Cologne Reviews

Fougere Royale by Houbigant

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In this review, I am going to take a closer look at a modern relaunch of a classic fragrance from the 19th century, Houbigant’s Fougere Royale. This is one of the last men’s fragrance samples that I received with my last batch, so, I’m going to have to reorder more stuff to review once I finish with all of the ladies’ samples I have to go through and review.

As usual, I want to cover what it’s made of, how it smells, performs, when it should be worn, and if it is worth a purchase or not.

What does Fougere Royale Smell Like?

Notes include: oak moss, lavender, tonka bean, geranium, bergamot, chamomile, cinnamon

Click here to try: Houbigant Paris Fougere Royale Eau de Parfum-3.38 oz.

My Full Review

Upon the first sniff of Fougere Royale, I am immediately struck by the oak moss and lavender notes. Also, I notice how much it smells like Azzaro Pour Homme. These two colognes are almost dead ringers for one another. There is definitely a lot of overlap in the notes and the style of both of these scents, so if you like one, you’ll probably be into the other.

Fougere Royale has a very cool and crisp aroma to it that is very soothing and yet wholly masculine. It comes across as a clean and fresh scent that would be great for a more mature man.

There is a small but noticeable level of sweetness and citrus that comes across and supports the main oak moss and lavender tandem. As a fougere, this scent obviously has that green and outdoorsy kind of feel and it doesn’t get detracted from that path by any of the other notes.

Honestly, I’m never really wowed by this cologne but I do find that it is extremely well put together and they did an excellent job in producing this scent.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s pretty moderate. It’s not an overpowering scent, and is towards the lighter side of things, but I wouldn’t call it weak by any stretch.

While it isn’t a huge or powerful fragrance, it does have pretty darn good longevity, I’ve been getting 7-8 hours of use from a few spritzes out of the sample vial.

Fougere Royale is probably best served as a casual or office wear scent. I actually think that it works really well here in the early spring weather and I think it could be pulled off for most of the year outside of the high heat of summer.

Overall Impressions of Fougere Royale

Overall, would I consider this as a buy? It’s nice, if you’re into the ‘green’ or fougere genre of fragrances. It’s not really my style but I think that this is a good scent.

It has so much similarity to Azzaro Pour Homme that if I wanted to buy one of these two, I’d simply go for the cheapest bottle available to me.

Fougere Royale is just one of those colognes that is solid all around, but doesn’t really ever separate itself enough for me to get too excited about it.

Lacoste Essential for Men

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When I think of Lacoste, I think of crisp and clean both in terms of the scents that they produce, as well as the clothing the make. The company with the famous little gator logo, is towards the higher end of things but not towards the more extreme price points of Creed and other design houses. Lacoste is sort of a high end moderate in that regard.

In this post, I want to take a closer look at Lacoste Essential and help determine whether or not it is a fragrance which should be considered for purchase. Also, check out my Best Lacoste Colognes post for further options.

What does Lacoste Essential Smell Like?

Notes include: sandalwood, citrus, black currant, black pepper, cassia, rose, tomato leaf

Click here to try: Lacosté Essential for Men 4.2 oz EDT Spray

lacoste essential

My Full Review

Lacoste Essential opens with a sweet, green, and slightly synthetic scent that is quite pleasant. It’s kind of hard to detect exactly which note is the most prominent, as they all sort of melt together into a fresh but indistinguishable scent.

The citrus notes, bergamot, and tangerine, do leave an impression on me but nothing is all that dominate in this mix.

What I think makes Essential unique from other mass marketed colognes is the inclusion of cassia and tomato leaf that gives it a sweetly green mix. I really like it when tomato leaf is included in scents, as I feel it doesn’t get used often enough, and presents something different and pleasant.

Also, since the citrus isn’t overwhelming it gives these other notes (along with peppery spice) a bit of a chance to present themselves once it dries down.

This fragrance isn’t rich, heavy, or all that complex. It is fresh, clean, and has a soapy quality found in other scents such as Eternity. This is a good thing in many respects, as the simplicity seems to make it hold up well during these warmer months of the year.

It is light and perfect as a daily cologne during the spring/summer. It does have a freshness and herbal spice quality to it, that gives it, that masculine edge. Still, it all comes together as being clean, and not ‘in your face’ with the power.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Now, projection wise it isn’t a beast, but it isn’t totally weak either. It’s pretty much, right dab in the middle of the strength spectrum. The first few hours are going to be decently powered, before it settles into being a lighter type of fragrance.

Lacoste Essential, also, isn’t an amazing long-lasting performer. I get 6 hours on average of solid wear and maybe more, depending on the circumstances.

The most is usually around 7.5-8 hours, in some lower humidity circumstances. I find that if the humidity is running high, I’m going to get about 6 hours of wear from this one.

Seasonally, as I’ve already said, spring and summer. If you live in a warmer or tropical climate, it will have a year round availability. Again, I like to wear it as a casual scent or something for semi-formal or office situations.

