By Designer

The One for Men Grey by D&G

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Dolce & Gabbana keeps right on using The One name to introduce new fragrances, some of which actually have a relation to the original formulation.

2018’s The One Grey, is one of those cologne offerings which has a lot of overlap with the popular EDT and EDP versions of this D&G scent. But, how does it smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

Quick Overview

The One Grey is a fresher, lighter remix of the familiar Dolce & Gabbana The One DNA, with grapefruit pushed forward over cardamom, basil, sage, coriander, and a quieter tobacco note.

After the initial spicy citrus burst, it settles into a cleaner aromatic style built around vetiver, lavender, geranium, tobacco, and cardamom.

Overall, The One Grey is one of the better under-the-radar flankers in the line. It is not as good as the strongest versions of The One, but the clean grapefruit-vetiver profile, familiar tobacco undertone, and warm-weather usability make it worth trying if you already enjoy the series.

This has been since discontinued.

🌫️ The One Grey by Dolce & Gabbana — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Fresh Spicy Aromatic Woody
Key Notes Grapefruit, Cardamom, Basil, Sage, Coriander, Vetiver, Lavender, Geranium, Tobacco, Patchouli, Labdanum
Season Spring, Summer, Early Fall, Mild Weather
Occasion Office, Casual Wear, Daytime, Daily Wear, Semi-Formal Events
Longevity Around 6–7 hours
Sillage Moderate to slightly above average early, then settles into a closer scent bubble
Rating ★★★★☆ 7.3 / 10
Quick Verdict A fresher and more aromatic version of The One built around grapefruit, cardamom, vetiver, lavender, and a lighter tobacco accord. It keeps some of the familiar DNA while shifting the emphasis toward clean citrus, herbs, and woods. Performance is solid at roughly 6–7 hours, and the lighter composition makes it much more useful in spring and summer. Not the sexiest or richest release in the line, but one of the better choices for versatile daytime wear.

What does The One Grey Smell Like?

Notes include: grapefruit, coriander, cardamom, vetiver, basil, lavender, geranium, sage, patchouli, tobacco, labdanum

Click here to try: The One for Men Grey

My Full Review

The One Grey is very much a flanker of The One and I can tell that from the opening spray. The difference with Grey is, that the strength of each of the notes has been changed in order to make a lighter fragrance more friendly to warmer temperatures than The One EDP.

Grapefruit leads the way, just like the original versions. Except that it is amped up in this formulation. Spicier, fresher, with less tobacco and amber.

It is joined by cardamom, sage, basil, and coriander as the main spices. Basil is actually strong to my nose and the equal to the cardamom early on. That will change and cardamom will be the one which sticks around the longest.

The basil will fade and sage, takes its place, but doesn’t muscle out that cardamom. Coriander is a distant fourth, with a minor influence. Patchouli very briefly gives Grey an earthiness, that will pass too.

It is interesting that after the initial blast, I can pick up on that tobacco note, from the others in the series. It sits underneath almost everything, but it is there reminding you of The One EDP.

After 20 minutes or so, this is less of an intense spice and more of a lightly spiced clean freshness. Vetiver, lavender, geranium and that tobacco really help to moderate this one.

Bright citrus with a cold aromatic aroma.

The final dry down will be a balanced mix of vetiver, lavender, tobacco, and cardamom. Still a bit of a spice, but not much, and there is a smokiness that emerges. Not heavy, but I guess it’s the labdanum mixing with vetiver and some other notes.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The One Grey actually has some decent power, at least for a while. It’s not a massive fragrance, but for the first few hours you will get nice projection off of the skin.

This Dolce & Gabbana is not going to leave a scent trail behind you for all that long. However, I get a nice intimate bubble of the fragrance for most of the wear. It’s pretty average, but towards the above average end of things.

This one lasts on my skin, somewhere in the 6-7 hour range. Not one that’s going to seriously outperform (like its predecessors), but it also doesn’t just quit like EDT, either.

Seasonally, this one takes the formula of The One and makes it acceptable for the spring and summer months. I love The One EDP, but the heat is not friendly towards it. With Grey, the clean style and lightness of the notes makes it one that can take the heat.

It’s fine in more moderate early autumn weather, also. I’d skip the winter application and go with EDP, instead.

This doesn’t have that same level of sexiness or date night vibe as the EDP. This is more suited for daytime wear, good for the office, casual, or even semi-formal occasions.

