Cologne Reviews

Kouros Fraicheur by YSL

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After receiving my bottle of YSL Haute Concentration, I decided to buy another vintage Saint Laurent fragrance. This time I grabbed a bottle of 1993’s Kouros Fraicheur, a flanker to the original released in 1981. I was intrigued to get the original Kouros experience, blended into a lighter and more wearable version. Is it actually any good, though?

What does Kouros Fraicheur Smell Like?

Notes include: clove, pineapple, bergamot, ginger, orange blossom, patchouli, vetiver, amber, honey, oakmoss, incense, coriander, vanilla, tonka bean

My Full Review

The opening is full of that familiar spiciness and animalic quality found in the classic Kouros. Civet is toned down, but it is definitely there, adding an intense musk to the top of this scent.

Yet, I think they used aldehydes to a greater extent here, like I get with the last batch of Kouros I reviewed. A warm spice blended with that cold fresh airy blast.

But, the main difference with Fraicheur is the inclusion of lighter notes up top like pineapple and bergamot. This brightens up the composition with less of a massive pungent heaviness, that the 80s bottles of Kouros had.

When compared to the modern Kouros, I think this one is actually the more potent of the two, even though this was the ‘lighter’ version of the original 30 years ago.

Like Kouros, I get a good deal of coriander in the spice profile. Maybe some ginger. Most of it is going to be a mix of those spices, musk, patchouli, and what smells like neroli (not just the orange blossom alone).

Once we’re past that initial heavy mix of many different notes, things start to shift to an earthier blend. Some smokiness from incense, lots of vetiver, patchouli, and a bit of amber. This earthy smokiness is pretty well-blended with the floral notes (perhaps honey, too?) and the remaining pineapple/citrus.

I think this phase of the wear is great. The civet/aldehydes have take a back seat to these earthier notes and you start to get an unobstructed smell of the floral notes, also. It’s a mix of the cleaner and dirtier notes, but gradually becoming calmer.

At times, I really pick up on a powdery or creamier scent in this. It’s not distinct enough to be just one note, but the way everything starts combining.

While Kouros ends as a musky/floral/herbal fragrance, Fraicheur dries down woody/floral/sweet. There are hints of vanilla coming through and enough of the top pineapple influence to be noticeable if you press your nose.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one will leave a trail and fill a room, especially in that first hour of wear. It reaches much further than the Kouros sample I reviewed a few months ago. Fraicheur doesn’t require a ton of sprays to be effective.

That being said, past the first hour, and this cologne calms down a lot. Still very noticeable, but it doesn’t radiate quite like it does when it’s in full civet, aldehydes, pineapple, and spices mode.

The longevity is also great. It seems to stick around for about 9 hours on my skin. Remember, this is a ‘freshie’ EDT, and it’s putting out this kind of power. Most vintage colognes were just built different.

Seasonally, this is actually really nice in (near) springtime and could work in summer too. Fraicheur wouldn’t feel too out of place anytime of year. But, I think it’s best in mild temperatures and above.

Fraicheur still comes across as a vintage scent. Very different from just about anything that’s come out in the past decade-plus. It will probably appeal much more to older guys or those who appreciate the classic stuff.

I think that this is an approachable way to wear the vintage Kouros. It’s not overwhelming and the animalic facets aren’t the main event here. Still, it’s a classic chypre style, that you may have to grow to love.

Overall Impressions of Kouros Fraicheur

Overall, do I like Fraicheur? Yes, I actually prefer it to Kouros itself, especially in its modern incarnation. This 1993 version has a better strength and heavier reach than the newer bottles of Kouros, while having a lighter and more appealing scent.

You can absolutely still tell that this is very much a Kouros derivative. As such, if you don’t like Kouros, I doubt that you’ll enjoy Fraicheur. I like it somewhat more, but it’s still never going to rate as a personal favorite.

That initial spray is jam packed with things going on. I think it’s nice enough at that stage. I like the pineapple and citrus editions, but I think that Kouros Fraicheur really comes into its own once you get to the earthier and floral parts of the cologne.

All in all, I think this is a great release by Yves Saint Laurent. Obviously, it’s discontinued nowadays, and can be pricey to track down. I paid about $95 for a 1.11 ounce (30 mL) bottle, which isn’t too bad. But, this is mostly going to appeal to collectors.

