Cologne Reviews

212 VIP Party Fever for Men by Carolina Herrera

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212 VIP was one of my every once in a while, nighttime favorites. It was a scent that I had to be in the mood for, but it was a fun cologne to wear, when the opportunity arose. It’s flankers have been mostly decent, but I think that Party Fever was my favorite.

I recently bought a decant from eBay, as I hadn’t tried it in a few years and wanted to do a full review before it disappeared forever from the secondary market. This is my write up.

What does 212 VIP Party Fever Smell Like?

Notes included: citrus, apple, tonka bean, vetiver, cannabis, juniper, ginger, geranium, and more

My Full Review

Party Fever opens up with apple, ginger, citrus, and cannabis as the most prominent notes. Honestly, if though it is rather distinct from the original, I do get that very familiar 212 VIP smell…just without the booziness.

It’s lightly spiced, fresh, and aromatic. I really like the apple note up top with just a touch of citrus in the mix. It does still have a similar effervescent quality to it like the original does. Not the same, gin and vodka blend, but it is uplifting.

After that, the cannabis and geranium become the stars of the show for a while. The base notes come of from the base to give it a woody/herbal type of aroma with that apple note still lingering around.

Yet, it retains its smoothness and a bit of sweetness throughout. The tonka bean does a very good job at moderating Party Fever and keeping it from being too much about the middle act.

For the rest of the wear, I get a fresh mix of cannabis, cedar, geranium blended with that impression of the original 212 VIP.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, it’s above average and actually pretty strong initially. It doesn’t come on as strong as the original and never captures that same monstrous projection. However, it doesn’t have that same enveloping thickness, and still does a very nice job.

Longevity for Party Fever is nice, but not amazing. 6-7 hours is what it seems to be capable of on my skin.  That’s not too bad and pretty much what you’ll need for most nightlife situations. Not a complete club beast, but it gets the job done.

Seasonally, I could wear this out during the entire year without issue. Mainly, I plan on using this for nights out during this summer and I could’ve done the same in spring to great effect. That’s when it is at its best.

Party Fever for Men is much more versatile than 212 VIP. The original was really limited to nightlife, as it was so loud and boozy. Party Fever, while being a younger man’s fragrance, can be worn in other casual situations more easily.

Obviously, this isn’t a suit and tie style of scent, but it isn’t entire niche in its use case.

Overall Impressions of 212 VIP Party Fever

Overall, do I like 212 VIP Party Fever? I do enjoy it. It’s a more wearable version of 212 VIP with hints of other fragrances and a few surprises of its own.

The performance is solid, it’s not as beastly as the original was, and the smell is attractive. I like that it’s not too heavy and can be worn in the spring and summertime. I’m going to be wearing this off and on, until my mini sprayer is finished.

Naturally, since it’s been discontinued, bottles have been harder to come by. Is it worth the higher price? For under $100, maybe. If you really like this style of cologne, then you might be able to justify it on your individual needs.

For the mass of people? It’s not a must have. It’s a very good fragrance and a nice wear, but not a must have at any price. If you can still find it for cheap somewhere, it’s worth picking up. Even though, I like this and lost my bottle of 212 VIP, I don’t think I’ll be scooping up one of the last packages of Party Fever.

What fragrances smell like 212 VIP Party Fever?

212 VIP– The 212 VIP DNA is very noticeable in its flanker fragrance. This one is louder, heavier, and more of a club beast. At least, the bottle I had from 2015 was, not sure if it’s been reformulated or not since. It’s not going to give you the same versatility or warmer weather wear, but it can be a good alternative to Party Fever.

La Nuit de L’Homme Eau Electrique– Apple, citrus, geranium, and the base notes almost all overlap between Party Fever and Eau Electrique. However, Electrique is heavier on the tonka bean and vanilla, which gives more thickness and is more suited for colder weather.

Invictus– In terms of the actual smell, Invictus and Party Fever are two pretty distinct fragrances. However, there’s something about their styles, that makes me compare the two. Youthful, sweet aromatic colognes. If you like one, you’ll probably like the other. I prefer Party Fever, though.

Bad Boy Le Parfum– Yes, the cannabis note. No, it’s not the same, but it shares part of the same vibe. Also: citrus, vetiver, and geranium. Bad Boy Le Parfum is spicier and drier than what you get from Party Fever, but presents a nice alternative with a lot less of the fruitiness. My Review

Vodka on the Rocks by Kilian

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Vodka on the Rocks was one of the Kilian scents that I hadn’t tried, but wanted to based on the name alone. I wanted to see exactly how they were going to represent that drink, to make it a compelling fragrance wear. So, I grabbed a vial, as a part of the by Killian samples that I recently purchased. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

Kilian’s Vodka on the Rocks Overview

Notes include: rose, coriander, aldehydes, oakmoss, cardamom, rhubarb, sandalwood, lily of the valley

Click here to try: By Kilian – Vodka on the Rocks – 1.7 fl. Oz – no clutch 

My Full Review

The opening act does give you an impression of vodka. To my nose, it is cold and has a similar aroma, but isn’t a distinctly vodka smell like found in 212 VIP. Really, coriander is the strongest note here in the early stages and supported by the aldehydes, which I suspect give it the spirits-like scent.

