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!

Absolu Aventus by Creed

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Absolu Aventus is a limited edition of the best selling name by Creed, which was released in 2023. As of now, the brand really limited the number of bottles that came out, and I’m not sure what the status will be for the future.

I did however, purchase a sample for quite a bit of money, in order to test it out and see how it actually smells, performs, and if it’s worth trying to get a hold of.

What does Absolu Aventus Smell Like?

Notes include: citron, bergamot, blackcurrant, vetiver, grapefruit, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, pink pepper, patchouli

Click here to try: Absolu Aventus

My Full Review

The differences between Absolu and the original Aventus will be quite apparent in the opening act. The pineapple and birch are noticeably missing.

Absolu Aventus is a smoother blend in comparison with bergamot still in the lead spot, but flanked with citron, grapefruit, and the same blackcurrant. It does still have a somewhat sharp bite to it, but it doesn’t hit in the same way.

This to me, is a welcome change of pace, as the opening has always been my least favorite aspect of Aventus.

The spices here are mainly the cinnamon and cardamom notes. Ginger is present, but never becomes a major factor in the mix for me.

Vetiver was the biggest shock to me early. I wasn’t expecting it to come through as much as it did. I actually get more of it than I ever do from the ginger. Between this and the patchouli, you’re going to get some earthiness wafting up from the base.

Nothing crazy, but enough freshness and woodsy/grassy aroma to make up for some of what is missing from the original. Somewhat smoky, but really not to the same extent at all.

Basically, this one is citrus, spice (cinnamon and an emergent pink pepper), and the vetiver/patchouli mix in the base. Clean and pleasant. Unique enough from the original Aventus, but doesn’t stray too far away.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

During my initial wear, I was quite pleased with this because it had the same bold opening as Aventus. Plenty of projection and it definitely had scent trail potential, albeit in with a less heavy feeling than its predecessor.

But, after only a few hours into it, Absolu Aventus became a skin scent. I tried it multiple times with the same result. Disappointing.

For me, this Creed lasts the same length of time as Aventus. I get 8-9 hours out of it. Again, not to the same strength, and 4-5 of those hours, Absolu is going to be hovering just off of the skin. Nothing much more than that.

Seasonally, I think that Absolu is at its best in the autumn through spring. With the deeper use of citrus, I thought it might be summer coming into testing. Nope. This fragrance is surprisingly great when it’s cool and crisp outside.

As far as when you can where it, just think any time that you wear the original. It retains that super versatile and signature scent aspect.

Overall Impressions of Absolu Aventus

Overall, do I like Absolu Aventus? Yes, it’s very much like the original Aventus, only with some changes at the edges to make this fragrance somewhat distinct.

I do enjoy those additions. The cinnamon might be my favorite part of this newer formula. The citron in this citrus heavy mix is also pleasant. In terms of how it smells, Absolu is a nice release.

My main issues with it are the performance and the price tag for what it is. Over $500 per bottle. I can explain away the latter as it being as limited edition or something for collectors.

Fine. I’m not in the market for an Aventus fragrance, so, it doesn’t really concern me. Definitely feels like a cash grab, though.

The nosedive that it seems to do after a few hours, with how it projects is my main gripe. It feels like it’s going to be an equal to the original and then it just turns into a skin scent for me.

With all of that in mind, I don’t think this is going to be worth tracking down for most people. If you love Aventus, sure you might want a different take on it. For the rest of you, you might want to go with a different Creed cologne or just pick up one of the other Aventus scents.

There’s nothing here that’s way different, just a bit of an alternative take on the popular smell of Creed Aventus.

10 Best Smelling Bath and Body Works Scents

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Bath & Body Works has a ton of fragrances that are available for cheap, but also smell great. Yes, sometimes, they can be fairly predictable. However, B&BW definitely provides some absolute gems in the lower cost space. These can come in the form of lotions, mists, perfumes, or shower gels.

With such an extensive line, I wanted to present some of their scents that I feel smell the best, and have a good deal of popularity (with some underrated perfumes in the mix as well).

What are the Top Bath and Body Works Fragrances?

Newer Gem

Tropidelic– This one actually comes in an eau de parfum version, as well as the usual body mist. I haven’t tested the perfume out, but I have smelled the mist, and it deserves a spot on this list.

