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!

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

Le Male Elixir vs Absolu

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Le Male Elixir has been a smashing success for JPG since its release a few years ago. Now, in 2025, they’ve brought to market a flanker cologne of that flanker: Le Male Elixir Absolu. I bought a bottle of Absolu and have been testing it out and comparing it to my bottle of Elixir.

Which Gaultier fragrance smells better? Which of these scents lasts longer? Between them, which is the best to buy?

Tale of the Tape: Le Male Elixir vs Absolu

Notes include: mint, honey, lavender, tonka bean, benzoin, tobacco, vanilla

Click here to try: Le Male Elixir

Read my full review: Elixir

Elixir Absolu

Notes include: lavender, tonka bean, plum

Click here to try: Le Male Elixir Absolu

Opening

Elixir begins with its mint note out in front, giving it a cooling and fresh spiciness. This is joined by the usual Le Male lavender note, that’s not as much of a stand out in the opening act.

The other major factor early is going to be from the tonka bean. Elixir also has a vanilla note, it just gets stronger as the wear moves forward. Tonka is sweet and syrupy when paired with the honey note and the fuzziness of the benzoin.

Elixir Absolu ditches the mint note. Instead you get a good deal of that lavender, with some warmer spice, and a new addition of plum. To me, the plum actually isn’t too heavy in the start. It’s also 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.

Lavender is a stronger focus with Le Male Elixir Absolu. There might be some iris in here or it’s just how the lavender and tonka bean are coming across.

Which is better? The opening act of Absolu isn’t particularly interesting to me. I like it somewhat, but I still think that Elixir does a better job. It’s much bolder with its notes, but it works better to me.

Edge: Elixir

Projection

So, in terms of how each of these projects. They are both absolute beasts with their reach. At least for mainstream designer scents. My older bottle of Ultra Male still goes even further, but these are a notch below that.

Elixir feels like the heavier and more cloying scent, with its prominent honey and tobacco notes. But, as far as how each projects, there’s no difference that I can tell.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Le Male Elixir was always a very good performer with how long it lasts. It will keep going on for between 9-10.5 hours, on my skin.

How does Elixir Absolu stack up? While it doesn’t surpass the original Elixir, it once again matches it, 9-10.5 hours.

The scent itself has changed, but they both are stick around for the long haul. No real difference here.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Here, I think the newer release has a slight edge. It’s not as thick and heavy as Elixir can feel at times, way less ability to be completely cloying.

Again, it still projects well, but I think Absolu can venture a bit further into springtime than its predecessor. Still, both of these are good for autumn and winter, just Absolu holds up better when it’s somewhat warm out.

Still, wouldn’t wear this in the high heat, though.

Both of these still skew younger, but Absolu doesn’t have that same level of heavy syrup and loud sweetness that Elixir can feel like. So, it can probably be worn by a wider range of guys.

Still, these are both more casual fragrances rather than either being a formal or office wear kind of cologne. I do think Absolu takes this category, though.

Edge: Elixir Absolu

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Elixir fragrances do I prefer? I don’t think either of these is a perfect scent, but the new Elixir Absolu has won me over thus far.

The dry down is where I really start to enjoy Absolu, it’s mix of light plum, tonka bean, vanilla, lavender, and maybe some iris?

The opening favors the original. Absolu isn’t that great at the start, but I do think the middle and later stages really knock it out of the park. There’s just something in the beginning that’s not clicking for me.

Now, you can also tell that it’s much like the original Elixir, just that honey/benzoin/tobacco combination are toned way down or like the mint note, not really existent.

The plum is also well blended into the mix. I was worried it be a super potent and tart note like in 1 Million Lucky, but it’s not at all. This is a sweet floral cologne with fruity highlights.

Elixir Absolu isn’t a complete overhaul of Le Male Elixir, but it creates enough separation between these two to not only be different, but better.

