By Designer

Ultra Male by Jean Paul Gaultier

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In today’s post, I am going to be taking a closer look at a cologne by Jean Paul Gaultier called, Ultra Male. This is a flanker fragrance to the now classic, Le Male. Ultra Male was released in 2015 and occupies a similar bottle to the original JPG scent.

What does it smell like? How does it perform? When should it be worn? Is it better than Le Male? Please continue reading below for my impressions after a few wears.

Quick Overview

My Verdict

Ultra Male opens with pear, vanilla, cinnamon, mint, and citrus. The pear is the main attraction early on, creating a candy-like sweetness that can come across almost bubblegum-like.

As it dries down, lavender and vanilla become more important, while amber and woods add warmth. It has some overlap with Le Male, but the pear note and lack of powder make Ultra Male feel more like its own scent.

This is best as a cold-weather nightlife fragrance. It is sweet, youthful, strong, and attention-grabbing, but it can become too much in the heat or in professional settings.

🍐 Ultra Male by Jean Paul Gaultier — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Sweet Spicy Amber
Key Notes Vanilla, Pear, Amber, Woods, Cinnamon, Cumin, Sage, Lavender, Mint
Season Fall Winter
Occasion Nightlife, Parties, Dates, Cold Weather, Casual Evening Wear
Longevity About 9+ hours, with double-digit wear possible
Sillage Strong — can project heavily, so go light indoors
Rating ★★★★☆ 8 / 10
Quick Verdict A sweet, spicy, youthful nightlife fragrance with pear, vanilla, lavender, cinnamon, mint, amber, and woods. Great performance and strong projection, but best saved for cold weather and nights out.

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

What does Ultra Male by JPG Smell Like?

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Ultra Male is a meeting of the pear, vanilla, cinnamon, mint, and citrus notes that produces a candy-like sweetness that is akin to bubble gum. Now, this may not sound appealing for some folks but it quickly settles on my skin into something that is warm and smooth, and a scent that I find very appealing.

The pear note is the main attraction early on. Mint and cinnamon surround it and provide the composition with a definite spiciness. Ultra Male is intense straight out of the bottle, with a very captivating aroma.

Next up, the lavender and vanilla begin to move in. Lavender and pear share the spotlight, with an increasingly strong vanilla coming in more later.

The most noticeable difference between this and the famous, Le Male, is the complete lack of that powdery aroma that was so prevalent in that JPG cologne.

While there is a lot of overlap between these two scents, the strength of each note is different, and the inclusion of the pear makes Ultra Male a standalone scent from its progenitor.

I’m just going to say it right now, I am enjoying Ultra Male more than Le Male, which I also liked a lot.

During the dry down, it turns into a vanilla, lavender, and amber laden fragrance on my skin. It at times, reminds me of a more youthful and sweeter Luna Rossa Sport.

Not saying its the same, but the lavender and vanilla combo, are obviously going to deliver at least somewhat similar results.

Ultra Male is a super fresh and sweet kind of scent that is going to be a nice addition to any night life fragrance collection.

There is a slight spiciness provided by the cinnamon note which prevents the cologne from become a complete mess and that is further bolstered by the mint note, which seems to be more in the background than it was in Le Male.

Ultra Male sort of falls into the same category as a fragrance like, 1 Million, does. Smooth, candy-like sweetness, with enough staying power to be a night club favorite.

Sillage, Longevity, Versatility

Projection wise, I would rate it as a very strong starter that fades into something much more moderate. While it is in the same ‘family’, so to speak as 1 Million, it doesn’t have the same loud and bold projection.

It certainly isn’t weak and with enough sprays it is capable of overpowering, but with my 1-3 spray tests, Ultra Male was perfectly tolerable.

Update: with further wear, once I got a full bottle, this does project itself a lot more than you can tell. People will notice, so, go light when inside enclosed areas. It’s actually kind of massive with how it projects. I do have a bottle of the initial release, so, I don’t know if Ultra got weakened over the years.

It does have great longevity on my skin, 9-ish hours, maybe a little longer on some wears (depending on the weather or other environmental circumstances). It’s pretty excellent in that regard.

Update: I do get double digit hours of wear, fairly regularly with Ultra Male. It does depend greatly on the climate, see below.

Cold weather scent. Like Le Male, Ultra Male would turn to crap in the heat, so if your climate is warm year round, this probably isn’t the best bet.

On the other hand, if you plan on wearing it at night, I have done so effectively when the temperature was in the mid-70s Fahrenheit but it thrives in the cold.

 

Really, I would not wear this at all when it is hot out. It becomes a pretty big mess, so if you’re going to have this, also have a spring/summer scent to wear. In the cold, it is at its peak and can be a great wear.

You could wear this as a daytime scent, as it isn’t too loud (with light sprays), but I love it for nights out and party-type atmospheres. It’s an attractive, almost unisex kind of fragrance, with a sweet sexiness that women seem to enjoy.

I’ve mostly been wearing this on winter evenings out, just casually from time to time, and around the house. I’m not sure that I’d try to make this a daily wear. Especially for guys, who work in a professional setting. That’s not what this cologne does.

