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!

12 Perfumes Similar to Burberry Her

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Burberry Her has become a popular ladies’ fragrance in its own right, as well as smelling quite a bit like some other best sellers. Because of this, people will often be searching for perfumes with a similar style or come close to duplicating the aroma at a cheaper price.

Well, on this page I am going to present options like Her and continually update it as I find more. I’m going to mix in some of each type from the one’s that try to mimic the same style to those that just have overlap and do their own thing.

Alternatives that Smell Like the Burberry Her Perfumes

her edp vs edt

Cloud Connection

Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum Spray, clear, 3.4 oz– Cloud often gets compared to Burberry Her and there is plenty of overlap. But, they for sure aren’t the same as one another. I wrote a comparison of them, here: Her vs. Cloud

The main difference comes with the intense and fairly sour fruits that the Burberry brings early on, especially.

Meanwhile, Cloud is lighter with its pear and lavender combination. Plus, it has a creamier and muskier finish than does Burberry Her.

I think the Ariana Grande perfume is the better of the two. Unless, you’re just a huge fan of those loud fruit notes. Cloud Full Review

Kurkdjian Creation

Baccarat Rouge 540-This is another scent that is often associated with Burberry Her as a being similar. But, Baccarat is pretty different and of a higher quality than our target.

BR 540 kicks off with a jasmine and saffron combination, instead of the strawberries and citrus of Burberry Her. Once again, the dry down is where these two are the closest.

That’s when the jasmine, wood, musk, and amber notes really come out in both. Her is a lighter fragrance than is BR 540 and also has a more playful/youthful sort of smell.

If you want a high end alternative, the Francis Kurkdjian is the way to go. Oh, he also designed both of these perfumes.

Inspired by Her

Nebula by Oakcha– Prior to this update, I hadn’t found an ‘inspired by’ perfume that could near match what you get with Burberry Her. Mostly fragrances that are very similar, while having differences.

But, Oakcha has since put out their take on the Burberry Her formula, called Nebula. The tope notes are a series of the same types of berries and cherries.

The rest of the notes are all there, as well. Just a matter of getting the weightings correct and you have a cheaper alternative.

Now, I have yet to try this one out. So, I cannot speak to the results. However, Oakcha has a good reputation, and the price is competitive enough to make it worth adding to the list.

Elixir Alternative

Rave Now by Lattafa– Here’s a cheapie that’s not too complicated, but delivers good value and a close proximity to what we’re looking for. Actually, it kind of leans more towards Her Elixir, but also has Her EDP vibes too.

The berry notes here are strong, led by a strawberry, which seems to handle to bulk of things. The marshmallow lends a powdery aroma in Rave Now, while not being super heavy.

There’s some citrus in the opening, vanilla in the dry down, and a freshness throughout. Mostly, it’s berries on top floral notes, mostly jasmine.

Not the most amazing scent out there, but for the price, it’s worth a shot.

Better Option That’s Similar

Wild Rose from Coach– Wild Rose is a 2022 release from Coach and it has a very similar smell and style to many other popular fragrances out there. The main one is Burberry Her. But, throw in Delina and BR 540, as well.

Up top, you get a bergamot citrus and red currant blend. It gives you that same sort of fruity pop that comes with the Burberry, but it isn’t a sharp or loud. The soft floral touches, mainly rose early is like what you get with Delina, just much less of that rose.

As you dry down, that’s when it shifts more towards being like Her or BR 540. Ambroxan and moss come in and the fruitiness is more balanced with the floral notes. At this point, I get more of a jasmine.

Overall, this smells better than Burberry Her, in my mind. The performance is good and Wild Rose is around the same price point. Wild Rose by Coach Review

wild rose review

Denser London Dream

Twilly d’Hermes Eau Ginger– Burberry Her London Dream is another newer flanker in the series, that doesn’t have very much in common with the original.

But, it does have peony and ginger notes which give it a somewhat close relation to this entry from Hermes.

Twilly Eau Ginger is warmer, with a sugary sweetness, and a denser spice than that found in London Dream. But, this one actually does remain fresh throughout the wear and isn’t that heavy.

