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!

Acqua di Gio Profondo EDP vs. Parfum

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Profondo was a hit release for Armani’s long-running Acqua di Gio line. The followed that up with the short-lived Profondo Lights, but now have brought to market Profondo Parfum.

I recently bought a sample of Parfum, along with another sample of the original EDP, in order to test them each and compare them side by side. On this page, I will relay my findings and update them, as needed over time.

Tale of the Tape: AdG Profondo vs. Profondo Parfum

Acqua di Gio Profondo

Notes include: mandarin, bergamot, lavender, marine notes, rosemary, cypress, lentisk, patchouli, musk

Click here to try: GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Profondo for Men Eau De Parfum Spray 4.2 Ounces, blue

Read my Review: AdG Profondo

Profondo Parfum

Notes include: lemon essence, bergamot, marine notes, mimosa (everlasting essence), patchouli, cistus

Click here to try: Profondo Parfum

Opening

Acqua di Gio Profondo begins with its citrus notes out in front, bergamot and mandarin orange. The bergamot is the more dominant of the two ingredients.

Underneath that, you get the usual Acqua di Gio marine notes and rosemary spice. The difference here is the woodiness and the resinous quality that comes with the mastic.

Nonetheless, it’s all more of an aquatic impression versus being a pure oceanic scent.

Profondo Parfum is a bit sweeter in the opening and less tart. It uses more of the mandarin orange note, without the bergamot playing as large of a role.

Armani lists the bergamot and a lemon essence, but it still comes across basically like mandarin. The two fragrances are quite a lot alike.

The resinous aroma that I get with EDP isn’t here and I do get more of the marine influence. Sort of salty, less woody, but overall a lot of the same things going on here.

Which is better? Honestly, I don’t have much of a preference between these two fragrances in the opening act. The similarities don’t really permit too much distinction here.

Edge: Push

Projection

Both of these fragrances start off strong with a normal amount of sprays. After that, they will both moderate how well they leave a scent trail and project off of the skin.

Is Profondo Parfum stronger? If it is, it’s not too noticeable. I really cannot tell the difference while wearing either or spraying each on a shirt and seeing how far away that I can detect each.

This one seems even to my nose.

Edge: Push

Longevity

With the original Profondo, I’ve always gotten 7-8 hours of wear with it, on my skin. That’s held true with this latest sample.

Profondo Parfum is close to the same. It seems like it can hit about 9 hours, but there isn’t too big of a difference here either.

Edge: Parfum (slightly)

Versatility

No real difference here either. These are both built for the spring and summer months. Not too formal with either of them. Great as daily wears or something more casual for the warmer seasons.

As to be expected with a flanker of an Acqua di Gio flanker.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

So, between these two Profondo colognes, which is better?

I’ve always liked the original EDP, didn’t care for Lights, and I do like the new Parfum.

The early stages are very similar. The latter stages there is more separation. The woodiness and herbal aromas of the original come out more.

Parfum is close to it, just sweeter and less of that woodiness. Still, they’re very close to one another. In their differences, I still like the original more.

All in all, I don’t see much of a proposition for Parfum versus EDP. I like Parfum, but the changes are pretty subtle. Less wood, some more amber, sweetness, some added aquatic infusion (not much more).

For that, a higher price tag. Performance gains? Negligible, if any.

Profondo Parfum is a good scent. I do like the somewhat mellowed vibes and the less woody presentation. And I do, like its amped up oceanic depth. Just not enough for it to make a difference in my choice.

At the same price? Sure, I might take a bottle of Parfum. Right now, the original works fine.

Winner: Profondo EDP

Gentleman Society vs. Dior Sauvage EDT

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Dior Sauvage is a constant best seller, but so is the Gentleman series from Givenchy. It’s just spread over different fragrances with less in common with one another versus the Sauvage lineup.

One of the more popular options over the past few years, has been Givenchy Gentleman Society. Guys will often look for it and want to compare it with the popular Sauvage EDT.

In this post, I’m going to give my comparisons between these colognes, and talk about which I feel is the better of them.

Tale of the Tape: Sauvage vs. Gentleman Society

Sauvage EDT

Notes of Sauvage: bergamot, ambroxan, lavender, pepper, wood notes

Click here to try: Christian Dior Sauvage for Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

My Original Sauvage Review

Gentleman Society

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

Click here to try: Gentleman Society

Read my review: Gentleman Society by Givenchy

Opening

Sauvage starts off with a blast of bergamot, pepper, and the ambroxan note. It’s super bright, energetic, and clean.

The Sichuan pepper is a powerhouse early on, as is the bergamot note. The citrus here is very noticeable and actually is a nice note, even when it feels quite sharp.

The lavender will take on more of a role later on, but it’s presence is felt throughout.

