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!

Dior Sauvage vs Versace Eros EDT

by

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

by

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

by

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

Libre vs Libre Le Parfum

by

Libre from YSL has been a major success for the brand since its release. Because of that, they have put out a ton of flanker fragrances to capitalize on the name, and offer fans a different experience with each. In this post, I want to compare the original Libre eau de parfum to the newer Le Parfum edition, to see how that match up and which is the better option of the two.

Tale of the Tape: Libre vs Le Parfum

Libre

Notes include: lavender, white musks, orange flower, vanilla, orchid

Click here to try: Libre EDP on Amazon

Read my review: Libre EDP

Libre Le Parfum

Notes include: ginger, saffron, mandarin orange, bergamot, orange blossom, lavender, vanilla, honey, tonka bean, vetiver

Click here to try: Libre Le Parfum

Opening

Libre EDP starts things off with a strong burst of the orange blossom (maybe some additional citrus fruit spritzed in) and the lavender, which will only grown more powerful. It’s soapy, somewhat musky, and has a definite creaminess throughout.

Le Parfum goes more in a citrusy direction, but not completely so. The orange blossom, honey, spice, and vanilla are all very present early. Parfum is warm and cozy.

I don’t get nearly the same amount of lavender here with Le Parfum (at least early, later, it shows up quite a good deal more on my skin) than either the original or Intense, for that matter. It also feels much thicker and syrupy like than the others in the series.

Which is better? To me, I like how each utilizes the orange blossom note. Obviously, there’s going to be a lot of overlap between these two perfumes.

Beyond those similarities, I do like the citrus and ginger notes that get used in Le Parfum. Lavender isn’t my favorite note, so, I do like how toned down it is in comparison to the EDP.

Edge: Le Parfum

Projection

Libre EDP isn’t a  fragrance that could be mistaken as weak.. I’d rate it as being at least in the upper range of moderate, if not firmly in the strong camp.

As a mainstream designer wear, it’s got plenty of projection ability and will be very noticeable in the air around you, even after the opening act.

With Libre Le Parfum, you do get a thicker/heavier fragrance and one that will leave a scent trail in your wake to a greater degree. The ability to project itself very well also stays around longer than it does with the original.

However, in terms of projection it actually is a notch below Libre Intense. But, Le Parfum is good enough to take this matchup easily.

Edge: Le Parfum

Longevity

With the original eau de parfum, I get 8-9 hours of wear on skin. Very solid and worthwhile in comparison to most designer fragrances.

Yet, it comes up short in comparison to Libre Le Parfum. With this newer flanker, I get 10-11 hours of wear, with 12 hours being very possible depending on the day.

In either case, you get great performance from this YSL line, but Le Parfum easily takes this category.

Edge: Le Parfum

Versatility

Libre EDP is the better daytime option. Le Parfum can do both day and nighttime, but it’s probably better in the evenings. Libre has the edge as a versatile daily wear.

Also, the heavier Le Parfum might well get bogged down when the temperatures heat up. It’s pretty much an autumn and winter wear. Libre isn’t exactly built for summer, but it holds up better when it’s a warm out.

Edge: Libre EDP

Overall Scent

Overall, it’s almost a clean sweep in my opinion. There’s not much edge that Libre EDP has over Le Parfum, outside of a slightly more versatile use case.

In terms of smell and performance? Libre Le Parfum is just the better perfume to my nose.

Libre EDP is an attractive fragrance. It’s much more floral. If you want a lavender and orange blossom mix, this might be the one for you. It’s got that nice daily wear vibe, soapiness, but nothing too exciting or complicated. It works well enough and is popular for a reason.

Le Parfum has better balance, performance, and greater depth than the original. The honey and vanilla combination in the dry down is great. I like the citrus and ginger combo up top. And, the orange blossom and lavender feel as if they’re blended better in this mix.

Winner: Libre Le Parfum

Jazz Club by Maison Martin Margiela

by

Jazz Club is one of the more popular fragrances released under the Replica banner from Maison Margiela. This one came out back in 2013. I recently bought a new sample of this perfume to test out and do a full review of. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Replica Jazz Club Smell Like?

Notes include: pink pepper, lemon, neroli, rum, tobacco, vetiver, clary sage, vanilla, styrax

Click here to try: Jazz Club Replica

My Full Review

Jazz Club opens up with its spiciness taking center stage. You do get aromatic undertones and sweetness coming through, but that pink pepper and rum are pretty prominent early on.

Mostly, I get those two notes and the tobacco at this beginning stage of the wear. Touches of citrus from lemon and neroli (more neroli), some of the clary sage, but those first three really have a hold here.

The pink pepper is the first note that will begin to falter, with vanilla and vetiver stepping up. It feels sweeter, dryer, and more tobacco heavy than the opening act.

The rum will enter this stage as a co-equal leader with the tobacco, but be much weaker by the end. For me, it really doesn’t fall off completely until the very last gasps of this fragrance’s wear time.

So, a vanilla and tobacco blend with sweetness, some incense-like smokiness, the remaining rum, and a soft ambery kind of base.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

While this can have a bold start and it is somewhat heavy and built for the colder months, I don’t find Jazz Club to be one that projects massively past the first hour.

It’s a bit above average in that regard, just not by much. The back half of the wear is going to be sitting pretty close to the skin. More intimate than a complete skin scent, though.

The longevity here, is pretty good for me. Nothing outstanding, but I can get up to about 7 hours of wear, on a good day. Going to be closer to six hours, other times.

Not a complete workhorse, but decent enough. Especially, if I’m only wearing it for a night out.

Seasonally, this one is all about the autumn and winter months. Jazz Club with its booziness and smokiness, is a cold weather staple. But, those factors also make it more of a nighttime wear, since you probably don’t want to show up to work smelling like rum.

This is a casual, going out fragrance, maybe some romantic wear. It is a scent that people generally like and will complement, it’s just not the most formal fragrance out there. However, that cozy feeling Jazz Club can generate, will be well worth the price of admission for many people.

Overall Impressions of Jazz Club

Overall, do I like Jazz Club? Yes, it’s definitely one of my favorites from Maison Margiela. Personally, By the Fireplace is my favorite and the one that I have a full bottle of.

This is a better bet for those who don’t want something as sweet as By the Fireplace. It’s still got that for sure, but it’s also not as spicy as Fireplace either. Smoky yet smooth with its tobacco note. Not overly complex, but enjoyable.

I do really like that initial burst of the rum note. I’m not too hot on the pink pepper, but it works well enough. Really, the highlight is when you get a more distributed mix of the rum and the tobacco notes working together and the emergence of vanilla.

The performance could be better, but it isn’t so terrible to make this not worth checking out. Again, I do think this is one of the better offerings from this designer, particularly for men. If it sounds interesting to you, don’t hesitate to give it a go.