By Designer

11 Best Smelling Creed Colognes for Men

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Creed is a boutique fragrance designer that caters to the luxury crowd. Since it’s inception in the 18th century, Creed has been a renowned designer for those who seek unique and painstakingly crafted scents.

Much of it’s clientele throughout its history has been European royalty and other families residing on the upper crust of society. At least, that’s the story they tell.

Maybe much of that is marketing or legend, but the brand does provide some amazing colognes. I am going to list 11 Creed fragrances for men, which I feel are the best, after testing them out over the years.

Favorite Creed Fragrances for Him

I have now updated this page for 2024. In this iteration, I have added another cologne to the list, after spending more time with it, and really beginning to appreciate the aroma.

Secondly, I have added more info on each Creed scent, and linked to my personal review of these individual fragrances.

Since I wrote the original version of this page about 6 years ago, I have also reviewed many other fragrances by Creed, which can be found on this page: Best Men’s Cologne Reviews Page  Also, check out: Top Creed Scents for Ladies

Most Popular Creed Scent

Creed Aventus by Creed Eau De Parfum Spray for Men, 2.50-Ounce– I never really liked the opening act of Aventus, as it comes across as too harsh on my skin. The bergamot and citrus, really hits hard, but when it begins to dry down Aventus develops into something great.

The pineapple is sharp, it has a dry woody/smokiness provided by birch, and ambergris/vanilla bringing up the rear in the latter stages.  The pineapple tones down after the opening, and the dry birch and oak moss, really come into their own here.

Creed Aventus is at times sweet with vanilla undertones, then, dry and smoky. This one has a complexity, that you can fully appreciate, the more times that you wear it. All in all, Aventus is one the most balanced and enjoyed scents out on the market.

Maybe it’s over hyped, at this point, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great cologne. It had to become a best-seller for a reason, it wasn’t all ‘just hype’. Here is my review on Aventus

aventus

For Men and Women

Delphinus by Creed– This is a newer release to make the list. It’s better than Absolu Aventus and edges out Centarus for me. Even though, I like both of them.

I have to say, if you want a masculine fragrance, don’t go for this one. It’s powdery, floral, and definitely falls in the unisex category.

That being said, this isn’t a complete iris bomb to me. This heliotrope sticks out more, Delphinus has an initial sweetness/spice, with a warm vanilla and slight amber in the dry down.

Rich orris with a nuttiness from the almond note, gives it similarities to some other scents out there, but Delphinus is a fairly unique one from Creed. Powdery with an underlying waxy sort of aroma for stretches.

I would try to sample this Creed fragrance, if possible. At least before you commit to a full bottle. Note: Alternatively, you could go with Dua’s ‘inspired by’ perfume: Cosmic Sky of Amber.

Best Pure Vanilla Fragrance

Sublime Vanille by Creed– This fragrance is very expensive, even by Creed standards. Also, its performance isn’t the best. However, Sublime Vanille might have the best vanilla note that I’ve ever come across. It’s delicious.

It is a pretty simple fragrance. Vanilla, is joined by lemon and orange, to give it a sweet citrus creamsicle vibe. Very syrupy with a light hint of musk coming through towards the end. Not much development, but the aroma is great.

Sublime Vanille is more of a niche pick from this brand. Though, if you love vanilla, this could be a great pick for men or women.

Top Fresh Fragrance by Creed

Creed Silver Mountain Eau De Parfum Spray for Men by Creed, 4 Ounce– Silver Mountain Water is a fragrance for those guys who want something super clean, with a cold and crisp bite. It opens up with a lush citrus accord of bergamot and mandarin orange. Sort of close to Imperial Millesime, in the beginning.

Later, it can become a bit more herbal, especially when the green tea note emerges fully. SMW is a great choice for the springtime, features the same black currant note found in Aventus, while going in its own direction.

This is a very refreshing wear, in my experience, but with fairly average longevity and moderate sillage. However, its aroma alone, gets Silver Mountain Water a spot on the list. Silver Mountain Water Review

silver mountain

Popular Clean Scent

Green Irish Tweed By Creed For Men- Green Irish Tweed is right up there with Aventus, as one of the most popular colognes by Creed. It starts off with lemon verbena, but dries down as a fresh woody scent.