It smells good. Is attractive and easy to like. You can wear it in a lot of different scenarios without issue. Very nice versatility here.

 

Overall Impressions of The One Grey

Overall, do I like The One Grey? I do. It’s actually one of the better flankers from this line, despite the lack of fanfare about it.

The originals, Luminous Night, and EDP Intense are all better than this. But, I like it more than Gentleman and Royal Night (slightly). It gives you a different weighting of the notes of the original, but in a more palatable form for day to day wear, in the warmer months.

Grapefruit and vetiver give it a nice and freshly clean feeling. There’s still some tobacco and the spicy notes create a dynamic aroma, without being too much to handle.

The performance is much like other entries in the series, not terrible like the original, just passable and useful for daily wear. I’ve read others say that this one is weak, that hasn’t been my experience with the travel sprayer, this one came in.

If you like the originals, this one is worth a try. You just have to know going in, that it’s not the same fragrance. Yes, the note’s are quite the same, but the style is different. A remixed version of the original, where the background players get shown more love.

Dior Sauvage EDT vs. Elixir

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Sauvage is a line that keeps printing money for Dior, and so, they’re obviously going to keep putting out new flankers for the foreseeable future. The latest, is Sauvage Elixir, an expensive and more concentrated take on the name.

It’s enjoying early success, but how does this new fragrance compare to the original EDT. In this post, I will compare each in a variety of categories, before declaring an ultimate winner.

Quick Overview

Sauvage Elixir is the clear overall winner because it smells more balanced, distinctive, and refined while also delivering far stronger performance.

Instead of the EDT’s sharp bergamot, Sichuan pepper, ambroxan, and lavender opening, Elixir uses cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, grapefruit, lavender, licorice, amber, and woods for a smoother but still intense start.

The EDT does win on versatility because it works across a wider age range and climate range, including warmer weather where Elixir can become overwhelming. But if scent quality and performance matter most, Elixir is the better fragrance by a comfortable margin. You can also try the inspired by fragrance: Savage Elixir by Dua

Category Dior Sauvage EDT Dior Sauvage Elixir Winner
Opening Opens sharply with bergamot, Sichuan pepper, lavender, and ambroxan. Intense and fresh, but the pepper-citrus combination can feel harsh before it settles down. Starts with cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, grapefruit, and lavender. Strong and spicy, but smoother and better balanced, with licorice and amber adding sweetness. Sauvage Elixir
Projection Strong at first and still above average after it settles. It creates a noticeable scent trail without being a light fragrance. Extremely powerful and one of the loudest mainstream designer fragrances. It projects strongly throughout much of the wear. Sauvage Elixir
Longevity Usually lasts around 6–8 hours, with cooler weather sometimes pushing it toward 8–9 hours. Easily lasts beyond 12 hours and can continue well past that point. A major step up in staying power. Sauvage Elixir
Versatility Works across a wider age range and more climates. It is easier to wear casually and handles warmer weather better. More mature and better suited to cooler weather. The heavier concentration and strong projection make it less flexible in heat or casual situations. Sauvage EDT
Overall Scent A bergamot, pepper, lavender, and ambroxan fragrance that becomes smoother after the opening. Still crowd-pleasing, but less interesting than later Sauvage releases. A richer blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, lavender, licorice, patchouli, vetiver, and woods. More distinctive, smoother, and better composed overall. Sauvage Elixir

Sauvage Elixir or EDT? Tale of the Tape

Sauvage EDT

Notes include: Bergamot, Ambroxan, Sichuan Pepper, lavender, pink pepper, and more

Click here to try: Sauvage by Chrisitan Dior Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce

Read my review: Sauvage EDT Review

Sauvage Elixir

Notes include: grapefruit, wood, lavender, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, patchouli, vetiver

Click here to try: Sauvage Elixir at Macy’s

Read my review: Sauvage Elixir

Opening

Sauvage EDT starts off sharp with the citrus bergamot and Sichuan pepper notes out in full force. This is joined by that lavender note that is found across the Sauvage offerings. It’s intense and not all that great to my nose, especially when ambroxan gets thrown into the mix.

It does settle down and become more enjoyable and smooth. However, I’m not a fan of the pepper and bergamot combination. The lavender and ambroxan are nicer when they take the lead, as is the now faded citrus note.

