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!

Ariana Grande Cloud vs Cloud Intense

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Cloud has become an extremely popular fragrance release from Ariana Grande. Much of that has to do with its similarities to the much more expensive Baccarat Rouge 540. So, it’s almost natural that it would get a follow up with, Cloud 2.0 Intense.

Now, this creates the decision as to which scent to get, Cloud or Intense? Which lasts longer? What’s the real difference between this perfumes? Is it worth it to pick up the new option?

Tale of the Tape: Cloud vs. Cloud Intense

Cloud

Notes include: pear, lavender, bergamot, praline, whipped cream, vanilla orchid, coconut, musk, wood

Click here to try: Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum Spray, clear, 3.4 oz

Read my full review: Cloud by Ariana Grande

Cloud Intense

Notes include: lavender, bergamot, musk, ambroxan, praline, whipped cream, vanilla orchid, coconut, cashmeran, wood

Click here to try: Ariana Grande Cloud 2.0 Intense Eau De Parfum Ulta Exclusive 3.4 Ounce

My Full Review: Cloud 2.0 Intense

Opening

Cloud starts off with a bright and sparkling aroma. Pear and bergamot citrus take care of that and the pear is the stronger of the two early on.

Also, you will get the lavender note right from the start with this one. The next phase will soften things up and provide that ‘fluffy’ cloud-like aroma. Praline, coconut, and whipped cream start to appear substantially about 20 minutes into the wear.

Cloud Intense still opens up sweet and bright. Though, it feels less sparkling, and I pick up less of the pear note. What Intense is, is smoother. The lavender is stronger at first, but smoother (it will actually end up weaker in the composition in comparison, not by too much).

The ambroxan does make Intense more substantial and not as sheer as Cloud. Intense is thicker and will feature a creamier mix, during the second phase with the coconut, praline, etc.

Which is better?

I like Cloud Intense more so, at the start. The lavender is better here and I enjoy the subtle changes to the blend, like the additional ambroxan note.

Edge: Cloud Intense

Projection

I don’t find Cloud to be a complete sillage bomb. It does have a strong start and projects well enough, but it dries down to a pretty moderate projection that extends a few feet from the skin. Definitely, not weak and does a nice job.

Is Cloud Intense stronger? Yes, it has a bit of a wider radius from the skin. Maybe a few feet more, at it’s peak, but it hasn’t been crazy powerful while testing it out.

Cloud Intense gets the slight edge, though, it’s not a deciding factor.

Edge: Cloud Intense

Longevity

With the original Cloud, I can get up to around 6 hours of wear on the skin. It’s not super amazing, but it doesn’t just disappear in a few hours either.

Cloud Intense will get me an extra hour or so. It’s really not that much better with its performance than the original. The ambroxan and amped up musk, help it to hang around, but it doesn’t go on forever either.

Edge: Cloud Intense

Versatility

These two are pretty equal as to when they should be worn, as there is so much overlap. Colder to more temperate weather. Can be worn casually or out at night. Neither is super formal, probably not an office scent for most folks.

Neither is strictly for younger women either. It’s not a completely mature fragrance or something for fancy evenings out, but the Cloud series isn’t as youthful feeling as some of the other perfumes from Ariana Grande.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I’ve never been a huge fan of Cloud. I like it well enough, but I think there are other perfumes by Ariana Grande that are better. That being said, it is a worthwhile scent.

The opening on my skin, is kind of iffy with that lavender note. It does get better, has a sweetness and clean lightness that is entirely enjoyable. Plus, the performance is good enough for the price range.

Cloud Intense is a good deal like the original. However, after comparing them side by side and both individually, I prefer this 2.0 version.

Intense has a better opening with the lavender note. It’s smoother to my nose and not as harsh. The ambroxan note helps with that and adds and additional thickness and warmth. Still clean and bright, but with less of the pear.

