By Designer

Epic Man by Amouage

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In my recent sample haul, I picked up 5 vials of different colognes from Amouage, and as I’m getting close to being through with the current box of fragrances…it’s about time that I do my first review of this high end designer.

Today’s post is going to cover Epic Man, which is described as, “Evoking memories of the ancient Silk Road journey from China to Arabia”. Yeah. Think this one is going to be exotic? You better believe it. Please continue below for my full wear review.

What does Epic Man Smell Like?

Notes include: leather, saffron, patchouli, incense, oud, nutmeg, pink pepper, myrrh

Click here to try: Amouage Epic Cologne, 1.7 Ounce

My Full Review

Based on the notes alone, I was expecting to really dislike Epic, as I don’t personally enjoy many oud scents. However, this one intrigues me, and while I cannot say I loved it, I do think that I got some enjoyment from wearing Epic. It is an ‘oriental’ style of fragrance, it at times reminds me of Opium Pour Homme (with more spice and no vanilla) and Man Amber.

Right out of the gate, you experience the full oud note which is complemented by a very smokey spice mix. The leather, patchouli, incense, and myrrh notes create a very masculine, warm, and smoke-laden aroma that is actually quite nice.

Epic is dry, like a desert heat, and does conjure images of travels through Central Asia along the Silk Road.

After about 20 minutes or so, the smokiness calms down and it becomes more leathery and I begin to notice the pink pepper note. At this stage, there is a less in your face spiciness and a sweet smoother fragrance emerges from the pretty powerful start.

This is a very complex cologne, it takes you on a journey or different aromatic experiences throughout it’s life cycle and never strikes me as boring.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, this is a heavy hitter. Epic starts out very strong but does quiet down to a tolerable level of intensity. You won’t have to overdo the spraying with this one.

It also has some good longevity to it, I get 6-7 solid hours of wear, and I can still detect it at the 9 hour mark in a diminished state. Epic is a nice performer.

This is a highly masculine animalistic kind of cologne, so it won’t be for everybody. Late Fall and Wintertime, would provide the best results with Epic. I didn’t really like it, when it was exposed to the heat of August, here in the States.

I’d put this more towards the business/casual side of things, it might be passable for romantic wear for some guys but that’s not how I’d describe it.

Overall Impressions of Epic Man

Would I recommend Amouage Epic Man? Again, I’m not personally enamored with oud scents, they don’t really do anything for me. BUT I kind of like this one, it’s not my style but I appreciated the complexity and quality of the fragrance.

This is probably a niche kind of scent that will appeal most to guys who like smoky/spicy/masculine/oriental colognes, as Epic nails the vibe the designers were going for. Not for everyone, but this will definitely appeal to a subset of the population.

Instinct by David Beckham

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David Beckham is a world famous former footballer who is also well known for his personal style. Along with his H&M clothing partnership, Beckham also has his own line of affordable fragrances for men.

While these scents aren’t on the level of quality of something much more expensive, such as Creed, they do offer very pleasant colognes at an attractive pricing point.

In this post, I want to take a closer look at Instinct from the David Beckham collection of fragrances, and see if this one is worth a purchase.

What does Instinct by David Beckham Smell Like?

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Notes include: Amber, mandarin, orange, anise, bergamot, cardamom, patchouli, vetiver

Click here to try: David Beckham Instinct EDT Spray For Men, 2.5 Ounce

My Full Review

The opening of Instinct for me really highlights the citrus notes of this fragrance. I’m not always a fan of orange in colognes, particularly the bitter orange note in Terre D’Hermes.

However, in Instinct, I rather like its paring with the lemony bergamot and the underlying earthy notes which develop quite nicely later on.

This scent does have a nice warm slightly spicy air to it that vaguely reminds me of L’Homme Libre (it must be the star anise and perhaps the patchouli/cardamom that gives off that vibe).

The opening citrus is very bright and clean, with a somewhat soapy cleanliness, thanks to the vetiver note, which will get stronger as it moves along. Also, this will start to get quite dry over time.