Spicebomb Extreme EDP by Viktor & Rolf

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Today, I am going to be taking a closer look at and giving my thoughts on Spicebomb Extreme EDP, after wearing it around. This Viktor & Rolf creation is a flanker to the original Spicebomb, which has long been a popular choice. What does Spicebomb Extreme smell like? How does it perform? Is it worth a try?

Spicebomb Extreme Overview

Notes include: tobacco, cumin, cinnamon, saffron, vanilla, bourbon

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme Eau De Parfum Spray 50ml/1.7oz

My Full Review of Spicebomb Extreme

It’s been a very long time since I’ve smelled the original Spicebomb, so, I’m not going to make any direct comparisons beyond, I think that Extreme isn’t as spicy. But I’m reporting that from memory, so it might not actually be the case.

Update: I grabbed some newer samples of Spicebomb EDT since originally posting this review. That has a lot of cinnamon, pink pepper, and citrus up top in comparison to this one. Full the full breakdown, here’s my comparison post: Spicebomb vs. Extreme

Anyway, Extreme opens up with lots of tobacco, sweet vanilla, some lavender, and then a bit of spice. Again, it isn’t overly spicy, rather, it is smooth, warm, and sweet. I actually really dig how fresh and comforting it is on my skin and kept putting my nose to my wrist to get another whiff.

Mainly, this fragrance is about the tobacco note, more so than any spices, which seem to just be playing a support role here.

Cinnamon and cumin are the spices in this version, which is why it reminds me of other spiced colognes, while wearing it.

According to Viktor & Rolf’s list of notes, there is also bourbon within the composition (maybe they meant Bourbon vanilla? Totally different.), but Extreme doesn’t put off much (if any) of a boozy vibe to me, especially not a bourbon aroma.

One thing that I do notice, which adds to the freshness, is saffron which I’ve been seeing listed in a lot of colognes recently. This has been especially true of higher end scents. It’s great and not too intrusive in this.

As it dries down, I get a lot of vanilla and tobacco. The vanilla almost comes up to equal strength with the tobacco note and the entire scent feels very warm, if not hot.

Then, there is still the spices flanking the main aroma. It’s actually a fairly straightforward and linear sort of cologne. You get: tobacco and saffron, vanilla, with lingering spice throughout.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, I’d say that the sillage is quite large but not heavy. Meaning, for first the 4-5 hours of the wear or so, it can cover a lot of space around you…but it’s not super heavy. Extreme hangs lightly in the air. The rest of the wear, it is much more light to moderate.

It’s definitely got a long reach, but I don’t ever feel like it’s just a dense cloud of fragrance hanging around me.

Longevity is awesome here, 10+ hours of wear. Seriously, this is one that I can spray on, and have it hang around for seemingly as long as I want it to. Obviously, you’re going to shower at some point during the day, but Spicebomb Extreme should stick around until then.

I can safely say it’s double digit hours, with how long it lasts, but 14-15 isn’t surprising on my own skin with Extreme. Perfect.

I don’t know how this performs with other people, but this and Eros Flame, are two of the longest lasting mainstream designer scents I’ve come in contact with. Both are absolute monsters with the longevity.

Seasonally, this is a cold weather wear, all the way. Not something I’d want to put on when it’s warm or humid outside. It can be appropriate for work, if you go light. If you’re going to wear this, you’re probably not going to live in a tropical area.

Mainly, I’d wear it casually or for a night out on the town. It is pretty unique, not necessarily the style of fragrance, but there won’t be many guys wearing Spicebomb Extreme.

It does have a certain sexiness to it, which only adds to its appeal. I think that this Viktor & Rolf creation is really an attractive option. You’ll get enough use out of it in autumn and winter, could potentially be a signature cologne for that stretch of the year.

I put it in the same class as, Man in Black, except that Extreme has much better performance and no booziness. It terms of smell, I think they’re both great and among the best winter options for guys.

Overall Impressions of Spicebomb Extreme

Overall, do I like Spicebomb Extreme? Yes, this stuff is fantastic, provided it fits your style. Again, a cold weather scent, so if you’re not in the right climate it won’t be great.

