By Designer

Kouros Body by Yves Saint Laurent

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I first posted this review of Kouros Body back in 2014 or so. But, this was one of my go to wear’s in the previous decade also. I love this fragrance. So, I had to do an update for the site. It doesn’t quite fit comfortably in a category, the notes are unusual on their own, and quite weird when placed together.

However, it was always great, and an absolute joy for me to wear. I’m going to cover: how this Yves Saint Laurent cologne smells, what’s in it, how it performs, and when it should be worn.

What does Kouros Body Smell Like?

KO14M

Body Kouros Notes: Incense, eucalyptus, benzoin, cedar, sage

Click here to try: Kouros Body by Yves Saint Laurent for Men – 3.4 oz EDT Spray

I would describe the scent of Kouros Body as sweet with a spice. Not sweet like a fruity scent would be,  but rather a bit like candy. The spice is subtle, more of an undertone, but gives Kouros Body a certain character and warmth. This cologne is highly distinctive and memorable.

On nights I’ve worn it out to a bar, it always seems to have women inching closer before they ask, “What are you wearing that smells so good?”

The scent profile is rather unique, as I’ve never come across anything else like it, and it doesn’t share any real connection with the original Kouros from YSL.

I mean, when the strongest note is benzoin, and you have a smokey incense note throughout the wear…you’re going to be a different type of cologne.

Anyway, Body is pretty warm and enveloping, with a medicinal touch from the inclusion of eucalyptus. I find it to be smooth and soothing.

The benzoin and eucalyptus are paired at the top of this cologne, along with the spicy sage note. It’s not a heavy spice, by any means, just a part of the warm cloud everything is wrapped up in.

As it dries down, Body Kouros, feels quite herbal and sweet but with less of the eucalyptus and more of a cedar coming through. The composition is so simple, but manages to have such a great smell on my skin.

In the end I get, lots of benzoin with burning incense, and sage and eucalyptus flanking that. Very fresh.

I have to admit that Kouros Body is one of my personal favorite colognes and one that I like to have on hand. It doesn’t have the same attention grabbing qualities as other scents. Body is to me, like a slower and more methodical seduction, almost hypnotic in its draw.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, this one was always pretty moderate on my skin. Body Kouros isn’t a heavy fragrance and the sillage is going to hang pretty close to you, after about an hour of wear or so.

But, it’s not a total skin scent. Just one that is lighter and not a powerhouse.

The older bottle that I had would give me about 6-7 hours of wear, sometimes better on colder days. I’m not sure what the newer bottles are putting out, but it was always solid.

One draw back for me is that it doesn’t perform as well during the summertime. Especially, if you live in an area of high humidity like I do. No, Kouros Body begs to be worn during chilly days or evenings when it’s warmth can fully emanate outwards.

Stick to wearing it in the autumn through early spring and you should get Body at its best.

This was definitely one of my go to scents during the winter time, in the 2009-2013 era, of my life. I could wear this out for a night at the bar, somewhat dressed up, with an overcoat.

It wasn’t clearing out the room, like 1 Million would, during that time period. However, when women got close to me, a whole lot of them were digging this YSL gem.

It’s got a good age range on it too. It’s not irreverent and young, nor does it smell stuffy and old. Men in their early 20s and older gentlemen, can spray this one on without issue or feeling out of place.

Overall Impressions of Kouros Body

Kouros Body will always have a soft spot for me, after being a great wear for such a long stretch. I should get a new bottle at some point, but I have so many reviews and tests to do for this site, it gets difficult to not have sparsely used bottles laying around.

However, I can recommend this scent, but it’s not going to be one that everybody enjoys wearing. Body is its own thing completely, and kind of a time capsule cologne, that represents the turn of the new century when not every fragrance felt like a clone of another.

Eucalyptus and benzoin are actually a great combination. It’s resinous and herbal, while being smooth and fresh. It’s an easy to wear fragrance, even with its more unique style, and women have seemed to compliment it quite often over the years.

Then, you have the warmth, sweetness, and smokiness from incense. It’s not really anything like the original Kouros, but does its own thing, and does it well.

Again, I’m not sure if the newer bottles got reformulated or not, but it’s one to try out. But, understand that it might not be a favorite for everyone.

