Cologne Reviews

L’Homme Parfum Intense by Yves Saint Laurent

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I just got a hold of something like 40 new sample vials of fragrances for both men and women…sooooo I’ll be getting to a lot of reviews on the site here in the near future. First up to the plate, is a scent by Yves Saint Laurent that I have yet to try, L’Homme Parfum Intense.

Being a pretty big fan of YSL colognes, I knew that I had to grab this one and try it out. As usual, I’m going to cover what’s in it, how it smells, how it performs, when it should be worn, and whether or not I think this scent is worth a buy.

What does L’Homme Parfum Intense Smell Like?

Notes include: cedar, orange blossom, suede accord, lemon, bergamot, amber, black pepper

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent L’homme Parfum Intense Men Edp Spray 3.4 OZ

My Full Wear Review

It has been a while since I’ve worn the original L’Homme, so,  I was interested to see how this one stacked up versus that one, even if my memories of it are kind of hazy. Right off the bat, I’m drawn to Parfum Intense, as I usually dig amber scented fragrances.

It’s dark, spicy, and floral. Don’t let the orange blossom fool you, because this cologne definitely isn’t girly, in the slightest. Maybe unisex, however.

It opens with a bright citrus blend of lemon, orange, and of course orange blossom. There is a spiciness from pepper and it’s all swimming in a warm/sweet amber note.

A few minutes in, I really get the orange blossom as the main note, taking over for the lemon combination. The scent is very floral with an increasingly smooth profile.

I think it might be the suede/leather that is combining with the orange blossom, to give it that soft powdery scent, that illuminates the background.

To the best of my recollection, Parfum Intense almost inverses the order of some of the notes and let’s the cedar become more prominent yet retains that beautiful citrus note that adds almost a boozy quality to it.

I was trying to figure out why I was into this cologne so much when I sprayed, then I went and grabbed some of my Armani Code Profumo, and found my answer.

Leather, amber, and orange blossom are the common notes between these two scents, although the Armani is highlighted by tonka bean. That tonka bean, does really help to set them apart and creates a vastly different effect. Sweeter, heavier.

L’Homme Parfum Intense is so smooth, rich, and warm. It’s a sweet floral that’s backed by wood and masculine notes that give it a fully developed identity.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it can be towards the strong side, if you over-spray it. But for most guys, one or two spray should be enough to make it more than noticeable. It’s not a bomb, but it can be a handful up top.

My one complaint, is the longevity, which is decent but not a complete beast. I wore this out to a bar with an outdoor patio area and while it was still there after 5-6 hours of wear, it had become mostly a skin scent.

Other times that I’ve tested Parfum Intense, it performed basically in the same manner. By that fifth hour, it is mostly on its last legs, and not really going to go beyond that.

This is another gem for the colder weather months, but I wore it that evening in mid-70s degree weather and it seemed fine to me. I wouldn’t wear it when it’s hot outside because it’d probably turn to complete shit, but it worked for this particular summer night.

Parfum Intense, seems like it’s cologne with some versatility in terms of its wear. Office, casual, or on a date and this stuff will shine. It’s quite attractive and sexy.

It’s not a cologne for every guy, as not everyone is into such a heavy amber and orange blossom note being present, in their scents. That being said, it will set you apart from the masses, and the endless array of ‘blue’ colognes nowadays.

Overall Impression of L’Homme Parfum Intense

Overall, would I recommend this? Absolutely. I actually like it better than the La Nuit L’Intense flanker sample that I also got (which is good) and I also think that I prefer it over La Nuit L’Homme Eau Electrique, which I enjoyed thoroughly.

This is a really great flanker fragrance to the original. It’s got a rather unique scent and is a fantastic use of floral notes in a men’s fragrance. Again, it’s best for the autumn or winter months, but I do really like it.

The amber, orange blossom, with a dark and spiced edge gives you something a bit different for a men’s cologne. I wish the performance was a tad better, but this is a really nice example of a floral scent for guys.

YSL even seems to have taken some cues from this one, with their more recent ladies’ release, Libre Intense. This one doesn’t seem to be around anymore, but Parfum Intense was a nice fragrance. Had its limitations, sure, but was different from most other men’s options.

Made to Measure by Gucci

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For today’s fragrance review, I have a scent from Gucci, Made to Measure Pour Homme. This one was released back in 2012, enjoyed some moderate success, but mostly flew under the radar as a product.

I have worn this one a few times, over the past number of months, and will now share my thoughts and experiences with it. How does it smell? What are the notes? How’s the performance? Is it worth a try?

What does Made to Measure by Gucci Smell Like?