Tropical and light with a misty/aquatic aroma to it. That seems to be short-lived or at least not very prevalent when I tested it. Passion flower, ylang-ylang, and a burst of bright energy to help uplift you.

Not going to be super complex but you get a sweet, vaguely fruity blend sitting underneath, a wonderful floral mix. 

Tropidelic is light, fun, and easy to wear. Probably best for the spring and summer months.

 

Creamy Citrus Woods

Bath & Body Works, Ultra Shea Body Cream, Body Lotion, Shower Gel, Twilight Woods Bundle (3-Pack)– Twilight Woods is one of the most popular scent releases from Bath & Body Works. It opens up with a citrus and berry blend, mainly focused on orange.

Then, it works its way into being a creamy/woody blend, with floral notes swirling around the base.

The fruit top is nice, but once you get down to the vanilla and woody dry down, this fragrance is just beautiful. There’s also an amber and a touch of coconut/apricot, up top.

Bright Starfruit with Almond

A Thousand Wishes Body Set – Shower Gel, Body Lotion & Fragrance Mist– A bit sweet with a sparkling quality, A Thousand Wishes is a unique, and ultimately delicious fragrance. Starfruit is very present within this, which is a fruit note, that I wholly enjoy. 

It’s much more fruity and sugary than the below option, but there is enough floral notes in this perfume, to keep it interesting. The dry down has plenty of amber and freesia, with a creamy almond note to tie things together. 

Cherry Blossom Fruity Floral

Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Set – Shower Gel 10 oz, Fragrance Mist– Obviously, the star of the show here, is going to be the Japanese Cherry Blossom. Yes, you’re going to get a floral blend with musky and woodsy notes.

But also, a nice blend of fruit to get paired with that cherry aroma, mainly pear and apple. 

This one is somewhat soft and understated, though it has a woody and slightly peppery freshness, throughout the wear. It leans much more fruity/floral, while being a completely enjoyable and attractive fragrance.

Tropical Champagne

CHAMPAGNE TOAST Fine Fragrance Mist 8 Fluid Ounce (2019 Edition)– I love a good champagne note, though, it doesn’t get utilized all that often. In Champagne Toast, you get that effervescent feeling, paired with sweet fruits and citrus. 

It’s sugary sweet, almost tropical in nature at times, but ultimately has that great champagne note dominating the composition.

This isn’t a very popular fragrance from B&BW, but I thought it was really attractive, when I smelled it a while back. 

Cool Mint and Chocolatey 

Twisted Peppermint Fine Fragrance Mist, 8 Fl Oz– Twisted Peppermint is a personal favorite of mine. I wear the lotion, during the wintertime, and it’s simply great. 

Twisted Peppermint is a holiday release, that features peppermint, sugared snow, and balsam. It starts out with an extremely fresh and cool peppermint, much like a candy cane. Sweet with a balsamic undertone.

The lotion version, has shea butter and coconut oil, which gives the scent a somewhat chocolaty finish. 

Strawberry Patchouli Floral

Bath & Body Works Mad About You Fine Fragrance Mist, 8 Ounce- Mad About You has a strong strawberry opening act, that kicks things off with a sweet and juicy aroma.

Then, you will get a good bit of patchouli, and a light peony hitting throughout.

Really nice smell. Plenty of berry goodness, with a musk/patchouli support for it. Not just another pure fruity fragrance. 

Dark Resinous Berry

Signature Collection ~ “Dark Kiss” ~ Gift Bag ~ Shower Gel, Ultra Shea Body Cream & Body Lotion– Yes, Dark Kiss is indeed, a ‘dark’ sort of fragrance. It opens up with a berry note that is surrounded by a warm amber note, and a light smokiness. 

It becomes quite rich, somewhat floral, and resinous. The dark berry is a great change of pace, from some of the other offerings on the list.

Dark Kiss is interesting, not super complex, but an overall lovely perfume. 

Sugary Tropics

Pink Pineapple Sunrise– Pink Tropical Sunrise gives you another option in the tropical category, other than Tropidelic.

This one, is for those who want a fruitier blend with a sweet sugary afterglow. This one really hits with a bold use of sweetness. The pineapple feels fresh, juicy, and lively. There is also a less prominent nectarine note in here.

