Men’s Fashion

Cool Water vs. Polo Blue EDT Cologne Comparison

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In this post, I want to do a head to head comparison between two popular men’s aquatics: Polo Blue EDT vs. Cool Water by Davidoff. Now, I’m not a huge fan of either, but I do think they are both solid colognes. The question is, which one smells better? Is there a difference in how long they last? Which is more versatile?

Quick Overview

Cool Water and Polo Blue EDT are both easygoing fresh aquatics made for casual wear and warmer weather. Cool Water is the cheaper classic with a sharper, minty-green feel, while Polo Blue is smoother, cleaner, and a little more polished. In the end, Polo Blue wins overall, but Cool Water still makes sense if value is the main priority.

Category Cool Water Polo Blue EDT Winner
Opening Opens with mint, tobacco, spice, and a green aquatic freshness. More distinctive, but sharper and less immediately smooth. Opens with cucumber, melon, tangerine, and amber. Simple and familiar, but smoother and more enjoyable overall. Polo Blue EDT
Projection Moderate projection. Noticeable enough for daily wear, but not loud or overpowering. Also moderate. It performs at about the same level and stays safe around others. Push
Longevity Newer bottles usually last around 6-7 hours, which is solid but not quite as strong as Polo Blue. Usually lasts around 7-8 hours, giving it a slight advantage in wear time. Polo Blue EDT
Versatility Works well for casual wear, school, work, spring, summer, and easy everyday use. Also fits casual wear, school, work, spring, summer, and safe everyday situations. Push
Overall Scent More affordable and has a nice minty aquatic opening, but the soapy middle can be a drawback. Cleaner, smoother, and more enjoyable overall, even if it is somewhat simple and linear. Polo Blue EDT
Value Usually much cheaper, making it the better buy if you mainly want an affordable aquatic cologne. Smells better overall, but the higher price may not be worth it for everyone. Cool Water

Tale of the Tape: Cool Water vs. Polo Blue

Polo Blue

Notes include: amber, melon, patchouli, geranium, cucumber, tangerine, moss, musk

Click here to try: Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren for Men, Eau De Toilette Natural Spray, 4.2 Ounce

Read my original review: Polo Blue Review

Cool Water

Notes include: lavender, mint, tobacco, amber, musk, jasmine, sandalwood, neroli, coriander, rosemary, and more

Click here to try: Davidoff Cool Water Edt Spray for Men, 6.7 oz

Read my Review: Cool Water

Opening

Cool Water opens up with mint, tobacco, and of course these notes are surrounded by an aquatic aroma. It’s got a green and fresh smell, that later picks up white floral notes, and a fairly soapy scent. I really do like the uncured tobacco note and the crisp spice of the mint. It is at times sharp and then smooth.

Polo Blue goes in a different direction with the crisp aquatic style, as it starts off with cucumber and melon. These notes are flanked by a light tangerine and amber. It is pretty straightforward, pleasant, if unremarkable.

Which is better? While I like the mint tobacco combo in Cool Water, I actually like the smell of Polo Blue better. Yes, it can be boring, but it works well.

Edge: Polo Blue

Projection

The sillage of each of these fragrances is consistently moderate. Neither goes into extreme projection mode, nor are they weak. Solid, but won’t overpower a room.

For me, I don’t notice a real difference between how much either projects on my skin. Call it a tie.

Edge: Push

Longevity

With newer bottles of Cool Water, I get 6-7 hours of wear from it. Older formulations were about 8. That’s the way that it goes, usually. However, Cool Water still holds up rather well.

Polo Blue hits 7-8 hours pretty consistently, not a huge margin, but better than the Davidoff. Maybe the 1980s version of Cool Water was even better, but it’s still decent these days.

Edge: Polo Blue

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are solid choices for everyday wear. They can go casual or to school or to work, depending on your circumstances. Cool Water and Polo Blue are safe and inoffensive, to those around you, and can gather complements without choking out a room.

Neither is a club scent or really a date night cologne. They shine in spring/summer, but can go year round, as well. There’s no real distinction, in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Cool Water has a really nice opening act, with the mint and tobacco, that sit in the watery mix. I’m not a huge fan of when it turns soapy, towards the middle, but it does come around again with a woody/aquatic base to round things out.

There’s a reason that it’s been popular for so long and it has an advantage of being very reasonably priced.

I like Polo Blue, I’m not a huge fan of the scent (it’s pretty linear and simple), but I would rather wear it over Cool Water. For me, the EDP version, is better than this EDT that I’m comparing to Cool Water. But, I’d take both of the Polo options over the Davidoff.

Why? It just smells better overall. These are fairly evenly matched scents, with similar uses and performance. The melon/tangerine combination with crisp cucumber and the amber notes are quite enjoyable in Polo Blue.

It also doesn’t have the sort of soapy aroma, that Cool Water gives off at times. It’s not way better, but it does have a slight edge in this comparison.

