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!

Nautica Voyage vs Acqua di Gio Cologne Comparison

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In this edition of our head to head men’s cologne match ups, we have two best-selling entries: Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani vs. Nautica Voyage. Which of these two fragrances smells the best? Which has the better performance? Ultimately, which is the better deal? I will break down several deciding factors and as always, have linked to my original reviews on both, below.

Tale of the Tape: AdG vs. Voyage

Nautica Voyage

Notes include: apple, musk, cedar, lotus, amber, mimosa, and oak moss

Click here to try: Nautica Voyage Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 oz

Read my original review: Nautica Voyage Review

Acqua di Gio

Notes include: bergamot, tangerine, neroli, jasmine, rosemary, patchouli, rock rose, hyacinth, persimmon, marine notes

Click here to try: Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces

Read my review: Acqua di Gio 

Opening

Voyage opens up with a crisp, chilled, and water opening; it’s sort of like a cucumber aroma. This stems from the blend of apple, musk, and mimosa. It’s quite musky and has a green floral vibe sitting underneath that crisp apple top note.

Meanwhile, Acqua di Gio opens with, a citrus blend of tangerine and bergamot. This is flanked by a wonderful sea breeze-like accord with soft jasmine only beginning to peak through. With newer bottles, the jasmine does seem a bit stronger than it once was, but I like it.

The citrus is juicy enough up top and the mix of the marine notes with the floral highlights is still awesome, after all of these years.

Which is better? I’ll go with AdG. The start of Nautica Voyage is my least favorite part of that fragrance. It’s kind of messy and the musk overwhelms. The Armani cologne, on the other hand, has a really great citrus aquatic start that is both fresh and captivating.

Edge: AdG

Projection

Both fragrances are pretty moderate in their sillage. The projection of either isn’t going to be huge, but is solid throughout the wear.

However, Acqua is slightly more powerful than is Voyage, and the original bottles were quite a bit stronger. It used to be more in the upper moderate range of projection, while not being a heavy fragrance, now it’s on that lower end of moderate for most of the wear.

Edge: ADG

Longevity

Acqua di Gio and Voyage are pretty consistent with what they get me, in terms of how long they last on my skin. Voyage is 5-7 hours of wear. AdG is 6-7 hours. There’s no real clear advantage here.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Voyage has several strong points, for a cologne in the price range. One of which, is its versatility. It can be worn casually or at school or even at a job. Best fits in spring/summer, but can go year round, as well.

Acqua di Gio, can do all of that, and more. It has a more substantial and even somewhat of a more mature smell (though, neither is overly serious). AdG can be worn on a date or for other evening events, while Voyage doesn’t fit that mold.

Edge: ADG

Overall Scent

My clear winner in this match up is Acqua di Gio. The Armani fragrance is better smelling and the performance is fairly equal. I’ve owned both and I would pick AdG over Nautica almost every time.

Voyage is a great cheapie, though. The dry down period is nice and it does have its own vibe and popularity within this space…it just doesn’t out do Acqua. The Nautica is one of the better options at its level, though, it doesn’t compete too well with other designer scents.

If you’re going based off pure smell, go with Acqua di Gio. If price is the biggest factor, then, obviously Nautica Voyage is going to be the best bet. For me, I’d pick Profondo or Profumo ahead of either, but they’re generally more expensive.

It’s a solid enough cologne, but its popularity is based off of how it covers so many bases for so cheap. AdG, has a reputation built on its great smell, and has been a best-seller for decades now.

Winner: Acqua di Gio

Very Cool by Tommy Bahama

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I have already reviewed two Tommy Bahama colognes for men on this site and since I have a bottle of a third, Very Cool, I thought that I would do another for this post. I am updating this post in 2019, to further expand upon, my experiences with my bottle of this cologne. I’ve worn it enough times, to have a great feel, as to what it’s all about.

How does Very Cool measure up? Is it worth a purchase? How well does Very Cool perform? Read below, as I take a closer look at this cologne and see where it ranks among the pack.

What does Very Cool for Men Smell Like?

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Notes include: nutmeg, ginger, vetiver, bergamot, paprika, and mandarin orange

Click here to try: Very Cool by Tommy Bahama for Men Eau De Cologne Spray 3.4 FL. OZ./100 ML

My Full Review

During the opening of Very Cool, I definitely detect the ginger note in it. This fragrance has a spicy warmth to it that is mostly woodsy/outdoorsy fresh in its presentation. Though, I do detect a slight bitterness (perhaps the orange mixing with nutmeg?).

Also, there is a very faint similarity with Set Sail St. Barts, that emerges and I think that it is a bergamot note because I compared the two side by side and noticed a distinct scent in both.