That’s not to say that the colognes smell alike, they don’t, just a similarity that I picked up on…Instinct is much less spice and more woodsy. Though, the anise and other spices, give it a slight kick.

The opening isn’t powerful, nor is the dry down. It is subtle and has a freshly washed, masculine aroma. The citrus notes that take precedent in the start, calm down and give way to the vetiver and amber notes.

I really enjoy the richness of this scent and how it smells so clean and refreshing while keeping it’s dry woodsy/spicy profile intact. The latter half of the wear, is still sweet with a great freshness of anise, and some light touches of cardamom.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Instinct is not a heavy fragrance nor one in which someone will be able to smell you across the room. I would put it on the lower end of moderate. It definitely becomes a ‘skin scent’ so to speak and one in which requires someone to get closer to you.

Longevity wise, Instinct does not impress me. That’s really the only major flaw in this cologne. I might get 3-4 hours of solid performance out of it before it dissipates almost completely.

I get that it’s available for less than $15, but this would be an amazing pickup if you could get a few more hours of wear from it.

Seasonally, this could pretty much work year round. It’s best in more mild to moderate temperatures, not really fantastic in the high heat and humidity.

It is also very versatile. It’s works well for daily wear at work or for class. Its subtlety is a selling point, as you could wear it casually, or even out for an evening. The aroma doesn’t feel too youthful or anything like that. Instinct is appropriate for any age range.

Overall Impression of Instinct

Overall, I really like this scent, especially at the price. I think that a guy could definitely add this to his collection and enjoy its use. Yes, it does have issues with longevity but if you can keep a bottle around for reapplication, I don’t see why you couldn’t have use for it.

There are definitely better options out there, but Instinct is a very good smelling fragrance in my opinion. The price is super cheap and versus other options in this range, Instinct smells better than almost anything.

This is still a useful scent, but if it had more staying power, it’d be an absolute classic cheapie. It’s worth a try, seeing as it costs so little.

Bvlgari Man by Bvlgari

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Since I’m doing a whole slew of new cologne reviews on the site , I figured I’d take some time and do one on a Bvlgari fragrance. In this post, I’m going to be taking a closer look at Bvlgari Man. It’s a woodsy/green type of fragrance which I tend to either love or hate.

What are some of the notes in Bvlgari Man? How does it smell? How does it perform? Is it worth a buy? Please read on for my full review of this cologne.

What does Bvlgari Man Smell Like?

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Notes include: Lotus, bergamot, vetiver, honey, violet, woods, musk

Try Blvgari Man: Bvlgari Man Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 5 Ounce

My Full Review

With a name like Man, you expect this Bvlgari scent to be something masculine and confident, and on that accord this cologne delivers. The opening is very refined and fresh.

I’m not completely blown away by it but it certainly smells very good as well as being quite crisp and clean.

Update: Coming back to this scent years later, I really do enjoy the opening act more so, than I had.

There is a light floral mix of lotus and violet leaf, with just a touch of pear and citrus. Even in the beginning, I am picking up more vetiver and wood. It is woody, warm, with thickness provided by the honey. 

Man does have a slight smokiness to it maybe from the vetiver? But then there is also a warm, woodsy, sweetness to it provided by the honey and musk. The impression it leaves is of a somewhat sweet grassy floral, with lots of wood.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

However, like some of my other favorites, this one does have longevity and projection issues. It isn’t a big time in your face scent to begin with but it could’ve at least made up for it with some longevity.

It doesn’t last nearly as long as I’d like, and it falls quickly into a skin scent. If you spray more than you usually would, it can be serviceable. I can only seem to must 3-4 hours total, though. It doesn’t hit the same level as Man in Black or other offerings. 

What this scent does right is provide an appealing if sort of generic aroma which would probably work very well in an office type environment.

I would say late 20s through 30s would be best served by wearing this. I want to say, I truly do enjoy this cologne, when it settles in Man becomes so damn good.