It’s nice and fresh with a spiciness sitting underneath that chilled feeling. This goes on for some time before, this Kilian fragrance shifts a bit.

The middle of the wear is fairly soapy with that rose note poking through. The rose here, really reminds me of the one in Toy Boy, but that’s a better fragrance overall than this one. Not as prominent and Vodka also puts forth a lily of the valley note.

Finally, the scent really takes on a close approximation of A&F Fierce. There are so many overlaps in the notes, especially the mossy base, and the floral notes. Vodka on the Rocks ends up smelling like a fresh soapy rose/vodka scent, that’s sitting on top of a base spray of Fierce.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, it is above average but not beastly. It seems to project itself to around 6 feet from the skin or a t-shirt, at it’s peak. I actually spilled too much on me, during one of my tests, but it wasn’t close to being unbearable of something that I needed to scrub.

The longevity is also good. At over 8 hours and can probably hang around for 9. Not a superstar performer, though, it is very solid.

Seasonally, I’d want to wear this autumn through springtime. It’d be best in colder to moderate temperatures. I’d just stay away from the high heat with this one.

While it does have that vodka impression, it isn’t as boozy as you might think. It’s safe to wear for almost any occasion, since it has that clean soapy sort of freshness. The versatility is probably Vodka on the Rock’s greatest strength.

Overall Impressions of Vodka on the Rocks

Overall, do I like this scent? I do like it, but it isn’t anything special either. For close to $200 per bottle, I would expect something a little less commonplace than this, like they managed to pull off with the beautiful Angels’ Share…which is a great boozy scent.

It does manage to get the chilled vodka aroma done pretty well and it is pleasant to wear all around. Vodka on the Rocks isn’t a bad fragrance, it does everything well, but it never wowed me at all. 

You might consider this, if you liked older bottles of Fierce, as this captures quite a bit of that style…just not exactly. The performance is also better than the modern bottles of that A&F.

Vodka on the Rocks is fine, just fine. By Kilian has so many other options better than this one, that it becomes kind of pointless to me.

What Fragrances Smell Similar to Vodka on the Rocks?

Abercrombie Fierce is the main one. Not exact, but the dry down is pretty close. They share the rose and lily of the valley notes, but Vodka on the Rocks is more floral and soapy than Fierce is. 

Montblanc Legend might be another option, since it has a close replication of Fierce. But, I’d say that Vodka on the Rocks is further away from that scent.

Both of these colognes are cheaper than Vodka on the Rocks, which really doesn’t do enough to justify the higher price.

Terra Extreme EDP by Vince Camuto

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I purchased a lot of 20 or so sample fragrances from Macy’s some time ago. In this batch, was this Vince Camuto scent that I hadn’t heard of, and so it sat unused by me for a while. Turns out that was kind of a mistake, because I liked it as soon as I sprayed it for the first time. What does Terra Extreme smell like? When should it be worn? Please continue for my full review below.

What does Terra Extreme Smell Like?

Notes include: rum, sandalwood, orange flower, tonka bean, vanilla, ambroxan, citrus, geranium, and more

Click here to try: Vince Camuto Terra Extreme Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 3.4 Fl Oz

My Full Review

This wasn’t a fragrance that I was looking for or had even heard of until I received a sample. I had no expectations, but was pleasantly surprised because Terra Extreme is actually a very nice fragrance.

It opens up with a light citrus juiciness sitting on top of a fresh/boozy/spicy accord. A blend of citrus fruits, along with orange blossom flower to give it that initial sweetness and brightness. However, this is a thicker and more gourmand experience.

In terms of style, I’d compare it to: Armani Code EDP, Wanted by Night, Eros, and the like. Terra Extreme fits into that cold weather sweet/fresh kind of style, but doesn’t smell exactly like any of them.

After the initial citrus juiciness, the rum note really comes through, along with geranium. The geranium can actually come across a bit leathery, when surrounded by these other notes. This is when this Vince Camuto cologne is at its warmest and spiciest. Though, it never hits the same level of spice as something like Wanted by Night.

As the fragrance moves along, the tonka bean and vanilla combination become the main players. The spice and booziness fall by the wayside and it takes on more of an amber/medicinal aroma in the base; thanks to the ambroxan and benzoin.

