By Designer

Tom Ford Noir Extreme vs. Parfum

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Noir Extreme has become an absolute classic fragrance from Tom Ford. It’s one of my own personal favorites, that I wear quite a lot of. So, the release of a Parfum version in 2022 was something that I looked forward too and I grabbed a bottle ASAP.

But, how does it stack up to the original? Which Noir Extreme smells better? Lasts longer?

Quick Overview

My Verdict

Tom Ford Noir Extreme is the better fragrance, in my opinion. Noir Extreme Parfum is very good, and it does last longer, but it does not improve enough on the original. Though, I often wear both scents.

The original has the better opening, better projection, and better overall scent. The vanilla, amber, pistachio, kulfi, spice, and floral depth make Noir Extreme the more attractive fragrance.

Category Tom Ford Noir Extreme Tom Ford Noir Extreme Parfum Winner
Opening Floral, spicy, sweet, and gourmand. Neroli, orange blossom, nutmeg, saffron, cardamom, vanilla, and kulfi create a richer opening. Starts with citrus, neroli, ginger, cardamom, and guaiac wood. It is warmer, drier, rougher, and smokier than the original. Noir Extreme
Projection Strong start with a solid scent trail. It projects a little better than the Parfum. Dense and strong at first, but it does not project farther than the original. Noir Extreme
Longevity Lasts around 6.5-8 hours, which is above average but not elite. Can reach up to 9 hours and has the better staying power. Noir Extreme Parfum
Versatility Best for autumn, winter, nights out, semi-formal wear, and some daily use. Slightly more unisex. Also best for autumn, winter, nights out, semi-formal wear, and some daily use. Tie
Overall Scent Sweeter, creamier, more floral, and more gourmand. The vanilla, amber, pistachio, and kulfi accord make it the better scent. Adds leather, smoke, spice, tonka, and a dirtier feel, but does not surpass the original. Noir Extreme

Tale of the Tape: Noir Extreme vs Noir Extreme Parfum

Noir Extreme

Notes include: Cardamom, vanilla, saffron, amber, sandalwood, nutmeg, neroli, orange blossom, kulfi, rose

Click here to try: Tom Ford Noir Extreme Men Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Review: Noir Extreme

Noir Extreme Parfum

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

Click here to try: Noir Extreme Parfum at Sephora

My Full Review: Noir Extreme Parfum

noir extreme parfum review

Opening

The opening of Noir Extreme is to my nose, a floral spice blend. Neroli and orange blossom serve as the initial floral notes, with a light citrus juiciness.

But, the spice is a blend of nutmeg, saffron, and cardamom. The trio when paired together give Noir Extreme a very attractive intensity.

Yes, the spice is fairly strong at first, but it quickly moves into something that is much sweeter. Vanilla is the main culprit for that, with the overall Kulfi dessert accord. There is a pistachio note as a part of that and it really comes through with the vanilla about 10-15 minutes into the wear.

This opening act has a fantastic smell. It is a great gourmand aroma, with ambery warmth, and a nice balance of floral notes.

Noir Extreme Parfum starts off with the citrus and neroli notes, like the original. But, the overall floral aroma doesn’t have the same level of strength in the mix.

White florals outside of that opening neroli, aren’t a major factor in Parfum. Though, I get more citrus with this opening than its predecessor. Sparkling with a warm spice with ginger and cardamom.

You also get guaiac wood, which gives this one a rougher, drier, and somewhat smoky aroma versus what you get in Extreme.

Which is better? It’s pretty close to me. There is a lot that I like in Parfum, particularly the citrus notes. But, on the whole I enjoy the sweeter aspects, nutmeg and saffron gives Extreme a different smell than Parfum.

Edge: Noir Extreme

Projection

I came in expecting that the Parfum version would really step up the sillage when compared to the original. But, they’re kind of the same. Actually, the original has better projection than Parfum.

It’s not by much, but that’s been my experience so far.

Each of them has a strong start with a solid scent trail behind it. But, the original gives me a bit more.

Update: Every time I’ve tested this out or worn either of them, I still get the same experience. Noir Extreme Parfum may be denser, but it doesn’t project itself any further than my bottle of Noir Extreme. They may be about equal, but it still seems like Extreme has an edge.