Cool Water is the more inexpensive option, often by quite a lot, so take that into consideration. I like Polo Blue more, but not sure if I’d pay $30 more for a bottle, if I could get Cool Water and another scent for the same price. But that’s up to you and your situation.

Winner: Polo Blue EDT

Creed Aventus vs Virgin Island Water Comparison

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In this edition of the cologne comparisons, I’m going to take a closer look at two Creed scents, that I’ve already reviewed on the site: Aventus and Virgin Island Water. How does VIW stand up against the ever popular, Creed Aventus? Which of these scents smells better? Gives better performance? Please continue below for my full take.

Quick Overview

Creed Aventus is the better fragrance overall. Virgin Island Water has the more enjoyable opening, with lime, bergamot, rum, and coconut creating a great tropical beach scent. But Aventus performs better, lasts longer, projects more, and is much more versatile

 

Category Creed Aventus Creed Virgin Island Water Winner
Opening Opens harsh at first, with a citrus-cleaner type impression, before the bergamot, fruit, and woods improve quickly. Opens with lime, bergamot, coconut, and rum. Juicier, boozier, tropical, and more immediately enjoyable. Virgin Island Water
Projection Strong and bold without being an elite powerhouse. Much stronger than Virgin Island Water. Moderate all around and not designed to be a huge projector. Creed Aventus
Longevity Usually lasts around 8-9 hours, with 7 hours as a minimum and occasional double-digit wear. Usually lasts around 4-6 hours, which is mediocre for the price. Creed Aventus
Versatility Works year-round outside of high heat. Good for casual wear, dates, work, and nights out. Mostly a casual summer fragrance. Great for hot weather, beachy settings, and tropical-style wear. Creed Aventus
Overall Scent The better full fragrance, with stronger performance, more depth, and a more useful citrus-fruity woody profile. Great opening and fun summer vibe, but becomes more coconut and suntan-lotion-like with limited use. Creed Aventus

Tale of the Tape: Aventus vs. VIW

Virgin Island Water

Notes include: bergamot, lime, rum, sugar cane, coconut, ylang-ylang, and ginger

Click here to try: Creed Virgin Island Water by Creed for Unisex – 4 oz Millesime Spray

Read my Original VIW Review

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 try Aventus: Aventus For Men 4.0 oz EDP Spray By Creed

Click here to read my original Aventus Review

Opening

Virgin Island Water strikes an early victory in how these two scents open. The initial blast of VIW is a blend of lime, bergamot, and the coconut note. I honestly think that this is a fantastic tropical aroma that really draws you in.

It is juicier and boozier than how it actually ends up. The rum and lime is a great combination that I love and brings on the summer feeling.

Aventus on the other hand, opens with a really harsh aroma, that I’ve always compared to Lemon Pine Sol (yes, the floor cleaner)…thankfully, it gets much better after that. In fact, after the initial bit, the bergamot note shared by the two scents is near identical and really great.

However, just comparing the opening act of each fragrance, I’ve got to go with VIW.

Edge: VIW

Projection

Virgin Island Water isn’t a strong scent, it’s pretty moderate all around. Don’t expect a monster.

It’s really not designed to have an overwhelming sillage, which would kind of be unbearable during the warmest days.

Aventus is strong and rather bold but isn’t insanely overpowering. It is, however, much stronger than Virgin Island Water and gets the edge here. It can be over-sprayed, but not an elite powerhouse, in my opinion.

Edge: Aventus

Longevity

VIW is completely borderline on having poor longevity and just okay. It depends on the day, but I’ve always gotten 4-6 of wear out of it.

Not great and one would expect more at the price point. I don’t mind the sillage being moderate, but I do have a problem with the mediocre performance.

Aventus, will get 7 hours as a minimum and usually in the 8-9 hour range. Solid performer. Occasionally, I can hit double digits with Aventus. That’s usually when in an air conditioned environment all day.

Some people can get Aventus to last longer on their skin than I do. Either way, Aventus outdoes Virgin Island Water pretty easily.

Edge: Aventus

 

Versatility

Aventus is more of a year round kind of scent, though, it isn’t great in the high heat, in my experience. It can be worn casually, on a date, at work, or for a night on the town.

Aventus is a very well-balanced cologne in this regard. It’s a signature fragrance for a lot of guys out there and will give you near endless opportunities to use it.

VIW has it’s versatility in the fact that it is a unisex scent. Aventus is much more of a masculine fragrance in comparison.

However, it’s almost strictly casual and actually shines in the summer heat. Sure, you could include spring, but unless you live in the tropics…it’s stuck in one season for wear.

Edge: Aventus

Overall Scent

I really like the opening of VIW, it’s nice, and reminds me of being at the beach. As it moves along, it becomes much more coconut dominant and takes on the suntan lotion aroma, which is still good but not as much as the opening.

