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!

Riverside Drive by Bond No. 9

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This is going to serve as my inaugural review of a Bond No. 9 fragrance and I hope to cover them all in the future. However, since I’ve gotten a new vial of Riverside Drive wrapped in the bon-bon style this house’s samples are famous for, and it is fresh on my mind after wearing around…it’s time to write this out.

Riverside Drive is classified as unisex but it is slightly more towards the masculine side of things, though not overly so. In this post, I want to give my impressions of this scent, what it smells like, how it performs, and whether or not it is worth a buy.

Update: This is an older review from many years back. I’ve come back and made changes to it since. Also, Riverside Drive is now back in stock, after being gone from Bond’s lineup for a time.

What does Riverside Drive Smell Like?

Notes include: oakmoss, basil, pineapple, sandalwood, and violet

Click here to try: Bond No. 9 Riverside Drive by Bond No. 9 For Men. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.3 0z

riverside drive

My Full Review

The opening of Riverside Drive immediately strikes me as familiar. It is crazy how much this is like a blend of Creed’s Green Irish Tweed and L’Homme Libre by YSL.

On the Creed side of things, it’s the violet note and pineapple (GIT has lemon), which gives it a similar vibe…it also sort of seems like an Aventus style fragrance. Not the same, just a comparison.

So, off the bat, if you like any of those scents, you’ll probably like Riverside Drive. The basil note is quite prevalent as well, which is why Libre comes to mind.

I’d say it’s most similar to those fragrances in the initial phase of wear, the basil/woodsy/floral notes hit pretty hard at first, and then this Bond cologne mellows out into something fruitier. It does have a slight vegetal aroma, in the early stages before it dries out completely.

The oakmoss is more at play from the start and then becomes more of a background player. Riverside Drive just comes off as a very dry smelling fragrance (ala Azzaro Homme, which shares the oakmoss note), as the pineapple isn’t a ‘juicy’ scent when combined with the other notes.

A fresh and still somewhat mossy sandalwood with a light patchouli and violet earthiness underneath. The basil isn’t too prevalent, towards the end, but the pineapple’s effect does seem to stick around.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it strikes me as a moderate. It isn’t a heavy fragrance, more than intimate though, and definitely noticeable. Maybe a 3-4 foot radius around you, after it has settled down.

It also has very good longevity and sticks with me as the day wears on. Maybe 8-9 hours of wear, in total. Not completely amazing, but I wasn’t disappointed with how Riverside performs, as you’ll get plenty of time with it.

Riverside Drive is a good scent for the warmer months, it really doesn’t have that nightlife appeal, however. I like it as a daily wear option for spring, mainly. Maybe the early part of the autumn too.

It is an attractive scent and girls seem to enjoy it. Again, I’d wear it during the daytime in more casual situations or for work, versus it being something to wear out on a date.

Overall Impressions of Riverside Drive

Overall, is Riverside Drive, worth a buy? That depends. I enjoy the scent but much like GIT, it isn’t really my style. As such, I don’t want to pay for a full bottle.

However, plenty of people would really like this stuff. It is a fine fragrance in my opinion and if any of the aforementioned colognes are one’s you really enjoy, I’d say go for it.

The smell itself is nice and if this is your style, you should at least like it a lot, if not love. The performance is good and this can easily become a signature fragrance for the right guy.

Flowerbomb Midnight by Viktor & Rolf

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Midnight is another Flowerbomb flanker. This entry into the long-running series, was released in 2019. I grabbed a sample of this and Flowerbomb Dew, with my last order of fragrances that I bought online. How does Midnight smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Flowerbomb Midnight Smell Like?

Notes include: blackcurrant, pomegranate, Night blooming jasmine, peony, white musk, vanilla

Click here to buy: Flowerbomb Midnight

My Full Review

I guess they gave this one the title of ‘Midnight’ due to the jasmine note, being night blooming. But, the reality is that this isn’t a dark kind of fragrance.

Actually, it’s actually quite upbeat and has a playful sort of vibe to it. Yet, it develops into something much more mature.

The opening is fruity and juicy. A sweet and somewhat tart blend of pomegranate and blackcurrant. Initially, it’s a juicier pomegranate, before this takes on a jammy kind of fruitiness that some others in the Flowerbomb series have.

Not overly heavy. In fact, Flowerbomb Midnight has a definitely light freshness to it.  Not quite aquatic, but a somewhat similar effect.

The fruitiness is pretty short-lived, in its dominance. Midnight will then shift into a musky floral fragrance.