Tobacco, vanilla, spices, and saffron/lavender. A sweetish somewhat gourmand quality. Not necessarily an appealing prospect for everyone.

If that doesn’t sound nice, avoid this. However, I think most guys would enjoy wearing this cologne, and the performance is top notch.

To me, it’s not really a spice ‘bomb’, it’s a fragrance that has spice. The original fits the moniker much more than this, but Extreme blows it away in terms of performance.

For me, this is the best of the Viktor & Rolf men’s line currently. Second and third, is a toss-up between Spicebomb EDT and Infrared, depending on how I’m feeling. Followed by the green bottled, Night Vision EDP.

This is a very nice tobacco cologne, with sweet hints and calming elements. Nonetheless, it’s a great wear. Really quite perfect for most situations in the late autumn through the winter months.

Eros Eau de Parfum by Versace

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Eros has been an absolute smash hit fragrance for Versace, for nearly a decade now. So, it was kind of surprising that it took them so long to follow up with an eau de parfum version. Yes, they had Flame, but that wasn’t quite the same.

I’ve been spending time wearing this EDP edition of Eros, while anticipating the public release of Parfum, and am finally posting my thoughts on this scent. How does it smell? Is it better than Eros EDT?

What does Eros Eau de Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: candied apple, mint, mandarin, lemon oil, ambermax, cedar, clary sage, geranium flower, vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, and vanilla

Click here to try: Eros by Versace, 6.7 oz EDP Spray for Men

My Full Review

Before we get into my thoughts on this scent, let’s see how Versace describes it: Masculine and confident, the new Eros Eau de Parfum is a fragrance for a bold, passionate man. The sensual scent fuses woody, oriental and fresh notes, creating a powerful perfume that evokes Eros – the god of love.

The opening of Eros EDP brings me back to what the original EDT batches used to smell like. The latest bottles of the original, have way more lemon in the mix than I remember, when compared to the bottles that I used to have.

However, they aren’t exactly the same. The citrus notes are way toned down here, which is nice. Instead, you get plenty of the mint, geranium, and sage. These notes are all wrapped up in a sweet mix of vanilla and the candied apple note.

I like the opening a lot, but it doesn’t hit the exact same chord as the initial EDT bottles, which were awesome.

Eros EDP feels colder, sweeter, and smoother than the original does. One thing that I do notice, is how much weaker the vetiver is in this edition. Also, the tonka bean is out of there too. I enjoy tonka bean being paired with vanilla, but I actually prefer the vanilla by itself in this scent.

The cedar notes are pumped up and really start to come through after 30-45 minutes of wear.

The next phase, brings out those woods and the geranium and sage begin to fade. At this point, the citrus is really faint. Seriously, I compared this to Eros EDT on my other arm, and that lemon oil sticks out big time with the original.

The mint and vanilla are the stars, with some apple, and the cedar. The biggest change for the rest of the wear, is just how much the Ambermax starts to come through.

I’m not a fan of that synthetic smelling amber from Versace. The final drydown has a hefty dose of it and it becomes distracting to me. Mint and a general freshness of woods comes through on top of it. The vanilla isn’t as strong and the apple is gone.

That’s about the extent of Eros EDP’s development. Woody, minty, and a heaping of Ambermax. Everything else is relegated to a faint background place.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this is a strong fragrance, but not a monster. It’s slightly stronger than the current EDT bottles, but not the same level as the original batches of that. Plus, EDP doesn’t feel like it has the same power, because it doesn’t have that same sharp lemon note coming through.

The longevity here is also quite good, not elite. This will get me 8-9.5 hour of wear, on my skin. Better than EDT, but not nearly to the same level as Flame. That being said, this is a parfum that will hang around and give you your money’s worth.

 

Seasonally, I don’t think there is much difference from the EDT. Eros EDP is also an autumn and winter scent. It wouldn’t fall apart in moderate temperatures, but don’t expect it to be a summertime wear.

One advantage it has, is that it is more wearable for older guys. The original comes across as brash and youthful, built for the nightlife. EDP is more reserved. Still dynamic, but able to appeal to those outside of their early 20s.

Not saying this is a formal type of fragrance, but it doesn’t completely feel out of place in more dressed up scenarios. 

