Cologne Reviews

Boss Bottled Tonic by Hugo Boss

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I have gone through a ton of different Hugo Boss fragrances on this site. Some surprised me as to how much I enjoyed wearing a particular fragrance, while others I couldn’t understand what the appeal of it actually was.

Today’s review is going to deal with the flanker fragrance to a Hugo Boss cologne that I actually enjoyed, and that flanker’s name is Boss Bottled Tonic.

How does this one smell? Perform? When should it be worn? Is it worth a buy? Please continue below for my full take on Tonic.

What does Boss Bottled Tonic Smell Like?

Notes include: citrus, apple, cinnamon, ginger, and woodsy notes

Click here to try: Hugo Boss BOTTLED TONIC Eau de Toilette, 3.3 Fl Oz

My Full Wear Review

Boss Bottled Tonic opens with a crisp and watery blend of apple and orange. It strikes me as quite cold, like iced club soda with citrus squeezed into it.

That’s actually a really nice change of pace. Many others that go this route, try to make it some sort of gin and tonic aroma. This Boss scent doesn’t go the alcoholic path.

It’s a light fragrance and one with a bit of spice to it. The ginger note is the main player but there is also the cinnamon found in the original Boss Bottled.

As it moves along, it becomes more woodsy. The ginger tonic water is still there but the citrus and apple notes have begun to recede at this point.

After this point, the fragrance really stops developing, as far as I can tell and is wholly linear. What your left with is a splash with ginger, light woods, and the remains of the opening fruit notes.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Boss Bottled Tonic is super light. Upon first application, it is fairly moderate, but that ends in short order. So, yeah, the sillage of this one isn’t great. It’s not going to leave a huge scent trail or even create much of a bubble for yourself to enjoy.

The longevity on my skin was kind of meh. I put a lot of it on my wrists and the scent was still gone in 4-5 hours. That seems to be the max. But, that super long type of wear is not really what this kind of cologne is designed for.

So, coming into purchasing this, you’ll have to expect a short-lived refresher kind of cologne. Much more limited in its use case versus others.

Seasonally, Boss Bottled Tonic is spring and summer. Built for casual wear or something low key for office settings. It’s not a club beast and while clean, isn’t what you’d call sexy. It could be worn subtly, to decent effect.

This fragrance is just something to spray on before the gym or when you want a quick refresher. It isn’t really strong enough, at least on me, to be very much more than that.

Though, within that framework in the summer, it does have a certain appeal to it.

Overall Impressions of Boss Bottled Tonic

Overall, do I like Boss Bottled Tonic. I like aspects of it, but would rather wear the original Boss Bottled. The overall composition never really grabs my attention and I can’t really see myself ever wanting to wear this, even if I had a full bottle available.

It’s nice, but it doesn’t really seem to serve any real purpose for me. Everything about it just screams average.

I enjoy the ginger note and the cool aroma it brings on a warm day. Other than that, the scent is entirely forgettable to me.

The ginger with the opening citrus and apple is my favorite part, I’d say. After that, it’s nothing that exciting.

If you can get this cheap, really love the Boss Bottled series, or are looking for a short-lived summertime freshie…maybe this will be one to consider. If you want a daily wear fragrance, this isn’t going to be it.

Polo Blue Parfum by Ralph Lauren

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Polo Blue Parfum is one that I had encountered once last year in 2022, when it was released. This year, I finally got a sample, in order to test out this latest incarnation of the Blue formula. I had pretty much forgotten what it was like, so, this was almost like a new experience for me. What does it smell like? Does Polo Blue last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Polo Blue Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: mandarin, cardamom, pink pepper, clary sage, vetiver, lavender, jasmine, oak, olibanum, patchouli

Click here to try: Polo Blue Parfum

My Full Review

Here’s how Ralph Lauren describes it:  (Polo Blue Parfum) is an enveloping and seductive fragrance that adds a new intensity of rich sensuality to the iconic fragrance collection.

Blue Parfum starts off with its top notes different from the usual Polo Blue formula, but I can tell that this is a Polo Blue fragrance. It’s just using some different notes.

Actually, one thing I noticed is how this also resembles an Acqua di Gio scent. For me, it comes across as a spicier and less marine version of AdG eau de parfum. Also, lacks the metallic note of the Armani.

These two colognes do have a lot of overlap: mandarin, vetiver, patchouli, clary sage, and lavender.

So, Blue Parfum is like a Polo Blue (maybe closer to EDP) and Acqua di Gio EDP.

