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!

Dylan Blue vs Luna Rossa Carbon Cologne Comparison

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Alrighty, it’s been a minute since I’ve done a head to head cologne comparison on the site. So today, we are going to do one between Versace’s Dylan Blue versus Prada’s Luna Rossa Carbon. Which of these scents smells better? Which one performs more impressively? Is there a clear winner out of either of these scents? Please continue below for my full matchup breakdown.

Tale of the Tape: Carbon vs. Dylan Blue

Dylan Blue

Notes include: black pepper, violet leaf, grapefruit, bergamot, tonka bean, ambrox, fig leaf

Click here to try: VERSACE Pour Homme Sealed Dylan Blue Eau de Toilette, 3.4 Ounce

Luna Rossa Carbon

Notes include: lavender, ambroxan, metallic notes, pepper, patchouli, coal, bergamot

Click here to try: Prada Luna Rossa CARBON for Men Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 ounce

Opening

The opening of Dylan Blue is a citrus affair with the grapefruit and bergamot notes taking center stage. However, it has a certain aquatic feel and a noticeable contribution from the black pepper note.

Meanwhile, Luna Rossa Carbon, has the citrus of the bergamot top note but it is joined by a more intense ambroxan and lavender. There is also a pepper note and a hint of that metallic aroma, which gives it it’s Carbon name.

Which is better? Well, both of these scents get compared to Dior Sauvage, and Luna Rossa Carbon is much more in line with that from the start. I like the more nuanced approach of the Prada fragrance over Dylan Blue.

The Versace is a typical citrus at the stage and actually has reminded me of Acqua Di Gio Profumo in the past. Though, much sweeter and without the metallic influence. It’s nice, but I find Carbon to be better.

I have grown to enjoy the opening act of Dylan Blue more, over the years since its release. The fig note really stands out and it can be a nice fragrance to throw on.

Edge: Luna Rossa Carbon

Projection

They both start out fairly strong and perhaps Dylan Blue has better sillage at the start. However, it settles into something more moderate. It’s citrus and fig at the start, really gives it a good ability to project, but that subsides.

Now, Luna Rossa Carbon also turns moderate, it still has better and more consistent projection than that of Dylan Blue.

At their peak, it’s close to the same, but the Prada keeps things going for a longer time period. Neither of these is a heavy fragrance to wear. A good initial reach, before settling into something that’s pretty standard.

Edge: Carbon

Longevity

No matter how many times I wear Dylan Blue, it seems to only last 5-6 hours on my skin each time. That’s okay, just not outstanding.

Carbon, on the other hand, can last all day on my skin and can get into the double digit hours on most wears. The Prada cologne just has better performance. Carbon just really works on me, for whatever reason. Performance is extremely good for a popular designer scent.

Edge: Carbon

Versatility

I don’t see either one of these fragrances having much of an edge in terms of when or where you can wear each. The are both very versatile fragrances that can be worn casually or out on a date or wherever.

Carbon is more mature than is Dylan Blue. So, it might have a bit of an edge as to who will want to wear either.

I don’t consider either to be a truly formal scent, but I’d also go with the Prada if pressed. Carbon is more well put together overall, while also having a better balanced mix than the Versace.

Edge: Carbon (slightly)

Overall Scent

I’ve always found Dylan Blue to be decent at best. Although, I have enjoyed it somewhat more lately, than I used to. Sometimes, that opening act, particularly the fig note can be a very enjoyable wear.

Beyond that, it’s okay, just not something that I want to wear all of the time. It’s not a bad choice, if you can get a bottle for cheap.

However, I’m going to give the nod to Luna Rossa Carbon. It’s not a personal favorite of mine either, but it’s better than the Versace.  Carbon has a similar profile to that of Sauvage, but enough differences to make it distinct.

The citrus and ambroxan get downplayed as it dries down and Carbon gives you a lavender and metallic sort of vibe. It also has much better performance than Dylan Blue does.

Luna Rossa Carbon is a clear cut winner to me, in this head to head matchup. Both are really nice colognes, neither amazing, but Carbon is better.

Winner: Luna Rossa Carbon

8 Best Smelling Abercrombie & Fitch Fragrances

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The Abercrombie & Fitch name is utterly synonymous with late 90s and early 00s teen/college-aged fashion. The stores in malls across the globe pump an upbeat soundtrack into the shop and the smell of Fierce, would permeate the room.

Over the years, this fashion company has released plenty of fragrances for both men and women, many of which have been well received. In this post, I want to go over what I consider to be the eight best smelling men’s colognes by A&F.