Ultra Male can come across as very sweet and has a youthful party vibe. I am older than the target demo of this cologne and like it a lot. Yet, I find myself not always wanting to indulge in it, with its candy-like aroma.

Overall Impressions of Ultra Male

Overall, would I recommend Ultra Male as a buy? Yes, provided you like this kind of scent. Some guys don’t like the sweets and if that’s you, pass on this cologne.

Otherwise, I find this to be a fun wear, and prefer it to the original Le Male…it just strikes me as better on the whole.  This is another great entry from Jean Paul Gaultier.

The performance is great and the smell is really nice. It can come across as unisex, at times, but for the nightlife it’s a great pick up. The uses for this can be limited, outside of that. So, one will need to assess exactly what you’re wanting it for.

Update: The longer that I’ve had this, the less I wear it. The pear note doesn’t really do it for me anymore and it’s super sweet/spicy mix, isn’t something that I always want to wear. It’s still something for younger guys to wear and not a fragrance that’s going to be a daily wear for most people.

I definitely don’t dislike it, but it’s more something that I wear on occasion. Ultra Male is still one of the better releases in the series, which has produced a lot of just ‘okay’ colognes over the years.

FAQ: Ultra Male by Jean Paul Gaultier

What does Ultra Male smell like?

Ultra Male smells sweet, spicy, fresh, and warm. It opens with pear, vanilla, cinnamon, mint, and citrus, then dries down into lavender, vanilla, amber, and woods.

Is Ultra Male better than Le Male?

Ultra Male is better if you want something sweeter, stronger, more youthful, and more nightlife-focused. Le Male is better if you prefer the classic powdery lavender-vanilla style.

How long does Ultra Male last?

Ultra Male lasts around 9 hours or more, and double-digit wear is possible depending on weather, skin, and spray amount.

Does Ultra Male project well?

Yes. Ultra Male projects very strongly, especially from a full bottle or with heavier sprays. It can become overpowering indoors, so lighter spraying is better.

Is Ultra Male good for winter?

Yes. Ultra Male is best in cold weather. The pear, vanilla, amber, cinnamon, and lavender perform especially well in fall and winter.

Is Ultra Male good for summer?

No, Ultra Male is not a great summer fragrance. It can become too sweet, heavy, and messy in hot weather.

Is Ultra Male good for clubbing?

Yes. Ultra Male is one of its best uses. The sweet pear, vanilla, spice, strong projection, and long wear make it a strong nightlife fragrance.

Is Ultra Male a good everyday fragrance?

Not for most people. It can be worn casually with light sprays, but it is usually better as a night-out, party, date, or cold-weather fragrance.

Is Ultra Male too sweet?

Ultra Male can be too sweet for some people. The pear, vanilla, and candy-like opening give it a very sweet profile.

Is Ultra Male worth buying?

Ultra Male is worth buying if you want a strong, sweet, youthful nightlife fragrance. Skip it if you dislike sweet fragrances or need something more versatile for work and daily wear.

Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford

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Continuing on with my Tom Ford fragrance reviews, today we have a citrusy-floral perfume from the designer. This is a 2011 release entitled, Neroli Portofino. It is actually one of the more popular scents from the lineup, but what makes that so? How does it smell? What’s inside? Is Neroli Portofino even worth it?

Quick Overview

My Verdict

Neroli Portofino opens with a bright citrus burst, led mostly by lemon and orange blossom. The neroli becomes more noticeable later, while the opening feels juicy, floral, clean, and slightly soapy.

As it dries down, the citrus fades back but never fully disappears. Jasmine, lavender, neroli, and amber make up most of the later wear, giving it a clean citrus-white floral profile.

It is best for spring and summer, especially daytime and warm weather. The scent is enjoyable and high quality, but the performance is light for the price, so it is better to sample first or buy only if you really love this style.

What does Neroli Portofino Smell Like?

Notes include: neroli, orange flower, amber, mandarin, bergamot, jasmine, lavender, lemon

Click here to try: Tom Ford Neroli Portofino 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray

🍊 Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Citrus White Floral
Key Notes Neroli, Orange Flower, Mandarin, Bergamot, Lemon, Jasmine, Lavender, Amber
Season Spring Summer
Occasion Daytime, Warm Weather, Casual Wear, Vacation, Clean Fresh Wear, Unisex Use
Longevity About 5-6 hours
Sillage Light to moderate — noticeable for the first couple of hours, then sits close to the skin
Rating ★★★☆☆ 6.9 / 10
Quick Verdict A juicy citrus-white floral fragrance with lemon, orange blossom, neroli, jasmine, lavender, amber, and a clean soapy feel. It smells very nice, but the light projection and 5-6 hour longevity make it tough to justify at Tom Ford prices.

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Neroli Portofino presents my nose with a citrus burst, mainly comprised of lemon, and a mix of floral notes particularly orange blossom at first and then the neroli.

The neroli will come into its own, later in the wear. But, initially I get a lot more orange blossom than the namesake of the perfume.