Though, the wood is present throughout. Sandalwood, is the most noticeable of the woods.

Once past the opening stages, I think that this really comes into its own, and the citrus/wood balance becomes really nice.

GIT often gets compared with Cool Water by Davidoff, but to me, that similar smell is only for part of the wear. Cool Water is much more aquatic, also.  Plus, the Creed does it better.

Green Irish Tweed has a bit of a blend between soapy and powdery, during its dry down. This is probably my favorite part of the wear. The performance is really quite nice.

The sillage is strong enough to be noticeable, but not overwhelming. Plus, it will last long enough for a full work day.  Review of Green Irish Tweed

green irish tweed

The Oud Option

Royal Oud by Creed– Oud, as a note, can be hit or miss for people. This is a nice blended example of the note, where it isn’t too heavy or too dominant in the mix.

Royal Oud actually starts off with a burst of bergamot and lime, which is joined by a light and warm pink pepper note, to keep things interesting. Early on, it is citrusy and has that nice spicy kick too it, but not overwhelming.

As it dries down, it becomes woodier. The oud is the main attraction, but there is also a nice cedar freshness in there. Musk and sandalwood round things out. Though, the latter isn’t too heavy in the mix.

To me, it kind of splits between the oud, musk, and cedar during the late stages. The sillage itself isn’t too heavy, but Royal Oud does have a good performance, while not blowing out the room. 

Very nice classy fragrance, that is more suited for formal or special occasions. I like this one, but for a lot of people, they consider Royal Oud to be Creed’s best.

Great Vetiver Fragrance

Creed Original Vetiver Men Millesime Spray, 4 Ounce – Creed Original Vetiver is a scent I overlooked on the first iteration of this list…my mistake. This is a hyper clean and masculine use of vetiver and citrus with a classic soapy quality.

I always feel energized after applying Original Vetiver, as the fragrance just seems to strike an upbeat and positive chord.

It’s not a complex sort of cologne, rather, it is linear but everything that it needs to be. This vetiver is a modern style with an older soul. Solid choice for business or casual wear. It all comes together as very clean, with good performance that will last a full work day.

The opening citrus is bright and really a highlight of this fragrance. There is some iris and sandalwood, in here as well, but they definitely don’t hit the same heights as the citrus and vetiver. Original Vetiver Review

Top Woody Fragrance

CREED BOIS DU PORTUGAL by Creed EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY 4 OZ – Bois du Portugal gets lost in the shuffle of Creed offerings, I feel. It does air on the side of being mature, somewhat old school, with a spicy masculine finish.

It opens up with bergamot and sandalwood, feels like a usual Creed fragrance, before it shifts into its own thing.

Bois du portugal is woody and warm, I love when the cedar and lavender come in to join the sandalwood. It’s clean while having an outdoorsy quality, to its aroma.

During the middle part of the wear, it can become difficult to distinguish between notes, as it has such a superior blend. Simple yet elegant.

Bois du Portugal goes from a citrus and sandalwood opening, to losing much of the citrus, and becoming a clean somewhat spicy woody fragrance. It definitely gives you something different, from most other popular scents, on the market. Bois du Portugal Full Review

bois du portugal

Best Classic Style Fragrance

Tabarome By Creed For Men. Millesime Spray 4.0 Oz.– Tabarome is another one that sort of sits under the radar. It opens up with ginger, which is one of my favorite light spices. Then, Tabarome further develops with jasmine, musk, and a greenish tobacco plant note.

The tobacco note actually is more like a growing tobacco plant, and less of what you would pack into a pipe before smoking. It’s a green note that is joined by the bergamot citrus, the ambergris, and a bit of sensuous leather.

The leather and tobacco finish is smooth, with a blend of spicy/sweet notes flanking everything. Ginger with tobacco and leather? Absolutely great. 

Ultimately, it’s all of that, some ambergris, on top of a sandalwood base. Read my full Tabarome Review

tabarome

Top Creed Cologne for Summer

Millesime Imperial By Creed For Men. Millesime Spray 4.0-Ounce Bottle– One of the more popular fragrances by Creed. Millesime Imperial is a blend of sea salt and melon-smelling (actually citrus) notes.

