Cologne Reviews

Tommy Bahama St. Barts Cologne

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Tommy Bahama is a fashion and fragrance line that’s all about the beach and sailing type of lifestyle. It’s casual and laid back in its presentation, plus it has released some pretty great fragrances, at a price that is wholly affordable. In this post, I want to take a closer look at Set Sail St. Barts and determine if this cologne is worthy of a buy or not.

I have updated this page since my initial 2015 review, after spending much more time with this fragrance, and having some additional thoughts.

What does Set Sail St. Barts Smell Like?

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Notes include: blue agavae, salty sea spray, musk, guava, lime, tequila, vanilla, palm wood

Click here to try: Tommy Bahama St. Barts Men Cologne,3.4 Fl Oz

My Full Wear Review

I was really interested in trying out this fragrance because of the compilation of notes reminded me somewhat of Guerlain Homme, which I absolutely love wearing. Guerlain has a mojito accord which gives it that summery alcoholic drink vibe and the lime plus tequila notes in this Set Sail cologne struck me as a slightly different variation on that theme.

Plus, the bright blue bottle with the gold metallic cap and nautical rope tied around, it looked really awesome.

Initially, one is struck by the lime note, as it is very potent at first and it is joined by a creamy almost coconut aroma that is less pronounced. The whole opening is very reminiscent of a margarita and the sensation of being on an island in the tropics.

The tart lime note is huge, at first, and is paired with a salty marine note, and some guava for extra fruitiness. Everything is so citrusy and juicy at the start and I kind of don’t want it to ever end.

The lime note settles down quite a bit after about 20 minutes or so and what is left behind is a fresh and delightful scent. I really detect the palm wood and sea salt spray during this second act.

It’s like the opening is enjoying the margarita on the beach and then getting in the water yourself. Set Sail St. Barts really is one of those mood setting colognes, that will take your mind to the tropics, upon smelling this fragrance.

Also during the dry down, there is a heavy vein of that tequila/blue agave aroma, it becomes less of a tropical cocktail and more towards a clean shot glass of tequila.

There is a very light vanilla/musk combination, that when blended with the lime and guava, smells somewhat lotion-y with a suntan lotion like creaminess.

Ultimately, what you get is a marine soaked lime with saltiness and tequila. Underneath that is bouts of woodiness and creaminess. Very summery and bringing up memories of the island life.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Now, while that lime notes is pretty potent at the start, it really isn’t an overwhelming cologne at all. I would say it is light to moderate and you might even want to test spray yourself a few times and see how it reacts.

Maybe then, deciding to apply another spray. I tend to over spray St. Barts, not only to give it a boost, but also because I got a large bottle for so cheap. There’s really no reason for me to skimp on the application.

Longevity is also pretty moderate, but certainly not terrible at all. With heavy sprays I can get 6-7 hours, on my skin. If I go a few sprays, 4-5.

As far as when to wear, this is a casual scent all the way. Summertime or other warm weather. Ideally, outdoors and by the sea. I’d wear it to the gym sometimes, but mostly just on summer days when I was out and about.

Not really one for formal occasions or even much for wear during the remainder of the year. Unless, of course, you live in the tropics.

Overall Impressions of St. Barts

Is this cologne a buy? It’s a summertime fragrance and will appeal to those who really like that summery/beach/island vibe. Look at the notes and if you’re not too crazy about the laid back margarita sort of scent, then this might be a pass for you.

I really do like the lime note here. Yes, it is loud and bold, but that’s a part of the appeal. The tequila note is interesting and is one of the reasons it gets noted as a ‘poor man’s version’ of Creed’s Virgin Island Water, which uses rum instead.

I’ve never personally been to big on that one, but it is an alternative, that many people love.

However, for those who are into this sort of beach island cologne, I would definitely recommend checking this out as a casual summer fragrance.

It’s a fairly inexpensive and versatile choice for the hottest months of the year and really helps set the tropical tone.

As far as the Tommy Bahama scents go, this is probably my second favorite. St. Kitts is still the best of the bunch, if you want to go with a more tropical fruit cologne, without the tequila.