Polo Blue EDT vs EDP Cologne Comparison

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Given my recent wear and review of Polo Blue EDP, I thought that I should do a comparison between that fragrance and the original Polo Blue EDT. While there is plenty of overlap between these two Ralph Lauren scents, the EDP does have a slightly different profile which gives it a distinction versus the Eau de Toilette. Which one smells better? Performs better? Is worth a purchase? Continue below for my thoughts.

Polo Blue EDT vs EDP: Which is Better?

Polo Blue Tale of the Tape

Notes include: amber, melon, patchouli, geranium, cucumber, tangerine, moss, musk

Click here to try: Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren for Men, Eau De Toilette Natural Spray, 4.2 Ounce

Read my original review: Polo Blue Review

Polo Blue EDP Tale of the Tape

Notes include: suede, bergamot, cardamom, basil, sea notes, sage, vetiver, woods

Click here to try: R.L. Polo Blue 4.2 oz / 125 ml Eau De Parfum EDP for Men

Read my original review: Polo Blue EDP Review

polo blue edp

Opening

The original Polo Blue EDT is a fresh and crisp experience highlighted by the cucumber and melon notes. To me, that cologne always felt pretty bland, especially in the beginning of the wear.

You get those watery and crisp fruits with some light citrus. Then, the sage and basil ingredients, are seriously toned down when compared to the eau de parfum. I will say, it is fresh and I’ve grown to like it a bit more than I previously had, especially that hint of smooth suede.

Meanwhile, the EDP version strikes me as a blend of the EDT and Acqua Di Gio Profumo. The bergamot note leads off and gives it a citrus aroma to go along with the spice.

Eau de Parfum has much more character than the original and even if I’m not blown away by either, I prefer the EDP. It feels a little bit darker, more intense, and just more substantial.

Again, I’ve like Blue EDT more recently, than I had in the past. But, I’ll still go with the EDP for this category.

Edge: EDP

Projection

Both are moderate in how well they project. However, I will say that the EDP is a bit stronger than the original, but not by much. Still, I do notice a difference between them.

None of the scents from the Polo Blue lineup are powerhouses, with their sillage, and overall ability to project themselves in a room.

Edge: EDP

Longevity

Either one of these lasts in the 7-8 hour range usually. The EDP might have a slight advantage due to the strength of the bergamot note, but it’s basically even.

The line of Blue fragrances from Polo have all been pretty darn good on my skin. The Red’s have been more all over the map, but these seem to be pretty consistent across the board.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Both are casual and warmer weather scents. I actually think that the EDP has fit in quite well during these winter months, so I’ll give it the edge. Again, it’s not a huge difference.

Both colognes can be worn on a daily basis, but I think they feel more casual, than being office scents. You can wear them out, but they aren’t club bangers.

Edge: EDP

Overall

I think that the EDP is an improvement on the original. The initial similarities with Acqua Di Gio Profumo is a nice addition, as is the later enhanced suede and sea notes, that make the Eau de Parfum feel much more defined.

The original Polo Blue was a decent smelling and performing fragrance, I just found it pretty boring. The EDP on the other hand, has gained some points in its favor, and I actually quite like it.

Plus, I have found that I can usually buy a cheap bottle of Eternity Aqua, which is a near clone of the EDT version and get the same experience for less.

It’s still not my favorite scent but I have found myself wearing the sample a lot over the past few weeks and think that it’s a good buy for those who like citrus/aquatic/woodsy parfums.

Update: I would also put forward, the new release, Polo Deep Blue. It settles into something like a midpoint between the EDT and EDP, but with an interesting opening act of mango and marine notes.

Ranking the Blue releases, I’d have Deep Blue at number one. EDP at number 2. Gold Blend at 3. I have a bottle of Gold Blend, that I got for cheap, and I’d put it a notch below the other two.

Update 2: Both of those fragrances are discontinued. Gold Blend got annoying after some time. I’d still go with Blue eau de parfum as of 2025 versus EDT and the newer Parfum.

gold blend review

Winner: Polo Blue EDP

Polo Red EDT by Ralph Lauren

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Ralph Lauren has become synonymous with American style. The companies’ designs are clean, classic, and often times colorful. Beyond the world of clothing, Ralph Lauren Polo enjoys also enjoys great success in the fragrance realm. For decades now, the firm has put out colognes and perfumes that perform and smell great.

