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!

Cedre Blanc EDP by Creed

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Cedre Blanc is a Creed fragrance that I had never gotten around to testing out. It was released back in 2014. But, when I saw a sample of it available online, I threw it in one of my batch orders. So, I really had no expectations of this fragrance going in. How does it smell? Does Cedre Blanc last long? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Cedre Blanc Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, bay leaf, galbanum, cardamom, geranium, lily, jasmine, cedar, vetiver, sandalwood

My Full Review

Cedre Blanc opens up with a lot going on. It’s fresh and woody, as the name suggests. But, there is also a bright, juicy, and sour bergamot coming through. Also, some greenish and somewhat bitter galbanum. Plus, a host of spiciness from mostly bay leaf (with some cardamom).

It’s a bunch to take in. However, it works well enough, especially if this is your type of perfume. Which, I will say up front, isn’t going to be most people’s cup of tea.

The next phase is more floral with jasmine and lily. There is still the spiciness of the bay leaf, but much of the bitterness and the citrus has moved on.

Less of an intense spice, more of a fresh and clean woods (hints of a watery accord, probably lily and remaining bergamot). Geranium, vetiver, and our cedar note are already making themselves known.

Finally, Cedre Blanc is a fresh and greenish fragrance with undertones of the floral notes. Cedar, geranium, galbanum, vetiver, florals, and the sandalwood. Very clean with sort of a mossy-like aroma. The complexity of the opening tones way down and this Creed becomes pretty simple.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

That initial spray does have some intensity to it. As I said, there’s a lot going on here at first, and it’s also pretty loud.

Still, it does have a freshness about it, and it’s not a completely heavy fragrance. That initial projection is quite good though. After that, it will quickly become a softer scent.

Honestly, it was kind of surprising how quickly this one calmed down into something which sat so close to the skin. Much of the wear will be about a 1-3 radius from where you sprayed Cedre Blanc.

The longevity is also kind of lacking. For me, I got somewhere around six hours during my testing of it. If this were a $40 perfume, I wouldn’t be too mad. At Creed prices, it’s pretty bad.

This is a spring and summer wear. It’s nicer to smell while outside than indoors. I was walking around on a warmer day with it on and that’s when I was most impressed by what Cedre Blanc brings to the table.

Pretty much a daytime wear, however. Not one that’s going to be a nightlife or date night sort of wear. It’s a unisex perfume, but it leans masculine, even with the floral influence.

Unique, in a lot of ways, but this is a fragrance for those who want something niche. It’s pleasant enough, but wasn’t ever going to enjoy mass appeal.

Overall Impressions of Cedre Blanc

Overall, do I like Cedre Blanc? It’s not for me. I don’t think it’s bad, it’s certainly unique, but it’s really nothing special.

Especially, at the Creed price point. There’s probably a very limited market for this, which is why it appears to be discontinued now. So, if this one was of interest to you, you’d better get a move on finding a sample or biting the bullet and buying a full bottle.

I do enjoy the bay leaf note that’s in here. It’s an ingredient that is more of a ‘once in a while’ type of thing for me, but I did appreciate it. The dry down is also a highlight. Things have settled down and there isn’t the same initial bitterness.

Performance does leave much to be desired. Really not powerful stuff, outside of a sharp opening act. A pretty intimate scent bubble and less than a full work day of wear for sure. Again, Cedre Blanc is absolutely not a value play, you’ve really got to like this scent for it to be worthwhile.

Not something I want. Nor will most people, but there is a small percentage of you, that would really appreciate this blend. How much that’s worth to you, is your call.

Paradoxe or Born in Roma? Comparing Perfumes

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The Born in Roma line has been a main focus for Valentino, in both their men’s and women’s fragrance offerings. The original Donna Born in Roma has particularly been a popular release. Prada, on its end, has been rolling out its Paradoxe line of scents.

Since there is some overlap between each of these two, which perfume is the better option? Which smells better? Which lasts longer? On this page, I’ve compared the two, after testing them out.

