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!

Prada Paradoxe vs Candy Comparison

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Prada has multiple popular lines of perfumes available. It’s great if you can get all of the ones that you want, but for many of us, decisions need to be made. Paradoxe and Candy are two of the best sellers for this designer. In this post, I want to compare them and try to break down for you which will be the better option to buy. Which lasts longer? Which is ultimately the top fragrance.

Tale of the Tape: Prada Candy vs. Paradoxe

Prada Candy

Notes include: caramel, musk, and benzoin

Click here to try: Prada Prada Candy Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 2.7 Ounce

Read my original review: Prada Candy

Paradoxe

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

Click here to try: Paradoxe by Prada

Opening

Prada Candy, sweet with a darker aroma to it. It doesn’t have the intensity and swaps in caramel to be paired with benzoin and some musk. Very pleasant with that familiar sweetness and the fuzzy benzoin.

I love the benzoin note here and it strikes me as being sort of like a more feminine version of Body Kouros, which is actually a Yves Saint Laurent cologne.

Paradoxe opens up sweet also, fruity, and luminous. The neroli is going to be a major factor in that first half of the hour, as the floral note.

On me, that quickly shifts more into the orange blossom’s direction, as we enter the middle act.

The fruitiness comes across more like an artificial candy versus a pure natural fruit. Some sparkling pear is in the mix, but lots of citrus influence (tangerine is the most powerful fruit, early) for the start of Paradoxe.

This will become more floral after the opening burst. Again, for me I get more orange blossom, even versus the jasmine. Neroli still has a presence, but the orange blossom is stronger at this point.

Which do I prefer? I’d have to go with Paradoxe. The simplicity of Prada Candy is nice enough, but the depth, sweetness, and variety of notes really gets me involved with Paradoxe.

Edge: Paradoxe

Projection

To me, Candy was always a lighter moderate fragrance, that I never felt needed to be heavy, create a massive scent trail, or totally project itself across the room. It’s just not in its character, nor would it be too pleasant.

It’s lighter qualities really makes it more enjoyable, in my mind at least.

However, if we’re comparing the two, Paradoxe has a much stronger scent and greater ability to project. It’s much more substantial than its compatriot. It starts off strong, then, is slightly above average the rest of the way.

Edge: Paradoxe

Longevity

Candy is a scent that has slighty better than average performance, on skin. But, not much above middle of the road. For me, I always got about 6-7 hours of wear out of Candy during my testing of it.

Now, Paradoxe, was significantly better than Candy. Though, not elite in its own right. It seemed to at least hit around 8.5 hours for me and could go up to 10 hours.

Pretty darn good and definitely gives you some value for Prada prices. Paradoxe takes this category.

Edge: Paradoxe

Versatility

Both of these fragrance are at their best in autumn and winter. I think that Paradoxe can venture further into the springtime versus Candy.

Paradoxe is the better daily wear. Though, it’s not much of a pick for the nightlife or romantic wear. Though I don’t think Candy is super sexy or anything, its fun and flirtier vibe will work better at Night.

Candy can also work in the daytime due to its lightness, but it isn’t the most formal scent ever.

I think Paradoxe has a bit of an edge here, due to its daytime use case. It’ll fit in more places, cover more bases, and has a greater use in the warmer weather than Candy.

Edge: Paradoxe

Overall Scent

Overall, which is the better perfume? It’s a pretty easy win for Paradoxe, in my book. I’m not even a super fan of this perfume, but it does just about everything better across the board than does Candy.

Candy is a fine perfume. I enjoy its scent, but I’m never completely blown away by it.  The sweet and salty caramel is nice, the benzoin fuzzy and somewhat powdery aroma is attractive too.

For some people, it can be a good pick up with a simple and straightforward wear.

The opening of Paradoxe is interesting and their are layers that I enjoy. The latter stages are balanced with the orange blossom and jasmine notes. It’s slightly soapy and quite clean, with the sweetness and vanilla still having its say.

The performance is better and most people seem to like it overall versus what you get with Candy. Paradoxe takes this matchup.

Winner: Paradoxe

Nomad by Bond No. 9

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Nomad is a perfume released by Bond No. 9 New York back in 2021. I recently bought a sample of it as part of a lot and wanted to test out thing scent, to see what its all about. It’s one of the better looking bottles from the brand, but does the contents inside actually match up to the looks? How does it smell? Is it worth a try?

What does Nomad by Bond No. 9 smell like?

Notes include: quince, blackcurrant, pear, rose, oud, orris, violet leaf, vanilla, amber, sandalwood

Click here to try: Nomad from Bond

nomad bond review

My Full Review

Here’s how Bond describes it: Capturing the free spirit of New York’s dreamy wanderers. A strong, sensual, statement-making oud, with modern fruity notes and luxurious amber.

