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!

Acqua di Gio Absolu by Giorgio Armani

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In today’s review, I have another release from Giorgio Armani, and one that is a flanker fragrance to the best-seller Acqua di Gio called: Acqua di Gio Absolu. It was released back in 2018 and has flown under the radar, compared to some of the others in the series.

I am going to explore, what it smells like, how it performs, when it should be worn, and if it is actually worth a try. Please continue below for my full take on Absolu.

What does Acqua di Gio Absolu Smell Like?

Notes include: patchouli, marine notes, labdanum, tonka bean, wood, bergamot, grapefruit, lavender, rosemary, apple, pear

Click here to try: Acqua di Giò Absolu Eau de Parfum Spray 4.2 fl oz Men

My Full Wear Review

Upon the opening smell, Absolu immediately smells familiar to me, and has quite a bit of overlap with Invictus Aqua. Namely, the share the woody notes, marine aspects, and grapefruit.

It’s mostly at the beginning that they smell alike and this Armani fragrance is much better in my opinion. Aqua can have this stinky dry down of the sea notes, but the Armani doesn’t.

Anyway, AdG Absolu, opens with the citrus notes, some pear/apple, wood, sea water, and tonka bean. It’s a very fresh aquatic, but is grounded with the woody notes, and doesn’t get too far into just being a citrus water fragrance; like so many others.

A few minutes in, Absolu begins to take on a resinous smell, thanks to the labdanum. There is also a hint of patchouli which brings in some earthy spice into the mix. The patchouli isn’t super heavy or anything, but it does play its part within the composition beautifully.

This is older than AdG Profondo as a release, but that resin, woods, and marine aroma have significant overlap between the two. Profondo is just a better scent overall.

Absolu really has that ambery sort of smell throughout, I know the labdanum is playing a big part of that, but I wonder if one of the wood notes is amber wood? I haven’t seen it listed, but I do think so. It is a harsher aroma versus the more naturalistic amber notes out there.

Another interesting aspect of this cologne is the herbal undertones that peak through during the wear. It doesn’t seem to be consistently there, but I catch distinct rosemary, at times and it plays off really nice in this aquatic fragrance.

Ultimately, what I get with AdG Absolu is a citrusy marine cologne with a woody base that is covered in amber resin. Then tonka bean and light spices peppered in.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, the sillage starts out fairly powerful, but settles down into something that is more moderate but steady. You won’t need more than a few sprays for this stuff to do its magic. For an (semi) aquatic kind of cologne, it does have great power versus many others of this ilk.

Longevity is also quite good, but not amazing. 8 or so hours is what I get out of it on my skin, it can go a bit longer, depending on the climate that day. Update: Testing it out further, it can go up to 9, but that’s rare. Expect 7-8.

The versatility for Absolu is perhaps its biggest selling point. While it seems like it’d be one strictly for the summertime, it can actually fit in during any time of the year. So, guys who are looking for an all purpose scent, should give this one consideration.

It is also versatile in terms of when it can be worn. It can go casual or for something to wear at the office or out for an evening on the town.

It’s not really a mature scent, but not one that would only appeal to teenagers or college guys. I’m not sure that I’d wear this one on a formal occasion, but it would fit for everything else, no problem. Skews younger, but a cologne that can get a lot of use for that demographic.

Overall Impressions of AdG Absolu

Overall, do I like Acqua di Gio Absolu? Yes, I do. I get the similarities with something like Invictus Aqua, but it’s so much better than that, and doesn’t have the same level of synthetic smelling ingredients. I

t’s a very nice all-around cologne and one that should enjoy more popularity than it does.

It’s closest comparisons are that Invictus, Profondo, the original AdG, and I guess Absolu Instinct (but I haven’t tried that out).

Is it my favorite scent? Nope, but it is one that I could see myself wearing sometimes, even if it’s not really my style of cologne. Armani did a great job with this one and men in their 20s will probably really like wearing Absolu.

However, I’d would rather wear almost any other of the Acqua di Gio line (outside of Profondo Lights). Profumo, EDT, and Profondo are all better. As such, I don’t have a need to grab a full bottle.