Then, it’s second act is when it really shines for me. The whipped cream, coconut, and other gourmand notes get extra creamy and delightful. That’s when these two fragrances are most distinct from one another.

The final dry down is basically the same. Though, Intense is muskier with a stronger wood note, on my skin.

If I didn’t have either of these perfumes and wanted one, I’d pick Cloud Intense. But, if you already have and like Cloud, you more than likely won’t need Intense, as there is so much common ground.

Cloud Intense isn’t leagues better, but it does get the win.

Update: There’s a third Cloud release now, Pink. It is again very similar, but has plenty of differences in the early stages. I think that it is my favorite of the lot. Between these two? Still Cloud Intense.

Winner: Cloud Intense

10 Perfumes Similar to Alien by Mugler

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Alien by Thierry Mugler has been a best seller, just like its counterpart Angel, for a very long time. Many folks enjoy the smell of the jasmine laden perfume but either want to find a cheaper alternative that smells comparable or that isn’t nearly as strong as the original.

Or, simply want something that is similar, but gives you a bit of a different experience. In this post, I want to present some potential alternatives to Alien, to help point in the right direction.

Also, I’ve created a page for alternatives to Alien Goddess.

Fragrance Alternative to Alien by Mugler

Inspired by 1

Ambery Cedarwood by Dossier– There aren’t seemingly too many ‘inspired’ versions of the Alien aroma. I guess because the original isn’t super expensive, in most cases. Nonetheless, Dossier has provided their version of the perfume, currently for under $30 (as of writing).

The top notes bring you some of the sweetness and warmth. Cardamom, mandarin orange, and the initial floral impact of orange blossom.

Then, of course, is going to come the starring jasmine note. That with some amber and the heliotrope in the back end give this one a delightful floral sweetness for the rest of the way. Just like the aroma you get with Alien itself.

Inspired by 2

Estraneo by Fragrenza– Here’s another one that is inspired by the Alien formula. Estraneo is Fragrenza’s take on the Mugler scent’s aroma and style. Again, I haven’t tried this one out, but I did have a sample batch of some of their other fragrances and they were on point.

As they describe it: “Estraneo is an enchanting perfume that encapsulates the essence of a profound journey into the soul’s depths.”

Same jasmine, amber, and woods structure as the Mugler perfume. All for around $34.99 (as of writing). So, if the Dossier doesn’t work out or you want to try this one instead, here’s a second matching option.

Cheap Star

Stars by Milton Lloyd– If you want a dirt cheap perfume with a close aroma, Stars by Milton Lloyd is the best you’re going to do. For under $10, you get a very close imitation of our target scent, with the same jasmine, amber, and woody blend…just at a lower intensity and quality.

Nonetheless, Milton Lloyd does come out with very good smell alike fragrances, and Stars is a great example of the brand getting it right.

Lighter Sacrifice 

Sacrifice for her – Ajmal – EDP 50ML by Ajmal– Sacrifice for Her is a nice approximate of most of what you’re going to get from Alien. It has an interesting semi-aquatic feeling, at the top, and a creamy vanilla finish.

Between that, is musk, ambergris and jasmine. The jasmine is solid, but honestly, not as powerful or as prevalent as in our target scent.

The sillage isn’t to the same level of Alien and the performance overall is a notch below. That being said, for around $30 per bottle Sacrifice can basically fill the shoes, of the Thierry Mugler perfume.

Less Intense, More Floral Bouquet

Lace by Agent Provocateur– Alien by Mugler is a very powerful and deep sort of scent. Lace, on the other hand, takes the intensity down some and provides a smoother experience.

Also, there are added citrus notes to this one and more of a floral blend than just jasmine. Although, that still is a major factor.

Lace still gives you a good performance, it just isn’t as strong as the Mugler. More of a bouquet, added fruits, and less ambergris…but other than that a close proximation. Usually around $30 a bottle.