The opening here is sharp and fresh with a light watery mix coming from the pear and violet leaf notes. Blackcurrant, quince, and rose are kind of a lot to handle all at once. Especially, when they’re amped up to 1000 like they are in Nomad.

Man, this stuff goes on super powerful. Once some of the initial top has burned off, it will be more like a rose water, and much more tolerable.

Oud and rose are going to dominate. On my skin, I get a ton of the oud. I don’t mind it here, even if it isn’t a personal favorite note of mine. I could do without the pairing of it with rose, which has been done countless times by seemingly every designer.

The next phase is a slightly rosy oud with a bit of a powdery orris coming through. Spraying on clothes, I get more powder than on my skin. In either case, it’s only slight.

Nomad is sweeter less sharp, increasingly woody with some sandalwood coming into the picture and an amber base.

That’s basically the tail end of it. Woody, somewhat sweet and rosy, with an amber note having a larger role.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Nomad starts off monstrous with its projection. But, it’ll be quite strong for the rest of the way before declining into a skin scent deep into the wear.

That opening act is massive. Plenty of scent trail left behind, great projection, while not feeling super heavy. The slight aquatic aspect helps it from bogging everything down too much.

Nomad lasts forever on my skin. On a jacket, it’s still projecting a few feet, days after I sprayed it. It’s absolutely awesome with it’s performance. Not sure how long it actually goes on skin, but I’ve easily gotten 13+ hours before I scrubbed it.

Suffice to say, if you enjoy Nomad, you get your money’s worth.

Seasonally, autumn through spring. How deep into springtime, depends on where you live. I wouldn’t want this on, when it gets too hot outside. But, slightly chilly to moderate temperatures is where this Bond seems at its best.

This is also a true unisex. They did a great job a creating balance with appeal for anyone who likes this style of perfume.

It might not be the most versatile scent, due to its strength and the somewhat polarizing nature of oud and rose fragrances. Can be a bit much for the office, when you go beyond a few sprays.

Not super dressy or formal, but Noma has enough substance to be considered well put together. It’d be good for certain nighttime wear, lounges and things like that.

Overall Impressions of Nomad

Overall, do I like Nomad? Really, it’s not for me at all. Not a big rose and oud guy, but designers keep on cranking out these formulas, so I sort of have to review them.

Nomad is a beast, which can be both good and bad, depending on where you land with this scent.

I like the middle and dry down more. It’s somewhat softer and more balanced, without the harshness of the opening act. That’s when you get the best of everything. Still sweet and fruity, but with a fully developed oud taking center stage and some orris powder.

Nomad isn’t going to be a Bond No. 9 that enjoys a wide mass appeal. For some percentage of people, this is going to be perfect for them. Others, will be overwhelmed. I would suggest getting a sample before committing to hundreds of dollars spent, on a full bottle of Nomad.

A few bucks up front can save you from having an expensive paperweight on your shelf, if it turns out that you hate it.

Creed Aventus vs. Absolu Aventus Comparison

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Aventus is in its second decade now of being one of the best selling men’s fragrances on the planet. Creed brought out Aventus Cologne a number of years ago as a flanker, but have now followed that up with 2023’s Absolu Aventus. I bought a sample of it in order to test it out, review, and compare it to the original. Which is better? Which lasts longer?

Tale of the Tape: Aventus vs Absolu Aventus

Creed Aventus

Top: Blackcurrant, Italian bergamot, French apples and pineapple

Middle: Rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, and patchouli

Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla

Click here to try Aventus: Creed Aventus Creed 4 OZ Millesime Spray For Men

My original Review: Creed Aventus

Absolu Aventus

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

Click here to try: Absolu Aventus

Read my review: Absolu

Opening

The original Aventus’ opening, is honestly not my favorite. It does get much better, but to my nose, it strikes me as being quite sharp with the pineapple and bergamot. Plus, it has a dry woodiness.

Together, it takes on a somewhat kitchen cleaner, type of scent. The pineapple, bergamot, and birch are just a lot to deal with, at the beginning.

Absolu Aventus opens with a slightly different mix, while still being familiar. It isn’t as sharp, the pineapple is gone, as is the birch smokiness.

Replacing that, is a smoother blend of citrus. Including added citron and grapefruit. Still bergamot heavy, with some lighter black currant, but I like the citrus here more than the original.

Also, I get a good amount of vetiver early on with Absolu. That with some spiciness from mainly cinnamon and cardamom. Ginger is pretty faint on my skin, early.