Favorite and Best Smelling A&F Colognes

Note: Updating this post, some options have been discontinued and/or are difficult to find. Some have alternatives, which I will link in that entry. I’m keeping the older picks on the list, regardless, while still adding new entries that are worthwhile.

Most Popular Fragrance

Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce Cologne 3.4 oz– The timeless best seller from Abercrombie & Fitch, Fierce has long been a staple of high school and college guys, and for good reason. It has a blast of spiciness at the start which is super fresh and seductive.

Later during the dry down, you get a super smooth blend of woodsy notes and musk, which gives it a wholly masculine air. This one has been reformulated somewhat, so, a newer bottle really doesn’t pack the same punch that it did a decade ago…but it’s still a great smell.

Maybe at its height, it could be considered the best of the A&F line. Now, I’d probably put it 2nd or 3rd, depending on my mood. There are many other scents like this around, but Fierce really got that trend line going. Fierce Review

Best New A&F Fragrance

Fierce Night– Night is one of the best Fierce flankers that has been released in a while. Plus, it’s still readily available on their website.

The bergamot note up top gives it nice citrus opening, that is paired with an initial burst of ambroxan, and feels quite bold from the jump. However, it will become smoother with lavender and a touch of sandalwood in the base.

Clean and attractive, not a massive sillage, once it settles. But, the performance is right about a solid 8 hours of wear. Much better than the current formulations of the original. It’s clean and versatile with a soapy kind of finish from the lavender.

Another Newer Gem

Abercrombie & Fitch and Fitch Authentic Men EDT Spray – It was a toss up between this and Authentic Night (which seems pretty difficult to find bottles of nowadays). But, I like the style of Authentic, even if you have to spray the hell out of it.

No, the performance isn’t great here (longevity is okay…think 5-6 hours). This is a citrus and herbal spicy fragrance that will be a great go to for the spring and summer months. Right now, I’m seeing bottles floating around for $20-40, which is a nice deal for something like this.

That bright fruity opening is great, paired with an awesome ginger note and some pink pepper touches. The spices give it a colder aroma, when together with the rest of the composition…on the same wavelength as Jimmy Choo Man Ice. Less woody, though.

Top Summer Cologne

Abercrombie & Fitch First Instinct Men Eau De Toilette, 3.4 Ounce– First Instinct features a gin and tonic accord, which gives it that carbonated sensation of tonic water.

It’s sweet with sort of a tropical vibe at times, along with a nice pepper note. It mellows out the sweetness some during the dry down and you get the wonderful melon note along with musk.

Some might point out Fierce Blue as the best summer scent. I disagree, I think that First Instinct is a much more interesting and better options. The melon with the fizzy gin and tonic vibe is great. Not too heavy, but a cool option to throw on in the hotter months.

Note: If you can’t find this, Dua has its inspired by fragrance: Dua’s Instinct. 

Best Winter Wear

Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce Icon Eau de Cologne Spray, 1.7 Ounce– Fierce Icon is an updated, yet darker and sharper version of the original Fierce. The two colognes obviously share a lot of the same DNA but this one has more pepper and citrus at play…along the line of Luna Rossa Carbon or Sauvage.

Sort of like the original Fierce blended with elements of those two fragrances. Nice, powerful, and well done. I like this one, if you can get it for a good price, Icon is a pretty unique take on the Fierce name.

The opening few hour does have a stronger sillage, but it settles down, and you get an above-average performer with elements of the original Fierce.

Light Summer Aquatic Scent

Abercrombie & Fitch Hot Eau De Cologne Spray 50ml/1.7oz– A simple, fresh, and quite pleasant take on an aquatic fragrance. Hot has a touch of coconut on top of a watery base and features the crispness of that familiar cucumber aroma.

Not too heavy, but Abercrombie Hot, gives a good performance and is a clean everyday option for guys. This can be a little bit more difficult to find, nowadays, but you can still track it down and it’s a really good and unique choice.

Being your Self

Authentic Self for Men– This one is a newer flanker of the Authentic men’s line. Authentic Self is a woody and sweet fragrance with some similarities to L’Homme by YSL (not exactly the same). Namely, the bergamot top note is missing.

But, here you get a fresh vibe from violet leaf, geranium, cypress, and some ginger spice in the early stages. The woods will persist with a further infusion of cedar. While the rest of the wear will become a creamier and sweeter aroma from the vanilla and tonka bean.

It’s noticeably different from the original Authentic scent, they do share the ginger note, but that’s most of the similarities that they have. This one is woody and that one is more of a warm weather cologne.