It’s performance is also not amazing and it has a limited use. It’s more of a niche fragrance or one you’d use only at specific times of the year.

Aventus, I’ve never liked the opening BUT it does get much better. It gives good performance and the citrus-laden blend really starts to take off after that.

There’s a reason why it’s so highly regarded. I still enjoy Aventus, even if, I’m rather fatigued of smelling it. There’s just been such an influx of Aventus alternatives, that it becomes exhausting.

Between the two, the choice is Aventus, unless you’re looking for that specific summertime scent.

Winner: Aventus

Who Should Buy Creed Aventus?

Buy Creed Aventus if you want the better all-around fragrance. It is stronger, longer lasting, more masculine, and much more versatile than Virgin Island Water. It works for casual wear, dates, work, nights out, and most seasons outside of extreme heat.

Who Should Buy Creed Virgin Island Water?

Buy Virgin Island Water if you want a tropical summer fragrance. It is best if you like lime, bergamot, rum, coconut, sugar cane, ginger, and a beachy suntan-lotion style. It is more limited than Aventus, but better if you specifically want a casual hot-weather vacation scent.

FAQ: Creed Aventus vs Virgin Island Water

Which is better, Creed Aventus or Virgin Island Water?

Creed Aventus is better overall. Virgin Island Water has the better opening, but Aventus wins projection, longevity, versatility, and overall scent.

Does Creed Aventus last longer than Virgin Island Water?

Yes. Aventus usually lasts around 8-9 hours, while Virgin Island Water usually lasts around 4-6 hours.

Does Aventus project better than Virgin Island Water?

Yes. Aventus is much stronger and bolder. Virgin Island Water has more moderate projection.

What does Creed Aventus smell like?

Creed Aventus smells fruity, citrusy, smoky, woody, musky, and masculine. It features pineapple, blackcurrant, bergamot, apple, birch, oak moss, ambergris, musk, and vanilla.

What does Virgin Island Water smell like?

Virgin Island Water smells tropical, citrusy, boozy, coconut-heavy, and beachy. It has lime, bergamot, rum, sugar cane, coconut, ylang-ylang, and ginger.

Which one is better for summer?

Virgin Island Water is better for summer and high heat. Aventus can work in warm weather, but it is not as ideal in high heat.

Which one is more versatile?

Creed Aventus is much more versatile. It works in more seasons, more settings, and more occasions than Virgin Island Water.

Which one is better for dates?

Aventus is better for dates because it is stronger, more masculine, longer lasting, and more polished. Virgin Island Water is better for casual beachy or vacation-style settings.

Is Virgin Island Water worth the price?

Virgin Island Water smells great, especially in the opening, but the 4-6 hour longevity makes the price harder to justify.

Should I buy Aventus or Virgin Island Water?

Buy Aventus if you want the better fragrance overall. Buy Virgin Island Water if you specifically want a tropical coconut-rum summer scent.

Invictus vs. Invictus Victory

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Invictus has been such a massive success for Paco Rabanne that we’ve now had about a decade’s worth of flankers released in its wake. Many of the initial releases were a lot like the original Invictus EDT. Now, the names are the same, but they don’t always have much in common.

On this page, I want to compare the original Invictus to one of its much later flankers, Invictus Victory. How does each smell? Which lasts longer? Which cologne is the better buy?

Quick Overview

Invictus EDT is the fresher and more aquatic option. It opens with grapefruit, mandarin orange, sea notes, bay leaf, jasmine, and ambergris, giving it a youthful, watery, blue-fragrance feel. It is better for spring and summer, but it does not perform as well as Victory.

Invictus Victory is the warmer, spicier, and more refined option. It opens with lemon, pink pepper, and incense, then becomes more about vanilla, amber, tonka bean, olibanum, and lavender. It is better for fall, winter, nightlife, and stronger performance.

Category Invictus EDT Invictus Victory Winner
Opening Opens with orange, grapefruit, sea notes, ambergris, bay leaf, and a sweet grape bubblegum-like freshness. Opens with lemon, pink pepper, and incense, giving it a spicier, smokier, and more refined start. Invictus Victory
Projection Starts with a strong citrus-aquatic burst, then turns more moderate after the first hour or two. Heavier, stronger, and has greater reach and staying power during the wear. Invictus Victory
Longevity Lasts around 6-7 hours on skin. Lasts around 8-9 hours, giving it the clear performance advantage. Invictus Victory
Versatility Better across seasons, especially spring and summer. More fresh, sporty, and casual. Better for fall, winter, spring, nightlife, and more refined casual wear. Invictus Victory
Overall Scent Fresh, youthful, blue, watery, and sweet, but not as refined or interesting as Victory. Smells better overall, with spice, vanilla, amber, incense, tonka bean, and stronger depth. Invictus Victory

Tale of the Tape: Invictus vs. Victory

Invictus

Notes include: grapefruit, sea notes, mandarin orange, bay leaf, jasmine

Read my review

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne Invictus Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce

Invictus Victory

Notes include: pink pepper, lemon, vanilla, amber, tonka bean, olibanum, lavender

Click here to try: Invictus Victory

My Full Review: Invictus Victory

Opening

Invictus opens with a citrusy candy-like aroma of a blend of orange and grapefruit notes. This is joined by an aquatic aroma, that gives it a summertime vibe. Not a realistic water, mind you, but that’s what they’re going for.