Gentleman Society begins with a sweet, spicy, and seemingly nutty mix of notes. Sage is a leader 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.

Which cologne do I prefer here? I’m going with the Givenchy scent over the Dior for the opening.

It’s more interesting has a smoother blend than what I get with Sauvage EDT.

Edge: Society

Projection

The original Sauvage is an eau de toilette versus Society which is a higher concentrate eau de parfum.

However, it’s actually a closer match up in terms of their projection and sillage. Both start out as being above average with their reach. Neither is a weak fragrance, so don’t worry about that.

Then, both will moderate during the wear.

I think that Society has a high peak, though. Along with that, it maintains a higher level for me for longer.

Not a huge win here, but an advantage for the Givenchy.

Edge: Society

Longevity

With Sauvage EDT, it will last for 7-8 hours on my skin. It’s always been a solid performer and definitely gives you some value, in this regard.

But, Gentleman Society lasts longer than the Dior. For me, it seems to quit around 9 hours, so it can provide an extra hour or two of wear beyond what Sauvage seems capable of.

Givenchy takes this category.

Edge: Society

Versatility

Seasonally, I’d say Society is better autumn through early spring. I’ve worn it when it’s warm out and wasn’t pleased with the results.

Sauvage, does a better job across seasons. I’d still avoid extreme cold with it, but it can be fine for almost any other conditions.

Neither of these is a formal fragrance. Society seems geared toward younger guys, as does Sauvage to some extent. Day or night with either, but Sauvage actually might be the better daily wear.

I think this is where Sauvage EDT has a slight advantage.

Edge: Sauvage

Overall Scent

So, overall, which of these fragrances do I prefer?

I’ve never been a huge fan of the original Sauvage. I don’t hate it, I think that it smells fine, but I have grown tired of it and all the scents that have copied its style.

That being said, I still can appreciate the fragrance’s performance and the dry down which is better once the pepper note calms down.

With the Givenchy, I like the opening 45 minutes or so of the wear. That’s the highlight of the fragrance. After that, it’s fine but sort of boring, but I don’t think Sauvage does anything to make me really want it versus its competitor.

I’ll take Society over a bottle of Sauvage, even if I don’t love that Givenchy cologne. Actually, I would go with Society Extreme, which I enjoy much more than either of the fragrances we’re comparing in this post.

I might also pick Sauvage EDP over Society.

But, between these two, it’s Gentleman Society EDP.

Winner: Society

Bad Boy vs. Bad Boy Cobalt

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Bad Boy is a popular ongoing line of men’s fragrances from Carolina Herrera. Each new year seems to bring about a new flanker in the series. The original EDT is still going strong itself, but how does it compare to one of the later additions, Bad Boy Cobalt.

I have tested out and reviewed both of them. On this page, I will compare how each smells, how they perform, and which cologne I think is the better buy between them.

Tale of the Tape: Bad Boy vs. Bad Boy Cobalt

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

Cobalt

Notes include: pink pepper, geranium, lavender, black plum, truffle accord, vetiver

Click here to try: Bad Boy Cobalt

Read my review: Cobalt

bad cobalt review

Opening

The opening of Bad Boy EDT, smells differently to my nose, depending on whether it is closer to the skin or just wafting in the air.

Up close, it smells like honeycomb that is dipped in amber and infused with different pepper notes.

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

Cobalt starts off with a fresh spice and tart sweetness. Plum provides the latter, but pink pepper and a crisp geranium note give Bad Boy Cobalt a cold and clean feeling.

That will, however, be ‘dirtied’ up somewhat by the emergence of the truffle note. To me, it’s always been an earthier example of that note, but it pairs well with an increasingly sweet and less tart plum.

Which is better?

I like both and they’re both interesting, but I prefer what I get from the original versus Cobalt. I like the mix of sweet and spicier here, more than the tart and freshness that I get with the flanker.

Edge: Bad Boy

Projection

Both of these are pretty moderate fragrances. When I compare them, there isn’t too much of a difference in how they project off of the skin.

However, Bad Boy EDT seems like it has a slightly heavier sillage and hits a higher level of projection than I get with Cobalt.

Not much more, but it’s noticeable to me.

Edge: Bad Boy (slightly)

Longevity

With both of these fragrances, I get 6-7 hours of wear out of them, on my skin. Bad Boy Le Parfum gives me a few hours more, but that’s a better performer in this series.

Between Bad Boy and Cobalt, they’re equal. No real advantage to be had in this category.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Seasonally, both work well in autumn and wintertime. I wouldn’t use either in the depths of summer, but I think Cobalt can hold up better in the warmer weather than can Bad Boy EDT. That’s one advantage that it has.

Otherwise, both of these colognes are for a younger crowd. More of nightlife fragrances than being a daily wear or something more formal.  Can be worn casually or out on a date. They cover the same ground, basically.

