Cologne Reviews

CK Be by Calvin Klein

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Calvin Klein was a major force in the fragrance world during the 1980s and 90s. From Obsession to Eternity to CK One and everything in between, this line of scents were constant best sellers, and still are in many ways.

In this post, I want to take a closer look at another unisex fragrance by Calvin Klein, CK Be. Is this fragrance still one to wear? What are its pros and cons? Is it worth a purchase?  Also see: CK One vs CK Be

What does CK Be Smell Like?

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Notes include: magnolia, peach, lavender, musk, sandalwood, bergamot, mint, vanilla

Click here to try: CK BE by CK Unisex Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 oz.

My Full Review

The opening of CK Be is quite pleasant and doesn’t overpower you like some fragrances. It is a subtle blend of musk, lavender, peach, and citrus provided by the bergamot.

Again, this is a unisex scent, so don’t expect anything that screams masculine but it isn’t some ‘girly’ perfume either.

Be starts off with a fresh mix of notes like mint, lavender, and juniper. These are paired alongside the lighter fruit notes. Lavender strikes me as being stronger, up top, but there is a nice cleanliness to the supporting ingredients.

At this stage, it does have its soapy-like aroma, but it feels ‘greener’ than it will later on. Bergamot, peach, mint, and juniper bring it about during this time.

CK Be is warm and somewhat spicy and highlighted by that citrus vibe. It’s got a youthful energy that really reminds me of late spring and the early summer months.

It’s got such a clean and almost soapy quality when it settles on the skin and really starts to bring out the floral/woodsy notes that are blended in it. Lavender, musk, magnolia, and sandalwood with a fruity soap finish. It is sweeter and less ‘green fresh’, in the latter part of the wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it isn’t a big bold scent but it isn’t completely weak either, at least at first. The longevity isn’t anything to write home about and that’s what sort of ruins this as a scent to me.

In totality, I’d call it a light to moderate projecting fragrance. It was never completely weak, on my skin, but never had that huge sillage.

About 4-5 hours of good use before you should probably reapply. CK Be is usually really inexpensive, so it really isn’t too much of a problem for the price, but it is pretty annoying to not have it be an all day performer.

Seasonally, CK Be is a warm weather fragrance for the spring/summertime. It’s probably best for those in their teens or twenties. Something that anyone could wear to class, a job, or just casually during the daytime.

This isn’t an extremely attractive or sexy scent. Though, it’s a smell that is quite popular, with its delightful aroma. CK Be can be sprayed on by men or women, who want to wear a non-intrusive and clean kind of perfume.

Overall Impression of CK Be

Overall, is this scent worth it? It is if you want something light and fresh at this price point. It is a really good option for either men or women that need something versatile and safe to wear on a day to day basis.

However, the longevity issue can be a problem, and if you aren’t in love with the smell one might as well get CK One instead. I’m not sure if this fragrance has been reformulated or discontinued, because I haven’t really seen it around recently.

CK be is a worthwhile purchase, at the right price, and I’d place that at under $30 or so. It’s going to give you a clean and versatile wear, that won’t offend, and is a pleasant experience all around. Is it amazing? To me, no. I like it, but it’s not something I’m particularly crazy about.

Tango by Masque Milano

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At the end of last year, I received a whole bunch of sample fragrances, both that I purchased and that were thrown in as bonuses. Now, while I’ve gotten around to doing a review on most of them, I have fallen behind somewhat on getting all of them posted. Let’s rectify that.

Today’s entry is a scent release from 2013 by Masque Milano in Italy, called Tango. How does it smell? What are the ingredients? Is it worth a try? Please continue below, for my full take.

What does Tango by Masque Milano Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, black pepper, cardamom, jasmine, Damascena rose, cumin, patchouli, vanilla bean, amber, leather, benzoin, musk

My Full Wear Review

The fragrance from Masque, is pretty much a niche sort of scent, that is never going to be known by a wide audience. Only certain stores will carry it and it’s going to be pricey.

Nonetheless, I wanted to do a review here, even if no one is going to be reading this page; mostly, because I think that this is a really nice cologne.

The opening notes of Tango, mainly consist of the bergamot and black pepper. The citrus note is highly present, but wrapped up in the warm spice of cardamom/amber, and dotted with the black pepper note. It warm and smooth, the bergamot prevents it from becoming too heavy, and overbearing.

