Cologne Reviews

Y EDT by Yves Saint Laurent

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It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed a Yves Saint Laurent fragrance on the site, at least in the men’s lineup. As such, I am going to be doing reviews on the Y fragrances for men that were released, fairly recently.

In this post, I will be covering the eau de toilette version first, and do the EDP in another write up later. As usual, I will cover what’s in this scent, how it smells, performs, and if it is worth a try?

What Does Y EDT Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, ginger, aldehydes, violet leaf, geranium, sage, cedar, musk, incense, ambergris, fir

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau De Toilette Spray 100ml/3.3oz

My Full Wear Review

My first impression upon smelling Y, is of just how incredibly fresh this fragrance is. Very cool, crisp, airy, and quite clean. I like it. The bergamot is light, but adds a great citrus juiciness to the center.

The aldehydes are distinct and give Y a bright and sunny disposition. Add to that, an ambergris note which isn’t too heavy but plays off of the other ingredients, much as it does in Creed fragrances. The opening is delightful.

The next layer to hit my nose, is a bit of violet leaf and ginger. The ginger brings forth a light spice and the violet leaf isn’t super prominent, but does provide its familiar aroma. Y is actually a pretty straightforward scent that doesn’t undergo too much development.

When it does dry down further, it is muskier and woodier, than it had been in the opening and you get some fruitiness to go along with that.

Does it still retain its freshness in the dry down? Yes. It is sweet with a light and airy character and a solid woody foundation with sage sprinkled in. It sort of strikes me as a non-oceanic Acqua di Gio Absolu, not that they smell exactly the same, but do give off a very similar vibe.

It has that citrus top, with an herbal spice, sitting on top of a not too heavy but dry wood. Definitely some cedar, in there, and a touch of fir.

What I ultimately get in terms of notes are: citrus, aldehydes, sage, cedar, ambergris, violet leaf, and the remnants of apple and ginger. Is it super complex? No. It is, however, very well put together.

Y EDT feels familiar, while having its own unique composition. This one is very easy to wear and enjoy.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, I’d say it’s pretty moderate for the first half of wear, and then is a skin scent. The sillage of Y EDT isn’t huge, but it’s respectable for much of the wear, and then sticks really close to the skin. I definitely wouldn’t call it weak, but it isn’t supposed to be a ‘bomb’ cologne.

The longevity is good, but not insane, on my skin. I can get 7-ish hours of wear from one application. That fits most of my purposes, so I have no real complaints.

Seasonally, spring and summer. Actually, it can be worn year round without much fuss, but it would be great in the heat. It’s light and won’t get all nasty once the heat and humidity kicks in. It’s nice to have a scent like that on your shelf, when it gets to that time of year.

In terms of the versatility of Y, it can cover a lot of bases. It’s not too uptight to not be worn casually, but it can also be worn in an office setting or dressed up.

It has an appealing scent that will fetch complements and can be worn on dates. I’d say that it is more attractive than ‘sexy’, but women do seem to enjoy its aroma. It’s an easy one for most people to enjoy and i

Y EDT isn’t the type of scent that will take over a room, but does give you a very solid performance, in a light/upbeat presentation. I can’t really image that there are too many people, who would hate this cologne.

Overall Impression

Overall, do I like Y EDT? I’d have to say, yes. It’s nothing that is super unique or a must have, but it does smell very good to me.

I really enjoy the freshness and cleanliness of the fragrance, a great balance of sweet, and fresh spice. It has solid performance and is super versatile.

I have no real complaints about this cologne, it is safe enough to be a blind buy, and should get plenty of positive reaction from people while wearing it. It has been enjoyable to test out and wear around, I’m glad YSL moved in a new direction, and released this type of scent.

Since writing this initial review, I have also tried out Y Eau de Parfum. To me, the EDP version is actually much better than this, at least performance wise (and smell, in my opinion).

A bit different, but enhance everything that was great about this one. So, I would recommend getting the EDP vs. the EDT, unless you get some unreal price break.

