By Designer

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

Sauvage Elixir vs Eau Forte

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Sauvage Eau Forte is the latest edition of the best selling Sauvage series from Dior. With any new release, it is obviously going to draw comparisons with what came before it. One of the more beloved options is Sauvage Elixir.

I have worn and tested out each of these fragrances fully and now want to compare them against one another in this post. How does each smell? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Sauvage Elixir vs. Eau Forte

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

Sauvage Eau Forte

Notes include: elemi, spice, blanched lavender, wood, musk

Click here to try: Eau Forte from Sephora

Read my full review: Sauvage Eau Forte

Opening

Sauvage Elixir opens things up with a lot of spice. This Dior has a blast of cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In the top, there is a much lighter grapefruit versus the EDT version’s heavier use of citrus.

The next phase will have more of the lavender and some sweetness from licorice and amber. Sauvage Elixir is spicy, woody, with enough sweetness to change it up. Lots going on in the mix.

Eau Forte begins with a cold and fresh aroma. The elemi note is a mix of waxy and resinous that brings something a tad different to the table . There are spices, woods, and the impression of water from this alcohol free formula. It’s interesting.

The Sauvage lavender note is present and there is a good balance of the ingredients early on. The musk isn’t too much, the spice and cold are actually pretty wonderful.

Which do I prefer? I like how Eau Forte starts. It is much more approachable and less intense than is the powerhouse of Elixir.

Edge: Eau Forte

Projection

Elixir is a very strong fragrance, which projects itself to a wide radius. Now, it will obviously abate somewhat, but it is still going to be a powerful scent throughout most of the wear.

Eau Forte is in the lighter to moderate camp. Initially, it does have some punch, but this Sauvage is going to be more intimate than other editions in the line. It’s also not nearly as heavy of a sillage as Elixir.

It’s not a close match in this category.

Edge: Elixir

Longevity

Sauvage Elixir takes this category easily, as well. It lasts 12+ hours on my skin and is an absolute beast with how it performs.

Eau Forte doesn’t have a ton of power, in terms of projection, but the longevity is actually pretty good in that lighter state. For me, this version of Sauvage hangs around on skin for about 8 hours.

Still, not close enough to challenge Elixir.

Edge: Elixir

Versatility

Elixir isn’t a formal scent. It’s mostly one for autumn and winter. Evenings out or casually. Wearing it for work, you’ll probably want to go easy on the sprays.

In this category, I think Eau Forte is the more versatile of the two, as to when each can be worn.

I think Eau Forte has a more low key vibe that can fit in better for more formalized occasions. Even if it’s not a powerhouse, it’s not out of place in most situations.

That’s what can make it a better play for daily wear situations. It holds up well in almost any climate and doesn’t have that same in your face intensity that Elixir can.

Edge: Eau Forte

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Sauvage releases do I prefer?

Eau Forte isn’t a bad fragrance. I like the way that it starts things off and I like the transition into the middle notes. It’s got a nice, fresh aroma that makes it very enjoyable to wear.

Now, the back half of the wear isn’t as interesting. More about the lavender note and it doesn’t have too much in the way of an outstanding performance.

It was a release that had a lot of potential, delivering something somewhat different than the other Sauvage colognes, but doesn’t fully capitalize on that. Something I think that Elixir actually did.

But, as a daily wear or something along those lines, Eau Forte is a nice enough cologne, just not great.

Meanwhile, Elixir is bold and the most unique fragrance in the Sauvage line. It is a lot to deal with at times, in the beginning stages of wear. However, I think its depth and nuance use of notes later on are a main draw for me.

Eau Forte isn’t as good as what I get out of Sauvage Elixir. Especially, at the retail price. If Eau Forte comes down significantly when it hits the discounters, that might be a reason to pick it up. Otherwise, I’ll pass.

Winner: Sauvage Elixir

Givenchy Gentleman Society vs. Extreme

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Givenchy’s Gentleman line has spun off in a few directions is seems. Society is one of the newer iterations of these fragrances from the brand, which has now also spawned, Society Extreme.

I’ve tested out both of these scents numerous times and am now ready to do my full comparison between them. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is a better a buy for most people?

Tale of the Tape: Gentleman Society vs. Extreme

Gentleman Society

Notes include: sage, cardamom, daffodil, vetiver, sandalwood, cedar, vanilla

Click here to try: Gentleman Society

Read my review: Gentleman Society by Givenchy

Gentleman Society Extreme

Notes include: sage, peppermint, nutmeg, iced coffee, narcissus, iris, vetiver, cedar, sandalwood, vanilla

Click here to try: Gentleman Society Extreme

Opening

Gentleman Society starts off with a sweet, spicy, and seemingly nutty mix of notes. Sage is a strong note up top, with some cardamom also coming through. That’s the spice of the mix.

Not too spicy, but tempered by the vanilla note and daffodil, that has it shine in the early stages of the wear.

Meanwhile, Extreme starts off cold and with a fresh spiciness. The sage is still present, just not as strong as in the original. Here, we get a great peppermint note and some further nutmeg.

The nutmeg and peppermint go well with the newer coffee note and the vanilla. Yes, very much like an iced coffee. Yet, it isn’t too intense with that accord and still gives you the emerging woods and iris, in particular.

Which is better? I like Extreme a lot more than Gentleman Society. The iced coffee element and the stronger orris root give this one a balance and captivating aroma.

Still plenty of overlap, between them but the vanilla, sage, and daffodil are toned down with Extreme.

Edge: Extreme

Projection

Projection wise, each of these is above average in totality, with a strong start initially.

Society Extreme seems to hit a higher mark and maintain that power for longer. Neither is a super heavy scent, but they’ve each got a nice reach, and can create a good scent trail.

Gentleman Society isn’t weak and it isn’t too far behind Extreme, but there is a clear edge here for the flanker.

Edge: Extreme

Longevity

Both of these are great performers, with how long they last. Gentleman Society EDP lasts for 9 hours on my skin. Really, no complaints there.

Society Extreme does outdo the original, however. I get 10-11 hours of wear out of this newer flanker fragrance.

It’s not a massive difference and the two smell quite a bit alike in the dry down, but Extreme takes this category.

Edge: Extreme

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are better in colder to moderate temperatures. I wasn’t too enthusiastic about how either of them react in the heat. Outside of that, they wear quite well.

Either of them can be worn day or night, both as a daily wear or something that is good for nightlife.

I think the distinction is that Extreme feels like a more mature and balanced scent. Gentleman Society seems geared more towards men in their 20s, while Extreme has more refinement, even with that greater power.

Edge: Extreme

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two fragrances do I prefer?

Gentleman Society Extreme.

The original Society release was just fine. Had some elements that I grew to like, such as the opening act, but then was a bit too sweet and irritating at times.

In fact, I wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about trying out this newer release.

Surprisingly, I think Society Extreme is a very good fragrance. It’s one of the better mainstream designer releases, in my opinion.

The ‘iced coffee’ elements, even the peppermint, are really good together. The shift in focus away from cardamom and vanilla toward the coffee and iris just works.

In the end, the both have a woody and earthy finish, but Extreme is more substantial. Givenchy managed to produce one of favorites from this line, without me even caring much about the previous entry.

Winner: Gentleman Society Extreme