By Designer

Dior Homme vs. Homme Sport (New Editions)

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Dior Homme is a long running line from the designer, with all of the accompanying flanker fragrances. However, the brand also revamps the scents every so often, and also completely changes them…as they did in 2020. So, it’s time for a new comparison post between the latest iterations of Dior Homme vs Dior Homme Sport. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Dior Homme vs. Sport

Dior Homme (2020)

Notes include: bergamot, elemi, pink pepper, Haitian vetiver, Atlas cedar, musk, patchouli, cashmere, Iso E Super

Click here to try: Dior Homme at Macy’s

My Full Review: Dior Homme (2020)

Dior Homme Sport (2021)

Notes include: bergamot, aldehydes, lemon, elemi, pink pepper, wood, amber, olibanum

My Full Review: Dior Homme Sport

Opening

Dior EDT kicks off with a use of bergamot. The citrus is actually pretty toned down, even in comparison to Sport. It’s a cold and fresh start, with vetiver, pink pepper, and patchouli. It’s almost minty in how it comes across, at times.

Also, some slight resin from the elemi note. Dior Homme is a bit spicy, not overly so, and it will have more of a sweet woodsy quality as we roll along.

With Sport, you get a greater use of citrus. The lemon, bergamot, and orange notes really come through. The pink pepper note is the same here as in Dior Homme.

Elemi, olibanum, and the aldehydes are what really separate these two scents from one another. Less pronounced early on, but Sport has more of that resinous aroma, a bit smoky, but actually smells waxy to me.

The aldehydes give Sport a fresh laundered clothing sort of aroma.

Which is better? It’s tough, as I like the first part of Sport when it has its citrus out. Though, as that fades quickly, so does my enjoyment.

The entirety of the beginning? I think I’ll go with Dior Homme. Less citrus, but the overall woody fresh blend is great.

Edge: Dior Homme

Projection

I came into testing both of these with the expectation that Dior Homme would have the better performance. Actually, it turns out that they’re both pretty equal. I don’t really notice a difference between them.

The sillage of each is pretty moderate, but has some sneaky power. You might not notice the notes all of the time, and then, it’ll hit you hours into the wear. Neither is a beast, but quite solid.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Again, the longevity was about the same for each. I get between 6.5-8 hours of wear, on my skin with both Dior Homme and Sport.

It was a pleasant surprise that Sport had this sort of comparable staying power to its predecessor. However, it doesn’t surpass it.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are extremely versatile in their uses. They can pretty much fit in year round, even if I’d stay away from the far ends of the hot and cold spectrum. Both are great as daily wears, inoffensive, and have a certain mass appeal.

Though, I do think that Dior Homme EDT has the upper hand here. I’d say that it can more easily be a nightlife scent, even if that’s not its specialty. It’s much more fresh and dynamic, versus the clean persona of Sport.

So, it’s not a huge difference, but Homme has the slight edge.

Edge: Homme

Overall Scent

Overall, this competition really isn’t as close as it would seem, at least to me. Being that the old Dior Homme 2011 was my daily wear for a long time, I was skeptical of the entirely new direction Dior took with the line.

Though, I turned out to be pleasantly surprised with Dior Homme 2020. No, it’s not as good, but I do like it and think that it’s a solid pick up.

Dior Homme EDT has a very nice use of the vetiver and cedar notes. It’s fresh, earthy, spicy, and even sweet. Very well balanced and reminds me of being somewhat like the old Guerlain Homme, that I used to have a bottle of.

Meanwhile, I like the opening 20-30 minutes of Sport. After that? It’s my least favorite of the Dior Homme line, even the old 2017 version which previously held that distinction.

It’s not a off-putting smell. It’s just not exciting at all and I don’t particularly enjoy wearing it. The resin turns waxy, the aldehydes are just okay, and it has a lemony wood finish that doesn’t compare to Dior Homme.

If you do like the smell, the performance is there. There is also some overlap with EDT, just the distinctions definitely don’t improve the formula.

Winner: Dior Homme EDT

Noir Extreme Parfum by Tom Ford

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Noir Extreme is one of my personal favorite fragrances to wear. So, when I saw that the Parfum version was being released in 2022, I had to order a bottle for myself upon release. I was excited for a bolder and spicier remix of the original. Does it deliver? How long does it last? Is it actually worth a buy?