Edge: Noir Extreme

noir extreme review

Longevity

Things actually flip in terms of longevity.

With Noir Extreme, I get between 6.5-8 hours of wear, on my skin. I’ve seen some people complain about poor performance, but it’s always been good in my experience. Not elite, just above average.

With Parfum, I can get up to 9 hours of wear. Again, these two are very close with the performance, but the greater concentration helps Parfum with the longevity.

Edge: Parfum

Versatility

The versatility is about even. You might say that Noir Extreme is the more unisex option, but that’s probably the only real distinction.

Both are built for the autumn and winter months. Not necessarily for a formal occasion, but semi-formal is fine. Nights out. Some daily wear, etc.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these fragrances is better?

I like the additions in Noir Extreme Parfum. I like the spice, the smokiness, leather, and dirtier feel that you get with this newer formulation. It’s warmer and has a nice citrus touch in the opening.

Nonetheless, I don’t personally think that it exceeds the original. Noir Extreme is still one of my favorite scents and topping it wasn’t going to be easy.

The sweetness, the amber, and that pistachio and vanilla kulfi aroma are all selling points. It’s a delightful dessert fragrance with a masculine edge.

I even like the greater floral depth with Noir Extreme.

The performance is about even. So, Parfum doesn’t even blow the original away in that department.

You might go with Parfum if you want more of the vanilla/tonka bean blend, leather, and smokiness. It’s a nice scent, that I’ll be using, but it doesn’t do enough to elevate itself past Noir Extreme.

I actually have been using both of these together. 2 sprays of Noir Extreme for every 1 spray of Parfum. Creates a different experience.

Winner: Noir Extreme

Who Should Buy Tom Ford Noir Extreme?

Buy Noir Extreme if you want the sweeter, creamier, and more gourmand fragrance. It is the better choice if you like vanilla, amber, saffron, cardamom, nutmeg, florals, and that kulfi dessert accord. It works best for autumn, winter, nights out, semi-formal settings, and romantic wear.

Who Should Buy Tom Ford Noir Extreme Parfum?

Buy Noir Extreme Parfum if you want a darker, smokier, and slightly more rugged take on the Noir Extreme DNA. It is better if you prefer leather, tonka bean, guaiac wood, ginger, cardamom, and a drier warmth. It also makes sense if longevity is your top priority.

FAQ: Tom Ford Noir Extreme vs Noir Extreme Parfum

Which is better, Tom Ford Noir Extreme or Noir Extreme Parfum?

Tom Ford Noir Extreme is better overall. Noir Extreme Parfum lasts longer, but the original has the better opening, projection, and scent profile. I like the sweeter/spicy blend a bit more than the smokier leather.

Does Noir Extreme Parfum last longer than Noir Extreme?

Yes. Noir Extreme usually lasts around 6.5-8 hours, while Noir Extreme Parfum can reach up to 9 hours.

Does Noir Extreme project better than Noir Extreme Parfum?

Yes, slightly. Both start strong, but Noir Extreme gives a better scent trail and projects a little more than the Parfum.

Is Noir Extreme sweeter than Noir Extreme Parfum?

Yes. Noir Extreme is sweeter, creamier, and more gourmand, with vanilla, amber, pistachio, and kulfi standing out.

Is Noir Extreme Parfum darker than Noir Extreme?

Yes. Noir Extreme Parfum is darker, drier, smokier, and more rugged due to the leather, guaiac wood, tonka, ginger, and cardamom.

Which one is better for dates?

Noir Extreme is the better date fragrance. It is sweeter, smoother, creamier, and more seductive overall.

Which one is better for winter?

Both are great for winter. Noir Extreme is better if you want creamy sweetness, while Noir Extreme Parfum is better if you want more smoke, leather, and darker warmth.

Which one is more versatile?

Versatility is about even. Both are best for autumn, winter, nights out, semi-formal wear, and cooler weather.

Is Noir Extreme Parfum worth buying if I own Noir Extreme?

It can be worth buying if you want a smokier, leathery variation with better longevity. But it does not replace the original.