Ambergris and bay leaf combine with the fruits and aquatic accord to give Invictus a sweet grape bubblegum sort of smell. Very blue-ish and watery, without giving off that oceanic sea water smell.

Invictus Victory starts a lot like the old Pure XS line that Paco Rabanne had put out some number of years before this. Victory has a lemon note up top, with pink pepper, and a dose of incense.

Kind of smoky, but it doesn’t dominate the composition. Up top, it’s a bit of that lemon with a spiciness and smokiness. As it moves on, Victory will start to have a greater use of the vanilla and amber notes.

Which is better? Invictus is pretty good at the start. Kind of a lot to handle all at once, sometimes. But, it’s fine.

However, Invictus Victory has a more refined scent, that’s just more pleasing all around.

Edge: Victory

Projection

Both of these fragrances have a strong burst of power during the initial part of the wear. Victory is the heavier of the two, but the citrus notes of Invictus make it seem like a more power scent than it might actually be.

However, both of them will turn more moderate after that first hour or two. But, I’d say that Invictus Victory has the greater reach and staying power when comparing them.

Edge: Victory

Longevity

The original Invictus was never a super long-lasting fragrance for me, but it was always passable. On my skin, I can get about 6-7 hours of wear from this EDT.

With Victory, that gets bumped up to 8-9 hours. Victory Elixir actually hits the double digits, but the original Victory is just shy. Still, it takes this category.

Edge: Victory

Versatility

Invictus EDT has the greater versatility across seasons. It is more of spring and summer wear, that holds up better in winter than Victory does in the heat. Victory is mostly an autumn and winter cologne that can go somewhat into spring.

I think that Victory is the more refined scent of the two. It’s still a younger man’s cologne, but it’s well put together in comparison to the youthful Invictus. I also think that it does a better job as a nightlife option than Invictus.

I tend to give the edge to Victory in this category, because I think it has more use cases within its time of the year, but Invictus EDT does have that seasonal lead.

Edge: Victory (slightly)

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these fragrances do I prefer? It’s honestly not a difficult choice for me. Invictus Victory is the better cologne versus Invictus EDT.

I’ve never been a big fan of the original. Though, I do sometimes enjoy the opening act, and don’t think that it’s a terrible fragrance. People in public do tend to overspray it, which makes it also feel unbearable to be around sometimes.

When compared to Invictus Victory, I just don’t think that EDT does much better. Victory smells better, performs better, and is at least equal with when it can be worn. I like its spice and its vanilla note.

It’s not my favorite cologne in the world, but Invictus Victory would be one of my top picks in the series.

Winner: Victory

Who Should Buy Invictus EDT?

Buy Invictus EDT if you want the fresher, sportier, and more aquatic fragrance. It is better for spring, summer, casual wear, daytime use, and guys who like grapefruit, mandarin orange, sea notes, bay leaf, jasmine, and ambergris. It is the better pick if you want the classic youthful Invictus style.

Who Should Buy Invictus Victory?

Buy Invictus Victory if you want the better overall fragrance. It is warmer, spicier, smoother, longer lasting, and better for fall, winter, nights out, and date-style wear. It is the better choice if you like lemon, pink pepper, vanilla, amber, tonka bean, incense, lavender, and a more refined sweet-spicy profile.

FAQ: Invictus vs Invictus Victory

Which is better, Invictus or Invictus Victory?

Invictus Victory is better overall. It smells more refined, projects better, lasts longer, and has more depth than the original Invictus EDT.

Does Invictus Victory last longer than Invictus EDT?

Yes. Invictus EDT lasts around 6-7 hours, while Invictus Victory lasts around 8-9 hours.

Does Invictus Victory project better than Invictus?

Yes. Both start strong, but Invictus Victory has greater reach and better staying power after the opening.

What does Invictus EDT smell like?

Invictus EDT smells fresh, aquatic, citrusy, sweet, and youthful. It has grapefruit, mandarin orange, sea notes, bay leaf, jasmine, and ambergris.

What does Invictus Victory smell like?

Invictus Victory smells warm, spicy, sweet, smoky, and ambery. It has lemon, pink pepper, vanilla, amber, tonka bean, olibanum, lavender, and incense.

Which one is better for summer?

Invictus EDT is better for summer. Its citrus, aquatic notes, and fresh sporty profile work better in heat than Victory.

Which one is better for winter?

Invictus Victory is better for winter. The vanilla, amber, tonka bean, incense, and spice give it more warmth and depth.