Like the original, eau de parfum still puts out that romantic vibe and has that sweet attractive appeal. 

Overall Impressions of Eros Eau de Parfum

Overall, do I like Eros EDP? I do. Though, I’m not sure that I enjoy it anymore than the original, even in its current form. I certainly like how it starts out, more so than its predecessor’s newer bottles.

The mint, sage, and geranium really give this a cold and aromatic fresh beginning. I always like the candied apple note and the EDP strikes me as being pretty close to how Legend Night smells (without the warm cardamom). Since I have a full bottle of that, I don’t personally need to get this.

Then, the woods come in to provide a base to the mint, vanilla, and candied apple top.

My biggest complaint here, is the ambermax note in the base. During the dry down, it is much more noticeable, and is the reason that EDP doesn’t completely surpass the original. It’s the same note that ruined Flame (I’m pretty sure it’s the culprit, anyway) for me (which I really like the opening of).

On my skin, the synthetic amber really has a harshness to it, that I simply don’t like. Maybe others won’t have this same problem, but it makes the wear after a few hours somewhat annoying. Not terrible, but not anything I need.

The Parfum version also goes with the Ambermax note, but it is much smoother, and leveled out by the other notes in the composition. I slightly prefer the Parfum to the EDP.

That has an aromatic fresh start, with a vanilla amber finish. Lighter on the woods (cashmeran), but they’re still there. It’s got a tad better performance too. 

Is Eros EDP worth a buy? Provided you liked the original from Versace, you should also like this one. It’s different enough and overall quite good. It’s at least as good as the EDT, with better performance currently.

In their current versions, I have all the Eros’ essentially neck in neck. I think Parfum would be the number one choice. Then, either EDP or the original. 

Acqua di Gio Profumo by Giorgio Armani

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So, I recently got a sample of Acqua di Gio Profumo to go along with the Armani Code Profumo vial that I really enjoyed. This is an updated and slightly altered flanker to the original and highly popular, ADG. How does this one stack up to its predecessor? Does it improve on the past or not live up to the hype?

In this post, I want to take a closer look at the Profumo version, see how it smells, how it performs, and whether or not it is worth a buy. Note: This is a continuing review, I’ve been updating since 2016.

What does Acqua di Gio Profumo Smell Like?

acqua di gio profumo

Notes include: bergamot, sage, patchouli, incense, geranium, rosemary, and marine notes

Click here to try: Giorgio Armani Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Profumo 75ml (2.5oz) Parfum Vapo., 2.5 Fluid Ounce

My Full Review

Before we get into my own review, let’s see how Armani describes it: Acqua Di Giò Profumo is a sophisticated fragrance born from volcanic rock and deep ocean waters. Deeply sophisticated and intensely masculine, Acqua di Giò Profumo evokes the depth and intensity of the Mediterranean Sea.

Wow, Armani has been crushing it with these Profumo releases, at least the two I’ve tried so far. Acqua di Gio Profumo is very closely related to the original release, yet, feels somewhat more mature and sensual. This fragrance is dominated by the salty marine notes and bergamot, which gives it a wholly summery aura to it.

Think deep ocean waters, dark and mysterious. The incense and other more earthy notes adds a smokey/spicy touch, which is quite masculine. Now, this isn’t completely different from the original Acqua di Gio, just more ‘grown up’ and I think it’s even more interesting than the previous incarnation.

AdG Profumo opens up with the bright and somewhat sharp bergamot note, a nice spicy sage, and the marine notes which again, feel darker than in the original Acqua di Gio. I really like the refreshing aquatic summertime aroma of the top notes and how it starts strong, on my skin.

The juiciness of the bergamot is easy to overlook, but it really helps to capture the same sort of citrus feel as the original.

The sage and incense are really evident early on, along with the signature sea notes of the AdG lineup. 

The next layer comes from the same rosemary note from the original, plus, the incense which provides that smoky note, playing off of the marine accord. The incense comes up from the base notes earlier on than I get with the patchouli, which plays a bigger role in the dry down.

Profumo is a salty citrus with rosemary and the lovely Oriental quality of the incense note. It doesn’t have the same woody base as the original, and instead, substitutes patchouli and geranium.