Polo Red has been one that they’ve relied on for the past decade or so, spawning a ton of flanker scents, which have become somewhat popular in their own right. But, how does it smell? Perform? Is it worth a try?

What does Polo Red Smell Like?

polo red

Notes include: grapefruit, italian lemon, cranberry, saffron, sage, coffee beans, and amber

Click here to try: POLO RED by Ralph Lauren, 4.2 Fl Oz

My Full Take on Polo Red

Sweet, warm, with spice is how I would describe this fragrance in short. This is not a girly type of sweetness like candy or something, rather, the citrus notes produce an alluring scent rooted in the masculine.

I think that there is a certain energy that comes with smelling Polo Red, sort of a refreshing blast that transitions into a moderate fragrance enveloped in a warm glow. It is a seductive cologne which maintains a classy air, subtle yet one which the ladies are sure to enjoy.

It opens with a mix of citrus and cranberry. This pairing is quite sharp and very sweet from the jump. The citrus contingent is led by Italian lemon with some added grapefruit. It opens up with a super bright disposition and of course that tart cranberry note.

Cranberry is the main attraction here, so, keep that in mind if you’re thinking about giving Polo Red a try…you have to like that note to enjoy.

Underneath those three fruity notes, is amber, which provides that warm cloud wrapping around the sweetness.

A few minutes after the sharp/tart opening, the edge is taken off by the amber and the sweetness then takes on a slight bubble gum aroma. Not too overt or anything, but it is the sort of vibe that I pick up on.

The Italian lemon note, I think, adds a different kind of feeling from many other colognes on the market. Versace Eros, also has Italian lemon as one of its notes and the two are somewhat similar, though Eros has a much heavier projection and woodsy feel to it.

There is a coffee bean note listed here, but I’ve never gotten that smell. Polo Red Extreme has the coffee note ramped up, but in the original, it is absent for me.

Saffron and sage are present, particularly the former, which brings some depth of character and a bit of spice. Finally, there is a bit of random wood note in the base. Not much.

So, most of what you’re getting with Polo Red is: tart cranberry, citrus, warm sweetness, with some light spice and wood. Lots of cranberry and lemon, sitting on a sea of amber. It really does evoke a sense of ‘red’.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Polo Red starts off somewhat intensely for me, before it settles down quite a bit into a subtle and moderate fragrance. Some people report that the longevity is a problem but I find it to be so-so in that regard.

Some days, it feels like it lasts quite adequately while other times it gives out too quickly. I’ve tried out doubling up on how much I apply and this works well to boost the longevity.

I’ve gotten anywhere from 4-7 hours, with this cologne over the years. It is kind of strange, its varied outcomes, but it’s usually in line with the other Ralph Lauren colognes.

You don’t need to go overboard but a little more wouldn’t hurt. I currently have a splash mini bottle and I have to go fairly heavy. So, initially Polo Red is radiating from my skin, and then settles down. This definitely isn’t a heavy scent but it does provide a warm cloud of fragrance.

I like this one for the springtime, mostly, although it wouldn’t feel completely out of place during other months of the year. It’s better in colder temperatures, than high humidity, and heat.

Polo Red is a very nice choice for an everyday casual wear and it can be versatile enough for other occasions. It isn’t going to be a formal fragrance, though. Probably not one, you’d want to wear in a more serious office environment.

It’s sweet fruity aroma, will skew more towards the younger set. If I were want a Polo Red fragrance as an older guy, I’d be picking up Extreme.

Overall Impressions of Polo Red

Is Polo Red a good cologne? Yes. I really like this fragrance and it seems that others do as well. It can be somewhat pricey and as such I think it should have better longevity. However, if one grabs a small 0.5 oz bottle for cheap, it would be worth it to wear now and again.

They did just release Polo Red Intense which amps up the qualities of this fragrance but I have yet to try it (Update here is my comparison: Red vs. Intense). Good stuff, but it might be worth getting the Intense version instead now.

Newer Update: I liked this stuff more years ago. It was one of the earlier one’s I enjoyed, when I first started the site in 2013. As of now, I’m not all that high on it. I still do like aspects of Red.