Anyway, Parfum starts off with its mandarin note, being quite apparent. Not as standalone powerful, as in AdG, but its there and noticeable. For me, I get clary sage, with the pink pepper and cardamom not overwhelming me with their intensity.

Yes, this is spicy and fresh, but it’s totally balanced with that citrus note.

The next phase comes in, with more of the vetiver and lavender. It’s smoother, less spicy, and the mandarin takes a back seat. The fruit, will stick around just not to the same extent.

Woodsy, clean, aromatic, with some earthy smokiness popping through. No worries though, this isn’t going to go completely ‘dirty’, sticking close to a mainstream wearable fougere fragrance.

As I get further into the dry down, it’s really woodsy. Oak, vetiver, patchouli, sage, and the rest all working in a balanced harmony with one another. Nothing too complex here, but clean and fresh and easy to wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one is none too heavy, but has a decent projection radius of 6-7 feet, in the early part of the wear. That will come in towards you, to become a more intimate fragrance shortly thereafter.

However, it’s certainly not weak and can hang in the air quite nicely.

On my skin, it’ll go 6-7.5 hours. The others in the series tend to be in the 5-7 hour range, but this gives me about an hour more, on the whole. Though, it seems to have made it to at least six hours each time that I tested Parfum out.

Blue Parfum is of course a very wearable fragrance for most of the year. It works well in warm weather, is decent on the hotter days as well. It’s one that is designed to be an easy to grab daily wear and it fits the bill.

It’s suitable for all ages. Can be worn to work, school, etc. Not a club beast or one of the ‘sexiest’ colognes out there, just smells nice and has a good balance.

Overall Impressions of Blue Parfum

Overall, do I like Blue Parfum? It’s pretty good. After testing this one for a while, I think I enjoy others in the series like EDT, EDP, and Deep Blue more than this.

Parfum certainly has its moments of being enjoyable. I like how they changed up the usual formula, while still managing to keep it a recognizable Polo Blue scent. Again, I don’t believe it to be better, but it certainly can compete with others in the series.

You get a woodsy rather than citrus and woody finish. More nuance than the EDT, depth, and a change in the notes. So, it has that going for it, if you happen to dig this style versus what you get with the others.

It’s still not completely unique, what with the overlaps between the other Blues and Acqua di Gio.

The one drawback is the price. This one is expensive for retail, especially considering that it might not be better (or that much better, depending on you tastes) versus others in the series.

I’d almost certainly go with an AdG or Chanel scent, if the choice was between them and Parfum, at this price point. With a good discount? Sure, this isn’t a bad selection.

Ralph’s Club Parfum by Ralph Lauren

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Ralph’s Club has been a good success for Ralph Lauren. They followed up the original with today’s review entry, released in 2022, Ralph’s Club Parfum. I got a sample of this a long while ago, but finally got around to being able to test it out. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Ralph’s Club Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: lavender, apple, grapefruit, clary sage, geranium, orange blossom, vetiver, cedar, patchouli, cashmeran 

Click here to try: Ralph’s Club Parfum

My Full Review

Here’s how Ralph Lauren describes it: This authentically masculine scent evokes a rich and sensual fragrance experience. Discover the power of Ralph’s Club Parfum; the greatest night of your life captured in a fragrance.

Parfum opens up somewhat different from the EDP version. There’s more going on here, it’s less greenish, and the sage isn’t as potent.

Apple and grapefruit give Parfum a fruitiness that the original lacks. It’s mainly going to be the apple note, similar to Y EDP by YSL, but not nearly as sweet as that cologne.

The original Ralph’s Club had that same kind of ‘blue-ish’ aroma, but here it is more focused and apparent. Still with the sage and lavender coming through, but balanced with the fruit notes and a fresh geranium.

The apple does have the upper hand, even within that balanced presentation. Though, that lasts for about 15-20 minutes, and Ralph’s Club Parfum will become more floral and woody.

Lavender is still the strongest floral note in this version, but you do get a nice support of orange blossom during the first hour or so. It’s does remain sweeter than EDP throughout, while also not having the same powdery/soapy aspects that I got with that one.

The late middle and dry down periods have some smokiness and earthy parts. Patchouli and vetiver are very present, not overwhelming, but I think that it plays well off of the woods, sweetness, and aromatic freshness.