It’s an aquatic cologne that shines to life in the spring and summer months of the year.

It is juicy and luxurious. The melon aroma is produced by a lemon and mandarin orange combination and how they interact with the other notes within the composition.

It is very light and clean but grounded by the hint of musk and salty sea notes it unveils. If you enjoy a more oceanic type of fragrance, Imperial may be a great choice for your collection. This is one that I really like to wear on certain warmer days.

Imperial is a fruity marine fragrance, with a light musk, and some powdery undertones from an iris not. It’s not a sillage beast, but it will last for 7 or so hours, in the heat. That’s pretty impressive, when so many others, simply wilt.  My Review

imperial

Favorite Viking

Creed Viking Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.3 Ounce– Viking is the newest addition to this list. Why? I’ve always enjoyed the smell. However, it has grown on me more and more, since the first time that I tried it out in the Creed Boutique in Las Vegas.

It opens up, super crisp, with peppermint and sandalwood providing a cold woody infusion. There’s a very light bergamot note, briefly.

Creed Viking balances the warm and cold notes, as it introduces pink pepper, and then also vetiver. It’s woodsy and refreshing, with some earthiness and spice added in.

Lots of sandalwood, pink pepper, and peppermint. Blended well and the other notes, can be difficult to distinguish at times.

The longevity is good, I keep getting closer to 8 hours of wear from it. Again, this one is a cologne that I enjoyed, but didn’t love at first. It’s still not my favorite, but it has become much more favorable in my eyes, since I first tested it. Creed Viking Review

Y Elixir vs. Y Le Parfum by YSL

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The ‘Y’ line from YSL has been a big success for the brand. Each year they have been coming out with new flanker fragrances to the original formula. Some, better than others.

Y Elixir is the newest release (as of posting) in the series and one which has gotten a lot of interest. But, how does it compare with Y Le Parfum, which is a favorite for many people in this line of colognes.

I’ve tested each of these scents out and am ready to share my thoughts on each. How does Elixir smell? How long do each of them last? Which ultimately is the better one to try?

Tale of the Tape: Y Le Parfum vs. Elixir

Y Le Parfum

Notes include: apple, grapefruit, ginger, aldehydes, lavender, sage, geranium, patchouli, tonka bean, and cedar

Click here to try: Y Le Parfum on Amazon

Read my review: Y Le Parfum

Y Elixir

Notes include: lavender, geranium, oud, incense

Opening

Le Parfum starts off by using apple and ginger.

In this Y formula, we get grapefruit instead of bergamot, and it adds some sweet aldehydes to the mix. Le Parfum has a darker profile, but it is also sweet and smooth. 

Sage and geranium are pretty strong at the beginning in Le Parfum, as well.

With, Y Elixir it is similar up front with other Y fragrances of the past, but goes in another direction.

Lavender and geranium will take up the main focus, especially the second note. The lavender gives this one a clean and soapy scent. However, Y Elixir balances that out with the spicy, earthy, crisp, woodsy freshness of the geranium.

I enjoy just how cold and fresh in these early stages. It’s more subdued and doesn’t have that same punch as EDP, even with the overlap in style. Though, it’s a nice change of pace with how easy Elixir is to wear.

Oud adds to the base and the woodiness. However, it just isn’t all that massive of a note here in the early stages. Also, an incense note provides a smokiness which also isn’t too pervasive. Both are really nice in the support of the other two notes.

Which is better?

Actually, I like how Elixir starts off a lot. To me, the opening of Y Le Parfum is fine, but it gets better as it dries down. Elixir is really nice, in its simplicity.

Edge: Elixir

Projection

Y Le Parfum isn’t a massive fragrance. It hangs in the air with some substance, will leave a decent scent trail for a while, and doesn’t completely disappoint.

Though, this is a moderate cologne, overall. Don’t expect a beast or something that gets close to Y EDP or anything.

Elixir does have a strong projection while not feeling too heavy. At least that’s the case for the first hour or somewhat longer. After that, Elixir will be above average for a good chunk of the wear before tailing off.

Neither is a powerhouse, but Y Elixir has a more powerful reach.

