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 test out and 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!

Sauvage Elixir vs. Spicebomb Extreme

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Two fragrances which have become massively popular for the colder months are Spicebomb Extreme and Sauvage Elixir. Both the Dior and Viktor & Rolf colognes are flankers to their super successful original namesakes.

The question is, which of these scents is better? Which lasts longer? Which cologne should you buy?

Tale of the Tape: Spicebomb Extreme vs. Sauvage Elixir

Sauvage Elixir

Notes include: grapefruit, wood, lavender, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, patchouli, vetiver

Click here to try: Sauvage Elixir at Macy’s

Read my review: Sauvage Elixir

Spicebomb Extreme

Notes include: tobacco, cumin, cinnamon, saffron, vanilla, bourbon

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme Eau De Parfum Spray 50ml/1.7oz

Read my Full Review: Spicebomb Extreme

spicebomb extreme edp

Opening

The spice in Spicebomb Extreme is actually kind of toned down versus what you get with the original. Yes, cumin and cinnamon are still players here, just not massive with it.

Instead, the early stages are really going to be dominated by vanilla, tobacco, and lavender notes. Smooth and warm, led by the tobacco, with a further freshness supplied by saffron peaking up through the middle.

With Sauvage Elixir, you get a lot of spice. In the Dior it’s: cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In the top, there is a lighter grapefruit versus the EDT version’s heavier use of citrus.

The next phase will have more of the lavender and some sweetness from licorice and amber. Sauvage Elixir is spicy, woody, with enough sweetness to change it up. Lots going on in the mix.

Which is better? It’s a tight race between them. Though, I think that I slightly prefer the opening of Spicebomb Extreme versus the loud spicy affair that is Elixir.

Edge: Spicebomb Extreme

Projection

Spicebomb Extreme starts out strong, maintains its level for a long time, but spends much of the rest of the wear at something that could be considered moderate.

Elixir, starts off stronger. It also stays very powerful for a longer time, and pretty easily takes this category against a Spicebomb fragrance that is no slouch itself.

Edge: Elixir

Longevity

Both of these colognes have been utterly awesome for me, with their performance.

Spicebomb Extreme goes at least 10 hours and can go as high as 12-13, depending on the climate of the day, etc.

Elixir routinely hit 12 hours for me. I’m not sure where it drops off at, as I will shower in that time frame, but it’s more than enough for anyone.

So, while both do have a long lasting duration of wear, Sauvage Elixir can take it a bit further.

Edge: Elixir

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are mainly for autumn and winter. I would avoid both during the hottest summer months, especially.

Also, I’d much prefer to wear both in casual or nightlife scenarios, versus the office. They are more mature as flankers than each of their original predecessors. Though, neither is really all that formal.

Well put together, yes. But, not tuxedo level formality.

I don’t really see much distance between them here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two colognes do I think is better? I really enjoy both of these, so, it’s not easy to have to choose between them.

With Elixir, you get a significantly altered version of the Sauvage formula. A focus on some different spices and the inclusion of a great licorice note, which somehow doesn’t get massively annoying with that unique aroma.

There are plenty of colognes similar to Sauvage EDT, but Elixir really sets itself apart, while remaining somewhat true to the idea of the series.

The performance is awesome. One of the best mainstream designer fragrances out there right now, in terms of its sillage and how long it stays around.

To me, though, I’d rather have Spicebomb Extreme. You take a bit of a step back with the performance, while still being excellent. The fragrance itself, smells better to me versus the Sauvage.

The vanilla and tobacco are awesome together. I like the spices, they are softer, but the round things out. Plus, the saffron helps to keep it from getting boring.

Not a huge margin between them, Extreme smells better and has long been a cold weather gem.

Winner: Spicebomb Extreme

8 Best Smelling Carolina Herrera Colognes for Men

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Carolina Herrera makes some fantastic scents for both men and women. While these fragrances are pretty popular, the men’s scents haven’t been overused and too common like something such as Acqua Di Gio or 1 Million.