Towards the end, it’s a sweet smell with cedar, patchouli, and the remaining lavender. On me, I can’t really distinguish anything beyond that.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one actually projects very well and is a steady performer without a steep drop-off. Not a heavy fragrance that is going to bog down on you, but it hangs in the air with a solid radius projecting off of the skin.

It’s one of the better releases in this regard, from Ralph Lauren in the last handful of years or so.

On my skin, I get in the 8-9 hour range before it finally disappears completely. It’s not a massive beast or elite performer. But, it’ll give you what you need for most purposes, and a full work day.

Seasonally, this is about as close to a year round wear, as you can usually expect. I’d probably still go with something else on the hottest days or in the absolute depths of winter. Outside of then, you’re golden.

It also fits in pretty much any time that you need to wear it. More of a daily wear, that can be professional, while not coming across as stuffy or formal.

For formal situations, you may want an alternative. Same goes for a nightlife wear, if you need a club beast. This fragrance isn’t like that. Parfum is an easy reach, that is nearly a jack of all trades.

Overall Impressions of Ralph’s Club Parfum

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Yes, it’s quite nice. I liked the EDP, but I think Parfum is a bit better than that. Very much worth checking out, as it can be a signature cologne, or at least one that you can wear pretty much whenever.

I like the apple note in the opening. It gives off that sweet and fairly ‘blue’ aroma like Y EDP, but it’s not nearly as sweet and in your face about it. Parfum has a better balance in comparison.

It’s clean and has an updated formula to a classic cologne style. I do like the depth that Ralph’ Club Parum has. The smokiness, earthy, woods, and fruits…gives you plenty to enjoy.

The performance is also a selling point. Parfum doesn’t quit early and isn’t weak. There’s really nothing that this fragrance doesn’t do well.

To me, it’s not an amazing release, but it’s something that I can definitely like wear and recommend giving a try. Good all around and one that can cover a lot of bases.

Velvet Incenso by Dolce & Gabbana

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Velvet Incenso is one of the entries from the ‘Velvet’ line of fragrances by D&G. This one was released back in 2018. I received a sample of it, with another batch order of other samples and testers, some months ago. But, I have been testing out this perfume to see what it’s all about. How does it smell? Perform? Is it worth a try?

What does Velvet Incenso Smell Like?

Notes include: elemi, black pepper, labdanum, incense, benzoin, amberwood, vanilla, patchouli, cashmere wood

Click here to try: Velvet Incenso

My Full Review

Velvet Incenso starts off with a kick of black pepper, smoke, and its resinous notes. Early, it’s elemi and balsam representing that aspect.

The incense is going to be a factor throughout. However, I’ve never found this perfume to be super smoky. Yes, it’s there, just not a heavy burning aroma.

That mix of balsamic, fresh and warmer spice is exactly what you’d expect out of a fragrance like this. You will also get a sweetness, which becomes more apparent as Velvet Incenso smoothens out.

The black pepper will begin to fade. In it’s place, vanilla will really peak through. Along with the amber and labdanum. Dry and warm, less of an intense punch like the early stages.

The amber, labdanum, benzoin, and elemi notes can be tough to distinguish at times from one another. Though, I do feel like each gets at least a little time in the spotlight, before they each recede back into the amber/resin/balsamic mass of notes.

As we dry down further, the becomes more about the incense. Incense embraced by a warm amber, some vanilla, and cashmere wood. It’s still got it’s smokiness, just without the spice of the pepper and some of the other notes.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one opens up strong, not insanely heavy ever, but the spice and smoke to hang around in the air well. I imagine with a full bottle, having the sprayer would help immensely.

Still, even with the sample this one projects well for that first hour. Then, it will turn moderate as we enter the middle act. Incenso does hold up well, however, never completely falling off in its performance. Just a steady decline.

With the longevity, Incenso lasted between 7-8.5 hours on my skin, each time that I wore it. It’s good, but never hit the double digit mark for me. I don’t think that’d be a problem for most people, however.

The versatility has its strong positives and some weaker points. Velvet Incenso is a true unisex fragrance. Anyone can wear this without issue.

It does have a better profile for colder weather. Yes, moderate climates work well, also. I wore it outside on a fairly mild evening and I thought that this perfume was lovely in those conditions.

When can it be worn? Well, that’s going to depend on when you want to smell like amber and incense. Probably not going to be a daily wear for most people. Not super formal or sexy, either.

Overall Impressions of Velvet Incenso

Overall, do I like Velvet Incenso. I do. It’s a niche fragrance for those who love the incense note, but still very approachable for everyone else.