It’s juicy citrus with floral undertones and a noticeable soapy quality. It actually feels quite similar to other scents that I have tried, so this isn’t one that I can say is wholly unique.

Is there a spiciness here? Sure, neroli and the rosemary briefly give Neroli Portofino some kick, but it’s not to the same extent as some of the other Tom Ford releases, that share this same sort of style.

There is a nice amber note within the composition which adds a different aspect to this fragrance besides really clean citrus-flower. It creates a warm heart and adds to the inviting soapy vibe, though it isn’t very powerful.

As it dries down, I begin to get more of the neroli, less of the lemon and orange notes and the jasmine peaks through also. Neroli Portofino is admittedly pretty darn linear in its presentation.

Sure, the citrus subsides more, but it never really goes away to become just a floral fragrance. The only further development to my nose from here, is some lavender, entering the picture.

Neroli, jasmine, lavender, and some amber for the rest of the wear. Citrusy white floral, when boiled down.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, the sillage of Neroli Portofino is pretty light to moderate. It’s by no means a bomb, but you’ll notice it for the first couple of hours with a decent amount of application. After that, this Tom Ford perfume, sits quite close to the skin.

If you want any sort of real projection with it, you’re going to have to spray heavy.

The longevity isn’t great, but I get about 5-6 hours of wear from it. It doesn’t seem like it lasts very long, because it isn’t one that projects itself very well, but it is still there.

Even still, 5 or 6 hours of wear at this price, is pretty bad. The performance takes Neroli Portofino down a few notches, in my book.

Seasonally, this is one for the spring and summer months. I’d lean more toward wearing it in the summertime, due to the great citrus elements. That’s actually my favorite aspect of this scent, the lemon and orange zesty element that hangs around during the wear.

Neroli Portofino is listed as a unisex perfume and it is. I’d say that it leans more toward the female side of things, since it is pretty flowery, but it isn’t overly so and not feminine enough to take away the unisex aspect.

Overall Impressions of Neroli Portofino

Overall, do I like it? I do enjoy the scent of Neroli Portofino, but I wouldn’t buy it for myself. It smells very nice, but the longevity and sillage isn’t great enough for me to justify paying Tom Ford prices for it.

Plus, there are many other scents that have a similar or almost exactly the same aroma for a better price. Good fragrance? Absolutely. Worth it? Ehhh, not for me at least.

I like the citrus notes and the opening act. The floral dry down is nice, but it gets a little too soapy. I prefer the fruits to the floral notes. Forte goes too hard with the citrus notes and is nicer, when it dries down.

The citrus and orange blossom, I usually prefer over neroli anyway. That being said, the neroli note in this is spectacular in its quality. Very fine stuff, if it’s a scent that you personally enjoy. Though, it’s not really a fragrance that everyone needs in their collection.

FAQ: Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford

What does Tom Ford Neroli Portofino smell like?

Neroli Portofino smells like juicy citrus, orange blossom, neroli, jasmine, lavender, amber, and clean soap. It is fresh, floral, bright, and very clean.

Is Neroli Portofino for men or women?

Neroli Portofino is unisex. It may lean slightly feminine to some people because of the floral side, but it still works well as a unisex fragrance.

How long does Neroli Portofino last?

Neroli Portofino lasts around 5-6 hours. The scent is still noticeable, but it does not project strongly for very long.

Does Neroli Portofino project well?

Projection is light to moderate. It is noticeable for the first couple of hours with enough sprays, then sits much closer to the skin.

Is Neroli Portofino good for summer?

Yes. Neroli Portofino is best for spring and summer, especially because of its lemon, orange, neroli, and clean floral freshness.

Is Neroli Portofino worth buying?

It smells very good, but it is hard to justify at Tom Ford pricing because the performance is not great. It is worth trying if you love citrus-white floral fragrances, but not a must-buy.

Is Neroli Portofino soapy?

Yes. Neroli Portofino has a noticeable soapy quality, especially alongside the citrus, neroli, orange blossom, jasmine, lavender, and amber.

Is Neroli Portofino unique?

Not especially. It fits into a familiar citrus-floral style, though the neroli itself smells high quality.

When should you wear Neroli Portofino?

Wear Neroli Portofino during warm weather, spring, summer, daytime, vacations, casual settings, or anytime you want a clean citrus-floral scent.

Is Neroli Portofino better than Neroli Portofino Forte?

The original has the better opening, while Forte is better later in the dry down. The original is the better choice if you want more citrus and orange blossom freshness.

Invictus EDT by Paco Rabanne

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Paco Rabanne ‘s most famous fragrance is 1 Million, which comes displayed in a gold ingot bottle. However, 1 Million is not this design house’s, only great scent. Invictus is another great fragrance choice for guys who like something that is fresh and sporty.

Since its release, Invictus has been a best seller and a permanent staple for many younger guys. It is one that has become exceedingly popular in bars and night clubs around the word.

This one also comes in a great, and interesting bottle, but I want to focus this review on what’s inside of that container…since that’s what counts, isn’t it?