For instance, the cranberry tartness is still pretty unique, paired with that amber glow. Still, I’d pick Polo Red Extreme over this. Depending on my feeling that day on Intense, the original Polo Red EDT, ranks either second or the more usual third out of this series.

It’s fun and fairly attractive. Not the most versatile wear, in terms of age range and occasion, but you can still get good use out of it.

YSL Opium Pour Homme EDT

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One of the first colognes that I ever bought for myself was Opium Pour Homme eau de toilette by Yves Saint Laurent. I remember that I had read positive reviews on the fragrance, but I think what swung me to buying it, was the name. Yes, as stupid as that sounds I simply liked the name, Opium.

It made the cologne sound exotic and addictive to me, which were two qualities that I thought would work well in a fragrance. Opium was introduced by YSL in 1995. In this post, I want to cover how it smells, what the notes are, how long it lasts, and whether or not it is worth a try.

What does Opium Pour Homme Smell Like?

opium

Notes in Opium Pour Homme: Vanilla, ginger, pepper, cedar, black currant, star anise, and balsam

Click here to try: Opium for Men Eau De Toilette by Yves Saint Laurent 3.4 oz

Full Review of Opium EDT

Note: I am reviewing a bottle that I bought in the mid-2000s, on this page and updating it. I did recently purchase one of the last batches that was produced. I don’t recommend getting one of these newer bottles, as it just feels weak and watered down. Unfortunately, it is absolutely gutted in comparison to its vintage formula and not very good.

Opium Pour Homme EDT opens up with a blast of warm spice and a sharp but mellowed black currant. The black currant note is fruity and juicy but is really only noticeable at the top, quickly fading into the background.

Immediately, one is going to notice the presence of balsam, and how its thick warmth envelops the entire composition of Opium. To me, that’s what gives this cologne its whole, ethereal and exotic feel.

It can sometimes seem too concentrated when fresh out of the bottle but it quickly settles and exposes the underlying notes which give it its intoxicating power. This happens when the black currant fades and the spices take hold over more of the scent.

Star anise, pepper, and I also believe that ginger is in the mix as well; this trio provides an Oriental spice and freshness to what otherwise could become a warm almost medicinal mess.

As it dries down further, Opium takes on a sweeter aroma, thanks to the classic vanilla. Vanilla wrapped in that same balsamic note and sitting on top of a cedar base.

It feels somewhat woody, but it is mostly all about that vanilla/balsam combo and the spice (mostly anise, at this point). The cedar does provide more substance here and allows the other notes to do their thing.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, the sillage of the mid-2000s bottle that I have, was really quite heavy at first before settling down to a more moderate wear. Upon first applying it is going to be pretty loud and somewhat harsh, with a rather large radius off fragrance surrounding you.

The longevity was always really good too. I’m not sure if the newer bottles have been reformulated (it might even be discontinued?), but I could get 7-8+ hours of wear out of the EDT, without any problem. 

Update: With this newest bottle, the longevity and power isn’t there to the same extent. A step below for sure. Again, it’s no longer produced from what I can tell, but the last run wasn’t great.

I like to wear Opium mostly in the daytime as I feel it is a perfect complement to casual environments. It is still a captivating fragrance however and routinely draws complements from others including perfect strangers.

Yes, it is bold enough to go into the nightlife, also. Seasonally, it is a cold weather cologne, all the way. Don’t bother wearing this in the heat, as it can get messy. However, in the cold, it is utterly great.

There are certain fragrances on the market that cater to the sensibilities of the younger man, though, I don’t believe this is one of them. That’s not to say it is an old man’s fragrance, it just has a certain sophistication that many of the more fruity based colognes lack.

This cologne has an elegant spice to it, that almost demands it be worn by a man with a certain gravitas. Opium is seductive and always has worked well around women in my experience.

 

Overall Impressions of Opium Pour Homme

Opium Pour Homme is a fantastic fragrance for those who have the right style and sensibility. I don’t think it will mesh well with the stylistic presentation of some guys but I do know that it is a damn good smelling cologne.

I don’t have much left of my more vintage bottle and I’m pretty sure it got degraded from heat exposure, but I really do love this scent. Definitely more niche than many other colognes, but Opium EDT, just has a charm and essence that you don’t find too often.