I’d recommend any of those before this. Unless you really love this style of cologne, get something else. But, if you have one of those already and want something a little more unique, Absolu can be a very nice pick up.

Urban Hero by Jimmy Choo

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I’ve got a whole lot of fragrance reviews to write up for the site, over the next few weeks, and I’m going to get started with a newer release from Jimmy Choo. Urban Hero was released late last year (2019, this post has been updated since), but is it any good? What does it smell like? How long does it last? Is it worth a try?

What does Urban Hero Smell Like?

Notes include: lemon caviar, rosewood, vetiver, amber, leather, black pepper

Click here to try: Urban Hero by Jimmy Choo

My Full Wear Review

Urban Hero opens up smelling like a few other popular scents, while retaining its own somewhat unique aroma. The top notes here are black pepper and lemon caviar.

Actually, this pairing reminds me of Guess Seductive Homme, which uses orange and pink pepper. Both fragrances, also share a fairly strong amber note.

The rest of the composition (which I’ll get to), smells like some sort of mix between the aforementioned Guess cologne, Coach for Men, and Jimmy Choo Man. Simply exchanging leather for suede. Oh, and add a big dose of rosewood.

Anyway, Urban Hero’s opening act has a warm and somewhat sweet aroma, with a slight saltiness, highly noticeable leather, and some pepper thrown in. The pepper and the lemon caviar, while present, come across as fairly weak.

The amber and leather base notes, are actually the strongest from the first spray.

After some time, the top notes fade away almost completely. The amber, also dies down quite a lot. In it’s place come rosewood and vetiver. Urban Hero, about 30 minutes in, is a leather/woody cologne that is dipped in amber.

That’s what I get for the rest of the wear, mostly leather and rosewood, with some vetiver and amber. Pretty simple and no real development thereafter.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

When I first apply Urban Hero, it feels pretty strong. I will notice its presence and so will the folks around me. It’s not a powerhouse, but for the first 30-60 minutes, it does a good job.

After that, this Jimmy Choo, is a skin scent. If you get your nose close to it, you can pick it up, but you really won’t get much beyond that.

Longevity wise, the story doesn’t get much better. I can seem to squeak out around 4 hours on my skin, which is pitiful, and what I expect from $10 fragrances. It’s actually quite a lot like Coach for Men, in that regard.

I really don’t know what it is about this designer and the lack of performance with so many of its releases.

Seasonally, this would fit in pretty much any season, other than high summer. I’d say an autumn wear through early spring. You know, if it lasted longer. I could wear this casually, out on the town, or even a date.

It’s not super formal, but it has an adult-like scent, and not something exclusively for teens. Though, I’d say for younger adults.

Overall Impression of Urban Hero by Jimmy Choo

Do I like this fragrance? The smell is fairly enjoyable. I’m not a big fan of Coach for Men or Jimmy Choo Man, which this has similarities to, but it’s different enough.

The opening act, while there actually is some citrus and pepper, is probably my favorite part. It’s got strength and an upbeat energy to it.

After that, Urban Hero falls apart. Not the aroma, mind you, I actually like the rosewood and leather combination. It’s the lackluster performance, that really disappoints. If they could have gotten the power ratcheted up, this would be a really good, though not great cologne.

I tested out my mini bottle again and again with the same results. This one just would not last for me. If it does for you, this could be a decent cologne to get, if it fits your style.

As it stands, you get a nice smelling fragrance for men, that won’t hang around that long…and has a $90+ price tag. Lame.

Update: After a year, this cologne has hit the discounters in the $30-40 range, which is a fair deal. That’s about the maximum amount that I would pay for a bottle, if I wanted it. In the $20s, would be more appropriate. That initial retail price was way too high.

Scuderia Racing Red by Ferrari

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I’ve received so many samples from the Ferrari lineup of scents, that I’m pretty much closing in on having all of them. Now, I’ve already done plenty of reviews of these colognes, and today’s entry is: Scuderia Racing Red. It was released in 2013.

