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!

Le Male Elixir Absolu by JPG

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Elixir Absolu is the latest release in 2025 of the long-running Le Male series by Gaultier. It is also a flanker to the massively successful flanker, Le Male Elixir.

I bought a bottle of Le Male Elixir Absolu to test it out and do a full review of the results. How does it smell? How long does it last? Is it even worth a try?

Elixir Absolu Overview

Notes include: lavender, tonka bean, plum

Click here to try: Le Male Elixir Absolu

My Full Review

Here’s how Gaultier describes this fragrance: Radiating a golden aura, everything in his wake is turned into gold. This new Male — and the most precious of all — keeps the signature fragrance notes of the iconic Le Male Elixir but is intensely richer. Fruity notes of spicy, sensual plum develop into lavender and tonka bean, taking sensuality to the extreme. But be warned! This Le Male will soon become an obsession.

Elixir Absolu opens up different yet familiar to the original JPG Le Male Elixir. It doesn’t have the cooling the mint note. Instead you get a good deal of that lavender, with some warmer spice, and a new addition of a sweet plum.

To me, the plum actually isn’t too heavy in the start. It’s much less of a tart note and sweeter than I thought it would be.

I’m not sure what the spice here is. It kind of smells like cumin mixed up with a bit of cinnamon. The plum can have a bit of a spicy sort of aroma too, but I personally get cumin.

Lavender is the focus with Le Male Elixir Absolu. It’s interesting that I get the sensation of iris lurking around in this mix. I haven’t seen anything from Gaultier about this.

So, it could just be an effect of the lavender, tonka bean, and the velvety touches of the plum note blending together to cause that.

Anyway, the opening still feels messy to me, even after about 2 weeks of wearing this one around. It doesn’t have that honeyed heaviness, while you can still pick up the scent of the first Elixir underneath our main attractions.

Still, it’s an okay start, just not really something that I’ve liked.

Once that warmer and slight spiciness moves away, Le Male Elixir Absolu really comes into its own. The plum becomes more apparent on my skin. It sits gently on top of the lavender note, never being too heavy, while still being captivating.

This doesn’t feel too complicated. It’s middle act is the lavender and plum with that iris sort of smell coming through.

Then, the dry down will have more tonka bean and the background of the original still coming through. Mostly, the vanilla seems to be here. So, it’s a fruity sweet lavender floral fragrance with a mix of powdery and creamy highlights.

Still similar to the original, but I think the differences are very noticeable and are placed front and center here.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one isn’t as heavy feeling or cloying as the first Elixir can be. However, its ability to project is unchanged. Still a beast that doesn’t require a massive amount of spraying in order to be potent.

I always catch whiffs of its scent throughout the day until it has finally faded or I’ve washed it all off.

The longevity here is also still the same as with the first Elixir. I still get 9-10.5 hours of wear with this version of the juice.

The performance doesn’t have any issues, as with the rest of the Le Male lineup. Powerful and long-lasting for a designer cologne.

Seasonally, this is still mostly an autumn and wintertime wear. However, I think it’s still nice in the milder temperatures. So, it can venture into springtime more so than its predecessor.

Still, this isn’t one that you’re going to be reaching for during the summer months, unless it’s a cooler evening.

Elixir Abolu is a fragrance that is still going to skew younger. It’s more of a casual or nightlife sort of cologne versus something that you’d wear to the office.

Not completely juvenile, especially once it gets past the opening, but is still going to worn mostly by men in their 20s and younger.

Overall Impressions of Le Male Elixir Absolu

Overall, do I like Elixir Absolu? Yes, I think it is a better fragrance than the original Elixir and one that I have been enjoying wearing thus far.

The opening is my least favorite part of the whole thing. However, once it settles down and I get this sweet mix of light plum, lavender, and the tonka bean I really do like wearing this fragrance.

I wasn’t expecting that dry down, after a slow start, but this JPG fragrance surprised me. The performance is still the same as the first Elixir release. As such, choosing between the two really just comes down to which smell you prefer.

I think this is a better fragrance. The original has a heavy use of honey which feels much more cloying than anything that is presented here. The plum also isn’t insanely strong or even tart, it parks itself nicely in the mix and gives it a real boost.