Which one is better for dates?

Invictus Victory is better for dates. It is warmer, smoother, more refined, and more evening-friendly than Invictus EDT.

Is Invictus Victory more mature than Invictus?

Yes. Invictus Victory feels more mature and better put together, though it still leans like a younger men’s fragrance.

Should I buy Invictus or Invictus Victory?

Buy Invictus EDT if you want a fresh, sporty, aquatic scent for warm weather. Buy Invictus Victory if you want the better fragrance overall with stronger performance and a warmer sweet-spicy style.

8 Colognes Similar to The One by D&G

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I first tried The One by Dolce & Gabbana EDT over a decade ago and a few before starting this site. At the time, it was perhaps my favorite smelling cologne, that I had come across. Now, I had way less experience at the time, but I loved the aroma.

Only problem, was that it seemingly lasted for 15 minutes, before fading (more like a few hours in reality). Though, I do love the EDP, which gives me better performance…just still at designer prices.

I know a lot of other guys who have had a similar experience, want to find a better performing alternative, or perhaps a cheaper near clone. So, in this post I will present some similar options to The One, which might fit the bill for you.

Quick Overview

1 and Only by the Dua Brand is the best pick if you want the closest inspired version of the original The One EDT. It covers the grapefruit, amber, tobacco, and orange blossom style, but in a more concentrated extrait format.

Woody Coriander by Dossier is the affordable inspired option. It is the least expensive of the direct The One-style fragrances listed, making it the better pick if price matters most.

Tom Ford for Men is the higher-end similar-style option. It is not a direct match, but the citrus, ginger, tobacco, amber, basil, patchouli, and dry woods create a related fresh, warm, masculine profile.

Fragrance Price Range Similarity Key Shared Notes Best For
1 and Only by Dua Brand $ Very High Grapefruit, amber, tobacco, orange blossom Closest inspired alternative with better staying power
Woody Coriander by Dossier $ Very High Warm spice, amber, tobacco-style sweetness, citrus Budget shoppers who want a direct inspired option
Ovation by Alexandria Fragrances $$-$$$ Very High Warm spice, amber, tobacco, smooth sweetness Those who want a sample-friendly inspired fragrance
Tom Ford for Men $$$ Moderate-High Citrus, ginger, tobacco, amber, patchouli A higher-end scent with a related warm citrus-tobacco style
Ed Hardy Villain $ Moderate Citrus, amber, pepper, lavender, warmth Younger guys who want a very cheap alternative
Vera Wang for Men $-$$ Moderate Yuzu, citrus, tobacco, warmth, clean spice A cleaner citrus fragrance with some tobacco warmth
Jaguar Prestige $ Moderate Citrus, pepper, nutmeg, woods A woodier, fresher option with decent performance
Intimately Beckham $ Moderate-High Amber, sandalwood, bergamot, star anise, spice A cheap warm spicy scent for autumn, winter, and evenings

Favorite Fragrance Alternatives to The One by Dolce & Gabbana

Inspired By

1 and Only by the Dua Brand– As I said, the problem with the original EDT formula (somewhat corrected by the EDP) was the longevity. 1 and Only from Dua is a more concentrated extrait de parfum, which allows the fragrance to have greater staying power.

Dua does a great job with its ‘inspired’ blends, 1 and Only, is their interpretation of the 2008 original release of The One by D&G.

It’s got all of the notes covered from the initial grapefruit, the warmth of the amber, tobacco, and the orange blossom note sitting in the heart of it all.

The full bottle is available now, as of posting, and they do sometimes have in stock the travel vial spray giving you a cheaper option.

Another One

Woody Coriander by Dossier– Out of the ‘inspired’ versions of The One formula, Woody Coriander is the least expensive. It’s an eau de parfum, not as concentrated with the fragrance as the two extrait de parfums on this list.

Now, I haven’t tried this one out, but I’ve had good experiences with Dossier scents before. Reading the reviews, some have had more issues with performances than with the Dua or the Alexandria, below. It’s probably not much of a problem, but it might be a notch below the others.

Still, it has all of the notes right, the quality of this brand is there, and it’s got the price point locked up if that’s your greatest concern. Woody Coriander could be worth checking out for some of you.

The Third

Ovation by Alexandria Fragrances– Ovation is another option for those who want a close rendition to The One sort of formula, as they put it: What does the sexiest man on the planet smell like? He smells like Ovation, a smooth and sultry fragrance that projects confident sensuality.

I haven’t yet tried out this one, either. Alexandria does have some great ‘inspired by’ designer quality scents, so, it’s hard to imagine that they missed the mark here.

The price is more than the first two, which might be a limiting factor. You can get Ovation as a part of a sample pack along with six other fragrances of your choice, if you want to go that route.

Similar and High End 

Tom Ford for Men by Tom Ford 100ml 3.4oz EDT Spray–The namesake of the fragrance line, is fresh and sexy with a full array of notes which awaken the senses.