London Dream is one you’d want if you want something less sweet and more floral centered, but this can be a great designer alternative for those who want more of that ginger punch. Twilly d’Hermes Eau Ginger review

Sol de Janeiro

Cheirosa 68 Body Spray– This is kind of an odd one, that somehow has a resemblance to BR 540 and Burberry Her, but not entirely…and also is a body spray. So, performance isn’t going to be great with this one.

BUT, it still is rather nice, especially for the price point. It gives you a sweetness that is akin to Burberry Her, but also more tropical with dragon fruit and litchi leading the way.

While also, giving you a musky/aquatic base to work from that can also have that metallic-like aroma that you sometimes pick up with BR 540.

So, this one does lean more in the direction of our Burberry target, though. Plus, it doesn’t have the depth of the MFK or Burberry, but it can be a nice cheapie pick up. 

Similar Fruity Floral

Kate Spade New York– So, this isn’t the same or one that is going to be another example with a similar style to BR 540.

But the fruitiness and floral notes, give another option to those who like that sweetness in Burberry Her taken in a somewhat different direction. This is sort of like Burberry Her EDT maybe more so than the original.

Both of the fragrances have a prominent strawberry note and a rose floating around. Kate Spade New York also starts out tart, with its citrus notes, but less so than the black currant of the Burberry.

Cashmere and ambroxan in the base. There is a bit of creamy finish here. The citrus and strawberry notes really are delightful here and not nearly as sharp as in the Burberry. The floral notes are light and it’s actually more woody than it ever is floral.

Rose essence and freesia are the flower aromas, but not the main attraction. The early stages have more floral highlights. 

It’s kind of a youthful and energetic scent, so if you want something ‘serious’ or formal, this won’t be the one. The longevity is good, even in its lighter state, around a full work day.

Close in Style, Better in Smell

Beyond Romance from Ralph Lauren– Ralph Lauren’s Beyond Romance is another one that has a similar style to Burberry Her. It’s for sure different, but I honestly think that it is a much better perfume overall.

Raspberry and citrus notes are present at the top, with the raspberry being the strongest of the trio, which also consists of bergamot and mandarin. It’s fruity and sugary, less sharp than the Burberry fragrance.

With those fruity notes, you get black vanilla and cashmere. At times, the aroma comes across somewhat like a powdery sugar/marshmallow combination. Then, it’s more of the musk and cashmeran supporting the vanilla, with the raspberry just being a fainter impression.

This one doesn’t go down that Baccarat Rouge route with how it smells, it’s more like the first half of Burberry Her with similarities throughout. Beyond Romance Review

Fun Fruity Tropics

VIP Private Show by Britney Spears Eau de Parfum Spray 100ml– VIP Private Show is a good option for those who want the fruitiness of a Burberry Her aroma, with a slight tropical twist. It too gives you the raspberry, orange, violet, musk, amber, and woods.

But, the top fruity notes also give you some light apple and a delicious mango note. It’s sugary fruity sweet, with touches of powder, floral aspects, and the musky latter stages.

VIP Private Show gives you the same fun personality, perhaps not as sharp, but an experience that occupies the same sort of space as Her. Performance is solid and this was one of my favorite Britney perfumes, when I tested them out. VIP Private Show Review

 

Sour Candy, Floral Finish

Circus Fantasy– Circus Fantasy is another Britney Spears perfume that can simulate aspects of Burberry Her, while also not exactly duplicating. Sour candy raspberry up top with a sugary apricot hanging around the edges.

It does have that same sort of sharp opening act that the Burberry does, so, if you enjoy that part of our target…this can deliver.

Very girly with a nice floral middle and dry down. The violet note is probably stronger than the one in the Burberry. It gets paired with peony, when the initial notes are being toned down into more of a general sweetness rather than sour candies.

It’s like part original Fantasy by Britney, Burberry Her, and its own thing completely. 

The Bond Option

Greenwich Village by Bond No. 9– Greenwich Village is a great release from Bond and one of the best that they’ve put out over the past few years.

This one starts out with a fresh fruitiness, with a somewhat tropical aroma. Lychee and mandarin orange with a bit of watery/aquatic feeling from the waterlily note. Cassis is also present up top. It’s both fresh and sweet.

The dry down gets warmer with praline, vanilla, and musk. The latter stages give you a nice creamy gourmand perfume.

Greenwich Village has a sugary vibe to it at times, but also a floral heart and a really fresh kind of scent…all at the same time. Very interesting, nice performance, but not super powerful.

