Cologne Reviews

Declaration d’Un Soir EDT by Cartier

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For today’s review, I’m going to take a closer look at a fragrance from the house of Cartier, Declaration d’Un Soir for men. Now, this scent is a flanker of the original Cartier Declaration. This one was released back in 2012. As usual, I want to give an overview of how it smells, performs, when it should be worn, and whether or not it is worth a purchase.

What does Declaration D’un Soir Smell Like?

declaration d'un soir review

Notes include: cumin, rose, pepper, sandalwood, nutmeg

Click here to try: Cartier Declaration D’un Soir Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.3 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

From the start, let me state that Declaration d’Un Soir, probably isn’t for everyone. It is a fairly unique scent that will work very well for guys who have a certain taste. The opening of this cologne is a blast of rose and pepper.

The rose note is dominate for the first 10 minutes or so before the pepper, sandalwood, and nutmeg notes catch up to it. In this one, don’t expect a red rose smell, more pink…but sort of greenish, also.

I have to say, I quite like the use of the rose in Declaration d’Un Soir, it doesn’t feel feminine like some other scents that utilize this note. I’m not even a big fan of the smell of rose, but I like what Cartier has done here.

The pepper and nutmeg give this one a great spiciness, that never goes overboard with its intensity. It seems to be held in check and mellowed by the smoothness of the sandalwood and soft floral scent of the rose.

Actually, aside from the change after the first ten minutes or so, this cologne stays pretty constant. What you smell is what you get. Fresh cool spice, with a great rose, and woody base. Simple and quite enjoyable.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Declaration d’Un Soir is very solid, not too light or not too heavy. You’ll know it’s there, but it won’t envelop you. I’d say its reach with normal spraying hits the 4-6 foot range.

On the longevity side of things, this is an absolutely magnificent performer. I’m talking 10+ hours of use on most occasions, it is just a workhorse. Really wasn’t expecting it to be. Though, with repeated tries over the years, it always keeps up.

This is a good scent for casual wear, especially in the fall or springtime. That’s when I would wear it. However, it goes way beyond just that. Soir can really be worn year round and is appropriate for a wide variety of situations.

It’s not a ‘club’ kind of fragrance, so, maybe that’s its one exception. If you need a super bold cologne for nights out, you might go with another. Also, I might go with something else in the high heat. Not that this is terrible there, either. Just more of a preference.

Outside of that? This is pretty much a full go. This Cartier is crazy versatile.

Overall Impressions of Declaration d’Un Soir

Overall is Declaration d’Un Soir, worth a buy? I’d say yes. If you want something a bit different that performs very well, then this might be the scent. You have to like rose/spicy/earthy/woodsy type of fragrances to appreciate this one.

If that’s not you, look elsewhere. I don’t think this is going to become a part of my main rotation. However, I do think it has a place within my collection.

The smell is cool, fresh, and is a great example of a masculine rose scent. Super versatile and the aroma has a lot of appeal to me.

Update: This one is now discontinued, as it came out over a decade ago. It was popular, but not popular enough to get the perpetual release schedule like other favorites. It’s worth tracking down, but I wouldn’t pay too much for a bottle.

La Nuit de L’Homme Eau Electrique by YSL

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On my way out of El Prat airport, I once again stopped into a duty free shop to explore the fragrance selection, and came across a newer offering from Yves Saint Laurent…La Nuit de L’Homme Eau Electrique. The blue color and the name caught my eye, so I figured that I would try this one out and wear it on the flight home. In this post, I am going to give my initial impressions and opinions about this cologne after a single wear.

What does La Nuit Eau Electrique Smell Like?

Notes include: cedar, vanilla, tonka bean, cashmere, vetiver, lavender, apple, geranium, bergamot

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L’Homme Eau Electrique Eau De Toilette Spray 100ml/3.3oz

My Full Wear Review

OK, so, going into this test I had zero expectations or notions about Electrique. In fact, I’d never even heard of it. I think that’s the best way to do a review of this sort, since my mind won’t be clouded by what I ‘wanted’ the cologne to be, and can simply judge it based on merit.

I sprayed this one twice on my arm about an hour or so before my transatlantic flight back to the US from Spain. Update: I’ve since had a travel spray size of Eau Electrique and am updating my thoughts throughout this post.

It initially struck me as smooth with a creamy/powdery offering of tonka bean with a woody base and some fruit thrown in to boot. Electrique was really fresh and drew me in from the very jump and I could smell it on me as I walked to my boarding gate.

That’s a very simple test of whether or not I think something is worth my while, is it an enjoyable addition to the background of my everyday life? For Electrique, I vote that yes, it is.

Eau Electrique opens with a noticeable apple and some citrus notes. The apple, tonka, vanilla, and lavender are really present up top with the main tonka bean note. Really, apple and tonka bean.

Then, the second wave brings in geranium paired with that lavender sitting under a tonka/vanilla combo.

