Cologne Reviews

Shalimar EDP by Guerlain

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Shalimar is another utter classic. I haven’t tried this in years, but decided to grab some of the EDP, while testing out a few others in the series. Its legendary status dates back to 1925 and is among the ranks of Chanel No. 5 in terms of its mythos. But, this is a wholly different fragrance. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it actually worth a try?

Shalimar EDP Overview

Notes include: bergamot, iris, vanilla, jasmine, rose, balsam, tonka bean, cedar, incense, leather

Click here to try: Shalimar EDP

My Full Review

Here’s how Guerlain describes it: The epic love story between Shah Jahan and Princess Mumtaz Mahal inspired Guerlain’s legendary Shalimar. Warm vanilla rounds out uplifting and refreshing citrus notes to make this sensual oriental perfume the fragrance of desire.

Shalimar starts off with the bergamot and other parts of the citrus accord, shining through. Bright, but not clear, a fuzzy impression. I get plenty of the incense type of smokiness early on and even the leathery aroma coming from the base. Very much the “Guerlinade”  out in full force.

Smooth, warm, with spicy facets (good amount upon the initial spray), and the emerging powdery smell of the iris and vanilla combination. This EDP is much less floral than the more straightforward EDT version, as this one has much more complexity going on.

The next phase becomes woodier and balsamic (somewhat of the animalistic sort of scent, mimicking the old ‘civet’ which was in here once upon a time) on my skin. Less smoky, still smooth, and less of a citrus aspect also. Those notes still remain present, but you get more of the oriental styling that Shalimar is known for.

Shalimar turns less bright with the fading of the prominent citrus and darker with a heavier emphasis on the vanilla. It is interesting, the iris is still there, but can’t quite climb over the other notes here as it does in the EDT.

Vanilla and rich leather is the next part that comes across strongly on me. That’s most of what will dominate the rest of the way. It’s fresher, less smoky and of the civet sort of smell (which basically disappears for me), and kind of a cool sort of powdery scent.

Vanilla, floral, kind of musky and just that powdery vibe throughout.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

On me, Shalimar EDP is well above average with how it projects, the scent trail that it leaves behind, and just the scent bubble that it creates around me.

It’s never struck me as being massive and overwhelming. However, it is a strong perfume and doesn’t really need to be sprayed to any great extent in order to be effective.

The longevity here is somewhere in the 8.5-9.5 hour range, on my skin. Call it 9, with the potential to hit 10+ for some people. I haven’t gotten it to that point, but I’m sure some others will.

Seasonally, it’s going to be at its best from autumn through early spring. Despite the citrus influence, the other notes are going to be too heavy and cloying to carry on in the summertime. I do know that Guerlain has released Guerlain flankers better suited for summer, but I have yet to try them.

Shalimar has been the signature scent for plenty of women over the years. It can work in the daytime or even as a nighttime wear. But, this one feels more dependent on one’s own personal style as to when it’ll work.

It does have a sultry kind of sexiness and confidence. Yet, it is also well put together and classy. Get a sample and experiment with Shalimar to see when the mood strikes you.

Overall Impressions of Shalimar EDP

Overall, do I like Shalimar? Absolutely. Among women’s fragrances, I think that is ranks among my favorites ever. There’s so much here to enjoy about this Guerlain scent and it still holds up today.

Now of course, it might not have the same impact as it once did. In that, after 100 years, there have been plenty of perfumes that have tried to copy what you get with Shalimar. Some take bits and pieces, others go for the full thing. As such, you’ve probably smelled some similar scents. It’s impact has been immense.

I love the citrus, smoke, balsamic qualities, powder, the vanilla. It’s all a comforting and classic style, that never strikes me as being boring. Plenty of dynamism for such an old formula.

The performance also still holds up. Guerlain hasn’t seemed to dilute the life out of this fragrance, which is great news.

The eau de parfum still outranks the EDT version. I also like Shalimar Parfum Initial, just to a lesser extent, as well.

