with great performance, and a really good sillage.

Between them, I think that Red Extreme is better overall. The nod could have gone to Black, if it maintained its opening act, and could at least be in the ballpark of Extreme in terms of performance. It doesn’t though, so, I give the win to Red Extreme.

Winner: Red Extreme

Prada L’Homme vs. L’Homme L’Eau

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In this post, I wanted to take a closer look at two fragrances from Prada’s men’s lineup. It’s ever popular L’Homme versus one of its flanker releases L’Homme L’Eau. Which one of these smells the best? Which lasts longer? I have tested and reviewed each scent and will break them down by category. In the end, which is the winner?

Tale of the Tape: Prada L’Homme vs. L’Eau

Prada L’Homme

Notes include: iris, amber, geranium, patchouli, neroli, violet, pepper, cedar

Click here to try: Prada L’Homme Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

My review: Prada L’Homme

L’Homme  L’Eau

Notes include: iris, amber, cedar, sandalwood, neroli, ginger

Click here to try: Prada L’homme Prada L’eau for Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce

My review: L’Homme L’Eau

Opening

L’Homme opens up with iris, neroli, and violet. Brought together you get quite a fresh and powdery floral fragrance. All of that is wrapped up in a warm amber, with extra support from cedar and some light pepper.

L’Eau is of course similar to the original, but to me, the iris isn’t as strong here. Also, the cedar wood note is much stronger. You get ginger in lieu of spice, with neroli, but no violet.

Which is better? I think that I prefer L’Eau a bit more, in the opening. It is cleaner and fresher to my nose. It’s got less of a floral aroma and more balanced, overall.

Edge: L’Eau

Projection

Neither scent is particularly powerful. The sillage of each is probably moderate, but I think the original is a bit stronger, just not by much.

Edge: L’Homme

Longevity

Another category which is pretty even. However, again the original gives a bit more. L’Eau lasts for 6 hours. L’Homme lasts for 6-7 hours. These Prada scents are essentially even, but a slight advantage to the original.

Edge: L’Homme

Versatility

These two colognes have too much in common for there to be a distinction in how versatile they are. They can be worn year round, dressed up, casual, or out on the town. Both are more clean and pleasant versus being sexy. Also, neither is a night club type of fragrance either.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

So, since these colognes share so much of the same DNA, there is going to be a lot of overlap. Plus, the distinctions are going to be few and far between.

I like the original Prada L’Homme. It is a fresh and classic clean. The performance is decent and the floral notes and amber, do play well with one another. For an easy, everyday wear, L’Homme will fit right in for many guys. I’m not in love with it, but I do like wearing it.

L’Eau is just a bit better than the original, in my opinion. I like how the powdery aroma is enhanced in this one, the cedar is more prominent, and I do get a nice ginger note in the dry down. It still has that iris and amber combo of the original, but a little bit more depth and intrigue, to the whole thing.

Winner: L’eau

Invictus Aqua vs. Light Blue Eau Intense

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For this head to head comparison post, we are going to take a closer look at two popular citrus aquatic fragrances, for the summertime. In one corner, we have Invictus Aqua. Versus, Light Blue Eau Intense, in the other. Which of these marine accord-laden scents, smells the best? Has the better sillage? Longevity? Which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Invictus Aqua vs Eau Intense

Light Blue Eau Intense

Notes include: mandarin, frozen grapefruit, juniper, aquatic accord, amber woods, musk

Click here to try: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Intense Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 1.6 Ounce

My review: Light Blue Eau Intense

Invictus Aqua EDT

Notes include: yuzu, pink pepper, guaiac wood, marine notes, violet leaf, ambergris, grapefruit

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne Invictus Aqua Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce

Read my review: Invictus Aqua

Opening

Invictus Aqua starts off with its salty marine notes, with a strong blend of yuzu and grapefruit. It’s fresh, clean with that saltiness, and has a bit of pink pepper in it as well. I like the way that Aqua begins, the yuzu is awesome, when combined with the aquatic notes.

Light Blue Eau Intense also starts with grapefruit, but it’s ‘frozen’, and paired with mandarin orange. I think that it’s got a colder quality, less saltiness in the aquatic accord, and the juniper note comes in and adds a nice touch.

Which is better? It’s a pretty close call for me, but I like Eau Intense more here. The crispness, the freshness, and the aquatic accord is all slightly better than in Invictus Aqua.

Edge: Eau Intense

Projection

Both of these colognes are pretty moderate in the sillage. They both start off with a somewhat strong ability to project themselves to the surrounding area. Then, they taper off within a few hours, to something much more subdued…but not weak.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Light Blue Eau Intense lasts about 9 hours on my skin. Invictus Aqua will usually do about 8. However, Aqua has the ability to hit over 10 hours, on occasion. It kind of depends on the climate and my skin, that day.  The Paco Rabanne is a bit better or at least has that ability.