Edge: Cobalt (slightly)

Overall Scent

These two are quite close in terms of my overall enjoyment wearing them and in terms of how they both perform. Nearly interchangeable, but I do have a preference for one against the other.

Cobalt is a solid fragrance. I like it, but don’t really love any aspect of it. The plum and truffle is a good combination, though. To me, that’s the highlight of the entire wear. A lot of the wear will be lavender dominant and isn’t as good to my nose. Still fine, just doesn’t hit the same.

In the end, I like the way that Bad Boy EDT smells more so than what I get out of Cobalt. Cobalt is really close, so, if you happen to really enjoy that plum or the later lavender note more than the original formula, you can probably go with it.

Not a big difference in these two, just a slight edge for one of them.

Winner: Bad Boy

Sauvage EDT vs. Eau Forte

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Sauvage has become such a popular line, that it doesn’t appear that Dior will stop coming out with flankers of this fragrance any time soon. The latest one for 2024 is Sauvage Eau Forte. It’s a new scent, but how does it compare to the original Sauvage eau de toilette release?

Which of these colognes lasts longer? Smells better? Is the one to buy?

Tale of the Tape: Sauvage vs. Eau Forte

Sauvage EDT

Notes of Sauvage: bergamot, ambroxan, lavender, pepper, wood notes

Click here to try: Christian Dior Sauvage for Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

My Original Sauvage Review

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 starts off with a strong kick of bergamot, pepper, and the ever-present ambroxan note. It’s super bright, energetic, and clean.

The Sichuan pepper is definitely strong early on, as is the bergamot note. The citrus here is much more noticeable and in your face when compared to the cool spicy freshness of Eau Forte.

The lavender will take on more of a role later on, but it’s presence is felt throughout.

Eau Forte starts things off with a cold and fresh aroma. The elemi note is a mix of waxy and resinous up top. There are spices, woods, and the impression of water from this alcohol free formula.

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 wonderful.

I prefer how Eau Forte starts when compared to the original EDT. To me, it’s the best part of this newer Sauvage release. Not amazing. Though, it’s a really nice introduction to what they were going for.

Edge: Eau Forte

Projection

Sauvage EDT is a strong scent in terms of how it projects and can leave a scent trail. It’s not a massive beast or anything, but it is extremely noticeable and settles down into something that’s still above average.

Meanwhile, Eau Forte is in the lighter to moderate camp. Initially, it’s got some nice pop to it, but this Sauvage is going to be more intimate than other editions in the line.

Now, I don’t think it’s a weak fragrance and it does stick around. But, the EDT is for sure the stronger of the two.

Edge: Sauvage EDT

Longevity

Sauvage EDT has always lasted 7-8 hours for me, like clockwork. Other people seem to get a bit more from it, but I’ve never personally experienced it.

Eau Forte might not seem like it’s sticking around, when it enters its lighter phase. However, the fragrance is still there. I get somewhere around 8 hours during testing of this new Sauvage.

Not amazing, but still quite serviceable.

They’re about the same in terms of how long they last. Sauvage is stronger, but it doesn’t go any further than Eau Forte.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Seasonally, both EDT and Eau Forte can fit in during any season, but it’s probably best to not use them in either the extreme heat or cold. So, no real separation there.

Sauvage is good for casual wear, school, maybe some office wear depending on where you work. It’s good for a night out, but wouldn’t be my first pick. Although, I know I’ve smelled this on other people while walking through crowds.

I think Eau Forte has a slightly more mature profile and more of a 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.

Not a massive difference here, but I lean more towards Forte taking it.

Edge: Eau Forte

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Dior fragrances do I prefer versus the other?

It’s tough, because they are so close in terms of rating them for each category, not to mention that I don’t think either is a great fragrance.

With Sauvage EDT, I’m somewhat biased against it. I was never a huge fan and I frankly sick of it and every other scent smelling like it. The opening was always harsh and sort of off putting, though, I do like it better during the dry down.

With Eau Forte, the opening is more enjoyable for me than anything that the initial EDT throws my way. The dry down is also pretty good.

In terms of smell? I’d pick Eau Forte.

In terms of performance? Sauvage EDT takes it.

Everything being equal, I’m picking Eau Forte in this matchup and just spraying more of it to get some better performance.

The only other factor is price. Eau Forte is overpriced, in my opinion. Sauvage EDT can be found from discounters at something much more reasonable. That significant difference could really sway your own choice.

Otherwise, I’m going with the newer scent.

Winner: Eau Forte

Luna Rossa Ocean EDP vs. Le Parfum

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Luna Rossa Ocean has been a popular line of fragrances for Prada. The initial eau de toilette release has spawned two other flanker scents thus far. One, Ocean EDP. The other, a Le Parfum version.