Quick Overview

My Verdict

Invictus EDT opens with citrus, fruit, aquatic notes, ambergris, and bay leaf. The early stage has a sweet bubblegum-like aroma, but it leans more blue, watery, and salty than candy-like.

As it dries down, the fragrance becomes more marine, soapy, floral, and woody. The jasmine comes forward after a few hours, while the ambergris adds a salty oceanic feel.

This is best for younger guys who want a clean, fresh, versatile scent for casual wear, summer, fall, nights out, and everyday use. It is not the most complex fragrance, but it performs well and gets positive reactions.

🏆 Invictus EDT by Paco Rabanne — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Fresh Aquatic Fruity
Key Notes Grapefruit, Sea Notes, Mandarin Orange, Bay Leaf, Jasmine, Ambergris, Oak Moss, Woods
Season Spring Summer Fall
Occasion Casual Wear, Night Out, Summer Wear, Everyday Use, Bars, Clubs
Longevity About 6-7 hours on skin, sometimes more; can linger much longer on clothing
Sillage Large for the first few hours, then moderate to pretty strong afterward
Rating ★★★★☆ 7.6 / 10
Quick Verdict A fresh, sporty, aquatic-fruity fragrance with citrus, sea notes, ambergris, bay leaf, jasmine, and woods. Best for younger guys who want a clean, versatile, attention-grabbing scent with solid performance.

What does Invictus by Paco Rabanne Smell Like?

invictus

Notes include: grapefruit, sea notes, mandarin orange, bay leaf, jasmine, ambergris, oak moss, and more.

Click here to try: Invictus by Paco Rabanne for Men 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray

My Full Review

There are many scents on the market, which are just all together boring or flat. Sometimes, as men, we need to switch it up and add something with a bit of flair and energy to it. Invictus is a scent, which I feel, does just that.

What I like about the opening, note is how the citrusy/fruity notes captivate the senses, and locks people’s attention solely on you. That isn’t to say that this is a loud or obnoxious fragrance, but it does emanate a certain confidence.

The fruit notes, ambergris, bay leaf, and aquatic elements in Invictus, combine to give the scent a sort of bubblegum like aroma, at the top. It is quite sweet and has that light powdered sugar scent, for a little bit early on.

I didn’t like it all that much, upon my initial tests years ago, but I’ll admit it did grown on me thereafter.

The bubble gum aroma in Invictus, isn’t the same warm spicy kind found in, Ultra Male. It’s got a bit of the same vibe that the edition of 1 Million called, 1 Million Cologne, has.

It’s a an aquatic fruity sweetness, but leans more toward the blue watery end than the candied end of the spectrum.

As it dries down, this Paco Rabanne cologne, moves away from the fruitiness of the opening. The ambergris, really starts to peak through, and adds a saltier touch to the aquatic notes. It feels more oceanic, as it move forward, and less of that clean aqua smell.

Beyond that, the bay leaf comes in a bit more, but especially the jasmine. It’s got a solid floral soapiness, a few hours into it, with a dry woody base. It’s nice, still has a smooth vibe, but I think that I prefer the start over this period of the wear.

In the end, I get a very fresh scent, with lots of citrus (fairly synthetic citrus) and a nice salty marine aroma. It’s clean with a masculine base of wood to tie things all together. It isn’t overly complex, but not all fragrances need to be.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

I do think that this cologne would appeal more to the younger man. (let’s say high school/college age to early 30s), and it is for sure one that captures the attention of girls.

I like it, but females seem to respond to this one more positively, than I do. Why? Who knows? It just works.

If you’re older, you’d almost certainly want to go with something else as your daily wear. If you really love the smell of Invictus, just keep a bottle for yourself when you want to wear it.

Invictus is another great option for summertime wear and even into the fall months. Honestly, though, it’s one that can easily work in all climates. It’s versatility is probably Invictus’ greatest strength.

I don’t think I’d wear this stuff formally, but it can fit in just about anywhere else, that you’d want to wear it. Mostly for casual situations or a night out.

It projects well without being overbearing (unless you put on too much, but what cologne doesn’t?) and it is a scent which will last for a good amount of time. In fact, I could smell remnants of it on my shirt for a few days after I wore it.

Update: I have smelled this cologne on other guys, a few times in public, in the past year. It is absolutely grating, as they probably doused themselves with it. Avoid that, for the sake of others.

On the skin, it gets about 6-7 hours, and sometimes a bit more. The sillage is quite large for the first few hours, but becomes pretty moderate for me, thereafter. It goes from beast to simply a pretty strong fragrance. The performance is very solid, however.

For an eau de toilette, the strength is good in comparison to others at this price point.

Overall Impression of Invictus EDT

The downside to this cologne? Well, if you’re one who is really into having the most complex and unique scents ever, then you might one to skip this one.

However, if you are a young guy and just want to smell good and have a scent that can work well for any occasion then Invictus is a very good choice.

It is a moderately priced cologne that will leave the wearer feeling clean and fresh, all day long. It delivers a good performance, already has plenty of fans, and has a fine aroma.

It still isn’t a fragrance, that I’m personally crazy about, but I respect it. For me, it is wearable, but for many others Invictus is lovable.