The initial spray, really doesn’t have too much citrus to my nose. The orange and bergamot really sit underneath the surface, while the spiciness at the top develops.

Paprika, ginger, and nutmeg are the stars of the front end of this Tommy Bahama fragrance. This is the warmer part of Very Cool.

After about 15-20 minutes, this fragrance does become noticeably more of a citrus scent. Though, the citrus doesn’t seem to fully take over, it’s more of a 50/50 split with the woodsy/spiciness of the ginger and nutmeg notes.

This is also at the point where Very Cool, indeed lives up to its moniker, and becomes a cooler and more refreshing scent.

It is an interesting development for a summery type of fragrance. The use of spice here is much different from something like, Light Blue, which utilizes much more citrus with the pepper. This goes heavier on the freshness and spiciness and uses the citrus as sort of a dressing.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Longevity wise, Very Cool would rank as poor to moderate. It doesn’t disappear completely, but it really isn’t an all day affair either. I tend to use my small 0.5 ounce bottle to freshen up before going to the gym. I can get 3-5 hours from it, of decent wear.

It also seems to project well at first, but then definitely dies down, and is ultimately a fairly light and airy fragrance.

The sillage goes from pretty strong to skin scent. It isn’t the worst longevity/projection scent that I’ve ever come across but it isn’t anywhere near where I would want it to be.

This is more of a casual daily wear. Spring and summer mostly. You can wear it in plenty of situations, but Very Cool isn’t much of a formal wear fragrance or one for romantic wear or nightlife.

It’s an easy to wear cologne, that’s going to be one you can have in your rotation for days you just want something refreshing and don’t need to think very much about it.

Overall Impressions of Very Cool

Would I recommend Very Cool? For the price, it’s a nice smelling cologne (it’s been discontinued, so, if you can even find a discounted bottle anymore. But, I wouldn’t spend more than $30, if you do come across it.).

Update: It looks like it’s back here in 2024. I’m seeing it on Amazon again. Though, selling for $65 per bottle, which is a reach.

This Tommy Bahama fragrance isn’t my favorite of all-time or anything, but I could definitely wear it on certain occasions.

My only real issue with this scent is the longevity, which could easily be fixed with some reapplication, which isn’t a bad idea because it is so inexpensive.

It is a really fresh casual scent that offers something different from the usual summertime fare.  Very Cool is a good smelling and safe scent, just know up front it isn’t a longevity beast.

Versace Eros vs D&G The One Cologne Comparison

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I don’t know why I haven’t already done a comparison between these two insanely popular fragrance on the site already. However, I guess it’s better late than never. So today, we have a head to head matchup between Versace Eros and The One EDP by Dolce & Gabbana.

I’ve replace the EDT version of The One on here, since it’s got such poor performance, and the eau de parfum is basically the same.

Which of these men’s best sellers smells the best? Gives the best performance? Is a better option to buy?

Tale of the Tape: The One 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

Dolce & Gabbana The One

Notes of The One: grapefruit, basil, coriander, amber, tobacco, ginger, cardamom, orange blossom, and cedar

Click here to try: The One

My Full Review: The One EDP

Opening

Depending on what bottle batch of The One you get nowadays, you might get more of a spice to the opening, but what remains the same is the beautiful blend of citrus, tobacco, and amber. It’s so absolutely smooth.

I have to admit, The One is near the top of my all-time favorite smells. The aroma is just outstanding, but as a fragrance it ultimately fails. I’ll get into that later, though.

Eros, by contrast, is a bold cologne right from the start. It’s sweet with a blend of fruit, a chocolate-like blend of vanilla/tonka bean, and a crisp mint note.

Update: Newer batches of Eros seem to have more of a lemon opening than it used to. It doesn’t have the same appeal to me, that it did.

While I really like the way Versace Eros smells…the opening of The One is utterly fantastic, in my mind. It sort of has everything that I want in a fragrance, which is why it gets the edge in this aspect.

Edge: The One

Projection

This category isn’t even close. Eros is a sillage monster. It is loud and makes a statement wherever you go. The One, is moderate at its absolute peak, and fairly light thereafter.

Edge: Eros

Longevity

With The One EDP, I get six-plus hours of wear, if I spray heavily. 4-5 hours, if I don’t It is much improved over the EDT which can disappear in an hour or two. Still, not on the level of the Versace cologne provides.

Whichever camp one falls into, Eros has the performance aspect on lockdown. It’s going to hit double digit hours in terms of longevity and seems to do so for almost everyone.

Update: I don’t get this same level anymore with newer bottles, but it still eclipses The One. Now, Eros EDT seems to be in the 8 hour range.