I’m not sure if this one has already come and gone, as I’m having a tougher time finding bottles online. However, if you do come across it for a reasonable price, Authentic Self can be a great value play as a daily wear fragrance.

Best Overall A&F Fragrance

Fierce Intense– Fierce Intense takes the crown as the top pick from Abercrombie & Fitch. Not only in terms of smell, but it also has some amazing performance. Update: This seems to be discontinued now.

Elements of Fierce, sit underneath the main accords of Fierce Intense. They don’t smell exactly the same, but they definitely show a resemblance to one another. The differences with Intense come with its delicious watermelon note, musky highlights, and fresh aquatic heart.

Beyond that, Fierce Intense gives you a bold option for the year. I think it really shines when it gets warmer, but it smells great during the winter months too. The sillage is powerful and it will go for double digits, with it’s longevity.

6 Best Chanel Perfumes for Summer

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Moving right along with the summertime related posts, I wanted to do one for the ladies’ side of things, and focus on one of the most popular brands: Chanel. For this list, I am going to focus on the best perfumes by the French design house, which will work best in the summer.

I have already covered the best overall Chanel scents, but many of those are too heavy and cloying for the heat. For this list, I wanted to mention some of the great seasonal wears, while also having some variety in terms of style.

Favorite Chanel Perfumes for Summer

Fresh for Summer

Chance Chanel Eau Fraiche Eau De Toilette Spray, for Woman EDT 3.4 fl oz, 100 ml– Chance Eau Fraiche is a wonderful fragrance and particularly excels as a summertime wear.  Chance Eau Fraiche features a top that is both aquatic and citrus, with lemon leading the way.

The base notes of the perfume hold things together with fresh cedar and a great pink pepper note. It is a clean and light scent, but not weak, that will holdup perfectly in the heat and not get bogged down or warped.

Also, shares plenty of the same qualities that makes the original Chance so beloved. Chance Eau Fraiche Review

A Trip from Paris

Paris-Venise– This one from the Les Eaux de Chanel line is spectacular and absolutely one of the top offerings for the warmer months.

Venise features notes of neroli, vanilla, and tonka bean. It kicks off with a great citrus accord, ylang-ylang, and a powdery mix of iris and violet. It’s fresh, unique, and a dynamic summertime wear.

The citrus, iris, and ylang-ylang (plus other floral notes) are most prominent in the opening act. Then, as it settles, you get the softer sweet and creamy notes coming through.

With enough of the iris/violet combination to make it interesting. Paris-Venise is a very beautiful fragrance. Paris-Venise review

paris venise review

Cristalle Class

Cristalle EDT– There are multiple versions under this name, reformulation concerns, and further rumors of its demise. Yet, this one has stuck around since the 1970s. Underappreciated, even by me.

Yet, this one is clean and hangs around beautifully in the air during the spring and summer months. Green, light citrus, that is tempered by the inclusion of the hyacinth floral heart. So fresh without ever feeling like its screeching for attention.

Jasmine, rosewood, some light moss, and vetiver help to make this distinct from the other entries on this list.

It’s probably a good thing that Cristalle mostly flies under the radar versus the more well-known Chance series, for instance. You can enjoy it and stand out more from the crowd.

The EDT Version

Coco Mademoiselle EDT 50ml/1.7oz Brand new & sealed– The EDT version of Coco Mademoiselle is another awesome pick for the summer months. The EDP is more well suited for the colder months, so, make sure you pick up the correct bottle.

The EDT is cleaner and has a lighter overall profile, led by citrus notes including: bergamot, grapefruit, and mandarin orange. The patchouli can initially come off as strong, but once settled in, it totally works within the composition aiding the citrus.

The other main draw, is the jasmine note, which adds a light floral ingredient to this perfume. While not as heavy as the EDP, this one still has a very good longevity and the sillage isn’t ever underwhelming.

Most Popular

Chanel Chance Tendre Eau de Toilette Spray For Women 1.7 OZ./ 50 ml.– This is the best smelling version of Chance, in my mind, but probably the second best option from the line for summer. Eau Fraiche is the better summer wear, but this one still works well in the heat.

In the opening, the crisp citrus notes work well with the floral notes: jasmine, iris, and hyacinth. The dry down, feels more suited to spring, with the slightly powdery floral notes and musk.

Also, the flowers are more prominent in the dry down, than is the citrus. As such the dynamic changes. Still, this one smells great regardless of season, and is a best seller for a reason. Chance Eau Tendre review

Lime and Basil

Paris-Deauville– This one is another entry from the Les Eaux de Chanel line. Deauville is a perfume that I really enjoyed experiencing while testing out the Les Eaux fragrances.