Update: In 2022, it is harder to find a cheap bottle of this stuff, but Tommy Bahama still sells it at full price. A few years ago, you could get it for $20-30. I wouldn’t pay full price for it, but with a discount, it’s worth a shot.

Uden EDP by Xerjoff

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Uden is a fairly popular fragrance from the Italian luxury brand, Xerjoff. More exactly, its Shooting Stars collection Yet, in many ways I think that it gets overshadowed by other perfumes in the company’s extensive line. I grabbed a few small samples of this fragrance, to try it out and see whether or not it spoke to me. How does it smell? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Uden by Xerjoff Smell Like?

Notes include: lemon, grapefruit, rum, sandalwood, rose, vanilla, coffee, guaiac wood and musk

Click here to try: Uden from Saks Fifth Avenue

uden xerjoff review

My Full Review

Before I get into my review, let’s see how Xerjoff describes it: Uden opens to the nose like a surging wave, with sea spray and a bright marine breeze bringing the senses to life. Hitting top notes of zesty lemon and grapefruit, the citrus character of this fougere fragrance travels to a bright heart of rose, sandalwood and rum.

I first wanted to try Uden, due to its comparisons with Chanel’s Allure Home Edition Blanche. I really enjoyed the lemon and vanilla blend in that, so, Uden absolutely had to be on my list.

The comparisons are pretty obvious, early on. But, they will end up in different places, and Uden is the better of the two. The Chanel can too often disappoint with its performance.

The initial blast of lemon and grapefruit is pretty sharp and intense. I know, some folks don’t like lemon colognes, but when done well, it is one of my favorites. This is one of those.

That opening citrus will calm down and the blend will become sweeter, fresher, and spicier. Rum, is the first note to let itself be known, alongside that vanilla creaminess.

Now, rum and citrus isn’t always great together, see: Bvlgari Man in Black Cologne. But, with this Xerjoff, the additional vanilla and coffee bring a sweetness and creaminess to the mix which is just delightful.

That citrus sharpness will calm down dramatically. In the mix, will come the woody notes. Oud and sandalwood. To my nose, the latter is the stronger of the two. Again, I love a good pairing of that with vanilla and the lemon top.

Sweet vanilla, boozy woods is basically the finish with Uden. Really quite beautiful and a pleasure to pick up hints of when the fragrance begins to fade.

Update: In my own bottle, the sandalwood really stands out in the latter stages. A bit different from the sample, but the blend is still magnificent.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is pretty moderate. Initially, you will get some good projection from Uden, but it will sit pretty close to the skin for the rest of the wear. Not a complete best, but with a decent amount of sprays its solid.

Better than Chanel Blanche, anyway.

The longevity is pretty good. Somewhere in the 7-9 hour range, on my skin. It kind of fluctuates in that range, but mainly sticks to the lower end of the spectrum. Which for this price, is kind of a disappointment. 

xerjoff perfume

Seasonally, this is more geared toward autumn or spring, in my opinion. It does have a heaviness that makes it too much for the daytime in summer, but I had good results with it in the evening.

A high level of heat and humidity is something you’d want to avoid with this Xerjoff perfume.

It’s also a unisex fragrance that can realistically be worn by anyone. Probably leans masculine with the rum note, but not really too much in either direction. 

This can be worn in a variety of situations. Maybe avoid really formal outings, if you don’t want that rum note to make it seem like you’ve been drinking.

Overall Impressions of Uden

xerjoff meteorite stars

Do I like this fragrance? It’s one of my personal favorites. So, yeah. Is it for everyone? Probably not.

I love a good vanilla and citrus scent and this is among the best that I’ve encountered. If that’s not your thing, you can pass on Uden. If it sounds somewhat intriguing to you, I’d track down a sample, to see how you enjoy it.

Personally, I think that this is a masterpiece. The smell is just outstanding. It took everything that I liked about the Chanel fragrance and made it better. Plus, it goes in its own direction. The rum and coffee really help to set it apart.