Is this better than Chanel No. 5? I do like Shalimar more than either No.5 Parfum or the EDP. That’s a different sort of scent, but I just think Shalimar smells better.

I recommend trying this fragrance out. See how it works with your own taste and style. It might not be at a price point, that you’d want to blind buy a full bottle, but it’s such a classic that Shalimar is well worth experiencing at least a few times.

Gentleman Society by Givenchy

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Gentleman Society is a new release from Givenchy for 2023. I wasn’t in too much of a rush to try yet another addition to the Gentleman line, since it can be pretty hit or miss for me. Anyway, I’ve been testing this one out for a full review on the site. How does Society smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Gentleman Society Smell Like?

Notes include: sage, cardamom, daffodil, vetiver, sandalwood, cedar, vanilla

Click here to try: Gentleman Society

My Full Review

Here’s how Givenchy describes it: A scent as a signature. A wild narcissus flower enhanced by a deep woody accord.

The first time that I tried Gentleman Society was in the Miami airport while waiting for my flight. I don’t think I liked it at all and simply found it annoying. But, I chalk that up to being annoyed by a delayed flight and having to then sit on a plane.

So, I bought a full sample when I got back home, to really give it a fair chance.

On my skin, this one opens up with more of the sage being loud than the cardamom spice. Now, that’ll flip and more of the cardamom show up, but early on I get a bunch of sage.

Not that this is super spicy or anything, as Society is actually pretty sweet up top, kind of nutty. Even the cardamom here, feels more like the kind found in Azzaro Wanted. Sweeter, maybe with a lighter tinge of a lemon-like aroma.

The sage is paired with the emergent vanilla note, that’ll play more of a role. Also, the daffodil, which has been gaining more traction in men’s fragrance as of late. H24 also used a narcissus flower to great effect.

What’s interesting is that Hermes cologne, also has a lot of sage and woody notes in the base. Society is a lot like this scent, but with cardamom and vanilla piled on and without the metallic aroma.

Back to Society, the sage note will pretty much burn off in that first 15-30 minutes on my skin. The cardamom and narcissus will come to the forefront, with the floral note really developing and adding that yellow sort of musky finish to this scent.

The further along we get, the drier this one feels. Vetiver and palo santo wood aren’t massive influences in the mix, but towards then end this definitely has a more striking woodiness than the floral aspects of the early stages.

It’s an woody and earthy cologne at the end, with a big hit of vanilla still sitting on top. I don’t get anymore of the cardamom, narcissus, or sage at this point. Just woodsy notes and vanilla.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Society starts off with a pretty high level of ability to project off of the skin and leave a scent trail. I wouldn’t call it elite, but it is well above average throughout the wear.

Obviously, it is going to moderate as you move along in the wear, but I never felt like it was a weak cologne while having it on.

The longevity is also good. I’d say it’s in the 8.5-9 hour range, on my skin. With heavier spraying and a full bottle, I might be able to hit the double digit hour mark. Either way, I wasn’t disappointed in the performance and this Givenchy gives you good value.

Seasonally, it strikes me as one for the cooler to more moderate temperatures. Autumn through early spring, in most places. I wore it in the daytime once, here in late spring when it was really warm out, and Society wasn’t too good.

So, keep it indoors or only when the heat isn’t blasting you outside.

Society comes across as a fragrance better suited for men in their 20s. Not completely juvenile, but its sweetish aroma, might not be mature enough for some guys.

This one can go daytime or night. It’d work great as a nightlife sort of scent. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it has enough power and appeal to grab some. Seems like one that women will like to smell on a man.

Overall Impressions of Gentleman Society

Overall, do I like this fragrance? It’s fine. I do like it much more than I did when trying it in the airport. It has some familiarity with other colognes out there, but it does separate itself ultimately and do its own thing.

The opening 30-45 minutes is my favorite part of the wear. Narcissus, sage, the nuttiness, sweetness, and cardamom. It has depth and nuance that is at least interesting, while not being the most amazing cologne ever.

After that, I’m less enthusiastic about it. Kind of boring, can feel too sweet, and just not anything that I truly enjoy.