This is of course another entry from the Scuderia name, though, I’m not sure if it is a flanker fragrance to Scuderia Red.

As usual, I’m going to cover how it smells, performs, when it should be worn, and if it is actually worth a buy.

What does Scuderia Racing Red Smell Like?

Notes include: lime, leather, lavender, sage, grey pepper, artemesia, cedar, tonka bean, electrum accord

Click here to try: Ferrari Scuderia Racing Red FOR MEN by Ferrari – 4.2 oz EDT Spray

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Racing Red starts off with a tempered lime note that never really becomes too sharp, as it is moderated by the lavender, leather, and cedar.

Out of those three, the lavender is the most dominant while the other two play a much smaller supporting role, and aren’t too detectable unless you’re really paying attention.

With the lime and lavender, there is a slight spice from the pepper and an herbal sort of spice from the clary sage. Again, this isn’t intense, and too seems moderated like the lime note.

That is one thing about Scuderia Racing Red that is quite noticeable, how blended it is, and how none of the notes really take on too strong of a presence in the composition. Also, it is a very linear scent, in my opinion.

After a few minutes, what you smell is what you’re going to get: citrus, lavender, and a sort of metallic spice with leathery undertones.

Racing Red is clean and fresh but it is also low key and non-distinct. I do wish that the leather note was boosted somewhat and perhaps take down the lavender a notch or two. There is supposed to be a tonka bean note in here, but I really don’t pick it up.

The lime would be great, as a really juicy citrus, playing off of the leather. I don’t know, I think it could work out better that way, and just have that metallic note lurking in the background throughout.

As it is, this Ferrari cologne, becomes muddled and doesn’t really stand out as anything special. The aroma itself is fine, but it could’ve been much better.

Racing Red is clean with a nice citrus note and that metallic ingredient, but that’s about it. As far as citrus metallic scents go, I much prefer Hugo Red.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, I’d call this one a light to moderate. While it lasts, you could notice it, if you sprayed it about 3 times on yourself. But, it’s not heavy and the sillage is nothing you’d call monstrous. I was spraying three or four times on my neck and it was decent.

Longevity is pretty weak, I have gotten in the 3-5 hour range, and it’s actually mostly towards the lower end of that. If these inexpensive fragrances, could just have more longevity, it would go a long way towards making them useful.

Ferrari scents can be hit or miss, in this regard, and Scuderia Racing Red is a miss. Not the worst ever, just don’t expect one that goes forever.

One positive is that this cologne doesn’t really fit into any one season and could thus be worn year round without any issue. It’s simple and inoffensive enough to be worn to work or school, but I’d say it’s more of a fresh casual scent, than anything.

Not particularly romantic nor one for the night clubs. Not really refined or formal, just something easy to spray on when you want to freshen up. So, seasonally versatile, but not all that much in terms of occasion.

Overall Impressions of Scuderia Racing Red

Overall, do I think Scuderia Racing Red is worth a buy? I mean, it doesn’t smell bad, but it doesn’t really stand out to me either. The performance leaves much to be desired, but it can usually be had for dirt cheap.

I think it would be good enough for an everyday wear, for someone who doesn’t want to spend very much, but it’s really nothing to write home about.

I enjoyed aspects of the fragrance, like the citrus and leather, but they weren’t as prominent as they probably should have been.

If the formula was worked around a bit, and it could hit the 6-7 hour range, this would be a great cheapie wear. Alas, it’s merely okay.

There are plenty of other options out there for the top inexpensive fragrances, that both smell better and last longer. Hell, Ferrari has other options that outdo this one, easily. Not worthless, just not a must have.

9 Best Smelling Calvin Klein Perfumes for Women

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Calvin Klein has released scores of fragrances over the past 30 or so years. Many of them are decidedly unisex in their use and even those ultimately smell great. However, for this list I wanted to focus on scents specifically designed for ladies to wear and present the best CK options from the brand’s perfume lineup.

I have selected nine women’s fragrances which I feel are the best all-around options and present different seasonal or stylistic choices. Also, here is my list of the best men’s CK colognes.