The notes in Electrique have some overlap with Versace Eros, but, I think they are two different fragrances and the similarities aren’t that noticeable.

Eros is a much louder and has more of a citrusy aroma than does Electrique, though, the tonka bean and apple notes are shared.

Update: I could also compare this to Montblanc’s Legend Night, but noticeably lacking the heavy cardamom note.

Electrique is understated and while it has some sweet elements, it never becomes overbearing. I think the prevalence of the cashmere was a nice touch and gives Electrique some more separation from the original La Nuit.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Electrique was good during my one off test. It was noticeable during the wear and even kind of heavy at first. It isn’t a complete beast or anything but it is getting close to crossing that line.

I got 7-8 hours of use out of it. The last few hours it was more of a skin scent. However, I can’t really say for certain how it will perform with just one wear but it seems legit enough. Update: Yep, 6-8 hours, consistently.

Electrique is more suited toward cold weather wear. It worked fine in an air conditioned environment but I’m not sure that’ll hold up in the heat. Update: Not great in high heat, but moderate springtime temperatures, it is fine.

It does seem to have some versatility as both a casual fragrance and one which will work as a date night type of cologne.

Overall Impressions of Eau Electrique

Overall, is La Nuit de L’Home Eau Electrique worth a buy? I actually really liked wearing this fragrance. It’s nothing Earth shattering; but it is very good. It gives good performance and has a very attractive scent with a tangential relation to the original La Nuit.

It’s a good bet as an Eros alternative, if you don’t like the lemon note there. Also, the geranium can come across a bit like mint. It’s not a dupe, but they do have a very similar style.

Eau Electrique has now been discontinued, so, grab a bottle while you still can for cheap.

Electrique is a smooth and fresh fragrance with a powdery finish and a woody heart. It’s not super outstanding or ‘special’ but it is really damn nice.

Millesime 1849 by Creed

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Another scent that I tested out from Creed, when I visited their Las Vegas boutique, is Millesime 1849. This is a unisex fragrance that has been out for a number of years now and so I wanted to give it a good try, after spending an evening wearing Viking. How does this one perform? What does it smell like? Is it worth a buy?

What does Millesime 1849 Smell Like?

Notes include: ylang-ylang, bergamot, cedar, sandalwood, vanilla, agarwood, musk, jasmine, and patchouli

My Full Wear Review

I originally sprayed Millesime 1849 on a tester strip, when I went to the Creed Boutique and wore Viking for the first time. I remember it smelling interesting; but I also had several other strips that day with Creed scents on them. So, 1849 didn’t stand out.

I went back another day and gave Millesime 1849 multiple sprays on my forearms. The opening was quite floral and sweet. I wasn’t really aware that this was a unisex scent at the time, as it comes in a somewhat dark green bottle, much like many other men’s colognes.

Sweet vanilla and floral with the familiar Creed bergamot note lingering faintly in the background for a brief few minutes.

While I know that this is a unisex, the floral notes really doesn’t seem super feminine to me. They are soft and subdued and aided by the woody notes (mainly the cedar and sandalwood).

The dry down on my skin was more of the wood notes with the patchouli peaking through. It became less floral as it moved along and those notes felt as if they were lightly dipped in the musk note.

I have to say, that Millesime 1849 is a well put together and balanced fragrance. Nothing ever feels overpowering or out of place.

Sillage, Longevity, and When to Wear

Projection wise, this one is on the lighter side of the spectrum. It isn’t weak per se, but it wasn’t intended to be a bold powerhouse either.

The longevity was meh, at least when I wore it. Around 4-5 solid hours and that was about it. Disappointing in that regard. It’s tough to get excited about an expensive scent, with this kind of lackluster performance.

Millesime 1849 strikes me as spring/summertime casual wear. It is simple and light. Pleasant and enjoyable for those around you. While it is unisex, it does end up being more feminine than masculine, but again not crazy so.

Overall Impressions of 1849

Overall, would I recommend Millesime 1849? It’s a nice scent and after the initial floral period, I think that it becomes much more interesting and appealing. The woody/sweet/musky dry down is the highlight of this fragrance, in my mind.

It’s a safe and fairly straightforward wear. It’s not amazing but I do enjoy it. Not enough for me to personally buy a bottle of the stuff, but one could do a lot worse than giving this scent a try.

Scuderia Red by Ferrari

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Among the handful of Ferrari samples, I’ve gotten a hold of recently is, Scuderia Red. Now, in this post, I am going to relay to you my experiences with this cologne while wearing it. How does it smell? What are the ingredients? How long does it last? Is it even worth a purchase? Please continue below for the full review.

What does Scuderia Red Smell Like?