Tale of the Tape: Donna Born in Roma vs. Paradoxe

Born in Roma

Notes include: jasmine, vanilla, black currant, cashmeran, pink pepper, bergamot, guaiac wood

Click here to try: Born in Roma on Amazon

My Full Review: Donna Born in Roma

born in roma review

Paradoxe

Notes include: neroli, pear, tangerine, bergamot, orange blossom, white musk, jasmine, vanilla, amber, benzoin

Click here to try: Paradoxe by Prada

Opening

Donna Born in Roma kicks things off with a fruity mix and all that entails. Here, it is a bit tart, but also blended with sweet and some juiciness from citrus.

Blackcurrant is in the mix, giving it that somewhat tart and sharp aroma. But, in Born in Roma, the note does seem tempered by the use of pink pepper and a jasmine note.

Early, it will be about the blackcurrant with some bergamot. Then, the jasmine really picks up a head of steam to emerge as a major player in the perfume composition.

Paradoxe starts off sweet, but has an early pretty heavy influence from its neroli note. The pear and tangerine are the fruity notes, but I think they have more of a candy-like feel versus what I got with Born in Roma.

The neroli isn’t in the top spot for long and it shifts more to the orange blossom. Yes, it is a trio with those two floral notes and the jasmine. But, the orange blossom even seems to have more impact on my skin than any of the others.

Which of these do I prefer? Honestly, I think the Valentino starts off a bit better than Paradoxe. I like the fruity notes more, the pink pepper spice is interesting, and I think those notes work better with its jasmine focus.

Edge: Born in Roma

Projection

Roma is on the lighter end of what could be considered moderate for a perfume. The initial spray does pack some power. So, that first 30-45 minutes is fairly strong and will have some good reach.

Thereafter, it’s more than a skin scent, but it’ll be more of an intimate scent bubble. Noticeable, but not screaming for attention.

I’d say that Paradoxe inhabits the upper end of that moderate range. It feels bolder than Born in Roma in the opening and sustains that for a tad longer. Still, most of its life will be above average but not a huge projector.

Edge: Paradoxe

Longevity

I find the longevity of Paradoxe to be quite good. When I tested the Prada out, I got in the 8-10 hour range, wearing it on skin.

While it is not elite with how long it lasts, Paradoxe is a mainstream designer perfume that actually puts forth a very good performance.

With Born in Roma, it’s closer to 7-8 hours of total wear. Not terrible, by any means, and probably enough for close to a full work day. However, it definitely didn’t hit the same level as Paradoxe when compared head to head.

Prada takes this category.

Edge: Paradoxe

Versatility

Paradoxe is more of an autumn and winter perfume, that can venture into springtime somewhat. Though, it strikes me as being at its best, when it is somewhat chilly outside.

With the Valentino perfume, I think that it works pretty much year round. The extreme days of summer, I’d go with something else, and also the coldest winter days. However, it has some more use than does Paradoxe.

Both are daytime and office safe. Very versatile as daily wears. I think that I’d prefer coming across Born in Roma more in a nightlife environment versus Paradoxe. It’s a bit more lively (flirty?).

So, this category is going to go to Roma.

Edge: Born in Roma

Overall Scent

So, which one of these fragrances do I prefer? It is an especially tight race here between Paradoxe and Donna Born in Roma.

Paradoxe has the performance edge. It has some more vanilla highlights than what I get with the Valentino. However, it will mostly be a somewhat soapy and clean fragrance, with a good balance between orange blossom and jasmine notes.

It’s all fine. I like the scent, it’s not offensive, and gives you plenty of opportunity to wear it.

That being said, I like Born in Roma more. The opening act smells better to me. Beyond that, even if it’s a fairly simple perfume, I like the sustained sweetness and light spiciness here. Not as much vanilla, but I think the woody notes give it greater depth even without too much development.

Not a huge margin, but I think Roma wins this.

Winner: Donna Born in Roma

Dior Sauvage vs Versace Eros EDT

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In this edition of the cologne comparisons, that I have posted on the site, we have a competition between two of the best selling scents on the market right now. Those being, Sauvage by Christian Dior and Versace Eros. I will be talking about both of the original EDT releases of each cologne.

