By Designer

212 VIP Black by Carolina Herrera

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I am a fan of the original 212 VIP from Carolina Herrera. In fact, I still have a full bottle of the stuff, that I break out on certain evenings when I want to project an air of boldness. It’s certainly not a cologne for everybody, but it is a club star.

So, when I had the chance to try out 212 VIP Black, I was really looking forward to it and wanted to see how they reinterpreted that boozy monster of a fragrance I so enjoy. How does VIP Black perform? What’s in it? What does it smell like? Is it worth a try?

What does 212 VIP Black Smell Like?

Notes include: absinthe, leather, lavender, musk, vanilla, amber, anise

Click here to try: Carolina Herrera 212 VIP Black Men Eau de Parfum 3.4oz / 100ml – Launched in 2017

My Full Wear Review

The opening of 212 VIP Black, like the original VIP, is a boozy sort of scent. Now, the original had some strong vodka, while Black opts for absinthe.

I’ve never actually drank absinthe, so the aroma is pretty new to me, but it still has a familiar alcohol scent to it. The absinthe is joined by a warm amber and a spicy anise, while still being flanked by sweet and smooth notes.

The opening does have a deeper and more intricate sort of aroma than the latter stages, which turns much more into a vanilla dominant mix.

The fresh greenish/herbal type of spice, with the other notes coming in and taking away some of the roughness.

Black is energetic yet smooth with an early emergence of lavender and just a hint of leather. Honestly, the leather really isn’t strong at all, and pretty faint.

Not only that, the vanilla lends a sweet creaminess which contrasts nicely off of the booze and pretty prominent amber. It does have a resemblance to the Pure XS fragrances by Paco Rabanne. Not entirely, but the whole structure is similar.

After the initial boozy wave, turns into a sweet sort of musky scent. Vanilla, amber, musk are the most noticeable to my nose.

It is a pretty soft fragrance with spice and some remnant booze that soaks through. Candy-like in a lot of ways, I guess sugary, and upbeat definitely a party sort of cologne.

I like a good vanilla and amber combination. Not the most exciting blend on the planet, but it’s nice with the musk. The lavender does hang around to give it that extra cleanliness and distinction, but it doesn’t show up as all that powerful for me.

Sillage, Longevity, and When to Wear

Projection wise, I found VIP Black to be light to moderate. The sillage isn’t huge at all and not anything like 212 VIP, in that regard.

This is a toned down kind of cologne versus the original and also doesn’t smell anything like it. A bit odd for a flanker. Anyway, I wouldn’t expect a complete club beast, but I don’t think it’s completely weak or anything.

The longevity was okay, but again, nothing monstrous. Actually, this was my biggest disappointment with this cologne.

Maybe 5-6 hours on my skin, with plenty of that time spent as a skin scent or with the sillage limited to a few feet. It’s crazy how much this doesn’t come close to the same level as its namesake.

Seasonally, I’d put this in the autumn/winter category. It’s probably too sweet and warm for the more humid months of the year, but since it’s a nighttime scent, you might be able to get away with it once the sun goes down.

VIP Black, like the original, is a clubbing type of scent. Again, just not a sillage monster. It is masculine, has some sex appeal, and will catch attention when someone is close to you.

VIP Black leans much more to being worn by a guy in his early to mid 20s. Not one for the office or more formal occasions. Casual, nightlife, and when the temperature drops. These are most of your options.

Overall Impressions 

Overall, do I like 212 VIP Black? It’s okay. I don’t find it to be all that special and I prefer 212 VIP over this Black edition. It’s really not all that intense and the longevity is okay but not beastly. I like the idea of the scent, but the execution wasn’t very inspiring.

Would I wear it? Sure. Would I buy it? Maybe once it hits the discount outlets. It’s a nice mix of spicy and sweet with a boozy top. This one seems to have developed somewhat of a fan base, like the original has done. To me, it’s decent and not much beyond that.

The absinthe is fairly interesting with the anise and other notes. I like the opening act, but it ends pretty boring. I like the scent. VIP Black wouldn’t be a bad buy for most guys at all. It’s solid, but I’m not even sure that I prefer it to the Paco Rabanne fragrances either.