Meanwhile, Elixir opens up with a lot of spice. Though, it doesn’t use the Sichuan pepper. Instead, you get cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom with a much lighter citrus note in grapefruit. This blend is wonderful and intense without the same sharpness.

The next phase will feature more of the lavender and some sweetness from licorice and amber. Sauvage Elixir is spicy, woody, with enough sweetness to keep it interesting. The licorice is a great addition to the composition, which helps this one stand out from the other Dior offerings. 

Which is better? Elixir. This newer concentration is just all around more balanced and pleasant to smell upon the initial spray. It is stronger while simultaneously being more tolerable. 

Edge: Elixir

Projection

The original Sauvage always had a strong sillage starting out and wasn’t ever weak at projecting. It does moderate after, but the EDT isn’t exactly a light cologne.

When compared to Elixir, the EDT is no match. Elixir has a very powerful ability to project and will be noticed throughout the entirety of the wear. Dior didn’t skimp out on the quality with this new release and it easily takes this category.

Elixir is one of the loudest mainstream fragrances out there and has a great ability to leave a scent trail in your wake. EDT definitely won’t be a disappointment, it can’t keep up with the heavier concentration of Elixir.

Edge: Elixir

Longevity

With Sauvage EDT, it lasts about 6-7 hours on my skin when it is warm and the humidity is higher. When it’s colder, I can get about 8-9 hours of wear from it. Some people get better performance than I do, but that’s been a consistent outcome for me.

Sauvage Elixir goes a lot longer than the EDT version. It really is a much more concentrated fragrance. I called it 12+ hours in my review, but it seems to go well beyond that 12 hour mark, during my testing of it.

Update: Even coming back to newer batches of EDT, it still hits that 6-8 hour range mostly. Elixir still goes heavy into the over 12 hour range without issue. It’s a beast as keeping things going.

Edge: Elixir

Versatility

Here’s where I think the EDT may have an edge over Elixir. For one, the EDT can venture into the summer months a lot better than Elixir can. Neither is a summertime fragrance, but the EDT won’t be overbearing in the heat, like Elixir.

Secondly, I think that the EDT can fit a wider spectrum of age range. Not many teens are going to be willing or able to rock the more mature Elixir, but they can and do wear the EDT version. 

Elixir is the more mature, but it’s not really a formal wear. Daily wear and more well put together, but I think the EDT could fit for a wider demographic.

So, the edge really comes down to a wider climate range, age range, and just overall versatility. Not to say Elixir is limited, it isn’t, just that Sauvage EDT fits a lot of situations.

Edge: Sauvage EDT

Overall Scent

Sauvage EDT is a perpetual best seller. To me, it’s become just a decent scent. Sure, it kicked off a whole trend in the industry, but fragrances like Luna Rossa Carbon have done the concept better. Also, the later Sauvage EDP and Parfum were also greater than the original.

That being said, I do like the middle and final acts of the EDT a lot better than how it opens. The performance is solid and it’s still an easy to wear crowd pleaser. For many guys, it’ll do just fine.

However, in this contest Sauvage Elixir is the clear winner. It smells better, outperforms, and presents a unique take on the DNA of this line.

The lavender, patchouli, and vetiver are the only commonalities in terms of notes versus the other Sauvage colognes. The structure of spice, citrus, and woods holds true…but they substitute newer ingredients.

Elixir has a great mix of spices. The cinnamon and nutmeg just work amazingly well within the composition. The lavender feels more natural, the amber smoother, and the licorice note adds a further distinct character.

Sauvage Elixir is easily better than the EDT. The price is where a lot of people will draw the line. It’s not cheap, but if that’s not a concern go with Elixir. If you can, you might consider buying Elixir and something else that tries to copy Dior Sauvage for cheaper. Like, Savage Elixir by Dua.

Winner: Sauvage Elixir

Le Male Elixir vs Ultra Male Comparison

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Le Male is a series from Jean Paul Gaultier that has been going on strong for nearly 30 years, at this point. Every year or so, we get ourselves a new take on the name.

In 2023, that new edition is Le Male Elixir. But, how does it compare to another classic from the series, Ultra Male. Both are two of the bolder, warmer, and sweeter colognes…but which is actually better?

Quick Overview

Le Male Elixir is the overall winner because it has the more interesting scent development and a little more versatility. It opens with cool mint and lavender before becoming warmer and sweeter with honey, tonka bean, vanilla, benzoin, and light tobacco, giving it more depth than Ultra Male.