 

9 Best Louis Vuitton Perfumes for Women

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Louis Vuitton very quickly went from having no modern fragrance releases to its name, to churning out a ton over the past five years. Some of which, are already being discontinued by the luxury fashion giant.

With so many releases, they can’t all be homeruns, and it can be difficult to cut through and find the one which works for you. So, I figured that I’d help out with the process, by presenting my list of the top scents for ladies by Louis Vuitton.

Favorite Louis Vuitton Fragrances for Ladies

Note: If you want some more options, here is my LV men’s list (some of which are quite unisex).

Best Summer Fragrance

Cactus Garden– Cactus Garden is a fairly unique summertime wear, led by lemongrass. That naturalistic aroma is paired with a fresh bergamot citrus and mate note, which gives this Louis V scent an herbal tea sort of aroma.

The scent is particularly bright and energetic at first with the bergamot. Though, when it dries down you get a much colder and refreshing vibe coming through. That’s most of the wear, it’s a very simple blend that brings so much to the table within its limited confines.

Cactus Garden is perfectly unisex, awesome in warmer weather, and balanced enough for daily wear.  Read my Cactus Garden Review

Update: This is now discontinued, unfortunately. Dua does have their inspired by perfume, called: Garden of Thorns. If you need an alternative option.

Lovely Peony Perfume with Cocoa

Attrape-Rêves– This one is a fruity/floral/patchouli fragrance, that is fairly commonplace these days. It translates to dreamcatcher, but I don’t really make the dream-like quality with this scent…but it does smell attractive.

However, Attrape-Rêves is a really good example and quite pretty to wear. Litchi and bergamot lead the fruity side of things and open up with a fresh ginger note.

Peony is at the floral heart, along with some Bulgarian Rose. What really separates this one is its inclusion of cocoa, as a note that pairs nicely with the patchouli note. Even with that, it doesn’t make this one a heavy sort of fragrance, and it maintains a freshness.

Ultimately, it’s a sweet fruit-chouli fragrance, with a soft cocoa coming through for the duration of the wear. Nice balance and versatile to boot. My Full Review

Vanilla Scent for Winter and Beyond

Contre Moi– Contre Moi uses a blend of vanilla and cocoa, to create a creamy, yet not sugary aroma. The vanilla really has the upper hand here and is joined by orange flower and some light citrus notes.

The vanilla note gives you a nice touch of smokiness, with the middle act becoming much more about the floral ingredients. Orange flower, magnolia, and a hint of rose. Though, the latter is pretty faint inside this composition.

All of that comes together, on top of a base of warm ambrette. Contre Moi is a very soft scent, so, while it is a beautiful aroma…the performance is lacking somewhat. Contre Moi Review

Easy Going Pear and White Floral

Cœur Battant- This one kicks off with a wonderful and juicy smelling pear note. It absolutely shines and I can already smell the ambrette wafting up from the base, at the very early stages. 

Add to that, the patchouli comes through early, as well. In fact, you would think you’re getting something quite similar to Attrape-Rêves. But, the patchouli and pear notes do settle, and this becomes a great white floral with a juicy aura.

Jasmine is the strongest of the floral notes at first, but the perfume becomes much more balanced with narcissus and ylang-ylang. It has a nice sweetness and the floral notes don’t ever come across as too heavy nor green. Read my Full Review

Hear the Music

Symphony– This one is a part of the extraits line of fragrances that Louis started up some years back now.

It’s the very fresh citrus note style that they’ve used in some other scents, but just with a more narrow focus. A very realistic grapefruit note is the centerpiece and is supported by bergamot, orange, and a dash of spicy ginger.

There’s more here than that, maybe some extra spice or something else in the base, but I’m not entirely sure what. It’s slightly sweet too, but some of that comes from the ginger. 

Yes, it’s zesty and potent at times, but once Symphony settles it does hang in the air beautifully.

Anyway, this is a great perfume. Not my favorite, but very nice. Do note that this is even more expensive than the regular fragrances in the LV lineup…just so you don’t get sticker shock. Melody by Dua, is an alternative.

Sunny Mandarin and White Floral

Le Jour se Lève–  “The day begins”. It opens up with a great mandarin orange note, that is flanked by a surprisingly light and unobtrusive black currant. This is a citrus floral scent, but one that is naturalistic and much more like walking through a garden or orchid. 

