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!

Alien Goddess vs. Intense Comparison

by

Alien Goddess is the latest flanker series from Mugler utilizing the Alien name and style. Even if, it is a fairly different wear from the original classic Alien. But, the first Alien Goddess has now gotten a flanker of its own, Alien Goddess Intense. I’ve tested both of them and am going to compare the two in this post to see, which is the better buy?

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict

Alien Goddess Intense wins on opening, projection, longevity, and overall scent, while versatility is basically a tie.

Buy Alien Goddess Intense if you want the richer, creamier vanilla-jasmine version with stronger projection and better lasting power.

Buy the original Alien Goddess if you prefer a lighter coconut-citrus floral scent with a fresher tropical feel, but overall Intense is the stronger fragrance.

Category Alien Goddess Alien Goddess Intense Winner
Opening Coconut water, bergamot, jasmine, vanilla with a lighter tropical freshness Coconut, jasmine, vanilla, benzoin with a richer creamy sweetness Alien Goddess Intense
Projection Moderate projection with a softer scent trail Stronger projection and fuller scent bubble Alien Goddess Intense
Longevity Around 6–7 hours Usually 8+ hours Alien Goddess Intense
Versatility Spring/summer friendly, daytime wear, vacations, casual use Still versatile, but stronger sweetness suits evenings and cooler weather more Push
Overall Scent Bright tropical coconut floral with lighter vanilla warmth Creamier, deeper vanilla-jasmine scent with stronger warmth and richness Alien Goddess Intense
Best For Those who want the fresher tropical version Those who want the stronger, richer, better-performing version —

Tale of the Tape: Alien Goddess vs. Alien Goddess Intense

Alien Goddess

Notes include: bergamot, coconut water, jasmine, vanilla, heliotrope, cashmeran wood

Click here to try: Alien Goddess at Macy’s

Read my review: Alien Goddess

alien goddess review

Alien Goddess Intense

Notes include: coconut, bergamot, jasmine, jasmine tea, benzoin, vanilla, cashmere

Click here to try: Intense at Sephora

Read my review: Goddess Intense

Opening

Alien Goddess opens up with coconut and bergamot. But, the bergamot is quite light, and the coconut is more of a watery one. The jasmine and vanilla also begin to come through early.

It is a bright, sweet, and creamy perfume. The heliotrope will come on soon after to split some of the duties with the jasmine note.

Alien Goddess Intense is more substantial and ‘thicker’ than the original. Here, the coconut isn’t watery, but more of the fruit itself. It is also joined by vanilla and benzoin early, which further add to it.

But, early it’s the coconut, jasmine, and vanilla notes mainly. It does also have that bergamot, but it doesn’t play much of a role in Intense either.

Which is better?

They do have a similar aroma, but I think I prefer that of Goddess Intense more so. The earlier vanilla emergence and the fuzzy amber-like qualities of the benzoin are nice additions. I do like the original too, so, it’s not a complete blow out victory here.

Edge: Intense

Projection

Intense does come across as being a heavier scent and one that has more projection than the original. A bit more of a scent trail too.

I don’t think Intense massively outperforms the original, in this regard. However, it does have the edge for sure.

Edge: Intense

Longevity

The original Alien Goddess went 8-9 hours for me, on skin. It’s actually got some really nice performance and wasn’t a disappointment.

However, Intense will go 9-10+ hours of wear. It’s not a massive difference, but I can detect it for an hour or two past, what I got with the original EDP.

For a mainstream designer fragrance, Alien Goddess Intense is borderline elite, with how long it lasts.

Edge: Intense

Versatility

The only real difference here is the the climate each is worn in. Sure, there is overlap. Though, the original is a better bet for the warmer spring and summer weather. It’s lighter and not as cloying in the hotter temperatures.

That being said, Intense is the better bet in colder weather. Both can fit in on moderate days. Outside of that there really isn’t much distinction.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these perfumes do I prefer? It’s a closer call than it may seem. I consider them both to be good smelling fragrances, though, neither blows me away. But, each is bolstered by its general likeability and performance.