Since this has been released, Invictus has spawned many flankers, including Invictus Intense and Legend. I think both of those are better than the original, not leagues above it, but still quite a bit more well put together than Invictus EDT.

The good news is that you can usually find cheaper bottles of this stuff nowadays, at the discount sellers and the like.

This is still a pretty nice cologne, that can have its place. Though, I feel that it has been surpassed, by members of its own line and by other scents under the Paco Rabanne name.

FAQ: Invictus EDT by Paco Rabanne

What does Invictus EDT smell like?

Invictus EDT smells fresh, aquatic, fruity, sweet, salty, and clean. It opens with citrus, fruit, ambergris, bay leaf, and sea notes, then becomes more marine, soapy, floral, and woody.

Is Invictus EDT good?

Yes, Invictus EDT is a good fragrance if you want something fresh, sporty, youthful, and easy to wear. It is not very complex, but it smells clean, performs well, and works in many casual situations.

How long does Invictus EDT last?

Invictus EDT lasts around 6-7 hours on skin and sometimes a bit more. It can also last much longer on clothing.

Does Invictus EDT project well?

Yes. Invictus EDT has large sillage during the first few hours, then settles into a moderate to pretty strong scent trail.

Is Invictus EDT good for summer?

Yes. Invictus EDT is a strong summer option because of its citrus, aquatic notes, salty ambergris, and clean fresh profile.

Is Invictus EDT good for younger guys?

Yes. Invictus EDT is especially suited for younger men, from high school or college age into the early 30s. It has a youthful, sporty, casual, and nightlife-friendly style.

Is Invictus EDT good for clubs?

Yes. Invictus EDT works well for bars, clubs, nights out, and casual social settings. Just avoid over-spraying, since it can become grating when applied too heavily.

Is Invictus EDT formal?

Not really. Invictus EDT is better for casual wear, summer use, nights out, and everyday situations than formal events.

Is Invictus EDT unique?

Invictus EDT is not especially unique or complex. Its strength is that it is fresh, clean, versatile, youthful, and easy to wear.

Is Invictus EDT worth buying?

Invictus EDT is worth buying if you find it discounted and want a fresh, sporty, aquatic fragrance. It is still good, though some flankers and other Paco Rabanne scents may be better put together.

CK One by Calvin Klein

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In the late 1980s through the mid 1990s, there were few bigger names in popular fashion than Calvin Klein. From the famous jeans advertisements, to the black and white fragrance commercials which stirred up some controversy, CK had  created quite a brand.

The thing is that the line of scents for men and women is still highly popular today, as they are always among the best sellers at any online retailer. Perhaps the most popular of all is one of the unisex fragrances, CK One.

If you’re new to fragrances or too young to remember when this scent was everywhere, you probably have some questions. What does CK One Smell like? How long does it last? Is it still worth a try?

Note: I have updated this review some 8+ years after the original, to expand and add upon it. Check Out: 7 Best Calvin Klein Fragrances for Men

Quick Overview

My Verdict

CK One opens with lots of lemon, bergamot, papaya, and pineapple. The citrus and tropical fruit give it a bright, watery freshness, while green tea and cardamom add a light green-spicy touch.

As it dries down, CK One becomes more musky, woody, floral, and slightly soapy. Jasmine and lily-of-the-valley give it a softer unisex feel, while cedar and musk keep it clean and balanced.

This is best as an inexpensive everyday fragrance, especially for spring, summer, casual wear, class, errands, and warm days. It is not exciting or niche, but it remains fresh, nostalgic, versatile, and easy to wear.

🍋 CK One by Calvin Klein — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Fresh Citrus Musk
Key Notes Papaya, Bergamot, Lemon, Pineapple, Green Tea, Cardamom, Jasmine, Musk, Cedar, Amber
Season Spring Summer
Occasion Daily Wear, Casual Wear, Class, Errands, Warm Days, Everyday Freshness
Longevity About 6-7 hours
Sillage Light to moderate — stronger for the first 1-2 hours, then becomes much lighter
Rating ★★★★☆ 7.6 / 10
Quick Verdict A clean, youthful, unisex citrus fragrance with tropical fruit, green tea, musk, soft florals, and a woody base. Great as an inexpensive everyday scent, but better at a discount than full retail.

My Full Review

ck one

Notes: papaya, bergamot, lemon, cedar, cardamom, musk, green tea, pineapple and jasmine. green tea and amber

Click here to try: Calvin Klein ck one Eau de Toilette, 6.7 Fl Oz

My Full Review

As a unisex fragrance, CK One had to tiptoe the line between being too masculine and too feminine in the risk of alienating one gender or the other of its customer base.

It just so happens that they accomplished, almost perfectly, a scent which would appeal to both and enjoy massive popularity.

This is what makes CK One such a great starter fragrance or inexpensive every day wearer, its universality. It can be put on and enjoyed by almost anyone.

Its notes are a blend of fruit and more earthy or woodsy ones. However, CK One doesn’t have a heavy or rugged aroma to it, it is clean and warm instead. The papaya and pineapple help to give this scent a light sweetness, which I think plays a major part in its appeal.