The sugar itself is more noticeable in what could be termed the dry down, as much as you actually get one from a body spray. But, the main focus is absolutely going to be the pineapple note and it’s really wonderful for what this scent is.

Warm Amber, Juicy Fruit

IN THE STARS Gift Set – New Fragrance– In the Stars is a rather simple scent, but one that comes together quite wonderfully.

It kicks things off with a nice juicy/bubbly tangerine, that quickly gets paired up with amber, some light musk, and a woody base.

It dries down with a warm and creamy smoothness, consisting mostly of amber, but still retaining that nice citrus top note.

It gets called a near dupe of Cloud by Ariana Grande. But, it doesn’t have the lavender note, nor the complexity of that perfume. Still, I like this one as a cheapie.

Dior Homme Intense (2011) by Christian Dior

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Seeing as I just reviewed Dior Homme, I of course had to do one for its flanker fragrance, Dior Homme Intense. Don’t worry, I’ll do a comparison post of these two in the near future. Until then, I want to focus singularly on Intense as a stand alone scent.

How does it smell? How does it perform? When should it be worn? Is it worth a buy? Update: I am revising and updating this post, as I’ve gotten more experience with it, and the original Dior Homme.

What does Dior Homme Intense Smell Like?

Notes include: pear, iris, vetiver, ambrette, lavender, cedar

Click here to try: Christian Dior Dior Men Intense Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Review

The opening of Dior Homme Intense hits with a blast of lavender, cedar, and vetiver. It’s a smooth woody affair that pairs with the ambrette to create a warm woods feeling. The iris emerges for me, after about a minute of wear and gives off that familiar powdery floral aroma.

The lavender is in many ways the leader, but what I guess is the ambrette, gives this fragrance its warmth and adds to the cacao sort of aroma. Cedar and vetiver solidify the base. The latter two notes, will have a greater impact later on, but I can detect them from the start.

Honestly, I think that my favorite part is the opening 10-15 minutes with this fragrance. It’s just so layered and wonderful. To me, the opening beats out Dior Homme. That’s saying something, considering Dior Homme has become a staple in my rotation.

I’ve noted in subsequent comparisons between the two, that I enjoy Dior Homme more, overall. That being said, I will combine this two, and it’s essentially a 1A vs 1B scenario.

One of the main differences with Intense, is the lack of the leather note, when compared to the original. This is woodier, with a sweeter warmth.

The iris is still dominant, later on, but tempered when compared with Dior Homme. The lavender here, plays a pretty big role in how the iris gets to develop.

As it settles down, it draws more toward the powdery end of things, and there is definitely the cacao note that is found in the original Dior Homme lurking in this mixture.

It actually dries down into a rich, chocolate (somewhat vanilla) powder, gourmand and that’s how Intense separates itself from Dior Homme.

I get a fresh and semi-sweet fragrance, once it’s fully developed. This is all sitting on a dry base of cedar and vetiver. Powdery, clean, classy, and surprisingly seductive.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The projection on Dior Homme Intense is quite good. It’s not nearly as loud as something like 1 Million but it definitely earns the intense moniker.

The longevity is excellent. Dior Homme Intense is an all day wear and then some. That’s one thing, that I really appreciate about this cologne.

On my skin, I can hit that 9-11 hour range of solid wear. Yes, towards the end of that set, it is much more of a skin scent. However, the performance is very good overall.

For wear, it’s a late fall and winter wear in my book. It has a really warm, sweet gourmand fragrance and just sits perfectly in the colder air.

I stay away from the two Dior Homme’s in summertime. Maybe, if I’m going to be indoors, during the evening. But, it has to be air conditioned, and low humidity.

In terms of versatility, it is another classy and dressed up kind of scent. Hell, I’ll wear it with t-shirt and jeans, but it exudes sophistication and is best represented when dressed to the nines.

I like Dior Homme Intense best for evening wear and romantic wear. It does a great job at filling that role.

It is a masculine fragrance, but not in a rough, or overbearing sort of way. This is a man who is well put together, not weak, but not boorish either.

I have gotten plenty of complements, wearing Dior Homme Intense. Several drivers, when I’ve headed out to the bars, have commented on how much they like it. Also, women, once I arrive in whatever nightlife venue respond really positively toward this scent.