With Elixir, I enjoyed it when it came out and still like it, but have lost some interest in wearing it. There are times when the sweetness is too much, too thick with that honey note. I think JPG came through with a nice remix of the formulation.

The opening act of Absolu, isn’t my favorite. Still kind of a mess. Some kind of warm spice in there, taking the mint’s place. Smells like cumin to me.

But, if I had to buy only one of them, I’d get the newer release. If you already own the first one, try this Elixir Absolu out, when you can. But, I don’t think it’s a situation where you’d need or want both.

Winner: Le Male Elixir Absolu

Bad Boy Extreme by Carolina Herrera

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Bad Boy Extreme was released as a flanker back in 2022. I wasn’t too interested in the fragrance at the time, but I recently received a sample of this Carolina Herrera scent, as a part of another order. So, I’ve tested out.

How does this Bad Boy cologne smell? How long does it last? Is it worth a buy?

Bad Boy Extreme Overview

Notes include: cacao, bergamot, ginger, patchouli, tonka bean, clary sage, plum, vetiver, incense, davana, labdanum

Click here to try: Bad Boy Extreme

My Full Review

Bad Boy Extreme starts off with sweet and warm spicy mix, but with more aromatic touches at the start. The ginger is particularly present on my skin, as is the cacao early.

Along with these two, the sage is the next most noticeable and some tart aroma coming from a light plum note. The sage and ginger are pretty central to how this cologne begins.

Yet, it still has that spice and ambery warmth which keeps it masculine and more interesting to my nose. Once that first wave begins to fade, the patchouli and vetiver create an earthier undertone.

Also, here’s where I start to notice more of the incense smokiness. Still, that’s a fairly subtle touch for me.

It’s at its most aromatic, in the early stages. Later, it will still be spicy and sweet, but the profile will have changed from that. Cacao with patchouli and some vetiver, a general spice, and some warm amber sort of aroma.

The ginger and plum evaporates for me.  The sweetness is more about the cacao and tonka bean, much like in the original Bad Boy. The labdanum holds it all together and those three notes are basically what it smells like for the rest of the way.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This is a fairly heavy scent but, it’s got enough freshness not to get bogged down. If I compare it to something like Le Male Elixir, this one doesn’t have the same level of sillage and projection.

Though, it is a strong fragrance that you will for sure notice. It moderates after an hour or two, but I wouldn’t worry about the power here.

Extreme is the best Bad Boy fragrance in terms of performance, that I’ve come across thus far. On my skin, it will last for more than 10 hours. Maybe it’ll hit 11 or so before evaporating completely.

Seasonally, this is an autumn and winter wear. I wouldn’t venture too far into springtime with this scent. Though, since it is more of a nighttime wear, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem so long as the heat and humidity isn’t that high.

It’s still a fragrance that trends toward a younger crowd. It is more casual and not really a work scent or something to wear for formal occasions. Going out, just hanging around, maybe a daily wear if you’re college age.

Overall Impression of Bad Boy Extreme

Overall, do I like this Carolina Herrera cologne? I like it for a Bad Boy release. I’m not a massive fan of this line, most of the scents are okay to me, and nothing more. Extreme, is one of the better releases, and maybe the best of the lot.

Extreme is better than Cobalt and one that more people would go for versus Le Parfum.

I like the greater depth that it has versus the original and I think this mix of notes actually works well enough and gives it some extra power.

The opening is a showcase for how much this scent has going on. The ginger and sage, which give way to the patchouli and vetiver, which finishes with the cacao, tonka bean, and labdanum.

That’s when you get the sweetness with the remaining woodsy aroma and touches of spice.

If you enjoy the Bad Boy line from Carolina Herrera, you’ll almost certainly like this one. It’s closer to the original in the dry down, is unique earlier on, and has much better performance.

If you want a spicier chocolate sort of cologne, this can fit the bill. Though, while it smells good, it’s probably not going to be a fit for everyone. If it sounds like something you’d like, give it a try.