One advantage that Gentleman Society does have, is its performance. This projects very well and will provide a full workday’s worth of wear at least before quitting. Some guys might even get a longer amount of time with Society than I do.

I think that this is a mainstream fragrance that is worth a try, especially for younger guys. It’s one that is going to be popular and probably get you some complements. Easy to wear, more of a crowd pleaser, that does everything well enough.

To me, it’s nothing spectacular, just a fragrance that smells pretty good and can deliver in the performance department.

California Dream by Louis Vuitton

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California Dream was one of the Louis Vuitton fragrances that I was looking forward to trying, since its release in 2020. Maybe it was the bottle or wondering what that name would actually smell like, but I was intrigued.

I came into trying this completely blind and didn’t know anything about the notes or style of this perfume. What does it smell like? How long does it last? Is California Dream worth a try? Note: I am updating this original review, years after the fact.

What does California Dream Smell Like?

Notes include: mandarin, ambrette, benzoin, musk

My Full Review

Here’s how Louis Vuitton describes this scent: Mandarin as passionate as a sunset. It’s the lengthening of a perfect day. Watching night fall. Drinking in colours. Standing before the horizon.

California Dream opens up with its juicy mandarin orange note on full display. There is also a bit of an orange peel smell in there too. It doesn’t have the sharp punch that the citrus of Sun Song had and is quite mellow and naturalistic. Retaining that clean sensibility and brightness.

California Dream is a citrus scent that is going to give you a zesty aroma with the mandarin. It’s not my favorite type of orange, but it works well enough in this Louis Vuitton offering, and actually is one of the better examples that I’ve come across.

There may be some other unlisted fruit or other citrus notes lightly in the mix too. Mostly, it’s that mandarin.

It’s smoother later on and rounded out by the addition of the musk note. Honestly, I don’t get much benzoin standing out in the mix in California Dream, until the end. The musk is pretty pronounced for much of it, though, it never is overwhelming.

Opening act of zesty fresh mandarin. Then, mandarin sitting on top of musk with some ambrette coming into play.

To me, it’s a citrus with musk and ambrette during most of the wear. Less juicy as it dries down and and just a finish of benzoin after a few hours. Musk with a slight powdery sweetness in the latter stage.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this isn’t a super powerful scent. It’ll project maybe 5-6 feet, at its zenith, before moving back closer to the skin. Not a powerhouse and really it shouldn’t be.

The opening with the mandarin can certainly grab some attention within that limited space, but it is one that is going to give you more of a personal scent bubble .

The longevity will go 6-6.5 hours, on my skin. Pretty average and not something that is going to stick around from morning until the evening.

When compared to some of the other Louis Vuitton summer scents, Dream isn’t too shabby with its performance. I never really expect this kind of citrus perfume to be a monster performer, but this one holds up fairly well.

Seasonally, this is another spring and summer release from the designer. Mostly, it strikes me as a hot weather in the summertime wear. Just going about my day, California Dream lightly surrounding me.

Quite safely unisex and one that can be worn casually or more semi-formal occasions during the day.

Though, it probably leans more toward the traditionally feminine and may not be what many guys are looking for. It’s also marketed as a woman’s perfume, so, just keep that in mind.

California Dream isn’t a sexy nighttime beast or a romantic kind of perfume. Pleasant and attractive. It seems familiar, but has its own unique scent versus many others of this style.

Overall Impressions of California Dream

Do I like this fragrance? Sort of. It’s pretty good in totality and I really like the opening mandarin orange. However, it doesn’t wow me, once it dries down. The musk is good, but do I need to pay $265 for a fresh musky citrus perfume?

It is unique and fairly attractive, but the performance is also completely middle of the road. Outside of a collector or someone wealthy, I’m not sure how many people this would appeal enough to. If this price range is a reach for you, I don’t really think you’re getting your money’s worth.

California Dream comes across to me, as being ‘just fine’. It has its moments and charm, but ultimately doesn’t bring enough to the table to be a must have scent. I think Afternoon Swim and Cactus Garden are better summertime options from Louis Vuitton.