Update: Beyond the EDP, Le Parfum and a few others have also been released since I first published this. Fraiche is limited to summer, but I think that I like it more than the EDT. While I don’t dislike the EDT, I feel like its my least favorite of the series.

At the end of the day, I don’t see a reason to own versus the others…unless you personally really love the smell.

Maritime Deep Blue by Tommy Bahama

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Along with my sample of Maritime Journey from Tommy Bahama, I also picked up one of Maritime Deep Blue, which I had tried out before. Now, I wanted to revisit this scent and give it a full and proper review for the site. How does it smell? Perform? When should it be worn? Continue below for my full take after testing it recently.

What does Maritime Deep Blue Smell Like?

Notes include: geranium, cedar, orris, juniper, bergamot, cardamom, water lily, freesia, musk, moss

Click here to try: Tommy Bahama Maritime Deep Blue Eau de Cologne Spray, 2.5 Fl Oz

My Full Wear Review

Upon the first spray, I immediately get the similarities between this and both Polo Blue and Eternity Aqua. The main commonalities are mostly in the beginning of the wear and they aren’t entirely the same, but it’s pretty close.

The main difference for me, is the both Polo Blue and Eternity Aqua feel much more aquatic and coldly crisp than this Maritime Deep Blue. Those both contain the cucumber note, along with the citrus or tart plum, in the case of the CK fragrance.

Maritime Deep Blue, opts for water lily and a nice dose of juniper for freshness. It doesn’t have an exact aquatic aroma, but it’s a decent facsimile at first. Geranium is a very light note in Deep Blue, but it is also found in the Polo scent, adding to the overlap.

Once we get past that first wave of bergamot citrus, rosemary, and juniper; this one will become more floral and woodsy. I know the advertising and name makes you think oceanic, but I’d set my expectations for freshness. This is a classic fresh sort of cologne.

The spice of cardamom and rosemary is a very nice contrast against the juniper and juicy citrus.

The next phase,  the juniper and cardamom hang around, and the water lily, cedar, and freesia really come through. At this point, Maritime Deep Blue becomes a lot more distinct than it opens up.

Nevertheless, the woods/musk/spice are found in all three of these colognes, and keeps them in the same relative area.

I end up with a dry and fresh spice, floral touches, and a clean woody base. Pretty simple, but well done.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Like other Tommy Bahama fragrances, Deep Blue isn’t a powerhouse, and falls toward the lighter moderate end of the spectrum. With three sprays to the same spot, this one is noticeable but isn’t going to carry over the entirety of a room.

Probably, a 4-6 foot scent bubble, that gets progressively closer as it dries down.

Longevity wise, 5-7 hours. There is a lot worse from this brand, in terms of performance, but it isn’t an outstanding example of an all day wear. Thus far, it is much closer to the 5 hour mark for most wears versus 7.

Update: Yeah, like 4 out of 5 times, Maritime Blue will be on the skin for around five hours. Usually, with low humidity, it has better odds at going longer. But, it’s usually very humid around here.

Seasonally, I like this as a spring/summer wear. Though, it’s fine to wear here in January, as the citrus isn’t massive. It can be a bit too fresh for the winter, when I prefer to go with something warmer and with some greater thickness.

In the summer, it can get eaten up a bit by the humidity. However, it also smells at its absolute best and just works with the general vibe of the season.

Maritime Deep Blue is mainly a casual warm weather cologne. It can also be worn in daily, semi-formal situations. Light enough for the office, if need be. Fresh and clean, not really sexy, and not a nightlife focused scent.

Overall Impressions of Maritime Deep Blue

Do I like this fragrance? I do. I think that it’s one of the better offerings from Tommy Bahama. It’s not very original, but it at least mimics fragrances which smell nice. However, I don’t really love either the Polo or Calvin Klein, but can enjoy wearing them.

The performance is okay. It’s not great and actually lags behind its two comparable colognes. I do really like the use of juniper in Deep Blue, I think it adds a layer that the other two don’t have. Is that enough to buy? For me, no.