So, casual or business wear for this. It is attractive enough to pull complements, though, I wouldn’t really categorize it as a ‘sexy’ cologne. Very attractive, with its own style. 

Overall Impression of Bvlgari Man

Overall, would I rate this a buy? It’s fantastic for what it is, it just doesn’t last. It’s really a shame because I could envision me wearing this as a casual fragrance on a regular basis if it just projected itself better and lasted longer.

I might have suggested going with Bvlgari Man Extreme, but that seems to be a completely different fragrance. The more time that I’ve spent wearing Bvlgari Man, the greater appreciation that I have for this scent.

It’s unique and honestly has moments of utter greatness. The performance just sucks. 

I have a mini bottle, that I still throw on from time to time. Usually, it’s just before heading to the store or around my house. Really, because it’ll fade in most scenarios, before any real use is gotten out it. 

Update: This has been long since discontinued.

Erolfa by Creed

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I have several more cologne reviews on the way within the next week or so. However, before I got to those I wanted to do one on the last Creed fragrance I sampled while visiting their boutique in Las Vegas, named Erolfa.

Yes, it’s an odd name but it’s taken from the letters of the names of the Creed family. I had never encountered this particular Creed scent before trying it out on my vacation, so, I came at it with no real expectations of performance or smell.

Update: I have tried this again, years after the original review, so I’m adding to my thoughts on this scent. This cologne is in the aquatic/marine end of things and as such I was interested in giving it a whirl in the desert heat.

What does Creed Erolfa Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, ambergris, lime, melon, orange, violet, ginger, coriander, pepper, sandalwood, musk, amber, cedar

Click here to try: Erolfa By Creed For Men. Millesime Spray 4.0 Oz.

My Full Review

The opening of Erolfa is mainly a citrus affair. The lime, melon, and bergamot really stand out in the start which reminds me of pieces of other Creed fragrances such as Imperial, Virgin Island Water, and Silver Mountain Water. Now, it isn’t wholly similar to any of them, just vague reminders from these opening notes.

I rather enjoy the opening that is a citrus blended with saltier notes which replicate the air of the sea, sort of like Acqua di Gio Profumo.

I think that Creed has done a really good job at creating a summertime fragrance that is so reminiscent of spending time on the water. It is fresh, bright, with a clean, quasi-soapy aroma to it.

Mostly what I get from this scent, beyond the citrus opening, is a slightly spicy/woody undertone with that prominent saltiness that hangs in the air.

The musk, ambergris, cedar, and sandalwood are the notes which stood out the most to my nose. The citrus stays throughout but it does weaken as time moves on and these other ingredients begin to shine.

 

It is still a rather fruity fragrance, with salt watery elements, and ambergris sitting on top of a woody base.  What I did notice about Erolfa, the second time around, is the secondary notes. 

This time, I made sure to really pay attention to the composition. I definitely got more violet, than previously, and an underlying earthy dryness. Now, neither is all that powerful, but you can zero in on each if you’re focusing.

Nonetheless, Erolfa is going to be more about the citrus, melon, ambergris, woods, and musk. 

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Erolfa is honestly pretty moderate. It isn’t really a heavy hitter in that regard, decent but nothing to write home about either. The projection will stay within about a 5 foot radius from your skin and move in closer from there. 

Longevity, I don’t know if it was just that one test I did or if it has problems, but I got a little more than 4 hours out of Erolfa. This is disappointing when compared to other Creed scents but then again it might have just been a one time thing.

Update: I’ve tried this again, since the review in 2016, I got around 5-6 hours the second time. Still, not all that great. I think the extra few hours were due to being inside more, during the second wear. 

I’d definitely say that Erolfa is a warm weather or summertime scent. I couldn’t see myself wearing this at any other time of the year. It just captures that kind of atmosphere.

Erolfa seems more of a casual daytime wear more than anything. It smells nice but it isn’t a date night or club wear by any means. Not really a sexy cologne.

