Cologne Reviews

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.

Explorer for Men by Mont Blanc

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Explorer by Mont Blanc quickly became one of the brand’s most popular fragrances, after its release in 2019. It drew many comparisons to the legendary Creed Aventus, which only heightened its appeal. In this post, I want to share my thoughts on Explorer after having tested it out for a while now. How does it smell? How long does it last? Is it really worth a try?

What does Explorer Smell Like?

Notes include: sage, bergamot, pink pepper, cocoa, vetiver, ambroxan, leather

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Explorer Eau de Parfum, 3.3 fl. oz.

My Full Wear Review

The opening act of Explorer is where the overlap with Aventus is going to be the most noticeable. Do the two smell alike? Yes, but let’s get the differences out of the way, and focus on Explorer in this post.

That pineapple note from Aventus is absent. Along with, the birch wood. Explorer isn’t nearly as sharp, deep, or smoky as the Creed fragrance. Also, no vanilla undertones. But, as a woody citrus cologne? Quite similar in terms of aroma.

Explorer starts off with its bergamot citrus note and it’s fresh spices. I mainly get the sage, but there is also a prominent pink pepper.

Underneath this, sits leather, ambroxan, wood, and vetiver. It comes across as bright and fresh with the a level of smoothness. 

To me, the leather and cacao notes in the base, also give Explorer a resemblance to Dolce & Gabbana Pour Homme. The D&G has tonka bean and tobacco, instead, but shares the citrus, sage, and it also has a pepper note.

It’s not too complex. The final dry down has less of the citrus and pepper and more woods and a somewhat chocolatey finish from the cacao note. Definitely doesn’t have the same depth or development as Aventus.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Is this one a beast with its projection? Nope. I’d say that Explorer is above average and quite good for the first few hours, but pretty much decent thereafter. It can probably project 5-7 feet at first, before working its way back in, and being much closer to the skin.

The longevity was also solid during testing. 6-8 hours, on my skin usually. Most of the time, it would hit the 7-8 hour mark, but never seemed to go beyond that. Not bad, just not an elite wear.

Update: Yep, 6-8 hours, is all that Explorer was ever capable of for me. Frankly, it’s not really a problem for most use cases.

Seasonally, I would like to wear this in moderate to warmer temperatures. Not too cold, above freezing, as it can come across as pretty sharp when I wore it outside here in winter.

Really, I stay away from the extremes at either end with Explorer. But, you will have plenty of opportunity to wear it in most climates.

It can be worn casually, on dates, at work, or anywhere really. Explorer is a very versatile fragrance, that enjoys a mass appeal. Younger guys or grown men can wear this Montblanc without issue.

Overall Impressions of Explorer

Do I like this cologne? I do. If you want a cheaper version of Aventus (update: better yet, here’s a list of similar scents ‘inspired by’ the Creed. There are others that smell much more like Aventus than Explorer, if that’s what you want), this is going to be a great bet for you. Not 100% overlap, as I stated, but it strikes close enough.

I do like the opening of Explorer better. The pineapple and birch always got on my nerves in the Creed fragrance. Explorer is smooth, fresh, and has plenty of style.  

Again, it does also have some of that D&G Pour Homme style, as well. Part Aventus, part D&G, and part its own thing.

Update: I went through my mini bottle of this, after I initially posted this review. The cocoa, leather, and ambroxan really do set this apart from Aventus more and more. I did enjoy wearing this a lot sometimes, but other times it was less inspiring. Explorer is one that I need to be in the mood to enjoy.

That being said, this is still a fragrance that is worth picking up, even at full retail (if that’s your only option).

It won’t be the most unique scent out there. However, the versatility and the aroma can easily make this one a daily wear for the right guy. Not the best fragrance out there, but a super easy to wear cologne, that’ll cover a lot of bases.

Himalaya by Creed

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Creed is a highly respected and world-renown fragrance designer. Personally, I like a lot of what they do and Millesime Imperial is one of my favorites for the summer months. However, I am not wild about all of this brand’s fragrances.