During the dry down, it takes on more of a warm and slightly metallic air. When blended with the bergamot, the bit of metallic sensation from the geranium, reminds me somewhat of Hugo Red. Different scents, but have some commonalities. Way less citrus in the Armani. 

Ultimately what I get from Acqua di Gio Profumo is an oceanic bergamot with herbal spices, smokey elements, and an altering between warmth/aquatic aromas. It took me some time to truly appreciate this one, but once I was done with my sample sprayer, I was fully into wearing this stuff.

The sage and rosemary definitely tone down as you move along. It stays fairly marine with its aroma, but with more warmth and smoothness. 

Sillage

Projection wise, it doesn’t falter. Profumo isn’t a heavy type of scent but you’ll know it’s there. It starts out strong on my skin for about an hour and then becomes much more moderate. It’ll radiate during the dry down, about 3-5 feet, but still not heavy.

Coming back to this fragrance, a few years later, and that initial sillage is quite good. I can spray AdG Profumo on a shirt and pick up the scent from across the room.

How Long does it Last?

Also, it has really good longevity and will last throughout the day. On my skin, I’ve been able to get 8+ hours consistently, and longer on some occasions. It maxed out just under 10 hours.

With more testing, I have found Acqua di Gio Profumo, usually settles in the 9-ish hour range. Occasionally, I can squeak out some more time, but it has to be the right climate mix. 

Update: My latest bottle doesn’t seem to hit these same total number of hours. Now, it’s more like 6.5-7 hours of wear. Don’t know if that’s everyone’s experience, but my initial testing of this had a longer impact. Still, very useful and it hasn’t stopped my from enjoying my bottle.

 

 

Versatility and When to Wear

To me, this is mainly a summer scent, as it will stand up and perform very well in the heat. However, it can honestly be used in the winter without any problem, which is a good bit of versatility.

It does have that oceanic aroma, which can be somewhat out of place. However, Profumo is pretty signature scent worthy and isn’t overly weird when it gets colder. Though, I wore it today when it was chilly out, and still enjoyed it.

Update: I usually wear this in spring and summertime. But, I do come back to it during the colder months and it’s still likeable in that environment. The smokiness and patchouli helps a lot with that.

Profumo is more mature than the original Acqua di Gio, so, if that one was more suited for teens through college age…this is for mid-20s and up.

That’s of course, not a hard rule or anything, but the vibe this one puts out. Good for casual occasions or during the night life. You could totally wear this to a bar or club, and I have gotten complements from women, while wearing this, just from the sample sprayer.

Can this one be an office scent? Yes, it can fit in nicely, if not over-sprayed. 

I was wearing this one around during the summer, fairly often. To me, that’s still when AdG Profumo is at its absolute peak. The citrus and spice, just sits beautifully in that climate. This or Profondo are well worth your consideration, if you live in a sub-tropical or tropical area. 

Update: Having worn this one a lot, Profumo has gotten me a ton of complements over the years. Maybe that’s just a factor of having worn it many times, but I think it’s sustained popularity over time speaks to its attractiveness. It’s not for everyone, but this manages to be unique, stay with the AdG DNA, and appeal to the masses simultaneously.

Overall Impression of AdG Profumo

Overall, is is worth a buy? Yes, if you liked the original Acqua di Gio and want a new bottle this is a great scent. However, there is the matter of price, as you can get the original for cheaper, usually. Profumo isn’t so much better that you should fork out more money, unless you want to of course.

Updated note: newer bottles of the original, don’t seem to have the same staying power. Now, you can find bottles of Profumo, for below retail price. Also, along with Profondo, you can also try out the EDP version. I like that in the summer, it’s just not as good overall as Profumo. This one still ranks as my favorite of the line.

Between the two? I do like wearing this version much more personally, but some might not enjoy, the incense addition. AdG Profumo is a very good release though and a summery wear that hits the mark.

Since I first began this review years ago, I have had a few full bottles, including currently. I’m a pretty big Acqua di Gio fan and this has been my favorite. Even though, I still like wearing the others. 

I enjoy the freshness, spicy elements, the dark ocean vibe, and metallic hints. Profumo is a wonderful blend of the aromatic, aquatic, and fresh. 