If you already have the first Le Male Elixir, you probably don’t need both. I would still test this one out, to see if you like the changes. That being said, you shouldn’t rush out and buy this.

It’s distinct enough, but obviously still covers a lot of the same bases.

If you don’t have either and want a Le Male Elixir scent, I would pick up Elixir Absolu. I might end up finishing this bottle before my bottle of Elixir that I purchased back when it came out.

Le Beau Le Parfum vs Paradise Garden

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Le Beau is a series that has really been gaining popularity and sales numbers for Gaultier over the past few years. Le Beau Le Parfum is a flanker that is well liked and has more to do with the original Le Beau EDT.

Meanwhile, Paradise Garden changes up a lot of the formula, while retaining that coconut note from EDT and Le Parfum.

But, which of these fragrances has the best smell? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Le Beau Le Parfum vs. Le Beau Paradise Garden

Le Beau Le Parfum

Notes include: ginger, pineapple, sandalwood, ambergris, iris, cypress, coconut, tonka bean, woods

Click here to try: Le Beau Parfum

Read my full review: Le Parfum

Le Beau Paradise Garden

Notes include: mint, ginger, fig, coconut water, salt, tonka bean, sandalwood

Click here to try: Paradise Garden

Read my full review: Le Beau Paradise Garden

Opening

Le Beau Le Parfum, starts with a really tropical aroma with the pineapple coming out of the gate strong and the coconut sitting just underneath.

It’s a sweet juice, creamy and with an touch of spiciness from the ginger note. The ginger is a great note which adds some depth in the early stage, to prevent it from becoming an overly sweet mess.

The ginger will fall away and the pineapple will lose its prominence at the top. Coconut, tonka bean, amber, and a general set of woods will dry this one up and take away the juiciness of that tropical vibe, at least.

Paradise Garden opens with a mix sweetness, freshness, minty spice, and an aquatic undertone to it all.

It’s a greener aroma from the fig note asserting itself, that pairs well with that coconut, and I get a good deal of the ginger note coming through early on. The fig is sweet and green

Paradise has a coconut water note. Though, there is still some creaminess in the blend. All supported by sandalwood, fig, and tonka bean, which adds that creamy touch further. I get more of the sandalwood in the dry down.

Which do I like more?

It’s close. Though, I have been really gravitating toward Paradise Garden and what I get from it at the start. That fig and coconut water really set the tone and I’ll roll with it in this category.

Edge: Paradise Garden

Projection

Le Beau Le Parfum does start off with a good deal of power. It can project itself well and has a heavier wear than does its competitor.

Even after that first hour or so it’s still well above average with its reach.

Paradise isn’t a heavy fragrance, it’s not a completely light scent, and has some body to it.

Though, it does have good projection for what kind of cologne this is. It’s a lighter moderate for spring and summertime.

Between them, Le Parfum takes this category as the stronger cologne.

Edge: Le Parfum

Longevity

Le Beau Le Parfum will hang around for 9-10 hours consistently. Not an elite performer, but it’s among the better of the mainstream designer fragrances.

With Paradise Garden, I get about 8 hours of wear. It lasts surprisingly long on my skin for the type of cologne that this is. Really, quite pleased with the performance of this one.

Le Parfum takes this, it’s as of now the best performing release in the JPG Le Beau series.

Edge: Le Parfum

Versatility

Both of these colognes are spring and summer wears, mostly. Le Parfum has a better ability to venture into the autumn months, while Paradise Garden is mostly in that laid back summer cologne category.

Neither of these is a formal kind of cologne. Casual and will appeal more to younger guys, as you’re probably not sporting either of them at the office.

I’d give edge to Le Parfum, as it’ll work better as a daily wear for younger guys, a nighttime wear and that extra time in the autumn helps to separate it.

Edge: Le Parfum

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Jean Paul Gaultier colognes do I prefer?

I like how Le Beau Le Parfum starts off, the performance is great, and I think that it’s a fine scent all around.

The dry down is woodier and has some extra amber influence. I’m not really thrilled with the latter stages of the wear. It’s a good fragrance, but never reaches that higher level for me.