Additionally, it’s not as dry with the vetiver. Much creamier and the citrus notes are great here.

The performance is good. Not elite, but I don’t have too many complaints about it. But, the scent is so delightful to me, that I do with that it kept going on and on.

As of now, I haven’t splurged on a full bottle, but it is definitely on the list of one that I want for my own collection. It’s just pricey. 

Update: I finally bought my full bottle, with the help of some credits and a discount code. As you can see, the presentation from Xerjoff is pretty elaborate and I got my own meteorite pieces, for the Shooting Stars collection.

 

Polo Red Rush by Ralph Lauren

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In today’s review, I have tried out a new release from Ralph Lauren, from the Polo Red lineup: Polo Red Rush. This flanker to the original was put out in 2018 and the question is, does it bring something new to the table? What does it smell like? How does it perform? Is this new Red, even worth a try?

What does Polo Red Rush Smell Like?

Notes include: mandarin, grapefruit, pineapple, lemon, saffron, orange flower, spearmint, red apple, lavender, red coffee, cedar, musk

Click here to try: Polo Red Rush by Ralph Lauren EDT Spray 4.2 Oz.

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Polo Red Rush feels pretty similar to the original Polo Red, which opens up with a strong cranberry note. This one, takes a different route, and produces a strong fruity smell with grapefruit, pineapple, apple, and mandarin.

The pineapple and lemon note give it that same sort of sharp quality that you would get from the original Red. Though, this time it is without the cranberry really bringing the tartness.

To my nose, only the top is very similar to the original, and Rush begins to take on its own character about 10 minutes into the wear.

I get a second layer of crisp and cold spearmint running through its heart, and a musk note which sets it quite apart from the other Red colognes. At this point, I get a lot of apple, musk, spearmint, and some saffron for good measure.

Red Rush is quite ‘green’, crisp, fruity, and has some aquatic elements lurking in the background. It’s base is a woodiness led by cedar and a very light coffee note, that is different from the one found in Polo Red Extreme.

It really isn’t that prominent at all. Though, the overall composition is upbeat and energetic, in its own way.

The dry down is more musky and floral than the rest of the wear. Orange flower and lavender come through for me, but saffron still heads up that aspect.

Beyond that, Red Rush is still mostly about the apple, musk, mint, and the citrus which seems to come back more as it reaches its final phases.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s light to moderate. It never felt very ‘loud’ or bold on my skin. Much to the same level, as the original Polo Red, maybe a little softer. It’s one that will probably require a few extra sprays.

Longevity, isn’t great. 5 hours on average, you might get six out of Red Rush. Serviceable but not really where it should be. Trying it out a few times, this seemed to be the natural limit for this scent.

It’s similar in performance to what you might get with the original Red. Red Intense and Extreme bring a longer lasting wear than Rush.

I like this as a cologne for the spring or summer months, though, it is safe to wear year round. Really, it is a year round wear, that’s just at its best when the warmer weather is here.

It probably has it’s strong point within its versatility. It can be worn casually, is safe enough for work, and is pleasant enough to wear out at night. Red Rush isn’t a cologne that is going to offend anyone, it’s pleasing, and easy to wear.

Though, probably won’t give you the same power in projecting, as you might want. It is fresh and clean, but not really sexy. As a low key and unobtrusive fragrance, it does a fairly good job, but isn’t something that stands out.

Overall Impressions of Red Rush

Overall, do I like Polo Red Rush? Meh. This Ralph Lauren fragrance feels unnecessary, in my opinion. It does take the Red line in a slightly new direction, but it’s not unique enough, nor does it perform well enough to be a great addition.

It certainly has its moments and is an overall enjoyable experience, it’s just not amazing in the slightest. Maybe consider picking it up, once it hits the secondary market, and comes down in price. Good, has some solid aspects, but not particularly memorable.

I like the apple and mint notes, along with the saffron. At no point, do I find it particularly bad, and that second layer with the mint is actually quite nice. I’m just not all that impressed by Rush as a whole.

For me, this is the worst of the Polo Red options. It’s not terrible, just kind of pointless. The performance is only okay, so, even if you enjoy the aroma…it still might not be worth it.