With the original, I like the lighter coconut, the sweetness and the heliotrope which comes through in the middle act. It’s a very nice and wearable perfume.

But, Intense is slightly better to me, across the board. The vanilla, amber, benzoin combination isn’t wholly different from the original. It’s just more of an enjoyable mix overall.

Plus, the performance is better. Not a huge win, but I’ll take Intense.

Winner: Alien Goddess Intense

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose Alien Goddess if:

You prefer lighter tropical fragrances
You like coconut water, bergamot, jasmine, and softer vanilla
You want something fresher for spring and summer
You mainly wear fragrance during the day or on vacations
You prefer a softer, less sweet scent profile

Choose Alien Goddess Intense if:

You want the better overall fragrance
You prefer richer vanilla, coconut, jasmine, and benzoin
You want stronger projection and better longevity
You like creamier, warmer feminine scents
You want the stronger-performing version for evenings or cooler weather

Mugler Alien Goddess FAQ

Is Alien Goddess more tropical than Intense?

Yes, the coconut water and bergamot notes give it a lighter and fresher aroma that’s tropical and a nice wear in the warmer weather. You still get coconut with Intense, but it doesn’t feel as tropical as the original.

Which is the best Alien Goddess perfume to buy?

Out of the releases so far, I like: Goddess Intense and Supra Florale most. I like Intense a bit more than Florale. But, those two are pretty close in terms of how much I enjoy each.

Which Mugler Alien Goddess should I buy first?

I think that Goddess Intense is the best of the series that they’ve released as of now. But, it may not be the best for what you want. Again, you might like that lighter and fresher formula of the original more.

Phantom vs Phantom Parfum Comparison

by

Phantom is a release from Paco Rabanne that has become very popular with the public since its release. It’s one that I don’t completely understand personally, but enough folks seem to enjoy the scent. Anyway, the brand has followed up the original Phantom with a newer Parfum version in 2023.

Which of these robot bottled colognes smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy? I’ve tested each and the following are my results.

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict

Phantom Parfum wins on opening, projection, longevity, and overall scent, while versatility is basically a tie.

Buy Phantom Parfum if you want the fresher, stronger, and better-performing version with a smoother citrus opening and longer-lasting projection.

Buy the original Phantom if you specifically prefer the apple note and slightly juicier tropical sweetness, but overall Parfum is the better buy.

Category Phantom Phantom Parfum Winner
Opening Apple, lemon, lavender, vanilla, and a juicy semi-tropical sweetness Lemon, bergamot, rhubarb, cardamom, and a fresher colder citrus opening Phantom Parfum
Projection Strong start, then quickly falls to moderate and later lighter Stronger start and stays upper-moderate for much longer Phantom Parfum
Longevity Around 6–7 hours Around 8–9 hours Phantom Parfum
Versatility Autumn/winter, younger, casual, nightlife Autumn/winter, younger, casual, nightlife Push
Overall Scent Nice opening, but becomes a more average patchouli-heavy sweet scent later More of the best parts of Phantom with stronger performance and better citrus freshness Phantom Parfum
Best For Fans of the original apple-heavy Phantom opening Those who want the stronger, fresher, better-performing flanker —

Tale of the Tape: Phantom vs. Phantom Parfum

Phantom

Notes include: lemon, lemon zest, lavender, patchouli, vetiver, apple, smoke, and more

Click here to try: Phantom by Paco Rabanne

My Full Review: Phantom

Phantom Parfum

Notes include: bergamot, lemon, rhubarb, cardamom, lavender, patchouli, vanilla, geranium, balsam, cedar

Click here to try: Phantom Parfum

Read my review: Parfum

Opening

With Phantom, I actually kind of like the start. Phantom kicks things off with apple and lemon notes, creating a juiciness that is quite nice. The aroma is semi-tropical and sweet, with the way it ties together.

Under that, is lavender and vanilla, further pushing the aromatic creaminess.