The opening is a blast of citrus and the tropical fruits. Lots of lemon and bergamot, that is matched up with papaya and the pineapple.

The is also a hint of green tea with cardamom giving it a slight spice (and perhaps a further lemony tinge). That spice doesn’t hang around too long nor get too intense, but it is there.

The citrus notes feel pretty watery and the musk and floral notes come in rather quickly to generate a soapy quality to CK One.

It’s really not overly soapy, in my mind as I’ve come across fragrances that do it to a much greater extent, but it definitely provides that lighter lathery freshness.

As it dries down, the intensity of the opening citrus notes begin to subside, and it becomes much more green and floral. The base is still musky and woody with the cedar note, but on top of that, is mostly jasmine and lily-of-the-valley.

This is probably the most ‘feminine’ part of the wear, but even still, CK One manages to straddle that line so well. I think that the lemony citrus and the base notes, sort of offset the floral aspects of this fragrance, even when a powdery element emerges.

What I get in the end is, a just out of the shower freshness, with lemon and papaya notes that are met by green floral ingredients. There is a light musk and a woody base holding the whole thing together.

The floral elements are a nice touch. Not too heavy, but a soft jasmine and lily influence, really helps to balance this scent out. Enough to give One, its unisex designation.

One thing that I really like about CK One, is that even after 20 years since its release, its still feels modern and fresh. It really hasn’t lost its luster to me. The notes just give off this crisp energy which invigorates your senses and gathers complements from those around you.

Again, this is not a niche fragrance, which will be a unique find or only some people will enjoy but that doesn’t make a bad scent, it is a best-seller for a reason.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it is a light to moderate fragrance. The sillage isn’t super strong, but it was always noticeable. Boy, did you get to notice this stuff back in the 90s, it was on nearly everyone it seems.

For me, One is pretty strong for about 1-2 hours, then becomes much lighter. The initial citrus and tropical fruit, does lend itself to having the illusion of a greater sillage, than may actually be the case.

The longevity is solid, 6-7 hours still seems capable with this stuff, perhaps vintage bottle went even longer.

Seasonally, it was always more of a spring/summer scent, but this was around all the time and can go year round. Super unisex, depending on what part of the wear it leans one way or the other.

This one is very youthful and casual. I’d wear it on a warm day, just hanging around, or out for errands. It’s one of those scents that is great for teenagers and college students to wear to class or wherever.

Overall Impressions of CK One

Overall, CK One is a great scent for those who want something youthful, those who want a versatile everyday wearer, those who like clean and energetic scents that aren’t too manly or too girly, and those who just appreciate a good fragrance.

It was a massive success when it came out and is still selling bottle to this day. Is it super amazing? I mean, nowadays, it is commonplace and isn’t all that exciting. It is pleasant, fresh, and very nostalgic. It still performs and has a scent that people have always enjoyed.

Nonetheless, I still like CK One, and enjoy revisiting this scent from time to time. There are a lot of fragrances from the 1990s, that aren’t around anymore, but this one keeps chugging along.

It’s for sure still worth checking out, if not just for nostalgic reasons. I will say, I’d want a discount versus paying full retail for it. That’s usually not too difficult to accomplish, but full price seems like a bit of a stretch nowadays.

FAQ: CK One by Calvin Klein

What does CK One smell like?

CK One smells fresh, clean, citrusy, lightly fruity, green, musky, and slightly soapy. It opens with lemon, bergamot, papaya, and pineapple, then dries down into green tea, jasmine, musk, cedar, and amber.

Is CK One for men or women?

CK One is a unisex fragrance. It balances citrus, fruit, green tea, florals, musk, and woods in a way that can work for both men and women.

How long does CK One last?

CK One lasts around 6-7 hours. It is stronger for the first 1-2 hours, then becomes much lighter.

Does CK One project well?

CK One has light to moderate projection. It is noticeable early on, but it is not a heavy or room-filling fragrance.

Is CK One still worth buying?

Yes, CK One is still worth buying if you want a clean, affordable, easy everyday fragrance. It is not very exciting now, but it remains pleasant, fresh, nostalgic, and versatile.

Is CK One good for summer?

Yes. CK One is especially good for spring and summer because of its citrus, tropical fruit, green tea, musk, and watery freshness.

Is CK One good for school or college?

Yes. CK One is a good school or college fragrance because it is youthful, casual, clean, and not too overpowering.

Is CK One a good everyday fragrance?

Yes. CK One works well as an everyday scent for casual use, errands, warm weather, and relaxed daytime wear.

Is CK One soapy?

CK One has a light soapy quality from the musk and floral notes. It is not overly soapy, but it does have that clean, just-out-of-the-shower feel.

Should I buy CK One at full price?

It is better to buy CK One at a discount. The scent is still good, but full retail feels like a stretch compared with the many affordable fresh fragrances available now.

8 Best Smelling Jean Paul Gaultier Colognes

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Jean Paul Gaultier fragrances have enjoyed massive commercial success for both its men’s and women’s line. While now, Le Male is almost ubiquitous in its usage, when it was released in 1995 it became popular because of its great scent, even if now it trades based on its reputation.