I prefer Le Beau Paradise Garden and I think that it is the better JPG scent in comparison.

It has a good balance, solid performance, a lovely tropical aroma, and is just a very pleasant scent to wear around. I have been really enjoying wearing my full bottle thus far.

With Le Parfum, I like it, but I don’t want a bottle of it. Though, it might work better for some guys versus Paradise Garden, it’s not a better smelling cologne.

The performance isn’t too much of an advantage between them, so, it doesn’t really offer me anything beyond what I get with Paradise Garden.

Winner: Le Beau Paradise Garden

Divine EDP vs Le Parfum by Gaultier

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Gaultier’s Divine has already become a wildly popular perfume release. As such, they followed up the original eau de parfum version with a newer Le Parfum in 2024.

I recently received samples of both of these scents with my latest Gaultier order. How do each of these smell? How long do they last? Which of them is the better fragrance?

Tale of the Tape: Divine EDP vs Le Parfum

Divine EDP

Notes include: calypsone, lily, ylang-ylang, salty note, meringue, musk, patchouli

Click here to try: Gaultier Divine EDP

Le Parfum

Notes include: lily, frangipani, salt, solar notes, amber, benzoin

Click here to try: Divine Le Parfum

Opening

Divine EDP opens up with a salty aquatic accord, sitting on top of white floral notes. The calypsone gives it a watermelon sort of aroma that is paired with some other light fruit notes including bergamot.

It’s bright, cold, and has a sweetness to it that is an interesting play off of that saltiness. The meringue note is already adding a touch of powder to this blend, which I’ve really enjoyed catching whiffs of.

Personally, I don’t get the ‘egg’ sort of aroma that the meringue can put off. If it’s there, it’s sitting underneath enough of everything else for me to not pick up on. Though, just be aware that other people have talked about this being a factor.

Pressing my nose up close, there’s a lot going on here, a bit messy at times. However, in the air Divine EDP absolutely works well in this opening stage.

Le Parfum does away with much the aquatic accord and zeros in on that saltiness and lily note that is found in the original. At least early, the saltiness fades here much quicker on me than the EDP.

The melon like freshness is there to some extent, but the solar notes, and amber are already taking a large share of the attention early on.

After 10 minutes or so, it becomes sweeter and the frangipani becomes more apparent. Though, this isn’t a great frangipani note to me, nor one that truly stands out on its own.

It’s creamier and warmer than what you get with the eau de parfum version. But, it is still very much a tight blend of notes.

Which is better?

The similarities are there for sure and I actually like both of these perfumes quite a lot after testing them. Though, I think that I’ll give the opening act to Le Parfum.

Edge: Le Parfum

Projection

The eau de parfum will leave a nice scent trail in your wake. It’s not a super heavy feeling fragrance, it’s fresh and aquatic with how it presents, but the projection is good. I’d say it’s above average but not massive.

Le Parfum has a ‘thicker’ feeling to wear, but it still retains some of that fresher aspect of Divine EDP. It’s the sweeter of the two fragrances and also has a larger reach than the original.

It’s strong, and at times, very strong if you give it a few too many sprays. Le Parfum will moderate, but it easily takes this category.

Edge: Le Parfum

Longevity

Again, this is another category that I don’t think will really disappoint anyone purchasing either of these perfumes.

The EDP will last somewhere in the 8 hour range, on my skin. Maybe it can go an extra hour or so, but that seems to be about it.

Le Parfum will last for over 10 hours. I’m not sure exactly when it quits, I’d guess in the 12 hour timeframe on skin.

So, both of these are performers, but Le Parfum takes it to a higher level than does the original.

Edge: Le Parfum

Versatility

With the EDP, it is more of use in the spring and summer months. Or, when it is moderate to warmer out.

Le Parfum has it edged, however. It can pretty much go year round. I don’t think it’ll hold up quite as well in the higher heat versus Divine EDP, but it should do well in the warmer weather, and can

Neither of these is a formal sort of scent. The EDP can feel pretty casual and has that beachy sort of vibe to it. That’s more of a daytime wear, while Divine Le Parfum can fit in day or night, a bit better.