What does Noir Extreme Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: Shimoga ginger, cardamom, amber, tonka bean, guaiac wood, leather

Click here to try: Noir Extreme Parfum at Sephora

noir extreme parfum review

My Full Review

Here’s how Tom Ford describes it: A bold intensification of the original scent, Noir Extreme Parfum merges amber, spices, and woods, evoking the private, daring aspects of the Noir man.

Note: As of now, these are my initial thoughts of Extreme Parfum. Since it’s brand new, I’m going to be updating the page over the next week(s), as I get more time spent wearing it.

The opening of Noir Extreme Parfum has a lot going on. You get the same light citrus and neroli notes, as the original. What I do notice, is that the floral accord in this one does not have the same strength.

Those white floral notes do not play a major role in Parfum. Not that they’re massive in the original, but they are always present in that one. However, the citrus notes do have more of a role, adding a sparkling quality to the spice, and are playing off that initial ginger.

One of the main changes here, comes with the spices. The ginger note replaces the nutmeg of the original Extreme and is paired with that same cardamom note. The opening sprays are spicier, warmer, less sweet, and smoky.

The guaiac wood is also a new addition, hello smokiness. This a very rough, dry, and somewhat animalic version of the note, not a sweeter one. It’s funny that this base note, is so noticeable in the opening, but really tones down as it dries down.

So, the kulfi note is still present with the vanilla note. The vanilla is weaker in Parfum, splitting its strength with a tonka bean. This actually gives that kulfi accord a bit of a boost within the composition. A very similar effect overall, just slightly different.

The kulfi is sweet, creamy, with a pistachio finish.

Once the spices and guaiac wood has settled down, the leather note really comes out fully. That’s the biggest change with Parfum. Smooth, yes, but the smokiness and warmth doesn’t allow it to pop in the same way it does in something like Ombre Leather.

The final dry down is a leathery and spicier/warmer version of the original. It’s really a split between the remaining kulfi/tonka/vanilla notes and the leather. The amber note is noticeably weaker in the Parfum version’s dry down.

As a single note, the leather has the greatest weighting at this point.

noir extreme parfum

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The performance on the whole, is roughly the same as Extreme EDP. However, I don’t think that Parfum has the same sillage and projection as that one.

Not a huge difference, but it is a slight step back. You get that initial power from the ginger and cardamom, then, it settles into that same kind of moderate projection. Not a huge deal, but I thought that this would be a beast mode with the higher concentration.

Coming back to it again and again. It really doesn’t seem to be stronger than the original for me. I’ve tested on shirts to see how far away I can detect it and there’s almost no difference, other than EDP feels a bit more powerful.

With the EDP, I get 6-8 hours of wear from it usually. Though, with the way that I spray (heavy), it hits that 8 hour mark more often.

Parfum seems to be able to go up to 9 hours, during this initial testing. It’s a slight step back in terms of its strength, but its staying power is also slightly better on me. Again, about the same overall, but this is what I’ve gathered about it thus far.

Seasonally, Parfum is still a colder weather fragrance. It’s summer now, so, I’ve had to test it out in the air conditioning. Not ideal, but it’s fine in the temperate climate. In the heat, it gets messy like the original.

I can’t wait to give it a go in autumn and winter. That leather addition should be great.

Noir Extreme often felt like more of a unisex wear than being strictly something men would want to wear, since it’s based off the original Noir. This one, falls more so in the masculine camp, still wearable by anyone just heading toward one side of the spectrum.

Overall Impressions of Noir Extreme Parfum

Overall, do I like Noir Extreme Parfum? Yes, I do. Is it better than Noir Extreme? First impressions…not really.

These Tom Ford fragrances are really similar to each other, just with the differences that I mentioned above. I am a massive fan of the original, it’s one of my favorites ever, and it’s going to be tough to top.

I like the changes here, but there’s nothing about it that truly surpasses Extreme EDP.

Now, that’s my first impression. In a week or two, it might have flipped completely. As of this moment, Extreme Parfum is a few points below its predecessor.

Update: Parfum has grown on me more. It’s almost a tie at this point between these two fragrances for me. I will often spray both of them on at the same time. Like, two sprays of EDP for every spray of Parfum. Still, I think I still enjoy EDP more, personally.