That juicy citrus fruit opening will be pushed out by a drier and earthy aroma. The juiciness fades, and patchouli will have its time to shine, with an herbal sort of spice coming together. It dirties it up, and yes, there is a touch of smoke.

With Parfum, we get a stronger use of the citrus up top. That lemon, bergamot, and semi-tropical aroma is back, longer lasting, and better than the original.

With that, you get a rhubarb and cardamom in lieu of the apple note. Once the fruitiness has toned down, this one feels fresher and colder. Slightly greenish undertones, in the early stages.

Which is better? I think Parfum is preferable. I like the start of the original, but I think that Parfum is more appealing in comparison.

Edge: Parfum

Projection

The original Phantom starts off quite strong, but will pretty quickly decay into something moderate, and finally a lighter scent that I can catch whiffs of.

It wasn’t a sillage powerhouse, but could be decent.

With Parfum, I do get a bit of a stronger start. Not by much, though. However, the real value with it, is how long it lasts at a higher level.

Phantom Parfum doesn’t just quickly fall off and it will be in the upper moderate range of projection for a large portion of the wear.

Edge: Parfum

Longevity

With the original Phantom, I could get 6-7 hours of wear on my skin. It wasn’t great, but it was fairly solid, as a fragrance.

The Parfum version will go a bit further. During testing, it lasted 8-9 hours. Not a ton of extra time, but it is noticeably stronger and lasts longer.

Phantom Parfum easily takes this.

Edge: Parfum

Versatility

I don’t think there’s any real distinction here. Both are built better for the autumn and winter months. Neither is going to hold up well in the heat and humidity.

Parfum isn’t different enough to change what the Phantom DNA is all about. Skews younger, casual, can be worn out at night, etc.

To me, this is a tie.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Paco Rabanne fragrances do I prefer?

Phantom never did much for me. I didn’t completely hate it. I enjoyed the apple and lemon peel notes, after the initial spray. When those two blend with everything else it’s nice.

After that, Phantom was basically just an average scent. Nothing really stood out about it.

Phantom Parfum gives me more of the parts that I like, with more performance.

Parfum doesn’t completely win me over to the Phantom line, as I personally still don’t want a bottle of either. However, I do like it more than the original.

Note:  If you still can’t decide between these two, you could get a similar fragrance to the original Phantom for cheaper by the Dua Brand called: Error 414. Then, buy Phantom Parfum also. 

The dry down is a big dose of vanilla, some woods, and a now generic sweetness from the top notes. That initial ‘tropical’ scent isn’t there anymore and it has the same vibe as any number of Paco Rabanne scents after that.

In the end, if you liked the original Phantom, you should try Parfum. If you didn’t, I don’t think you need to put Parfum through its paces. Even if, it is the best between them.

Winner: Phantom Parfum

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose Phantom if:

You prefer the original Paco Rabanne Phantom DNA
You like apple, lemon, lavender, vanilla, and juicy sweet openings
You enjoy the more tropical fruity feel at the start
You do not mind average performance after the opening fades
You mainly care about the original opening rather than the full wear experience

Choose Phantom Parfum if:

You want the better overall fragrance
You prefer stronger citrus with bergamot, lemon, rhubarb, and cardamom
You want better projection and longer-lasting performance
You like fresher, colder openings with smoother development
You want the best version of the Phantom line based on this comparison

Paco Rabanne Phantom FAQ

Which Paco Rabanne Phantom should I buy first?

This is a line that I think that you should try before spending. Again, I’m not a big fan of any of these, but the answer is probably Phantom Parfum or maybe Phantom Intense. I haven’t tried every single release as of now, but those would be my picks if I had to purchase a Phantom cologne.

Is Phantom more fruity than Phantom Parfum?

Actually, Parfum has more of an initial fruitier kick and it also lasts longer. That’s part of its appeal for me in comparison to the original. But, Phantom comes across as sweeter, while Parfum is more citrusy.

Are Phantom and Phantom Parfum very similar?