Notes include: plum, nutmeg, juniper berries, water lily, leather, lavender, bergamot, amber, cinnamon, patchouli, labdanum

Click here to try: Gucci Made to Measure Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Made to Measure is a smooth spicy smell, with some sweet fruit notes, and floral ingredients playing a major role. It reminds me somewhat of Guilty Pour Homme, not exactly in the aroma, but just the general category of fragrance.

This is a very Gucci cologne, so to speak. Even if I didn’t know the name and smelled this fragrance, I’d say, “Oh, that’s definitely a Gucci fragrance.” They even categorize this on the sample card as a ‘spicy Oriental’ fragrance. Though, I think that’s oversold, especially the spiciness.

To my nose, the fruit notes, aren’t that distinct. I get the impression of both plum and bergamot, but they don’t truly stand out. When I compare the plum note in this one, versus something like 1 Million Lucky, the presence of that ingredient is entirely different.

What I do pick up in the opening, is nutmeg, juniper berries, and lavender/water lily. It’s a fresh and light spice, that is very floral, for a men’s fragrance.

As it moves further along, Made to Measure, loses much of the bergamot and plum mix that it had at the start. Juniper moves into that role fully, and its freshness, plays well off an emerging cinnamon spice.

At this point, the floral notes are dominant, but there is an added leather note at the base. It keeps things masculine, but doesn’t totally intrude on the composition. Also, I can smell a bit of the amber, but that’s extremely light.

In the end, it is a smooth floral fragrance with a fresh spiciness. There are hints of sweetness, leather, and fruitiness. However, they are just dancing in the background of the aroma.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, this stuff is light. The sillage isn’t going to venture much more than an arm’s distance from your skin. At least, with normal application. For me, it wasn’t as strong as many others from the Gucci line.

Personally, I’d spray Made to Measure more than many other fragrances, that I own. That way, I’d be able to get some better performance from it.

While it is a skin scent, the longevity isn’t bad. I can get 6-7 hours from it. Though, that is with putting on a greater amount. Any aspect of its performance is probably average at best.

Seasonally, it’s extremely versatile. It’s not too heavy and not something like an aquatic, which will feel out of place in the winter months. You can wear this year round and it’s low key enough to wear for any occasion.

Made to Measure isn’t a beast mode type of nightclub scent, so, you may want to go with something else, if you want that sort of bold power. Nonetheless, this Gucci is a solid daily wear.

Overall Impressions of Made to Measure

Overall, do I like Made to Measure? Yes, I think that it is a very pleasant fragrance, but nothing amazing. Again, this would be good as a daily wear, for a guy who wants to smell attractive but not have to put too much thought into what he is wearing.

It’s fresh and clean, has a light spice, and enough sweetness to bring it all together. The strength of this cologne, could be much better, but you can double up the sprays and be fine. It’s not the greatest scent ever, but it does smell quite good, and is serviceable as a whole.

Honestly, if you really want a Gucci cologne, there are better options than this (Guilty Intense or Black)…which is why I won’t be buying a bottle.

I like the opening act, especially. Made to Measure certainly has some interesting facets, can be fairly enjoyable at times, but is overall just kind of middling. It doesn’t do anything extremely well, but it’s not terrible either.

Update: This one has been discontinued for a long while now and it’s become pretty scarce on online discount retailers. I do see some bottles floating around, but the price is too high for Made to Measure.

I wouldn’t bother with this one, unless you already loved it in the past and want it in your rotation again. Or, if you happen to see a cheap bottle for sale somewhere and want to give it a try.

Dark Lord by Kilian

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Dark Lord is a part of ‘The Smokes’ collection by Kilian. I’ve had a sample of this for probably over a year, at this point, just sitting in a box waiting to be tested. Well, I finally got around to putting this fragrance through its paces, in order to do my full review. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Dark Lord Smell Like?

Notes include: pepper, jasmine, vetiver, leather, bergamot, rum, and more

Click here to try: Dark Lord

My Full Review

Tried Dark Lord? Leave your own rating and review in the comments!

Let’s see how Kilian describes this: DARK LORD ‘EX TENEBRIS LUX’ is a gentleman of the night. Meet him in the most surprising of circumstances and his mystery slowly unfolds: A head-twisting mix of shadows and light…

Dark Lord opens up with a fairly dense and intense aroma. Bergamot gives it a bit of bright citrus up top, but this is offset by peppery and smoky rum, and a rather dirty-ish leather that permeates through the entire wear.

The booziness of the rum is there, but it isn’t a completely soaked feeling during the wear.

Jasmine, however, may be the strongest player in the opening stage of Dark Lord. It sits right in the middle flanked by the other notes, giving Dark Lord an early floral scent.