Alien Kumquat

Cashmere Kumquat– This is one that is similar, yet distinct to the Mugler. The citrus notes early on, and how the kumquat hangs around, really give it its own vibe.

The citrus is blended well and kept in check by that cashmere and the vanilla notes. The vanilla isn’t as strong as some of the others on this list that feature it, but that’s fine, because we get lots of jasmine and orange blossom.

After that first 10 minutes or so, this one settles into something much more like Alien. It’s sweeter than our target scent, but not overly so.  Softer, with periods of powder and creaminess dotted throughout the wear.

The price here, makes it one that’s easy to go for (around $30 as of this update), and the smell can keep you coming back for more.

Lighter, Sweeter/Vanilla Alternative

Her Golden Secret by Antonio Banderas– Her Golden Secret isn’t an exact match, but it is very affordable, and quite close to what we’re looking for. There is a white floral blend up top with a woodiness in the base. The notes aren’t the same, but the smell is a good comparison.

Her Golden Secret finish things off with a rich and smooth vanilla note, which blends with the gardenia to give it a light creaminess. Sweeter than Alien, but a nice alternative.

Zara Alternative

Splendid Bronze by Zara–  This one comes really close to what you get with Alien. There is a vanilla note in the base, which creates more of a distinction between the two. Outside of that, this feels like a lighter version of the Mugler.

Jasmine hits hard immediately upon spraying. Orange blossom and orchid are also noticeably. Later, there is a heliotrope popping in to give it a powdery touch.

Very much a white floral perfume. Yes, powder and some vanilla, but not a sugary kind, and some soapiness involved too.  But, this gives you a great dose of the floral notes with some greenish highlights.

Again, probably not as strong as the original (this one still has good performance), but it really does a great job at coming across like our target perfume.

Catch Me with Almonds

Catch Me by Cacharel–  You get the notes of Alien with Catch Me, just weighted differently and with the addition of almond and citrus notes. The citrus blends well and the heart of the scent has a nice nutty quality to it.

Not really much amber here, but the jasmine is very well done, and there is a milky almond note that emerges later in the first hour of wear. Plenty of overlap with Alien, yet remains distinct.

Lighter and Spicier Flanker

Thierry Mugler Alien Fusion Women 2 oz EDP Spray– If you want something close to the original Alien, why not try one of its flankers? Alien Fusion is one of the best of the bunch, yet gives you a lighter experience with some additional spice from ginger and cinnamon.

It opens up with that fresh spiciness and the attractive smell of orange blossom. The vanilla and amber come through and will grow in strength, later on in the wear.

What I like about this one, is that you get plenty of similarities with the original, great performance, and it can venture into the spring and summer months easily and actually shines there. Alien Fusion Review

Best Smelling 1 Million Cologne Flankers

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The 1 Million line of colognes from Paco Rabanne have been super popular for over 10 years now. Since the dominance of the original, the brand has released a bunch of more flanker scents, under this same banner.

The question then is, which is the best smelling scent overall? In this post, I am going to name what I think is the best of the 1 Million line up, and what are the next top fragrances thereafter. I will link to my reviews on each, where relevant.

Favorite 1 Million Fragrances

The Best 1 Million Cologne

1 Million Prive by Paco Rabanne for Men 3.4 oz Eau de Parfum Spray– To me, Prive is the only 1 Million release from Paco Rabanne to fully surpass the original. Others, I might feel like going with depending on the day and my mood.

It is a fantastic scent and had to be, in order to grab this number 1 spot. It starts off with apple and cinnamon, with a darker and richer quality to it, than the original.

Then, you add tobacco, tonka bean, and mandarin orange and you have a spicy/sweet blend with a great warmth. Plus, an intoxicating smell. The longevity and sillage are really good, not to the same level as the original, but the overall smell is better.