They are quite similar. The differences are that Parfum is a smoother experience and the dry down periods are different with how they smell. Woods and vanilla, mostly.

Tobacco Oud vs Intense Comparison

by

For this head to head match up, I wanted to take a look at two Tom Ford fragrances but in particular, the two Tobacco Oud scents: the original vs. Tobacco Oud Intense. Which of these colognes smells better? Which has better sillage? Better longevity? Which one is the fragrance to consider buying?

Update: Both of these fragrances have seemingly been discontinued. For sure, Intense. Tobacco Oud seems to pop up and then go away, but you can still find it places online. If you want to try an alternative, The Dua Brand has their ‘inspired by’ take on each: Tobac Aoud and Tobac Aoud Attar. 

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict

Tobacco Oud Intense wins on opening, projection, and overall scent, while the original Tobacco Oud wins on longevity.

Buy Tobacco Oud Intense if you want the smoother, sweeter, less harsh version with stronger sillage and a better overall wear experience.

Buy Tobacco Oud if you prefer more whiskey, spice, booziness, and longer wear time.

 

Category Tobacco Oud Tobacco Oud Intense Winner
Opening Big oud, whiskey, cured tobacco, coriander, earthy patchouli, rough smoky start Tobacco, oud, amber, tonka bean, dark smoke, smoother sweetness Intense
Projection Strong early, but does not hold peak strength as long Stronger sillage and maintains strength longer Intense
Longevity 10+ hours on skin Around 7–9 hours Tobacco Oud
Versatility Cold weather, dressed-up situations, less casual wear Cold weather, dressed-up situations, less casual wear Push
Overall Scent Boozier, spicier, harsher opening that improves into smoother woody sweetness Smoother, sweeter, almost leathery amber-tonka oud with a better full wear Intense
Best For Fans of boozy, spicy, rougher tobacco-oud scents Those who want the smoother, sweeter, stronger-projecting version —

Tale of the Tape: Tom Ford Tobacco Oud vs Intense

Tobacco Oud

Notes include: tobacco, oud, amber, whiskey, vanilla, cinnamon, benzoin, patchouli, sandalwood, coriander, cedar, incense

Click here to try: Tom Ford Private Blend Tobacco Oud Eau De Parfum Spray 100ml/3.4oz

Read my original review: Tobacco Oud Review

Tobacco Oud Intense

Notes include: oud, tobacco, amber, cedar, coriander, tonka bean, patchouli, sandalwood, labdanum

Click here to try: Tom Ford Tobacco Oud Intense by Tom Ford, 3.4 oz EDP Spray Unisex

Read my original review: Tobacco Oud Intense

Opening

Tobacco Oud opens up with a big dose of the oud, but also whiskey, which is more prominent than the tobacco at the start. Under that layer, there is the cured tobacco, spicy coriander, and an earthy patchouli. The start is rough and pretty smokey.

Intense starts off with the tobacco and oud notes, it is dark and smokey, but under that is a smooth amber and tonka bean blend. It is much sweeter and not as harsh as the original. For that reason, I will give the opening round to Tobacco Oud Intense.

Edge: Intense

Projection

Is the intense version better in terms of sillage? Yes. Tobacco Oud Intense reaches a higher level of strength and maintains that strength for longer than the original’s peak. Even after that, it is still stronger in its more moderate stages.

Edge: Intense

Longevity

This is where it is actually interesting. With the original, I could get 10+ hours of wear on my skin. With Intense, I only get 7-9 hours. Why? I don’t know. Maybe it’s the particular batch or maybe the original just has better staying power.

Edge: Tobacco Oud

Versatility

No real difference here. Both are cold weather fragrances. Better for dressed up versus casual. Both attractive, but not particularly sexy. The similarities don’t provide for distinctions in this category.

Edge: Push

 

Overall Scent

I like the dry down of the original Tobacco Oud, but the opening act, kind of puts me off. It’s too harsh and boozy. The latter stages get, better before it settles down into a smoother woody fragrance with an underlying sweetness…pretty much what Intense is throughout.