Which of these two men’s fragrances smells the best? Which is the top performer? Which one has more versatile of use? Please continue below for my full take and comparison.

Tale of the Tape: Sauvage EDT vs. Eros

Versace Eros

Notes of Eros: mint, green apple, tonka bean, madagascar vanilla, vetiver, Italian lemon

Click here to try: Versace Eros Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 6.7 Fluid Ounce

My original Versace Eros Review

Sauvage

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

Opening

The opening of Sauvage EDT gives off an aroma of amber, pepper, and the sharp bergamot note. There is a bit of spice to it but I do get a lot of the ambroxan. It’s nice and dries down to a clean/soapy scent with some slightly spice wood notes and the ever present bergamot.

Eros, is an absolute beast from the start. The main players at the beginning are the mint, tonka bean, and vanilla. The green apple and lemon provide support and give Eros that juicy/gourmand quality.

I think the mint is done very well and doesn’t overpower the composition, for my nose, at least.

Updated view: I’m going to edit throughout this post, 3 years after initially publishing. Eros seems to have changed slightly in smell and more so in performance. This happens a lot with fragrances. Now, the opening seems to have a stronger lemon than before. 

Eros is a very sweet kind of scent, while Sauvage lacks all of that. I think that Eros is much more interesting and has a better scent.

Edge: Eros

Projection

Versace Eros is quite a heavy scent and loud as all hell. This of course, could scare some folks off from wanting to wear it, and that’s completely understandable.

Update: The latest batches of Eros EDT don’t seem to be nearly as strong, as the original. When compared with Eros Flame, they seem quite weak…unfortunately, Flame is a worse fragrance. Still a little bit stronger than Sauvage.

It’s one that I can enjoy and while I never wore it on a daily basis, I would limit it to one spray, if wearing it to work. Eros is just that kind of bold cologne.

Sauvage, upon further use, is a lot stronger than I had initially remembered. No, it’s not on the same level as Eros, but it is on the strong side of things.

Edit: After years, Sauvage is still a strong, but not massive cologne. It has not as of yet experienced any reformulation that’s noticeable.

Edge: Eros

Longevity

Eros wins here, it’s an all day and into the night kind of cologne. Edit: Nowadays, it is much more mortal. Somewhere in the 8-10 hour range it seems. Still great, but not like it once was. 

However, Sauvage isn’t bad. The first time I reviewed this scent, I would get 6-7 hours of wear. Now, with a different bottle, I seem to get around 8. I don’t know, it could just be my body chemistry, but that is the range I get from Sauvage.

I will note that, other people do get a bit more wear out of Sauvage. So, in your own experience this may now be an equal comparison. For me, it’s still Eros.

Edge: Eros

Versatility

Sauvage isn’t a winter scent, in my opinion (The EDP is better for this). Though, it wouldn’t perform badly, just kind of seem out of place.

Meanwhile, Eros is very much a cold weather scent and becomes messy in the high heat. I think that this is where Sauvage has the edge, as a year round kind of cologne.

Both of these scents could work for many occasions. Just go lightly in the office or at school. As a club scent, I’d pick Eros, but I think Sauvage wins this category.

Neither of these is really a formal kind of fragrance. Eros also has a tendency to lean younger. Sauvage isn’t necessarily a mature scent, but it is more wearable for older guys, as well as younger ones.

Sauvage really kind of nails being an all-around scent, which is a lot of the reason why it became so popular in the first place.

Edge: Sauvage

Overall Scent

These are both highly popular colognes. Neither one is bad in my opinion and they are actually quite different from one another. If you want something bold and sweet, go with Eros.

If that’s not your thing, Sauvage might be a good choice. It’s a bright/fresh kind of cologne versus Eros’ gourmand sexiness. Edit: My opinion on the original Sauvage EDT has definitely gone down, over the years. I really don’t care to wear it.

It’s funny how many other scents have started to have Sauvage-like qualities, as this Dior release has grown in popularity (like Dylan Blue).

