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!

4 Colognes that Smell Similar to YSL L’Homme

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L’Homme from Yves Saint Laurent has been a staple fragrance for over a decade at this point. It’s one that I’ve enjoyed plenty in the past, still have a bottle of, but who’s performance I’m not too enthusiastic about.

I’m not the only one. So, there are plenty of people looking for an alternative to this YSL scent, and this is my page where I’m going to keep track of all of the options.

What Fragrances Smell Like L’Homme by YSL?

Rendezvous by Dua Brand– The first option is an ‘inspired take on the L’Homme formula. This one is from the Dua brand, which uses the 2009 original formulation of YSL’s fragrance as its inspiration to draw from.

Bergamot, ginger, and ozonic notes start things off for that vintage YSL freshness. Before moving into the cedar, tonka bean, and violet leaf which really helped to set L’Homme apart. 

This one is pretty easy to enjoy, the price is right from Dua, and they do a great job at matching the vibe and aroma of the designer colognes they’re targeting. 

Woody Basil by Dossier– This is the Dossier version of the L’Homme formula, which comes in an eau de parfum concentration. 

I haven’t personally tried out Woody Basil, but I’ve experienced other Dossier scents and they usually do a good job at coming close to what they’re going for. Not that this is anything particularly complex.

I do wonder if they give more weight to the basil note in their formula versus the ginger. Otherwise, it looks like it’s very similar.

Homme Classique by Alexandria Perfumes– Alexandria provides the third inspired by alternative fragrance to our target cologne.

Alexandria is a bit more expensive than the first two, but the brand makes up for it with the quality and usually has a very good performance with that. 

Homme Classique seems to provide all of that with it’s mix of bergamot, ginger, and basil. With the creamy tonka bean, fresh woods, and violet leaf bringing it all together.

In any case, it’s another one to try, if the first two don’t give you what you need for whatever reason.

L’Homme Le Parfum– Le Parfum is a flanker of the original L’homme and is probably the best alternative from the line, if you want something that’s quite similar. Now, this is not the same.

Actually, it takes on aspects of past releases like Ultime and Libre, with how it smells. With a good bit of freshness, early on in the wear, before Le Parfum transitions into a sweeter fragrance.

Basil, cardamom, cedar, with a blue-ish aroma. Take that and blend it with the DNA of L’Homme EDT and you get Le Parfum. Which, also has much better performance than newer bottles of the original.  L’homme Le Parfum Review

Burberry Hero EDP vs. Parfum

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I wanted to close out my comparisons of the current fragrances offered from Burberry’s Hero line of men’s colognes with the EDP and Parfum versions. I’ve spent some time testing both of these out and now I want to break down what the differences and advantages of each of them are.

How do they smell? Which lasts longer? Which Hero fragrance is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Hero EDP vs. Parfum

Burberry Hero EDP

Notes include: pine needles, cedar, incense, benzoin, amber, olibanum

Click here to try: Burberry Hero EDP from Macy’s

My Full Review: Hero EDP

Hero Parfum

Notes include: cedar, amyris, cypriol oil

Click here to try: Hero Parfum by Burberry

Opening

The opening of Hero EDP is fresh, smokier, and surprisingly still has a sweetness to it. It stems from the olibanum, in this addition, which can give off a level of fruitiness to the aroma. Apparently, the grapefruit, found in the EDT version has been stripped out of it.

EDP has plenty of resinous amber influences here. The early stages are more of a fuzzy impression and resinous, with the olibanum and benzoin notes. Then, it becomes a cleaner, warmer, and more straightforward amber.

With Hero Parfum, there’s going to be a lot of cedar in the mix. This one is earthier, woodsy, with a pine/balsamic aroma from the amyris note up top.

The pine is similar to Hero EDP, but this fragrance has a different smell to my nose, than that one.

Warm, fresh/spice, dry, and woodsy character. To me, has an aroma that’s a lot like  Santal 33, but with cedar as the main attraction instead of sandalwood. No, it doesn’t have papyrus or anything like that, just really has a similar style.

Hero Parfum is darker and starts to take on a sweeter and more resinous smell, as we move along.

Which is better? I’m not super impressed by how either of them start off. Though, the eau de parfum doesn’t have an opening act that I really enjoy. Parfum is better here, but it’s not spectacular either.