Ultra Male is still the stronger performer. Its pear, vanilla, cinnamon, amber, and woods create a sweeter, bubblegum-like profile, while projection is slightly louder and longevity can regularly reach 9–10 hours or more.

Both are bold, youthful fragrances built mainly for cooler weather and nightlife, so neither is especially versatile. Elixir gets the slight edge for casual daily wear and overall aroma, while Ultra Male remains the better choice if maximum projection and longevity are the priority.

Category Le Male Elixir Ultra Male Winner
Opening Opens with cool mint and lavender before tonka bean, honey, benzoin, and vanilla begin adding a warm syrupy sweetness. Fresh and sweet at the same time. Starts with pear, vanilla, cinnamon, and light citrus. Sweet, spicy, and almost bubblegum-like, with less of the powdery quality found in the original Le Male. Le Male Elixir
Projection Projects very strongly and leaves a noticeable scent trail. It starts bold and gradually settles rather than dropping off suddenly. Even more powerful at first, with a large projection radius before settling into the upper-moderate range. Ultra Male
Longevity Usually lasts around 8–10.5 hours, with about 9 hours being a common result. Regularly lasts at least 8 hours and often reaches 9–10 hours, with 12-hour wear possible. Ultra Male
Versatility Best in colder or moderate weather for nightlife and casual wear. Its warm, cozy sweetness makes it slightly easier to use during the day if sprayed lightly. Also best for colder weather and nightlife. Its louder and sweeter character makes it less subtle for school, work, or ordinary daytime use. Le Male Elixir
Overall Scent A rich blend of mint, lavender, honey, vanilla, tonka bean, benzoin, and light tobacco. Sweeter, deeper, and more interesting across the full wear. A powerful pear, cinnamon, vanilla, amber, and woody fragrance with a playful sweet-spicy character. Excellent, but slightly less nuanced overall. Le Male Elixir

Tale of the Tape: Ultra Male vs Le Male Elixir

Ultra Male

Notes include: vanilla, pear, amber, woods, cinnamon, cumin, sage, lavender, mint

Click here to try: Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male for Men Intense Spray, Eau de Toilette, 4.2 Ounce

Read my original review: Ultra Male Review

Le Male Elixir

Notes include: mint, honey, lavender, tonka bean, benzoin, tobacco, vanilla

Click here to try: Le Male Elixir at Macy’s

Read my review: Elixir

Opening

Elixir actually kicks things off with its mint note out in full force, giving it a cooling fresh spiciness. This is joined by the usual Le Male lavender note.

The other major factor early is going to be from the tonka bean. Elixir also has a vanilla note, it just gets stronger as the wear moves forward. Tonka is sweet and syrupy when paired with the honey note and the fuzziness of the benzoin.

Ultra Male is noticeably absent of the same powdery quality of the original Le Male and has a sugary sweetness like Elixir. But, with an added pear note.

What it does have is a burst of initial spice, mainly from the cinnamon note.  Pear, vanilla, and light citrus round it out and give it an aroma akin to bubble gum.

Which is better? I do like Ultra Male’s start a lot, I feel that it’s been overtaken by what I get with Le Male Elixir. Elixir has an initial coolness, that gets warmer, has great sweetness while being fresh, and you get the early hints of that honey.

Edge: Elixir

Projection

Elixir is definitely a powerfully projecting cologne that will leave a scent trail behind you and a warm sweet embrace around you.

It has that bold start, that will moderate as it dries down. Though, it is a steady decline rather than a sharp drop off.

Ultra Male also comes out with more of a bang before settling down into that upper moderate range. Ultra Male actually has a rather large projection radius at first, but quiets into a moderate.

Between the two, Ultra Male still has an edge. It has been the boldest release from Le Male for years now and that remains the case. I will say, I do have a bottle of Ultra Male from its initial release, so that what I am basing it off of. I haven’t heard anything about it being weakened, however.

Edge: Ultra Male

Longevity

Ultra Male always has gotten me at least 8 hours of wear. That’s baseline and it routinely goes over 10 hours, with 12 not being unheard of.  But, more likely in that 9-10 hour range.

Elixir is pretty close, but a notch below. 8-10.5 hours seems to be its range, thus far, while often falling right at 9 hours in total.