I will say, that I do kind of prefer Encens Satin, to this one. The performance of that Armani is also better, even if Velvet is no slouch.

This one is very good, though. It’s got a nice balance between different notes and aspects. You get your warmth, spice, sweetness, smoke, etc. It all comes in different phases and is pleasant to wear throughout.

The performance is good. Not ever reaching elite levels for me, but you’ll know that its there and it can last a full workday.

I’d say that Velvet Incenso is worth trying. The price is high, so, I’d definitely recommend tracking down a sample before committing to a full purchase. But, I don’t think you’d be disappointed, if you’re in the market for this sort of perfume.

Luna Rossa Ocean EDP by Prada

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The Luna Rossa series from Prada continues with the recent additions of the Ocean flankers of this line. For 2023, the brand released Ocean Eau de Parfum, a follow-up to the fairly popular EDT entry. I recently purchased a travel sprayer size of this fragrance to test out. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it better than the original?

What does Luna Rossa Ocean Eau de Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: grapefruit, wood, incense, vanilla bean accord, amber extreme

Click here to try: Ocean EDP

My Full Review

Here’s how Prada describes it: Luna Rossa Ocean Eau de Parfum combines intense sophistication and sensuality through pioneering technology and nature’s finest ingredients. Opening with an invigorating burst of grapefruit essence, contrasted with the woody vibrancy of incense and a rich Vanilla Bean accord.

The opening of Ocean EDP gave me high hopes that this version would take the highs of the original and flesh things out more. It opens up somewhat like that initial release.

However, we get a grapefruit note to start things off, as our citrus ingredient. Not the same as the original, still, there is a closely related blue-ish sort of aroma here.

Not as sweet, lacking the caramel and suede influence, but I like the way it kicks things off. Still smooth and a bit powdery. Tonka bean and iris aren’t listed as notes officially, but there’s enough of that Ocean EDT influence to make me believe those notes are present.

But, that opening is short-lived, after a few minutes it really shifts into a slightly smoky vanilla and amber fragrance.

Initially, this will be a sweet, smoky, and spicy blend with some woody freshness. The spice will fall first, then the smoke, and you’re left with what this one is really all about.

That being, an amber and vanilla blend with woods and a general sweetness about it. Warm and it gets smoother as you go deeper into the dry down.

There does seem to be a phase where Luna Rossa Ocean EDP is sort of screechy with its sweet/amber mix, but seems to resolve itself.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The ability to project and leave a scent trail, in your wake, is pretty much the same as with the original EDT. Now, that first initial 20-30 minutes might be a tad stronger, and the first hour might be a bit more steady. Outside of that, not much of a difference.

Though, EDP does have a slightly heavier feeling due to the amber extreme and vanilla notes, versus the iris dry down of the EDT.

The longevity here is also about the same. On my skin, it sticks around for 5-6 hours of total wear. Like its predecessor, Ocean Eau de Parfum isn’t a great performer. It’s about average and nothing more.

I tried again and again, in different conditions with this one, and still only hit around that six hour mark.

This one is still very versatile with its use cases. I’d say, it’s not as good as the original in warmer weather. I like this more in the chilly temperatures or something more temperate.

It’s good for daily wear, casual situations, or going out at night. Ocean EDP doesn’t strike me as being all that formal, but it’s fine pretty much anywhere else.

Overall Impressions of Ocean EDP

Overall, do I like Luna Rossa Ocean Eau de Parfum? I do to some extent. I’m not enthralled by it, it smells fine, and I don’t want a full bottle.

The Ocean lineup thus far is annoying with its performance woes. Plus, I’m tired of getting lured in by that opening act, just to be unimpressed by the rest of it.

Seriously, every time that I’ve worn this or the EDT, I enjoy how they start and think I may want to wear it more often. Then, the back half comes in and it’s completely middling.

I also think the ‘oceanic’ theme could have been done differently with these to make the name fit. Though, the EDT’s blue-ish opening is better suited to that name.

The amber and vanilla thing has been done a million times before…and much better. Coach Platinum, Invictus Victory, probably some of the Armani Code’s are all sort of like Ocean EDP’s dry down. Luna Rossa Black has a similar style, but way better.

It’s fine, a nice enough fragrance, that is overpriced at retail level. With a substantial discount, I wouldn’t be opposed. But, I do think this is one of the weaker Luna Rossa scents, that Prada has put out.