I can get Eternity Aqua for much cheaper, usually. Plus, Polo Blue EDT, isn’t the best one from that lineup. Polo Deep Blue or Blue EDP are both better. So, while I like Maritime Deep Blue, I don’t really see a place for it.

Maybe, at $15-30 this would be worthwhile, but I can’t see me needing a bottle at near full price. If it’s like $80-something, I’d pass. Although, I’ve been seeing Tommy Bahama fragrances for cheaper as of late. So, it’s probably pretty likely you’ll be able too grab this one near that price point.

Spicebomb Infrared EDT by Viktor & Rolf

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Spicebomb is a series of colognes, for which I have generally positive opinion on. The more recent Night Vision entries weren’t that great and were a step down from the original and Spicebomb Extreme.

As such, I wasn’t all that curious about trying Infrared, lest it be another mediocre fragrance. Eventually, I grabbed a sample of the stuff to test it out and review it for the site. How does it smell? Does it perform well? Is it even worth a try?

Spicebomb Infrared EDT Overview

Notes include: red berries, tobacco, habanero, cinnamon, saffron

Buy from Macy’s: Spicebomb Infrared EDT

My Full Review

Infrared kicks off with its hottest notes coming through in a big way. But also, the sweetness of the red berry oil leading the way and giving the Spicebomb formulation a different aroma.

The cinnamon is the dominant spice here and early on it is joined by that habanero pepper which really ramps things up. Infrared is intense, but never heavy-handed with how it comes across.

It’s always got it its warmth coming through but the spiciness also has a very fresh aspect, that is great.

Underneath that initial blast is the saffron note, which will take over for the red pepper accord. The cinnamon sticks around, but it is joined by that saffron note for a while. Also, benzoin appears to be in the mix, but comes across more like a pure amber to my nose.

After that phase, it will mostly be about the cinnamon and tobacco. The fruity sweetness of the berries hangs around for the entirety, but you get closer to the familiar Spicebomb DNA for the rest of the wear.

The saffron is probably the fourth most prominent note, but the habanero heat from early on has disappeared from the blend.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Infrared starts off with a pretty strong sillage. It is powerful and will project itself nicely. However, it settles into much more of a moderate scent overall. It’ll hit that 4-6 foot range for a good portion of the wear, before coming closer to the skin.

Not a monster and not a weak fragrance.

I get about 6-7 hours of wear on my skin with Infrared. It’s about what I get from other entries in the Spicebomb series, outside of Extreme, which goes on forever. For an EDT fragrance, it’s pretty darn good. Though, it could be better.

I’m not disappointed that much in the performance, since I get plenty of use out of it within that time frame. Just know what to expect, before purchasing.

Seasonally, it is best for autumn and winter. The colder temperatures will really let Infrared shine. However, I wore it on a day where the temperature was around 75 degrees Fahrenheit and actually was really great.

It was outdoors with a breeze and that is what sold me on getting a full bottle of Spicebomb Infrared.

This one is best used casually or for the nightlife. It does lean younger in its target demographic, but anyone could wear this really, just don’t expect some super formal cologne. That’s not what Infrared is.

It does have mass appeal and a level of sexiness to it. Gourmand, warm, attractive, with a masculine tobacco note.

Overall Impressions of Infrared

Overall, do I like Spicebomb Infrared? Yes, it has become my second favorite entry from the Spicebomb lineup. Extreme is better in terms of smell. Though, since it’s better for colder weather and the climate around me doesn’t get there too often, I purchased this one.

This versus Spicebomb EDT is a close call. I think the original used to be better and be a better performer, but it’s lost a step.

The opening act is really awesome. I love the red berries, habanero, and cinnamon spice. It’s very warm, spicy, and sweet. This stage completely sells you on the ‘red’ color chosen for the marketing of this fragrance.

The dry down gives me more of the traditional Spicebomb aromas, but Infrared still does it’s own thing. Still sweet, with the cinnamon and tobacco notes really coming through to the end. Fresh, not too harsh, with a softer spice than encountered in the opening.