Both are long lasting designers scents. Though, Ultra Male still holds the crown as the boldest and best performing of this JPG line.

Edge: Ultra Male

Versatility

The versatility isn’t the strength of either scent. Being bold, sweet, and built for colder weather doesn’t lend itself particularly well for daily wear. At least for most guys.

Both of these skew towards the younger crowd. Playful and attention grabbing nightlife fragrances, without much subtlety or formality.

They’re about equal in terms of climate. Colder to moderate temperatures. In the heat, they melt.

I think that Elixir could be used better in casual daily situations and has a sweet/warm cozy vibe, that can lend itself to a couple of sprays, and not stick out like crazy. So, not a bad option for school, if you go light.

Not much difference, but Elixir has some more usability in more situations.

Edge: Elixir

Overall Scent

Overall, which fragrance do I prefer? It’s a close call either way. Ultra Male has the edge performance wise, but Elixir has depth and a bit more versatility.

Ultra Male gives you a nice sweet and spicy mix. The pear and cinnamon pairing together, with some of the familiar Le Male DNA, was something that really grabbed my attention back when it was released.

What really grabbed my attention, was how powerful it was. I can often spray it in one room of my house and smell the cologne hours later, in another. Not faintly, either, mind you.

For years, I considered Ultra Male to be the best smelling from the series. Though, as the years moved on, I started liking the original and even Le Parfum, slightly more.

Now, Elixir has taken a higher spot on the list. Based on the aroma alone, it might be my favorite, but I still think the original is the most wearable on a regular basis. Update: Elixir Absolu is better to me.

Elixir just has a great sweetness. I like the honey and light tobacco notes that come through. The vanilla and tonka bean only add to the sweet, sometimes syrupy glaze. Yes, it can be cloying at times, but so can Ultra Male.

To me, Elixir has the edge versus Ultra Male nowadays. Not by a wide margin, but it wins.

Winner: Le Male Elixir

The One Gold for Men by D&G

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The One series from D&G continues on and on into the future. Not that it’s a bad thing, since I actually enjoy these colognes.

In 2021, the brand came out with The One Gold for Men, whose bottle looks a lot like the women’s version…which can lead to confusion. Anyway, how does this one smell? Does it perform well? Is it even worth a try?

Quick Overview

The One Gold for Men is a brighter, more citrus-driven departure from the usual Dolce & Gabbana The One style. It opens with blood orange, bergamot, red ginger, and cardamom, giving it a juicy but spicy freshness that feels noticeably different from the sweeter, darker fragrances in the rest of the line.

As the ginger fades, clary sage, geranium, cardamom, patchouli, and vetiver move forward, creating a fresher aromatic and slightly woody middle. The final dry down becomes sweeter and more synthetic, with amberwood taking over alongside lingering sage and geranium.

Overall, The One Gold is pleasant and different enough to be interesting, but the best part is the first 45 minutes or so; after that, it settles into a fairly ordinary fresh woody scent. It is worth trying at a discount, but I would still choose The One EDP Intense or the original EDT ahead of it.

✨ The One Gold for Men by Dolce & Gabbana — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Fresh Citrus Aromatic Woody
Key Notes Bergamot, Blood Orange, Red Ginger, Geranium, Clary Sage, Cardamom, Patchouli, Vetiver, Amberwood
Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Mild Weather
Occasion Casual Wear, Daytime, Nighttime, Around Town, Warm-Weather Social Events
Longevity Around 6–7 hours
Sillage Strong during the first hour, with roughly 6–8 feet of projection before settling down
Rating ★★★★☆ 7.3 / 10
Quick Verdict A fresh and citrus-heavy departure from the usual The One formula, opening with blood orange, bergamot, red ginger, and cardamom before becoming more aromatic and woody. The first 45 minutes are easily the highlight, while the amberwood-heavy dry down is less exciting. Projection is strong early and longevity is respectable at 6–7 hours. Good enough to try at a discount, but not one of the strongest fragrances in the line.

What does The One Gold for Men Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, blood orange, red ginger, geranium, clary sage, cardamom, patchouli, vetiver, amberwood

Click here to try: The One Gold for Men

My Full Review

Here’s how Dolce & Gabbana describes it: The One For Men Gold celebrates a man who has a natural but unmistakable magnetism. A true gentleman, he exudes confidence with his innate elegance and unique style. The One For Men Gold is the olfactory embodiment of this masculine charisma – a sophisticated Eau de Parfum Intense that is as powerfully alluring as the man who wears it.