The rest of the way is basically a balanced blend of the peony and jasmine. With touches of vanilla, some of the remaining fruity sweetness, and a solid amount of musk.

At times, the jasmine really stands out on my skin. Others, I get more peony, but still very balanced between them.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This does have a lighter sillage. The freshness hangs gently in the air, but I actually find the projection to be pretty good. At least for the first, 1-2 hours of wear.

Thereafter, Flowerbomb Midnight will be a more intimate fragrance sitting within 3 feet of the skin, until it fades away completely.

The longevity here is okay. Don’t expect it to be great or anything approaching it. On my skin, Midnight will go for 6-6.5 hours in totality. Again, not bad, just nothing impressive.

Seasonally, this is going to be at its best autumn through spring. I’d say slightly chilly to moderate, is when Midnight peaks.

This is a versatile and pretty sort of scent. Again, it doesn’t seem to be dark or anything like that despite the name. Not really a sexy nightlife scent. However, the rest of the time, Midnight can fit in very well.

It’s a musky floral blend for much of the wear, so, it’s never going to stand out in a negative way.

Overall Impressions of Flowerbomb Midnight

Overall, do I like Flowerbomb Midnight? Yes, I do. I think that this is one of my favorite flankers of the series thus far.

It’s in my top four. The original is my favorite. Midnight ranks somewhere with Nectar and Ruby Orchid. I’m not sure any of them has an upper hand versus the other two.

I do really enjoy the pomegranate opening act. I wish that got more time to hang around. However, what you do get, is quite nice and a fun scent.

The dry down is more basic. Still, it does everything well. Good balance between the peony and jasmine, not overly musky, and with enough sweetness to keep me interested.

The performance could be better. I don’t mind the softer feel to this, but I’d like it to last longer than that six hour range. Nonetheless, Flowerbomb Midnight is worth checking out, if you get a chance. Not a ‘must have’, just a solid entry from Viktor & Rolf.

Alien Goddess Intense by Mugler

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Alien Goddess Intense is the follow up the very successful, Alien Goddess by Mugler. This flanker was released in 2022. I recently bought a sample of this perfume in order to test it out and see how it compares to the original. How does Intense smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Alien Goddess Intense Smell Like?

Notes include: coconut, bergamot, jasmine, jasmine tea, benzoin, vanilla, cashmere

Click here to try: Intense at Sephora

My Full Review

Here’s how Mugler describes it: Dazzling bergamot, a glorious infusion of jasmine and mesmerizing benzoin. When intensity meets extraordinary.

Goddess Intense has a more substantial feel from the start, than the lighter original. In that, coconut water and bergamot were the top.

Here, it is more of a regular coconut, that’s thickened by a substantial vanilla not and a touch of the bergamot. Neither editions, have much of the citrus, but it really doesn’t stand out here.

While the vanilla is around for the entire wear, it feels like it has more strength later on.

What it does have, is plenty of jasmine. Coconut, jasmine, and vanilla are the main trio in Goddess Intense. With the latter two, taking over the coconut influence as we move deeper.

Outside of that, benzoin. Sort of fuzzy and ambery coming through the base. There is a light wood, from the cashmere. Just not too massive.

Finally, this is a vanilla and amber blend with a somewhat soapy quality from the remaining jasmine note. Not really any coconut towards the end, on me.

Doesn’t have the same powdery heliotrope like the original Alien Goddess. Actually, comes across like the original Alien quite a bit. Not the same, but the similarities are very apparent.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The original was a lighter fragrance than this newer Intense version, but it still had above average projection. Alien Goddess Intense is somewhat thicker/heavy and has an improved projection radius.

However, it’s not that much stronger than the original. Again, certainly above average, but nothing that’s going to absolutely dominate a room for hours.

The longevity is borderline great. For a mainstream designer fragrance, it delivers plenty and more than what you get from many others. On my skin, it lasts at least 9 hours, with 10+ not being out of the question.

I don’t think it’s going to be a 12 hour performer, but it can come close.

Seasonally, this could probably work at any time. I might suggest using something else during the hottest days of summer, but Intense could probably work in the evenings then, too.

Really, it’s best when it’s slightly chilly out to slightly warm. Very versatile with the climates, that it can work well in. Personally, I liked it best on the colder testing day, that I tried this one out on.

It’s good as a daily wear perfume. Intense isn’t something that’s going to be totally formal or anything, but it’s put together enough to not feel childish or juvenile at all. Don’t expect some sophisticated masterpiece, just a nice smelling fragrance.