The performance is good enough. Not great, but not poor, either.

Overall, I like this one a lot. I mean, I bought a full bottle shortly after trying the sample for the first time. It’s not my favorite scent ever or anything, just one that I enjoy wearing and want to experience this autumn and upcoming winter.

The Scent Private Accord by Hugo Boss

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The Scent from Hugo Boss spun off a ton of flankers in a pretty short amount of time. Overall, the lineup was good, with some that were even better. Private Accord was brought out in 2018, to give a new interpretation of the maninka fruit-based The Scent DNA. What does this entry smell like? How long does it last? Is it even worth a try?

What does The Scent Private Accord Smell Like?

Notes include: ginger, maninka fruit, mocha, cocoa absolute, pepper, bergamot, patchouli, woods

Click here to try: BOSS The Scent Private Accord for Him, 3.3 Fl Oz 

My Full Review

Private Accord kicks things off with an immediate impact from the cacao note. It is very strong from the start and joined by the fresh spice of ginger. Ginger is one of my favorite spicy notes, so, I think the opening here is sort of awesome.

Underneath that is a further spiciness supplied by a dash of pepper. Along with, the usual fruitiness of this series, maninka fruit. However, in this one, you get some pineapple to go along with it.

I will say, that the maninka and fruitiness as a whole, is toned down in The Scent Private Accord when compared to the others.

Once it has settled somewhat, the spiciness subsides. Cacao will at first be joined by a coffee note. Think more 75% cacao, 25% coffee. Then, the coffee will mostly be replace by vanilla, with the gourmand aroma being held together by a nice patchouli note.

 The dry down is probably my least favorite part of this fragrance. It becomes much drier with a powdery cacao smell. It’s a sweet and dry cologne, pretty distant from that early great freshness of spices and fruits.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Private Accord has good sillage. It will project itself around 6-8 feet from the wearer, at it’s peak. Strong, but ultimately hits the upper end of moderate for much of its wear. From then on, it will still have a nice scent bubble, but not permeate the room.

I get just over 8 hours of wear with Private Accord. It isn’t an elite scent, in this regard, but much better than some of the others in this series from Hugo Boss. I really had no issue with the performance from this one. 

So, if you like the smell, you’ll at least get your money’s worth out of it.

Seasonally, stick to the autumn and winter. This is very much a colder weather wear and would kind of get gross in the heat. That sweet, spicy, warmth isn’t exactly built for the summer.

This one also skews toward younger guys. The chocolate and vanilla combination dominates, once the initial ginger spice burns off. Not strictly a teenager’s scent or anything, but Private Accord isn’t something formal.

It’s good casually or for the nightlife. Would for sure, want to wear this Hugo Boss out for an evening on the town versus whatever during the daytime. 

 

 

Overall Impression of Private Accord

Overall, do I like this Hugo Boss scent? I think it’s a nice smelling fragrance overall. It does get a little too heavy on the cacao and vanilla, in the latter stages. That part isn’t bad, but it’s a noticeable step down.

The early stages with the ginger, pepper, and maninka fruit are worthwhile and ranks among the best in the series. There isn’t too much development, but the sweet powdery quality isn’t amazing to me.

I prefer The Scent Absolute from this series. Actually, I liked the original better also, it just had terrible performance. Private Accord at least has solid performance going for it, with a nice smell.

That being said, Private Accord is an above average to very good cologne. It might not be for everyone, as you’re going to have to really be into dry chocolatey gourmands. Not super sugary, but more of a warm powder.

Update: Here in 2024, it appears that Private Accord got discontinued at some point. Not surprising, since this fragrance came out in 2018, and Boss is still releasing other flankers in ‘The Scent’ line.

As of now, it looks like you can still purchase bottles at a reasonable price from third party sites. Still wouldn’t be my first pick in the series, but you could do a lot worse for $60 than picking up a bottle of Private Accord.