If it sounds interesting to you, if you find it cheap…go for it. Full price? Probably not.

Tommy Bahama St. Barts Cologne

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Tommy Bahama is a fashion and fragrance line that’s all about the beach and sailing type of lifestyle. It’s casual and laid back in its presentation, plus it has released some pretty great fragrances, at a price that is wholly affordable. In this post, I want to take a closer look at Set Sail St. Barts and determine if this cologne is worthy of a buy or not.

I have updated this page since my initial 2015 review, after spending much more time with this fragrance, and having some additional thoughts.

What does Set Sail St. Barts Smell Like?

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Notes include: blue agavae, salty sea spray, musk, guava, lime, tequila, vanilla, palm wood

Click here to try: Tommy Bahama St. Barts Men Cologne,3.4 Fl Oz

My Full Wear Review

I was really interested in trying out this fragrance because of the compilation of notes reminded me somewhat of Guerlain Homme, which I absolutely love wearing. Guerlain has a mojito accord which gives it that summery alcoholic drink vibe and the lime plus tequila notes in this Set Sail cologne struck me as a slightly different variation on that theme.

Plus, the bright blue bottle with the gold metallic cap and nautical rope tied around, it looked really awesome.

Initially, one is struck by the lime note, as it is very potent at first and it is joined by a creamy almost coconut aroma that is less pronounced. The whole opening is very reminiscent of a margarita and the sensation of being on an island in the tropics.

The tart lime note is huge, at first, and is paired with a salty marine note, and some guava for extra fruitiness. Everything is so citrusy and juicy at the start and I kind of don’t want it to ever end.

The lime note settles down quite a bit after about 20 minutes or so and what is left behind is a fresh and delightful scent. I really detect the palm wood and sea salt spray during this second act.

It’s like the opening is enjoying the margarita on the beach and then getting in the water yourself. Set Sail St. Barts really is one of those mood setting colognes, that will take your mind to the tropics, upon smelling this fragrance.

Also during the dry down, there is a heavy vein of that tequila/blue agave aroma, it becomes less of a tropical cocktail and more towards a clean shot glass of tequila.

There is a very light vanilla/musk combination, that when blended with the lime and guava, smells somewhat lotion-y with a suntan lotion like creaminess.

Ultimately, what you get is a marine soaked lime with saltiness and tequila. Underneath that is bouts of woodiness and creaminess. Very summery and bringing up memories of the island life.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Now, while that lime notes is pretty potent at the start, it really isn’t an overwhelming cologne at all. I would say it is light to moderate and you might even want to test spray yourself a few times and see how it reacts.

Maybe then, deciding to apply another spray. I tend to over spray St. Barts, not only to give it a boost, but also because I got a large bottle for so cheap. There’s really no reason for me to skimp on the application.

Longevity is also pretty moderate, but certainly not terrible at all. With heavy sprays I can get 6-7 hours, on my skin. If I go a few sprays, 4-5.

As far as when to wear, this is a casual scent all the way. Summertime or other warm weather. Ideally, outdoors and by the sea. I’d wear it to the gym sometimes, but mostly just on summer days when I was out and about.

Not really one for formal occasions or even much for wear during the remainder of the year. Unless, of course, you live in the tropics.

Overall Impressions of St. Barts

Is this cologne a buy? It’s a summertime fragrance and will appeal to those who really like that summery/beach/island vibe. Look at the notes and if you’re not too crazy about the laid back margarita sort of scent, then this might be a pass for you.

I really do like the lime note here. Yes, it is loud and bold, but that’s a part of the appeal. The tequila note is interesting and is one of the reasons it gets noted as a ‘poor man’s version’ of Creed’s Virgin Island Water, which uses rum instead.

I’ve never personally been to big on that one, but it is an alternative, that many people love.

However, for those who are into this sort of beach island cologne, I would definitely recommend checking this out as a casual summer fragrance.

It’s a fairly inexpensive and versatile choice for the hottest months of the year and really helps set the tropical tone.