The only real issue is that it can have some longevity problems, on a certain percentage of guy’s skin. Not to the same extent as The One, however, just not crazy long lasting.

It opens with citrus notes and a bit of spice from ginger before transitioning into a tobacco and amber mix with other notes including patchouli. It’s not an exact copy of The One, but it’s got so many overlapping notes, just weighted differently within the composition.

That opening is really great. The lemon and ginger are the strongest, but you do get a blend of citrus, and some extra herbal spice from basil. Base notes are dry and woody, some sweet tobacco, and a moderate amber note.

Really quite refreshing and a well-blended daily wear for men. One of the best aspects of Tom Ford for Men, is that it can be worn when it is warmer outside.

tomford

The Super Cheap Option

Ed Hardy Villain Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 4.2 Ounce– Villain often gets billed as the cheaper version of The One. I definitely could smell the resemblance, while testing it out, but it seemed like something for younger guys.

The opening has a stronger citrus note than in the Dolce. Plus, the smell is much sweeter overall, and not blended nearly as well. It does become a fresher, warmer, and spicier cologne as it settles down. Mainly, amber with pepper, and lavender.

On my skin, I could manage 3-4 hours from Villain. Not great, but then again, superior to what I ever got with The One. This could be an option for younger men, who need to keep things inexpensive.

Exact clone? Not really. Cheaper alternative? For some percentage of those reading this. Villain Review

A Cleaner Citrus Cologne

Vera Wang 3.4 Fl. oz. Eau De Toilette Spray Men– Vera Wang is somewhere in between Tom Ford for Men (probably closer to this) and The One. Vera Wang opens up with yuzu and is overall much more of a citrus cologne, than the others.

While it has a nice bit of tobacco and warmth, it lacks the same level of spice, particularly the cardamom note. It’s a fresh and clean mix, that is quite versatile, and very well put together.

Woodier and Fresh

Jaguar Prestige by Jaguar Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 oz– Jaguar Prestige starts out with a citrus blend,  which is fresh and zesty. This is flanked by some light pepper and nutmeg. Again, this isn’t a complete clone to The One, as Prestige has a much woodier and citrus laden profile.

What’s noticeably lacking is the tobacco and amber, so this one, isn’t as warm. Nevertheless, it’s a nice and fairly closely related fragrance to our target. Decent performance, too.

Inexpensive and Similar

Intimately Beckham By Beckham For Men, Eau De Toilette Spray, 2.5-Ounce Bottle
A bit sweet, smooth, with a hint of spice and a woodsy heart. It’s almost unisex in its presentation and its longevity can be an issue, though, its still a very nice scent.

Intimately Beckham features notes of sandalwood, amber, star anise, and bergamot among others. To me, feels best to be worn in the autumn or winter months. It does have a similar smell to The One, but not to the same weighting.

The amber and lack of whiskey notes, do stand out in comparison. But, cardamom and anise give it a close vibe for a low price.

It has a soft, somewhat powdery warmth, and fresh spice from the star anise and nutmeg notes. While a ‘cheapie’, this Beckham cologne can work well in a variety of situations, including dressed up for an evening. The sandalwood adds a layer of clean smoothness. Review

intimately-beckham-men-edt-50ml-30003492-0-1321522359000

The One by D&G FAQ

What cologne smells most like The One by Dolce & Gabbana?

1 and Only by Dua Brand is one of the closest options from this list. It is designed around the original The One EDT style, with grapefruit, amber, tobacco, and orange blossom.

What is the best cheap alternative to The One by D&G?

Woody Coriander by Dossier is the best cheap direct alternative from the list. Ed Hardy Villain and Intimately Beckham are also inexpensive options, but they are less exact.

Is there a better-performing version of The One?

The One EDP improves on the performance of the EDT, but it still is not a powerhouse. Inspired options like 1 and Only may be worth trying if stronger staying power is the main goal.

What fragrances have the same vibe as The One?

Tom Ford for Men, Intimately Beckham, Vera Wang for Men, and Jaguar Prestige all share parts of The One’s warm, spicy, citrus, amber, woody, or tobacco-like style.

Is Tom Ford for Men similar to The One?

Tom Ford for Men is not an exact match, but it has overlap. The citrus, ginger, tobacco, amber, patchouli, basil, and dry woods create a similar fresh and warm masculine feel.

Is Ed Hardy Villain similar to The One?

Ed Hardy Villain has some resemblance to The One, but it is sweeter, younger, stronger on citrus, and not as well blended. It is more of a cheap alternative than a close replacement.

What is the best The One alternative for younger guys?

Ed Hardy Villain is the most youthful option from the list. It is sweeter, cheaper, and more casual than The One.

What is the best high-end alternative to The One?

Tom Ford for Men is the best higher-end similar-style fragrance listed. It is more citrusy, herbal, and woody, but it still has tobacco and amber warmth.