Edge: Parfum

Projection

The strange thing when I tested EDT and EDP together, is that, the eau de parfum didn’t seem to have any more power to it. Neither are weak, the EDP just couldn’t muster anything beyond the moderate to above average projection.

Parfum is an improvement over both of the previous editions. Hero Parfum isn’t a particularly heavy scent, but it does project itself well, while not being a complete beast with its strength.

Strong, before diminishing to something that still above average, hours into the wear. Obviously, it loses steam further along into it, but it’s a slow burn.

Edge: Parfum

Longevity

The eau de parfum lasted between 8 and 9.5 hours for me, each time that I’ve worn it. Not bad at all and pretty good versus many other designer scents out there.

The EDP doesn’t last nearly as long as Parfum. Which, will last on my skin for 10 hours at least, and seemingly well beyond that. I’m still not sure exactly when it quits, but the performance is great with this newer Hero fragrance.

Easy win.

Edge: Parfum

Versatility

I don’t think there’s much of a difference here. Both are autumn and winter fragrances, with plenty of overlap.

Hero EDP might be better as a nightlife wear. While Parfum, has more of a mature profile with its woodiness. Neither is all that formal or anything. Stylish and nice to wear.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Burberry fragrances is better?

When I heard about Hero eau de parfum, I thought it might be a better version of the original EDT. But, when I tested it out, I didn’t enjoy it as much.

It’s got a good dry down. I like the mix of amber, cedar, smokiness, and the darker vibe that it puts out. The opening is weak and there’s nothing too compelling with EDP. It’s a decent enough scent, doesn’t smell bad, but doesn’t captivate me.

I will say, EDP might be more of a crowd pleaser than Parfum (though, EDT is the most versatile and pleasant), and could be a better choice for some guys.

Hero Parfum, on the other hand, is a better fragrance. I still like Hero EDT, the best, but this would be my second choice thus far in the series.

It’s not for everyone, but it is the more interesting fragrance. Fresh, earthy, and has a lot of cedar in the mix. I even get some slight powdery notes coming in, at times.

But, if you like the scent, you get great performance

At the higher price, I would try to test Hero Parfum out before you buy it, just to see if the scent works for you.

Winner: Parfum

By the Fireplace vs Angels’ Share

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By the Fireplace by Maison Margiela and Angels’ Share by Kilian are two of the most popular unisex perfumes out there. As we are entering the colder months of the year in the northern hemisphere, I wanted to compare these two winter staples.

Which of these lasts longer? Smells better? Is ultimately the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: By the Fireplace vs. Angels’ Share

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

By the Fireplace

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

Click here to try: By the Fireplace

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.

By the Fireplace, also goes spicy and sweet. The spice is more prominent early on, with the pink pepper and clove really punching through.

But, what separates it from Angels’ Share is the smokiness. The sweet roasted chestnut,  guaiac wood and juniper really come through. The Margiela fragrance certainly lives up to its name and theme.

Which is better?

These two are pretty close in the opening act. However, I personally like the booziness of the Kilian perfume more than Fireplace.

Edge: Angels’ Share

Projection

By the Fireplace does have a somewhat heavy feeling initially and a pretty far reach, along with that. For the first hour at least, it’s a strong-ish fragrance. After that, it’s pretty moderate the rest of the way.

Angels’ Share might hit a little bit more of a peak than does Fireplace. It also seems to have a slower decline with how it projects versus Fireplace. 

I do think the roasted chestnut and woods of the Margiela perfume, have a denser quality than Angels’ Share, though.

Edge: Angels’ Share

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.

By the Fireplace is somewhere in the 7-9 hour range. Usually for me, it’s like seven or eight hours, but it can go a bit above that on occasion. 

This is a pretty easy win for the Kilian perfume.

Edge: Angels’ Share

Versatility

Seasonally, both are autumn and winter wears, all the way. They really do each shine in the colder weather.

Both are true unisex scents. 

An issue of each can be when to wear them. One is boozy and the other is smoky. Not what you might want to smell like at work. That being said, I think Angels’ Share would be fine in that environment, as it does have a sweeter and less-alcohol based aroma for much of the wear.

Either is fine for casual or going out at night. Pretty close contest, maybe not too much difference, but I’ll lean Angels’ Share.