For this list, I have selected eight scents from Jean Paul Gaultier which I feel represent a best of their men’s cologne collection.

I have updated this page to take off a lot of discontinued colognes and add a host of new ones to the mix.

Quick Overview

Ultra Male is the top nightlife pick from the list. It is sweet, powerful, spicy, and built around pear, cinnamon, vanilla, mint, amber, and lavender. It is not the best daily-wear option, but it works extremely well for colder nights out.

Le Beau Paradise Garden is the best warm-weather pick here. It takes the Le Beau coconut style and turns it into a lighter tropical scent with coconut water, fig, and a green freshness. It is best for spring, summer, and beachy casual wear.

Le Male Le Parfum is the best option if you want a more mature take on the Le Male DNA. It has cardamom, iris, lavender, vanilla, and warm spice, while still keeping enough of the familiar JPG style.

Fragrance Best For Season Key Notes Performance Sillage
Ultra Male Nightlife star Colder months Vanilla, cinnamon, pear, amber, mint, lavender Great longevity Bold
Le Male All-around classic autumn, spring Orange blossom, mint, lavender, vanilla, cinnamon, woods Decent Moderate
Scandal Le Parfum Sweet aromatic wear autumn, winter Geranium, tonka bean, woods, creamy notes Really good Strong
Le Male Elixir Absolu Captivating elixir Autumn, winter Lavender, plum, tonka bean Strong Massive
Gaultier 2 Bold cold-weather scent Cold weather Musk, amber, vanilla Strong Bold/heavy
Le Beau Paradise Garden Bright tropical wear Spring / Summer Coconut water, fig, green notes Good Moderate
Le Beau Le Parfum Tropical mass appeal spring, summer Pineapple, coconut, ginger, woods, amber 9-10 hours Good
Le Male Le Parfum Most versatile Le Male autumn, winter, spring Cardamom, iris, lavender, vanilla, spice Very good Good

Favorite Gaultier Fragrances for Men

The Nightlife Star

Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male Eau de Toilette Intense 40ml Spray– This is the best choice in my opinion and the Gaultier fragrance that I keep a full bottle of for myself.

Ultra Male was introduced as another flanker fragrance to the original Le Male (listed below) and has surpassed its predecessor in terms of quality, smell, and performance.

I will say, this won’t be the best option for those who are looking for a daily wear. This isn’t an office scent, is limited to colder climates, and skews to a younger audience.

It’s sweet, powerful, and spicy with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, pear, amber, mint, lavender, among others. Ultra Male has great longevity and a bold sillage, that works well for the nightlife during the colder months of the year.

Pear, cinnamon, and mint are really strong early in the wear. The pear and cinnamon give it a distinct vibe from Le Male.

It’s got a candy-like presence while maintaining a masculine vibe throughout. Read my full review: Ultra Male Review

All Around Classic

Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier for Men – 4.2 Ounce EDT Spray– One of the most popular and widely used fragrances in the world. Le Male blends orange blossom, mint, lavender, and woods to create a fragrance that is sexy and wholly masculine.

The vanilla note is paired early on with the orange blossom, bergamot, cinnamon, mint, and lavender. The cinnamon and minty fresh spice aroma, is at its peak during this time.

The bergamot does give it a slight citrus note up top, to break things up a bit. Then, the cinnamon will begin to fade and it becomes a creamy/powdery kind of scent.

Things end with amber, vanilla, tonka bean, and woods enveloping the floral heart.

It’s been around for decades and is still going strong. This one is more vanilla and mint than Ultra Male and doesn’t have to same bold projection. However, Le Male is still a very nice option for an everyday scent, particularly for younger men. Le Male Full Review

le male jpg review

Something Else Scandalous 

Scandal Le Parfum by JPG– To give the list more representation outside of the other Le Male flankers and Le Beau, I’m going to update and change this one to Scandal Le Parfum.

I received a sample of this scent and I started to warm up to it more than Scandal EDT which I used to give an edge to. I sprayed it on clothing and kept getting whiffs of this scent throughout the day and it increased my opinion of it.

I have yet to try the Absolu version of Scandal, since I’d already bought three bottles of other fragrances from them in a short period of time. So, maybe that’s better?

Here, you get a nice use of geranium and tonka bean. It’s a greenish and sweet aromatic in the early stages. Quite attractive and you get a woodier and a creamier finish.

Performance here is really good, also. Strong with a far reaching projection and it sticks around for a long time.

A Captivating Elixir

Le Male Elixir Absolu- I am replacing the original Le Male Elixir on the list with the newer Elixir Absolu.

I wasn’t sure that this one would be anything different or worthwhile in comparison to Elixir. Also, Absolu kind of gets off to a slow start, as I still prefer the opening act of the original.

Here’s my YouTube video comparison.

However, that changes as it moves into the middle and latter stages of wear. Lavender, plum, and tonka bean highlight the mix and make it a much more pleasing and wearable fragrance versus the honeyed scent of Le Male Elixir.