Platinum égoïste by Chanel

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Chanel Egoiste Platinum was released back in 1993, as a follow up to the popular original Egoiste. Though, the two really don’t have too much in common. This is already a classic, that I’ve come back to over the years, and have enjoyed. Even if, this fougere sort of cologne isn’t my personal style…I’ve always dug this. I recently picked up a sample again to see how it’s holding up today, so, this is going to be my review.

What does Egoiste Platinum Smell Like?

Notes include: lavender, rosemary, petitgrain, amber, clary sage, geranium, cedar, vetiver, sandalwood, jasmine, and more

Click here to try: Platinum Egoiste by Chanel

chanel platinum review

My Full Review

Before we get into my take on this scent, let’s see how Chanel describes it:
PLATINUM ÉGOÏSTE is a fragrance for the extrovert who isn’t afraid of making himself known. The fresh and aromatic notes of the energetic fougère-green accord represent the strength of the man with a commanding presence.

In the early opening, Platinum Egoiste gives me a blast of petitgrain and sage early on. These two are flanked by neroli and lavender, the latter of which is going to play a major part throughout.

It’s like a fresh soap aroma, with an edginess to it. Proper clean, but with an air of confidence. After 15 mintues or so, the neroli and petitgrain have begun to move on, and I get rosemary and sage in their place.

Greenish, herbal, fresh spicy, and lavender. At some point, it does begin to transition to being a lavender and woody aroma, rather than spicy herbal. The aroma is very dry and outdoorsy without being too rough about it.

The vetiver plays the largest role out of the woodsy notes, but geranium has it time in the spotlight, and really gives Platinum its greenish scent. Cedar and sandalwood split the rest of the duties.

Finally, the final dry down is still going with the lavender, amber, woods, but a mossy note does come through. It’s not too pronounced on my skin, but its there. Not a huge change from what had been happening, but just enough.

Projection, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage with this is solid within the first few hours, but it does get quite a bit lighter thereafter. Not a complete monster, but with a good amount of sprays it will be noticed, linger, and can be picked up from 4-6 feet away.

Platinum creates a nice scent bubble, just not an extreme one.

The longevity on bottles nowadays, seems to sit in the 5-7 hour range depending on the day. If it’s a bit colder outside, it sticks to my skin more so than when it gets even somewhat warm.

If you want performance, you’ll have to overspray to a degree, and just accept you’ll end up buying another bottle. Just how it is.

One thing that this has going for it, is just how versatile it is. Platinum Egoiste works well in any season pretty much. Personally, I avoid the hottest days to spray this one on, but it’s honestly not terrible then either.

Mostly, I’d stick to autumn through early spring. Mild days are better than colder ones.

This is a classic barbershop style fougere cologne. It’s clean and easy to wear with a spicy fresh edge. It absolutely works for the office, just as a daily wear, or even into the evening. Not a club beast or something that’s in your face, Platinum is low-key confidence.

I will say that it can be worn by men of any age, so long as your style isn’t completely casual. It has an attractive quality, sexiness, and women seem to enjoy it. All in a classy presentation.

Overall Impressions of Platinum

Overall, do I like Platinum? Yes, in this style of cologne, it is one of my favorites. I do like a clean scent. I will usually go with a powdery one. With this Chanel, I get a change of pace with fresh spiciness, lavender, and woody/earthy elements.

It’s all very balanced and easy to wear. Classic without falling into old man territory. This is a Chanel that will be a signature fragrance for some guys. If you love it, it’s something that will absolutely stick around in your collection.

I don’t think it is one for every guy, however. Sure, try it, but don’t be surprised if it isn’t something you vibe with. Not everyone wants a shaving cream/soapy sort of wear. I will say, give it time to develop on your skin and come back to it again…it can take time to fully appreciate.

It’s a masculine fragrance, not one that is going to be confused for a unisex perfume. If it sounds intriguing, give it a go.

