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!

Y Elixir vs Y EDP by YSL

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YSL keeps churning out flankers of the Y formula, which are all generally pretty good at least. Y Elixir is the release for the line in 2024. Meanwhile, Y eau de parfum has been the most popular edition for years now.

In this post, I want to compare and contrast each of these scents, and break down which is better by different metrics. Which smells best? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Y Eau de Parfum vs. Elixir

Notes include: bergamot, apple, ginger, sage, vetiver, geranium, juniper berries, tonka bean, amber, cedar

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 3.3 Ounce

Read my review: Y EDP

Y Elixir

Notes include: lavender, geranium, oud, incense

Opening

Y EDP starts off with its bold kick. It’s a strong bergamot, apple, and ginger blend initially. Then, will come the amber, juniper berry, and tonka bean.

Though, that initial burst is quite juicy, bold, and blue.

Some people don’t seem to care for the opening act. I actually think that its that amber and juniper layer that can put some people who’ve tried EDP off. But for me, the apple and bergamot pairing really grabs my attention with its crisp bite.

The sage also comes through quite a bit, even at this early point of the process.

With, Y Elixir we are going to get something that is seemingly familiar, but goes in another direction. You will catch aspects of Y EDP in Elixir, no citrus, but there seems to be some of the apple still around (may just be the geranium).

Lavender and geranium are the stars here, especially the second one. The lavender gives this one a clean and soapy kind of aroma. But, that is more than offset by the spicy, earthy, crisp, woodsy freshness of the geranium.

Very cold and fresh in these early stages. Not as blue or bold as EDP for example. Though, this one has some depth and I enjoy how tame and easy to wear it is.

Oud adds to the base and the woodiness. However, it just isn’t all that massive of a note here in the early stages. Also, an incense note provides a smokiness which also isn’t too pervasive. Both are really nice in the support of the other two notes.

Which is better? I usually prefer eau de parfum to others in this series. Though, I think Y Elixir takes this opening act for me. It’s mellow, fresh, woodsy, and well put together.

Edge: Elixir

Projection

Y EDP is very strong at the start. I can spray my bottle and fill the room with its scent, with not too many sprays.

The first 30-60 minutes are powerful. After that, it’s strong before settling into something that is above average. Y EDP doesn’t radiate that scent like crazy the whole way through.

Elixir is no slouch. It just doesn’t hit the same high level that the eau de parfum does. It’s also slightly above average for most of the wear, but it also projects very well for that first hour or so.

Just not to the same degree.

Edge: EDP

Longevity

Y eau de parfum lasts for about 10 hours on my skin. For me, it’s still the best performing fragrance in this YSL series.

Y Elixir actually sticks around well. Falls a bit short of the EDP, but it’s better than Le Parfum, in this regard.

I get close to 9 hours of longevity out of Elixir. Quite good, not elite, and not as long-lasting as Y EDP.

Edge: EDP

Versatility

Y EDP and Elixir are both good, nearly year round. I might prefer Elixir in the hotter weather, but it’s not exactly built for that either.

Y Elixir without the bold citrus and apple notes, comes across as being a bit more mature and professional.

Elixir is a super versatile fragrance. It can do everything that Y EDP can do; plus, it can be an office wear, or something you spray on for a low key evening out. It’s attractive enough to catch attention, without being overwhelming.

Edge: Elixir

Overall Scent

Overall, this was a lot closer than I expected it to be prior to testing out Y Elixir.

Elixir is a really nice fragrance. As of now, it’s right up there with Le Parfum, tied for my second favorite Y cologne. I’m not sure which of them gets the nod, possibly Elixir, since it has better performance.

The opening act is really fantastic. It’s got just enough spice, some incense/oud smokiness, and really let’s that geranium note shine. I’m a big fan of geranium.

The back half is still quite good, more lavender and geranium, with a woodsy undertone. The aroma itself is quite a bit like Y EDP at this point, just less dynamic and interesting.

I’m still choosing Y EDP. It’s better for the entirety of the wear and has a stronger performance. Though, Elixir was close to making this a coin toss, I just prefer EDP more.

Y Elixir is a very versatile scent and might be the one you would want to go with as a daily office wear or something along those lines.

Elixir at the higher price point, might feel too ‘run of the mill’ for some who want a bolder sort of fragrance. I really enjoy Elixir, but Y EDP is still probably a better bet for most people.