Herrera has a whole line of colognes which are both unique and smell really good. Plus, they aren’t terribly expensive, probably in the upper moderate price range.

For this list, I have selected 8 scents which I feel are the best of the lot. I have update the list, to expand upon things a bit, and to revamp this page. I will add any additional scents from this designer that I find, as I see fit.

Favorite Carolina Herrera Fragrances for Men

Best Overall Herrera Perfume for Him

Carolina Herrera CH Eau De Toilette Spray – 100ml/3.4oz,(Packaging may vary)– This might be the best of the bunch, depending on one’s tastes. It features notes of grapefruit, bergamot, nutmeg, jasmine, violet, leather, and amber.

It is a sweet sugary scent with a leather note and vanilla, which gives it an extra smoothness. The dry down is very nice. It can be a bit too strong for my nose, at the start, but it settles down quite well.

The sugary element dissipates somewhat and CH Men becomes more dominated by the leather, woods, and light spices.

Again, the sugar is my least favorite part of CH Men, but even that isn’t ever a completely unpleasant experience. When it hits the right blended amount with the leather, it becomes fantastic.

ch

To the Extreme

Bad Boy Extreme– This edition is now my favorite of the Bad Boy line. EDT and Cobalt are next and basically neck and neck for me.

Bad Boy Extreme starts off with a blast of ginger and cacao. You will get the similarities from others in the series, but this one just does everything better.

Sage and plum are underneath those two lead notes in the opening act. Not too massive but a nice touch.

It becomes sweeter with tonka bean and the cacao in the dry down. However, you will still have woody and fresher notes like vetiver, sage, patchouli, and ginger throughout.

Also, the performance is much better than you get with EDT. As of now, this is the Bad Boy cologne to buy.

Top Nightlife Pick

212 Vip by Carolina Herrera Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– I’ve had to update the list to include this gem. 212 VIP is a fantastic cologne for the colder months of the year, especially the nightlife.

It’s got notes of vodka, amber, lime caviar, mint, pepper, and ginger among others.

This one isn’t for everyone and has a limited use, basically just nights out, but is a monster in terms of sillage and length of performance. It opens with that smooth vodka and tonka bean, paired with the spice of black pepper.

From there, 212 VIP, you get sweet vanilla, amber, the tonka bean, and ginger (which lightens the spice provided by pepper). There is also a dash of lime, apple, and mint which aids the feeling of it being a boozy mixed drink.

This one is quite alcoholic in its presentation, again not everyone will dig it, but is a really great example of that type of scent. I love wearing this, on the right evening. Read my full review.

212 VIP Herrera

Most Under the Radar

Chic By Carolina Herrera For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces– A sweet fragrance which is highlighted by lemon and melon notes (at the top), as well as, cinnamon which gives it a bit more body. Chic is a beautiful cologne that isn’t too heavy but it quite seductive.

After its initial citrus and melon combo, the warmer notes begin to take over. The cinnamon is paired with black pepper, which is joined by amber, tonka bean, cardamom, and sandalwood.

The final stages are about the watermelon, warm spice, and the fresh woody base. This is still an underrated fragrance.

Chic isn’t too complicated, but does give a you a rather unique and versatile experience. It can be worn in summer or winter. Though, I’d say it’s better in warmer climates.

chic

Most Popular Cologne

212 By Carolina Herrera For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces– A fresh and borderline unisex fragrance with notes of mandarin, grapefruit, woods, and sandalwood. The greener notes in here really shine and it has a bit of spice to it, up front.

Later, it becomes spicier with a greenish herbal quality, and the citrus top notes act as a counterbalance. Good in warm weather. 212 is still fresh with elements of sweetness, coming in and out, of the composition.

The grapefruit is really well done here and much more enjoyable than in other similar colognes.

This has undergone reformulations, so, I’m unsure of how the current bottles perform. It at least, used to be pretty good, in that regard. My 212 Full Review

212

Classic Style Fragrance

CAROLINA HERRERA Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 6.75 Ounce– The namesake of the fragrance line, Herrera is a blend of tobacco, citrus, amber, and musk notes. The tobacco gives it a warm masculine scent which is highlighted by a spicy undertone.