Light Blue Pour Homme by D&G

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After writing hundreds and hundreds of reviews on this site, I’ve noticed that I skipped over or forgot about doing reviews on plenty of men’s colognes, that have been really popular. One of these scents, is Light Blue Pour Homme by Dolce & Gabbana, which I haven’t tried out in more than a few years by now.

As such, I got a hold of a new vial of the stuff, to try out the latest formulation and give it a proper review. Please continue reading below for my updated thoughts, on this best selling summertime scent.

What does Light Blue Pour Homme Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, grapefruit, mandarin orange, pepper, oak moss, juniper, musk, rosemary, rosewood, incense

Click here to try: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 6.7 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

Light Blue opens up with a blast of fresh citrus, mostly the bergamot and grapefruit, with a hint of the mandarin orange rounding things out. From the start, this one is bright and upbeat, and immediately brings to mind summer days.

Beyond the citrus notes, there’s is some spice provided by the pepper and an herbal element of rosemary. Very similar style to the Acqua di Gio line, but they are still distinct from one another.

After 10 or so minutes, the base notes begin to come out more. Incense is quite noticeable, it doesn’t create a giant cloud of smokiness, but does create a light envelopment of the citrus notes.

The Brazilian rosewood is not overly prominent, but instead holds steady in the background, giving Light Blue a solid grounding to base itself from. There is some dried oak moss and musk, though, neither are all that strong.

More of just a light essence in the background. It all comes together as a very crisp and light fragrance. There isn’t too much development from this cologne, it’s pretty linear, and gets right to the point of what you’re going to get from the wear.

Citrus, pepper/rosemary, with a dry and woody base. Simple, is a good thing here, you don’t really want a heavy and complicated summer scent.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Pour Homme is a light to moderate scent. It’s not weak in my opinion, at least with this current formulation, and projects pretty darn well for around five hours before it winds down. The sillage on these current bottles is definitely passable and not at all ‘bad’.

Has it lost a step? Maybe. Though, I’m not sure if it’s my memory thinking that it used to be more powerful or an actual reformulation.

The longevity is also decent, it’ll carry along for 6-8 hours, depending on what the day is like. That’s actually good for a summertime citrus fragrance like this. It’s not elite, by any means, but this D&G will get the job done.

Seasonally, I like it best in the summer or the warmer months of spring. However, I’ve been testing it out so far in the winter, and it actually feels quite nice. Mostly, I’ll use it as a change of pace from the heavier and more wintertime only fragrances in my collection.

Light Blue has very good versatility, because it is super safe and inoffensive. You can wear it to work, casually, or out at night during the summer months.

Personally, I would wear something else for the nightlife, when its cold outside, but this could do the job when it’s simply too humid for a heavier scent. Light Blue Pour Homme is an attractive fragrance, so, you can’t really go wrong with it. Especially, if you are a younger guy.

It’s pretty close to being a jack of all trades. If you don’t need more formal or very ‘serious’ sorts of fragrances.

Overall Impressions of D&G Light Blue

Overall, do I like Light Blue Pour Homme? I do. It’s a simple fragrance that enjoys a mass appeal and women seem to enjoy it. It’s kind of an entry level cologne for guys just getting into fragrance and want a versatile value fragrance.

It’s not amazing to me, but I still do get enjoyment from this Dolce fragrance. And really, the entire Light Blue line.

The citrus notes are fresh and have a bit of sour lemonade quality, while the background notes add bits of themselves to the composition without being distracting.

This one has been so wildly popular for so long that it has become commonplace. You’re not going to stand out as unique with Light Blue on, but you aren’t going to choke out a room with it either. It really is a no brainer, easy reach, and mass appeal cologne.

I’m not big on the pepper and herbal aspects, which isn’t terrible here, but I prefer the citrus. Especially, on a warm day.

Personally, I prefer Light Blue Eau Intense to this one. I like the extra power and clean aquatic vibe that it puts off. It seems to be a toss up whether or not guys prefer the original or the intense version. Here’s my comparison: Light Blue vs. Eau Intense

Also, you could go with Light Blue Sun, which has overlaps with this original version; though, with a different overall profile.