Cologne Reviews

Gentleman Intense EDT by Givenchy

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Gentleman Intense eau de toilette is a popular edition of the now long-running Givenchy series. It was released back in 2021. It’s one that I’ve tried numerous times before, but never posted my full review of. Well, I received a sample of Intense with a recent order, so let’s dive into it now.

How does it smell? Does Gentleman Intense last long? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Gentleman Intense EDT Smell Like?

Notes include: blue iris, bergamot, cedar, basil, cardamom, cypress, coumarin

Click here to try: Gentleman Intense EDT

My Full Wear Review

Gentleman Intense often gets compared to the Dior Homme series, from the last decade. Yes, many of the scents from this Givenchy line have overlap in notes and style with those colognes.

Mainly, the notes they share are: bergamot, iris, and cedar. Gentleman Intense EDT particularly favors Dior Homme Eau, that was discontinued a long while ago. Mainly because, they are the woodier fragrances of the bunch that still have a strong iris.

However, Gentleman Intense does manage to stand apart on its own. It opens up with a mix of the bright bergamot, a strong cedar, and a nice kick from the basil note. Here, it smells more to me like Dior Homme 2011, just without the leathery aspect.

Still, they’re fairly close. I do enjoy how this Givenchy opens up. The basil and the cedar really work well together. But, you also get a decent amount of the cardamom here for some further depth and spice.

As we head into the middle act, it gets less spicy more woodsy fresh. The cardamom stays around the longest, but even it will fade.

Iris will be at its powdery peak, once the spice happens. But, it’s splitting a lot of the workload with the cypress and especially the cedar.

Cedar, iris, and tonka bean in the base. A touch powdery and creamy. Yet, the cedar and remaining cypress note pull this one towards the woody side of things. It feels fresh, crisp, and here’s where it has a closer aroma to Prada L’homme.

I’d say it’s more like the original than the more powdery L’eau.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

While not being a heavy sort of cologne, this Givenchy scent does have some sneaky strength in terms of how it projects.

Not a massive cloud of fragrance following you around. However, the scent bubble that it does create will be substantial and it performs well above average overall. After 2-3 hours, this one is more intimate, but isn’t weak until deeper into the back half of the wear.

On my skin, I will get 8-9 hours of wear from Gentleman Intense. Not really anything beyond that, unless I sprayed it on a t-shirt directly. It’s quite good for most purposes, but doesn’t hit a truly elite level.

Seasonally, Gentleman Intense EDT can be worn pretty much whenever, outside of the height of summer. Even then, you could wear it inside. It’s actually not great in the heat. I like it best, when it is sort of chilly outside and it can venture deep into springtime as well.

It’s great strength is its versatility. This is one that can be worn in a wide variety of scenarios, from casual to more dressed up to date night or out at to a bar. It doesn’t scream for attention, but just works well with that chill, woody iris aroma.

Overall Impressions of Gentleman EDT Intense

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Yes, I do. I’m not even a massive fan of the Gentleman series from Givenchy, but Intense strikes me as being one of the best of them.

Sort of like Dior Homme Eau, but, just going off of memory this might be the better scent. I really like the opening with the basil, cedar, and cardamom coming out. The basil and cedar pairing is great to go along with the signature iris.

It does hold up well throughout, also. When it becomes like a Dior Homme Eau/Prada L’Homme hybrid sort of scent. Though, it doesn’t hold my attention as much towards the back half.

Still, for the price you can get this at, it is well worth a try. I see it for sale in the $70 range, currently, which is a good deal versus a lot of its comparable designer fragrances. Some of which, aren’t even around any longer.

If you like the Gentleman series or want an easy to wear, super versatile woody-floral for men, given Intense EDT a go.

Uden Overdose by Xerjoff

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Uden Overdose is the flanker to the rather popular Uden from Xerjoff’s Shooting Stars line of fragrances. This one was released in 2018. I finally got a sample of Overdose, after multiple attempts at ordering and being shipped the wrong thing. So, I really am glad to get to test it out.

How does Uden Overdose smell? How long does it last? Is it actually worth the price of entry?

What does Uden Overdose smell like?

Notes include: lemon, bergamot, ginger, tobacco blossom, coffee, amber, musk

Click here to try: Uden Overdose by Xerjoff

My Full Review

I am a pretty big fan of the original Uden, I bought a full bottle of it a few years ago. So, I was interested in what the Overdose version was like.