My Overall Impressions of Alien Goddess Intense

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Yes, I think that it is quite good and somewhat better than the original Alien Goddess release. Not miles better, but I do prefer this edition to the first.

This isn’t a complete 180 degree change from the original, but it is different enough to warrant a try, if you liked that one. The vanilla notes here are substantial, as is some jasmine and amber influence in the base.

The performance is good and what you should expect from most Mugler releases. I’m not at all blown away by this.

I do like the coconut note, with its more substantial aroma. The vanilla, benzoin, and amber are nice. Kind of basic, but fairly enjoyable throughout.

I don’t have too many complaints with Goddess Intense and think that it is a good release from Mugler. If you didn’t like the original, I wouldn’t bet on this version changing your mind, though.

To me, it’s a slight improvement versus that, and a nice scent on the whole.

5 Best Smelling Joop! Colognes for Men

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Joop! isn’t a high end fragrance designer and honestly can be pretty synthetic smelling in lots of their scents. That doesn’t mean that they don’t produce some good under the radar fragrances for guys, though.

Joop! actually has some very solid buys at an extremely attractive price point (usually under $25), which can be an absolute steal for men who want something different but don’t want to break the bank in the process.

In this post, I want to present five options from this designer that are the best that they have produced.

What are the Best Smelling Joop! Fragrances for Men?

Note: Joop! has apparently been somewhat busy with new releases over the last five years. Flankers of Joop Homme have come out and sound really nice, in the abstracts that I’ve read. However, they also seem to have only been released in Europe or other select markets. As such, I’ve yet to try them (as of this update).

The 80s Joop

Joop Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 4.2 Fluid Ounce– The original namesake fragrance, that is still a best seller among inexpensive colognes, decades after its release.

It opens up like an absolute bomb. Cinnamon and patchouli guide the way, with only touches of the citrus top notes. Thick with a syrupy sweetness, that will be present throughout, and gain more of a foothold in the middle to late stages.

Spicy, floral, and powdery with a sweetness provided by the honey note. This pink/purplish juice can be loved or hated but I fall on the side of generally being a fan. My Joop! Homme Review

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Clean Nights

Joop Nightflight By Joop For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 4.2 Oz.– Nightflight is a departure from the spiciness of Joop! Homme, it is highlighted by a pineapple note with a clean/soapy vibe provided by the lavender.

A moderate scent with good longevity, Nightflight came out in the early 1990s and had a long run as a daily wear sort of cheapie.

Almond, sandalwood, and rosewood come through in the middle and tail end to create a unique and memorable fragrance.

Update: This has been discontinued it seems. Prices are now pretty absurd online. Worth it, only if it’s like $40 or less.

Wow!

Joop Wow! for Men– Released in 2017, Wow isn’t exactly new anymore. But, it is one of the newer scents that you can fairly easily find around the world. There is also an Intense and Fresh version, that I would like to try (if I can ever find them). Intense sounds great, based on the notes.

This one is a great blend of spice and woods. Plus, there’s a creaminess courtesy of the vanilla, cashmere, and even that spiced cardamom top. Has a warmer quality to it, yet remains fresh thanks to those woody touches.

The violet leaf, is usually one note that I stay away from, but I didn’t find it to be intrusive in Wow!

It’s not as cheap (in the US), as some of the others on the list can be. But, this is a very nice cologne which flies under the radar of grabbing mass attention…from the buying public, it gets attention from its scent.

Joop! Go By Joop! For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4-Ounce– Probably my least favorite of the bunch, but that’s because I don’t really care for bitter orange as a note.

However, it is still pretty nice and has a sweet juicy/fruity type of aroma up top with that orange and some rhubarb.

Later, fir, violet, and geranium help to change things up. It feels more like a clean and green kind of aroma. Fresh. Been a long time, since I’ve come across this one, personally. Though, it still seems to be around for a pretty affordable price.

Wild Times

Joop Wild Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 4.2 Ounce– Wild is such an odd duck to me. I like it, but with notes such as rum and tobacco, you’d expect something dark and heavy.

Wild, however, is sweet and a loud nightlife kind of fragrance with a definite boozy smell. The rum and tobacco notes are of the sweeter variety and it is mixed with pink pepper.

That pink pepper opens up with a bang. But, Wild does settle into something more moderate, an hour or two in. Spicy, boozy, woody, and tobacco. Comes together rather unique.

Interesting to say the least and worth a look for the price. It’s really become a very popular scent from this brand, but probably still behind Joop! Homme in terms of sales.