Lime, lemon, and mandarin orange start things off here. But, it’s not a purely citrus fragrance, as there is also a prominent basil note and an overall green aroma in Paris-Deauville. The main notes are lime, basil, and patchouli.

That’s the trio for most of the wear. There is a floral aspect to this with a bit of rose and jasmine, but they really aren’t that major in the mix.

For me, it lasted about 7 hours, which isn’t bad for a warm weather fragrance. Deauville is a pretty simple scent, that’ll be a spring and summer wear, but it’s a really great use of lime. Read my full review

Flowerbomb vs. Ruby Orchid

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Flowerbomb has been a longtime best seller for Viktor & Rolf. So, it has naturally spun off a ton of flanker fragrances under its banner. One of the more recent editions is, Flowerbomb Ruby Orchid. I had tested and worn both of these perfumes out and am ready to compare them head to head on this page. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Flowerbomb vs. Ruby Orchid

Flowerbomb

Notes include: Centifolia Rose, Sambac Jasmine, Cattleya Orchid, India Osmanthus, tea, bergamot, patchouli, musk, and vanilla

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Fl Oz

Read my review: Flowerbomb EDP

viktor rolf review

Flowerbomb Ruby Orchid

Notes include: peach, vanilla bean, ruby orchid accord , peach vine

Click here to try: At Sephora

Read my Review: Flowerbomb Ruby Orchid

Opening

With Flowerbomb, you get an initial burst of sweetness and fruitiness. The osmanthus flower provides a jam-like feeling, sweet almost-peachy that is paired with bergamot citrus.

Tea, patchouli, and vanilla are also present coming from the heart and base notes. The rose and orchid will have their moments, but absolute beginning it is osmanthus, tea, and patchouli taking turns.

Ruby Orchid is quite similar with how it starts off. The osmanthus is replaced by an actual peach note, still very sweet and jammy. But, there is also a peach vine note here, which gives this edition a greenish aroma to some extent.

The vanilla bean comes across as being thick and syrupy at the start and Ruby Orchid does indeed have a heavy dose of orchid than the original.

Which do I prefer? They are pretty close, but I still like the original formulation more so at this stage. I like the osmanthus and tea notes more than the vine and peach.

Edge: Flowerbomb

Projection

Both of these fragrances start off strong, will leave scent trails behind, and can command attention. But, Flowerbomb hits a higher peak, and stays up there for a longer time.

With  Ruby Orchid, you get a strong opening act, but it is much softer throughout the duration of the wear. Never weak, just not the same type of power.

I actually thought that it might sustain that level of projection and sillage, but the peach and peach vine settle down. The opening act of Orchid is much sweeter than the back half.

Edge: Flowerbomb

Longevity

Flowerbomb lasts on my skin for 10 hours, and sometimes, it can go for around 12. Really, this original version is great with its performance while I’m wearing it.

I’ve tried newer batches and for me, the performance hasn’t noticeably taken a step back since the initial release.

Ruby Orchid is still good, just never hits that same level. On me, it stuck around for 7-7.5 hours of wear. A lot of the flanker perfumes in this V&R series, don’t match the same level as the original Flowerbomb, and this is no exception.

By no means horrible, but there’s a clear winner.

Edge: Flowerbomb

Versatility

These two are very similar in terms of when to use. Autumn and winter, mainly. Ruby Orchid might be slightly better in the springtime, but it skews younger with its demographic a little too.

Both are good for casual, nightlife wear, etc. I’d say Flowerbomb has more sex appeal than its flanker.

They’re kind of even in this category. Very versatile perfumes with scents that are easy crowd pleasers.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, it’s almost nearly a clean sweep for the original Flowerbomb. I prefer it to Ruby Orchid, without a doubt.

I do like aspects of Ruby. The peach, the green vine note, and the heavier use of orchid. Still, all of those don’t match my enjoyment of tea, osmanthus, and patchouli I get from Flowerbomb.

The dry down with Ruby Orchid is mostly about the vanilla and orchid. Still has its sugary sweet aspects, but also a slight powdery aroma begins to come through, also.

Ruby Orchid has enough similarities with the original, but its differences aren’t really enough for it to be the better perfume.

They are similar scents, the flanker doesn’t go wildly in its own direction. So, if you like one, you’ll probably like the other. That’s the case here, I like both, but I’ve always enjoyed the original.

It takes the win.