Is Intimately Beckham similar to The One?

Yes, Intimately Beckham has a similar warm spicy feel with amber, sandalwood, bergamot, star anise, and soft powdery warmth. It is not exact, but it has a close low-price vibe.

Should I buy The One or an alternative?

Buy The One EDP if you want the original scent profile with better performance than the EDT. Buy an alternative if you want a cheaper fragrance, a stronger inspired version, or a scent that shares the same warm spicy tobacco-amber style.

9 Best Coconut Scented Colognes for Men

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Coconut has one of the most recognizable and enjoyable fruity aromas, on the planet. When it comes to use in fragrances, this note is usually reserved for women’s perfumes, and there aren’t too many men’s scents where it plays a major role.

It’s a shame, because when done right, it can be a fantastic addition to a cologne and really help separate you from what most other guys are wearing. In this post, I want to cover some of the best option for men who want a coconut scented fragrance. 

Quick Overview

CK Eternity Now for Men is one of the best affordable picks. It opens with coconut and starfruit, then dries down into a creamy coconut, vanilla, tonka bean, and cedar blend. It also gives solid 6-7 hour wear and is still easy to find online for a good price.

Le Beau Le Parfum is the better modern JPG coconut option if you want something sweeter, creamier, and more powerful than the original Le Beau. It adds pineapple and ginger up top, then dries down with coconut, sandalwood, and tonka bean.

Le Beau Paradise Garden– If you want a lighter coconut water, sweet, and fresh.

Boss Bottled Pacific is a strong pick if you want a salty, woody, creamy coconut scent. It has lemon early on, then moves into cypress, sandalwood, saltiness, and a tropical island-style coconut profile.

Fragrance Best For Coconut Style Key Notes Performance / Value
CK Eternity Now for Men Affordable daily coconut Creamy coconut, vanilla, starfruit Coconut, starfruit, vanilla, tonka bean, ginger, anise, cedar 6-7 hours; very affordable online
Paula’s Ibiza by Loewe Green beachy coconut Woody, salty, floral, less tropical Coconut, mandarin orange, driftwood, frangipani, salty woods Good performance; may be harder to find
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Beau EDT Simple summer sweetness Sweet coconut, tonka, citrus Coconut, bergamot, tonka bean, light spice, vanilla feel Powerful sillage; decent longevity
Le Beau Le Parfum Richer modern coconut Creamy, sweet, tropical, woody Coconut, pineapple, ginger, sandalwood, tonka bean Stronger option than the original Le Beau
Le Beau Paradise Garden Fresh coconut water Light, watery, green, tropical Coconut water, ginger, mint, fig, woods, grassy notes Fresh and wearable; less creamy than others
Boss Bottled Pacific Salty woody coconut Creamy coconut, salt, tropical woods Coconut, lemon, salt, cypress, sandalwood, woods Good scent; difficult to find now
Ferrari Silver Essence Woody coconut Dry, spicy, smoky, woody coconut Coconut, cinnamon, nutmeg, cedar, birch woods Very good performance; affordable price point
Cool Water Intense Amber coconut power Coconut water, green citrus, amber Coconut water, green mandarin, amber, ambroxan Beastly projection and long wear
Creed Virgin Island Water Beach vacation scent Coconut, lime, rum, suntan lotion Coconut, lime, bergamot, rum, tropical notes Great summer scent; expensive
Comptoir Sud Pacifique Coco Extreme Pure coconut lovers Milky, sweet, smoky, vanilla coconut Coconut, vanilla, almond, smoky sweetness Solid longevity; good for layering

 

Favorite Coconut Fragrances for Men

le beau parfum review

Coconut, Starfruit, and Vanilla

CK Eternity Now MEN Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 OZ. – This has probably been my favorite cologne, to wear over the past week or so. Eternity Now has a gorgeous opening act, that is simply captivating.

It kicks off with our target note and star fruit. This combination is fantastic and the star fruit is the strongest up top. There is some light spice from ginger and anise, before it dries down into a creamy fragrance with additional vanilla and tonka bean.

Ultimately, it’s mostly a coconut/vanilla blend with some cedar and lingering star fruit. I get about 6-7 hours of wear from this, plenty of complements, and the price is very affordable now. Eternity Now Review

Update: This is still affordable and easily gotten online, as of my 2024 update to this page. Seen bottles for under $35. 

Update 2: It is sold out in most places.

Ibiza Vibes

Paula’s Ibiza by Loewe– I’m going to list this original version of this unisex perfume. Paula’s Ibiza is a greener take on the coconut note, less of a tropical flair.

Now, if you want that style they did have Paula’s Ibiza Cosmic, which has now been discontinued. So, you’d have to source a bottle online. This one might be getting the axe also.

Nonetheless, this original version of this fragrance does indeed still feature a prominent coconut that is paired with mandarin orange and highlighted by a driftwood note in the base.