Eros for Men EDT by Versace

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In mythology, Eros was the God of Love. Perhaps it is fitting that a mythological deity who inspires love, should have a fragrance named after him. Italian fashion house, Versace, has a long history of producing fashionable and very well done colognes for men.

I am updating (and have been previously) this review of Eros for Men after spending years, coming back to it, and refining my opinion of this cologne.

This has become one of my favorite scents from the brand, as it just strikes me as something so different from the rest of the line. In this post, I want to explore how this cologne smells, how it performs, when it should be worn, and whether or not it is a buy.

What does Versace Eros EDT Smell Like?

versace eros

Notes of Eros: mint, green apple, tonka bean, madagascar vanilla, vetiver, Italian lemon

Shop Amazon for: Versace Eros Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

Intro to Eros

The first thing that one should know about Eros, is that it is a very strong fragrance, in certain circumstances. While there are plenty of others out there which you can wear many sprays and not offend, Eros is not among them. Which can be a good thing, as when you have to use less, the bottle itself will last for a longer period of time.

However, let this serve as a warning to those who like to wear too much cologne, because while this smells great, too much of a good thing will have you repelling people left and right.

That being said, the mythological moniker, has proved to be utterly appropriate for this scent since its release six or so years back. Eros has such a lively character and intensity, which really sets it apart from other fragrances and probably why it’s a perennial best seller.

Versace didn’t hold back with this one and its sheer boldness has garnered it a legion of dedicated supporters over the years. It’s also not just loud for loud’s sake, it is insanely attractive, and a cologne with complete sex appeal.

My Full Review

This Versace eau de toilette opens with a zesty Italian lemon note, that is joined by a crisp juicy green apple, and the cool spice of mint leaves. Eros is super fresh, intense, and has quite the masculine presence.

What’s always been interesting to me, is how there is a slight chocolate undertone, which sits throughout the wear, but mostly in the opening minutes. I know that I’m not the only one who detects this, but what I take it to be is the interplay between the dry vetiver, vanilla (among other sweet notes), and tonka bean.

It is sort of the same effect (chocolate aroma without the ingredient) you find in Dior Homme Intense, though, these are entirely different fragrances.

Eros is a cologne that yields a definite spiciness to how it projects itself. Not a peppery or overwhelming spice, mind you. The mint oil note probably gives it the strongest sense of spiciness, as it is a dominate note in Eros’ presentation.

It’s really a blend that is headed up by mint, vanilla, and tonka bean with the latter two notes helping to create that very rich warmth and ‘delicious’ flavor that this cologne becomes known for. This is offset by the cold crispness of mint (and apple to some extent).

Update: The newer batches have had an impact on my opinion of Eros EDT. I’ve tried a few different samples and minis and they now seem to be skewed towards a strong lemon in the opening, with more ambroxan (like Flame) in the dry down. The balanced nuance with the vanilla appears to be lost.

Some people find this cologne to be too sweet for their tastes, and though I agree that it can be too much sometimes, I also find it to be very pleasing to wear when I’m in the right mood for this Versace beast.

I think that there are much sweeter or candy-like fragrances out there and Eros gets balanced out but it other ingredients. It sort of tones down, once the fruit top notes recede into the background.

Further on in the drydown period, Eros really becomes an enveloping fragrance. It’s like a delicious gourmand cloud of warmth. The ambroxan amber and an ever so slight floral note (geranium) emerge to flank the main trio of notes.

It’s a radiating aura of a smooth, creamy, and freshly sensual aroma with the vanilla note at its absolute apex. Ambroxan is seemingly used in just about every new release nowadays. I think between this and Dior’s Sauvage, designers needed to put out as many copycat scents as possible. In Eros, the amber is great, and gives a perfectly desirable effect. (Update: Again, now it’s too much).

Then, we get to the base, ever present but most detectable a few hours after application. Dry woods and earthy aromas, this is the foundation of the entire fragrance.

Mostly what I get from the base, is the dual blend of cedarwood notes (Atlas and Virginia), which are staples in men’s fragrances. This is what gives Eros its staying power and strong virile character. Throw in some oak moss and the aforementioned vetiver and this scent is perfectly rounded out.

How Long Does Eros Last?