Actually, at this stage it’s like some kind of combination of Eros’ vanilla dry down and the benzoin note from Body Kouros. It’s interesting and quite well balanced. That’s basically what you’re going to get from the rest of the wear, sitting on top of a sandalwood note.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This isn’t a super powerful scent. Though, I’d say that Terra Extreme does project itself above average. Definitely, doesn’t come across as a monster that will choke out the room, but it gives you a nice performance.

On my skin, it hit close to 8 hours of wear before fading off. Again, not an amazing marathon type of cologne, but for what I’d wear it for it does the job.

Seasonally, autumn and winter. Terra Extreme isn’t super heavy, but don’t even bother once the air  gets much above room temperature.

It is subtle enough for wear at work during the daytime, while also having enough appeal to venture into the nightlife. The booziness from the rum isn’t overwhelming but it does help to give it that attractive or seductive vibe.

It’s in the same style as a Wanted by Night or Eros, but this one skews more mature than either of those. Not as spicy or as sweet as either of them and keeps it well put together and low key.

Overall Impressions of Terra Extreme

Do I like Terra Extreme? I do. This is a fragrance that is probably going to fly under the radar, but will absolutely be a great pick up at the discount retailers.

The rum, vanilla, benzoin, and orange blossom are all great notes. It has a similar style to a lot of scents, but doesn’t smell like a dupe or cheap knock off. This Vince Camuto isn’t an insanely great fragrance, though it is very good and I have liked wearing it a lot.

For an oriental style gourmand? This is a very nice addition to the cannon. Nice balance between sweet/boozy/spicy, solid performance, and something that will have mass appeal when worn. Terra Extreme is worth checking out.

Creed Aventus vs Imperial Millesime Comparison

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Deciding which fragrance to buy can be tricky sometimes, as there are a multitude of factors from which to consider. This can become especially true when the colognes that you are considering cost in the triple digits to buy.

It is one thing to purchase a crummy scent that was $20 for the bottle versus one which was $175+. Creed is a luxury boutique brand known for its high quality ingredients and beautifully crafted scents.

In this post, I want to do a bit of a comparison between two options from Creed, Aventus vs Imperial Millesime and break down which will be the better option for most people and highlight the pros and cons of each.

Tale of the Tape: Aventus vs. Imperial Millesime

 

Creed Aventus 

creed aventus

Notes of Creed Aventus: 

Top: Blackcurrant,Italian bergamot, French apples and pineapple

Middle: Rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, and patchouli

Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla.

Click here to read my original Aventus Review

Click here to get Aventus: Aventus by Creed

Creed Imperial Millesime

Notes include: Lemon, Iris, Green Bergamot, Mandarin

My original review of Imperial

Click here to try Imperial Millesime: Creed Imperial

Opening 

The opening of Aventus can be a pretty harsh citrus to deal with. I don’t really like the opening of Aventus and if all I’d have to go by was the first 15 minutes or so, I’d think that this fragrance wasn’t worth wearing. The pineapple, blackcurrant, and the dryness of birch can be a bit much at first.

However, the fragrance settles down into something much more enjoyable and fresh. The next wave has less of the pineapple, more birch/oak moss, and some sweetness provided by a light vanilla and French apple. 

Meanwhile, the opening of Imperial is much smoother, with a wonderful melon type of scent that blends with sea salt to create something quite pleasant.

The melon-like smell is like a blend of a standard melon and a bit of watermelon. This is paired with a salty aquatic note, which is why I suppose it comes across smelling that way. It’s actually lemon and mandarin orange, as the notes, and not any watermelon. 

Anyway, Imperial Millesime is juicy, musky, and very bright in the opening stages. Which scent is better? To me, I greatly prefer the start to Imperial, more than I ever have Aventus. 

Edge: Imperial Millesime

Projection

Neither one of these fragrances is slipping in quality when it comes to projection. Aventus never really requires more than two sprays while Imperial is no slouch either. Aventus is the stronger of the two and I’d say it projects more than Imperial does.

So, both start strong, but Aventus reaches the higher heights of sillage and keeps at it for longer. 

Edge: Aventus

Longevity

Wearing both of these colognes, I haven’t noticed a difference in terms of how long they last. I usually get 7-10 hours of solid performance out of each. Mostly, Aventus will go 8 or 9 hours on my skin, a bit less when it’s hot out.

Imperial is usually around 7 or 8 hours, but can last better in the heat than can Aventus. It can also reach that 10 hour mark, on occasion, like Aventus. No clear winner, in my experience. 

Edge: Push

Versatility

Creed Aventus is best worn in the spring and autumn, in my opinion. I don’t think that it holds up well in the heat, but early summer isn’t bad. On the other hand, Imperial Millesime is great for summertime wear as well as the warmer months of spring.

However, Aventus can be pulled off rather well in the winter months, to whereas Imperial would seem out of place in the cold weather.

As far as, on what occasion each of these scents could be worn, I’d say that they could arguably be worn anywhere for any event. I wouldn’t really call Imperial a date night type of cologne though and even if I’d wear other scents besides Aventus on a night out, it could be done well. 