Notes include: orange, bergamot, jasmine, lemon verbena, galbanum, cedar, sandalwood, nutmeg, moss, mint, petitgrain

Click here to try: Ferrari Scuderia Red Eau De Toilette Spray, 4.2 oz

My Full Wear Review

Scuderia Red opens with a blend of citrus notes, mostly orange, and lemon verbena. This is kind of unique scent in a lot of ways. It’s a men’s fragrance by heavy with floral notes that you’d commonly find in a women’s perfume. The jasmine note is quite prominent.

Still, it’s nice and not girly at all. A good blend of the verbena and jasmine giving it an attractive start.

There is also a slight spice from the nutmeg and mint combo lurking in the back. I actually like the opening, the citrus notes are juicy and clean, and the fresh spices with the jasmine comes across well.

As it dries down, I start to detect more of the sandalwood and cedar notes. It’s smooth and adds some more masculinity to the overall composition.

From there, I get a fairly linear scent with a dash of fresh spiciness, on top of citrus soaked wood notes. Scuderia Red is a warm and has a certain brightness about it.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Scuderia Red has a light sillage. It wasn’t completely weak or anything, as I could detect it just fine throughout the wear. Just don’t expect a monster of a fragrance.

It’s going to stick within the 3-5 foot range for the first hour or so. Then, it’ll be more like 2-3 feet for the rest of the way.

Longevity, it does a solid job for the price, clocking in at right about 6 hours on my skin. As a value play, I really don’t have many complaints with the performance.

Scuderia Red could easily pass as a unisex scent, but one that leans masculine. It’s softness and clean profile make it ideal to be worn casually or at the office, for someone who needs something low key.

Definitely one that should be worn during the early spring and into the summer months. Scuderia Red isn’t a club banger or one that has much sex appeal. Just an inoffensive citrus floral.

Overall Impressions of Scuderia Red

Overall, do I like Scuderia Red? It’s not bad, though, not really my style. The floral notes aren’t my favorite but I do think it’s a solid pick.

I’d say Scuderia Black is better than this one and I’d prefer to wear it over Red, any day of the week.

That being said, it doesn’t smell ‘bad’, it’s just a straightforward clean citrus/floral at a very nice price point. Can be somewhat sharp at times, but it will settle down. Pretty basic, but decent enough.

The performance isn’t spectacular, but it is passable based on what you’re paying. Honestly, this one is probably only worthwhile for under $25. Beyond that, Scuderia Red is probably a reach.

Eau de Lacoste L.12.12. Rouge vs Blanc Cologne Comparison

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In this cologne comparison, I want to take a closer look at two options from Lacoste’s L.12.12. line of men’s fragrances, Blanc and Rouge.  Which one of these scents, Red or White, is the better buy in terms of overall smell, performance, and function.

I have linked out to each of my original reviews of these colognes below and present my thoughts on each further in detail in those posts. For this, I break it down into different categories and assign whether one has the edge over the other.

Tale of the Tape: Lacoste Blanc vs. Rouge

L.12.12 Blanc

lacoste l.12.12 white

Notes include: cardamom, grapefruit, ylang-ylang, cedar, rosemary, suede, tuberose, leather

Click here to try: Lacoste Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Blanc Eau de Toilette for Men, 3.3 fl. oz.

Read my original review: L.12.12 White

L.12.12 Rouge

FullSizeRender (26)

Notes include: ginger, mango, black pepper, mandarin liqueur, cardamom, red roiboos tea

Click here to try: Lacoste Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Rouge Eau de Toilette for Men, 3.3 fl. oz.

Read my original review: Lacoste Red Review

Opening

The openings of both of these colognes are really good. Lacoste Red has an interesting mango note for that summery vibe, while White starts with an energetic grapefruit/floral/woodsy mix.

Blanc has the grapefruit citrus with a fresh woody cedar note. This is joined by the suede/leather smoothness and some warm cardamom and herbal rosemary. It’s got the floral elements, though, it comes across as earthy.

Rouge starts off with that nice mango, some mandarin liqueur, and a unique tea note. I like the uniqueness of this blend, especially early on in the wear.

I have to say, neither one is head or shoulders above the other during the opening, so I’ll say it’s a push for this category. They both start out quite well.

Edge: Push

Projection

Neither is a beast throughout the entire process but they do both project pretty well at the start. I’d say White is the brighter and more noticeable of the two and it tends to have better longevity in terms of projection, as well.

Edge: White

Longevity

So, neither of these are all that great with longevity. Right around 4-5 hours but Red seems to do less than that sometimes, which sucks. White has the edge while still not being a great performer itself.

Edge: White

Versatility

Both scents are pleasant and casual wears for the warmer months of the year. They don’t have the projection or longevity to be a ‘club/nightlife’ cologne. You could use either one for a date but they aren’t particularly sexy. Just fresh and clean for casual situations.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I think that White smells better and is the better performer. I like Red and wouldn’t mind wearing it, if the longevity were better. L.12.12. White just has more energy and a great smell. It too suffers a bit with longevity but it’s passable.

I think that Blanc is a good cologne for springtime and it definitely has the edge between the two in my book.

Winner: White