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!

Bora Bora for Men by Liz Claiborne

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In continuation of my recent posts of cologne reviews, I’d like to take a closer look at an inexpensive fragrance by Liz Claiborne, Bora Bora. The men’s fragrance was released back in 2002.

How does this exotic scent stack up against other options within this price range? How’s the longevity? Is it worth a deeper look?

Read below to find out my full thoughts on this cologne. I am updating this post, a few years after the original publishing to revise and add more depth.

What does Bora Bora by Liz Claiborne Smell Like?

bora bora

Notes include: lemon, musk, woods, kiwi, leather, bergamot

Click here to try: Bora Bora Liz Claiborne Cologne for Men 3.4 Oz New in Box

My Full Wear Review

So, the first thing that I notice when smelling Bora Bora , is that it is a very tropical smell. The kiwi note is quite prevalent, along with the lemon note right off the bat. It doesn’t have the same kind of bright lemon note something like Aventus would have, rather, it is a tart and sort of sour note.

The kiwi is the main force behind the cologne, with the two citrus notes, playing more of a support role overall. The sweetness is there, but this doesn’t have a candy-like or even a really juicy aroma.

Kiwi is a very underutilized note, but it works rather well in Bora Bora. It captures that South Pacific island vibe. I can’t think of any other men’s fragrances off of the top of my head that use kiwi.

It is accompanied by musk and a faint hint of leather, which ties it all together. As it dries down, it feels like it becomes more of a woodsy sort of scent with some floral aspects.

However, at the top it is a very clean and light fruity affair. Not super sweet, mind you, but a nice kiwi with citrus scent.

During the late stages of the first hour or so of wear, it does begin to shift more away from the kiwi. The leather isn’t rich, but it is more noticeable than it had been earlier. Lavender seems to take on a role of dampening the other ingredients somewhat.

Hibiscus and woody notes, emerge more, and work sort of as a blend with the now weakened kiwi ingredient. The hibiscus, never really takes over as the dominant floral note when placed against lavender.

That’s kind of disappointing, because it is an interesting note. From there, it is pretty linear, and has fully developed into what it will be for the rest of the wear.

So, Bora Bora is a kiwi and lemon opening, that dries down into a clean leather and light woods scent. Fresh with a bit of a soapy smell.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The projection and longevity of Bora Bora is pretty light to moderate in both categories. You’ll definitely notice it at first, but it kind of fades after an hour or two, into a more personal scent. At its peaks, probably a 3-5 foot radius of scent, off of the skin.

It’ll still be around at the 5-6 hour mark but I haven’t been able to get much longer than that. Honestly, for the price that this fragrance sells at, the performance is pretty darn good. Most other fragrances will quit a few hours in, this one is actually serviceable.

Also, this is probably best worn in the late spring to summer, with it’s more exotic notes. It feels out of place here in the winter time.

As a casual warm weather fragrance it works just fine. In a warmer climate, this would be a good cheapie, to hold up against the humidity.

Bora Bora could venture into the workplace, but it doesn’t have much refinement or formality. I’d mostly stick to this for just wearing around during the lazy summer days. It has a fairly attractive scent, but nothing that I would call ‘sexy’, and isn’t a nightlife powerhouse.

Very much a standard daytime wear, but nothing close to a signature scent.

Overall Impressions of Bora Bora

Overall, would I recommend this? I’m not that into it. It doesn’t really smell bad or anything…but it doesn’t feel like something I’d like to wear on a regular basis. It is a unique scent and very inexpensive, but Bora Bora seems pretty linear and boring, in its presentation.

This isn’t at the top of my list, as the best Liz Claiborne fragrance, but it definitely isn’t terrible either. It does work pretty well for something, at this price point, and gives you a different experience from a lot else out there.

Some guys might really like wearing this but it was just rather plain to me. That being said, the kiwi and leather notes are an interesting combination, and I do like its overall simple cleanliness. It ends up feeling like a missed opportunity at a lower price point.

It’s not going to blow anyone away, but Bora Bora is a good cologne for cheap.

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.