I much prefer Imperial, as a daytime wear, in more casual situations. Overall, I’d say Aventus has the greater versatility. 

Edge: Aventus

 

 

Overall Scent

Aventus develops into something that is woodsy/masculine/leathery and the citrus notes become undertones as the fragrances wears on. Meanwhile, Imperial has that unique fruity quality blended with salt notes that just reminds me of the summer and the ocean.

I actually like Imperial better in terms of its smell, BUT I think that most men would be better served by Aventus out of the two.

I say this simply because of its greater versatility of being worn. Imperial Millesime is a great signature type of scent, but I feel that it does have its limitations.

Aventus fits in better, during more situations and climates. Imperial is rather straightforward, but has a really delightful salty melon aroma. Aventus is deeper with greater nuance.

These two are pretty neck and neck, in my book, but most would go with Aventus.  I have grown sort of tired of the formula, as there have been endless Creed Aventus ‘dupes’ coming to market over the years.

Winner: Aventus (for most guys)

Azzaro Pour Homme by Azzaro

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In my continuing series of men’s fragrance reviews, I am going to take a closer look today at Azzaro Pour Homme. I have already reviewed Chrome by Azzaro , which is quite a different fragrance then this one.

This cologne is a long-time seller, and some would say, classic scent. Does is live up to that status? What notes make up Azzaro? What does it smell like? How does it perform? Is it worth a purchase? Please continue below for my full write up.

What does Azzaro Pour Homme Smell Like?

IMG_0768

Notes include: oakmoss, amber, musk, cedar, juniper berries, lavender, lemon, anise, and more

Click here to try Azzaro Pour Homme: Azzaro By Azzaro For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 6.8 oz

My Full Review

Azzaro Pour Homme has been around for a long time, and has basically achieved classic status, in the fragrance world. That being said, it definitely is not a scent for everybody, and won’t vibe well with some people’s style. Especially, if you’re into more ‘modern’ releases.

The opening of Azzaro is a fresh and woodsy blast. The oakmoss, cedar, and anise really stand out to me. Lemon is there, but it is a light touch, to my nose. There seems to be a refreshing spice that lingers quite well, but it’s a cool spice (sort of the same way mint projects itself), and it is all tied together by the smoothness of lavender.

Cold, spicy, and woodsy. Still, Pour Homme is clean at the top, with a very smooth leather and slight herbal quality to its aroma.

Azzaro is quite an interesting scent. It gives off a refined and masculine vibe that is wholly unique, especially compared to more modern fragrances for men.

It is so layered at times that is can be difficult to pick out some of the notes but the lavender and oakmoss are the most prominent, which gives it this crisp and soapy/cream sort of aroma.

The cycle of Azzaro starts off with the fresh spicy aroma, which then moves into the sort of classic barbershop soapiness. The oak moss and lavender, are particularly noticeable in the latter stages of the wear.

Sillage, Versatility, and How Long does it Last?

Projection wise, Azzaro does it’s job. It isn’t a heavy cologne but you really don’t have to use much of it either. I find that 2-3 sprays, is about the max, that I’ll put on.

Even with that, I still don’t think it’s an absolute beast with its sillage either. It will reach rather far away from the skin, for 30-45 minutes or so, and then become moderate to semi-powerful for the remainder of the wear.

It is also one, that doesn’t quit on you after a few hours, and will keep going along for the remainder of the day. Testing it a few more times recently, it was clocking 7-9 hours, on my skin. That’s not an insanely long time, but a full work day is plenty, for most guys.

This would honestly be worn best in the months of autumn, as its woodsy aroma would fit in quite well during that time of year. However, it’ll work well in anything besides extreme heat and humidity.

If you live in a tropical climate, I’d probably avoid Azzaro Pour Homme for anything besides wear in an air conditioned building.

Also, it does seem to be a versatile scent that can be worn everyday, but it isn’t too casual of a scent. Azzaro Pour Homme is an anytime wear really, within the confines of its climate boundaries.

For older guys, it could be a daily wear or something for the evenings. Most younger guys, probably won’t be that enthralled with Azzaro, but it could find a place within a rotation.

Overall Impressions of Azzaro Pour Homme

Overall, is Azzaro a buy? It is an (usually) inexpensive performer. If you enjoy dry, fresh, woodsy, classic types of scents, Azzaro would be right up your alley. However, if you like really sweet or aquatic type of colognes, you may want to look elsewhere.

Azzaro can be a good change up to wear, every once in a while, just to add some variety to your style. I like it to some extent, but it really doesn’t fit with my personal taste. The classic woodsy/barbershop cologne isn’t one that I gravitate towards.

That being said, Azzaro Pour Homme is an example of this style, done right. Amazing? No, but one that does everything well enough.