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!

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

9 Best Calvin Klein Colognes for Men

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Calvin Klein is a designer who was made famous for his jeans and underwear during the 1980s. However, his fragrance collection for men and women has become a huge business in itself.

CK scents enjoy a mass popularity with people and you will always find 3-4 each year that among the best selling fragrances. Of those best sellers, they more than likely have been popular for decades, and not just a few passing years.

With that in mind, I wanted to create a list of the best Calvin Klein colognes for men, and the list ended up being 9 fragrances deep. Also check out: The Best Calvin Klein Perfumes for Women

What are the Best CK Colognes for Men?

Best Overall CK Scent

Calvin Klein Obsession For Men Cologne, .5 fl oz
A great casual cologne which dates back to the late 1980s. Obsession has a lovely spice to it and features notes of mandarin, sandalwood, and amber. It’s got a great cinnamon led warmth and spice, that is supported by the nutmeg.

The amber creates a sort of an envelopment around the person wearing it and this is one of the reasons, that Obsession is so good during the winter time.

This is such a rich and enticing scent, good for everyday wear, but can also pull double duty as a date night go to. There is sweet vanilla and nutmeg, which help to round out the fragrance, and create a memorable wear.

Spicy and warm, yes, but also a smoky balsamic element that peaks through at times. The classic formulation of this was amazing, but it is still holding up well today.

Obsession has a good sillage and the longevity is decent, as well. This is a fragrance that can be worn in a variety of situations and has enough maturity for guys 30+.    My Obsession review

obsession

Classic 90s Clean

Calvin Klein ETERNITY for Men Eau de Toilette, 3.4 fl. oz.
Another oldie but one which has been popular since its inception. Eternity for men is classy and simple in its aroma. It features notes of lavender, vetiver, and sandalwood that give off a super clean and fresh ‘soapy’ feeling.

The citrus notes add some depth and a change of pace from the lavender laden parts of this cologne’s life cycle. This is a calming masculine fragrance, that enjoys a mass appeal.

Eternity is quite herbal and floral with supporting notes such as basil and sage. It’s not a heavy spice by any means, but that light herbal kick, gives this fragrance a lively profile.

It is fresh and bright, built for the warmer months of the year, as it is such an upbeat cologne. The longevity is moderate, as is the sillage, but Eternity is a nice addition for daily wear. Eternity Cologne Review

eternity

A Surprisingly Good Cheapie

CK One Shock– I found a bottle of this for $20 at a store recently. I hadn’t tried out Shock for many years and forgot how pleasant of a wear it can be.

Now, the bottle is kind of weird for the actual scent that you get in return.  It opens up with some light freshness provided by notes of cucumber and clementine. It’s not really citrusy, in a way that’s particularly noticeable, however.

Tobacco and amber are the main draws here. Soft lavender, spices, woods, and it all surrounds that nice tobacco and amber combination.

The performance is actually pretty good for this price range and it also smells quite good. Not nearly as available as it once was, but it is still kicking around discounters and various retail stores like Ross or TJ Maxx (in the US). If you can’t find it, Dua has their interpretation: Shocker One

Top Fresh Fragrance

Calvin Klein euphoria for Men Eau de Toilette, 1.7 fl. oz.
A take on the popular Euphoria for women, this men’s cologne starts off with a blast of pepper and ginger. So, expect some spice to it from the start. But ginger, isn’t too bad, and it is the main attraction.

However, it isn’t a heavy scent and the spice isn’t that overbearing, as it is mellowed out some by the amber and cedar wood notes. It’s a warm herbal/pepper spice with masculine woods serving as the base.

Euphoria for Men is a very linear and none to complicated fragrance. It’s got an attractive airy aroma, that isn’t a sillage beast, but is safe to wear at work or in close casual situations. It never struck me as wholly unique, but Euphoria is a very solid player in the everyday wear space.  My Review

Best Summertime CK Cologne

Eternity Now– This is replacing, Crave, on the list. That one has been discontinued and is getting harder to find. Eternity Now shares some of the same notes, but with its own summertime style.

The starfruit and coconut opening act, is among my favorites for any cologne, from any designer. I absolutely love it. I wore this a lot over the past 6 months or so, even during winter. Now, in the warmer months, I will still come back to my bottle.

The rest of the wear is still good, but that opening hour, is really where the magic lies. The good news, is that , Eternity Now is still available for cheap. Expect a sweet tropical cologne, with refreshing fruity notes. Eternity Now Full Review

Update: This one seems to have been discontinued, but I’ve seen it around some places still. I wouldn’t pay a crazy high price for it. Though, I also don’t think that’ll be too much of an issue.

Best Aquatic Cologne

Eternity Aqua– I’m going to replace the now defunct Euphoria Intense, with Eternity Aqua. If you can still find Euphoria Intense, its’ worth a try.

Eternity Aqua, on the other hand, is another great option for summer. If you like the Polo Blue line, this one should be right up your alley. It was a staple wear of my summer 2019.

Aqua is crisp and watery, with an opening blast of citrus and spiciness provided by Sichuan pepper. Not a heavy warm spice, but a colder and refreshing scent with undertones of tart plum and woods.

I’ve seen bottles for really cheap and it’s an absolute buy, at a certain price. I wouldn’t go full retail, but you shouldn’t have to, either. Eternity Aqua Review

Best Selling Calvin Klein Scent

Calvin Klein ck one Eau de Toilette, 6.7 fl. oz.
CK One is a part of the unisex fragrances that Calvin Klein has released and the most popular of them all.

Notes of papaya, pineapple, and jasmine give it a intriguing sweetness while the green tea and amber add warm layers to its simple base.