That being said, you may prefer the added spice, smoke, and dirtiness that Parfum brings to the table. Though, if you also already have a bottle of Extreme EDP, the differences may not be enough to justify a bottle of this.

I’ve seen some people say already that these smell exactly the same. They don’t. There are distinct differences, but this also isn’t a complete re-imagining of the formula. Just expect less of that amber and white floral notes, also.

Is it worth a buy? Yes, it’s a great fragrance. If you already own one, you don’t ‘need’ the other. If you’re undecided, I might wait to be able to test this one and see if you dig the new changes versus the EDP version.

Ombre Leather Parfum by Tom Ford

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Ombre Leather Eau de Parfum is one of my favorite entries from the Tom Ford line. When the brand released a 2021 Parfum version, I was really intrigued at giving it a try. Well, I’ve been testing it out and am now ready to post my review to the site. How does it smell? Is it as good?

What does Ombre Leather Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: leather, violet leaf, jasmine, orris, cedar, tobacco

Click here to try: Ombre Leather Parfum

My Full Review

Here’s how Tom Ford describes it: OMBRÉ LEATHER PARFUM INTENSIFIES THE ORIGINAL SCENT, FUSING HEATED LEATHER FLORALS WITH WOODS–CAPTURING THE UNBRIDLED SENSUALITY OF THE AMERICAN WEST.

Well, I don’t think there’s anything any more intense about Parfum versus the EDP. Actually, that one starts and finishes with a heavier boldness.

Parfum isn’t as warm and doesn’t have that cardamom spice up top. Instead, we get a lighter and cooler aroma at first versus EDP.

The violet leaf note really sets the tone. Watery to an extent, with its greenish floral aroma, giving the leather a cleaner feeling than the somewhat earthy example of the EDP.

Cedar, jasmine, and the orris note also come into the picture. The jasmine note won’t be as prominent as in the original, but it still does a lot next to the more dominant violet leaf.

Yes, the orris note is present. It gives Parfum whiffs of a light powdery smell, but really not too heavy.

This is fresher and never has that same dryness. Cedar bolsters the base and a general woodiness just sits underneath the leather and violet leaf.

Tobacco is a newer addition to this. Again, another light note that adds some sweetness and an overall smoother experience.

In the end, it does become dominated by the leather. If EDP was an older, beat up type of leather, this is a brand new jacket.

Leather, the violet leaf/jasmine combo, and woods. That’s the dry down, on me.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

With the longevity here, I still get the same 9-11 hours total on skin, like the EDP. But, whereas that gives me 6-8 hours of strong wear before become a skin scent. Parfum will go 5-6 and then be much softer.

The performance is by no means bad, but on my skin it is actually a slight step back from the original.

Seasonally, Ombre Leather Parfum is still mostly in the autumn and winter camp. Though, it has much more of an ability to be a late springtime wear versus the original. It’s lighter style is beneficial in that environment, holding up better in the heat.

Also, while both are unisex fragrances. Parfum is much more universal in its wear-ability. The original can be earthier and more animalic. With the violet leaf here, plus the lack of intensity from the cardamom and patchouli notes of the original.

This is an attractive scent. Good for nightlife. But, just know that not everyone appreciates the smell of leather, so it isn’t going to be universally beloved.

Overall Impressions of Ombre Leather Parfum

Overall, do I like Ombre Leather Parfum? I do. It shares plenty of overlap with the original, but takes things in a bit of a different direction.

I was worried about the leather and violet leaf before trying this. It could’ve veered more into the Fahrenheit by Dior direction, which isn’t a bad scent, but not one of my favorites.

This is a cleaner representation of the leather, actually can be a bit suede like. There is some tobacco and orris which gives it a smoother finish. Not all that powdery, but there is just a hint at times.

The jasmine that I loved in the EDP is also still here. Now, it splits weight with the violet leaf, which is just isn’t as good as the original.

Ombre Leather Parfum is a lighter version of this fragrance and probably will have a greater appeal in that regard.

Personally, I don’t like the smell of this one as much as the EDP. It’s still up there, just a notch below the eau de parfum.