12 Best Smelling Lancôme Perfumes

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Lancôme has released a ton of fragrances for women over the decades. It is one of the most famous beauty brands in the world and has a long track record of creating great smelling and performing perfumes.

This French design house is still going strong into the 21st century and features so many timeless classic in its catalog.

For this list, I have what I feel are the twelve best perfumes from Lancôme. These include fragrances for ladies with all different styles and for general wear or something more specific. Also, some older options that may not be around anymore

Favorite Lancôme Fragrances for Women

Best Selling Lancôme Scent

Lancome La Vie Est Belle L’Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce– A gourmand type of fragrance mixing notes of praline, black currant, and other floral notes. Rich, complex, and good for the winter months.

This is the most popular scent of the lineup and one of the most popular fragrances for women currently. It’s sweet and upbeat, not a super serious or too ‘old lady’ like.

La Vie Est Belle is led by that aforementioned sweet praline note and creamy vanilla. The black currant note is sharp and a bit sour, but it doesn’t overwhelm the composition.

This Lancome perfume is pretty sugary but is bolstered by a solid patchouli note, to give it some earthy spice. The patchouli is pretty dominant in the middle, while the latter stages, it’s more about vanilla and praline.

It is easy to wear and a top notch performer, with awesome sillage, and a pleasing aroma. It can go 8+ hours, on the skin. La Vie Est Belle Review

la vie

Rose and Amber

Peut-Etre by Lancôme- Peut-Être is one of the brand’s more expensive offerings, is pretty simplistic, but oh so good. Here’s how Lancôme describes it: “An ode to seduction, Peut-Être eau de parfum is a fresh yet fiery composition, both sensual and slightly provocative scent”

Rose, musk, and benzoin. Yes, it’s the usual Lancôme rose in the mix, but the real star here is the benzoin note that creates an amber-like aroma. The musk seems to come out more in the beginning, but then the benzoin is more prevalent in the base.

The musk and amber when paired with the rose can give it a slight powdery/make up bag sort of aroma. The performance here is great. Solid sillage and will last for a long time.

Peut-Être isn’t much of a summer scent, but isn’t so heavy that it can’t venture out of the wintertime either. This can be tough to find in some locations. So, you may also try Dua’s inspired by scent: Maybe, it’s true

Elixir Belle

La Vie est Belle L’Elixir by Lancôme– L’Elixir is a very nice flanker from this series and has plenty going on to keep things interesting.

The opening is sweet and bright, with raspberry and bergamot. But the juiciness seems somewhat diluted by the presence of the liquor and violet leaf notes. It’s like a fruitiness that has been squeezed into a somewhat fizzy mixed drink.

Though this one is bold and has plenty of power in the opening act. Candy-like sweetness and a base note of cacao butter, that is joined by a bit of leather.

The good news is that it isn’t a heavy or completely cloying fragrance, thanks to its ozonic aspects. There are a bunch of La Vie est Belle flanker perfumes, I think this one is up near the top of the list.

Idole Pick

Idole L’Intense- This flanker to the original Idole release, L’Intense is a bit better in my mind. I like Idole too, though L’Intense ranks slightly ahead of it.

This one is going to give you a clean, sweet, floral woody mix. The jasmine, rose, and musk notes combine to give L’Intense that familiar soapy sort of vibe. But, the cedar comes in to further freshen it up and you also get a nice dose of Bourbon vanilla.

The top seems to have some of the citrus aroma of the original, just without the pear note. Also, sweeter overall. Rose is more dominant than the jasmine for much of the wear, even if jasmine also has it periods of shine.

Idole L’Intense isn’t groundbreaking. Just a very pretty and easy to wear perfume that delivers on performance.

The Other Idole

Idole Nectar– This is my second favorite of the Idole releases. Though, not far behind Intense, it is better than Aura. Nectar starts off with a fruity sweetness and some greenish type of notes.

It might be unlisted notes, giving it this aroma. But, others in the series had pear and bergamot, so perhaps some of that is here.

What is different here is the caramel popcorn accord. That fruitiness is gone, but the caramel popcorn and vanilla serve as a base, on which sits a beautiful rose. Sort of buttery with the popcorn, but not salty.

The dry down is more about various rose notes, warmth, and the vanilla. Very likeable release from Lancome. Idole Nectar Review

idole nectar review

Vanilla Gourmand Rose

Lancome La Nuit Tresor A La Folie By Lancome for Women – 2.5 Oz Edp Spray, 2.5 Oz– This is a recent flanker fragrance of La Nuit Tresor, but has quickly installed itself as one of the top offerings of Lancome. Though, it still flies under the radar.