For me, the spiciness, is really only in the opening act. From there, it takes on an earthier and woodier quality for the rest of the wear. Kilian says that the pepper is one of the key notes, but on my skin at least, that’s not the case.

In fact, I get a lot more vetiver, cedar, and other general woods than I ever do the pepper.

As we move forward, the jasmine will start to lose its position within the composition. The leather and vetiver become pretty strong here and I’m still getting the smokiness sans the spice.

Dark, earthy, and has an herbal or medicinal sort of finish to it.

The latter stage is leather, cypress, vetiver and the faded remnants of cedar and jasmine. Cypress really climbs the ladder and contributes towards the tail end. It really doesn’t do all that much for me early in the wear, then, it’s basically the same weighting as the leather.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Whoa, this fragrance really packs a punch. It’s a room filler, but not the most insane levels that I’ve come across, though it gets up there.

Dark Lord is an example of a little going a long way. Scent trails will be left for sure and the projection from the skin  while you’re just standing there can be picked up from far away.

Not ever going to be mistaken for a weak scent.

The longevity is also top notch. On my skin, it has gone for at least 11 hours, each time that I have sampled it. Other times, a few hours further than that. The real strength of Dark Lord seems to be its performance.

Seasonally, I’d save this one for autumn and wintertime. I couldn’t imaging breaking this Kilian cologne out in the summer heat.

It’s also one that’ll be best served for the nighttime. Lounges, bars, maybe dates…for the right type of guy.

Office wear? No. Younger guys wearing to school? No. This is a masculine beast. Confident and bold, not a daily wear for confined spaces.

Is it sexy? There will be those who find it sexy. This kind of  fragrance can really go either way with the reactions. Some will detest it, while others swoon for it.

Overall Impressions of Dark Lord

Overall, do I like Dark Lord? Somewhat. This isn’t the type of fragrance that I particularly enjoy wearing, on a personal level. That being said, this is a pretty good example, and wasn’t something that I hated wearing.

The opening is pretty intense and is probably my least favorite aspect. I like Dark Lord more so, when it settles, and the leather takes more control. That with the woods and vetiver is nice and smooth.

It reminds me in some aspects of Ombre Leather (the jasmine and earthiness), though I enjoy that one way more. Also, Gucci Guilty Absolute is a pretty close comparison.

This isn’t a mass appeal sort of fragrance, though. Those who dig this sort of scent are going to love it, but a good percentage of people aren’t going to feel the same way. But, if you like Dark Lord, it will reward you with performance.

To me, it’s not a must buy at Kilian prices. More one that you should sample first to see if it appeals to you. Then, commit to making a full purchase. Otherwise, you might get stuck with a sparsely used paper weight on your table.

Ralph’s Club EDP by Ralph Lauren

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Ralph’s Club is a fragrance that I hadn’t really paid all that much attention to after its release. But, I eventually got a hold of it, as part of a sampler pack a few months ago. So, it was only a matter of time before I got to test it out and put this cologne through its paces. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a buy?

What does Ralph’s Club Smell Like?

Notes include: lavender, clary sage, cedar, vetiver

ralph's club review

My Full Review

Ralph’s Club opens up with a mix of the lavender and clary sage notes. While it is more herbal and greenish than this example, it actually reminds me somewhat of the start of Luna Rossa Ocean, just paired down.

If that Prada is a ‘blue’ cologne, this is a blue-green. There’s also elements of Y Le Parfum here. Just not a clone of either of those scents.

The lavender and sage are both very present there, along with some vetiver. The same sort of aromatic aroma, just without the oceanic and iris. Yet, there is a light powdery quality to Ralph’s Club early on.

It is very fresh, clean, and has a definite sweetness to keep it interesting.

The lavender is the head honcho, at the start. The clary sage is just a notch underneath. However, that will begin to flip as this Ralph Lauren cologne dries down. The sage never dominates, it just seems to switch roles with the lavender.

Beyond that, you’re going to get the woody freshness of cedar, which doesn’t come across as all that sharp here.

The rest of the wear is a fresh soapiness, with dry woodsy highlights. The powdery part and the sweetness have quieted down a whole lot and are seemingly background noise.

Clean and fresh like a soap or out of the drier laundry. Not too complicated, but still has its charms.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, Ralph’s Club isn’t a monster, but it is above average. For the first few hours, I’d say it’s on the upper edge of what could be considered moderate. Then, it’ll pretty middle of the road thereafter.

Thankfully, it isn’t weak and can project itself nicely off of the skin.

Longevity seems to be in the 7.5 hour range, on me. Again, not a totally great performer, but very useful and not a waste of money.

Seasonally, this can work pretty much year round. I’d avoid the extreme heat. However, cold to moderate temperatures and this thing is a go.