Performance is also very good. So, which Ombre Leather you should go with is going to boil down to your personal taste, and not anything glaringly wrong with either. Softer, semi-aquatic suede? Or heavier earthier leather?

The One for Men EDP by D&G

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The One from Dolce & Gabbana is a scent that I’ve loved the smell of for the longest time, but hated the performance. The eau de parfum version is one that I’ve encountered too, but never grabbed a full bottle of.

Well, I’ve been revisiting the entire series this year, and finally got my full bottle of The One EDP. How does it smell? Does it last any longer? Is it actually worth a try?

What does The One for Men Eau de Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: grapefruit, basil, coriander, amber, tobacco, ginger, cardamom, orange blossom, and cedar

Click here to try: The One EDP

the one edp review

My Full Review

Here’s how D&G describes it: The One for Men Eau de Parfum is part of the iconic world of The One, offering a deeper fragrance experience for the perfume connoisseur. Masculine and magnetic, this highly intense scent is a statement of charisma and sophistication.

Ah, so a lot of this is going to be a rehash of my EDT review, as these two smell extremely similar to one another as expected.

But. there are some slight differences in the early stages, as terms of how it smells.

The grapefruit note here has more of a role to play. It starts out with a stronger burst to my nose than it does in the EDT.

The spices are about the same, with the coriander being stronger than that basil. But, I think a larger part of that grapefruit-like smell comes from a bit more of the cardamom, which can have a citrusy smell.

But, beyond just that grapefruit, the amber and the tobacco come across as more powerful in this blend. It’s deeper and richer.

Again, this is mostly the same, but I do favor the slight EDP alterations a bit more.

As far as the spices, the ginger and basil are still short-lived. With the coriander and cardamom, being bigger players on my skin.

The initial fresh spiciness will begin to pass. The One becomes smoother, warmer, and smokier.

The spices also become more of a combination versus anything distinct in how they present. At this point, it’s a amber and tobacco show with a noticeable cedar, and hints of: spices, smokiness, orange blossom, and a very light citrus.

The final dry down is basically a faint amber and tobacco. Those are the last two standing and part of the reason that this can come across as not being a super powerful cologne.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, it’s still a lighter moderate cologne at its peak. Then, it will stick close to the skin and create a 1-2 foot scent bubble.

However, when you beef up the sprays this one can absolutely create a trail for a few hours and project very well off of the skin or clothing. Somewhere in the 5-8 foot range. With the way that I spray it, described below.

The longevity with The One EDP is much better than EDT. This is a fragrance that you’ll have to spray more of versus most others, to get performance. The EDT wasn’t capable of that, but the EDP is.

So, with normal sprays, it lasts on my skin for about 4-5 hours. Not as terrible. Not great.

If I go with heavy spraying, it can go to 6+ hours, with 2-3.5 hours of good sillage. Not much beyond six hours, but some. The rest will stay closer to the skin, but it doesn’t just drop off in the same way the EDT does. Skin scent for the last 2-3 hours.

What’s heavy spraying? Like, 3-4 sprays to each side of the neck. With some more sprays elsewhere, depending on what I’m wearing. Generally, hitting that 10-15 spray range in total.

It might not be something that you can do in every situation that you want to wear a fragrance, but it can be done. Plus, this scent has gotten affordable enough that you can use more without breaking the bank.

Seasonally, still the same with the autumn and winter being the main use case. But, I will still break it out in spring and summer, if it isn’t too hot and humid. Or, if I know that I’m going to be indoors for the night.

A nightlife machine, that is sexy and confident.  You can wear it in a variety of situations, appropriate for a wide array of ages, but may not want to go completely formal with it.

Romantic wear, nightlife, casual, and semi-formal.

Overall Impressions of The One EDP

Overall, do I like The One Eau de Parfum? Yes, I love it. It’s nearly identical to the original EDT, just with better performance. Some slight changes and depth to it.

But, I loved The One EDT and the way that it smelled, so this one is a must have in my collection. Coming back to it in 2022, really recaptured my admiration for this fragrance.

It is the best of The One collection, on the whole. I also like Luminous Night, but EDP is superior to that, as well.

This is one of the mass appealing designer scents that simply knocks it out of the park. Very easy to wear, versatile, and something that consistently grabs attention…even if it is extremely popular.