Now, I do wear Dior Homme, over this usually. But, I do often combine the two, for greater effect. Maybe two sprays of Dior Homme for one spray of Intense. It brings out enough strength, blends well, while giving you some highlights of each of the colognes.

Overall Impression of Dior Homme Intense

Overall, would I recommend Dior Homme Intense? Yes, indeed I would. I enjoy wearing it and like it’s different take on the original Dior Homme.

You can totally have both of them, as they are different enough, to create their own experiences and have a slightly different personality, so to speak.

I absolutely love the opening act of this fragrance. It’s about as perfect, as I can imagine a scent to be, or that I have come across in all the hundreds of tests that I’ve done. It’s fantastic.

The performance overall is outstanding and there’s no overwhelming negative, that I can tell from, all of my time spent with this cologne. Dior Intense has achieved classic status, in my book.

Update: Intense is now the remaining Dior Homme with this formulation (outside of the scarce Dior Homme Parfum). The brand revamped the Dior Homme lineup, producing: Dior Homme 2020 review and the Sport variant. As such, DHI would be my number one pick from this line.

Acqua di Gio vs Polo Blue EDT Cologne Comparison

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I am back with another entry into the head to head men’s fragrance match ups, here on the site. Today’s battle is between two aquatic type of colognes, that are both very popular best sellers, Acqua di Gio vs. Polo Blue EDT.

Which of these scents smells the best, the Giorgio Armani or the Ralph Lauren? Ultimately, which gives the best performance, and is worth a buy?

Tale of the Tape

Polo Blue

Notes include: amber, melon, patchouli, geranium, cucumber, tangerine, moss, musk

Click here to try: Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren for Men, Eau De Toilette Natural Spray, 4.2 Ounce

Read my original review: Polo Blue 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

Polo Blue opens with a chilled blend of melon and cucumber. It is quite crisp and joined by amber and tangerine. It’s a pleasant enough smell, but doesn’t really knock it out of the park.

Meanwhile, Acqua di Gio, starts with bergamot and a similar tangerine note to Polo Blue’s. It is a very nice citrus with a sea breeze accord and a bit of a floral aroma with jasmine.

The sea breeze and citrus is really quite nice to start things off with Acqua di Gio. I did enjoy, my last go round testing it out, the emergence of the jasmine note and how that plays off of the citrus.

Which is better? I like AdG more than Polo Blue, I enjoy the citrus notes and it has more of an aquatic feel than does Polo Blue. I just think it smells better overall.

Edge: AdG

Projection

Polo Blue is a very solid moderate with its sillage. Not huge or beasty, but it performs well throughout. Acqua di Gio is also a moderate projecting fragrance.

It was probably stronger when it was initially released. But nowadays, these two are seemingly on par with one another. Neither of them were ever massive with the sillage level.

If you want more intensity, you’ll have to go with one of the other flanker scents in these lines. Between them? You can pick either for the same result.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Acqua di Gio gets 6-7 hours of wear on my skin, as of the last batch I tried. Update: it can actually be 5-6 hours, now, for me.

Polo Blue does a bit better, with 7-8 hours of wear. It has always been consistent for me, at this level. I’m not sure if its lessened at all the past few years.

However, even if it isn’t a loud beast, Polo Blue EDT was always a decent performer.

Edge: Polo Blue

Versatility

Mostly, these two colognes shine in the spring and summertime. However, they both have the capability to be worn year round.

Beyond that, each is safe for both school and work. Also, they are attractive enough to be worn on dates.

Polo Blue and Acqua di Gio, seem to have been best sellers for long periods of time, because they both are so very versatile. Again, no real separation here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I like Polo Blue EDT. It has a nice crisp and cool aroma from the tangerine and melon. The amber note is lovely and the aquatic bits, share a bit of overlap with Acqua di Gio.

That cucumber and melon do produce an interesting watery and crisp effect. I rather like it, even if it’s not amazing.

It’s a solid cologne, overall. I’m just not a huge fan of it and was never all that into it when I had it on. It does have its charm, but just doesn’t reach the same level of likeability.

Acqua di Gio, is the better smelling cologne in my opinion. To this day it still sells, it is still one of the classic aquatic fragrances on the market, and for good reason.

It’s probably a notch below, where it once was, but it still stands above Polo Blue EDT based on the scent. Polo Blue does have a bit better performance, but they are close to equal.