What are the Best CK Perfumes for Women?

Best Spicy Classic

Calvin Klein OBSESSION Eau de Parfum, 3.4 Fl Oz– Obsession is of course a very famous fragrance dating back to the 1980s, but while that is the case, it isn’t a perfume for everyone. Some folks don’t find this type of scent to be pleasing and think that it can come off harsh.

However, this spicy beast can really bring a great change of pace, versus most modern perfumes for women.

Lots of rich amber soaked spice with smooth notes of sandalwood and vanilla bringing it all together. At times, it is sweet, other times it is herbal, but it is always interesting.

The one nowadays being sold, is reformulated from the vintage, but still has enough of that original DNA to make the list.

 

Everyone New

CK Everyone EDT– While I don’t think Everyone is an absolutely amazing fragrance, this newer release from Calvin Klein is actually better than people expect.

The EDT, is the one that I’ve tried so far out of the current two Everyone offerings, but it was really a pleasant surprise and worth checking out for the right price.

Everyone opens up with an orange and watery top that is spice with a hint of fresh ginger. Quite relaxed, clean, and one that can be worn daily with a fresh and low key sort of style. 

I enjoy the tea note here. That, which along with the light amber gives Everyone EDT a warmer feeling. The opening feels uplifting and ‘cold’ to me. Like a basic, sort of sporty update to the same CK One style, of the 1990s. Though, a different scent.

 

Sexy CK Perfume

Calvin Klein Forbidden Euphoria for Women 3.4 fl. oz Eau de Parfum– Forbidden Euphoria is much more of a crowd pleaser versus Obsession. Sexy and a long-lasting performer. Notes of jasmine, tiger orchid, peach blossoms, and other fruits/floral (namely raspberry).

This one is full of energy and vibrancy to help get a woman noticed. It’s probably harder to find bottles of it now, but they can still be had.

It opens up with a warm sweetness of fruit and orchid before the patchouli gets introduced and those three notes make up the bulk of the wear.

Update: Euphoria Forbidden has been discontinued for a while. CK did release a Euphoria Intense in 2021, which has a similar vibe to this (and the original Euphoria), but even that’s not available everywhere.

Best Summer Perfume

Calvin Klein CK IN2U Perfume for Her 3.4 fl.Oz Eau De Toilette Spray– A perfume that works well in the spring and summer months, though, could still be used at other times of the year. It has a solid citrus opening and a sweetness to it that isn’t too strong.

A lovely everyday wear with notes of white cactus, bergamot, red cedar, grapefruit, vanilla, and more. It starts out with some sharpness from the bergamot, grapefruit, and juniper pairing. Clean and fresh, yes, but IN2U definitely has some intense bite.

The citrus is dominant but there is a creamy vanilla and the very interesting cactus note that peaks through during the dry down.

IN2U for her is fairly straightforward but has great performance and a warm citrusy aroma. Ultimately, it all ties together nicely, for a rather balanced profile.

Fresh Air 

Eternity Air for Women– The men’s version of Air was pretty mediocre, but the women’s is actually quite nice. 

It’s is an airy, slightly cold, fresh fragrance led by grapefruit and black currant. Some similarities to Light Blue by D&G, but without the apple and a less intense cedar note. Though, the wood is still there.

The opening has that fruitiness in spades, then it becomes cleaner/watery, with a slight musky floral aroma from the peony. Not a heavy or overbearing perfume, but it has some decent performance. 

Underrated CK Perfume

Calvin Klein Downtown Perfume for Women 3.0 fl. Oz Eau De Parfum Spray– This is a lighter and unassuming perfume, with a healthy does of pink pepper and pear from the start.

Then, a lovely gardenia note peaks into the composition. The result is a bright and fresh scent with some musk/woods in the base.

This has been discontinue, a while back, but there are bottles still floating around. This is an easy to wear floral/fruity scent, that kind of flew under the radar.