It has been discontinued, so, the bottles are a lot tougher to come by nowadays. Which is sad, this was great. 1 Million Prive Review

The Original

1 Million by Paco Rabanne for Men – 6.8 Ounce EDT Spray– The original fragrance. It’s still a best-seller, after more than a decade. It’s loved and it’s hated. Honestly, I still think it’s a great cologne.

Not something that I want to wear all of the time, but something that I highly enjoy when the time comes. The opening is a combined leather, rose, and citrus. Which, when taken together can have quite a candy-like aroma.

Then, you get cinnamon spice and warm amber. It’s fresh, bold, enveloping and quite an attention grabber at all times. 1 Million is no longer the best of the line, but it’s still a classic. 1 Million Review

The Elixir

1 Million Elixir– A newer release, since I first published this post. 1 Million Elixir doesn’t reach Prive levels of enjoyment for me, but it’s about as good as modern bottles of 1 Million EDT.

For some, this will be the one to go with, if you don’t like the original EDT.

Vanilla and tonka bean will come to be the major players in this one. But, the opening is fruity and floral. Actually, the floral notes, outside of the rose come across as fruity. There is a nice apple note, a sweet osmanthus, and a rarely used davana.

It’s fresh and warm, without being too overbearing and heavy. There is a bit of the usual 1 Million spice in the blend, thanks to some unlisted cinnamon. But, this mostly comes across as a sweet fruity mix that transitions into a vanilla/tonka dominant one.

The longevity is great and Elixir won’t disappoint with its power to project. Elixir Full Review

million elixir review

Royal

1 Million Royal–  This is the 2023 release from this line, 1 Million Royal, which I picked up a full bottle of when it came out. So, I had to update this list. For me, I have it rated roughly the same as Elixir, it sort of depends what kind of mood I was in as to which I’d choose.

A light citrus top opens things up, but Royal is really highlighted by its cardamom spice and the benzoin note lurking around that.

This will change as lavender comes in to split duties with the cardamom. Then, finally each is taken over by the benzoin note during the dry down.

Royal has an above average sillage, while not being an absolute bomb. The performance is just over 8 hours, on my skin. I have been enjoying this release, alongside my new bottle of the original. It’s well worth checking out. 1 Million Royal Review

Parfum

Paco Rabanne One 1 Million Pure Parfum Natural Spray For Men 100ml / 3.4oz– 1 Million Parfum is an interesting take on the formula from this lineup. It might be little better than Lucky, but it’s pretty neck and neck.

It’s sweet and semi-tropical up top. But, that’s combined with a leather note, white florals, and a solar accord that does make this Parfum seem like it is shining. It’s kind of a beachy version of 1 Million, at least early on.

The end? It’s kind of disappointing. The tuberose note plays a big role with leather. You get some fresh pine and ambergris. That opening though, is sort of terrific to wear. 1 Million Parfum Review

A Past Intensity

1 Million Intense– Intense was one of the early flanker fragrances from the series. It has been discontinued for a long time now. So, it’s pretty much on the list just for further depth, as finding a full bottle won’t be cheap.

But, I grabbed a sample online that was for sale, to revisit this one. This is where it lands on the list for me.

It comes out spicier and rougher than the original. Though, there is still a sweet mandarin orange note up top. Cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, and pepper all come out in the initial stages of wear.

Then, it’ll become smoother with rose and neroli, finishing up close to the original 1 Million EDT.

This one is a nice fragrance. The opening act is great. The performance is beast mode. Again, it’s just not around much anymore. Intense Review

A Golden Oud

1 Million Golden Oud– This is a special edition flanker, that isn’t going to appeal to everyone. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of oud, but this is a really approachable example in the designer colognes space.

The leather and oud are apparent from the jump. Though, this one has some really nice spicy facets early on from black pepper and nutmeg. I get some saffron and this has a balsamic note in the heart, which comes through well about 15 minutes into the wear.

It’s sweet, slightly smoky, woody, and leathery. For some people this might be their favorite of the series, it just probably doesn’t have the mass appeal as the rest of the best sellers.