As far as the Tommy Bahama scents go, this is probably my second favorite. St. Kitts is still the best of the bunch, if you want to go with a more tropical fruit cologne, without the tequila.

Update: In 2022, it is harder to find a cheap bottle of this stuff, but Tommy Bahama still sells it at full price. A few years ago, you could get it for $20-30. I wouldn’t pay full price for it, but with a discount, it’s worth a shot.

Versace Man Eau Fraiche vs. D&G Light Blue

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For this entry into the head to head men’s cologne match ups, I am going to be comparing two of the most popular fragrances on the market, D&G Light Blue vs. Versace Man Eau Fraiche. These two citrus based scents have become staples in the rotation of many guys around the world, but which one actually smells the best? Which lasts longer? Which is ultimately the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Light Blue vs. Eau Fraiche

Light Blue

Notes include: bergamot, grapefruit, mandarin orange, pepper, oak moss, juniper, musk, rosemary, rosewood, incense

Click here to try: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 6.7 Ounce

My review: Light Blue

Versace Man Eau Fraiche

Notes include: Lemon, Rosewood, Carambola, Cedar leaves, Tarragon, Sage, Musk, Amber, Sycamore

Click here to try: Versace Man Eau Fraiche By Gianni Versace For Men Edt Spray 3.4 Oz

Read my review: Man Eau Fraiche

Opening

Light Blue starts off with a blend of citrus notes from bergamot to grapefruit to mandarin orange. These notes are then joined black pepper and rosemary. It is bright and spicy. A clean and fresh blend.

After about 10 minutes of wear with Light Blue, I do get the incense note coming through more, a touch of smokiness.

Eau Fraiche kicks things off with lemon and bergamot, but adds starfruit, which gives it a very nice and distinct juicy aroma.

It’s a very refreshing and juicy citrus smell without the same level of spiciness of Light Blue. It has some herbal elements, but not the pepper, found in the competitor.

As it moves along, the cardamom and tarragon will become more apparent, before moving into a woodier phase.

Which is better? I really like the great lemon citrus of Versace Man Eau Fraiche, when combined with the starfruit, the opening is super clean and pleasant. I prefer it to the spiciness found in the D&G.

Light Blue has more going on up front, but the Versace just has a better presentation in that opening act.

Edge: Eau Fraiche

Projection

Neither one of these scents have giant silage. They aren’t going to fill up a room and are pretty moderate.

That being said, while they start off pretty much the same, Light Blue is more consistent for longer. Fraiche has a lighter sillage, hours into the wear, versus Light Blue.

Fraiche is just not as heavy of a fragrance, even if Light Blue isn’t all that heavy either.

Edge: Light Blue

Longevity

Light Blue always gets me in the 6-8 hour range of wear, and as I said, it is consistent during that time. It’s really one of its best strengths. That performance is like clockwork.

Eau Fraiche is a 6-7 hour wear, but not more than that, and the sillage is lighter towards the end of the 3-4 hour mark.

Eau Fraiche isn’t a powerhouse or a crazy performer. Either way you measure it, I’ve always gotten better performance out of Light Blue. Not an insane gap between them, though.

Edge: Light Blue

Versatility

These are two very versatile fragrances, as they can hold up well in the heat, are pleasant, and can go casual  or to the office.

They’re both best sellers because they are non-offensive and are great starter fragrances. Neither is a club beast and are more ‘nice smelling’ than sexy. No real separation here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

This can be a tough match up to decide on, as these have a similar profile, and are pretty simple colognes. Light Blue is very good. You can’t really go wrong with buying this fragrance, as it is well liked, and brings a good performance for a citrus based scent.

I like the citrus and spice mix, with the herbal and woody notes in the dry down. It’s fairly linear, but gets the job done.

Versace Man Eau Fraiche has a very enjoyable opening act. The dry down is more full of rosewood and amber, but the citrus hangs around throughout. There is plenty of overlap between these two, but Eau Fraiche feels like a woodier aroma to me.

Personally, I enjoy the overall smell of Eau Fraiche versus Light Blue. Yes, it is also very linear, but I feel that it hits a higher peak than does the D&G.

