Mont Blanc

Mont Blanc Legend vs. Versace Eros Comparison

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For this entry into the series of head to head men’s fragrance match ups, we have two best selling scents, from the past decade: Versace Eros vs. Mont Blanc Legend. Which one of these well known colognes, smells the best? Which has the better performance? Which is the top buy? I will break down each by category and have linked my original reviews below.

Tale of the Tape: Legend vs. Eros

Mont Blanc Legend

Notes include: Bergamot, Pineapple Leaf, Sandalwood, Apple, rose, oak moss, lemon verbena, geranium, lavender,  And Tonka Bean

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Legend Eau de Toilette 3.3 fl.oz.

Read my review: Mont Blanc Legend

Versace Eros

Notes of Eros: mint, green apple, tonka bean, madagascar vanilla, vetiver, Italian lemon

Shop Amazon for: Versace Eros Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

My review: Versace Eros

Opening

Eros opens up with that familiar lemon, crisp green apple, and the spicy coolness of mint. It is bright, sharp, juicy, and then begins to develop a sweetness.

Legend opens with a blend of pineapple, bergamot, and apple. It is clean, but doesn’t have the same type of sharpness, as it is calmed by lavender and tonka bean. It also has a drier and more floral aroma than Eros.

Which is better? I prefer how Eros kicks off, much more than I do the Mont Blanc. It has not only a better aroma, but more depth, and complexity. I’m immediately drawn into the fragrance, rather than, just thinking it is pleasant.

Edge: Eros

Projection

Eros has always has a large sillage. It is the type of fragrance that you can spray and detect from across the room. It stays pretty strong throughout the wear, but especially on the front end.

Legend has good sillage, but it is much more in the moderate camp, and never challenges the strength of the Versace.

Edge: Eros

Longevity

Legend has never lasted a great deal of time on my skin. It isn’t terrible, but is just okay, clocking in at 5-6 hours. Meanwhile, Eros will go all day, and get into the 10+ hour range. Easy win here.

Update: Newer bottles of Eros, don’t seem to have the same power. It’s still better, but closer to the 8-9 hour range, on my skin.

Edge: Eros

Versatility

Versace Eros is great in the cold weather and can venture into springtime, but doesn’t hold up all that well in the heat. It is much more of a romantic or nightlife wear, you can venture into the office wear with it, but you must tread lightly with the sprays.

Mont Blanc Legend is a very versatile scent and that’s definitely one of its strengths. It can be worn year round and fits in, within all environments.

It is attractive enough for dates, can go out for an evening, but doesn’t have that massive club beast persona.

Edge: Legend

Overall Scent

For me, this isn’t a close call. I know others really like Legend, but I think that it is just pretty good. When compared to Versace Eros, it doesn’t stand a chance, in my opinion. I do like it’s clean citrus and lavender blend with some smooth tonka bean and a fresh woody base.

The performance is just decent, but you can usually pick up a bottle for a good price.

Eros, while it is a very popular and heavy fragrance, is still a favorite of mine. I don’t wear it daily, but I do come back to it time and time again. It is sweet, seductive, and very bold. Women seem to like it, heck, even other guys seem to appreciate it. It’s still a great experience to wear it and it gets the nod here.

Winner: Versace Eros

5 Colognes that Smell Like Mont Blanc Legend

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Mont Blanc Legend is seemingly always a best selling fragrance, with fans who swear by it. To me, it’s always been just fine, and I actually prefer Legend Night over it. Anyhow, due to its popularity, guys are always looking for similar scents or even cheaper alternatives to save some money. In this post, I wanted to give a list of five men’s fragrances, that smell similar Mont Blanc Legend. Now, there may be some others out there, but these are the closest options that I’ve come across.

What Men’s Fragrances Smell Similar to Mont Blanc Legend?

The Famous Comparison

Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce By Abercrombie & Fitch Cologne Spray 6.7 Oz– To me, the classic formulation of Fierce, was better than Legend. Now, it doesn’t have the same essence that it did back in the 2000s, but it can still be a good buy at the right price.