After that initial opening, Tango’s floral and earthier notes, really emerge. I get more of the jasmine note, than the rose, with a light touch of patchouli; which doesn’t distract from the overall composition.

As Tango moves along, the amber note really comes to dominate things. The spice is less noticeable and it really just gives off the effect of being warm, with some saltiness from the amber.

Finally, what I am left with is amber, leather, jasmine, vanilla, cardamom, and benzoin. The bezoin in the base note brings to mind Kouros Body by YSL, with a warm spicy profile, instead of being a sweet spicy scent.

Tango is amber soaked leather and jasmine, with cardamom, and a bit of vanilla peaking through with that benzoin note. It’s rich, fairly resinous, and smells quite nice.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Tango is a strong fragrance, at first. Overall, it’s more in the moderate range, but it can pack a punch early on.

The longevity is actually great and this Masque Milano scent, will last on my skin, all work day long. So, you will get the performance to match the price. It can go 10 hours, at times, but it seems closer to nine for the most part.

Tango is deep, ambery, and sexy. As such, I’d only be wearing this when it is cold out, as it won’t react well to the heat. Much more of an evening/romantic sort of wear.

If you go light with it, you could pull it off, in an office environment. However, I’d mostly be wearing this for nights on the town.

Overall Impressions of Tango

Overall, do I like Tango by Masque Milano. Yes, I really do. I don’t think it’s the greatest thing ever, but, I do think that it is a great example of a niche cologne. It is actually pleasant to wear, and not just weird, for the sake of being different.

It’s warm, has a nice spicy profile, with a dark and deep resinous quality. I dig it. If you can find a bottle, I recommend giving it a try at least. The performance matches the quality of the scent and it’s a very good scent, all around.

Fougere d’Argent by Tom Ford

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I’m back again, with another Tom Ford fragrance review. I’ve got 3 or 4 more to go, in this current batch, and hopefully I can pick up some others in the collection. Anyway, today’s entry is a review of Fougere d’Argent, which isn’t a particularly well know Tom Ford cologne. It was released in 2018. What does it smell like? When should it be worn? Is it even worth a try?

What does Fougere d’Argent Smell Like?

Notes include: lavender, ginger, labdanum, orange, tonka bean, akigalawood

Click here to try: Fougere D’argent by Tom Ford Eau De Parfum 1.7oz/50ml Spray New In Box 

My Full Review

Before we get into my own review of Fougere d’Argent, let’s see what Tom Ford describes it as: Impeccable. Dashing. Provocative. New and unabashedly bold, Fougere d’Argent is a legend redux that converges impeccable decorum with the modus operandi of an agent provocateur. Tom Ford’s sleight of hand redefines the classic fougere in an exquisite work of beauty. 

The opening of Fougere d’Argent gives me a clean and spicy aroma. I pick up a lot of ginger, with lavender being the second in command, with wood and light citrus bringing up the rear.

The ginger note here, is particularly intense and sharp, which I actually like a great deal. The aroma is a classic gentleman’s clean, a barbershop quality, with the rough masculine edges smoothed out by notes such as tonka bean and lavender.

After the first few minutes, the orange note seems to get stronger to my nose. I’m not sure if that’s just the case for me, but it honestly feels weak after the initial spray, and then is quite prominent.

I like its combination with the lavender and ginger spice, which does help Fougere d’Argent have a more modern edge, versus the classic fougere colognes.

As it dries down further, the ginger and orange, begin to fall off. Lavender takes ahold of the reins, along with what I guess is the akigalawood, and what definitely is tonka bean. It’s really smooth, woody, fresh, with a hint of powdery spice.

There is something that is so simple, yet so utterly appealing with a fragrance, like this. So many fougere fragrances for men, that I come across, are really dated in how they smell. Fougere d’Argent doesn’t hit my nose that way, at all.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this is a lighter moderate scent. It’s not going to project like crazy, but will stay in a small radius, around the wearer. Will you forget that it is on you skin, at times? Sure. However, you will also unexpectedly catch a whiff of it, randomly during the day.

While the sillage isn’t a complete monster, the longevity is actually quite good. 7-9 hours on my skin, seems to be about the norm for Fougere. Not an elite wear, but certainly nothing to scoff at either.