The original has more spice and booziness, which I usually enjoy, but not so much in the composition.

Tobacco Oud Intense, just has a better smell throughout. The amber and tonka bean help to create a smooth, almost leathery effect, in the fragrance.

Plus, the oud is toned down, the further along you get into the wear. For me, it is just a better overall experience. Between the two, I’d definitely go with Intense.

Once again, if you can’t find either of these Tom Ford fragrances, you can get a cheaper alternative(s) from The Dua Brand: Tobac Aoud and Tobac Aoud Attar. 

Winner: Intense

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose Tobacco Oud if:

You want the longer-lasting fragrance
You like whiskey, tobacco, oud, coriander, patchouli, and spice
You prefer a rougher, boozier, smokier opening
You enjoy the original Tobacco Oud dry down
You do not mind a harsher start if the fragrance lasts longer

Choose Tobacco Oud Intense if:

You want the better overall scent between the two
You prefer a smoother, sweeter tobacco-oud profile
You like amber, tonka bean, oud, tobacco, cedar, and labdanum
You want stronger projection and sillage
You want a less harsh version that still feels dark, smoky, and powerful

Tobacco Oud FAQ

Did Tobacco Oud Intense get discontinued?

Yes, as did Tobacco Oud. As of this update, neither is available for sale through Tom Ford’s website. Will they come back? I don’t know. Much less likely that Intense does.

Is Tobacco Oud Intense smoother than the original?

For me, yes. I think that the Intense version comes across as less harsh and more well-rounded than the original Tobacco Oud.

Which one is better for winter?

They’re both at their best in the winter. So, there’s no real difference, it’s just which fragrance you like more.

Bad Boy vs. Le Parfum Comparison

by

Bad Boy has been a very popular cologne from Carolina Herrera. In 2021, the brand launched Bad Boy Le Parfum as its first flanker to this best seller. Naturally, I had to try and compare both of these fragrances, to see if the sequel surpassed the original EDT. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict

Bad Boy EDT wins on opening, versatility, overall scent, and mass appeal, while Bad Boy Le Parfum wins on projection and longevity.

Buy Bad Boy EDT if you want the sweeter cocoa-tonka-amber profile that is easier to wear in more situations.

Buy Le Parfum if you want the darker, greener, more unique version with better performance and a leather-vetiver dry down.

 

Category Bad Boy EDT Bad Boy Le Parfum Winner
Opening Honeyed amber, pepper, cocoa, tonka bean, and creamy sweetness Grapefruit, pepper, green hemp, geranium, leather, and vetiver Bad Boy EDT
Projection Moderate; solid enough but not a powerhouse Moderate, but slightly better than the EDT Le Parfum
Longevity Around 7 hours, sometimes up to 8 Around 8–9 hours consistently Le Parfum
Versatility Best for autumn/winter, casual wear, nightlife, and younger guys; easier to wear lightly Best for autumn/winter, casual wear, and nightlife; can handle slightly warmer days better Bad Boy EDT
Overall Scent Sweet, warm, lightly spicy cocoa-tonka scent with better mass appeal More unique green-leather scent with hemp, geranium, vetiver, and freshness Bad Boy EDT
Best For Guys who want the sweeter, more wearable, mass-appealing option Guys who want the more unusual, greener, better-performing flanker —

 

Tale of the Tape: Bad Boy Le Parfum vs. Bad Boy

Bad Boy

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

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

Read my review: Bad Boy EDT

Bad Boy Le Parfum

Notes include: grapefruit, hemp, black pepper, geranium, leather, and vetiver

Read my Review: Bad Boy Le Parfum

Opening

The opening of the original Bad Boy EDT, strikes quite differently to my nose, depending on whether it is close to the skin or not. Up close, I get a honeycomb like aroma that is dipped in amber and dotted with various pepper notes. 

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

With Le Parfum, I get grapefruit, pepper, and the cannabis note. The cannabis smells slightly smoky and more like the raw plant rather than how it smells when consumed. It’s green, fresh, with the other notes like geranium and leather coming through.