The One Gold opens up with it citrus and aromatic spiciness coming in strong. Blood orange and a bright bergamot really makes this one pop. But, the red ginger and cardamom are full present at the start as well.

A couple things to note here. First, this is different scent than the other The One fragrances. Yes, some overlap with notes. However, here we’re going very much in a citrus direction.

Secondly, there is plenty of overlap with Legend Red by Montblanc. Blood orange, clary sage, and cardamom are shared notes. That one utilizes grapefruit instead of bergamot and is also smoother/woodier versus the spiciness here.

Nonetheless, I have samples of both, so I’ve experienced the connection over the past few days.

Once that ginger note fades, the clary sage will overtake that and the cardamom note. The juicy citrus takes a step back and this one becomes more fresh aromatic.

At this stage, the sort of minty aroma of the geranium will also peak up and The One Gold will have a woodsy earthiness about it. Like the patchouli and vetiver are there, but they never really make much of an impression.

The final dry down is a sweet and slightly citrus amberwood. Yes, that synthetic smelling amber aroma, with the sage, cardamom, and geranium. It’s not too exciting. Smells fine, mix of sweet wood and fresh notes.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is actually really good for the first hour. It will absolutely tail you around and has the ability to project in the 6-8 foot range. Perhaps, a bit more.

For instance I sprayed it on my wrist and went for a walk outside. The fragrance was extremely noticeable and the most enjoyable that I’ve experienced while testing it out.

The longevity seems to be in the 6-7 hour range, on my skin. Not amazing, but it certainly equal to or better than many of the colognes in this line.

Seasonally, best in the spring and summertime. I really liked wearing this outside on a warm summer day. It wasn’t too hot outside and The One Gold was great in that environment. I’d say outside of winter, this would be fine.

It’s not much of a formal cologne. Daytime into nighttime casual. Certainly has an attractiveness, but not sexy like other The One fragrances. Easy to wear, but certainly not something I’d necessarily want to spray on to go to an office environment.

Overall Impressions of The One Gold

Overall, do I like The One Gold? I like the opening citrus and red ginger. Plus, the next phase. So, call it the first 45 minutes or thereabouts. After that, I don’t hate it, but it’s certainly nothing that I must own.

On the whole, it’s fine. Certainly doesn’t smell even as good as The One EDP Intense or the original EDT. Gold is really just an across the board ‘fine’ fragrance. It doesn’t do anything extremely well or really terribly either.

It is at least different from the other offerings in this line. It’s the least like the other The One colognes in the series. That may or may not be a good thing for you. Personally, I just enjoy the way the others smell more.

The One as a line is one where the eau de parfum is head and shoulders above the others in the series and the flanker scents can be pretty hit or miss. Mostly, they miss.

Gold is good enough, that you might pick it up in certain circumstances, but don’t expect it to be amazing.

The performance is actually pretty good and this can actually project well with a good amount of sprays. So, if you like it, I’d expect you’ll be able to find some cheaper bottles soon and get a great deal out of The One Gold.

I’m not buying a full bottle. It’s good enough to try out, but it’s not really even a cologne that you need to seek and give it a go.

Burberry Brit vs Burberry for Men Cologne Comparison

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I really do enjoy Burberry’s lineup of men’s fragrances for casual wear (not Weekend, though). I’ve owned bottles of both Brit and Burberry for Men throughout the years and I always find myself going back and forth between them and Burberry London on autumn and winter days.

So, in today’s cologne comparison I thought that I’d put two of these scents head to head and give my take on which one is the better buy. Which one lasts longer? Which one projects better? Which one is better smelling?

Quick Overview

Burberry Brit is the narrow overall winner because it offers the softer, cleaner, and more versatile scent of the two. Its combination of ginger, rose, tonka bean, cardamom, and cedar creates a fresh spicy opening before settling into a smooth green and powdery dry down.

Burberry for Men is the better choice for someone who prefers a bolder, woodier, and more traditionally masculine fragrance. Its mint, amber, cedar, lavender, and sandalwood profile projects slightly more strongly and also feels a little sexier for dates.

Both work best during fall and winter for casual everyday use, but Brit wins by a small margin because it is the fragrance I find myself reaching for more often.