However, I think that Sauvage is still better than all of its ‘clone’ fragrances (update: Luna Rossa Carbon is better if you’re in the market for Sauvage EDT).

In the battle between these two, I think Versace Eros has the edge. I enjoy wearing it more than Sauvage, any day of the week, it has better performance, is more unique, and just plain smells better. Again, that’s not to say that Sauvage isn’t a good choice for some guys, it just wouldn’t be mine.

2020 Update: Nowadays, I still have Eros ahead of Sauvage EDT. However, Sauvage EDP and Parfum are better than either in their current form. As such, go with those, unless you’re dead set on Eros…which is still good.

2024 Update:  Coming back to this once more. I guess I’d still choose Eros, when considering the EDT editions. My ranking of the other top variants would be something like:

I have lost a lot of my enjoyment from the Eros series. That being said, the original Sauvage EDT doesn’t do much for me either. I think it has the worst blend of any of the editions released thus far. EDP and Elixir are really great, in contrast.

The rest of the Eros line, is about the same as the original, as far as I like them. Parfum is the best of that series.

Winner: Eros

6 Fragrances Similar to Armani Si

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Si has become a best seller for Armani and spawned a ton of different imitators (and flanker spinoffs of its own). Sometimes, you just want something that’s an alternative to Armani Si. Whether it’s a perfume that smells nearly identical to it or one that share lots of similarities while ultimately doing its own thing.

On this page, I’m going to keep track of the scents that are similar to Armani Si, be that cheaper options or something that gives you something close yet different.

What Perfumes Smell Like Armani Si?

The Cheapest Alternative

In Woman by La Rive– La Rive’s perfume, In Woman, is pretty close to Armani Si, in terms of smell. Though, it isn’t a one to one match. However, it is the least expensive option to go with, and is a nice value play.

Admittedly, I’d just spend the extra $10 or so, and pick up the Dossier option below.

This doesn’t have the same depth as the Armani. Instead you get more of a vanilla influence, along with more of the rose. In Woman is a bit harsh at first, but it settles down rather well. Not a ton of power here, but again, a dirt cheap pick that is a pretty good imitation.

Inspired Si

Woody Freesia by Dossier– Woody Freesia is Dossier’s inspired take on the original Armani Si formula.

It opens up with blackcurrant, strawberry, and that freesia note. This one aims to hit the same beats as Si and does a good job of doing so. Dossier generally gets it right and Woody Freesia is no exception.

Much closer to nailing the similarities of the Armani versus what you get with the La Rive above. It is a bit more expensive, but still currently priced under $30.

Passione Eclat Inspiration

Passionate Eclat de Parfum by Dua– Since the original Si was such as success, there has been a ton of flanker releases, including Si Passione. Also, Passione Eclat which is a flanker of a flanker.

Passionate Eclat from Dua is their take on this newer edition of Si Passione. It’s a fruity rose fragrance with a bold blackcurrant up top along with some bergamot.

It’s a fresher sort of rose scent, somewhat light, while having a substantial musky base note. If you want an alternative to Si Passione Eclat, here’s your best bet.

Close but Different

Promise Me by Mauboussin– Promise Me isn’t an exact one to one match of Armani Si. But, it shares plenty of similarity with its smell. Also, some might prefer this one to our target.

Rose and patchouli are really the stars in this one. There is a citrus note in the opening, but this Mauboussin perfume doesn’t have that same level of fruity/juiciness as you can find in Si.

Notably, this one also doesn’t come with the vanilla of our target. It’s more like a lighter streamlined version, less dense, but with an added heliotrope powdery touch. As of writing, Promise Me sells for around $30, so it can be a good one to consider if you want something a bit different.

Si Passione Like Cheapie

In Woman Red by La Rive– Like the first offering of this list, In Woman Red, models itself after a fragrance in the Si series. This time, it’s Si Passione.

The quality here isn’t as good and this is a much lighter projecting scent versus the Armani. Again, you’re getting a massive discount to the designer wear, but the performance could definitely still be better.

The opening does have an intense black currant with that pear juiciness and the kick of the pink pepper, but things get softer as it moves into its floral heart. Not a perfect match, but it’s passable, if you need something for under $20.