Edge: Le Parfum

Overall Scent

Overall, which Gaultier Divine perfume do I enjoy more?

This is a tough call for me, since I really do like each of these scents. As far as mass appealing perfumes go, these are both unique enough from the field and have great performance.

It’s actually closer than it looks based on how the categories each played out.

With Divine EDP, I like the kind of salty watermelon aroma that I get in the beginning and that meringue actually works well on my skin. The florals and musk are nice enough when they begin to come out more in the mid of this perfume.

I lean more towards Le Parfum with how it smells. I like the amber and benzoin combination in the dry down. Furthermore, the extra performance that I can get from this perfume and the versatility, really solidifies my pick between them.

That being said, it might be a good idea to try either of these before you buy, if you’re someone unfamiliar. I think they’re pretty safe blind buys, but there does seem to be somewhat sizeable contingent of people who don’t like these formulations.

Winner: Le Parfum

By the Fireplace by Maison Margiela

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By the Fireplace has become a crowd favorite and best seller from the Replica line of perfumes from Maison Margiela. It was released back in 2015 and has grown in reputation since then.

I bought a full bottle last winter and am only now remembering that I needed to write a review. Here it is. How does this Replica fragrance smell? How long does it last? Is it worth a try?

What does By the Fireplace Smell Like?

Notes include: pink pepper, orange blossom, cloves, guaiac wood, chestnut, juniper, Peru balsam, vanilla, cashmeran

Click here to try: By the Fireplace

My Full Review

By the Fireplace begins with a mix of spiciness and sweetness right from the start. The spice is more prominent early on, with the pink pepper and clove really coming through strong.

Though, that will definitely moderate as it moves forward. The other obvious accord here is from the smokiness of this perfume.

The sweet roasted chestnut, guaiac wood and juniper round things out in the opening act. The Margiela fragrance lives up to its name and theme.

It’s a warm, sweet, and dry fragrance on the whole. With it’s smokiness and spiciness playing a bigger role early on. I also get some orange blossom, on my skin. However, it tends to get overshadowed by the more dominant and attention grabbing notes.

The spice will begin to fade and the warmth and sweetness will move more into focus. The chestnut is still the main attraction, but we get further woodiness, balsamic aspects, and the vanilla also steps forward.

That’s what it’s going to be basically the rest of the way a sweetish and still slightly smoky mix of chestnut and vanilla with dry woods and an amber sort of undertone to it all.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this isn’t a massive projector but it is a heavier feeling fragrance. The smokiness really envelops you and it has a pretty far reach for the first hour or so.

But, it will quickly settle into something moderate. The Margiela perfume is above average in this aspect, but only slightly so. Nothing disappointing, it’s just not a monster with it’s power.

The longevity here is pretty good, nothing spectacular. I get 7-8 or up to 9 hours of wear from By the Fireplace. Honestly, its enough for most purposes, it’s just not one that is going to approach that 10+ hour range of wear.

Seasonally, this Maison Margiela scent is built for autumn and winter. Cold days and nights, as the name would suggest. Outside of that, you can safely skip this one.

It’s also very unisex, so, while it may not appeal to everyone, anyone could wear By the Fireplace without issue in that regard.

This is more of a casual scent or one that you can wear out on a cold evening. Fireplace isn’t a formal type of fragrance, maybe skip wearing it too work. Though, I could see it working for some people.

For the most part, By the Fireplace isn’t going to be the majority of people’s main scent, more like something for the rotation that you break out for stretches of time.

Overall Impressions of By the Fireplace

Overall, do I like this scent? Yep, it’s another fragrance that I love for the wintertime. In fact, I was wearing my sprays from my bottle for many evenings this past winter. By the Fireplace is such an enjoyable fragrance for me.

It may be somewhat limited in its use case, so, it isn’t going to be a fragrance that everybody needs a bottle of. Not only due to seasonality, but the smokiness isn’t a feature which will have total appeal.

Though, the chestnut and vanilla really do a fine job at giving this one a great sweetness to wear around on colder days and nights.

That smoke and spice can be somewhat intense, but the fragrance that remains is very pleasant and easy to wear.