Edge: Elixir

Longevity

Y Le Parfum is pretty middle of the road for me. I’ve only been able to pull 6-6.5 hours of wear from it. It’s not great, but not terrible either. Maybe other people get better performance, but I haven’t experienced it.

Elixir does a better job of staying around than does Le Parfum, at least for me. Y Elixir lasts about 9 hours before evaporating completely, on my skin.

Solid advantage here for Elixir.

Edge: Elixir

Versatility

Both Le Parfum and Y Elixir are very good in most climate conditions. I would probably avoid each in extreme heat, but beyond that, they should be good. Maybe too fresh for extreme cold, also.

Elixir is a super versatile fragrance.  It can be an office wear, or something you spray on for an evening out, or casual. It’s attractive enough to catch attention, without being overwhelming.

But, I don’t think either of them does anything that the other one cannot. I don’t see any real advantage here, as both will provide plenty of use cases.

Le Parfum was already a highly versatile scent and Elixir doesn’t surpass it. But, it does equal it.

Edge: Push

 

 

Overall Scent

Overall, which fragrance do I like more?

I’ve seen some people be really down on Elixir in reviews. I’m not sure why, I think it’s a very good offering from YSL. Is it super exciting? No, but it smells awesome to me, especially that first hour or so. 

I would say that the price is probably putting a lot of people off of it. The ‘elixir’ trend from all of these designers is really pushing the limits of pricing and the expectations of people higher. It’s not too much more than Le Parfum. 

Is it better than Le Parfum? Probably not. I had them neck and neck, but I sort of lean toward Le Parfum, after more testing.

Even if, Elixir has better performance. Le Parfum has a slightly better scent, on the whole.

The opening act isn’t my favorite, but I think it is more intriguing than Y Elixir for much of its shorter wear.

Once it settles, I get apple and tonka bean coming through a lot, and it’s wonderful. The lavender and tonka bean will close it out and you get a great mix of clean and sweet.

Personally, I have Y EDP as my number one still, followed by Le Parfum. I’d need to spend more time with Elixir, but it’s probably the third best from the Y line, for me.

Winner: Y Le Parfum

4 Colognes that Smell Similar to YSL L’Homme

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L’Homme from Yves Saint Laurent has been a staple fragrance for over a decade at this point. It’s one that I’ve enjoyed plenty in the past, still have a bottle of, but who’s performance I’m not too enthusiastic about.

I’m not the only one. So, there are plenty of people looking for an alternative to this YSL scent, and this is my page where I’m going to keep track of all of the options.

What Fragrances Smell Like L’Homme by YSL?

Rendezvous by Dua Brand– The first option is an ‘inspired take on the L’Homme formula. This one is from the Dua brand, which uses the 2009 original formulation of YSL’s fragrance as its inspiration to draw from.

Bergamot, ginger, and ozonic notes start things off for that vintage YSL freshness. Before moving into the cedar, tonka bean, and violet leaf which really helped to set L’Homme apart. 

This one is pretty easy to enjoy, the price is right from Dua, and they do a great job at matching the vibe and aroma of the designer colognes they’re targeting. 

Woody Basil by Dossier– This is the Dossier version of the L’Homme formula, which comes in an eau de parfum concentration. 

I haven’t personally tried out Woody Basil, but I’ve experienced other Dossier scents and they usually do a good job at coming close to what they’re going for. Not that this is anything particularly complex.

I do wonder if they give more weight to the basil note in their formula versus the ginger. Otherwise, it looks like it’s very similar.

Homme Classique by Alexandria Perfumes– Alexandria provides the third inspired by alternative fragrance to our target cologne.

Alexandria is a bit more expensive than the first two, but the brand makes up for it with the quality and usually has a very good performance with that. 

Homme Classique seems to provide all of that with it’s mix of bergamot, ginger, and basil. With the creamy tonka bean, fresh woods, and violet leaf bringing it all together.

In any case, it’s another one to try, if the first two don’t give you what you need for whatever reason.

L’Homme Le Parfum– Le Parfum is a flanker of the original L’homme and is probably the best alternative from the line, if you want something that’s quite similar. Now, this is not the same.