This is a long lasting and well-projecting cologne for guys who like something that is refined and manly. The tobacco doesn’t seem as green and uncured as in something like Versace Dreamer.

Yet, you do get a good blend of the semi-sweet tobacco, with herbal spice, and some nice citrus touches.

Note: I am referring to the original formulation, this is another one, I’ll have to revisit. I hear, it is quite different now.

herrera

Great for Cold Weather

212 Sexy by Carolina Herrera For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4-Ounces– A smooth and seductive scent from Carolina Herrera. 212 Sexy is a cologne that has a fantastic vanilla note that is fresh and sweet and somewhat similar to Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier.

However, it is woodier than, the JPG fragrance and not as sweet. It’s a softer cologne, with a nice powdered sandalwood dry down, which sits underneath that vanilla lead. Very easy to wear and attractive.

There is also less of a lavender influence in this one, with a great use of other floral notes. Not as much of a powdery cologne, but 212 Sexy is a great example of a very wearable and appealing vanilla scent.  Awesome sweetness.

212s

The First Bad Boy

Carolina Herrera Bad Boy EDT Eau de Toilette 3.4oz / 100ml For Men, Black– It’s actually a close call between the original Bad Boy and the newer Le Parfum, as to which is the better scent.

Update: Add Cobalt to the mix. For me, they’re almost interchangeable, but I think that I still prefer the original versus the newer flankers.

Le Parfum is interesting and has a better performance, but I like what the original has to offer. It can be sweet and somewhat creamy, while also coming across at times like a peppery honeycomb.

The cocoa and tonka bean notes, really lend to the warm and sexy sweetness of this fragrance. Bad Boy has a solid performance and lasts for 7 hours, on my skin. Bad Boy Review

H24 EDP by Hermes

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H24 eau de parfum is the first flanker released under this title, after the introduction of the original H24. EDP came out in 2022, but I have only gotten around to trying it out as of late, once I could grab some samples.

As usual, I am going to cover how H24 EDP smells, how long it lasts, when it should be worn, and whether or not it is worth a try?

What does H24 Eau de Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: moss, sclarene, sage, rosewood, narcissus

Click here to try: H24 EDP

My Full Review

Here’s how Hermes describes it: A lively, sensual and bright perfume, stemming from the daring blend between nature and technology.

I had been kind of looking forward to trying out the eau de parfum version of H24. After all, H24 EDT was one that I enjoyed, and I was wondering what Hermes might change up with a more concentrated edition.

One thing that I immediately noticed about EDP (other than that moss note), is the reduction of the sage note in comparison with the original.

This time, it opens up with its new found greenish qualities, and a more metallic influence from the sclarene.

With that amped up sclarene and the massive moss note, EDP is quite fresh and has a definitely coldness to its aroma.

Beyond that, you still are going to get the light yellow floral touches, which provide the composition some sweetness that existed with EDT.

As it moves along, the scarene will back off somewhat, taking with it much of the metallic aspect of this cologne.

The biggest boost comes with the rosewood note. That’s basically what this one is. Mossy rosewood with narcissus in the middle act. The dry down is a woody moss with the other notes, being faint background smells.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this is another moderate. It’ll be noticeable and leave a scent trail for an hour or so, before becoming more of an intimate cologne. Not skin scent, but close quarters.

At it’s peak, it’ll extend into that 5-7 foot range, much like the original. The EDP version of H24 may have a slight edge over the original, but to me, it isn’t exactly clear that it does.

The longevity here is good, a little better than the EDT, but not leaps and bounds improved versus what you get with that.

Testing out H24 EDP, I usually got around 7 hours of wear, on my skin. But, sometimes it’d stick around for up to 8.5 hours.

This Hermes scent isn’t elite with how long it lasts, but it works out well for most purposes.

Seasonally, this works from spring through autumn. I’d prefer cooler to moderate temperatures versus the depths of summer, though.