Edge: Aqua (slightly)

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are quite versatile. They really both shine in the warmer months of the year, as the aquatic aroma, truly works in the heat. However, you could wear either year round, if you wanted.

They can be worn casual or at work or for an evening out. I wouldn’t classify either as a nightlife scent, though. There’s no real separation in this category.

Edge: Push

 

 

Overall Scent

Invictus Aqua is a really nice scent, which I enjoy wearing, for the first few hours. Then, the dry down gets worse and worse to my nose, until I end up not liking it. That citrus and marine combination is great.

It gives Eau Intense a run for its money. But then, it gets an infusion of wood (which is decent). Finally, it dries down to pretty much just to the sea water note…which isn’t too attractive, when it is by itself.

The opening act is great, the performance is great, but a lot of the wear isn’t.

Light Blue Eau Intense, to me, has a slightly better opening. It also has about equal performance to Invictus Aqua. Most importantly, it stays great throughout.

It has quickly become one of my favorite aquatic fragrances, out on the market. Eau Intense is smooth, clean, and its drydown with juniper and amberwood holds the thing together.

For the first few hours, it’s a close call. After that, the D&G owns this contest. Another option, may be to try Light Blue Sun. It’s kind of a midway point between Eau Intense and the original Light Blue. Good for those who think Eau Intense comes on too strong.

Winner: Eau Intense

Oud Fleur vs Noir de Noir Comparison

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After doing my review of Oud Fleur yesterday, I had to do a comparison post, with its similar counterpart Noir de Noir. These two Tom Ford fragrances, can often be the final two choices for some folks, but which is the one to go with? Which perfume smells better? Which lasts longer? Which of these oud based Tom Ford scents, is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Oud Fleur vs. Noir de Noir

Noir de Noir

Notes include: rose, oud, patchouli, black truffle, tree moss

Click here to try: Tom Ford Private Blend Noir De Noir Eau De Parfum Spray Edp 3.4 Fl / 100 Ml

My original review: Noir de Noir

Oud Fleur

Notes include: oud, sandalwood, resin, patchouli, rose

Click here to try: Oud Fleur by Tom Ford for unisex – 3.4 Ounce edp spray 

My review: Oud Fleur

Opening

Noir de Noir opens up with rose and patchouli, as its main notes. The oud sits underneath, those two, and isn’t all that prevalent. The rose has a nice sweetness that pairs nicely with the earthy and spicy patchouli.

Oud Fleur opens up in a very similar manner. Rose leads the way, but it is paired with mostly the sandalwood note and a resinous amber. The similarities between the two, go much further, as oud and patchouli are also present in Oud Fleur.

Which is better? Again, they’re quite close, but I like the start of Oud Fleur more. The sandalwood and resin set it apart. To me, the opening of Noir de Noir, is its weakest quality. It becomes much better later on.

Edge: Oud Fleur

Projection

For the duration of the wear, both of these are mostly moderate fragrances, in terms of sillage. The aren’t going to project, in an extreme way. I will say, that Oud Fleur is stronger on my skin, for the first few hours than is, Noir. After that, they are about equal.

Edge: Oud Fleur

Longevity

Both of these perfumes, last for 8-9 hours, on my skin. I haven’t noticed any differences in this regard, during testing. Each is very good, though, not elite.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Noir de Noir and Oud Fleur are relegated mostly to colder weather. You can go somewhat into the temperate climates, with these, but should avoid the heat.

Now, both of these are unisex, technically. Oud Fleur leans more feminine and Noir de Noir, while more masculine, probably has the wider appeal. More men and women could enjoy it.

Noir de Noir is probably better for nightlife and I would consider it to be sexier. Oud Fleur, is probably the more formal or elegant type of perfume. I’d give the edge to Noir, in this category.

Edge: Noir

Overall Scent

It is admittedly, a pretty evenly matched bout up to this point. There’s so much overlap between these Tom Ford fragrances, that it can indeed be a difficult choice.

Oud Fleur has a nice sandalwood and resinous quality that I enjoy. It’s spicy profile, is a highlight, and its a great option if you love the agarwood smell. Particularly, if you’re a female. The performance is solid all around, but it can be a pretty linear scent.

To me, Noir de Noir is the better fragrance. The opening isn’t all that amazing, but this one really gets going during the dry down. During the latter stages, it becomes earthier and dirtier, so to speak. The oud isn’t super powerful, but you get a mossy note, to go along with patchouli.

Also, there is vanilla and truffle which gives Noir de Noir, a sweet and creamy aroma. It has a depth and personality, that Oud Fleur lacks, in my opinion. The performance is pretty much on par with its competitor too. Plus, it is more of a viable wear for most men and women, as well.

Winner: Noir de Noir