Unless this formulation just happens to speak to you, California Dream isn’t a must have. It’s in the same camp for me as On the Beach, fine, just nothing too amazing.

I do enjoy the cleanliness and overall vibe of it, but for the price there are plenty of better options. Particularly, if you want a summertime citrus and musk. You can pick up 2-4 options for the same price, that covers the same ground and more.

On the Beach by Louis Vuitton

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Louis Vuitton went from having a spotty history at releasing scents to going full court press with its releases over the past few years. On the Beach was brought out by the design house in 2021. I grabbed a sample of this, as a part of my catching up with LV’s newer perfumes. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does On the Beach by Louis Vuitton Smell Like?

Notes include: yuzu, neroli, cypress, rosemary, sand, pink pepper, thyme, cloves

on the beach review

My Full Review

Here’s how Louis Vuitton describes it: The ecstasy of the sun, the rhythm of the sea and the gentle warmth of sand on the skin. Master perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud blends the infinite emotions of a day spent on a sunny beach. Yuzu, a rare citrus from Japan, is a burst of bliss on the skin. Its surprising freshness and brightness glides into the softness of neroli. Thyme, rosemary, pink pepper, cloves… a sandy note of aromatic herbs perfects the olfactory landscape, while a veil of cypress brings generous, woody shade to a pure summer day.

The opening act is a blast of the yuzu and neroli notes. Sharp and has an herbal spiciness to it from the notes sitting underneath. Not a big punchy spice, just a good baseline amount.

Definitely get more of the rosemary and pink pepper. However, early on I do detect a tiny amount of thyme, that will fade away thereafter.

The other note that really plays a big role here is cypress. Lots of Tom Ford and some Acqua di Parma fragrances use cypress a lot in their summer scents, so it is interesting to see Louis Vuitton doing the same for On the Beach.

The cypress, herbal notes, and that ‘sand’ element thrown in really do give this a warmth and dryness versus that bright and juicy yuzu start.

The rest of the way is pretty straightforward. Neroli, cypress, yuzu, and that mix of green/sand. This really does have a sandy quality to it, which is kind of strange. Not bad, just unusual.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, it is pretty moderate like most scents of this type. However, it isn’t weak. You can absolutely get a nice scent trail with On the Beach, with a pretty normal amount of sprays.

The projection isn’t massive, maybe 4-7 feet from the skin, at it’s peak. A nice amount of time, with its power still intact. For a summer perfume, it does well at holding up.

The longevity is pretty average, though. It’s different, as it doesn’t quickly turn into a skin scent on me. While at the same time, it doesn’t last extremely long. It’s more of an abrupt ending versus a slow decline, maybe it’s just my skin though?

I get 5-6.5 hours of wear from On the Beach. Not terrible. Not great. Though, one would probably expect more from an expensive perfume like this.

Seasonally, spring and summer. Definitely lean much more towards summer. As the name suggests, this embodies being on the coast or on the beach itself. I want to wear this outside in the heat, as it seems wasted being stuck inside all day.

This is a unisex fragrance. All really are welcome with On the Beach, not straying too far one way or the other.

Casual to maybe semi-formal events outside. Daytime perfume all the way. Attractive and interesting, but not a fragrance that is going to be confused with being sexy.

Overall Impressions of On the Beach

Overall, do I like On the Beach? I like it, but I don’t love it. I would sooner go with Afternoon Swim or Cactus Garden or Imagination from this house, as far as pure warm weather plays.

This is fine. The sandy note here is interesting, but really doesn’t do much for me, as far as enjoyment. Citrus, herbal notes, green woods. On the Beach isn’t super complex, but isn’t jaw dropping good, in its simplicity. Especially for $280 per bottle (update: now, $300).

The yuzu is very nice and I also like the cypress here. Though, it’s not really enough to completely sell me on this Louis Vuitton perfume. The thyme and other touches do help this to have a unique kind of aroma, while being a familiar type of summer fragrance.