Performance is great. Well-blended mix of spice, leather, woods, and more.

Lucky Fragrance

1 Million Lucky by Paco Rabanne Eau de Toilette Spray 100ml– 1 Million Lucky is probably the most unique and distinct from this line of scents. Yes, I have it ranked down here, but I actually really enjoyed wearing this sweet cologne at times.

It opens up with plum, honey, and citrus. Lucky is quite sweet and tart, but really comes into its own with the nutty hazelnut note. It shares amber, patchouli, and cedar with the others on this list. So, mostly the base notes of 1 Million.

However, this goes for a more youthful blend with honey and hazelnut, being the main driving force. The performance and sillage is good, but doesn’t hit the same levels as the others.

Overall, though, 1 Million Lucky is well worth wearing and a fun cologne. 1 Million Lucky Review

One More Past Release

1 Million Cologne by Paco Rabanne Eau De Toilette Spray 4.2 oz for Men – 100% Authentic– This one is less known and I don’t even think they make it anymore. So, you’ll have to get it online.

It’s actually called ‘1 Million Cologne’, which is really confusing, and an utterly stupid name when people refer to men’s fragrances as ‘cologne’ quite often. As such, you’d think they were selling the same original 1 Million.

However, this version is pretty damn good. It has sort of an original 1 Million scent mixed with elements of Invictus. It’s got huge sillage and longevity, with an aquatic note throughout. That marine aroma and the grape bubblegum smell at the opening, does give of an Invictus vibe.

Though, it dries down with a stronger rose note; also with leather, tonka bean, patchouli, and orange. This gets overlooked, but I still like it a lot, and will throw on some from my mini bottle every so often.

5 Best Smelling Invictus Colognes

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Invictus by Paco Rabanne has been one of the best selling fragrances of this decade. Naturally, due to its success, it have spawned a bunch of flanker fragrances from the original. When you get so many incarnations under one name, you start to wonder, which you should choose.

In this post, I am going to give you my top Invictus colognes, out of the original and all of its flankers. This list is in order, from first to fifth, and I have linked my reviews of the selections.

Ranking My Favorite Invictus Colognes

Invictus Victory Elixir– It seems like Paco Rabanne is just going to keep rolling out new fragrances under the Invictus name. Which doesn’t sound interesting on the surface, but the Victory flankers were both among the best of the series.

Victory Elixir is the better of the two and my favorite of the line thus far (I do still need to try the new Parfum).

Victory Elixir starts off with a strong vanilla and amber blend that is dotted with a spicy mix of cardamom and black pepper. Creamy, warm, and even a coconut-like aroma that sits underneath it all for a while.

Tonka bean and lavender also make appearances. It’s got a freshness that keeps it from getting completely bogged down in sweetness and amber. Still, that’s a lot of the main attraction, but it’s a great experience from this brand. Invictus Victory Elixir review

Invictus Intense by Paco Rabanne for Men 3.4 oz Eau de Parfum Spray– I had a mini splash bottle of Invictus Intense, which I wore when I wanted the Invictus experience.

To me, this was the best of the lineup, at one time.

At least, in my mind. Invictus Intense doesn’t have that same initial fruity burst, as the original. It is less sweet and the fruit notes are more subdued.

Invictus Intense instead opts for a warm amber with the marine accords. Then, you get a great malted aroma, with orange blossom and woody undertones.

This one seems smoother and more refined. It’s warm with a slight spice, still enough sweetness, and good performance. It’s similar, yet different enough from the original, but just more pleasant for me to wear. Invictus Intense Review

Invictus Victory– Alright, updating this list, I have to add Victory here. It’s still not my favorite of the lot, but I think it’ll be a better option for most guys ahead of Intense…since that booziness may not be your thing.

Update: Victory Elixir is a bit better than this one.

The opening act gives me a nice dose of lemon, a general warmth, and a peppery kick to round things off. As it dries down, that’s when it becomes more of a vanilla and amber based cologne.