Honestly, I would go with Acqua di Gio Profumo first, before either of these two. I also enjoy Polo Blue EDP, more so than the EDT version.

Winner: AdG

Ultra Male vs Paco Rabanne 1 Million Comparison

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There are a lot of popular men’s fragrances out there, which get heavy use in the night life scene. Two of the more well known colognes are Ultra Male by Jean Paul Gaultier and 1 Million by Paco Rabanne.

1 Million EDT has been going strong for nearly two decades, as a best-seller. Meanwhile, Ultra Male once looked as if it was going to be on the chopping block, but then got a new lease on life with its growing popularity.

The question is, which of these scents is the better option? In this post, I’m going to do a full head to head breakdown and declare a winner, in this contest.

Tale of the Tape

Ultra Male

Notes include: vanilla, pear, amber, woods, cinnamon, cumin, sage, lavender, mint

Click here to try: Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male for Men Intense Spray, Eau de Toilette, 4.2 Ounce

Read my original Review: Ultra Male

1 Million

Notes include: grapefruit, blood orange, rose, mint, cinnamon, amber, leather, patchouli, and more

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne 1 Million Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

Read my original review: 1 Million Cologne Review

Opening

Ultra Male opens up with a sweet candy-like intensity, with pear, mint, vanilla, and cinnamon. It also has a nice spice in addition to all of that is both bold and at the same time, smooth. Unlike the original Le Male, it lacks that powdery aroma.

Meanwhile, 1 Million also opens up sweet with citrus, rose, mint, and leather accords running through it. This composition gives off the effect of smelling like grape bubblegum, but is actually quite nuanced when smelled up close.

To me, the spices in the newer bottle seem a bit more prominent. The cinnamon especially warms up the 1 Million aroma. Still smooth and something I enjoy.

The overlaps between the top are apparent in their use of mint and cinnamon, but the outcomes of each is fairly different.

Which one is better? Eh, I like both a lot, but I lean toward how 1 Million opens because there is so much going on and I can catch a different aspect each time. Is it way better than how the Jean Paul Gautier cologne opens? No, but I’ll give it the edge.

Edge: 1 Million

Projection

Both of these fragrances are pretty well known as, ‘club beasts’, which means they are the loud and bold type of scents you can wear at a night club. As such, the sillage on both is going to be very good, and that is indeed the case.

Sometimes, I feel that 1 Million projects itself better, but I don’t think that’s entirely the case. In fact, I sprayed Ultra Male twice on a shirt across the room, and can smell it from my sofa. There isn’t really a clear winner here.

Update: Newer bottles of 1 Million don’t have the same power, that they once did. Ultra Male has been discontinued, so any bottle you get will be the same. As such, I’m switching this category from a tie to Ultra Male.

Edge: Ultra Male

Longevity

I usually get 8-9 hours of wear from Ultra Male. Sometimes, it can go an hour or two longer. However, I consistently get 10+ hours out of 1 Million when I wear it.

Edit: Again, 1 Million doesn’t have that same power. However, I still get 8-9 hours from it. But, now this category is a tie.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Due to the strength of both, neither is usually thought of as an everyday wear. You can wear them during the day, just go easy with both. However, each is much more suited to the nightlife than anything else.

Also, they are cold weather performers, but 1 Million can venture into warmer weather while Ultra Male doesn’t do so well. I’d avoid both during the summer but 1 Million, can take the heat better, and takes this category.

Edge: 1 Million

Overall Scent

I wear both of these colognes at times, so, I can say that both are enjoyable to wear in my mind. It’s not an either/or question for me, but more along the lines of what I’m in the mood for.

That being said, I think that I’ll give the edge to 1 Million here. It’s not a blow out and I love Ultra Male, but I think that the Paco Rabanne has a slightly better smell, more versatility, longevity, and will fit better for most guys.

In fact, I don’t smell 1 Million everywhere like I used to, so I don’t even believe that it is still overused.

Ultra Male is great and it’s a nice choice on cold nights out during the wintertime, but it is just a notch below 1 Million. I used to like it more than I currently do, but I’m not sure that it ever surpassed 1 Million for me. Close though.

Note: Even with the reduction in strength, I would still rather wear 1 Million more often than not. Actually, in some ways it makes 1 Million more wearable, to be toned down some.

Winner: 1 Million