Which is better? I like the Absolu version better. It’s just more pleasant to me and I like the added notes here. Just comes across well.

Edge: Absolu

Projection

Aventus has always been a strong fragrance. It’s not on the top tier of sillage, but, it can certainly make itself known in a room. Very good initial projection and a steady and slow decline.

But, noticeable for a vast majority of the wear.

Absolu Aventus starts off about the same. However, it seems to decline at a much faster rate than the original and descends into skin scent territory after a few hours of wear.

They may be close to equal at their peaks, but Aventus is the better performer.

Edge: Aventus

Longevity

The original Aventus has always lasted 8 or 9 hours on my skin, no matter the batch. It’s really been consistent over the years, in my experience.

Absolu hits about the same mark. Again, however, it doesn’t maintain the same level of strength and projection as the original. Absolu Aventus will spend more time as a skin scent, than does Aventus.

But, there’s no real difference in terms of how long they last.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Aventus is pretty much a year round fragrance, except for the high heat of summer. To me, it is much better in spring or autumn.

Absolu actually seems to work better here in the wintertime. Autumn through early spring. I think the original is better in the warmer temperatures and this one has more appeal in the cold.

Both are equal in terms of the vast array of scenarios in which you can wear them. Day or night, casually or dressed up, etc. etc.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these scents do I prefer?

Honestly, they have an extensive overlap with one another, as Absolu stays very close to the original formulation, just with some tweaks.

More citrus, spice, less smokiness and depth. Very much a condensed and slightly better cold weather wearing version of Aventus. I do like the smell. I might even prefer much of the wear to the original.

However, I’d honestly just go with Aventus versus Absolu, if I were in the market for a Creed Aventus. The bottles of Absolu are going for over $500 each and unless you’re a collector, you’re not going to get much value out of it.

The original is stronger and has more depth in the later stages. Even if, I don’t personally care for that opening act. The birch, vanilla, and moss are really good in the original. Once everything has balanced out, it’s a great fragrance.

Absolu is very nearly the same, but lacks certain elements. I do like the spices, such as cinnamon, but that’s not enough to justify paying for it in my opinion. The performance is lesser and the smell doesn’t really break new ground.

It’s a limited edition. So, unless that appeals to you, just stick with the first one or Cologne.

Winner: Aventus

5 Best Smelling Miu Miu Perfumes

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Miu Miu has only been in the fragrance game for less than a decade, as of writing. Their influence is felt more in the rest of the fashion world, but they have been coming on strong with some increasingly popular perfume releases. On this page, I want to keep track of my favorites from this brand, and share what I like about each.

What are the Top Smelling Miu Miu Fragrances?

Greenish Lily Woods

Miu Miu EDP– The 2015 release that has classic aromas met with a contemporary style. Fresh and crisp in the opening, with a gathering of white floral notes including a stemmy-greenish scent coming from the heart.

It opens up bright and juicy with citrus and some small amount of peach. More of a bergamot to my nose versus the lemon. Plus, some blackcurrant. But, what really is going to be front and center is the lily of the valley note.

The opening, just as a warning, can be pretty sharp. Those fruits tend to do that, especially when combined with the punch of the lily. But, it’ll mellow out.

What you’re left with is a lily-led floral perfume, with a generally fresh and slightly sweet aroma, with a woody base. Jasmine is the second in terms of strength, with only a pinch of rose.

Twist It

Miu Miu Twist– Red berries and apple blossom make Twist a rather unique experience. It’s sweet, fresh like Miu Miu EDP, but more of a balanced floral overall.

The berries are joined by that same bergamot note as above. Luckily, I don’t get the same level of sharpness with this one. The citrus is still bright, but with the other two notes, nothing seems to get carried away.

As you move further into it, it becomes softer and laden with a musk and powdery tonka bean coming from the base. Sweet, amber, floral, woods all coming together for a pleasing and well put together scent.

Not super powerful, but the performance is pretty darn good, in terms of longevity.

Tuberose Woods

Fleur d’Argent by Miu Miu– Feels like the revamped the formula of Miu Miu EDP in some ways, with Fleur d’Argent. But, I think there are more than enough differences to warrant it having a place on the list.

So, this one is going to be quite a musky floral blend. The flower? Tuberose instead of lily of the valley. But, early on it shares the stage with that musk a lot. Less of a greenish freshness than EDP, though.

Sweet tuberose, probably not the best or most natural that I’ve come across, likeable however. The woods come on gentle in the dry down and the aroma starts to taken on a slightly powdery finish.

Kind of basic, pleasant, and can be a great pick up at the right price.