It’s a very attractive and easy to like cologne. The versatility is probably the greatest strength of Ralph’s Club. Casual, office, dressed up, a night out. It’s got you covered for most any occasion and can be worn by all age groups.

They did a really great job at making this one a jack of all trades.

Overall Impressions of Ralph’s Club

Overall, do I like Ralph’s Club? I do. It’s an appealing fragrance with solid performance and sure to be a crowd pleaser.

It’s a pretty basic formula and there isn’t a ton of development. But, the sage and lavender are good enough to carry it.

Yes, it is will remind you of various elements from other popular colognes, but it doesn’t smell exactly like any of them. Just hints of them, while doing its own thing.

The good news, is that if you really enjoy the smell of Ralph’s Club, it will reward you with its versatility. This could very well be a daily wear type of scent for some guys. Is it amazing? No, but it also doesn’t have any really noticeable deficiencies as a fragrance.

L’Heure Verte by Kilian

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I’ve had a sample of L’Heure Verte for over six months now, that I purchased along with the other Liquors from the Kilian collection. Angels’ Share became an immediate love for me, the others less so. But, I did like Verte when I tried it. So, revisiting for my full review, I wanted to see if this still held the number two spot in the series.

What does L’Heure Verte Smell Like?

Notes include: absinthe, violet leaf, patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver

Click here to try: At Sephora

My Full Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see how Kilian describes it: Absinthe essence opens L’Heure Verte by KILIAN with an instant head twist into a nostalgic heart of violet leaf and licorice root absolute. Its dry-down articulates a unique and precisely chosen facet of patchouli that resonates throughout, and blends into a trio of earthy woods along with vetiver and sandalwood. 

The first time that I smelled Verte, I thought, “Oh, Lolita Lempicka Au Masculin“. The resemblance between the two fragrances is obvious to me, as that unique scent was one of the earlier reviews that I did on this site. 

The licorice in that fragrance, will give you much of the same scent as the absinthe accord within this Kilian. Actually, I think the Lempicka also has the wormwood note as well, so it’s basically absinthe.

However, this one is way smoother, less sweet, and the licorice doesn’t hit you as hard up top. 

Up top, it’s got a nice sweet and almost powdery aroma to it. Verte’s licorice is nice, although, I personally start to have enough of it after a while.

Underneath that absinthe is a violet leaf, that hangs around for a while. It does add to the greenish, sort of herbal quality that the booze packs in. 

I do like that this one adds the vetiver, patchouli, and sandalwood to a greater degree and makes it more tolerable than the Lempicka scent. It’s dry, warm, and gives Verte a bit more depth than it otherwise would.  

To me, this fragrance is about the absinthe accord early on. Then, the patchouli will become the second strongest, as we dry down. The sweetness will turn more into a woody booziness that is pretty pleasant. 

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, Verte starts out fairly moderate, very noticeable, but will ultimately sit pretty close to the skin. Not a completely weak perfume, by any means, but not a massive beast that is going to leave a huge trail.

Decent, though.

On my skin, it’ll stick around for 6-7 hours. Not too terrible. Again, the performance isn’t all that great, respectable. Though, I’d personally want more for the Kilian price tag. 

Seasonally, this could work anytime outside of summer. Autumn through early springtime. In the more moderate temperatures, L’Heure Verte is still good to go. However, I wore it on a warmer day and it wasn’t at all near its peak.

This is going to be more of a casual or nighttime wear. I think depending on where you live, it might not get associated with alcohol and could be safe for work. Here in the US, people would associate the licorice note, but probably not catch on to the absinthe.

It’s a boozy gourmand. Not really sexy, but does have an attractiveness to it. It does swing more in the masculine direction, but it is still pretty safely unisex. 

Overall Impressions of L’Heure Verte

Overall, do I like L’Heure Verte? I like the scent, but it’s not a love for me. You’re going to have to really enjoy the aroma of absinthe, because that’s the star here. I do like it for a short period of time, but the smell of licorice wears on me.

Still, this is my second favorite from the Liquors line by Kilian (thus far). The dry down with sandalwood, patchouli, and vetiver is nice. Albeit, not very strong. Once the grip of the licorice gets loosened, I tend to like the back end of this fragrance more.

The performance is just okay. Really, nothing to write home about. It could indeed be better.

This is sort of a safe niche. It’s probably not going to offend anyone, but it’ll stand out as being pretty unique. Most people have never smelled the Lempicka cologne. But, it might not be one that you’d want to take a chance on buying blind. 

The licorice absinthe aroma, is one that isn’t universally appreciated. As such, it’s probably best you try it our before committing to a full bottle.