The floral heart supports the prevalent citrus aroma of the mandarin. The jasmine is the strongest player, but there is some significant peony, and the underlying muskiness. It’s got some greenish qualities, but Le Jour is mostly about that white floral accord in the dry down.

Another solid option for the late spring and into the summer months. Fresh, zesty, and easy to wear. 

The Other Great Summer Wear

Afternoon Swim– I included Afternoon Swim on my men’s list for Louis Vuitton. But, it’s a unisex scent, and very appealing. I wanted to be sure to include Cactus Garden for this one, though, Afternoon Swim can absolutely provide a great experience.

It is (mostly) all about the citrus with this one. The return of the mandarin orange, another type of orange, and appealing bergamot blended for a delicious summertime perfume. The ginger note really helps to give this one some dynamism and move away from just being a bunch of fruit.

Very juicy, like walking by the pool during the hottest days of the year, with a drink in hand. Also, it sits on a pool of ambergris, giving it a somewhat similar impression to Millesime Imperial. Read my full review: Afternoon Swim

Top New LV Release

City of Stars– City of Stars is another fragrance made for the spring and summer months, that is up there with Afternoon Swim and Cactus Garden, in terms of its quality.

This is a more floral beachy citrus. Tiare flower is the floral heart of this perfume. It has creamy sandalwood, powdery touches, and a muskiness in the base. But, the powder, musk, and creaminess are all pretty balanced throughout.

The lime is the strongest of the citrus notes. Blood orange, bergamot, and lemon also make an appearance. If you like the style of something along the lines of Soleil Blanc or Creed’s VIW, this is one that strikes that sort of tone.

A nice alternative to the colder and fresher vibes of the other LV summer picks on the list. City of Stars Review

city of s

Beach Time

On the Beach– As far as the summer scents go, I do like Cactus Garden and Afternoon Swim more than this entry. However, On the Beach also ranks among the best, better than the more recent Pacific Chill. 

On the Beach, is highlighted by yuzu citrus, neroli, and some light herbal spice. Thyme, pink pepper, and rosemary are around early.

But, those are role players. The yuzu and neroli are really joined by a cypress note, giving this a great woody freshness throughout. The cypress and neroli will be the main focus throughout, but it is given its ‘beachy’ aroma with the inclusion of a sand note.

Yep, it really does have an sand-like smell. Not overwhelming, but it’s a cool addition to the blend. On the Beach Review

on the beach review

12 Fragrances Similar to La Vie est Belle

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La Vie Est Belle has been a smash hit for Lancôme, since its release last decade. It beautiful use of sweet notes, patchouli, and floral highlights is a really well loved blend. With such popularity, women will obviously be looking for similar smelling alternatives or comparative scents.

For this post, I want to cover some of the best perfume options which can fit the bill. I’ve chosen fragrances that try their best to match what La Vie est Belle brings to the table, while others are scents that have overlap without trying to be exactly the same.

Alternative Perfumes to La Vie est Belle

soleil cristal review

A Royal Life

Queen of Life by La Rive– Not necessarily the best option, but it’s the cheapest one to strike a close pose to La Vie Est Belle. La Rive usually does a pretty good job with their fragrances and this one is no exception.

Queen of Life sells in the $15-20 range, while providing a sweet and powdery aroma with notes that pretty much line up with the Lancome. This one, is however, less powdery overall. Plus, it lacks some of the later depth and lasting power of La Vie.

But, if you simply can’t spend anymore money than this, Queen of Life will mostly do the trick. Not a one to one match, just getting the major beats correct.

Gourmand Inspiration

Gourmand Orange Blossom by Dossier– This one from Dossier and Bella Vita below, are going to be the closest thing to La Vie Est Belle in terms of smell. Not too much of an increase in price versus the La Rive above, but better matches for sure.

This actually lacks the pear note of La Vie and adds a hazelnut to the blend. Not a big deal, not too noticeable, just a slight difference. But, you’re going to get solid performance on the level of Lancome and something that is an ‘inspired’ version of our target.

At $29 currently, for a full bottle, this Dossier isn’t going to break the bank in order to get a well-rounded and similar smelling perfume to La Vie.