Tropical Edible

Fleur de Lait by Miu Miu– Laconic and tropical with notes of coconut milk, mango, and an awesome osmanthus that is reminiscent of the one in Flowerbomb’s opening act.

Yet, this one definitely gives off dessert vibes. Seems like there is some vanilla and more of a baked goods kind of aroma in the middle act versus the juicy tropical start. Still has some milkiness, but not to the same extent.

The coconut and the rest of it in the dry down, feels more solidified, and has a powdery aspect to it (again, vanilla?). I don’t think I’d go full price on a purchase for most people. Try to wait for it to hit the discounters and it might be a good pick up.

You’re going to have to like this sweet tropical sort of perfumes. Not the most sophisticated aroma, but likeable.

In Your Eyes

Eyes on Me by Miu Miu– Eyes on me has gotten attention, as it really seems to share a great deal with Thank U, Next. It’s become more widely available since I first came across it a year or so ago.

Though, actually trying it, it’s not at all a one to one match. In fact, it’s a better scent than the Ariana Grande release.

Raspberry, macaron, and rose. It looks like this one lacks the pear and the musk note. But, you get benzoin in the base, which actually might be an improvement versus Thank U.

Lots of raspberry and rose, with a sweetish baked goods scent from the macaron. Not too heavy on that note, though. Amber with a somewhat caramel? aroma. A sweetish rose perfume with fruits and hints of delectable dessert.

5 Perfumes Similar to Jazz Club

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Jazz Club is one of the most beloved best sellers from Maison Margiela’s Replica line of fragrances. The scent is great, but it an be kind of pricey. As such, many people are looking for cheaper alternatives that smell similar to Jazz Club.

Or, you might be wanting something with a close style, but ultimately a different perfume. In either case, this is my page for keeping track of fragrances which fit the bill.

What fragrances smell similar to Jazz Club?

Jazzy Inspiration

Jazz by Dua– The Dua Brand’s take on the Jazz Club style, trying to be inspired by the original, and come as close to the target as possible.

This warm retelling of the Jazz formula, hits you with the same rum and tobacco embrace, while being softened by vanilla and amber notes. Don’t worry, as the pink pepper and sage still liven things up for you, in the early stages.

Simple and easy for those who want something inspired by and a near perfect match for the popular target fragrance. Very affordable, as well.

Got the Blues

California Blues by Alexandria– The Alexandria version of inspired by perfumes of Jazz Club. This brand is slightly more expensive, but you do get four size options to choose from, and the quality from them has always been great.

Each of these inspired takes is going to have a slightly different formula from the others. The weighting might not 100% percent match the Replica perfume, but you will get very very close, just with some notes being favored over others.

Alexandria is one of the better brands in the designer inspired fragrance space. Delivering potent extrait de parfum versions of some classic perfumes. The Jazz Club entry, is no exception.

Tobacco and Jazz

Woody Tobacco by Dossier– Here’s a third inspired take, this time from Dossier. The top is lemon, pink pepper, dry fruits, with the tobacco note coming in as a centerpiece.

Around the same price as the Dua version, but going to run a few bucks more (at time of posting). I’d probably go with Jazz by Dua as my first pick, if I wanted a near matching inspired take on Jazz Club.

But, that being said, I also like the fragrances that Dossier comes out with. This one is only available currently in the 50mL size, but it’s a pretty good value play, and can be worth a shot.

Vicious Name, Nice Smell

Death by Killer Oud– Not going to be the ‘same’ as Jazz Club, but this has a similar style to what we’re looking for, with some changes.

The good news, is we get spice and the tobacco note, just like in the Replica perfume. The rum note isn’t here, so, it’s just a spice without the booziness. The biggest difference? The oud and leather notes.

What’s surprising here, is that the oud, actually isn’t the dominating force. It’s around, but it’s seemingly tempered by the smoothness of tobacco, leather, and an ambery finish.

Softer and smoother than Jazz Club, it evokes a closely related vibe, but has enough distinction to stand alone as a fragrance.

Oud and Tobacco

Oud Malaki by Chopard– Similar to Killer Oud above, but has way more of the oud versus the leather, and a smokier spicy/sweet formula, which lends itself to Jazz Club comparisons.

Again, this is another perfume that is not trying to be the same as our target. It’s one that should appeal to you, if you like the Maison Margiela fragrance.

It’s actually a really nice tobacco and oud blend with an initial warm spiciness that gets sweeter and smoother, in the dry down.

Oud Malaki does its own thing, but if you want a good warm and smoky blend with that same sort of energy you get from Jazz Club; then this is an excellent stand alone and distinctive alternative option.