It’s not something that I always reach for, but By the Fireplace is a nice perfume with an interesting theme, that’s worth checking out.

Angels’ Share vs. Paradis by Kilian

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Angels’ Share has become one of the most popular fragrances in the world since Kilian released it. Now, they follow it up with a proper flanker perfume, Angels’ Share Paradis.

I recently bought a decant of Paradis and have been testing it out. How do these two perfumes compare? Which lasts longer? Which Kilian Angels’ Share is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Angels’ Share vs. Angels’ Share Paradis

Angels’ Share

Notes include: cognac, tonka bean, oak wood, cinnamon, praline, vanilla, sandalwood

Click here to try: Angels’ Share at Sephora

Read my review: Angels’ Share by Kilian

Angels’ Share Paradis

Notes include: raspberry liquor, cognac, praline, tonka bean, Bulgarian rose, moss, oak, sandalwood

Click here to try: Paradis

Opening

Angels’ Share starts of with its signature cognac, oak, and its tonka bean note. The cognac has an apple-like sweetness to it, which is fantastic.

The sweetness is enhanced by the inclusion of vanilla and praline. Which all plays well off of the spicy punch of the cinnamon note.

It’s a great mix of boozy, sweet, and spicy. Very warm with its aroma and has a baked good sort of undercurrent to the cognac-led mix.

Paradis opens up with a seemingly even boozier profile than the original and with a prominent raspberry note replacing the cinnamon and the apple sort of aroma that Angels’ Share brings to the table or at least most of it.

Also, it’s got some oakmoss hanging around early on, adding a slight freshness to the mix.

To me, the opening smells of Paradis like the latter stages of the original but with raspberry and some moss. The tonka bean note seems amped up versus what I get from my bottle of Angels’ Share.

But, other than that, these two are still quite similar. There are periods where Paradis seems even sweeter to my nose versus the original.

Which is better?

While I like what Paradis is bringing to the table, the original’s cinnamon spice and warm apple-like aroma is preferable to me versus the raspberry liquor and moss additions.

Edge: Angels’ Share

Projection

Both of these have a strong projecting start without being too heavy. Then, each of these Kilian perfumes will moderate, while still be noticeable throughout.

After having worn Paradis a few more times, I really don’t notice a difference between it and the original in terms of performance.

Edge: Push

Longevity

With Angels’ Share, I get 9-13 hours of wear on my skin. It’s not a complete powerhouse throughout, but I for sure get a good and long time with this Kilian perfume whenever I wear it.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Another place where they each occupy the same level. Both of these are still built for autumn and wintertime.

Even though, Paradis is it bit fresher with how it comes across, at times, it doesn’t lighten things enough for it to be a wear into the hotter months.

Each of these are also unisex fragrances, that lean more towards being traditionally feminine with how they can come across.

They’re mass appealing boozy fragrances. Neither has a leg up here.

Edge: Push

angels review

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these do I prefer?

These are two perfumes with a ton of overlap, as you might expect. But, some brands do like to create flankers that are wildly different. These, are somewhat different.

Praline, tonka bean, oak, cognac, and sandalwood are all the common notes here. The weightings are different namely the cognac being joined by raspberry liquor, the increase in tonka bean, and the moss and light Bulgarian Rose in the middle to dry down period.

With Angels’ Share Paradis, the introduction of the raspberry liquor note is enjoyable. Maybe not quite as good as I was hoping that it’d be before trying it out. However, I do like this perfume.

The spiciness of the cinnamon isn’t there, which I really like in the original. The oakmoss and rose do give it some distinct development, but those aren’t my favorite notes and so I’m not overwhelmed with the result.

Still, I’m going with the original. I just like the fragrance more, it’s cheaper, and I don’t think there’s enough distinction here for me to own both.

If you want a formula that’s a tad more focused without the same apple pie opening, you like the slight freshness in the middle and a good amount of oak in the dry down; you might consider Paradis.

It’s one that I’d try to test out before paying that price, but I don’t think you’d be too disappointed if you liked the original. Though, you may not really see a need for it either.

Winner: Angels’ Share