Is it a date night fragrance? Not really. I wouldn’t call it a ‘sexy’ cologne, but it will draw some complements, so it wouldn’t be out of place really. Essential is not a club beast or something for when you really want to stand out in the crowd.

Overall Impressions of Lacoste Essential for Men

Is Essential worth a buy? That depends. It is an above average scent and if you need a casual, daily wear fragrance during the warmer months, this might be your go to.

However, if you’ve got that covered, you could definitely skip it since you aren’t missing out on anything amazing. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very nice scent, but it won’t blow anyone away.

I like the tomato leaf and citrus. It does have a rather unique profile, but still isn’t crazy good. I do enjoy wearing Essential and for the right price, wouldn’t be opposed to having a bottle.

Essential is very fresh with a blend of woods and herbal notes, in the dry down. Nice spice and it is very versatile. Better than many scents, but not elite.

The Scent of Peace for Him by Bond No. 9

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Today’s review is of another Bond No. 9 fragrance and this time, it’s one from the men’s line, The Scent of Peace for Him. Now, there are a few different Scent of Peace fragrances out there. One for women, one unisex, and this one intended for the male audience.

In this post, I’m going to cover all of the specifics about this scent and how it performs, so read below for my complete impressions.

What does the Scent of Peace for Him Smell Like?

Notes include: cedar, bergamot, pineapple, vetiver, currant, juniper berries

Click here to try: Bond No. 9 The Scent Of Peace Eau De Parfum Spray for Him, 3.3 Fluid Ounce

My Full Review

The opening of The Scent of Peace for him packs quite a punch. It draws a lot of comparisons with Creed Aventus and while they do have some overlap, they really aren’t that similar in my opinion.

The juniper berry note gives The Scent of Peace a juicy fresh fruit scent to go along with the bergamot and pineapple. Whereas, Creed Aventus opens up more like Pine-Sol, and then gets better as it goes along. It’s cold and bright, right off of the bat. It has that similar clean dryness to Aventus.

This Bond No.9 fragrance has a strong use of cedar, which allows for the woody aroma to sit underneath the initial fruits and then take over mores as the top fruit notes settle a bit. It’s honestly, a pretty linear fragrance after the first half hour or so.

What does it ultimately smell like? Well, if you get a close sniff, you can detect separation between the ingredients and the cedar and pineapple do have a certain nice appeal. However, it becomes more muddled as you get further away from where you sprayed, and it starts to smell more like a detergent.

I’m not sure which brand of laundry detergent, I used to use, but there is one the smells exactly like The Scent of Peace for Him. That smell isn’t bad, and especially not when, it’s become faint on clothing that’s been washed.

The thing is, The Scent of Peace at a distance, smells quite a bit like detergent in concentrate form. It’s that sharp pineapple, cedar dryness, and juniper which brings out that smell. But, while there are cheap colognes like Nautica Blue, which have this same issue; it isn’t too awful in this Bond No. 9.

Upon close inspection, I enjoy the musk/vetiver combo and the very nice use of the bergamot note. It just becomes difficult to enjoy when you have on the one hand a bright and lively fragrance and on the other hand, an in your face detergent.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, this stuff is really strong. Like, two sprays is enormous, and it clouds your surroundings. That’s not always a bad thing, but it can be too much here. So, it will get top marks from me in terms of its sillage. It lives up to the price tag, with the performance.

Also, the longevity is pretty incredible. I’ve taken soap and water, to where I sprayed it on my arm hours earlier, and I could still smell The Scent of Peace for Him…the next day. Crazy. After wearing this a few times, easily in the double digit hours club, without question. Outstanding.

As far as its seasonality, this just strikes me as a summertime cologne. It feels too strong to be suitable for enclosed spaces such as an office, but might work as a casual outdoorsy fragrance during the warmer months of the year.

It’s not particularly sexy or nightlife worthy, just a fresh and clean sort of scent. Again, I really don’t think that it has the same appeal or aroma as Aventus. It is versatile as a daytime fragrance, but that’s what I’d keep it as.

Overall Scent of The Scent of Peace

Overall, would I recommend The Scent of Peace for Him? It’s not for me, but it’s nice enough. I don’t hate it and the performance is pretty insane. However, it just strikes me in the same vein as Sauvage and Dylan Blue, these bright citrusy colognes with woody undertones.

They’re decent but aren’t impressive overall. Plus, I think I prefer those two colognes to this Bond No. 9 and they are both much cheaper. It’s okay, but that’s about it. The Aventus comparisons, are pretty overdone, as they really aren’t that similar.

Yes, they are somewhat alike, but not complete clones by any stretch.

Just Cavalli I Love Him by Roberto Cavalli

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Another sample that I’ve received recently is this Roberto Cavalli cologne from 2004, Just Cavalli I Love Him. The name is pretty bad, in my opinion. If someone asked what you were wearing and you had to answer, “I Love Him”, it’d probably be a bit awkward. That being said, I wanted to give my impression of this fragrance, see how it performed, and if it is even worth a buy.