Edge: Angels’ Share

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these fragrances do I prefer over the other? It’s actually a very tough call for me, as I own both, and really love both of them. As such, even when I pick one here, it is only a slight preference.

I like By the Fireplace a lot. Even if I don’t want to wear it all of the time. It’s usually one that I’ll wear at night during winter. Maybe not always going out, but just relaxing around the house.

It does everything well, the sweetness and smokiness are really pleasant. That being said, I think more people would enjoy the smell of Angels’ Share, as smoky perfumes aren’t everyone’s favorite.

I love wearing Angels’ Share. I tried the sample and almost immediately bought a full bottle of it, a few years back. It and Oajan are my two main sweet and spicy wears, when the temperature starts to drop.

So, Angels’ Share is my pick in this competition.

One thing that could potentially sway it for some, is the price differential. Angels’ Share is significantly more expensive than is By the Fireplace.

Again, while it’s a close call between them, if the budget was tight I would just get the Margiela fragrance and skip Angels’ Share.

Winner: Angels’ Share

Oud Wood vs Aventus Comparison

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Oud Wood by Tom Ford and Creed’s Aventus, are two of the more popular fragrances of the past decade, especially at this higher price point. Both of them, have their own distinct style from the other, yet plenty of people are interested in purchasing one or the other.

As I have tested and worn both of these perfumes, I’m going to use this page to serve as my comparison between them. How does each smell? How long do they last? Which is ultimately the better fragrance?

Oud Wood

Notes include: rosewood, sandalwood, oud, vanilla, tonka bean, amber, cardamom, and vetiver

Click here to try: Tom Ford Private Blend Oud Wood Eau De Parfum Spray – 50ml/1.7oz

Read my original review: Oud Wood

Creed Aventus

Top: Blackcurrant, Italian bergamot, French apples and pineapple

Middle: Rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, and patchouli

Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla

Click here to try Aventus: Creed Aventus Creed 4 OZ Millesime Spray For Men

My original Review: Creed Aventus

Opening

Oud Wood starts off with a strong blast of the oud note and cardamom. Underneath that, is a peppery sort of spice. It’s warm and dry, with sandalwood and rosewood, already being prominent at the base. It’s a very spicy and woody, sort of aroma up top.

The original Aventus’ opening, is honestly not my favorite. It does get much better, but to my nose, it strikes me as being quite sharp with the pineapple and bergamot. Plus, it has a dry woodiness.

Together, it takes on a somewhat kitchen cleaner, type of scent. The pineapple, bergamot, and birch are just a lot to deal with, at the beginning.

I like what Aventus becomes, but the initial burst, I tend to lean more towards the Tom Ford perfume. It’s something different, incorporates the oud note in a very palatable way, and is a bit better to my nose.

Edge: Oud Wood

Projection

Out of the Oud Wood lineup, the Intense version was the one with massive projection. The original? It’s pretty moderate for much of the wear, but has a decently strong start. The back half of the wear is pretty light on my skin.

Aventus is strong with how it projects. It’s near the upper tier, in my experience, but lands just shy of some of the other massive scent bombs out there.

Nonetheless, it’s not disappointing. It’s very noticeable, leaves a nice scent trail without being suffocating, and then moderates as it dries down.

Pretty easy win for the Creed perfume.

Edge: Aventus

Longevity

I’ve never been able to get a long-lasting performance out of Oud Wood. On me, it’s a 4-5 hour fragrance. Yeah, it’s not a good performer, in my experience. Perhaps other people get more from it?

Aventus does well. It’s not elite, but has always been a 7-9 hour wear for me, on skin. That’s about what you’d need for most purposes and I’m not too upset that it doesn’t go beyond that.

Yet, Creed Aventus takes this category too.

Edge: Aventus

Versatility

Oud Wood is much more of an autumn and winter wear. Aventus can work in pretty much any season.

Though, I prefer it on days when the climate is moderate. At the extremes of heat and cold, it is less enjoyable for me.

Both of these fragrances can work in the office, as a daily wear, dressed up, or just casual. That being said, I think Aventus is the more well-rounded of these, as it can be better for nightlife and even dates.

Edge: Aventus

Overall Scent

Overall, which do I prefer?

