Liz Claiborne

Bora Bora for Men by Liz Claiborne

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In continuation of my recent posts of cologne reviews, I’d like to take a closer look at an inexpensive fragrance by Liz Claiborne, Bora Bora. The men’s fragrance was released back in 2002.

How does this exotic scent stack up against other options within this price range? How’s the longevity? Is it worth a deeper look?

Read below to find out my full thoughts on this cologne. I am updating this post, a few years after the original publishing to revise and add more depth.

What does Bora Bora by Liz Claiborne Smell Like?

bora bora

Notes include: lemon, musk, woods, kiwi, leather, bergamot

Click here to try: Bora Bora Liz Claiborne Cologne for Men 3.4 Oz New in Box

My Full Wear Review

So, the first thing that I notice when smelling Bora Bora , is that it is a very tropical smell. The kiwi note is quite prevalent, along with the lemon note right off the bat. It doesn’t have the same kind of bright lemon note something like Aventus would have, rather, it is a tart and sort of sour note.

The kiwi is the main force behind the cologne, with the two citrus notes, playing more of a support role overall. The sweetness is there, but this doesn’t have a candy-like or even a really juicy aroma.

Kiwi is a very underutilized note, but it works rather well in Bora Bora. It captures that South Pacific island vibe. I can’t think of any other men’s fragrances off of the top of my head that use kiwi.

It is accompanied by musk and a faint hint of leather, which ties it all together. As it dries down, it feels like it becomes more of a woodsy sort of scent with some floral aspects.

However, at the top it is a very clean and light fruity affair. Not super sweet, mind you, but a nice kiwi with citrus scent.

During the late stages of the first hour or so of wear, it does begin to shift more away from the kiwi. The leather isn’t rich, but it is more noticeable than it had been earlier. Lavender seems to take on a role of dampening the other ingredients somewhat.

Hibiscus and woody notes, emerge more, and work sort of as a blend with the now weakened kiwi ingredient. The hibiscus, never really takes over as the dominant floral note when placed against lavender.

That’s kind of disappointing, because it is an interesting note. From there, it is pretty linear, and has fully developed into what it will be for the rest of the wear.

So, Bora Bora is a kiwi and lemon opening, that dries down into a clean leather and light woods scent. Fresh with a bit of a soapy smell.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The projection and longevity of Bora Bora is pretty light to moderate in both categories. You’ll definitely notice it at first, but it kind of fades after an hour or two, into a more personal scent. At its peaks, probably a 3-5 foot radius of scent, off of the skin.

It’ll still be around at the 5-6 hour mark but I haven’t been able to get much longer than that. Honestly, for the price that this fragrance sells at, the performance is pretty darn good. Most other fragrances will quit a few hours in, this one is actually serviceable.

Also, this is probably best worn in the late spring to summer, with it’s more exotic notes. It feels out of place here in the winter time.

As a casual warm weather fragrance it works just fine. In a warmer climate, this would be a good cheapie, to hold up against the humidity.

Bora Bora could venture into the workplace, but it doesn’t have much refinement or formality. I’d mostly stick to this for just wearing around during the lazy summer days. It has a fairly attractive scent, but nothing that I would call ‘sexy’, and isn’t a nightlife powerhouse.

Very much a standard daytime wear, but nothing close to a signature scent.

Overall Impressions of Bora Bora

Overall, would I recommend this? I’m not that into it. It doesn’t really smell bad or anything…but it doesn’t feel like something I’d like to wear on a regular basis. It is a unique scent and very inexpensive, but Bora Bora seems pretty linear and boring, in its presentation.

This isn’t at the top of my list, as the best Liz Claiborne fragrance, but it definitely isn’t terrible either. It does work pretty well for something, at this price point, and gives you a different experience from a lot else out there.

Some guys might really like wearing this but it was just rather plain to me. That being said, the kiwi and leather notes are an interesting combination, and I do like its overall simple cleanliness. It ends up feeling like a missed opportunity at a lower price point.

It’s not going to blow anyone away, but Bora Bora is a good cologne for cheap.