For instance, Himalaya wasn’t one that I was too enthusiastic about when I first tried it, many years ago and reviewed it for the site. Now, I am coming back to this page, trying it again to see if my opinion has changed. How does Himalaya smell? Is it any better this time around?

What does Creed Himalaya Smell Like?

creed himalaya

Notes include: sandalwood, musk, bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, mandarin, pepper, nutmeg, vetiver, tonka bean

My Full Wear Review

Just to be upfront from the start, I don’t like this scent at all. Some guys might, however, I think it’s quite poor. The opening is a bitter citric accord  (grapefruit, lemon, bergamot) mixed with sandalwood and ambergris.

I’ve tried this one multiple times, over the years, and still really don’t enjoy the opening act. Which is strange, because I usually love citrus. It must be the inclusion of musk and ambergris notes, which is bothering me. The musk, is particularly noticeable.

Update: I don’t hate the opening anymore, not pleasing to me, but it’s okay.

I had a hard time deciphering this scent, until I read the ingredients, and got a better sense of what I was smelling. There is this strange aroma of soft and bitter citrus with this almost metallic scent that hangs around.

Update: Once that grapefruit wears off, I get a brighter lemon note, with some of the nutmeg/pepper peaking through early. The musk feels substantial and it’s giving the citrus accord a very clean feeling.

While there are plenty of scents who’s opening I do not care that much for (see: Creed Aventus), these colognes tend to settle down into something more palatable or beautiful. Himalaya never does, in my opinion.

It’s a clean fragrance with soapy qualities to it but it really isn’t pleasant to me nor is it interesting. The woodsy and musk notes do emerge more in the dry down, though, it never quite takes off into something special.

Sandalwood with a dash of pepper, join the citrus top notes about 20-30 minutes in, and then really take over. I think the middle of the wear, is the best part, and still not too impressive. Yes, its clean and soapy, and the sandalwood note is very good.

The pepper and a slight nutmeg, give Himalaya a bit of a spice, for a period of time. However, that Creed ambergris and musk come in, and take the dry down a notch below of what it achieved in the middle.

Update: Nowadays, it strikes me as an old school cold/fresh/clean sort of scent. The sandalwood and musk give it the clean sort of barbershop vibe, but it never fully goes in that direction (at least by the more shaving cream lavender cologne standards).

Still has that soapiness and some spice among the wood and musk. The citrus hangs around, but I’m still definitely not in love with the top notes here and how they integrate in the composition.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

It’s sillage and longevity are both moderate to very good in my opinion. That is one bright spot, however, if you actually enjoy the scent itself, then I suppose that this would be a selling point for you.

I can get around 7-8 hours from this fragrance. While the sillage isn’t super powerful, it is quite noticeable, especially during the first 2-3 hours of the wear.

In terms of its versatility, Himalaya is best in the springtime and it can venture into the summer months, as well. For me, it felt too sharp wearing around in the cold of winter. I mean, it wasn’t terrible but it stood out too much.

This can be worn casually, at work, or more formal occasions. It is a well put together scent, like most of the other releases from this designer.

Overall Impressions of Himalaya

Overall, I cannot personally recommend this scent. It’s not completely offensive to me like something such as Oud Noir or Issey Nuit but it just isn’t a great cologne. Especially, at the price point Himalaya is sold at, I expect something better.

I know that I could buy 3 bottles of cheaper colognes, and make out much better, in the deal. In the end, it strikes me as a sandalwood/musk soapy, with a bitter semi-metallic opening act.

Creed has much better options than this, but some people still dig Himalaya. I’m just not one of them.

Update: I’m still not a massive fan, but I have come to enjoy this Creed a bit more. I don’t want a full bottle and it’s still one of their ‘mid-tier’ offerings, to me. The citrus is meh. The rest of it past the opening 30 minutes or so is fairly enjoyable.

Nothing amazing, a classic clean cologne with some soapy vibes. It’s worth checking out, as others will appreciate this style much more than me. Too expensive for what you’re getting in return, unless you really love it.