Winner: Y EDP

YSL Myslf EDP vs. Le Parfum

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Myslf by YSL has become a very popular fragrance since its release. Naturally, this is going to lead to more flanker releases under this name, the first of which is Myslf Le Parfum. Now that there are two options in the series, which is the better men’s fragrance?

I’ve bought two travel spray sizes of each of these scents to test out and compare. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is ultimately the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Myslf EDP vs. Parfum

Myslf

Notes include: bergamot, orange blossom, woods, patchouli, ambrofix

Click here to try: Myslf by YSL

My Full Review: Myslf 

Myslf Le Parfum

Notes include: black pepper, orange blossom, Bourbon vanilla, amber, patchouli, woods

Click here to try: YSL Myslf Le Parfum

Opening

Myslf begins with bergamot and orange blossom, as its main combination. It’s fresh and it also has a bit of a creaminess to how it smells, mostly due to the orange blossom note. Which doesn’t have as much of an opening sweetness, thanks to that large citrus start.

But, the very opening stage is a bergamot centered fragrance. That will change later on, but for the start it’s a fresh citrusy cologne.

Le Parfum opens up fresh and sweet. Here, there still seems to be a touch of that bergamot in the mix, but this version is much more orange blossom dominant.

The orange blossom sweetness is pretty bubblegum like, with how it comes across, but I think it is kept in check well by that top use of black pepper. A nice kick of spice but not too much of it.

It’s warm and I also get a decent amount of the woods and patchouli, during this opening act.

Which is better?

It’s neck and neck, but I actually might give the edge to EDP. That citrus opening really can capture my attention and I’ll give the original the go ahead.

Edge: EDP

Projection

Myslf for the first hour is actually fairly strong. Not a heavy fragrance, but it will create a substantial enough scent trail in your wake.

After that, it’s more of an intimate scent surrounding you. I’d say it sticks in that 1-3 foot range off of the skin, but it’s still noticeable.

Le Parfum is a heavier cologne than is the EDP. It is also the more powerful of the two, as far as projection goes.

Still, it’s not a great deal more powerful, and it’s not a beast. But, it does give you more punch throughout than the original.

Edge: Le Parfum

Longevity

With EDP, it will last for 6-7 hours on my skin. It’s okay, a bit disappointing for this price range, by no means terrible.

On my skin, Le Parfum seems to deliver 9 and possibly 10 hours on my skin, depending on the day.

It’s a pretty easy win for the newer scent and higher concentration.

Edge: Le Parfum

Versatility

Myslf eau de parfum is just such an inoffensive and easy to wear fragrance, that it can fit in pretty much anywhere during any time of year. It’s an easy on to just spray on as an everyday wear, but is attractive enough to hit the nightlife, even if that’s not it’s main function.

With Le Parfum, you get a lot of the same. Better than EDP in the colder weather, but doesn’t hold up to the same degree in the heat. It’s not bad in the higher temperatures, but EDP is better, in that regard.

I think Le Parfum is the better nightlife or romantic wear. It’s got greater depth than just being a clean daily wear.

As such, I would give it the slight edge here.

Edge: Le Parfum

Overall Scent

Overall, which one of these YSL fragrances do I like more?

It’s actually a somewhat tight contest between these two or at least. For me, while I really do enjoy the opening act of EDP, it’s not as exciting on the dry down.

Plus, that fresh and clean heavy citrus, type of aroma isn’t something that I always want.

With Parfum, I think that it gets better and the longevity is also gives it an edge. Between them, I lean more towards Parfum. The more that I wore each of these scents, the more Le Parfum started to grow on me.

The vanilla, amber, and orange blossom blend are really great in the back half. Le Parfum has moment where it is powdery, then it’s woodier, then it’s more of an amber floral.

Which the trio of those three notes is also found in Le Male by Gaultier and during the heavier vanilla parts, there is a bit of a resemblance.

There’s more depth here, you’re just giving up the bergamot citrus explosion that you get with Myslf EDP.

However, I will add a caveat. Myslf Parfum is a much more floral fragrance. It’s actually smells quite a bit like the long-discontinued, YSL L’Homme Parfum Intense. Just with more depth and better performance.

(Note: The Dua Brand now has their ‘inspired by’ fragrance based on EDP. So, one could buy a bottle of that and get a bottle of Le Parfum from YSL, if you can’t decide). 