Actually, it takes on aspects of past releases like Ultime and Libre, with how it smells. With a good bit of freshness, early on in the wear, before Le Parfum transitions into a sweeter fragrance.

Basil, cardamom, cedar, with a blue-ish aroma. Take that and blend it with the DNA of L’Homme EDT and you get Le Parfum. Which, also has much better performance than newer bottles of the original.  L’homme Le Parfum Review

Burberry Hero EDP vs. Parfum

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I wanted to close out my comparisons of the current fragrances offered from Burberry’s Hero line of men’s colognes with the EDP and Parfum versions. I’ve spent some time testing both of these out and now I want to break down what the differences and advantages of each of them are.

How do they smell? Which lasts longer? Which Hero fragrance is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Hero EDP vs. Parfum

Burberry Hero EDP

Notes include: pine needles, cedar, incense, benzoin, amber, olibanum

Click here to try: Burberry Hero EDP from Macy’s

My Full Review: Hero EDP

Hero Parfum

Notes include: cedar, amyris, cypriol oil

Click here to try: Hero Parfum by Burberry

Opening

The opening of Hero EDP is fresh, smokier, and surprisingly still has a sweetness to it. It stems from the olibanum, in this addition, which can give off a level of fruitiness to the aroma. Apparently, the grapefruit, found in the EDT version has been stripped out of it.

EDP has plenty of resinous amber influences here. The early stages are more of a fuzzy impression and resinous, with the olibanum and benzoin notes. Then, it becomes a cleaner, warmer, and more straightforward amber.

With Hero Parfum, there’s going to be a lot of cedar in the mix. This one is earthier, woodsy, with a pine/balsamic aroma from the amyris note up top.

The pine is similar to Hero EDP, but this fragrance has a different smell to my nose, than that one.

Warm, fresh/spice, dry, and woodsy character. To me, has an aroma that’s a lot like  Santal 33, but with cedar as the main attraction instead of sandalwood. No, it doesn’t have papyrus or anything like that, just really has a similar style.

Hero Parfum is darker and starts to take on a sweeter and more resinous smell, as we move along.

Which is better? I’m not super impressed by how either of them start off. Though, the eau de parfum doesn’t have an opening act that I really enjoy. Parfum is better here, but it’s not spectacular either.

Edge: Parfum

Projection

The strange thing when I tested EDT and EDP together, is that, the eau de parfum didn’t seem to have any more power to it. Neither are weak, the EDP just couldn’t muster anything beyond the moderate to above average projection.

Parfum is an improvement over both of the previous editions. Hero Parfum isn’t a particularly heavy scent, but it does project itself well, while not being a complete beast with its strength.

Strong, before diminishing to something that still above average, hours into the wear. Obviously, it loses steam further along into it, but it’s a slow burn.

Edge: Parfum

Longevity

The eau de parfum lasted between 8 and 9.5 hours for me, each time that I’ve worn it. Not bad at all and pretty good versus many other designer scents out there.

The EDP doesn’t last nearly as long as Parfum. Which, will last on my skin for 10 hours at least, and seemingly well beyond that. I’m still not sure exactly when it quits, but the performance is great with this newer Hero fragrance.

Easy win.

Edge: Parfum

Versatility

I don’t think there’s much of a difference here. Both are autumn and winter fragrances, with plenty of overlap.

Hero EDP might be better as a nightlife wear. While Parfum, has more of a mature profile with its woodiness. Neither is all that formal or anything. Stylish and nice to wear.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Burberry fragrances is better?

When I heard about Hero eau de parfum, I thought it might be a better version of the original EDT. But, when I tested it out, I didn’t enjoy it as much.

It’s got a good dry down. I like the mix of amber, cedar, smokiness, and the darker vibe that it puts out. The opening is weak and there’s nothing too compelling with EDP. It’s a decent enough scent, doesn’t smell bad, but doesn’t captivate me.

I will say, EDP might be more of a crowd pleaser than Parfum (though, EDT is the most versatile and pleasant), and could be a better choice for some guys.

Hero Parfum, on the other hand, is a better fragrance. I still like Hero EDT, the best, but this would be my second choice thus far in the series.