Quite gourmand and delicious, much more of a crowd pleaser scent, and outdoes the original EDT.

Sweet, with some tonka bean to offset the vanilla, but the latter note is really dominant between them. The projection isn’t too huge, but solid, and it will last for a long time on skin. Victory review

Invictus by Paco Rabanne for Men 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray– The mandarin orange and grapefruit opening of Invictus, has grown on me over the years. Now, I really do enjoy spraying it on at times, and reveling in the sweetness.

I’ve worn this and Intense, while trying to reconsider each, to see if I still favored Intense versus the original. Answer: Yes, but I have a greater appreciation for what Invictus is.

The candied fruit and aquatic elements are really nice at the top, but the bay leaf in the dry down, isn’t nearly as good. It is fresh, but it becomes somewhat soapy with jasmine, and has a clean wood base.

It’s cool. I know that lots of guys like wearing this stuff, and I count myself among them. However, the whole wear isn’t amazing, and not as good as Intense. Invictus EDT Review

Paco Rabanne Invictus Legend EDP Eau De Parfum For Men 3.4oz– Invictus Legend has more in common with Invictus Intense, which is probably why I like it, as a flanker. Even though, it is still pretty new, Legend does enough to earn the third spot on the list.

Though, I don’t find it to be as good as the first two. It does however, surpass Invictus Aqua, which loses a lot of my goodwill with its dry down.

I do still need to spend more time with this scent and a full review will be on its way fairly soon. Legend starts off sweeter and has more of an oceanic vibe than does Intense. It’s salty, fruity, and aquatic.

Then, as it dries down, you get more of the Intense amber-laden aroma but it’s still kind of different. You also will get some more spice, than Intense. Invictus Legend is sort of an amalgamation of the different Invictus scents, but it works well. Invictus Legend Review

This is my current list, as of now. I may come back and rearrange the list, if Paco Rabanne releases a new one (which they totally will). Also, if I happen to give higher marks to Invictus Legend, the more time I spend with it. I don’t think that will be the case, but sometimes, my opinion evolves.

7 Awesome Azzaro Colognes for Men

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Loris Azzaro has been a house which has created popular and affordable men’s perfumes since the 1970s. These scents aren’t anything that out there or niche in any way, however, the colognes smell good and give guys an opportunity to wear different types of scents without breaking the bank to do it. Which is why, some of these scents have been best sellers for decades.

Here, I will keep track of the releases from Azzaro and add or subtract to the list based on new releases and availability.

Note: I have come back to this page to update it, some five-plus years after the fact, and make some changes to the list.

Favorite Azzaro Perfumes for Him

The New Best Wanted Cologne

The Most Wanted for Men– Wanted by Night had been my favorite from this Azzaro line. However, it has now been succeeded by The Most Wanted, which is better than either of the previous incarnations.

The Most Wanted opens up sweeter with a bit of spice. The cardamom note, actually plays two roles, spicy and giving it the impression of a lemon-like fruitiness. Beyond that, you get smooth caramel and bourbon vanilla to make this a delicious gourmand.

Nonetheless, it isn’t a thick or super heavy fragrance. The Most Wanted actually comes across as fresh with vetiver and a woody green aroma wafting up from the base. The performance is great and this is one that can easily be a romantic wear or nightlife classic.

Update: This is my favorite of the line and from this brand. The Most Wanted Parfum is right up there too. But, I still prefer this version slightly more.  The Most Wanted Review

The Popular Best Seller

Chrome Cologne for Men 3.4 fl. oz Eau De Toilette– A very clean and fresh cologne that can become a man’s daily wear fragrance at a very inexpensive price. Chrome is simple yet a quite potent blend of citrus notes.

Chrome starts off with it strong juicy citrus notes of pineapple and lemon, giving the cologne a bright and upbeat disposition. These two are joined by a very nice neroli, giving chrome a further semi-soapy cleanliness.