It’s like they took the original, added vanilla, stripped most of the citrus, and fused it with L’Homme Parfum Intense.

It’s also more unisex and some might find Myslf Parfum to be feminine with how it comes across. So, if you prefer the citrus floral aroma, you’ll want to go with Myslf EDP instead.

But, if  you have the opportunity I’d test both of them out. Again, I like both and it’s not a huge gap between them, but I do seem to have a definite preference for Le Parfum.

Winner: Le Parfum

Eros Energy by Versace

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Eros Energy is the latest edition to the now long-running Eros for men series by Versace. I’ve been waiting to try this one for months, after there being some delays in its US release, post-announcement.

I bought a full bottle and have been testing it out to see what Energy brings to the table. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is this Eros worth a try?

Eros Energy Overview

Notes include: bergamot, grapefruit, lime, lemon, green mandarin, orange, blackcurrant, musk, amber, moss, patchouli, and pink pepper

Click here to try: Versace Eros Energy

eros energy box

My Video Review of Eros Energy

Here’s my initial YouTube review. The full written review continues below and will be updated over time. But, if you want to watch a video instead:

My Full Review

Here’s how Versace describes it: a unique fragrance with powerful silage and a long-lasting presence. Love, energy, and desire are at the core of the creation, inspired by the breathtaking beauty of the Mediterranean coast. 

Eros Energy is very much a citrus based fragrance. There’s a whole lot of those fruits involved here: lime, green mandarin, orange, lemon, grapefruit, and bergamot. Oh, and, the tart blackcurrant berry.

For me, Energy presents its aromas in waves. First, we get a mix of mostly: lemon, grapefruit, bergamot. Then: lime, orange, and even some blackcurrant.

When it settles? More of a lemon/bergamot/grapefruit/orange grouping.

Is it just citrus? No, there is a faint spiciness coming from the pink pepper note. I do get some patchouli in there as well, but that’s more after an hour or so.

The main attraction other than the citrus, is the musk note. It’s the most prominent, along with the amber, which seems to be present in almost all of the Eros fragrances now.

Energy isn’t a super complicated fragrance. The dry down is a lighter citrus and musk blend. The musk will grow more dominant the further along that you get. The patchouli and moss, add a slight woodsy air to the mix, but it’s mostly going to be about that musk and amber.

Very fresh and engaging, just not a very deep fragrance compared to others in the series.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Energy does bring a strong start. That initial 30-60 minutes, Eros Energy is something that projects itself well, while not being a heavy fragrance. It doesn’t have the same sort of density as the others like Eros Parfum.

After that, the reach will start to fade quite dramatically. On the whole, it’s pretty middle of the road, but the second half of the wear is very much a skin scent.

Longevity-wise, Eros Energy does stick around somewhere between 5-7 hours, on my skin. About what I expect from a citrus heavy summertime cologne like this.

Is it as long lasting as the previous Eros fragrances? Nope. But, that’s what I expected with this release.

Also, those last few hours of wear, Energy is basically a skin scent. You do get a bold start and it hangs around noticeably for 3-ish hours, but it is not a powerhouse sort of fragrance.

Seasonally, this one is a spring and summertime wear. Energy holds up well in the heat and humidity, during my testing of it.

The late release did take away from its use case for this year, since it comes alive in the heat. But, it should be just fine to wear on a more moderate day, as well.

This isn’t a formal sort of wear or a romantic wear. It’s casual, while being well put together. Energy doesn’t feel juvenile, but there are better options for the office.

Overall Impressions of Eros Energy

Overall, do I like Eros Energy? I like aspects of it. Overall, though, it’s pretty mid. After spending a week or so wearing it, it’s almost certainly my least favorite of the Versace Eros series.

The citrus opening, while it is intense, did grow on me. I did start enjoying wearing Energy during that first hour, especially while walking around outside.

In these late summer temperatures, Energy works quite well.

The back half? It’s fine. Musky amber with some citrus. Nothing too exciting or anything that I completely love with it.

Energy has overlap with fragrances such as: Dior Homme Cologne, Aventus Cologne, or maybe Dior Sport 2017. I’m not sure that it’s better than any of those scents, as a citrus heavy entry into the market.

It’s not necessarily worse, but I don’t know what it really provides that I cannot get elsewhere.

I’d recommend that you try it before you buy. I will be wearing Eros Energy sometimes, but I’m also glad that I purchased the smaller bottle, in order to do this review.