It’s not for everyone, but it is the more interesting fragrance. Fresh, earthy, and has a lot of cedar in the mix. I even get some slight powdery notes coming in, at times.

But, if you like the scent, you get great performance

At the higher price, I would try to test Hero Parfum out before you buy it, just to see if the scent works for you.

Winner: Parfum

Bad Boy vs. Bad Boy Extreme

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Bad Boy has become a highly successful series for the Carolina Herrera brand. The original EDT has now led to the creation of a host of other scents, which will probably lead to many more beyond the current crop.

Bad Boy Extreme is one of the offerings that has stemmed from the original and become a new popular cologne, in its own right. But, how does Extreme compare to EDT? Which one smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Bad Boy vs. Extreme

Bad Boy

Notes include: white pepper, cocoa, sage, tonka bean, vetiver, pink pepper, grapefruit, and amber

Click here to try: Carolina Herrera Bad Boy EDT Eau de Toilette 3.4oz / 100ml For Men, Black

Read my review: Bad Boy EDT

Bad Boy Extreme

Notes include: cacao, bergamot, patchouli, tonka bean, clary sage, plum, vetiver, incense, davana, labdanum

Click here to try: Bad Boy Extreme

Opening

The opening of Bad Boy EDT, can hit differently, depending on how far away I am from where I sprayed the cologne.

Up close, it smells like honeycomb that is dripping in amber and combined with a few pepper notes.

From afar, I really pick up the sweeter and creamier aspects of this scent. Namely, the cocoa and tonka bean.

Bad Boy Extreme starts off with sweet and warm spicy mix, also. The ginger is particularly present on my skin, as is the cacao early. Along with these two, the sage is the next most noticeable and some tart aroma coming from a light plum note.

It’s at its most aromatic, in the early stages. Later, it will still be spicy and sweet, but the profile will have changed. Namely, the ginger evaporates and the sweetness is more about the cacao and tonka bean, much like the original.

Which is better?

I like how both of these start off. To me, Extreme brings a bit more dynamism to the table, and I enjoy how the ginger note helps to kick things off.

Edge: Extreme

Projection

Bad Boy EDT is moderate with its projection, but it feels substantial and can leave a nice scent trail in one’s wake. Nothing amazing, but I think it does a fair job.

With Extreme, it’s not a completely massive scent. However, it does essentially live up to its name. The projection is really good and it pretty easily surpasses the original Bad Boy with its performance.

Edge: Extreme

Longevity

The original Bad Boy from Carolina Herrera will usually last for about seven hours on my skin before it gives out. Again, this isn’t a complete powerhouse of a scent. Bad Boy EDT has moderate strength and ability to stick around.

Extreme blows the original Bad Boy out of the water.

On my skin, it will last for over 10 hours without issue. I don’t think it goes too much beyond that, but Bad Boy Extreme comfortably hits the double digit mark.

Edge: Extreme

Versatility

There is still a lot of overlap with both of these fragrances. So, for this category, I don’t think there’s too much distinction.

Each of them, is good in the autumn and winter months. Can venture into springtime, but I’d avoid the heat.

Extreme strikes me as a better choice for the nightlife, with its boldness, but the original is also a fine choice for that.

Not really seeing an edge here for either.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two Herrera fragrances do I prefer?

I’m not too big of a fan of the Bad Boy line. However, these are two of the better releases, in my opinion.

Bad Boy EDT is a nice enough wear. I like the honeycomb, the creaminess, and mix of sweet and spice that it provides.

Though, I think Bad Boy Extreme does a lot of the same things but better. While also, having some differences in terms of its notes and the performance that it provides.

Having worn both of them plenty of times, Bad Boy Extreme seems to separate itself from the pack. I think it’s better than both EDT and Cobalt (which are pretty interchangeable to me).

Cacao, tonka bean, labdanum along with periods where vetiver, sage, and ginger get there time to shine. It’s sweet, woody, spicy, with an amber dry down. It is powerful and will also last a long time.

EDT is decent with the performance, but doesn’t come close to the power of Extreme.

If I had to get one of these colognes from Carolina Herrera, I’d go with Extreme. I’m not in love with wearing it, but it is the best that they’ve come out with thus far.

Winner: Bad Boy Extreme