This one starts off with the same lemon note as the first, but, it is clear early on that this isn’t the same fragrance at all. It is blended with a slightly sour bergamot and the spice of ginger. It actually is a pretty big ginger kick, featured in this perfume.

What I do notice is the dryness of the tobacco blossom note. Not quite a grass or a vetiver note, but similar to some varieties of those ingredients. Smooth, but not a rich cured tobacco aroma.

I do actually understand the comparisons with Versace Dreamer. Not exact, as that is much more floral than this, but a similar vibe.

The ginger will tone down, as will the citrus. However, the citrus will stick around for the duration.

There actually is a slightly detectable coffee note at this point, but it is completely overshadowed and not nearly as strong as in Uden.

What I was expecting when I heard the name Overdose, was for the coffee to be ramped up and citrus toned down. Maybe a darker formula, but no, they went in another direction.

What is here is a citrusy tobacco blossom with a blend of amber and musk coming from the base. The amber is probably 60/40 with the musk, to my nose. This is basically what the scent is for the rest of the way.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This isn’t a particularly heavy scent, you won’t get bogged down with it. However, it does have some above average reach with how it projects. Again, nothing that’s too strong, but with a normal amount of sprays it’s very noticeable in your wake for the first few hours at least.

Then, it’s much more moderate in the 3-4 foot range from where you sprayed, until it backs in before disappearing.

For me, this Xerjoff seems to hit exactly 8 hours each time. Doesn’t appear to go any further than that, but it’s good enough for most occasions. Maybe you might want something a bit longer lasting at the price point.

Seasonally, it’s mostly going to grab attention in the spring and summer months. Though, I don’t think that it’s stuck there. I might avoid the depths of winter, but more mild days and also in autumn is just fine.

It’s a well put together scent that can work as a daily wear, even if Overdose isn’t particularly formal. I do like it going about town and more casually in the daytime, versus being something I’d reach for in the evenings.

Overall Impressions of Uden Overdose

Overall, do I like Uden Overdose? I do like it. Though, I don’t think that it is anything special, especially at the Xerjoff price point. Also, even if it has a lighter and fresher blend, I don’t think it’s better than Uden. I’m glad that I bought the original instead.

It’s a good perfume. I like the ginger. The tobacco blossom is also interesting. The performance is good enough and it’s a very wearable scent.

There’s nothing particularly bad about this fragrance. Everything is fine to quite good, but that’s a problem for me, if I’m going to be buying a Xerjoff scent.

This is one that I would test out before buying, if you’re considering it. Make sure that it’s one you’re going to want to stick with for the long haul. Most people, can skip Uden Overdose, as it’s too much money for something of this sort.

L’Homme Ideal Platine Prive by Guerlain

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L’Homme Ideal Platine Prive was released by Guerlain in 2023, as a part of its long-running L’Homme Ideal line of fragrances. I was excited to try this fragrance out, as it was said to be very similar to Ideal Cologne. How does this one compare? What does Platine Prive smell like? Is it worth a try?

What does Ideal Platine Prive Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, grapefruit, almond, vetiver, musk, neroli

My Full Wear Review

So, Ideal Platine Prive is essentially a reworking/re-release of Ideal Cologne, that Guerlain discontinued years ago. It was actually my favorite of the series and I was excited to get ahold of this one.

The only difference are the orange and pink pepper seem to have been eliminated. Neither of which were all that prominent in the Cologne version.

The opening starts off with a blast of the grapefruit and bergamot. They’re almost equally weighted, maybe a slight edge to the grapefruit on my skin.

Those notes are juicy, but they play off a dryness in this fragrance, from the vetiver mainly. The neroli is the third most noticeable note behind the two citrus fruits. A bit of spice, which contrasts with the almond bitterness and creaminess which is already popping through.

It’s fresh, spicy, cold, dry, and a tad green in the early stages.

The initial wave of citrus will quiet down and Platine Prive really starts to go into its almond and vetiver heavy phase. The neroli and mostly the bergamot hang around too. Creamy, clean, and that bitter touch of neroli stands out more with the almond note.

From here, it really feels like Ideal Cologne. Maybe a bit smoother than the original. Though, any differences I’m picking up on, are all based on my memory of the older release.

Fresh, with some zest, like a cool drink. Still, this Guerlain does have that underlying dryness to it. Almond and citrus/musk with vetiver is the dry down. The vetiver will settle and share a lot of its duties with the musk note.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage is somewhat above average, but it’s not a heavy scent nor a massive projector. It’ll give you a scent trail for a few hours with normal sprays, but then, it’ll sit closer to the skin. It’s definitely still around and you’ll catch whiffs of it throughout the day.