Stemming from the same lineup, there can obviously be similarities between colognes. What are those similarities? What are the differences? And just which one of these Ocean releases is the better one?

I’ve tested and worn both of them and this page is my full comparison between these men’s fragrances by Prada.

Tale of the Tape Ocean EDP vs. Le Parfum

Ocean EDP

Notes include: grapefruit, wood, incense, vanilla bean accord, amber extreme

Click here to try: Ocean EDP

My Review: Luna Rossa Ocean EDP

Le Parfum

Notes include: lemon, saffron, amber, oak

My review: Ocean le Parfum

Opening

Ocean Le Parfum starts off as a saffron bomb. That’s the main note, but it actually does take on a bit of a tobacco-like aroma, with the way it blends with the other notes. It’s rich, spicy, somewhat sweet, and smooth.

Now, the base note here is oak, which even the sample card calls a ‘leathery oakwood’. For sure, a bit smokier in the dry down, but in the opening it comes across like a woody leather paired with that saffron note.

Lemon essence? Yes, the same way there’s a citrus not in the opening of Spicebomb, except even more subdued. Has some overlap with Infrared, too. That amber extreme note is present throughout and this one will dry down into a woody/amber mix.

Ocean EDP begins somewhat like the original EDT. This time, this citrus is a grapefruit note, but for a few minutes I still get a very similar blue-ish vibe from the eau de parfum.

Still smooth and a bit powdery, though the tonka bean and iris aren’t listed as notes here.

But, that opening is short-lived, after a few minutes it really shifts into a slightly smoky vanilla and amber fragrance.

Which is better? They are actually pretty similar in the opening, after like 10 minutes. Le Parfum comes across as warmer and woodier, while EDP is a cooler amber and vanilla scent.

If I have to pick one, I’ll go with Ocean EDP’s opening. It’s smoother. Actually, I found my travel sprayer in a bag a few weeks ago, and wore this Prada for days in a row. It still doesn’t hit the same as the EDT’s opening act (the best of the trio), but it grew on me.

Edge: Ocean EDP

Projection

I’ve said that Ocean EDP starts out in the upper moderate range in terms of how it projects, ;leaves a scent trail, and how heavy it feels to have on.

But, that will quickly turn into something much lighter and intimate after not much time.

Luna Rossa Ocean Le Parfum is the bolder, stronger, and denser of the two perfumes. I don’t think it’s a powerhouse. Though, I do think it is a strong fragrance for the first hour or so.

After that, it too will moderate greatly. The performance is without a doubt better than either of the other Ocean scents released, as of this posting.

Edge: Le Parfum

Longevity

Ocean EDP always gives me between 4-6 hours of wear. This was a massive disappointment to me, back when I was hoping it’d be an improvement over the EDT. Nope, they’re the same.

Is Le Parfum better? Yes, it outpaces both of them. It seems to be in the 7-9 hour range. Ocean Le Parfum at least gives you something to work with, beyond just being a faded amber note (although that’s a big part of it too).

Still, it’s not a great performer, especially at the price. A good one, though, and an improvement beyond its predecessors.

Edge: Le Parfum

Versatility

Neither of these fragrances is a warmer weather scent. Both best in colder to moderate temperatures. But, EDP might have a slight edge in how it works in warmer temperatures.

They are very similar. Neither is a formal fragrance, both can work in the nightlife, both can be more casual wears, and they aren’t really going to offend anyone.

Don’t really see a clear cut winner in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Luna Rossa Ocean fragrances is better? It’s tough to call.

The first part, belongs to EDP. But, the back half of Le Parfum is better. Plus, Le Parfum lasts longer.

So, I’m inclined to to go with Le Parfum. If we’re assuming, that price is not a factor, it’s probably slightly better overall. A mid start, with a very nice finish.

The entire Ocean line sits around the same rating for me. Likeable, just nothing special enough.

The EDT still might be my favorite. I did love the opening act of that one, it’s just not one that has much performance or anything beyond that initial captivation.

Le Parfum is the most different of the lot. Warmer, spicier, dry, with a leathery finish. It’s interesting, as I always got a decent amount of the suede note in the EDT, but this is of a different character.

In a sense, it’s the least ‘ocean-like’ in a series, that doesn’t always feel like it represents the name anyhow. The first two entries are certainly fresher and feel ‘blue’ versus this newer fragrance.

The oak and amber extreme in the dry down is actually a nice combination. Plus, I am a fan of saffron, generally.

If I do include price as a factor, I don’t think Ocean Le Parfum is really worth the price of entry. $175 seems kind of crazy to me for this. At least I’ve seen the other two Ocean scents discounted online, not so far for Le Parfum, though.

Winner: Le Parfum