Fierce starts of with clean lemon and orange, that is paired with the dry woodsy notes. Next up, is a spicy sage, with a base of fir, vetiver, musk, and oak moss.

This is the closest approximation of Legend, out of the three options. It can also cost more than Legend, so, it might not be one for somebody looking for a ‘cheap’ alternative. Fierce Full Review

A More Aquatic Version

Kenneth Cole Mankind Ultimate, 3.4 Fl oz– Mankind Ultimate isn’t exactly the same as Legend, but it does share a lot of similarities. The opening of this fragrance, has an aquatic element with cucumber, and reminds me somewhat of Eternity Aqua.

This one does become more like Fierce and Legend, as it dries down, but it smells a bit sweeter than either of them. It has an aquatic citrus, vetiver, and sandalwood. It’s aroma has an underlying dryness to offset some of that initial aquatic aroma. Mankind Ultimate Review

Different, but Better

Mercedes-Benz Man–  Mercedes-Benz Man strikes me as a better fragrance than Legend. It’s different, for sure, but shares a lot of overlap with the Mont Blanc scent. Not only that, as of now, this one can be had in the $30-40 range.

You get the oakmoss and cedar freshness, along with a top note of a crisp and watery slice of pear. The spice comes across as quite light, with less of a bite, than some of the other listed colognes.

However, the performance is quite good, better than what I’ve gotten with the modern formulations of Fierce and probably a slight edge versus Legend.

A Similar Cheap Cologne

PLAYBOY New York Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce Playboy– If you want to go down market and find a cheapie, New York is the closest you’ll find. Is this a 1:1, comparison to  Legend?

No, it isn’t, but it does produce a similar smell for $10-12. The quality isn’t as good, but this is still one of the best Playboy colognes, that they’ve made. It utilizes apple, vanilla, vetiver, and vinyl. That vinyl note is quite interesting and at least gives New York, something to distinguish itself.

The performance is good for the price and lasted 5-6 hours on my skin, when I’ve worn it. Playboy New York Review

The Better Cheapie

Frank Olivier Sunrise Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 2.5 Ounce– Sunrise is a better down market option than New York, even if it is closer to a Fierce style, but not even exactly that.

It’s less woody and not as dry as Fierce, but has a good lavender note, and a nice bergamot up front. Again, you’re not getting the same level of quality or the same aroma. However, it’s a good deal for the price and the performance is actually pretty solid.

There you have it, five similar men’s colognes to Legend. I will update this list, as needed, when I find other potential alternatives to this fragrance. For now though, this list will do and can definitely yield a solid comparable scent to the Mont Blanc.

Mont Blanc Legend vs. Individuel Cologne Comparison

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For this men’s cologne comparison, I want to take a close look at two entries from Mont Blanc’s collection of scents, Individuel vs. Legend. Which one of these popular perfumes, has the better smell? Which lasts longer? I will compare them in the usual categories and have included my full review of each linked below. Then, I will declare which one I think is actually the top fragrance.

Tale of the Tape

Mont Blanc Legend

Notes include: Bergamot, Pineapple Leaf, Sandalwood, Apple, rose, oak moss, lemon verbena, geranium, lavender,  And Tonka Bean

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Legend Eau de Toilette 3.3 fl.oz.

Read my review: Mont Blanc Legend

Individuel

Notes include: Cinnamon, oakmoss, vanilla, mint, bergamot, lavender, sandalwood, violet, and more

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Individuel Eau de Toilette, 2.5 fl. oz.

Read my review: Mont Blanc Individuel

Opening

Individuel is led by notes of cinnamon, vanila, and sandalwood. It is sweet, creamy, and a slightly spiced woody aroma that reminds me a lot of Original Santal or a toned down, Joop!

What separates it from those two fragrances, is the bergamot, juniper, and raspberry notes. That gives Individuel a fruitier aroma than those other two.

Legend starts off with fruit notes of pineapple, apple, and bergamot. They are very clean with a nice crisp scent. Then, you get a layer of both tonka bean and lavender.

Which is better? I like the opening of Legend, it is attractive and easy to wear. However, Individuel has that warm sweetness, that is very easy to enjoy. It’s like a more affordable Original Santal, especially at the start, and that’s a scent I like a lot.