Mambo for Men by Liz Claiborne

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I have already completed my list of the best Liz Claiborne fragrances for guys and on that list was the scent, Mambo. As such, I thought that it’d only be appropriate to do a review on this cologne and post it along side of the list. This is the last review of the most recent batch of samples that I received, so I will have to get another order in and keep on posting more fragrance ratings. Mambo has been one of the more popular inexpensive options from Liz Claiborne, but is it actually worth a try?

What does Mambo by Liz Claiborne Smell Like?

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Notes include: lime, bergamot, thyme, cedar, cinnamon leaf, sandalwood, sage, lavender, patchouli

Click here to try: Mambo by Liz Claiborne for Men, Cologne Spray, 3.4-Ounce

My Full Wear Review

Mambo is another inexpensive selection from Liz Claiborne and it is among the best from that brand’s line of scents. I like Mambo better than Bora Bora, but in my opinion it isn’t as good as the staple, Curve.

Mambo has a certain exotic energy to it that makes it a pleasant wear, especially at such a cheap price point. It is sweet and has a soapy quality that gives it a clean and expressive scent.

The opening of Mambo, is where you are going to find most of the citrus expressing itself. However, it never really takes on a juicy fruity smell. It is mixed with some light spice, but especially lavender in the beginning.

I tend to notice the smooth sweetness of the sandalwood and lavender as it blends with the lime and bergamot notes, which give it a non-sour citrus kick.

It’s kind of a floral cologne that is supported by citrus notes and made more masculine by the woodsy notes such as cedar. Mambo is a very warm type of scent, that has a noticeable Latin influence, with its exotic spice.

The exotic-smelling spice, is really just a mix of cinnamon, sage, musk, and patchouli. It is really difficult to distinguish between all of those notes, but the cinnamon and musk, are most noticeable. It’s fresh and not an overpoweringly heavy spiciness. Definitely tempered, by the citrus and floral notes.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Longevity wise, Mambo does a really good job at making it through the day. Usually, I have gotten over 6 hours of wear without any problem and often 8-9. So, it really brings the value, in that regard.

Also, it is a well-projecting cologne and not overwhelming at all. I’d say that it is slightly above average for most of the wear. A good ‘pop’ at the start and then slowly declining. The performance is a highlight with Mambo and probably a big factor in its long-term sales success.

It can be worn in casual settings, but also during a night out. That’s mainly what I would use it, if I were to keep it around. As a daily wear? Sure, it’s not too intrusive or anything, Mambo isn’t particularly formal though.

I’m not sure that it has a particular season of wear, I don’t think it feels right in the winter but I don’t know that it would hold up during a really hot summer day either. Maybe, best on a more moderate day.

Overall Impressions of Mambo

Overall, I would say Mambo is worth a try for guys on a budget. It’s not an earth-shattering scent but it performs well and is an attractive cologne.

For the price, one could try it out and use it as a daily wear or on certain occasions when you didn’t want to use your more expensive stuff.

Mambo is by no means one of my favorites, but I think that it has its place in some guys’ rotation. And for that, it is a solid inexpensive wear for men. I had a mini for a long time and never felt much like wearing it. I don’t hate it, but it didn’t have too much appeal to me.

It’s pretty middle of the road, across the board. That’s really what makes it a value play, Mambo just doesn’t do anything great.

The citrus can be nice early on. Sandalwood, lavender, and cinnamon provide a clean and fresh base for the other notes to operate off of. There are times here, where the scent is fairly enjoyable, but most of the time I’m indifferent to it.

Lucky You for Men by Lucky Brand

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I’ve done literally hundreds of fragrance reviews on this site from the very expensive to the completely cheap. It can be tough to compare the top shelf stuff to the inexpensive wearers because frankly they’re not the same thing. As such, I tend to grade the inexpensive colognes on a different scale, so to speak.

They are there for everyday wear, to smell good, and to have decent enough performance…if they pass those hurdles and it fits your style, then they are usually a decent buy because you don’t have to break the bank to acquire them.

Today I’d like to take a closer look at Lucky You under the Lucky Brand label and under the Liz Claiborne umbrella, which is usually available for under $15 a bottle.

What does Lucky You Cologne Smell Like?