Eros Parfum vs. Eros Energy

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Eros has been a massive hit series for Versace in the past decade-plus. In 2024, the brand has released the newest part of the line, Eros Energy. I bought a full bottle of it to test out recently and now want to compare the fragrance to the other Eros scents.

In this post, I will compare and contrast Eros Energy with Eros Parfum. How does each smell? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Eros Parfum vs. Eros Energy

Eros Parfum

Notes include: lemon, mandarin, black pepper, elemi, tonka bean, Madagascar vanilla, litsea cubeba, pomarose, geranium, lavender, clary sage, benzoin, cashmeran, patchouli, vetiver

Click here to try: Eros Parfum

My Full Review: Eros Parfum

Eros Energy

Notes include: bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, orange blackcurrant, musk, amber, moss

Click here to try: Versace Eros Energy

Read my review: Energy

Opening

Eros Parfum opens up fresh versus other Eros releases. The citrus notes aren’t as intense and add a sparkling quality to the blend, instead of a sharp lemon up front.

Lemon, mandarin, and the litsea cubeba (sort of a lemon verbena) split fairly equally in terms of how strong each of them feels in the mix. The amber and resinous notes are also much from the start, than other Eros scents.

Not just the amber from the original, but also benzoin and elemi, as well. The resin or medicinal sort of smell isn’t huge in the opening, but there. Sort of a fuzzy type of smell. Black pepper and sage really come through to my nose.

This doesn’t have the same level green apple here, as Eros EDT for instance. The apple is the ‘pomarose’ note.

Mint, gives way to  a stronger geranium influence and the general aromatic freshness of notes like clary sage and pepper.

Eros Energy, meanwhile, begins with a whole lot of citrus. For me, it comes in waves. First, we get a mix of mostly: lemon, grapefruit, bergamot. Then: lime, orange, and even some blackcurrant.

Very juicy, fresh, and tart with how it comes across. Some light spiciness is there, but it’s faint.

It’s almost like a more diverse version of Dior Homme Cologne. The musk is there too, but Eros Energy also has an amber and woodiness, which will become more noticeable later on.

There is plenty of overlap in terms of notes here, but the two Eros fragrances come across completely differently.

Which do I prefer? Eros Parfum. I tend to like how it starts more often than I seemingly do so far with the citrus overload of Energy.

Edge: Parfum

Projection

Eros Parfum is definitely a strong fragrance throughout its wear. It’s not a complete beast, with a normal amount of sprays. However, it is very noticeable, leaves a scent trail, and projects pretty far off of the skin.

Energy has a nice strong start. It’s not a heavy scent, but that citrus opening is sharp, and can definitely reach across a room with a good amount of spraying.

Once it settles, it’s a moderate scent for a few hours. Then, it’ll be much more intimate. Eros Energy never reaches the peak of Parfum nor the steady performance over the course of the wear.

Edge: Parfum

Longevity

Eros Parfum can last for 10 hours, on my skin. Sometimes, it’ll be 8 or 9 hours, but I’ve gotten ten out of it multiple times.

Testing out Eros Energy, it seems to go between 5 and 7 hours, on skin. Those last few hours aren’t anything more than a bit of the remaining musk and amber notes.

Not a great performer. The weakest of the Eros series, with its performance, and the one with the least in common with the other entries.

Edge: Parfum

Versatility

With Parfum, it’s still an autumn and winter wear, like the other Eros scents. Though, warmer temperatures seem to work well.

Parfum cannot be a summertime fragrance like Energy can, though. It works well in the heat, not so much for the colder months. I think it’d be too ‘screechy’ and sharp in a cold environment.

Parfum’s smoothness and toned down use of the amber, really help it to have a more mature profile than others in the series. Especially, when compared the the more casual Energy.

Parfum would fit in better for the nightlife, dates, or even the office. Neither is an office scent for most guys.

Parfum can’t do the heat to the same extent, but it can do everything else better than Eros Energy.

Edge: Parfum

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these editions of Eros for men by Versace, do I prefer?

Eros Energy is okay. I’m not enthralled with it so far, but I don’t hate it either. It’s definitely different with it’s lighter and summer friendly formula, which I do personally like such fragrances.

However, while it’s a good example of this type of summertime wear, there are better options out there.

Parfum is probably my favorite Versace Eros fragrance, as of now. It’s got a lot of the good qualities of the old bottles of the EDT, while giving you something with a bit more refinement.