The performance is okay. 5-6.5 hours is about what you get with a lot of summertime fragrances, so it’s not too much of a knock on Louis Vuitton. These aren’t really heavy notes that we’re dealing with.

On the whole, I wouldn’t recommend most people acquiring On the Beach for their fragrance needs. It’s nice, but expensive and has a limited use case. There will be people who love the scent, but outside of them, there are better options.

But, samples aren’t too expensive, so I’d go that route before blind buying.

Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Magnetic Pour Lui

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I’ve done a lot of reviews already for the fragrances in the Lacoste L.12.12 series of releases. There are some pretty good colognes under that label, but none that really stand out, as amazing to me.

Today, I am going to review Magnetic Pour Lui, which was released back in 2016. I will share my experiences with this one. How it smells? The notes involved. When it should be worn? If it is even worth a try?

What does L.12.12 Magnetic Pour Lui Smell Like?

Notes include: juniper berries, amber, violet, patchouli, bamboo. tea, geranium, artemisia, vetiver

Click here to try: LACOSTE L.12.12 Magnetic Pour Lui Eau de Toilette

My Full Wear Review

At the very least, I want to give Lacoste some points for trying. The composition of this fragrance is quite different, from what you’ll get from most any other men’s colognes, on the market. It’s unique, certainly.

Even though, I don’t think the execution is there. To me, it is more strange, than ‘magnetic’. Not bad, just strange.

L.12.12. Magnetic opens up with a mix of juniper, violet, bamboo, and patchouli. It’s fresh and floral, the juniper is the strongest note, at the start.

However, the freshness of that note, gets diluted by the additional patchouli. While that’s not the strongest, it really does pair with the violet to create an outdoorsy sort of smell.

Further along, it has more of a woody/green herbal scent. Apparently, this is the bamboo and tea, going to work. Again, what an odd combination all of this is. I like it at this stage, though.

I start to pick up more and more amber, the bamboo is interesting, and I still kick a nice bit of juniper. I’m not a huge fan of violet, but it’s not bad.

Finally, what I ultimately get from the rest of this wear is: violet, amber, bamboo, a tad of the juniper, with patchouli/vetiver at the base. It’s got a light outdoorsy freshness, quite green, but not offensive or anything too extreme. It’s nice, really.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, this stuff is pretty light to moderate. The sillage just isn’t very powerful. I actually broke the rest of my sample vial and it dripped on my living room carpet.

The thing is, the whole room didn’t smell all that strong from it. If I had done that with other fragrances, it would have coated the carpet in its aroma for days. So, not a powerhouse scent. On the skin, it’s noticeable, but not a huge radius of scent. Then, the last few hours sit close to the skin.

The longevity is like the other Lacoste’s in the L.12.12 series, 4-5 hours, and pretty pitiful. I don’t know what it is about this house, that they can’t ever put out a scent that gets to an elite or at least high level of performance.

Seasonally, I suppose this would be a year round type of scent. Honestly, it’s just a fragrance that doesn’t really fit into the usual categories. I’d say it’s more casual, but has enough freshness, to be considered attractive to others.

Overall Impressions of Lacoste Magnetic

Overall, do I like Lacoste L.12.12. Magnetic? Sort of. I don’t hate it. I don’t love it, either. Like I wrote earlier, I appreciate what they were trying to do, I just don’t believe they hit the mark.

It’s an interesting scent, yet blends into something sort of generic, and it really wouldn’t have mass appeal. With the violet note, I’m surprised I even mildly liked it. Still, it’s nothing that I really want to wear beyond the testing for this website.

The juniper, bamboo and amber aspect I actually sort of like. At least, it’s intriguing to me as a concept. The violet and light patchouli kind of dirty up and distract from it. Magnetic had some real possibilities.

The performance is also not very great. I’m not sure who this is for? I can see someone enjoying this, but I’d say find it for cheap, if you really want to try it out.

Update: This is apparently still around online here in 2023. Bottles don’t seem that pricey, but it’s still a pass for me. Lacoste Magnetic just isn’t a great scent.