What does Just Cavalli I Love Him Smell Like?

just cavalli i love him

Notes include: tangerine, ginger, green tea, saffron, nutmeg, sandalwood, pineapple, black pepper

Click here: Just Cavalli I Love Him By Roberto Cavalli for Men Eau-de-toillete Spray, 2 Ounce

My Full Review

Behind its stupid name, this fragrance actually isn’t all that bad. It is a blend of citrus/spice/powdery aromas tied together in a light and fresh cologne.

The opening is more of the tangerine and black pepper notes than anything with support coming from the ginger, nutmeg, and the green tea note which provides is bit of uniqueness in an otherwise rather seemingly generic fragrance.

Actually, it isn’t quite like anything else exactly, but it does feel like a million other summer colognes. Like, it has just enough to separate it from the pack.

The citrus is pretty bright and somewhat sharp at the beginning, with a fizzy drink like quality. However, it will become more of a sweet powdery and slightly spiced cologne during the dry down.

For me, I can’t really pick out too many of the notes toward the end of the wear. It’s just an overall blend of ingredients stirred up to create an impression.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, I Love Him, is really soft but you will notice it there…it isn’t a skin scent. However, while it is a lighter scent it does have really good longevity, which adds to its case as a possible daily wear scent during the summertime.

It can go for 7-8 hours, at its best…sometimes just six, though.

This is a casual scent, I wouldn’t wear it on a date or brand it as a ‘sexy’ cologne, though it does smell quite nice. Another perk, is the aforementioned ability to stand up in the heat, it does a great job of that in fact.

Overall Impressions of Just Cavalli I Love Him

Overall, is this Roberto Cavalli fragrance a buy? I mean, not really. I don’t really find anything all that special about it, beyond the green tea and the tangerine, it isn’t all that unique.

It does have really good performance, which is especially important in a summer cologne, so if you can grab it at a good price (it’s not even in production anymore)…it could be a cheap casual wear scent.

Herod by Parfums De Marly

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So, I’ve got a ton of Parfums de Marly reviews that I need to write up, and post on the site. I received a good 10+ sample vials of this design house’s fragrances and have been testing them out. The first one, and the subject of this post, is Herod. Herod is perhaps their most popular cologne but does it actually live up to the lofty reputation?

Herod by PdM Overview

Notes include: tobacco leaf, musk, cinnamon, vanilla, vetiver, cedar, patchouli, pepper, incense, and labdanum 

Click here to try: Parfums de Marly Herod Men’s EDP Spray, 4.2 oz.

My Full Review

From the opening, Herod is an absolutely captivating fragrance, and one that is right in my wheelhouse. The tobacco note in this one is superb and reminds me of Pure Havane, in that respect.

Although, this Parfums de Marly scent has a slightly different type of tobacco and better smelling (and no honey note).

Herod really seems like an amalgamation of other scents that I’ve enjoyed. Other than Pure Havane, it has elements of Man in Black, Burberry London, as well as B Men.

Man in Black has an especially similar profile, with the spices and tobacco notes playing off of sweet ingredients. Are they exactly the same? No, but I’ve worn them both enough to recognize them as close cousins.

Herod is a warm fragrance, the vanilla note envelops you, and the cinnamon/pepper combination gives you that heated spice. It opens with those two notes being on prominent display.

Yet, it is never harsh. The smooth smokiness of the incense makes sure that the spice isn’t like a punch in the face and simply adds a relaxing texture to the aroma.

Tobacco, labdanum, and vanilla create a smooth and somewhat sweet trio which grows in strength during the wear. Another way the spices get brought under control and don’t become overwhelming.

In the dry down, it is a dark and resinous scent with a sweet heart. I really love it at this stage, as it lingers softly in the air, and I can catch whiffs of Herod throughout the day. This is where I think that the incense note shines through and earns its spot.

Ultimately, I get a mix of spicy/sweet tobacco, with smoky and resinous undertones. It’s warm, cozy, and very attractive.

Sillage, How Long it Lasts, and Versatility

Projection wise, it can be strong, but I think that it dries down into more of a moderate cologne. However, it is noticeable throughout the day. Also, the longevity is really great.

This is easily a 10+ hour wear and a scent who’s performance actually lives up to its price. Using my sample vial over the course of months, I never got a bad performance from Herod. It works extremely well with my skin and sticks around for as long as I would want.

Seasonally, Herod is one for the cold weather. I’ve been mostly testing this at night here in the summer, as it just doesn’t fit during the sweltering heat of the daytime. Update: I’ve worn this in the colder weather, or even the lighter days of autumn, and it fits perfectly.

It also has great versatility. It is a mature and refined type of fragrance that can fit well in the office but also has a level of sexiness that would work during a night out or date.

Overall Impressions of Herod by PdM

Overall, do I think Herod is worth it? Yes! This Parfums de Marly scent is a total winner in my book. I don’t personally need to buy a full bottle at the moment, due to the season, but it could definitely be a play for me during the autumn. Smooth, spicy, and tobacco laden.

Herod is one of the best PdM releases, in my opinion. Definitely a top 2 or 3 pick for me, from this designer. It smells great, has an interesting blend of familiar notes, and performs extraordinarily well for me.