The performance is improved to where 6-8+ hours is possible to achieve with more sprays. Really, I got mine 100ml (3.3 ounce) bottle for around $70 and you could probably get a 5 oz for around the same price on sale. Maybe, $80-90.

So, that’s affordable enough to use this one with more sprays than it otherwise might take with other colognes. But, the smell is worth it. The EDT no longer is, but Eau de Parfum absolutely is.

The One EDP can be a bedrock fragrance for a lot of guys who don’t want or need a huge collection. Maybe grab another cologne for the summer or one for daytime use, and you’d be set.

Bvlgari Man Wood Essence

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Bvlgari Man has had some great entries over the years. More recently, the brand has released its Essence series of fragrances. I’ve gotten samples of each of them, have been testing them out, and am ready to share my impressions of them in review. Today, I am going to cover Wood Essence. How it smells. When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does Bvlgari Man Wood Essence Smell Like?

Notes include: coriander, Italian citrus zests, cypress, vetiver, benzoin, cedar, ambergris

Click here to try: Bvlgari Man Wood Essence

wood essence review

My Full Review

Here’s how Bvlgari describes it: With Bvlgari Man Wood Essence, Bvlgari honors the universal nature of wood. The fragrance is composed of vital materials and ingredients that reconnect the urban man to nature, pulsating with the energizing power of its wood elements. Formulated with revitalizing Italian citrus accords and woody resins of Cypress and Vetiver gathered from the Mediterranean landscape it represents.

Wood Essence starts out being quite interesting to my nose. The citrus is there, yes, more of a zest than anything super heavy and juicy. But, it smells sweeter than the usual lemon fare. More like a cool summer drink.

But, that citrus doesn’t have its own moment to shine. The coriander, cypress, and resinous benzoin are present quite a lot early on.

The coriander has an initial spicy period for about 15 minutes or so (with benzoin). This is balanced out by the freshness of the wood notes. Cypress and cedar, with the former having a much heavier weighting. And indeed, the cypress is the star of the show.

The coriander leaves pretty much after its initial run. The citrus has a bit of a longer stay, but not much influence thereafter. Just a sweet impression keeping things from being ‘too woody’.

Wood Essence is very much about those wood notes. Wood with warm and resinous amber, dry and fresh vetiver playing a minor support role.

Greenish, fresh, with sweet and resinous highlights. That’s about what I get from Wood Essence.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this is a moderate wear, towards the lighter side of things. For the first hour or two, you should get a nice trail going with a normal amount of sprays.

It projects in the 5-7 foot range, at its peak. Thereafter, it will be more intimate, but not a complete skin scent. More of a two foot or so scent bubble.

The longevity is fine. It usually sticks around for 6-7 hours, on my skin. Nothing beyond that for me. Blvgari Man Wood Essence isn’t going to blow the doors off with its performance. Just be good enough for most occasions.

Seasonally, I like this more in the moderate temperatures of spring and autumn. It wouldn’t be bad in a bit hotter temperatures or even when it’s chilly out. I’d just stay away from the extreme heat and cold.

This is a very versatile cologne. Not just in terms of seasons. The sweetness here, makes it one that’s an easy wear for pretty much all age groups. It also gives it an attractiveness and pleasant aroma that should gather complements.

The balance allows it to be worn day or night. Casually or in more formal situations. Wood Essence is a scent that should get plenty of use, if the way it smells is something you find yourself craving.

Overall Impressions of Wood Essence

Overall, do I like this fragrance? I like it somewhat. It’s solid overall, just not amazing. I enjoy that opening act, because it does have a fairly unique aroma versus many other colognes on the market today.

It’s a smooth and calming cologne. Wearing it outside, when it isn’t too hot, is where I got the best experience with Bvlgari Man Wood Essence. Catching whiffs of it with a light breeze going, was very pleasant.

It’s a balanced woody cologne. The cypress is the leader, but there is plenty of cedar and vetiver coming through in the mix,, as well.

The performance is decent. There’s a good amount of projection, but not overwhelming. Attractive and versatile.

Wood Essence does everything well, but nothing exceedingly great. I like that brightness and resinous support to the wood notes. It’s all very wearable.

Wood Essence is worth a try, especially if you can get a cheaper bottle. But, not something that is a must have for most guys.