H24 continues to be a daytime wear. One that can be worn to work or casually or even fitting in at more formal functions. Very versatile without being one built for the nightlife or romantic wear.

The moss does seem to give it a bit more of a mature vibe versus the original.

Overall Impressions of H24 EDP

Overall, do I like this scent? I do like it somewhat. I was one who thought that H24 EDT was pretty underrated and actually a very nice daily wear cologne. Not amazing, but well worth a try.

With, H24 EDP, I just don’t think it is as good. For me, the moss note really doesn’t add anything all that interesting, and distracts from what I liked about the original.

I liked the sage and the greater floral influence of the EDT. Perhaps, I am in the minority opinion on that Hermes fragrance, but the sweetness worked better with the woody base to my nose.

Not to say that this is bad. It’s more than a slight preference, on my part, but this isn’t way behind H24.

I think it’s worth trying out yourself. If you liked the original or want a modern daily wear with some mossy influence, H24 EDP should be checked out.

Black Opium Le Parfum by YSL

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Black Opium Le Parfum was one of the two Black Opium flanker releases in 2022, along with Illicit Green. This is one that I’d heard good things about, but hadn’t gotten to test it out. So, I bought a sample in order to put this YSL through its paces.

How does it smell? Does it last long? Is Black Opium Le Parfum worth a try?

What does Black Opium Le Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: pear, cinnamon, green mandarin, jasmine, orange blossom, solar notes, vanilla, coffee, and patchouli

Click here to try: Black Opium Le Parfum

My Full Review

Here’s how YSL describes it: an unexpected high rush, exalted with a quartet of vanillas. Its iconic coffee accord associated with white flowers amplifies an ultra-sensual and audacious femininity. This new creation transforms the original signature into an ultimate pleasure.

The opening of Le Parfum is already sweet, with the vanilla being very present at the start. It does have a ‘quartet’ of vanilla notes, so, that’s understandable.

But, early on I get a good deal of cinnamon in the mix. Much lighter on the green mandarin here versus Illicit Green, and even not too much of a pear influence.

With that cinnamon, the vanilla, coffee, and general warmth this does have a coffee drink sort of vibe and not just beans. With that, the coffee note is diluted and isn’t as strong overall.

To me, this is much smoother and less messy than the original Black Opium EDP.

I’ve also seen Le Parfum get compared to Vanilla 28 by Kayali. Not really the same. That’s more linear, thinner, and has that brown sugar note which sets it apart from this. Plus, it lacks the same level of spice that is present with the cinnamon.

That spice, will relent as we move along. The usual jasmine and orange flower floral heart will begin to emerge, but never fully overtake anything. It’s still a warm/sweet/spicy blend of the vanilla and coffee notes. Just, with a light blend of floral notes.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Black Opium Le Parfum is strong for an hour or two. Well above what you get with most of the others in this series.

Le Parfum will leave a scent trail in your wake for sure and it can seemingly project up to a 7-9 foot radius, at least initially.

Thereafter, it’s pretty moderate, but noticeable. I did test this once side by side with Illicit Green, and Le Parfum, was the only one that I could smell between them.

On my skin, Le Parfum sticks around close to nine hours. Somewhere in the 8-9 range, with maybe a touch of it still lingering for a short time thereafter. The performance is quite good, but not elite.

Seasonally, Le Parfum stays in the autumn and winter mode. Not going to be one that holds up all that well in the heat and humidity of the late spring and summer months.

This is still very much a Black Opium scent. Still has its sweetness, not very formal, etc. Though, it is somewhat more mature and has a decent versatility to it.

This one would be great casually, one to wear out at night, etc. You can also wear it to school or certain workplace environments. That’s going to have to be your own call, however.

Overall Impressions of Le Parfum

Overall, do I like Le Parfum? I do. To me, it’s the best of the Black Opium lineup. I have yet to try Extreme, have the others, and Le Parfum out does them all.

I really do like that opening hour or so. Not only do you get the power, but also, the spiciness and warmth is really quite captivating. It’s still very good after that, but I like the coffee, vanilla, and cinnamon together.