Calvin Klein Best Seller

Calvin Klein euphoria Eau de Parfum, 1 Fl Oz– Always a top seller and that is because it smells so delicious. It is soft, at times, but still retains an air of playfulness and excitement with a bold opening act.

Euphoria is definitely a winner. The pomegranate is very juicy/tart and edible with the inclusion of great floral notes and the well-blended addition of patchouli.

Fruity/floral with spice and a solid base of rich mahogany. As it dries down, Euphoria becomes darker and sexy, with the pomegranate taking on less of a role.

The amber note is ramped up, blends perfectly with the mahogany note, and everything gets flanked by floral notes and patchouli.

Euphoria is a powerful scent the has its sweet side, along with bold punches of spice. However, its main heart is wood, musk and amber. The woody dry down is actually, pretty unisex

Notes include: mahogany, black orchid, lotus blossom, black violet, persimmon, and pomegranate.

Most Unique

Eternity Flame– So, Eternity Flame is a pretty recent release that didn’t get much fanfare, when it was brought to market. Neither did the men’s version of the scent, which was decent.

Actually, one could argue that this is the bolder and more traditionally masculine of the two scents. It doesn’t push it too far, more unisex, leaning masculine.

Nonetheless, this is a very interesting perfume. Spicy and has a bold sillage, with light touches of citrus and some great sweetness from amber and vanilla. Dry and really pops, goes much more into the amber, during the dry down. Quite similar to the men’s during that stage. 

Top Clean Classic Scent

Calvin Klein ETERNITY Eau de Parfum–  Eternity for Her is a different experience from the men’s version, yet still has that clean sort of vibe, just not as soapy and masculine (though somewhat soapy).

Eternity is a very floral fragrance but laden with sage, musk, and pepper to go along with the main draw of carnation. This stuff is loaded with flowers like lily and violet, but doesn’t have that bouquet/garden effect.

Eternity starts off with a light touch of citrus and the spice of sage and pepper. The floral notes, really start to come into their own, a short time later. Very clean, a bit musky, with powder/spicy elements hanging around. Just really fresh and upbeat and a distinct classic from the 1990s.

9 Best Smelling Givenchy Perfumes for Ladies

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Givenchy (owned by LVMH) has a vast array of perfumes and colognes for both men and women. With such a large selection it can be hard to key in on which of those is the best option for your own personal style. With that in mind, I have selected nine options from Givenchy which not only smell the best but will fit well with an individual personality better than others.

Also, check out: Top Estee Lauder Perfumes, Best Bond No. 9 Scents, Best Dior Perfumes for Ladies

What are the Top Smelling Givenchy Fragrances for Her?

Rose and Peony Daily Wear

Very Irresistible By Givenchy For Women. Eau De Toilette Spray 2.5 Ounces A deliciously seductive fragrance by Givenchy. It blends rose and peony among other notes, to create a long-lasting and beautiful affair, which adds a bit of spice to the floral notes.

It opens with the rose note and anise, which provides the fresh spice complement, to the floral aroma. As it dries down, the peony comes into its own, and takes Very Irresistible away from being more of a pure rose fragrance.

This one will last a full 8 hours, isn’t a sillage beast, and works very well in the spring/summer months.  Full Review

The Other Irresistible

Irresistible Eau de Parfum– Like the one above, Irresistible also has a prominent rose note, but this one isn’t nearly close to being another rose. In fact, it gets paired with an iris note in the middle act.

What you do get, is a delicious pear note, up top with a musky finish. It’s a fruity clean rose perfume, with musk and a bit of powder from a fairly understated iris. It dries down into something that is inherently fresh and pretty.

Probably skews more toward a younger audience, but Irresistible EDP is very versatile and has a great performance for this type of fragrance.

Modern Tuberose Blend

Givenchy L’interdit Women, Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.7 Fl Oz– There hasn’t been too many new Givenchy women’s fragrance releases in the past few years, but this is one of them, and it’s actually great. They reused the name from a much older fragrance, that was way before my time.

L’Interdit EDP is a great white floral perfume with an opening act that features a quite prominent pear note. Jasmine, orange blossom, and later tuberose are the main attractions here. It starts out with a candy-like grape sort of aroma. Though, overall it’s not really all that sweet.