Beyond being just a strong cologne, Eros also tends to last a long time as well. Seriously, a few sprays will last all day on my skin and well into the evening. Eros is an absolute monster in terms of performance, in my experience with it.

Longevity can of course vary based on one’s own skin, body chemistry, and the batch of the fragrance being sold. I haven’t heard anything about any significant reformulations of the scent by Versace yet, but I’ve tended to get 8-10+ of wear from Eros, depending on the climate that particular day.

Update: Yeah, it seems like it’s lost a step to me. Still very strong, but not to the same degree, in the latest batches I’ve tried. The longevity is still fine, just less of the wears that hit double digit hours.

So, yeah, not only is the sillage great; Eros also tends to last a very long time. More than you will need under most circumstances. Again, I’ve never needed or wanted to spray this at a maximum of 3 times. In confined space, I’m not even going more than two spritzes.

When Should You Wear Eros? Is it Versatile?

I like it best as a romantic or nightlife fragrance, I mean, you can wear it during the daytime but tread lightly in an office type environment. When I wore it casually to work, I’d put on only 1 spray and let it breathe some before heading into the office.

Update: Nowadays, you could probably do 2 sprays in this scenario. The initial release was an absolute monster, it’s still heavy, just not to the same degree.

I also wouldn’t wear this during the summertime and I don’t think it holds up well in the heat. At night, you can rock Eros during the warmer months, I just really don’t like what the humidity turns this one into.

This cologne is built for the cooler weather and it is absolutely beautiful during that time of year. Eros hangs so beautifully in the cold and envelops you in a warm and sweet cloud of fragrance that will have you wanting to catch a sniff of yourself all day. Now, picture how that turns out in hot and humid conditions.

It’s versatile in the sense that you can wear it everyday, if you go light with it. However, I really do keep it limited to evenings out, and casual daytime use. Personally, I don’t need such a bold cologne for situations that don’t call for it.

In terms of the age of a potential wearer, this scent does seem to skew younger, but I don’t find it to be a ‘teenager’ scent exclusively.

Sure, high school guys through men in their twenties, have really latched on to Eros and propelled it to top seller status…but it still works for males of all ages. Don’t let the sweet elements dissuade you, this Versace is still plenty manly and just exudes a vigorous confidence.

Eros Flame vs Eros

In 2018, Versace finally released a flanker fragrance to the original Eros, some six years after it came out. This cologne comes in a Ruby Red bottle and is called Eros Flame (linked my review).

Is it better than the original? In my opinion, no. It shares a lot of similarities, but ultimately takes things in a new direction during the dry down.  For a complete head to head breakdown: Eros vs. Eros Flame

Final Thoughts on Eros for Men

Overall, I rather like Eros a lot as a cologne. I think it is one that will work great from the Fall to the early Spring because its spice and rich aroma will project well in the crisp air of those months. If you’re a guy who like layered scents that are wholly masculine, then Eros might be just what you’re looking for.

Update: This was one of my favorites of the best-selling designer colognes. Nowadays, not so much. I still like it, but the formula just feels off to me.

The citrus is stepped up or the creaminess of the vanilla/tonka bean is scaled back, or both. I don’t think it’s just my imagination, as I wore this for years after this initial review came out in 2013 or 2014. With a thinner and less rich and creamy envelopment, the ambroxan comes on a bit too much, also.

I don’t think the new batches are bad or anything, just had to drop the score below down 10-15%. You might want to check out the newer Eros releases too, EDP and Parfum. EDP captures a similar start to how EDT used to smell, but not quite.

Actually, I prefer Parfum to EDP overall, since EDP changes away from being a close comparison to the original EDT formulation. Still, none of the Eros releases really stand out as being significantly better than the others, in my opinion. I’d either go Parfum or EDT here in 2023.

Test them out and see which is best on your skin. Hopefully, with EDT you still get to experience more of that vanilla richness the 2012 version had.

If you don’t like sweetness, gourmand type of scents, or colognes that can be heavy…I would avoid Eros in that case. This is a bold and gaudy fragrance, that isn’t for the meek or those who are in the market for a moderate, year-round scent.

It has a specific function in a cologne collection and Eros does what it does very well. It’s not for everybody, but it is damn good.