If you don’t like the original Black Opium, you might not like this one. However, I do think it’s more tolerable in comparison, and less likely to get annoying like that can for some people.

Though, Le Parfum is no guarantee to change your mind about this series.

It does still have that heavier sillage, so, Illicit Green might be a better fit, if that was one of your bigger problems with Black Opium.

If you do like other Black Opium releases, I think that you should definitely try Le Parfum out. It obviously has similarities with the original EDP and others, but it stands out as being a slight notch above the rest of them.

Black Opium Illicit Green by YSL

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Illicit Green is a Black Opium flanker that was released in 2022. I bought a sample of it recently, to try it out again, after having encountered it twice before. This time, I wanted it for a full review.

How does it smell? Does it last long? How does the YSL compare to the original Black Opium and others?

What does Black Opium Illicit Green Smell Like?

Notes include: green mandarin, coffee, vanilla, pear, fig leaf, fig, orange blossom, jasmine, patchouli

Click here to try: Black Opium Illicit Green

My Full Review

Here’s how YSL describes it: The sensual addiction of black coffee gets multiplied by a pulpy and creamy fig. An unexpected and long lasting shot of energy, awaken by the zest of a green mandarin. The new Black Opium eau de parfum Illicit Green is a bold and delicious creation for a luscious femininity. 

Illicit Green starts out lighter and cleaner, in my opinion, versus the original Black Opium EDP. With that, the opening has always felt pretty messy, especially compared to this.

Here, I get the green mandarin note, some of the pear. But, what really comes through from the jump is the fig/fig leaf. This opens greenish, somewhat fruity, with plenty of the coffee note already peaking through.

Really, the pear and mandarin are adding a sparkling brightness to the mix and some sweetness. However, those two note are never particularly massive on my skin.

I dig its freshness and its less heavy and cloying than many of the others in this Saint Laurent series.

As we move along, the fruitiness that is there will tone down. You will get more of the vanilla and coffee that the original has. For me, the coffee is the stronger of the two throughout.

That, with: fig, jasmine, orange blossom and some patchouli.

The final dry down is a light coffee aroma, with the vanilla, and what’s left of that fig and jasmine note. Kind of sweet, soft, with a bit of a powdery feel to it all.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Illicit Green has a pretty good start, with how it projects and the trail it can leave behind. That first hour, it is very noticeable to me, while wearing. Spraying it on a shirt, I can still smell Green from 5-7 feet away.

It’s a lighter to moderate scent, that isn’t going to bog down on you. I have sprayed it alongside, Le Parfum, and that Black Opium flanker easily overtook this one in terms of what I could smell.

The longevity is pretty mid. 4-6 hours of wear, on my skin. I cannot seem to get Illicit Green to go beyond that range. Maybe that’s not too much of a problem, if you don’t overpay for this perfume.

Seasonally, even with its softer appeal, Illicit Green still isn’t built for summer. Autumn through springtime, it might come across as too much with the heat and humidity. But, a good deal of versatility otherwise.

Illicit Green isn’t a formal fragrance, nor is it a ‘club beast’. It’s attractive and the cleaner vibe with this can make it better able to fit into situations that the original and others might not.

Overall Impressions of Illicit Green 

Overall, do I like Illicit Green? I do. Out of the series, it reminds me most of Neon. Both of these perfumes are lighter, but Illicit has the fig note and less orange blossom. I would choose this one over Neon.

It’s also better than: Nuit Blanche and Intense

I like that mandarin and fig-laden start. A good blend of sweet, greenish, and enough of that Black Opium DNA to stay on brand with it.

The dry down is good. Nothing that truly stands out, but a softer rehash of the others from this YSL line.

One complaint that I do have, is with the performance. It is a lighter fragrance, but the longevity, really isn’t where it should be. 4-6 hours is pretty mediocre, whether or not I enjoy the scent.

If you find a lot of the Black Opium flankers to be too heavy, this would then, be my first pick out of the bunch. Though, if you really didn’t like any of them, I’m not sure that this would change your mind.