Acqua di Gio Profondo Lights by Armani

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Acqua di Gio flankers have become routine, especially as of late. Armani quickly followed up the release of 2020’s popular Profondo, with this year’s Profondo Lights. Being a fan of the series, I was excited to give this one a go and see if it was a worthwhile cologne to own. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is AdG Profondo Lights worth a buy?

What does Profondo Lights Smell Like?

Profondo Lights

Notes include: cardamom, mandarin, patchouli, cedar, marine accord, vetiver, lavender, cypress, rosemary

My Full Review

I’ve said that Acqua di Gio Profondo was a green-ish blue scent. Well, Profondo Lights is much more toward the green end of the spectrum, with a touch of marine notes for its ‘blue’ aroma.

Cypress, cardamom, mandarin, and the marine notes open things up. I’m not a fan of the initial act of Profondo Lights, it’s bright, and reminds me of a smoother apple cider vinegar. Not nearly, as harsh and it fades away, but I really don’t like that smell.

Note: coming back to this review two months after the fact, the messy opening still doesn’t appeal to me. I gave it a chance to grow on me, but that never did.

I understand that they’re going to use the citrus note, but I think that the mandarin distracts too much here. Once it’s burned off some, you start to get the woodsy/herbal/aquatic blend and that’s when Profondo Lights shines as a standalone fragrance.

Rosemary, cypress, cardamom, and lavender to smooth things out. It’s woody, but not overly so. The herbal notes and the lavender really clamp down on making this overly fresh. At this stage, I really start to enjoy what Lights has to offer versus Profondo.

The cardamom is great on its own, separated from that initial mandarin burst. I would’ve liked it to have more of the focus, it would’ve been a smoother and more enjoyable experience.

This middle act lasts for an hour or two and what your left with, is a lighter version of Profondo. Really, the dry down is near identical, on my skin just a different intensity. Which is fine, as I like wearing Profondo.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is pretty moderate for much of the wear. Then, it’s closer to a skin scent. The projection never seems to go beyond 4-5 feet, even at its peak. Not terrible performance, it’s okay, and worse than Profondo.

Update: Yep, that’s what it seems capable of. I’ve sprayed in on t-shirts across the room and on my skin…and it’s consistent in that range.

Profondo Lights lasts for 5-6 hours on me. That’s the extent of what it seems capable of. Both Profondo and AdG Profumo outdo it here. Really, kind of disappointing for the price you’re probably going to pay for a full bottle.

Update: Going through a few samples of Profondo Lights, the longevity really isn’t that great. Sometimes, I’ll get around 4-4.5 hours and occasionally it stretches to the full six. The part that really sucks, is the latter stages are the most enjoyable part, and it often doesn’t get the time to shine completely.

Seasonally, like Profondo, Lights is a spring and summer fragrance. Casual to semi-formal wear, mostly during the daytime. It’s really not any different from its predecessor in this regard.

It’s really going to have a limited use case for 4-6 months out of the year, for most folks. It’s not particularly sexy, but some people will find it to be attractive enough, and it obviously has some level of mass appeal with the AdG DNA.

Overall Impressions of Profondo Lights

Overall, do I like this fragrance? I like it, but I don’t love it. I do appreciate a greener take on the formula, but I hate the opening act, and it doesn’t add the much of a different vibe to be worth it…at it’s higher price at least.

The best part of the wear it the second wave, once the cardamom gets more of a chance to shine on its own. I like the pairing with the cypress and rosemary. Fresh, green, herbal, with an undercurrent of marine impressions.

It does end up favoring Profondo significantly, but it doesn’t surpass that one, in my opinion. Also, the performance is okay, but really not up to the same level. I’ve compared them head to head, multiple times, and it’s the same results.

This might be worth your time, if you like aspects of Profondo but want a woodier/green version of the scent. Maybe, if it makes it to the discounters at a more reasonable price, other guys could go for it.

As it stands? It’s fine, but nothing incredible. I tested this one thoroughly over two months and the needle never moved from my initial impressions of Lights. It’s pretty good, fairly expensive for what it is, and probably won’t be a must own for very many guys.