Edge: Eros

Versatility

Both of these colognes are cold weather scents. Both don’t hold up well in the heat. I’ll give The One the nod, as if it actually lasts on your skin, it is safer for work or casual wear.

Eros can be extremely loud and I liked to reserve it for the nighttime mostly. I think both work best at night, but The One has a versatile ability that Eros doesn’t.

Edge: The One

Overall Scent

If you’re asking me purely which one smells better, I’d go with The One by D&G. Eros smells great, but I just think that The One is near perfect…and no, Villain is not a proper substitute.

However, on balance? I used to say that, Versace Eros was the winner. It did smell great and has amazing performance capability. It is fresh, bold, and sexy.

I still think it’s a fine cologne to wear, at times. But, I’ve really lost interest in Eros over the years. It just doesn’t do it for me anymore.

The One. I adore it’s smell. It just doesn’t last that well, on my skin. The Eau de Parfum is passable, which is why I have a full bottle of it. The EDT version, isn’t worthwhile.

I like its refinement and depth versus what I get now from Eros. It smells better and the performance is good enough versus what newer batches of Eros offer. As such, I’m changing the winner on this page to The One.

Winner: The One

Best Smelling Men’s Fragrances Under $20

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We are fast approaching the holiday season once again and so I thought that I’d do another post about inexpensive options in men’s fragrances. This time around I’m going to concentrate on those colognes that are available for under $20 but above $10.

(Note: Updating this post 7 years later, some of them are now slightly above $20, but it can depend on which bottle size you opt for. But, I’ve added other perfumes that stick to the original $10-20 range).

I ended up with numerous types of  selections on this list, so there is basically something for everybody on here.  However, if you want even more options (or you searched for scents in the 20 pound or euro range) also check out: Best for under $10, Best other cheapies Part 1 and Part 2

Quick Takeaways

I go further in depth into each of these and other picks below, but here’s a quick look for those in a hurry.

What Colognes for Around $20 are the Best to try?

A Voyage Beyond

Nautica Voyage By Nautica For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 oz– A 3.4 oz bottle can be purchased for under $30 and a 1.7 oz for under $20. This is a really great fragrance and is affordable for just about any budget. 

It’s a citrusy aquatic scent with good longevity and an attractive aroma.  It has been a best-seller for years and Nautica has spun off the name into numerous flanker colognes, almost all of which, aren’t nearly as good as this original.

Voyage opens up with a cooling scent that is unique and attractive. Apple, musk, and mimosa. This is a floral fragrance in its middle act, still with an aquatic and dewy aroma throughout. My Full Review of Voyage Cologne

Spiced Delight

Spice & Black Vanilla– You could honestly go with numerous options from Cremo (like Blue Cedar & Cypress or Palo Santo), as they all smell really good and the price is right around $20.

The spice mix seems to be a cardamom and cinnamon blend, with the latter being weaker, and not to the same extent as the Viktor & Rolf cologne, Spicebomb. That top is spicier, but the dry down is vanilla based and quite woody.

The longevity is actually decent, but the sillage here isn’t overly powerful. It seemed to hit that 5-7 hour mark of wear, just mostly sitting close to the skin. For the price? Great quality and aroma. Also, available at Target and Wal-Mart currently.

Original Penguin Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– Sweet morphs into a pleasant spice with notes of apple, fir, vanilla, pepper, and musk.

But, what you end up with is a good deal of the vanilla note, with woody notes and that peppery kick. Early, you get a light apple scent which adds a fruity sweetness to the overall composition.

A bit floral with neroli and the lavender which blends with the vanilla late. Yet, it never felt all that heavy to me.

Penguin is blended well and also smells pretty good. Not my first pick, but it can do the job for a truly low price (under $15, at times). A good mix between work and casual wear.

Sculptured Citrus

Nikos Sculpture Homme for men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounces– Sculpture is a really nice cheapie and has been around for decades now. The opening act is full of a bright/sour/sweet lemon note that stands out in the summer months.

The citrus opening, prominent orange blossom and floral notes, and at times bitter herbal qualities. Light with a clean and somewhat powdery finish in the latter stages. This one routinely goes for under $20 per bottle.

Wouldn’t be my first pick with an unlimited budge, but for cheap, Sculpture does a good job at providing value. The brand has a few other options, as well, if this style doesn’t do it for you.

The Seduction of Guess

Guess Seductive Men Edt Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Warm, sweet, and with a bit of spice. Guess Seductive Homme is an all-around good performer but really shines in the colder months of the year.