It’s woody and salty with floral notes like frangipani lending to it the beachy vibes. A really unique aroma that smells great and delivers a good performance.

 

Coconut, Tonka, Citrus

Jean Paul Gaultier “Le Beau” Eau De Toilette Spray– Le Beau is a JPG release, not to be confused with Le Beau Male, that is a pretty simple summer fragrance with a prominent coconut note.

This one opens up with a bergamot note, that lends it a citrus flair. But, this one doesn’t go full tropical, as it puts forth its coconut.

There is a bit of spiciness to it in the beginning, but that really fades in favor of the tonka bean and coconut combination. Some creaminess and a slight vanilla kick.

This one is more of a casual wear, with a nice powerful sillage, but with just a decent longevity. Sweet in a warm, sugary way, just like other Le Male fragrances.

Update: You might want to go with the newer Le Beau Le Parfum version. It opens with a pineapple and ginger kick to that coconut note. Then, will dry down with a sandalwood and tonka bean creaminess to our target note. 

Paradise Garden

Le Beau Male Paradise Garden– Yes, another flanker and this one is more of a pure coconut water than either of the others mentioned above.

Paradise Garden gives you a lighter touch with our target note and pairs it with ginger, mint, and fig. It’s sweet, fresh, cooling, and somewhat aquatic in the early stages of the wear.

Later, the finish becomes woodier with a grassy component. There still is some creaminess in the blend, but not to the same degree as some others on this list. Paradise Garden review

Coco Boss

Boss Bottled Pacific by Hugo Boss– Salty, woody, and coconut. This is a nice newer mainstream scent that has come out since last time I updated this page.

It actually has some elements that remind me of Kenzo Homme Intense (no coconut), not a total overlap, though. Kenzo does have the Marine version that supposedly like Bottled Pacific, but I have yet to try it. 

The coconut is creamy here, much more than in some of the other offerings. There’s a lemon squeeze in the early stages, before this one gets woodier, and feels like a hot tropical island scent.

The saltiness is there throughout, but isn’t completely massive within the composition. Cypress, later sandalwood, and the coconut are the focus with this Boss cologne.

Apparently, this one is difficult to find now. Even though it came out in 2023. The Dua Brand does have their version of this formula, found here: Dua Bottled Pacific

Woody Coconut

Ferrari Silver Essence Eau de Parfum EDP – This one is a different use of coconut, drier, and paired with lots of wood. Ferrari has lot of fragrances, mostly hit or miss, but Silver Essence is among the best.

It kicks off with a spice mix of cinnamon and nutmeg, it comes off very fresh, as there is a prominent cedar and birch wood that pops through the composition. Then, of course, is the coconut.

The coconut adds its sweet and fragrance aroma on top of the fresh spiciness, to create something wholly unique, and really nice. Spicy, smoky, and sweet wood. Very good performance, at an affordable price point.

Coconut Amber

Cool Water Intense by Davidoff for Men 4.2 oz Eau de Parfum Spray– This intense version of Cool Water, doesn’t have much of anything to do with the original, but it does have our target ingredient. Plus, it surprisingly good.

Intense kicks off with a greenish kick and citrus profile  that  is  flanked  by  the  coconut water note. Green mandarin is the top note here. Clean and bright.  Later,  the  coconut  and  amber/ambroxan  will fully takeover the wear.

Fruity with the orange and coconut notes and super smooth with the amber. Simple. This stuff projects like a beast and goes for a long time. Still a casual sort of fragrance, but the best Davidoff release in a long while.

Summer Beachy Lotion

Creed Virgin Island Water Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.3 Fl Ounce– Virgin Island Water is some folks favorite Creed wear, during the summer months. For me, it is the third best, as I’m not as high on it. VIW opens with a citrus and rum accord, the citrus being bergamot and lime.

I really like that opening blast, as it feels like sitting on a beach, with a tropical drink in hand. When the coconut comes in heavier, this one starts to take on more of a suntan lotion aroma.

Plenty of people enjoy that, I think that it is just okay. Nonetheless, it still has to be considered, on a list of the top men’s coconut fragrances.

Virgin Island Water is built for the summertime, though, and for that it is an over nice choice for men or women. Virgin Island Water Review

 

Milky Coconut Scent

Comptoir Sud Pacifique COCO EXTREME EDT, 1 fl. oz.– This is one for those who want more of a pure coconut fragrance, with a sweet-milky finish, and flanked by vanilla.

It’s got a smoked quality with an added almond note, which helps to take away some of that usual sugary sweetness. It’s sill is, a sweet scent, however. 

Coco Extreme gives you a high quality summertime experience, with solid longevity, and some decent projection for the first few hours. This is one of the unisex fragrances from the Sud Pacifique line, but one that isn’t laden with more tradition feminine notes. 

This is a great example of a coconut note. Very beachy and pleasant to wear. Easily to use in combination with other fragrances, that need a touch of coconut.