Plus, the performance is the same for me.

If you already own Elixir, you don’t really need both. But, this is different enough to be distinct, while the changes they made are better. If I didn’t have a bottle of either, I’d go with Le Male Elixir Absolu.

The Bold JPG

Gaultier 2 By Jean Paul Gaultier For Men and Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 4 Ounces– Not as heralded as Le Male, however, Gaultier 2 is a winner. It brings together a triumvirate of notes including, musk, amber, and vanilla to create a sweet, warm, and memorable fragrance.

This is a unisex fragrance, that is also quite simple, and very appealing. Gaultier 2 is bold and heavy on the amber and vanilla, which generates a seductive cloud of inviting heat around the wearer.

It’s been discontinued, but you can still pick up a bottle on the secondary market. If you live in a warmer climate or if it’s summertime, this is one to avoid. However, it can be an absolute gem in the cold and crisp weather.

Note: The Dua Brand has their ‘inspired by’ version, called: Error 405.

Le Beau Favorite

Le Beau Paradise Garden– I bought a bottle of this and the newer flanker, Flower Edition, and Paradise Garden turns out to be my favorite scent of the Le Beau series.

It takes that well loved coconut note and makes it a coconut water that is paired with a sweet and greenish smelling fig note. It’s light and has a tropical air, really well built for the spring and summer months.

I get good performance for what this is. It’s a notch below Le Beau Le Parfum, in that department, but I think that how it smells makes up for it.

Might not be for everyone, especially if you don’t want a bright, beachy, and tropical fragrance. But, this is one that will get some use when it gets hot out. Paradise Garden Review

The Other Le Beau

Le Beau Le Parfum– I actually think that I personally prefer Le Beau Flower Edition to this one. But, I think that has less appeal for a general audience and may only be a special edition release.

Le Beau Le Parfum is a bit better than the EDT, has the best performance of the line, and has a greater mass appeal.

Pineapple, coconut, and ginger start things off. This has a freshness on top of that sweet and tropical fruit aroma. It will end up with a woodier and amber finish. More substantial than the original Le Beau.

I get 9-10 hours of wear out of this one. Again, it’s not my own most liked scent from Gaultier, but it deserves a spot on this list, as of now. Le Beau Le Parfum review

Most Versatile Le Male

Le Male Le Parfum– The most popular iteration of the Le Male series and it’s a really good one.

A nice amount of cardamom and soft powder from the iris note. Very nice with the appealing DNA of the original Le Male, especially coming from the lavender in the beginning.

I originally had a mini bottle and wasn’t impressed. Turned out to be a crummy batch. I received a travel sprayer of this and liked it more. Still not my personal favorite, but I get what people like about Le Parfum.

However, it also gives you hints of Ultra Male, without the same powerful sillage (though, performance is still very good). Very warm with spicy punches throughout and wrapped up in that familiar JPG vanilla note.

It’s a more mature fragrance than either of the others. Not super high-end and formal, but it does give a nice update to the classic formula.

Le Parfum is another solid entry from this line and I prefer it versus something like In the Navy, in comparison. This is one if you want something beyond Le Male, but not the same level as Ultra Male. Le Male Le Parfum Review

gaultier le male

FAQ: Best Jean Paul Gaultier Colognes

What is the best Jean Paul Gaultier cologne for men?

Ultra Male is my personal top pick. It has great longevity, bold sillage, and a sweet spicy profile that works especially well for nightlife and colder weather. Le Male Le Parfum is better as a daily wear, though.

Which Jean Paul Gaultier cologne lasts the longest?

Le Beau Le Parfum is one of the strongest performers on the list, with around 9-10 hours of wear. Ultra Male and Le Male Le Parfum also perform very well.

Which Jean Paul Gaultier cologne is best for summer?

Le Beau Paradise Garden is the best summer choice. It has a bright tropical style with coconut water, fig, and a green freshness.

Which Jean Paul Gaultier cologne is best for winter?

Ultra Male is one of the best winter picks. Gaultier 2 is also a strong cold-weather option because of its heavy amber, vanilla, and musk profile. But, you’d have to buy it from a secondary market. Le Male Elixir Absolu or Ultra Male, currently.

Is Le Male still worth buying?

Yes, Le Male is still worth buying if you want the classic JPG style. It has mint, lavender, vanilla, cinnamon, amber, tonka, and woods, though it is not as bold as Ultra Male. Le Male Le Parfum is better nowadays, however.

Is Ultra Male better than Le Male?

Ultra Male is better if you want stronger performance, more sweetness, and a better nightlife scent. Le Male is better if you want the classic, more everyday-friendly version. But, yes, I do consider it to be a better cologne.

Which Jean Paul Gaultier fragrance is most versatile?

Le Male Le Parfum is the most versatile Le Male option on the list. It is warm, spicy, slightly powdery, and more mature than Ultra Male.

Which Jean Paul Gaultier cologne has the best performance?

Ultra Male, Le Beau Le Parfum, Scandal Le Parfum, and Le Male Le Parfum are among the best performers on the list.