Seasonally, this is versatile enough to be worn, almost anytime. I’m not convinced of it, in the summer heat, but outside of that this will work great. It absolutely can be worn for any occasion, also. It does seem like a formal fragrance for some of the wear, but it isn’t stuffy, and can go casual.

It’s not really a nightlife beast, but again, it wouldn’t be out of place. You’d just not be projecting your fragrance all over the bar or club.

Fougere d’Argent will get some complements, has a pleasant appeal, but isn’t necessarily ‘sexy’ with its scent. It’s definitely appreciated and adds something different from most of the modern fare.

This is listed as a unisex fragrance, though, it really leans masculine. It’s not too heavy or anything to preclude women from wanting to wear it, but it definitely favors one side of the perfume spectrum.

Overall Impression of Fougere d’Argent

Do I like this fragrance? Yes, it I really did, much more than I thought. When I see the word fougere, I have my doubts, that it’d be my style. This one, however, got my attention and admiration.

Is it the most amazing thing out? No, but it does give you an option, if you’re looking for a very well put together modern take on a classic concept. It’s not overly complex, but smells wonderful, and is of high quality.

It’s not going to be for every man. Some will want more strength, from their colognes. Others, might find this style to be boring. For me, I think that it’s a very good fragrance, albeit at a hefty price point.

It doesn’t seem to be around at every store, that the more popular Tom Ford scents are. So, you might have to go through the online route. I don’t think it’d be a bad blind buy, it’s got a easy to like scent and the performance is good enough.

Carlisle by Parfums de Marly

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For this entry into my long running review posts, we have a cologne from Parfums de Marly, Carlisle. This one was released in 2015 and there’s been a lot of hype behind it, but is it actually any good? What are the ingredients? How does it smell? In this post, I want to break down my thoughts and experiences wearing this fragrance, and if I think this scent is a winner.

What does Carlisle Smell Like?

Notes include: vanilla, sandalwood, patchouli, nutmeg, saffron, tonka bean, apple

Click here to try: Carlisle by Parfums de Marly

My Full Wear Review

Before we dive into my review, let’s see what Parfums de Marly has to say about Carlisle: This voluptuous fragrance is structured around one main accord ‘sandalwood’. Warm, sweet like a balm, it leaves a trail with of vanilla & dark patchouli. This composition takes heart in distilling a mysterious “oriental” aura, playing with its delicate accents of nutmeg, saffron, and tonka bean. It is the unexpected union between the crisp of a green apple and the softness of vanilla, yet with a rich and textured arrangement revealing itself on the skin like a captivating smile. 

The opening of Carlisle immediately brings to mind other Parfums de Marly fragrances, mainly Oajan, but this one strikes me as being better at times. Other times, I’d say they’re even. I have a full bottle of Oajan, so, that’s a nice surprise.

It opens up with that crisp green apple note, saffron, vanilla, and sandalwood. It is very warm, sweet, with a non-harsh spice; has that gourmand sort of baked goods aroma but darker. Carlisle is a rich cologne with depth and an interesting life cycle.

Saffron really sticks out to my nose here and it plays off of the other notes to create a leathery type of smell. Now, I haven’t found leather as an ingredient in any of the note listings online, so I’m assuming its just an illusion of sorts.

Either way, it smells great, and lends a definite smoothness the the composition with the vanilla and tonka bean.

As it dries down further, I get less of the apple sweetness, and more patchouli and smokiness. It’s not a super heavy patchouli, which is nice, and it does have a ‘balmy’ feeling like Parfums de Marly was describing.

Nutmeg definitely lets itself be known, when I put my nose directly to my skin, and pairs well with the vanilla.

Ultimately, what I get out of the cologne is: sandalwood as the starting point, vanilla, patchouli, saffron, and tonka bean. Everything else, turns into a bit player.

It’s a perfect blend between sweet and warm spice. Not basic candy sweet, but well blended, and totally refined. Carlisle is dark throughout with a light touch of smokiness.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Carlisle is strong, but not offensively so. You could over spray it, but with any normal amount, that won’t be a problem. It sticks to the skin well and the sillage is consistent throughout.

With this scent, I get all day wear from it without a problem. This is one of those colognes that will touch double digits, in terms of hours. I’d say that it ultimately falls in the 12 or 13 hour range. Really pretty much all you need for any effective use.

Seasonally, it will mostly be great for cold weather. However, I think that it should hold up nicely in moderate to warm temperatures, as well. Just not into extreme heat or humidity situations.