During the wear, you will notice aquatic aromas, a slight metallic air, and woods at the base. Chrome is a classic, still has a good performance, and smells great all these years later. Very easy to wear and perpetually popular. Chrome review

chrome

The Dry Classic

Azzaro Pour Homme Eau de Toilette, 1.7 Fl Oz– A masculine throwback to the 1970s, yet, it doesn’t feel dated. Azzaro blends many notes including leather, lavender, wood, and sandalwood. It is woodsy, herbal, and spicy.

At the start, I get anise and cedar, with a dry mossy scent coming through. The spice actually comes across as refreshing and cool, rather than, being a warm sharp hit. The spice, paired with lavender and leather, gets smoothed out and calmed.

Azzaro Pour Homme is best used during the autumn months through early spring. The performance is still great and hasn’t been watered down over the years. An excellent choice for guys who want a mature, fresh, and woodsy scent.  My full Azzaro Review

Citrus Spice, Classic Style

Azzaro Nĭght Tĭme Cologne for Men 3.4 fl. oz Eau De Toilette Spray– I’ll include this one as one of the best, although I really don’t care for the bitter orange note.

That note reminds me too much of Terre D’Hermes or L’eau D’Issey Nuit, both of which I didn’t like, though many other people seem to.

I don’t think this one is as bad as those two colognes but since this enjoys some popularity among Azzaro scents, I’ll throw it on here for you to try out. In cold weather, it’s actually pretty nice. Rhubarb and citrus, for much of the wear, with a fresh spice and woods underneath.

I think this one has been discontinued, so, you’ll have to track down the bottles online. Azzaro Night Time review

Unique Spicy Profile

Onyx by Azzaro – Eau De Toilette Spray 1.7 oz– It has a spice and green sort of feel to it from the patchouli note. It also has apple, bergamot, and lemon which adds a citrusy sweet profile to it. Onyx is a good scent for the winter months and one that projects very well.

Onyx starts off with a that nice citrus/fruity profile, with lavender, and the underlying spice of basil. Basil, among other spices, will be featured more during the dry down with an added leather ingredient.

Bottles of this are still available, the performance is actually very solid, and it’s usually available for pretty cheap. Nice spicy scent with the ability to be used in the nightlife.

onyx

The Second Best Wanted Fragrance

Azzaro Wanted By Night Eau De Parfum, 1.7 Fl Oz– Wanted by Night is a cologne that is better than the fragrance it followed, Azzaro Wanted. For a while, it was the best of the Wanted line up, before being surpassed by The Most Wanted colognes.

This one is spicier with less of the sharp citrus notes. Yes, the lemon is still present, but it doesn’t strike my nose with the same intensity. Cinnamon and fresh cedar, give this a dynamic and interesting composition to work from.

Really bold with that spice early on. Which is great, since I personally love the use of cinnamon as a note.

It can start out as sweet and spicy, then it begins to turn warmer, with an underlying tobacco note that is quite prominent. I wasn’t too much of a fan of the original Wanted, but Wanted by Night is definitely an improvement.  Wanted by Night Review

A Newer Chrome

Chrome Extreme– Chrome Aqua was another one that was pretty good. However, Extreme is a bit better and has a fairly close resemblance to AdG Profondo, but not entirely.

Chrome Extreme is a fresh, orangey aquatic scent, without the metallic soapiness of the original (there will be some soapiness later in the wear, though).

The juniper pairing with the orange note here, is probably the highlight. The oceanic saltiness will come on and give this one an added pleasant smell.

The dry down has more of the amber note with the orange. Nice and clean. The performance is good here, not incredible, with a moderate sillage overall. It’ll give you a few hours of solid projection before quieting down much more.

There have been a ton of flankers to Chrome, but this is the best of the recent ones, that you can actually still find bottles of. Many of the others, have been forgettable, though.