Bella

Bella VIta by ALT Fragrances– At about the same price as the Dossier, ALT Fragrances produces some very wonderful inspired versions of popular designer wears.

This one actually does have the pear note, a sugary touch, and basically the same sort of structure as La Vie Est Belle. The weightings of the notes may be slightly different, but based on the reviews, Bella Vita really hits the mark.

I haven’t personally tried this one out, but I have tested some other ALT Fragrances, and found them to be worthwhile. Another inexpensive choice if you want something that tries to be nearly the same.

Oui Belle

Hey Beautiful! by the Dua Brand– So, this actually takes after the flanker Oui La Vie Est Belle that Lancome came out with in 2022. Very similar to the original, but quite a bit sweeter in how it presents.

Raspberry and generic sweet notes are all over this scent. But, the pink pepper spice lingers underneath, with patchouli, and the usual floral combo of iris and rose.

But, even though this has a sweeter aspect to it, the Oui La Vie Est Belle flanker was actually lighter and fresher than the original. A nice pickup for the spring and summer months.

I haven’t tried out this Dua version, but it could be a great one to try out for someone who wants certain aspects of the La Vie DNA ramped up.

Like L’Extrait

Life is Beautiful by Dua– Dua strikes again with their interpretation of the formula for La Vie est Belle L’Extrait, which came out in 2023.

This is a much different take on the La Vie est Belle line. Oud, iris, incense, rose, and amber are the main notes for this one. It’s bold and warm.  Plus, built more for the colder months of the year (but it can venture into other seasons too).

Spicy, floral, smoky, and decidedly different from the original best seller. Yet, still retains a sweetness and some vaguely familiar aspects. Life is Beautiful is a less expensive option for those who want to venture into a newer territory, without breaking the bank.

The Other Popular Fragrance

Flowerbomb– Flowerbomb is one popular option that gets compared to La Vie est Belle a lot. They are indeed quite similar in their compositions. However, Flowerbomb has a spicier and earthier profile, than does the Lancome.

Flowerbomb features a much more prevalent patchouli note. It also doesn’t have the black currant and vanilla blend. What Flowerbomb does feature, is lotus, rose, and jasmine flanking that earthier smell.

Many will already be familiar with this Viktor & Rolf scent, but it’s a good choice for those who want a floral and spicier option.

flowerbomb review

Another Impression

Blessed by Oakcha– Here’s another inspired alternative from a brand that has some really good skills at matching the vibes of a fragrance.

Blessed is their take on the original La Vie Est Belle. Black currant, iris, jasmine, vanilla, and the rest of the gang are all here.

The price is about the same as some of the other options on the list, but they also have a ton of other designer inspired perfumes to choose from, as well.

An Inexpensive, but Inexact Substitute

Her Secret Temptation by Antonio Banderas– This perfume from Antonio Banderas is a nice inexpensive alternative to La Vie est Belle. It has a nice fruity and sweet top, with floral undertones.

You get spice from pink pepper and patchouli, with peach/citrus brightness from the opening act.

This one becomes much more floral, as it dries down. The spiciness fades somewhat, and you’re left with: rose, iris, and some jasmine. Is it an exact match? No, but it has enough similarities to make it a fine substitute, while having a distinct flair all its own.

Sweet Blend of Love

Love by Sofia Vergara– Sweet with less floral and spiciness. In fact, you won’t be getting any patchouli or pink pepper with this one. However, it does feature praline, vanilla, lotus in spades…which let’s it have a similar vibe to La Vie est Belle.

So, you’re getting an inexpensive sweet perfume, that’s a good option for those who might not be too fond of the earthiness or spiciness in the other options on this list.

With included notes of coffee, this can come across as having a candy-like vibe, in the opening. Sort of a mix between Black Opium and La Vie est Belle.

Fruity Spicy Floral

Live Irresitible– Live Irresistible is quite spicy upon opening. It has plenty of overlap with our Lancome target, but as I found in my review, the start is trying to do too much. It is citrus, pineapple, rose, pink pepper, and praline.

When it moves further along, this Givenchy perfume, does get better. The notes begin to settle, you get warm amber and the spice of patchouli and pink pepper.

This is joined by the sweetness of the praline, which allows Live Irresistible to have a baked goods like aroma. It’s not my favorite perfume, but it does offer another take, on this kind of fragrance formula.