It’s not far and away better than Eros EDP, EDT, or even Flame. However, it’s the one I’d go with, if I were in the market.

Between these two, I would rather wear Eros Parfum. Energy has the spring and summer advantage, but that’s about it. Parfum is a better smelling scent and has much better performance, in comparison.

Winner: Eros Parfum

Coco Mademoiselle vs. L’eau Privee

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Coco Mademoiselle has launched a bunch of different flankers over the years. One of them, L’eau Privée, is one of the latest additions to the line. L’eau Privée is a nighttime/sleepwear version of the scent. I wanted to provide a comparison post, as plenty of people seem to have questions about the differences between these two.

Tale of the Tape: Coco Mademoiselle vs. L’eau Privee

Coco Mademoiselle

Notes include: orange, neroli, may rose, patchouli, vetiver, jasmine

Click here to try: Coco Mademoiselle

Read my full review: Coco Mademoiselle EDP

Coco Mademoiselle L’eau Privee

Notes include: rose, jasmine, mandarin orange, musk

Click here to try: CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE L’EAU PRIVÉE Eau Pour la Nuit Spray 1,70z

Read my full review: L’eau Privee

Opening

Mademoiselle EDP starts off with a strong blend of its orange citrus note, neroli, and patchouli. The opening stage is heavy on that orange, before ceding some ground to the floral heart, made up of jasmine and a bit of rose.

It’s bold and have a somewhat gourmand feeling, thanks to the pretty prevalent patchouli.

L’eau Privée opens up with the bright and juicy orange note that is found the EDP version. It doesn’t have the neroli note, but the jasmine and rose are there. Plus, the patchouli, but it is way toned down.

Which is better? They are obviously extremely similar, but I like the EDP’s scent a bit better in the opening act. L’eau Privée is light and not as sharp, which can be a nice change, but it doesn’t hit the same high mark.

It’s a less intrusive, but also less dynamic version of Mademoiselle eau de parfum.

Edge: Mademoiselle 

Projection

Coco Mademoiselle has a very strong sillage and its ability to project is outstanding. Even after all of this time, this Chanel EDP still has that same strength and hasn’t lost a step.

L’eau Privee has a moderate sillage upon first spraying. Though, as a nighttime scent that power is short lived and it is ultimately a softer fragrance.

This category is no contest. Mademoiselle L’eau Privee gets very light and airy once you’re past that immediate burst. Though, I can still smell it on me without issue.

Edge: Coco Mademoiselle

Longevity

Mademoiselle EDP has always lasted for over 10 hours on my skin. It gives an outstanding performance and takes a long time to settle into a skin scent.

Privee will go for four hours on my skin. The last two of those hours is a pure skin scent, that won’t be jumping out at you, in the slightest.

The performance between the two isn’t going to be a close call. L’eau Privee does give me more longevity than some people have said in their reviews of it. Still, it’s not supposed to be a powerhouse, and easily loses this category.

Edge: Mademoiselle

Versatility

Coco Mademoiselle can work in a wide variety of situations. I’d avoid the heat with it, go easy at the office, or just don’t use it in formal settings. Outside of that, the EDP can deliver.

L’eau Privee is one to use when you want to freshen up for a few hours with something light or to use before bed. That’s its best use case. But, it can work better in the heat than Mademoiselle.

Not that it’s going to last a long time, but the scent itself can hold up more in the spring and summer months, without starting to smell weird.

Edge: Mademoiselle

Overall Scent

This really isn’t a fair contest, as L’eau Privee is designed for more of a specific purpose versus the original EDP perfume.

However, it’s always a question that comes up from newer folks to Chanel, who don’t yet know the difference between these two scents.

If you want an all-purpose perfume, that has style and staying power; Coco Mademoiselle is a great choice overall and the clear choice in this comparison.

If you already like the style of Mademoiselle and want something the spray before bedtime…then maybe pick up L’eau Privee. That’s one of the only real uses for it. But if you want to shell out the money, go right ahead.

Maybe you use it during the summer months or a fragrance that you wear to the gym or something along those lines.

Some people seem to like to use it as a freshener, either for themselves or their bedroom. It’s a nice smelling scent. A lighter and fresh version of this line from Chanel. It’s just not going to become a signature perfume for anyone, unlike the eau de parfum.

Winner: Coco Mademoiselle