A landmark fragrance for the 1990s and it will probably be a best seller for decades to come. Sharp citrus and memorable dry down that has an unbelievable universal appeal.

I think most of us still know this fragrance. Maybe the younger generation has yet to experience it? Not sure, as I still encounter it from time to time.  My Review of CK One  and CK One vs CK Be Comparison

ck one

Most Unique CK Fragrance

Euphoria Amber Gold– Amber, herbal, and woody. Euphoria Amber Gold takes the Euphoria name in a different and strikingly good direction. This one flew under my radar for quite a while and it didn’t seem to get much push from CK.

Resinous and bold with sweet vanilla and honey touches. Amber Gold gives you periods where you get to fully experience the thyme or sage, before they fall back into the well-blended mix.

Mostly, you’ll experience amber, spice, and a nice honey sweetness. Though, that vetiver and woods can peak up.

The performance is markedly better than many other Calvin Klein fragrances and it has a bold sillage. Euphoria Amber Gold isn’t available everywhere, but bottles exist online and it can be a great pickup for the right guy.

Everyone 

CK Everyone EDT– While I don’t think Everyone is an absolutely amazing fragrance, this newer release from Calvin Klein is actually better than it gets credit for. Now, I haven’t tried the newer EDP version as of this update, but the EDT surprised me.

I put this one on the list before the CK One Summer Daze release, which was a limited edition anyway. But, I think this might be better in any case.

Everyone opens up with an orange and aquatic topped that is gently spiced with a fresh ginger note. Very chill, clean, and one that can be applied on a daily basis without screaming out for attention.

I do like the tea note, in the mix, which along with the light amber gives it a warmer feeling. The opening feels more refreshing and ‘cold’ to me. Like a simpler, sort of sporty update to the same CK One style, of the 1990s. But, a different scent.

Burberry Hero EDT vs. Parfum

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Hero is the popular line of men’s fragrances from Burberry. What started with an original EDT release, has now included an EDP, and a Parfum. I have tested out each of them and put these scents through their paces.

In this post, I want to focus on comparing the original EDT with Hero Parfum. Break down how each smells, performs, and which I think is the better buy from Burberry.

Tale of the Tape: Hero EDT vs. Parfum

Hero EDT

Notes include: cedar, bergamot, juniper, black pepper

Click here to try: Hero EDT

Read my review: Hero by Burberry

Hero Parfum

Notes include: cedar, amyris, cypriol oil

Click here to try: Hero Parfum by Burberry

Opening

Hero EDT starts things off with a lightly spiced, citrusy aromatic tone. The citrus note isn’t overwhelming, but it does have a major role in the start. Along with, the ever-present cedar accord, which will really dominate the latter parts of the wear.

But, early, the cedar and juniper will pretty much split duties. Aromatic, but a touch sweet and quite fresh. Black pepper isn’t highly concentrated in the blend. However, I do think that it is a great addition to the citrus and woods.

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, this just comes across like a 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.

Between them, I seem to come back to the opening act of Hero EDT more often. It’s got a very nice start, mass appealing, and not too complicated.

Edge: Hero EDT

Projection

EDT starts out above average in its ability to project. It’s not a heavy fragrance, pretty moderate, but can get a decent sent trail going.

After the first hour, it’s middle of the road, before descending into a skin scent in the waning hours.

Hero Parfum isn’t a complete powerhouse, but the first few hours are strong on me. If I spray it on a shirt that I have laying around, the projection is quite good, and definitely gives you more than the EDT.

After that, it’s in the upper range of moderate. Never weak until the very end of the wear, on that is going to be noticeable on you throughout the day.

Edge: Hero Parfum

Longevity

Hero EDT is a solid performer, especially for an eau de toilette concentration. For me, it’s always gone 7-8 hours on skin before disappearing. A full work day, is about what it’s capable of.

However, Parfum takes this category. I’m not sure when it quits, but this newer release got me 10+ hours of wear out of it. Better than both of the previous entries in the series.

Burberry Hero Parfum is a really good performer. If you like the scent, you get your money’s worth for sure.

Edge: Parfum

Versatility

Hero EDT can venture into the warmer days of the year, much better than Parfum. It’s they type of scent that can pretty much go year round. I wouldn’t go with it on the hottest or coldest days, but outside of that EDT is better at fitting in.

Parfum is better suited for autumn through early spring. It’s not so heavy that it’s a winter only scent or anything, I actually think it’ll be best to wear in the autumn.

Both of these scents can be daily wears, but I think that’s truer for EDT, at least for most people. I could see using Hero Parfum on a night out, when it is a bit crisp outside.

Not too much separation in this category, but I’ll say EDT has the edge.

Edge: Hero EDT

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two fragrances do I prefer?

While I think that Hero Parfum is an improvement over the EDP version, I still like the original Hero EDT most of all.

It’s a close call, but EDT is one that I have a slight preference for. Neither of these is a scent that I completely love.

Hero Parfum is a nice woody fragrance. Again, it strikes me as a more masculine and cedar-based Santal 33. Earthier, a bit fresher, without the same level of a powdery dry down.

Although, Parfum does have some powdery qualities here. Actually, I like Santal more than this, as the Le Labo works well on my skin.

With Hero EDT, I like the more varied mix of notes. Not just a mass of cedar, I also get citrus, juniper, and some spice from the black pepper.

Sure, it doesn’t have the same level of performance as Hero Parfum, but EDT is just more enjoyable for me to wear.

I’m not personally in the market to buy either one of these colognes, but the price difference is substantial. I’ve seen bottles of Hero EDT for well under $100 at discounters, and Parfum, I saw retail for $180.

Of course, you should still try Parfum out if you get a chance, to see how you feel about it. But, I think most people will be better served by picking up the original.

Winner: Hero EDT