Which do I prefer? It’s a close call, I like the unique opening of Le Parfum when compared to that honeycomb amber. However, I like the sweet cocoa, amber mix more so than the cannabis. I have to give the slight edge to the original.

Edge: Bad Boy

Projection

Neither of these fragrances is a powerhouse type of a scent. Both fall squarely in the moderate camp.

Though, Le Parfum is a bit better a projecting itself when compared to the EDT. The gap isn’t very wide, but it is the winner.

I honestly expected more from each when I tried them out. The reach of each of them is solid enough and with a decent number of sprays, I don’t think you’d be disappointed with either. Le Parfum just doesn’t kick up to that much of a higher level.

Edge: Le Parfum

Longevity

With the original Bad Boy, I generally get 7 hours of wear out of it. Sometimes, it can hit 8 hours, depending on the climate that day.

Meanwhile, Le Parfum will go for 8-9 consistently. Again, not a massive difference, but one has a clear edge.

As it fades, Bad Boy Le Parfum does keep it projecting ability at a higher level deeper into the wear than the EDT. 

Edge: Le Parfum

Versatility

Seasonally, both are best in the autumn and winter months. That being said, Le Parfum can venture into warmer days a bit better. Just avoid the high heat for both of these.

The Bad Boy series is best for younger guys. Think more casual or nightlife wear versus the office. However, I think the original could fit in more places, since it doesn’t literally have hemp as a note. Plus, you could easily go light with it. 

Edge: Bad Boy

 

Overall Scent

I like both of these fragrances, but am not blown away by either. They each have their strengths and it’s a pretty close call as to which one is better.

Update: Even coming back to update this post, years after the fact, this series has never done much for me. All of the fragrances are just fine. Mostly forgettable, but they seem to keep selling well.

Le Parfum is unique, particularly in the early stages, and settles into a nice leather and vetiver blend. My favorite not here, isn’t the cannabis, actually I like the geranium in this. Very fresh and it stole the show for my nose.

Performance is good and while it is fairly limited in its uses, Le Parfum is a fun change of pace.

However, I think that I prefer Bad Boy EDT. When I let this fragrance settle, the wafts of light sweetness and warmth coming off the skin is really nice. The only reason that I don’t rate it higher is the opening can be somewhat of a synthetic mess. Also, I wish it had more strength. 

Outside of that, I would probably reach for it more times than I would Le Parfum. Both of these are above average scents, but neither are spectacular. I think the original also has more mass appeal in comparison.

Winner: Bad Boy

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose Bad Boy EDT if:

You prefer sweeter fragrances with cocoa, tonka bean, amber, and pepper
You want the more mass-appealing option
You need something easier to wear in more situations
You like warm, lightly spicy designer scents for casual wear and nights out
You want the version the review gives the overall edge to

Choose Bad Boy Le Parfum if:

You want better longevity and slightly better projection
You prefer greener, darker, more unusual fragrances
You like grapefruit, hemp, geranium, leather, and vetiver
You want a fun change-of-pace scent rather than the safer option
You do not mind a fragrance that is less versatile but more distinctive

Ombre Nomade by Louis Vuitton

by

Ombre Nomade is one of Louis Vuitton’s unisex offerings that was released back in 2018. I actually received two sample vials of this perfume a while back and have been testing it off and on ever since. How does it smell? Does it have good longevity? Is Ombre Nomade even worth a try?

Quick Overview

Ombre Nomade is a rich, smoky oud fragrance built around oud wood, raspberry, incense, benzoin, and rose. It opens dark and powerful with a bold incense-oud blast, but smooths out into a sweeter leathery-woody scent with soft raspberry and warm resin as it dries down.

Best for fall and winter, especially for evenings, colder weather, office wear, and statement occasions. Longevity: around 9 hours on skin and much longer on clothes. Sillage: very strong. Rating: 8.4/10.