Platine Prive can hit 8 hours or a bit more of wear on skin. More than likely it will fall in the 7-8 hour range. That’s what I’ve mostly been getting out of this cologne.

Seasonally, this is one for spring and summertime. It’s actually really great to wear outside on a mildly warm day. It’s not super powerful, but Ideal Platine Prive does hang around in the air surrounding you well enough to be enjoyed on a stroll.

I wore this to the park a few times and got a pleasant little scent bubble for myself. I could wear this almost anywhere during the spring and summer months. It’s pleasant, likeable, and isn’t going to offend.

Not crazy formal or a nightclub beast, but I’d wear it out at night, depending on the location. Platine Prive can certainly fit in a wide variety of places.

Overall Impressions of Ideal Platine Prive

Overall, do I like L’Homme Ideal Platine Prive? Yes, of course. I think it’s great. I’m glad that Guerlain basically put a very slight remix on my favorite of the Ideal line, that had been gone for so long.

The citrus and almond with vetiver and musk isn’t too complex, but it is a wonderful scent. The almond isn’t overpowering, quite balanced between bitter and creamy.

The performance is solid for this sort of spring and summer scent. If you liked the original Cologne version, you’ll certainly like this one too.

That being said, it isn’t available outside of Guerlain (at least in the US). I had to buy a decant of this Guerlain off of eBay, just to test it out. So, don’t expect to find it widely available at department stores, like some of the other Ideal releases.

It is worth getting, if you can. Personally, I’m not planning on getting a bottle as I have plenty of summer scents, including the somewhat similar Dior Homme Cologne that I recently bought.

If that weren’t the case, I’d be getting myself a bottle of Ideal Platine Prive.

Guilty Elixir de Parfum Pour Homme by Gucci

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Guilty Elixir Pour Homme was released by the brand in 2023. I picked up samples of it late last year to test it out and see if it lived up to its early hype. It sort of took the line in a new direction versus what you get with others in the series.

How does Elixir smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Guilty Elixir Pour Homme Smell Like?

Notes include: vanilla, orange blossom, nutmeg, ambrofix, pimento seeds, orris butter, benzoin, patchouli, osmanthus

Click here to try: Guilty Elixir

My Full Review

The opening of this Guilty fragrance is spicy, warm, balsamic, with the iris and vanilla notes already making themselves known. Interestingly, on my skin at least, the benzoin note really comes up from the base at this stage.

I’m actually reminded a bit of Body Kouros by YSL in the undertones of Elixir, at this early stage.

The spices here are nutmeg, and for me, the more prominent pimento. Same sort of spice found in K by D&G and Xeryus Rouge.

After this initial burst, it does become more floral. I was expecting to get more of the orange blossom note before the iris came fully into play.

Actually, the osmanthus comes through more for me. It’s much less of the fruity smelling type, actually it gives a suede/leather scent to Guilty Elixir.

The spice tones down, this Gucci cologne is fully in its floral, powdery, vanilla phase. Less warm, smooth, fresh, with a touch of fuzziness. Here’s where I do pick up some more of the orange blossom, since the nutmeg and pimento have toned down.

Guilty Elixir isn’t fully a ‘baby powder’ type of fragrance. Orris butter, vanilla, and orange blossom do lend a creaminess here and this cologne does have more of a sweetness to it for a good portion of the wear.

The dry down is pretty simple. Orris, vanilla, the ‘Ambrofix’ amber note, some leftover benzoin and patchouli. Mainly, it’s the vanilla and ambrofix.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This isn’t a heavy fragrance, it’s substantial, while having a definite light feeling to it. Guilty Elixir, does however, project quite far and creates a great scent bubble around you.

Not a massive reach, but well above average with just how far it will jump off of the skin. With a normal amount of spraying, I don’t think this Gucci disappoints.

Elixir performs well in terms of its longevity. I get somewhere in the 8-9.5 hour range, each time that I’ve sprayed in on.

It might be capable of more than that for some people, but it’s not elite status. Still better than others in the series, though.

Seasonally, I’d say this one can go autumn to pretty deep into springtime (depending on where you live). It’s not a scent for the hot weather, but Elixir can hold up on a reasonably warm day. Though, I’d mostly wear it when it’s chilly to moderate outside.

It’s very versatile outside of that. Not really a nightclub beast or necessarily one for romantic wear and not completely formal. But, as a daily wear and just about any other situation Guilty Elixir Pour Homme can fit in.