You could wear it in a semi-formal situation during the spring/summer months, but it doesn’t come across as being for any specific purpose. 

Overall Impression of Erolfa

Overall, is Erolfa worth a buy? To me, I don’t think so. I like it but I was never blown away by it and I think there are not only better Creed colognes but also better seaside aquatics out there for cheaper.

I enjoy aspects of this fragrance. Coming back to it, I really appreciate the bergamot and melon notes, here. The melon is on the lighter end of things, but it pairs very well with the citrus.

Erolfa is a very pleasant fragrance, but I still can’t say that it reaches another level of greatness. 

Erolfa didn’t really wow me with its performance and while it’s pretty nice, I don’t want to spend that kind of cash for something that isn’t remarkable.

If you need to add to your Creed collection, then, by all means have at it. Anyone else, should probably look elsewhere.

CK Be by Calvin Klein

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Calvin Klein was a major force in the fragrance world during the 1980s and 90s. From Obsession to Eternity to CK One and everything in between, this line of scents were constant best sellers, and still are in many ways.

In this post, I want to take a closer look at another unisex fragrance by Calvin Klein, CK Be. Is this fragrance still one to wear? What are its pros and cons? Is it worth a purchase?  Also see: CK One vs CK Be

What does CK Be Smell Like?

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Notes include: magnolia, peach, lavender, musk, sandalwood, bergamot, mint, vanilla

Click here to try: CK BE by CK Unisex Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 oz.

My Full Review

The opening of CK Be is quite pleasant and doesn’t overpower you like some fragrances. It is a subtle blend of musk, lavender, peach, and citrus provided by the bergamot.

Again, this is a unisex scent, so don’t expect anything that screams masculine but it isn’t some ‘girly’ perfume either.

Be starts off with a fresh mix of notes like mint, lavender, and juniper. These are paired alongside the lighter fruit notes. Lavender strikes me as being stronger, up top, but there is a nice cleanliness to the supporting ingredients.

At this stage, it does have its soapy-like aroma, but it feels ‘greener’ than it will later on. Bergamot, peach, mint, and juniper bring it about during this time.

CK Be is warm and somewhat spicy and highlighted by that citrus vibe. It’s got a youthful energy that really reminds me of late spring and the early summer months.

It’s got such a clean and almost soapy quality when it settles on the skin and really starts to bring out the floral/woodsy notes that are blended in it. Lavender, musk, magnolia, and sandalwood with a fruity soap finish. It is sweeter and less ‘green fresh’, in the latter part of the wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it isn’t a big bold scent but it isn’t completely weak either, at least at first. The longevity isn’t anything to write home about and that’s what sort of ruins this as a scent to me.

In totality, I’d call it a light to moderate projecting fragrance. It was never completely weak, on my skin, but never had that huge sillage.

About 4-5 hours of good use before you should probably reapply. CK Be is usually really inexpensive, so it really isn’t too much of a problem for the price, but it is pretty annoying to not have it be an all day performer.

Seasonally, CK Be is a warm weather fragrance for the spring/summertime. It’s probably best for those in their teens or twenties. Something that anyone could wear to class, a job, or just casually during the daytime.

This isn’t an extremely attractive or sexy scent. Though, it’s a smell that is quite popular, with its delightful aroma. CK Be can be sprayed on by men or women, who want to wear a non-intrusive and clean kind of perfume.

Overall Impression of CK Be

Overall, is this scent worth it? It is if you want something light and fresh at this price point. It is a really good option for either men or women that need something versatile and safe to wear on a day to day basis.

However, the longevity issue can be a problem, and if you aren’t in love with the smell one might as well get CK One instead. I’m not sure if this fragrance has been reformulated or discontinued, because I haven’t really seen it around recently.

CK be is a worthwhile purchase, at the right price, and I’d place that at under $30 or so. It’s going to give you a clean and versatile wear, that won’t offend, and is a pleasant experience all around. Is it amazing? To me, no. I like it, but it’s not something I’m particularly crazy about.