I still have a bottle of this one (update: finished it off) and it’s my go to from the Guess lineup. Seductive Blue also smells really good but it doesn’t have the same longevity as the original. You could also go with Los Angeles 1981, which is another great cheapie from the brand.  My Original Guess Seductive Review

A Clean Hei

Hei by Alfred Sung for Men, Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4-Ounce– Alfred Sung’s Hei is a staple for those who need a cheaply priced scent that does a fantastic job at delivering the goods. It is a really clean and fresh scent with a bit of powdery aroma to it.

Longevity and projection are good but not amazing, which is to be expected in this class of scents.

Watery notes and violet leaf give this an aquatic feel, but you also have a great bamboo note, and citrus top that energize the blend. This one is unique because you dry down into something woodier and greener with less of the aquatic start.

The Hilton Options

Paris Hilton for Men– The Paris Hilton line of colognes for men are very nice for the price point. Nowadays, they tend to go for around $25, but I’ve seen them recently for under $20 as well.

Really, you have multiple options from this brand beyond the listed Paris Hilton for Men. Gold Rush, Just Me, and Heir are all worth checking out. Depending on what kind of style of scent you’re looking for. For example, Just Me, is an Acqua di Gio styled fragrance.

An Older Standard for under $20

Yves De Sistelle Thallium for Men 3.3 Ounce EDT SP– Fairly powerful and sweet candy-like fragrance with some powder to boot.

Interesting mix of apple and pineapple notes to go along with some woodsy ones. That start can really explode off the skin. Pineapple and bergamot citrus together, are quite sharp.

It stays sweet, but follows things up with musk, woods, and lavender. I do have to say this doesn’t have a naturalistic smell at all, with its notes. So, it absolutely won’t appeal to everyone. If you like bold and sweet fragrances, this might be the one for you.

4 Perfumes Similar to Burberry Goddess

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Goddess has become a successful and very popular perfume for Burberry, since its release. It’s sure to have future flankers and other brands coming in to try and copy its scent. However, what are some alternatives or similar smelling perfumes to Goddess?

Which fragrances can currently fit the bill that are cheaper or have a slightly different aroma to the Burberry eau de parfum? Here is my ongoing list of potential options.

What Fragrances Smell Like or are Similar Alternatives to Burberry Goddess?

An Alternative Goddess Within

Goddess Within Her by Dua– Well, it didn’t take too long after the release of Burberry Goddess, to get the first ‘inspired by’ take of its formula on the market. This one, is from the Dua Brand.

It’s going to try and hit the same beats as the designer original. The cacao, ginger, vanilla, lavender, and the rest of the notes are all here. All that’s left is to get the weightings of each note correct (or close enough).

Now, I haven’t tried this one as of yet. But, I have owned a dozen or so similar fragrances from Dua, and they’ve all managed to hit quite near the target of the designer perfume they were trying to mimic.

Another 

Athena by Maison Alhambra– It took a while to get another fragrance that could be a legitimate alternative to the popular Burberry perfume, but Athena does the job well, and at a great price.

Lavender and vanilla really dominate this one, especially past that first opening stage. Not quite the same spice profile as Goddess and doesn’t seem as smooth. Jasmine and ylang-ylang also play a role here, which sort of gives it a different take on the target aroma.

Still, it’s very close to what you can expect, albeit not a perfect match. Ginger isn’t a factor and the dry down of this is more floral than the vanilla that I get with the Burberry.


A Playful Cheapie

Siren by Paris Hilton– Okay, this one is definitely not the same. If you’re looking for a cheaper near match with Goddess, go with the Dua above. However, this one does strike me a sweeter and tropical version of this perfume style.

Siren, is sort of a mix between Viva La Juicy and Goddess, but with a tropical flower flare. You get a good mix of the vanilla and a great creamy warmth like you do with those two fragrances. But, it’s all paired with fruits like apricot and there’s frangipani instead of the lavender note.

It’s all thickened by a honey note and supported by orchid. There’s some powderiness in the dry down of Siren. Again, not anything close to a one to one match, but Siren reminds me of aspects of Goddess.

Similar Style, Different Scent

Mon Guerlain– I wanted to include Mon Guerlain on the list. Not because, it smells exactly the same (it doesn’t), but because it has a similar style to Goddess. And some, who are unfamiliar with the one, might actually prefer it to the Burberry.

The focus here is also on the vanilla and lavender notes. Though, this one has more depth, a greater use of floral notes, and an interesting licorice note, which can come through at times.

Mon Guerlain is more balanced versus being so vanilla-centric. Lavender, jasmine, and even some iris are prominent. It lacks the cacao note, so, just a head’s up if that’s what you’re partial to in Goddess.

Yet, it does have a tonka bean and resinous aspect in the base which plays well with the vanilla notes. Mon Guerlain Review