The Flanker

Si Intense– Obviously, the flanker to the original Si is going to be quite similar. However, this one can be a good alternative for those who want a different and maybe better edition of the perfume.

Also note, there are few editions of Si Intense.

The one I picked up is a warm and fruity blend up front. It’s got a very nice syrupy sort of quality to it and is soon joined by a rose note.

Amber, rose, earthiness, and some woods come along in the dry down. Very nice performance as well. If there were aspects of the original you didn’t like (to me it’s less ‘green’), you could go with this one. Si Intense review

Invictus vs. Invictus Victory

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Invictus has been such a massive success for Paco Rabanne that we’ve now had about a decade’s worth of flankers released in its wake. Many of the initial releases were a lot like the original Invictus EDT. Now, the names are the same, but they don’t always have much in common.

On this page, I want to compare the original Invictus to one of its much later flankers, Invictus Victory. How does each smell? Which lasts longer? Which cologne is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Invictus vs. Victory

Invictus

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

Read my review

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

Invictus Victory

Notes include: pink pepper, lemon, vanilla, amber, tonka bean, olibanum, lavender

Click here to try: Invictus Victory

My Full Review: Invictus Victory

Opening

Invictus opens with a citrusy candy-like aroma of a blend of orange and grapefruit notes. This is joined by an aquatic aroma, that gives it a summertime vibe. Not a realistic water, mind you, but that’s what they’re going for.

Ambergris and bay leaf combine with the fruits and aquatic accord to give Invictus a sweet grape bubblegum sort of smell. Very blue-ish and watery, without giving off that oceanic sea water smell.

Invictus Victory starts a lot like the old Pure XS line that Paco Rabanne had put out some number of years before this. Victory has a lemon note up top, with pink pepper, and a dose of incense.

Kind of smoky, but it doesn’t dominate the composition. Up top, it’s a bit of that lemon with a spiciness and smokiness. As it moves on, Victory will start to have a greater use of the vanilla and amber notes.

Which is better? Invictus is pretty good at the start. Kind of a lot to handle all at once, sometimes. But, it’s fine.

However, Invictus Victory has a more refined scent, that’s just more pleasing all around.

Edge: Victory

Projection

Both of these fragrances have a strong burst of power during the initial part of the wear. Victory is the heavier of the two, but the citrus notes of Invictus make it seem like a more power scent than it might actually be.

However, both of them will turn more moderate after that first hour or two. But, I’d say that Invictus Victory has the greater reach and staying power when comparing them.

Edge: Victory

Longevity

The original Invictus was never a super long-lasting fragrance for me, but it was always passable. On my skin, I can get about 6-7 hours of wear from this EDT.

With Victory, that gets bumped up to 8-9 hours. Victory Elixir actually hits the double digits, but the original Victory is just shy. Still, it takes this category.

Edge: Victory

Versatility

Invictus EDT has the greater versatility across seasons. It is more of spring and summer wear, that holds up better in winter than Victory does in the heat. Victory is mostly an autumn and winter cologne that can go somewhat into spring.

I think that Victory is the more refined scent of the two. It’s still a younger man’s cologne, but it’s well put together in comparison to the youthful Invictus. I also think that it does a better job as a nightlife option than Invictus.

I tend to give the edge to Victory in this category, because I think it has more use cases within its time of the year, but Invictus EDT does have that seasonal lead.

Edge: Victory (slightly)

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these fragrances do I prefer? It’s honestly not a difficult choice for me. Invictus Victory is the better cologne versus Invictus EDT.

I’ve never been a big fan of the original. Though, I do sometimes enjoy the opening act, and don’t think that it’s a terrible fragrance. People in public do tend to overspray it, which makes it also feel unbearable to be around sometimes.

When compared to Invictus Victory, I just don’t think that EDT does much better. Victory smells better, performs better, and is at least equal with when it can be worn. I like its spice and its vanilla note.

It’s not my favorite cologne in the world, but Invictus Victory would be one of my top picks in the series.

Winner: Victory