Sweeter Hanae

Hanae Mori Hanae Eau de Parfum spray, 3.4 Ounce– Hanae by Hanae Mori is closer to Flowerbomb, but I thought that I’d include it on this list, as well. Seeing as there is so much overlap, between these scents.

Hanae Mori EDP is sweeter than the Viktor & Rolf, with its use of strawberries and other fruits. With its plentiful use of vanilla, it gets closer to La Vie Est Belle and also has that great (though lighter), black currant tartness.

Berry Sweetness, Similar Smell

Katy Perry Killer Queen Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Ounce–You get a sweet gourmet top, with praline and fruits, mostly its berries. However, there is a light citrus aroma at the start, from bergamot.

While this is another sweet scent, Killer Queen, adds in a solid bit of patchouli to rough things up a bit.

It is similar to Flowerbomb and La Vie. Killer Queen from Katy Perry sort of straddles the line between these fragrances, while being available for super cheap. It’s not the best alternative, but it can be nice pick up.

Sauvage Elixir vs Eau Forte

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Sauvage Eau Forte is the latest edition of the best selling Sauvage series from Dior. With any new release, it is obviously going to draw comparisons with what came before it. One of the more beloved options is Sauvage Elixir.

I have worn and tested out each of these fragrances fully and now want to compare them against one another in this post. How does each smell? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Sauvage Elixir vs. Eau Forte

Sauvage Elixir

Notes include: grapefruit, wood, lavender, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, patchouli, vetiver

Click here to try: Sauvage Elixir at Macy’s

Read my review: Sauvage Elixir

Sauvage Eau Forte

Notes include: elemi, spice, blanched lavender, wood, musk

Click here to try: Eau Forte from Sephora

Read my full review: Sauvage Eau Forte

Opening

Sauvage Elixir opens things up with a lot of spice. This Dior has a blast of cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In the top, there is a much lighter grapefruit versus the EDT version’s heavier use of citrus.

The next phase will have more of the lavender and some sweetness from licorice and amber. Sauvage Elixir is spicy, woody, with enough sweetness to change it up. Lots going on in the mix.

Eau Forte begins with a cold and fresh aroma. The elemi note is a mix of waxy and resinous that brings something a tad different to the table . There are spices, woods, and the impression of water from this alcohol free formula. It’s interesting.

The Sauvage lavender note is present and there is a good balance of the ingredients early on. The musk isn’t too much, the spice and cold are actually pretty wonderful.

Which do I prefer? I like how Eau Forte starts. It is much more approachable and less intense than is the powerhouse of Elixir.

Edge: Eau Forte

Projection

Elixir is a very strong fragrance, which projects itself to a wide radius. Now, it will obviously abate somewhat, but it is still going to be a powerful scent throughout most of the wear.

Eau Forte is in the lighter to moderate camp. Initially, it does have some punch, but this Sauvage is going to be more intimate than other editions in the line. It’s also not nearly as heavy of a sillage as Elixir.

It’s not a close match in this category.

Edge: Elixir

Longevity

Sauvage Elixir takes this category easily, as well. It lasts 12+ hours on my skin and is an absolute beast with how it performs.

Eau Forte doesn’t have a ton of power, in terms of projection, but the longevity is actually pretty good in that lighter state. For me, this version of Sauvage hangs around on skin for about 8 hours.

Still, not close enough to challenge Elixir.

Edge: Elixir

Versatility

Elixir isn’t a formal scent. It’s mostly one for autumn and winter. Evenings out or casually. Wearing it for work, you’ll probably want to go easy on the sprays.

In this category, I think Eau Forte is the more versatile of the two, as to when each can be worn.

I think Eau Forte has a more low key vibe that can fit in better for more formalized occasions. Even if it’s not a powerhouse, it’s not out of place in most situations.

That’s what can make it a better play for daily wear situations. It holds up well in almost any climate and doesn’t have that same in your face intensity that Elixir can.

Edge: Eau Forte

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Sauvage releases do I prefer?

Eau Forte isn’t a bad fragrance. I like the way that it starts things off and I like the transition into the middle notes. It’s got a nice, fresh aroma that makes it very enjoyable to wear.