It’s a sweet and soft rose based fragrance, that is wrapped up in a Bourbon vanilla note, and infused with patchouli essence.

It kicks off with pear, currant and bergamot coming through, but there is also a spiciness which makes A La Folie an interesting choice.

The opening is more of a berry/jam kind of sweetness, with the spicy kick. Then, it really develops into the total gourmand package of rose and vanilla.

Top Floral Perfume

Poeme by Lancome Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, Poeme, 3.4 Ounce– Poeme is a perfume for lovers of floral notes, so, if that’s not your thing look elsewhere. Right out of the gate, Poeme comes off strong and bold.

However, while it is quite floral, it doesn’t strike as a really ‘green’ bouquet because it is all tied together by the vanilla note and the inclusion of tangerine and plum.

The floral notes do indeed dominate, blend well together, but there is enough fruitiness in Poeme to keep it interesting. Peach really seems to survive for pretty much the entire run.

Lots of tuberose and mimosa fill up this scent, but when all the notes come together you have a clean, somewhat soapy, and sweet fragrance that can go all day. Add to that, at times rose, ylang-ylang, and other floral ingredients will make an appearance.

The Original Tresor

TRESOR by Lancome EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY 3.4 Fluid OZ for WOMEN– Sweet, creamy, and powdery fragrance that has been a massive hit since its release almost three decades ago.

Notes include: peach, apricot, vanilla, tonka bean, rose, and sandalwood. A long lasting composition which develops and changes its colors as the day goes by.

It does have the peach and apricot combo which prevents it from going too floral, but with notes such as: iris, rose, and heliotrope; it of course will head more toward the flowery end of the spectrum.

It is powdery but also has an amber-laden warmth about it, and an effervescent quality, particularly near the start. Sweet but unique and can be quite alluring.

Tresor is very balanced and well blended between its notes. It hits so many styles, but is distinct, and not at all an overwhelming perfume experience.

Top Lancome for Winter

Hypnose by Lancome Edp Spray 2.5 Oz– Jasmine, passionflower, and vanilla make up the notes of Hypnose. A light to moderate floral/woodsy profile which is complemented by the sweetness of vanilla.

Not overbearing and wholly feminine. This is quite a simple perfume in many ways, but one that is soft and sweet  (but not too sweet)with a nice dose of passionflower.

As it moves forward, gardenia and vetiver, also let themselves be known. They sit underneath the vanilla, but it comes across as both cold and creamy, with a definite freshness. A great choice for women who want a vanilla based floral fragrance.

Most Underrated Perfume

Tresor Midnight Rose Edp Spray 2.5 Oz– Midnight Rose is a sweeter and sharper take on the Tresor name. Raspberries and rose are the highlights of this sweet/sugary fragrance. It doesn’t require very much to stand out.

Beyond the fruity raspberry, creamy vanilla, and familiar rose note; there is also a spiced warmth of pink pepper and musk underlying the whole thing. Not a heavy scent, but one that has a solid longevity.

Midnight Rose is a very pretty yet pretty simple fragrance. The pink pepper note seems to be the glue holding this perfume together, while you get the vanilla/rose combo, and the somewhat tart aroma of the berries.

Very attractive fragrance, that has good versatility, that can venture into evening wear.

Top Classic Scent for Her

Lancome Magie Noire Eau De Toilette Spray 75ml/2.5oz– Something a bit darker and sexier than other entries on the list. It’s got a woods/green vibe with an underlying spiciness from the incense and musk notes.

This is a really heavy and more of a mature scent. Magie Noire is one that dates back to the late 1970s and as such, has been reformulated multiple times. It’s not for everyone, but it can still pack a punch.

Magie Noire is built for the colder weather. You get muskiness, warmth, with sweet/spicy blends. It has an intense dryness with smoky highlights, as oak moss is an ingredient, which really comes through later on.

Great Summertime Pick

Lancome Miracle for Women Eau de Parfum, 3.4 Ounce– A fresh and moderate perfume that is great for daytime wear and can also venture into the evening. It features bright fruity notes with smooth floral and a pepper note to provide that extra tinge of spice.

Miracle is a safe choice and one that can fit in well in a variety of situations.

The light ginger note is awesome, with a nice magnolia flower, and litchi sweetness. Miracle is fresh and appealing. This has been one of the more popular fragrances by Lancome for a couple decades now, and shows no signs of quitting.