Carlisle also has very good versatility with what situations you could wear it in. It’s more of a dressed up kind of fragrance, it works in the office, romantically, late nights out, suited up, etc.

It does have a wonderful smell that is seductive and sexy. Folks around the wearer should take a liking to this scent.

Overall Impressions of Carlisle

Overall, do I like Carlisle? Yes, I think that it is great. This is one of the best men’s fragrances by Parfums de Marly and a nice all around wear. It is familiar to me, by being related to other colognes from this brand, but still has its own identity.

The sandalwood and saffron really got my attention and my positive feelings were only solidified with the vanilla, apple, and nutmeg. I’ve enjoyed wearing this scent. If you’re not into warm, sweet, smoky colognes…this isn’t for you, though.

But, I think that this will have a mass appeal, and many guys would enjoy wearing this. the only question is the price point, which is outside of the realm of possibility for many.

Adidas Deep Energy Cologne Review

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Most of the colognes which I have reviewed thus far on this site have been of the more expensive variety. Designer fragrances do come at a premium price and while you do sometimes get what you pay for, there are still great colognes at inexpensive prices. One cologne that I want to highlight today is Adidas’ Deep Energy.

This eau de toilette, sells for right around $10 and can provide a great value for guys looking to smell good. While it isn’t the best cologne on the market, Deep Energy is surprisingly pleasant for something so inexpensive. Update: It’s discontinued.

What does Adidas Deep Energy Smell Like?

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Deep Energy Notes: mandarin, bergamot, green apple, cardamon, lavender, musk and woods

My Full Review

I first got my bottle of Deep Energy in a gift set of 3 Adidas fragrances. I didn’t particularly care for the other two scents, but I did find Deep Energy to be a relative steal at the price.

This cologne is a sporty one, and not one that will necessarily, be the best choice for going out on a date or something like that. Although, I suppose you could if you had no other options.

It opens up with a citrus blast of mandarin orange and bergamot, with a crisp green apple, putting itself within the mix. From the start, there is a musky undertone that is present, but it never struck me as being too heavy.

As it dries down further, it can become more difficult to distinguish between the individual fruit smells, because they do sort of blend into one.

After a quick opening act, the lavender note really starts to kick in, and is joined by a cedar wood base. It’s soothing and fresh, while still retaining that sporty edge, which Adidas is known for.  I really like how it smells at this stage, as the blend isn’t overly fruity, but does have a nice crisp and pleasant aroma.

Energy is in the product title and it definitely lives up to the moniker. The mandarin and green apple notes within this fragrance, help to make it an invigorating choice.

While many other cheaper colognes, can tend to overpower, Deep Energy is one that is subtle yet stands out as a unique and pleasant experience.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it is pretty moderate for the opening hour, and then the sillage is closer to the skin. It isn’t completely weak, but a cologne that is more light and refreshing, than constantly demanding attention.

The longevity has always been good for me. Well, I mean, good for something at this price point. It’ll go for up to 6 hours or so, before fading. That’s not bad at all, when you consider that re-application won’t cost a bunch of money.

I’ve mostly worn this fragrance at work or out around town while running errands. Due to its price, Deep Energy is a good choice as an everyday cologne, that can be worn on days where you don’t want to use up the more expensive designer fragrances you might own.

It’s sporty and light enough for gym wear. Most of all, it’s a nice choice for younger guys who are still in school, and need something simple and fresh.

Deep Energy has a bit of spice to it which helps to give it a comforting warmth, from a very light cardamom note, which is persistent throughout.

Unlike something such as Opium Pour Homme, this Adidas cologne has its subtle spice paired with woodsy notes and fruity notes like green apple.

Overall Impressions of Deep Energy

I rather like Deep Energy as sort of a starter cologne or one that can be worn in casual situations because it is a overall nice smell. I have gotten plenty of complements while wearing it, and it is also fairly long-lasting, which is even a better value.

Is it amazing? No, but, it is a nice little fragrance that you don’t really need to think about before applying. It isn’t offensive, it is clean, and gets the job done.

If you’re in the market for an inexpensive cologne, definitely check out Deep Energy, again it’s only $10 or thereabouts, so it won’t break the bank.

Update: This has been discontinued for years now. The secondary market, seems to have sold off most of the excess bottles and the price has shot up. Don’t pay insane prices for this.