Now, the back half of the wear isn’t as interesting. More about the lavender note and it doesn’t have too much in the way of an outstanding performance.

It was a release that had a lot of potential, delivering something somewhat different than the other Sauvage colognes, but doesn’t fully capitalize on that. Something I think that Elixir actually did.

But, as a daily wear or something along those lines, Eau Forte is a nice enough cologne, just not great.

Meanwhile, Elixir is bold and the most unique fragrance in the Sauvage line. It is a lot to deal with at times, in the beginning stages of wear. However, I think its depth and nuance use of notes later on are a main draw for me.

Eau Forte isn’t as good as what I get out of Sauvage Elixir. Especially, at the retail price. If Eau Forte comes down significantly when it hits the discounters, that might be a reason to pick it up. Otherwise, I’ll pass.

Winner: Sauvage Elixir

Givenchy Gentleman Society vs. Extreme

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Givenchy’s Gentleman line has spun off in a few directions is seems. Society is one of the newer iterations of these fragrances from the brand, which has now also spawned, Society Extreme.

I’ve tested out both of these scents numerous times and am now ready to do my full comparison between them. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is a better a buy for most people?

Tale of the Tape: Gentleman Society vs. Extreme

Gentleman Society

Notes include: sage, cardamom, daffodil, vetiver, sandalwood, cedar, vanilla

Click here to try: Gentleman Society

Read my review: Gentleman Society by Givenchy

Gentleman Society Extreme

Notes include: sage, peppermint, nutmeg, iced coffee, narcissus, iris, vetiver, cedar, sandalwood, vanilla

Click here to try: Gentleman Society Extreme

Opening

Gentleman Society starts off with a sweet, spicy, and seemingly nutty mix of notes. Sage is a strong note up top, with some cardamom also coming through. That’s the spice of the mix.

Not too spicy, but tempered by the vanilla note and daffodil, that has it shine in the early stages of the wear.

Meanwhile, Extreme starts off cold and with a fresh spiciness. The sage is still present, just not as strong as in the original. Here, we get a great peppermint note and some further nutmeg.

The nutmeg and peppermint go well with the newer coffee note and the vanilla. Yes, very much like an iced coffee. Yet, it isn’t too intense with that accord and still gives you the emerging woods and iris, in particular.

Which is better? I like Extreme a lot more than Gentleman Society. The iced coffee element and the stronger orris root give this one a balance and captivating aroma.

Still plenty of overlap, between them but the vanilla, sage, and daffodil are toned down with Extreme.

Edge: Extreme

Projection

Projection wise, each of these is above average in totality, with a strong start initially.

Society Extreme seems to hit a higher mark and maintain that power for longer. Neither is a super heavy scent, but they’ve each got a nice reach, and can create a good scent trail.

Gentleman Society isn’t weak and it isn’t too far behind Extreme, but there is a clear edge here for the flanker.

Edge: Extreme

Longevity

Both of these are great performers, with how long they last. Gentleman Society EDP lasts for 9 hours on my skin. Really, no complaints there.

Society Extreme does outdo the original, however. I get 10-11 hours of wear out of this newer flanker fragrance.

It’s not a massive difference and the two smell quite a bit alike in the dry down, but Extreme takes this category.

Edge: Extreme

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are better in colder to moderate temperatures. I wasn’t too enthusiastic about how either of them react in the heat. Outside of that, they wear quite well.

Either of them can be worn day or night, both as a daily wear or something that is good for nightlife.

I think the distinction is that Extreme feels like a more mature and balanced scent. Gentleman Society seems geared more towards men in their 20s, while Extreme has more refinement, even with that greater power.

Edge: Extreme

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two fragrances do I prefer?

Gentleman Society Extreme.

The original Society release was just fine. Had some elements that I grew to like, such as the opening act, but then was a bit too sweet and irritating at times.

In fact, I wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about trying out this newer release.

Surprisingly, I think Society Extreme is a very good fragrance. It’s one of the better mainstream designer releases, in my opinion.

The ‘iced coffee’ elements, even the peppermint, are really good together. The shift in focus away from cardamom and vanilla toward the coffee and iris just works.

In the end, the both have a woody and earthy finish, but Extreme is more substantial. Givenchy managed to produce one of favorites from this line, without me even caring much about the previous entry.

Winner: Gentleman Society Extreme