Update: Since I did buy another bottle of EDT, I also bought a vintage bottle of Opium EDP. It is a deeper and better fragrance overall compared to this.

The vanilla, the spices, and the resinous quality are all great to experience. There aren’t too many mainstream designer releases that smell quite like Opium. The ginger and the star anise help to bring it all together for me.

Performance is good, not amazing, but I always felt as though I had gotten my money’s worth. It’s a cologne that seems to come and go from YSL’s collection, but for sure worth a try for those who want something different.

5 Best Tommy Hilfiger Colognes for Men

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Tommy Hilfiger was a major force in popular fashion back in the 1990s and while its popularity has faded since then, it still has its place in that world. It’s fragrance line while not as spectacular as many other design houses, does have some highlights that both smell great and can be gotten at a good price.

For this list, I have selected what I feel are the five best Tommy Hilfiger colognes for men and as always have linked each to an online store for purchase.

What are the Best Smelling Tommy Hilfiger Fragrances for Men?

Most Popular

Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger for Men Eau de Cologne Spray, 3.4 Oz– The original namesake of the company. Tommy Hilfiger for men is a crisp and clean presentation loaded with citrus and other fruity notes. Good starter cologne or something to wear casually, as it can be gotten for cheap.

This fragrance is seemingly going to be around forever, as it’s still the highlight of the Hilfiger line up. Tommy starts with a very sharp and tart blend of apple, grapefruit, and cranberry. The cranberry note isn’t used very much in colognes, outside of Polo Red, but it is really nice here.

It opens fresh and crisp, then gets warm and sweet, with its apple pie accord. You can expect a good deal of amber and cinnamon, with later green and floral touches. Tommy was a ubiquitous fragrance back in the 1990s and it’s honestly, still a very attractive cologne. Read my full review here.

rp_tommy-300x300.jpg

Forgotten and Unique

Athletics By Tommy Hilfiger For Men. Cologne Spray 1.7 Ounces–This scent was discontinued a long time ago (but you can find it on Amazon, at times, which I’ve linked). However, I happened to have it back when it was released in 1998, and I was in 5th grade. I lived in a very hot and humid climate and Hilfiger Athletics, was up to the task.

It was sneaky great, as I recall, and very fresh. As a sport scent, it was light with citrus notes including bergamot and grapefruit which was paired with grass and star anise. Simple…wish I still had some, but these are my memories of it.

Smooth Star

True Star by Tommy Hilfiger Eau De Toilette Spray (unboxed) 1.7 oz (Men)– This is another one with that licorice note, that I’m not too crazy about. However, I do like the rest of the presentation of True Star and I think that the other notes like vanilla, sandalwood, and grapefruit work well together.

I don’t think they produce this scent anymore but bottles can still be had online as of now.

True Star has a lemon and grapefruit top filled with light spice, from one of my favorite notes, anise. It actually doesn’t get all that complicated, but you do get a nice leather note, paired with the citrus and vanilla. Oh, and of course, sandalwood. If you want a bottle, you’re going to have to act, while they’re still floating around.

truestar

Youthful Option

Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Eau De Prep Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Eau de Prep’s name alone should indicate that it’s going to be a clean and well put together fragrance. Yes, indeed, that’s what you’re going to get.

Prep opens with a spicy citrus aroma, with notes of pepper and sage. A bit further along in the wear, it becomes a fresher, and noticeably cleaner cologne. Lavender, juniper, and a bit of suede. All of this sits on top of a woody base.

Eau de Prep isn’t terribly complicated. It is, however, a very light scent. So, don’t worry about going to town with the sprays, and for the current price…there’s really no need to.

Best Newer Fragrance

Impact Intense– This is a flanker fragrance to the original Impact, that has enjoyed some moderate success since its release. Chestnut and a red apple note up top, give this one a nice start with a woody dry down.

Akigalawood, cedar, and sandalwood make up the base with a resinous amber note in the mid. This is a great cheaper option for the autumn and winter months. The apple accord up top, gives it a nice sweetness that blended with the amber and chestnut, is sort of candy-like.

But, that sweetness with dampen with time and you get a warm spice with woods and a fresher finish. The cedar note really comes on, as this one moves forward. Pretty decent performance from Impact Intense, as well.