With Oud Wood, I do like the opening act of the fragrance. To me, the latter stages aren’t that great and I never have gotten good performance from this scent. Oud Wood Intense was the better of those two releases.

For the price, it’s not providing much value. Also, there are people who simply won’t like wearing oud as a note, even if this is a pretty tame introduction to it.

Aventus is the better fragrance. The opening has never really been that great to me, but I like the depth and complexity that it develops. It actually is a really great cologne and has the advantage across the board when compared with the Tom Ford.

If you’re going to spend the money, get the one that can cover most occasions that you can throw at it, and actually delivers with the longevity.

Winner: Creed Aventus

Bad Boy vs. Bad Boy Extreme

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Bad Boy has become a highly successful series for the Carolina Herrera brand. The original EDT has now led to the creation of a host of other scents, which will probably lead to many more beyond the current crop.

Bad Boy Extreme is one of the offerings that has stemmed from the original and become a new popular cologne, in its own right. But, how does Extreme compare to EDT? Which one smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Bad Boy vs. Extreme

Bad Boy

Notes include: white pepper, cocoa, sage, tonka bean, vetiver, pink pepper, grapefruit, and amber

Click here to try: Carolina Herrera Bad Boy EDT Eau de Toilette 3.4oz / 100ml For Men, Black

Read my review: Bad Boy EDT

Bad Boy Extreme

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

Click here to try: Bad Boy Extreme

Opening

The opening of Bad Boy EDT, can hit differently, depending on how far away I am from where I sprayed the cologne.

Up close, it smells like honeycomb that is dripping in amber and combined with a few pepper notes.

From afar, I really pick up the sweeter and creamier aspects of this scent. Namely, the cocoa and tonka bean.

Bad Boy Extreme starts off with sweet and warm spicy mix, also. 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.

It’s at its most aromatic, in the early stages. Later, it will still be spicy and sweet, but the profile will have changed. Namely, the ginger evaporates and the sweetness is more about the cacao and tonka bean, much like the original.

Which is better?

I like how both of these start off. To me, Extreme brings a bit more dynamism to the table, and I enjoy how the ginger note helps to kick things off.

Edge: Extreme

Projection

Bad Boy EDT is moderate with its projection, but it feels substantial and can leave a nice scent trail in one’s wake. Nothing amazing, but I think it does a fair job.

With Extreme, it’s not a completely massive scent. However, it does essentially live up to its name. The projection is really good and it pretty easily surpasses the original Bad Boy with its performance.

Edge: Extreme

Longevity

The original Bad Boy from Carolina Herrera will usually last for about seven hours on my skin before it gives out. Again, this isn’t a complete powerhouse of a scent. Bad Boy EDT has moderate strength and ability to stick around.

Extreme blows the original Bad Boy out of the water.

On my skin, it will last for over 10 hours without issue. I don’t think it goes too much beyond that, but Bad Boy Extreme comfortably hits the double digit mark.

Edge: Extreme

Versatility

There is still a lot of overlap with both of these fragrances. So, for this category, I don’t think there’s too much distinction.

Each of them, is good in the autumn and winter months. Can venture into springtime, but I’d avoid the heat.

Extreme strikes me as a better choice for the nightlife, with its boldness, but the original is also a fine choice for that.

Not really seeing an edge here for either.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two Herrera fragrances do I prefer?

I’m not too big of a fan of the Bad Boy line. However, these are two of the better releases, in my opinion.

Bad Boy EDT is a nice enough wear. I like the honeycomb, the creaminess, and mix of sweet and spice that it provides.

Though, I think Bad Boy Extreme does a lot of the same things but better. While also, having some differences in terms of its notes and the performance that it provides.

Having worn both of them plenty of times, Bad Boy Extreme seems to separate itself from the pack. I think it’s better than both EDT and Cobalt (which are pretty interchangeable to me).

Cacao, tonka bean, labdanum along with periods where vetiver, sage, and ginger get there time to shine. It’s sweet, woody, spicy, with an amber dry down. It is powerful and will also last a long time.

EDT is decent with the performance, but doesn’t come close to the power of Extreme.

If I had to get one of these colognes from Carolina Herrera, I’d go with Extreme. I’m not in love with wearing it, but it is the best that they’ve come out with thus far.

Winner: Bad Boy Extreme