Notes include: tamarind, bamboo, cardamom, cotton flower, musk, sandalwood

Click here to try: Lucky You Lucky Brand Cologne Spray 3.4 Oz For Men

My Full Review

During the opening of Lucky You, I really have a hard time detecting exactly what the notes are supposed to be.  It’s green, fresh, somewhat soapy, and has its own distinct aroma. Looking at the ingredients, I can tell why it can be difficult, as most of those notes aren’t everyday smells.

After a few minutes, I definitely start getting the musk note, which isn’t heavy but does give this cologne some character. The opening does come on pretty strong, even if Lucky You is overall pretty mild.

There’s really green almost grassy note supported by a base of various woods, which while making it interesting, might scare some folks off initially.

Since this is a Liz Claiborne creation, I compare it to scents such as Curve or Bora Bora or Mambo.  Out of the four, Curve is still the best smelling, in my mind.

However, I think I’d put Lucky You as a secondary candidate, it has its own unique thing going on while still being attractive. It isn’t any type of grand creation that will blow you away, it’s pretty synthetic smelling, but there is a definite appeal here.

The fragrance itself is rather simple and straightforward. Most of the development, is one note gaining strength while another fades. For instance, more musk early on, with a grassier/floral disposition later on. It loses some of that soapy clean quality, while still remaining totally fresh.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Lucky You isn’t strong outside of the first few minutes. Also, the longevity is pretty weak also, one will need more sprays than usual to get anything more than a few hours with this.

However, if you do over-spray, it’ll go for 4-6 hours, mostly as a skin scent. If you’re wearing a t-shirt you don’t care much about preserving, it can spray on fabric and last a decent amount of time. Still not a workhorse.

It’s best served as a casual fragrance for younger guys (think teens to mid 20s) and since it is so inexpensive, it fits naturally into that demographic. This isn’t a date night or club wear, though…it’s an everyday, casual school/work type of scent.

Lucky You is a nice little change of pace from the usual fare, in the spring and summertime. It wears very well in the warmer weather, without having an aquatic or super citrus vibe like others.

Overall Impression of Lucky You

Overall, is Lucky You worth a buy? If you fit into the demographic and need something really inexpensive to wear on a daily basis, I might give it a try. It doesn’t really fit with me so I’ll pass.

I also think that there are much better smelling scent for cheap (as I’ve documented here and here) but I won’t say this is a bad buy. Lucky You is pretty good, although it’s longevity leaves much to be desired.

But again, it costs like $10-12 per bottle usually, so I can’t complain too much about performance. It’s a nice smelling starter cologne for those on a tight budget. If you can afford more, definitely go with something else. Even if you can’t, there are still yet more options.

6 Best Smelling Liz Claiborne Colognes

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Liz Claiborne is a brand known for producing scents that are very-well liked at a very inexpensive price point. No, this isn’t a Creed or Bond No. 9, where it’s all about the top of the line ingredients and the standing that comes with the name…Claiborne scents just smell really good. It is a brand that doesn’t make you break the bank to get an attractive scent, which is actually appreciated by many ladies. I am including Lucky Brand in this list, as well.

What are the Best Smelling Liz Claiborne Colognes?

Still the Best

Curve– A scent that has been widely popular for years and for good reason. Curve is a really attractive scent that is so simple in its presentation but amazingly clean.

Curve has been going strong for decades now. This is because, it has a unique aroma at a cheap price and gets complimented like crazy. Juniper, pineapple, and citrus play a role early on, giving it a slight fruitiness.

Then herbal and plant elements come in to give it a boost of freshness and appeal. Ginger and lavender are major players in the latter stages. This is such an easy first time cologne for younger guys. To me, it still gets the top spot. Read my review

curve

Next in Line

Curve Soul– A deep and darker men’s fragrance then the rest. This is a very unique cologne, with a strong bamboo note, sandalwood, some sweet/spice blend, and a touch of amber and leather.

I’m not sure they produce this one anymore. All of the bottles on the market, that I can find, seem really expensive. Obviously, none of these are worth paying an extraordinary amount for, as they are still just good cheapies.

Curve Soul is probably the second best smelling, in my opinion, and is worth a try if you can find a good price.

Soapy and Green Scent

Lucky You– A fresh green/woodsy type of scent that is a great casual option for younger men. It’s an inexpensive and natural scent with notes of moss, cardamom, and sandalwood.