Category Burberry Brit Burberry for Men Winner
Opening Opens fresh and slightly spicy with ginger, rose, tonka bean, and cardamom. It quickly begins developing its softer, cleaner, and powdery character. Starts with cool mint, warm amber, and prominent cedar. It feels smooth, woodier, and more traditionally masculine from the beginning. Push
Projection Moderate and fairly soft. It stays noticeable without becoming loud and has the cleaner presence of the two fragrances. Also moderate, but the mint and woods give it a slightly bolder presence. The difference is noticeable, though not especially large. Burberry for Men
Longevity Usually lasts around eight hours despite its softer projection, giving it the better overall staying power. Generally lasts around 6–7 hours. Performance is still solid, but it fades somewhat sooner than Brit. Burberry Brit
Versatility A safe casual and everyday fragrance that works especially well during winter. Its softer style fits a wide range of relaxed situations. Also excellent for casual everyday wear and slightly better for dates. It works best during fall and has the sexier character of the two. Push
Overall Scent A soft green and powdery fragrance with ginger, rose, tonka bean, spice, and cedar. Easy to wear and the bottle I tend to reach for more often. A minty, woody, and masculine fragrance positioned between the softer Brit and the darker Burberry London. Better for those who dislike powdery scents. Burberry Brit

Burberry for Men vs. Brit

Brit Tale of the Tape

Notes include: wild roses, tonka bean, green mandarin, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, cedar

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Read my original review

Click here to try: BURBERRY Brit for Men Eau de Toilette, 1.0 fl. oz

Burberry for Men Tale of the Tape

Notes include: mint, lavender, sandalwood, cedar, and  amber.

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Read my Burberry Review

Click here to try: BURBERRY for Men Eau de Toilette, 1.0 fl. oz

Opening

The opening of Burberry for Men is a smooth blast of cool mint blended with warm amber and a prominent cedar note.

There is a hint of a bright bergamot note early on, which plays well off of the mint. Clean and refreshing before moving into its woodsier phase.

Meanwhile, Brit provides a slightly spicy ginger not combined with rose and tonka bean. You get some greenish elements poking through and the powder isn’t fully developed yet, but you get some semblance of what this cologne is going to be.

The citrus notes are also present in Brit. Mandarin and bergamot give this that same sort of brightness and a little sweetness too.

Brit is fresh and already begins to develop its powdery air. To me, there really isn’t any separation during the opening sequence for each scent. They both start out very nicely and it mostly depends what mood I’m in when selecting between them.

Edge: Push

Projection

Both of these scents are rather moderate in how they project. I think Burberry for Men feels a little bit bolder based on the mint note.

I would call both of them above average in this respect. Neither of them is a powerhouse, but for the style of scent that they are, both of these have a decent ability to project themselves. Not a huge scent trail, but it’s there and more intimate a few hours into the wear.

Brit is a softer and perhaps cleaner type of an experience. For that reason, I’ll give the nod to Burberry for Men but it isn’t a huge gap.

Edge: Burberry

Longevity

Both have good performance in this category. However, I usually get better wear out of Brit despite it being a softer cologne.

Burberry for men usually gets 6-7 hours while Brit is hovering around 8. Again, not a big difference but a bit of an edge.

Brit does have the ability to be there even beyond the 8 hour mark. But, hours 9 and 10 are complete skin scent territory. However, I can still detect it, if I try.

Edge: Brit

Versatility

Burberry for Men and Brit are both great and safe for casual everyday wear. I’ve worn both on dates but I’d say Burberry for Men is the sexier one between the two.

Though, neither are really nightlife colognes. These are autumn/winter fragrances, so, don’t expect to wear either in the heat. I’d say Burberry for Men is best in fall and Brit is better in winter.

Edge: Push (maybe slight Burberry)

Overall Scent

Gahhhh, I really like both of these scents (as well as London). Burberry makes some very good everyday wear colognes for men. So, to me, it comes down to my particular mood that day.

Update: I’m changing my pick to Brit. I picked up another bottle of both of these and Brit was what I wanted to use a lot more often.

On the other hand, Brit is a great all around buy and it will work for most guys. If you like something more woodsy/masculine Burberry for Men is right in the middle between London (more masculine and woodsy) and Brit.

Brit definitely has a softer green/powdery kind of scent, so if that’s not your thing go with Burberry for Men.

Winner: Brit (barely)