Winner: Flowerbomb

1 Million vs Invictus by Paco Rabanne Comparison

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In my latest installment of cologne comparisons, I want to once again compare something against 1 Million by Paco Rabanne. This time I want to pit it against one from its own design house, Invictus.

In this post, I want to break down each scent and explain how I think each smells, performs, when they should be worn, and which scent is better overall between Invictus vs 1 Million.

This is a comparison between the original releases of each of these names. I’ve written about their flankers elsewhere on the site.

Note: I am updating this post 5 years or so, after the original, to add my latest experiences with more depth.

Tale of the Tape: Invictus vs. 1 Million

1 Million 

Notes include: Mint, Grapefruit, Rose, Patchouli, Amber, Cinnamon, White woods, Blond leather, Blood orange, Spice notes

Read my review

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne 1 Million By Paco Rabanne For Men Edt Spray, 3.4 Ounce

Invictus 

Notes include: grapefruit, sea notes, mandarin orange, bay leaf, jasmine

Read my review

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

Opening

You’ll notice that these two fragrances have grapefruit and orange notes in common. In fact, the opening aromas of these scents have a very similar feel to one another.

They both tend to have that sort of grape candy/bubblegum smell at first before morphing into something else.

Invictus has a decidedly aquatic fragrance to it, while 1 Million has a more leathery smell, that comes through.

1 Million kicks off with its citrus notes, joining them together with leather, rose, and amber. Along with these, come a blend of fresh spice (mint/cinnamon), which will have some more influence later on.

Meanwhile, Invictus starts out with its citrus notes, as well. However, it pairs things up with aquatic notes, a strong bay leaf, and ambergris. It is sweet, somewhat salty aquatic, with a nice freshness.

I think 1 Million is the better starter, though. Invictus has grown on me as a fragrance, over the years. I just think that 1 Million is a bit more interesting, and I like its ingredients more so versus its competitor.

Edge: 1 Million

Projection

Both 1 Million and Invictus have very good projection. These are strong scents and it has always made me laugh that an ‘Intense’ version of 1 Million exists.

I think that, 1 Million has lost a step, in the newer bottles. Nonetheless, it has the stronger sillage.

Invictus starts out strong and then weakens quite a bit. 1 Million is an absolute beast throughout.

I’d say that, Invictus is on the upper end of moderate, for most of its time on the skin. Great start and it keeps it going for a few hours.

Update: Newer bottles of 1 Million aren’t as strong, so, they may be about equal now. With heavy sprays, I’d say that Invictus feels more overwhelming, but that just may be its sweetness.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Again, Paco Rabanne definitely knows how to make performers. I get all day wear from 1 Million, like 10+ hours.

Invictus is no slouch and delivers around 6-7 hours and sometimes more of wear before it’s gone.

Invictus is really consistent for me, delivering that 6-7 hour time frame, again and again. 1 Million and most of its flanker scents, have just had better staying power, than the offerings from the Invictus line.

Update: 1 Million has lost a step, but still has the edge here. My newer bottle can hit around 8 hours, on my skin. Not nearly what it once was.

Edge: 1 Million

Versatility

I like either one of these as a nighttime fragrance. I’m not really sold on them for office wear, it’d be acceptable if you only wore a spray. These both seem to be more youthful fragrances (20s and 30s) and Invictus feels like a ‘younger’ cologne than 1 Million does.

Invictus is a better summertime cologne than is 1 Million. However, I’ll still wear 1 Million at night during the summer (depending on the humidity, if it’s too muggy, nope) and I feel it’s better in the winter and fall as well.

Ehhh, Invictus might have the slight edge, but it’s not a huge margin.

Edge: Invictus (slightly)

Overall Scent

1 Million is a sweet scent. Invictus is even sweeter. While they do share similarities upon opening, these two colognes diverge after that.

Invictus becomes more aquatic and takes on a really fresh and clean smell with a slight woodsy base.

1 Million is sweet and warm with a leathery/cinnamon blend that I really like. I do enjoy that bold citrus blend opening, but when it dries down and the amber surrounds the leather/rose/spice core, I really enjoy wearing 1 Million.

Plus, it’s got a better performance. Even after not hitting the same levels as it used to, it is still better than Invictus EDT.

Honestly, I like both of these scents but 1 Million just fits better for me. It might be the case for you, that you would prefer the sweet, citrusy, and aquatic flavor of Invictus and if that sounds like you…probably go with that.

For me, my favorites from the Invictus line are Intense and Legend, with the original coming in third. Update: The newer releases have made me change my rankings, here they are now: Invictus colognes ranked.

Winner: 1 Million