Lucky You opens up with a really fresh and somewhat soapy mix. It can be difficult to pin down the exact notes of this cologne, but the aroma is at least quite a pleasant experience.

What I start to pick up within the fragrance is a blend of musk, a somewhat grassy ingredient, all sitting on top a woody base (bamboo and tamarind). Those two woods aren’t often used within men’s fragrances, as such, Lucky You produces a rather interesting and engaging wear.

Not my favorite fragrance, but you can usually get it for $10-20 or so. At that price, this is a nice little wear, and definitely one of the best from this brand. Full Review

lucky you

Energetic and Smooth for Summer

Mambo– A spring/summery type of fragrance which is smooth and with notes of lime and sandalwood it is clear why. It, like the first two colognes on this list is fresh and clean but Mambo has its own upbeat style to it.

Mambo opens up with its citrus notes on full display. These are joined by both lavender and a light spice. It definitely gives you an energetic and lively feel, that so many scents lack.

The lavender, cedar, and sandalwood take away most of the sharper or sour elements of the citrus notes. Meanwhile, thyme, cinnamon, and patchouli give the cologne its spicy heart.

Mambo is a different sort of scent from most others on the market and provides a great deal of value. This stuff will last on my skin for 8-9 hours, at times. Good for casual wear and nightlife. Mambo Cologne Review

mambo

Light and Sweet

Curve Crush– A simple fragrance that works well for guys in high school.  It is a bright and sweet blend of fruity notes like apple and orange that is blended with cedar to give it a masculine center.

This is a youthful scent, so, something for a certain subset of men but it’s still something that smells really good. It is light and clean, but Curve Crush actually has good performance in my experience. I managed to get 6-7 hours of wear, during testing, which is great at this price point. Curve Crush Review

curve crush

Best Tropical Fragrance

Bora Bora– A more exotic and masculine type of scent that fuses kiwi, musk, lemon, leather, and other notes to create something wholly delightful. The kiwi is prominent and gives it a tangy kind of sweetness yet still retains that attractive freshness.

Later, the kiwi becomes less of a factor. Leather, woods, and hibiscus flower come in and give it a smoothness while retaining its tropical vibe. It has a light sillage and from that point, this fragrance is pretty linear and its presentation.

Bora Bora is best for casual daytime wear, during the warmer months of the year. It has a clean and woody finish, utilizing that kiwi note to really bring home that island life aroma. Bora Bora Cologne Review

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Claiborne Sport by Liz Claiborne Cologne Review

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The other day, I published my list of the best Liz Claiborne fragrances for men. One of the scents that I left off the list was Claiborne Sport, despite the fact that I used to have a bottle and it was my first experience with the Claiborne line. In this post, I thought that I would take a closer look at Claiborne Sport and whether or not it is worth a buy, even if it was left off the list of top scents by the brand.

 

 

 

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Notes include: ginger, morning dew, cedar, lavender, amber

Click Here to Try Claiborne Sport

 

One of the first colognes that I ever received, was a bottle of Claiborne Sport. It must have been during my first years of high school when I would occasionally wear this fragrance to class in the morning. The first thing that I’ve always noticed about this fragrance was its strong opening. It has an earthy/green scent laden with a musky spice. Now, it isn’t an overwhelming scent by any means, but it does start off with a strong note.

This is a sport cologne, so it of course has that sporty and active vibe to it. It’s clean and has an energy about it that many other fragrances do not. Claiborne Sport is a bright sort of cologne but it doesn’t really stand out in my opinion. It is rather generic in its presentation, though, it does seem to get smoother and less spicy as it develops.

Longevity and projection were always average in my experience. This isn’t an all day affair and you should probably expect to get 4-6 hours out of it, with the last two being fairly weak. On the plus side, like all Claiborne scents, Sport is very inexpensive so it should present no problems having to re-spray once it begins to fade.

Overall, do I like this scent? Eh, it was always just alright to me. Even when it was my only bottle of cologne, I still didn’t choose to wear it that often. It seemed a bit too musky or synthetic for my tastes at times and I was never really in a rush to spray some on me. It’s not a terrible fragrance in my opinion, it just is average at a really cheap price point. However, there are better options for the money and even more in the Claiborne family of colognes.