Edge: Individuel

Projection

Both of these fragrances are pretty moderate. The sillage is good, but not huge, for either. No real clear winner for this category.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Individuel lasts for about 6-8 hours, on my skin. That’s a solid amount of time and will work for most purposes. With Legend, I get 5-6 hours, and that is pretty consistent. Individuel isn’t an insanely long lasting cologne, but it wins this round.

Edge: Individuel

Versatility

Both of these colognes are casual, work, and daytime wears mostly. You can wear them out for an evening, but they aren’t really ‘sexy’ or club beasts, by any stretch. However, Legend can fit in more year round, in all climates.

Meanwhile, Individuel, is better in cooler weather and can venture into springtime. Not that good in the heat.

Edge: Legend

Overall Scent

Mont Blanc Legend to me, is a simple and pleasant fragrance, that is very versatile with a clean and non-offensive aroma. It’s really popular because it has that great citrus, tonka bean, and lavender scent with some woodiness in the base to add depth.

Individuel, is the slightly better option, in my mind. It has that Original Santal-like blend but with an added raspberry note, which keeps it sweet and quite fresh. It’s not an amazing fragrance, but I’ve always enjoyed it a bit more than wearing Legend.

Matter of fact, Legend Night, is the best Mont Blanc cologne and what I wear consistently.

I like this sweet warm smell with hints of cinnamon and sandalwood, that is in Individuel. Plus, it will give me a few extra hours of wear. It’s a close contest, but I know which I give the win to.

Winner: Individuel

Mont Blanc Legend Spirit vs. Legend Night

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For this edition in the head to head men’s fragrance match ups, I want to do another comparison between, two Mont Blanc fragrances: Legend Night vs. Legend Spirit. Which of these descendants from the original popular cologne, smells better? Which has a better performance? Which is overall the better buy?

I have worn, tested, and reviewed each of these scents. Now, I will break them down by category, before ultimately declaring a winner.

Tale of the Tape: Spirit vs Night

Legend Spirit

Notes include: grapefruit, pink pepper, bergamot, musk, aquatic accord, lavender, cardamom, oak moss, wood

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Legend Spirit Eau de Toilette, 3.3 Fl Oz

Read my review: Legend Spirit

Legend Night

Notes include: candied apple, cedar, vanilla, cardamom, vetiver, sage, mint, bergamot, fir, lavender, violet, patchouli, and musk

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Legend Night Eau De Parfum, 1 fl. oz.

Read my review: Legend Night

Opening

Legend Spirit opens up with a citrus and aquatic blend of notes. Beyond that, is a warm and slightly spicy blend of cardamom and pink pepper. It is a nice scent, clean, and that cardamom note really helps to prevent it from settling into a standard issue aquatic.

Legend Night starts off with bergamot and candied apple. The citrus is the same as Spirit, but Night goes in an entirely, different direction. The second layer is of vanilla, sage, cardamom, and cool mint.

You get plenty of creamy vanilla and apple mix, with the warm spicy undertones.

Which is better? To me, Legend Night, has the better start. The initial juiciness of the fruits, the cool and warm contrast in spice, and then the vanilla note. It’s great.

Edge: Night

Projection

So, Spirit is a moderate with its sillage, but on the lighter end of that spectrum. Legend Night is also moderate overall, but has a strong start, and can be quite noticeable for a while, at a distance.

It’s also just a heavier fragrance versus Spirit, which can be used into the spring and summertime, whereas Night isn’t a hot weather wear.

Edge: Night

Longevity

Legend Spirit gives me 5-6 hours of wear and that’s about it. Pretty consistent with that range. Legend Night will get me 7 hours, but when I double spray each side of my neck, it goes for 9 hours.

Spirit doesn’t get any more time, with double sprays. I don’t think either of these are amazing with their longevity. Pretty standard for most Montblanc colognes. Night, has just worked better for me, over many times testing them.