Then, the floral notes really take hold and the jasmine is the leader at one point, before the tuberose takes fully control. It has a bit of wood in the base and a slight plant-like greenish aroma, at times. Really good performance. L’Interdit EDP Review

My Favorite L’Interdit

L’Interdit Rouge by Givenchy– Since it’s been a while since I’ve update this page, I wanted to make sure that I included Rouge on this list.

To me, this has been the best of the L’Interdit line so far. Intense, is also a good one.

Rouge kicks off with a blast of ginger spice and blood orange. It is warm, spicy, and sweet with much of that familiar tuberose based DNA of this series, just lurking underneath.

Tuberose and patchouli will play a big role in the dry down too. This one lacks the vanilla, but has more of a woody base than the others. Really great designer wear and worth checking out. Rouge Review

l'interdit rouge review

Best Wintertime Wear

Ange Ou Demon By Givenchy For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.3-Ounce Offers some good versatility but it is best suited for evening wear. Ange Ou Demon opens with herbal spice from saffron and a light zesty orange note.

Then, it transitions into something creamier and sweeter with tonka bean and vanilla. This stuff can be an absolute powerhouse, with its intensity, and longevity.

Ange isn’t a fragrance for everybody, much more niche, than other scents on the list. It’s got a unique sort of profile, but one you may need to learn to love. Notes of tonka bean, saffron, ylang ylang, vanilla, and others.

Light and Sweet Floral

Amarige By Givenchy For Women. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.3 Oz. A uniquely classic scent from the early 1990s which features a fantastic mix of fruits, floral, and spicy notes.  It is a rich and layered fragrance which gives it an air of complexity and makes it ideal for a mature woman.

Amarige opens with it fruit/floral mix, before it leans more towards the floral end. You get juicy peach and tart plum, especially strong at the top, but they hang around throughout the wear. Gardenia, ylang-ylang, tuberose, and mimosa all seem to get their turn at bat.

However, they ultimately reach a lovely bouquet period, that is highlighted by the underlying sweet fruits. This is an outstanding performer and overall lovely perfume.

80s Throwback

Ysatis By Givenchy For Women. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.3 Ounces Spices and woods co-mingle and are softened by the floral notes. An interesting profile with amber, iris, vanilla, rose, and rum. This is a complete throwback to the 1980s, so, it’s not going to appeal to everyone.

What’s expected from perfumes, as far as style, has changed so much. Nonetheless, Ysatis, is a classic. Obviously, this one has been reformulated, from its original. Unless you pickup an older bottle, it’s not going to be the same.

The newer bottles aren’t terrible, in my mind, but definitely don’t strike the same chord. More floral, less musky and woody depth.

Unique Raspberry Goodness

Hot Couture By Givenchy By Givenchy For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.3 Ounces This one is a really special fragrance, that could become a signature perfume for the right lady.

Its fruity notes give it a sweet smell which is pulled back some by the introduction of notes such as pepper, which adds some playful spice to the drydown.

Hot Couture can help separate you from the pack and give your style and infusion of individuality. It’s opening is the fruit note of raspberry, orange, and bergamot. It is creamy with its sandalwood base, with a fresh spiciness of pepper and vetiver.

It dries down, warm and sweet, with a powdery/smoky finish to it. Plus, Hot Couture also gives a long lasting and pretty powerful performance.

Autumn and Early Winter Scent

Organza By Givenchy For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.3 Ounces A softer perfume than the others on this list, but by no means weak. This is a great option for day to day wear, for those who want something not too intense, but highly feminine.

It is a white floral wrapped in vanilla goodness. Gardenia, jasmine, and tuberose highlight Organza; making it one beautiful scent. There is a spiciness, also, that goes well with the amber in the base.

That is my current list of the best Givenchy fragrances for her. Obviously, there are many more great options from this brand (seriously, they have dozens more), but this should be a good place to get you started. I will come back to this page and update as necessary, when I come across a newer gem.