Overall Impressions of Guilty Elixir

Overall, do I like it? Sure, it’s different from the rest of the Guilty Pour Homme series, but it also doesn’t strike me as incredible. Likeable, for me. Other people might love this, especially if you are a fan of scents like Reflection.

I came back to this one after having the sample for a few months and forgetting about it. I’m a bit more positive on it than the first time, but I still don’t think it’s incredible. The opening act is my favorite part and the rest of it isn’t too exciting to my nose.

There’s no inherent weaknesses with Elixir. Performance is good across the board, its pleasant, and one that you can get plenty of use out of.

Since this is a higher price point than others in the Guilty series, I would try to test it out, to see if this one actually appeals to you.

The softer floral, powdery, vanilla scent isn’t going to be for everyone. This one is actually pretty unisex and if you want something more masculine, look elsewhere.

Absolu Aventus by Creed

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Absolu Aventus is a limited edition of the best selling name by Creed, which was released in 2023. As of now, the brand really limited the number of bottles that came out, and I’m not sure what the status will be for the future.

I did however, purchase a sample for quite a bit of money, in order to test it out and see how it actually smells, performs, and if it’s worth trying to get a hold of.

What does Absolu Aventus Smell Like?

Notes include: citron, bergamot, blackcurrant, vetiver, grapefruit, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, pink pepper, patchouli

Click here to try: Absolu Aventus

My Full Review

The differences between Absolu and the original Aventus will be quite apparent in the opening act. The pineapple and birch are noticeably missing.

Absolu Aventus is a smoother blend in comparison with bergamot still in the lead spot, but flanked with citron, grapefruit, and the same blackcurrant. It does still have a somewhat sharp bite to it, but it doesn’t hit in the same way.

This to me, is a welcome change of pace, as the opening has always been my least favorite aspect of Aventus.

The spices here are mainly the cinnamon and cardamom notes. Ginger is present, but never becomes a major factor in the mix for me.

Vetiver was the biggest shock to me early. I wasn’t expecting it to come through as much as it did. I actually get more of it than I ever do from the ginger. Between this and the patchouli, you’re going to get some earthiness wafting up from the base.

Nothing crazy, but enough freshness and woodsy/grassy aroma to make up for some of what is missing from the original. Somewhat smoky, but really not to the same extent at all.

Basically, this one is citrus, spice (cinnamon and an emergent pink pepper), and the vetiver/patchouli mix in the base. Clean and pleasant. Unique enough from the original Aventus, but doesn’t stray too far away.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

During my initial wear, I was quite pleased with this because it had the same bold opening as Aventus. Plenty of projection and it definitely had scent trail potential, albeit in with a less heavy feeling than its predecessor.

But, after only a few hours into it, Absolu Aventus became a skin scent. I tried it multiple times with the same result. Disappointing.

For me, this Creed lasts the same length of time as Aventus. I get 8-9 hours out of it. Again, not to the same strength, and 4-5 of those hours, Absolu is going to be hovering just off of the skin. Nothing much more than that.

Seasonally, I think that Absolu is at its best in the autumn through spring. With the deeper use of citrus, I thought it might be summer coming into testing. Nope. This fragrance is surprisingly great when it’s cool and crisp outside.

As far as when you can where it, just think any time that you wear the original. It retains that super versatile and signature scent aspect.

Overall Impressions of Absolu Aventus

Overall, do I like Absolu Aventus? Yes, it’s very much like the original Aventus, only with some changes at the edges to make this fragrance somewhat distinct.

I do enjoy those additions. The cinnamon might be my favorite part of this newer formula. The citron in this citrus heavy mix is also pleasant. In terms of how it smells, Absolu is a nice release.

My main issues with it are the performance and the price tag for what it is. Over $500 per bottle. I can explain away the latter as it being as limited edition or something for collectors.

Fine. I’m not in the market for an Aventus fragrance, so, it doesn’t really concern me. Definitely feels like a cash grab, though.

The nosedive that it seems to do after a few hours, with how it projects is my main gripe. It feels like it’s going to be an equal to the original and then it just turns into a skin scent for me.

With all of that in mind, I don’t think this is going to be worth tracking down for most people. If you love Aventus, sure you might want a different take on it. For the rest of you, you might want to go with a different Creed cologne or just pick up one of the other Aventus scents.

There’s nothing here that’s way different, just a bit of an alternative take on the popular smell of Creed Aventus.