Light Blue has a bit better performance, but I think Eau Fraiche smells better. I’m going to give the latter, the nod in this match up, but it is really close.

I actually like Light Blue Eau Intense more than either, but between these two, I’d go Versace.

Winner: Eau Fraiche

Polo Red Rush by Ralph Lauren

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In today’s review, I have tried out a new release from Ralph Lauren, from the Polo Red lineup: Polo Red Rush. This flanker to the original was put out in 2018 and the question is, does it bring something new to the table? What does it smell like? How does it perform? Is this new Red, even worth a try?

What does Polo Red Rush Smell Like?

Notes include: mandarin, grapefruit, pineapple, lemon, saffron, orange flower, spearmint, red apple, lavender, red coffee, cedar, musk

Click here to try: Polo Red Rush by Ralph Lauren EDT Spray 4.2 Oz.

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Polo Red Rush feels pretty similar to the original Polo Red, which opens up with a strong cranberry note. This one, takes a different route, and produces a strong fruity smell with grapefruit, pineapple, apple, and mandarin.

The pineapple and lemon note give it that same sort of sharp quality that you would get from the original Red. Though, this time it is without the cranberry really bringing the tartness.

To my nose, only the top is very similar to the original, and Rush begins to take on its own character about 10 minutes into the wear.

I get a second layer of crisp and cold spearmint running through its heart, and a musk note which sets it quite apart from the other Red colognes. At this point, I get a lot of apple, musk, spearmint, and some saffron for good measure.

Red Rush is quite ‘green’, crisp, fruity, and has some aquatic elements lurking in the background. It’s base is a woodiness led by cedar and a very light coffee note, that is different from the one found in Polo Red Extreme.

It really isn’t that prominent at all. Though, the overall composition is upbeat and energetic, in its own way.

The dry down is more musky and floral than the rest of the wear. Orange flower and lavender come through for me, but saffron still heads up that aspect.

Beyond that, Red Rush is still mostly about the apple, musk, mint, and the citrus which seems to come back more as it reaches its final phases.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s light to moderate. It never felt very ‘loud’ or bold on my skin. Much to the same level, as the original Polo Red, maybe a little softer. It’s one that will probably require a few extra sprays.

Longevity, isn’t great. 5 hours on average, you might get six out of Red Rush. Serviceable but not really where it should be. Trying it out a few times, this seemed to be the natural limit for this scent.

It’s similar in performance to what you might get with the original Red. Red Intense and Extreme bring a longer lasting wear than Rush.

I like this as a cologne for the spring or summer months, though, it is safe to wear year round. Really, it is a year round wear, that’s just at its best when the warmer weather is here.

It probably has it’s strong point within its versatility. It can be worn casually, is safe enough for work, and is pleasant enough to wear out at night. Red Rush isn’t a cologne that is going to offend anyone, it’s pleasing, and easy to wear.

Though, probably won’t give you the same power in projecting, as you might want. It is fresh and clean, but not really sexy. As a low key and unobtrusive fragrance, it does a fairly good job, but isn’t something that stands out.

Overall Impressions of Red Rush

Overall, do I like Polo Red Rush? Meh. This Ralph Lauren fragrance feels unnecessary, in my opinion. It does take the Red line in a slightly new direction, but it’s not unique enough, nor does it perform well enough to be a great addition.

It certainly has its moments and is an overall enjoyable experience, it’s just not amazing in the slightest. Maybe consider picking it up, once it hits the secondary market, and comes down in price. Good, has some solid aspects, but not particularly memorable.

I like the apple and mint notes, along with the saffron. At no point, do I find it particularly bad, and that second layer with the mint is actually quite nice. I’m just not all that impressed by Rush as a whole.

For me, this is the worst of the Polo Red options. It’s not terrible, just kind of pointless. The performance is only okay, so, even if you enjoy the aroma…it still might not be worth it.

Luna Rossa Carbon vs Ocean Comparison

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Luna Rossa has been a massively successful fragrance line for Italian brand, Prada. In 2021, it released its latest edition, Luna Rossa Ocean. The question then becomes, how does this latest cologne compare to some of the more popular ones before it? In this post, I am comparing Ocean to the popular, Carbon. Which smells best? Lasts longer?