Edge: Night

Versatility

Legend Spirit gets the edge in versatility. It is a warm weather fragrance but can do well year-round. It can go casual to work to a date with ease. Legend Night, is great in cold weather, and fine in the moderate temperatures.

It is also more geared toward casual and nightlife, as the name suggests. So, probably not the best business fragrance, but neither really is.

Edge: Spirit

Overall Scent

There is a lot to like about Legend Spirit. It’s got a clean and aquatic citrus aroma, with nice touches of spice. It’s pretty average in its longevity and sillage, but I do really enjoy the cardamom note in this one. Nice overall cologne.

Legend Night is better and it’s one that I wear on a pretty regular basis. It too has the cardamom, but an overall, warm and enveloping scent. It’s sweet, fruity, spicy, and has sex appeal.

I’ve gotten complements with Legend Night from ride share drivers to women to random folks at the bar. I really dig this type of scent and when it’s in the right environment, it can be amazing.

To me, it’s a fairly easy win.

Winner: Legend Night 

Mont Blanc Legend vs. Legend Night

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In this head to head cologne comparison, I want to take a closer look at the always popular Mont Blanc Legend versus its flanker fragrance, Legend Night. Which smells better? The original or the nighttime edition? Which lasts longer? Has better sillage? I am going to break down each by category, before declaring an ultimate winner between them.

 

Tale of the Tape

Mont Blanc Legend

Notes include: Bergamot, Pineapple Leaf, Sandalwood, Apple, rose, oak moss, lemon verbena, geranium, lavender,  And Tonka Bean

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Legend Eau de Toilette 3.3 fl.oz.

Read my review: Mont Blanc Legend

Legend Night

Notes include: candied apple, cedar, vanilla, cardamom, vetiver, sage, mint, bergamot, fir, lavender, violet, patchouli, and musk

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Legend Night Eau De Parfum, 1 fl. oz.

Read my review: Legend Night

Opening

Legend opens up with crisp and clean fruit notes including pineapple, bergamot, and apple. These are joined at first by a prominent tonka bean note, before lavender comes in, in a big way. So, you get mainly the pineapple and bergamot, with tonka, and then a surge of lavender.

Legend Night, opens with bergamot and candied apple. It isn’t as fruit dominant, as Legend, but these notes blend in more so with the composition. It is a vanilla and apple based mix, but the sage, cardamom, and mint really bring in some nice energy. There’s a brief time in the beginning, where it has an Eros-like vibe.

Which is better? For me, Legend Night is the better smelling cologne at the start, and the more interesting one. Legend is nice and clean, but has an aroma like a more upscale version of Playboy New York, at the start.

Edge: Legend Night

Projection

Legend is pretty moderate throughout the wear. It isn’t a heavy fragrance, but the sillage is good, and it isn’t weak.

Legend Night is also a moderate, but has a thicker, more enveloping quality. If I do two sprays, on each side of my neck, the sillage is quite strong. That’s not the case with Legend, so, I give Night the advantage.

Edge: Night

Longevity

The original Legend, lasts about 5-6 hours on my skin, with normal spraying. Legend Night goes for about 7, with normal sprays. I can up that to around 9, with double spraying.

Edge: Night

 

Versatility

Legend is a very versatile fragrance. It can be worn in all seasons and climates, without issue. It feels more like a daytime wear, that can go into the evening, as well. Legend Night is more autumn/winter, but can go safely into spring, just not the heat.

It is more geared toward the nightlife and has a sexier vibe. However, the original is the more all around wear, and is safe to wear whenever.

Edge: Legend

 

Overall Scent

The original Mont Blanc Legend has a lot of fans. I get why, as it does smell nice, and it is so versatile. The longevity is just okay, but as a fragrance, you really don’t have to think when reaching for it. The smell is nice, but fairly simple, and commonplace. I like it, but not amazed by it.

Legend Night is still flying under the radar. I love this cologne when I’m in the mood to wear it on certain nights. It smells great, has better performance, and has gotten me way more complements than when I ever had on Legend.

To me, it’s the better option, and it has quickly become one of my favorite colognes to throw on. Is it for everyone? No, but I think it is superior to the original.

Winner: Legend Night