🌍 OMBRE NOMADE — AT A GLANCE

Fragrance Family Smoky Oud Leather
Key Notes Oud, Raspberry, Benzoin, Incense, Rose, Leather
Season Fall Winter
Occasion Evening, Cold Weather, Office, Night Out, Statement Wear
Longevity About 9 hrs on skin; much longer on clothes
Sillage Very strong — can project 10–12 feet from clothing
Rating ★★★★☆ 8.4 / 10

Quick Verdict
A rich, smooth, smoky oud fragrance with raspberry, rose, leather-like warmth, incense, and benzoin. Best for fall and winter, especially if you want a strong luxury scent with excellent performance and a more balanced oud profile.

What does Ombre Nomade Smell Like?

Notes include: raspberry, oud, benzoin, incense

My Full Review

Before we start with my review, let’s see how Louis Vuitton describes it: Swirls of oud wood for a journey into the heart of the desert. As the day passes, the path of the sun creates shimmering patterns of shadow and light on the dunes. Whilst everything else seems motionless, the desert comes alive and draws the traveler into a passionate odyssey.

After the very first application of Ombre Nomade, I’m immediately hit by the aroma of incense and oud wood. It’s smoky and dark with that usual distinct oud aroma, taking center stage.

However, that aspect of Ombre Nomade is pretty short lived. It’s as if the smoke clears up and makes way for the raspberry, rose, and leather. Leather isn’t a listed note anywhere that I can find, so maybe it’s saffron blending with the other notes that is putting out that vibe. I think the benzoin plays a major part in that.

I do get a bit of that dry desert and leathery smell, something along the lines of an Ombre Leather by Tom Ford or with the raspberry, Tuscan Leather. But also, hints of Santal Royal by Guerlain. Much less of a pure oud and rose mix and more of a dry and slightly sweet freshness.

Ombre Nomade is a very rich and smooth fragrance. The rose and raspberry check the oud from getting out of hand and give it that really nice sweetness that doesn’t get too heavy either. Great balancing act.

The final dry down for me, is basically devoid of that raspberry. Actually, the incense makes a bit of a come back. It’s incense, that leathery aroma, some oud, and a nice big dose of benzoin. Smooth leather, incense, with a resinous finish.

Ombre Nomade has depth, but isn’t super complicated.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage of Ombre Nomade packs a punch. If you’re looking for a strong scent, this one will deliver. It’s not the most powerful fragrance that I’ve come across, but it is in the upper echelon, especially when compared to the mass designer perfumes available.

I can apply it to some clothing and pick up its aroma from across the room, 10-12 feet away. Not a weak one.

The longevity is very good, but not super marathon level on the skin. For me, I get about 9 hours out of it. On the clothes, it lasts forever. But, since I never apply it to clothes outside of old t-shirts for testing, it’s basically 9 hours.

Seasonally, this is an autumn and winter perfume all the way. It does project itself very well, but doesn’t feel totally heavy, while wearing it. Nonetheless, go easy on the trigger if you’re planning on wearing it in enclosed spaces around others.

It’s versatile enough to go from the office to out at night. Ombre Nomade is unisex, but will skew to much more to an older person, and isn’t going to be the top pick for many teenagers. It has an appealing aroma, but isn’t really sexy, and still kind of niche in who will want to wear it.

Overall Impressions of Ombre Nomade

Overall, do I like Ombre Nomade? I have to say, yes. I’m generally not a huge fan of oud and rose fragrances, but this didn’t completely go in that direction. Actually, the more that I wore this the more that the perfume grew on me.

When I first tried the sample, it didn’t appeal to me. Now, with more time spent with Ombre Nomade, I’d say that I enjoy it but not completely in love with it. Still, not really my style of scent, outside of a few occasions.

For those who are fans of the oud based fragrances, this is one to absolutely try out, especially if you want a balanced example.

Note: The Dua Brand has their take on this style of fragrance called, Leather for the Ages. It’s $60, as of this update.

The performance is awesome and this Louis Vuitton perfume, doesn’t really have any weak points to speak of…maybe it’s limited use outside of the colder temps?