Tale of the Tape: Ocean vs. Carbon

Luna Rossa Ocean

Notes include: bergamot, iris, pink pepper, artemisia, lavender, sage, suede, saffron, musk, vetiver, caramel, patchouli

Click here to try:  Luna Rossa Ocean at Macy’s

Luna Rossa Carbon

Notes include: lavender, ambroxan, metallic notes, pepper, patchouli, coal, bergamot

Click here to try: Prada Luna Rossa CARBON for Men Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 ounce

My Original Review: Luna Rossa Carbon

Opening

Luna Rossa Carbon opens up with a strong use of its citrus note, bergamot. Lavender, a light ambroxan, and the metallic aroma finish which gives it the name Carbon. It’s clean, citrus, then gives off a soapier vibe.

With Ocean, you get what I would call a ‘light blue’ impression. You get the same bergamot note. But, this time the lavender is toned down. It has a sweetness provided by a mix of tonka bean and caramel.

Smooth suede, powdery iris, really help to give off a fresh and aromatic aroma.  The iris is stronger than the lavender, in this one.

Smooth, sweet, spicy, but don’t expect an aquatic based on its name. Less of the ocean and something that would smell very pleasant while on the boat or shore.

Pink pepper is really coming through, at times. Artemisia? I really don’t pick up much, but there is some slight herbal bitterness there…if I stop and pay attention.

Which one is better? I really like the opening of Luna Rossa Ocean. It’s that absolute highlight of the cologne, to me. Very attractive and easy to wear. Familiar, while giving off its own style.

It has a great depth and sweetness that I completely enjoy.

Edge: Ocean

Projection

The two seem to open up at around the same upper level of moderate, with it how far they will project. Neither is a beast, but they are very noticeable by those around you, right after application.

Luna Rossa Ocean doesn’t hold up though. You get maybe 1-2 hours of decent projection, before it becomes super light. It’s kind of a bummer for something in this price range.

Meanwhile, Carbon is more consistent. Not a massive fragrance, it is just one that will stay steady and then slowly dissipate.  Easy win here.

Edge: Carbon

Longevity

With Luna Rossa Carbon, it has consistently performed well on my skin. I get over 8 hours of wear from it, sometimes in that 9-10 range. It sticks around and is overall a very solid scent, in this regard.

Ocean does have some performance issues. For me, it’s been 4-6 hours of total wear, during testing.

It is one that you’re going to have to spray like crazy in order to get decent longevity from it. Even with that, the last 2-3 hours are pretty much going to be sitting very close to the skin.

Edge: Carbon

Versatility

Both of these fragrances really do deliver value in terms of when you can wear each. They both fit in during pretty much all seasons. You can wear them casually, on a date, at work, or on formal occasions.

Mass pleasing for sure.

I think that I’d rather wear Ocean in the summer versus Carbon, but neither is strictly a hot wear wear.  These fragrances are daily wears for men of pretty much any age group.

I’m not sure that there is much of a distinction with these.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these colognes from Prada do I prefer?

If we were just going off of initial smell alone, I really prefer Luna Rossa Ocean. That opening act is fantastic and super pleasing to my nose. Carbon is cool, but Ocean gives me more.

The middle act is a fresh floral with notes like sage, coming through more. That initial caramel, will fade to a great extent.

But, the dry down is a pretty boring affair. Still nice, but you don’t get to enjoy the full experience thanks to its light sillage. It’s very floral, powdery, musky. Iris and lavender, a bit sweet, less ‘blue’ during this stage.

It still like it. But, I don’t like the performance. At full price? No, but I have already seen Ocean on sale that includes an extra travel sprayer. As such, I might still buy a bottle at some point. Just going to spray the hell out of it.

Carbon is just a bit better in terms of its consistency. I still like the way it smells, just not to the same extent. Plus, the performance is much better. It’s always been a better version of Sauvage.

I’ll probably own Ocean, but for most guys, Carbon would be the better play.