Should I buy Noir Extreme or Noir Extreme Parfum?

Buy Noir Extreme if you want the best scent overall. Buy Noir Extreme Parfum if you prefer darker, smokier fragrances or care most about longevity.

7 Best Smelling Cartier Colognes for Men

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Cartier is a world famous jeweler. However, it is also a very good fragrance designer for both men and women. For this list, I have selected seven of those colognes for guys, and what I consider to be the best of the bunch.

The brand doesn’t seem to have too many new releases in comparison to most of the other major designers out there. Jewelry is their main focus still.

They do have a wide variety of choices, though, some of which have gotten discontinued and more difficult to find over the years.  As always, each scent is linked to its page on Amazon for both ease of purchase and further information.

What Are the Top Cartier Perfumes for Him?

Citrus Clean 

Eau De Cartier By Cartier For Men and Women, Eau De Toilette Spray, 6.75-Ounce Bottle
This is a unisex fragrance, so it won’t be a good choice for guys who want something wholly masculine. However, this is a good and light choice for those who like a citrus based fragrance that settles down into something more earthy.

Eau de Cartier opens up with it lemon and bergamot, that is joined by the fresh spiciness of coriander.  From there, you get lavender and violet, giving it the floral edge. Cedar sits at the base for a touch of woody freshness. Clean and one that is extremely easy to wear.

eaucartier

Honey Woods 

L’Envol de Cartier Eau de Toilette Spray, 2.7 oz.– I’m adding this one to the list because it is great. Pretty unique and simple in its presentation, L’Envol, features top notes of ambrosia and citrus.

Beyond that, the thick warmth of honey comes through to balance out the initial citrus aroma. It’s a sweet fragrance with a powdery finish and base notes of Gaiac wood and musk. Actually isn’t as heavy of a scent as you might think and can indeed venture outside of the winter months.

Not too complex, but one that might have a limited audience, as it is a floral and sweet cologne…while still being entirely masculine.

Most Popular Cartier Fragrance

Declaration By Cartier For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 100 ml
This is one is much more manly. It has a spicy scent to it yet also woodsy notes and some bitter orange.

That note is similar to Terre D’Hermes (which I dislike) but this one is done much better in my opinion, as the orange and presentation isn’t overwhelming and off putting.

Declaration is deep and spicy, right from the jump, and there is dry smokiness provided by birch. Cardamom, caraway, and pepper are all here, which can be off-putting for some.

However, there is still the softer side with floral notes, including neroli. An interesting fragrance and definitely an original from decades past.

declaration

Warm, Woody, and Spicy

Cartier Pasha De Cartier Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.3 Fluid Ounce
Masculine, fresh, a bit sweet, and a crispy spice. Pasha De Cartier is a great fragrance that projects well and lasts long, especially in the colder months.

Oakmoss and mint, give it a dry freshness, and then the same caraway note is here as it was in Declaration.

The scent warms up, while retaining its green outdoorsy depth, and the coolness of the mint. When you hit the base notes, Pasha becomes quite woody, and laden with lavender. Nice development.  Notes include: mint, citrus, amber, caraway.

pasha

A New Declaration

Declaration EDP– It’s definitely a flanker of the original, with plenty of overlap, but this one ramps up the spice, particularly early on.

Cinnamon is massive in the opening act, which is nice for me, as I love that note. You also still get ginger and a cardamom note. Cardamom will become more heavy in the mix, once the other two have burned off.

So, yes, this is a warm and spicy sort of cologne. Yet, you will still get enough freshness in the blend to keep it light. The black tea note here is nice, the aroma feels somewhat smoky, but it’s a clean spicy blend that enhances aspects of the original Declaration.

Less woodsy and floral in comparison, while still retaining its similarities.

Top Springtime Pick

Roadster by Cartier for Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.3-Ounces
A fragrance which features notes of vetiver, mint, bergamot, vanilla, and patchouli. Roadster is a very ‘green’ type of fragrance, with mint as its main note.

It’s got a smooth lightness from the vanilla note and the vetiver gives it a masculine quality. Rather unique overall, but simple.

The opening is the mint with a spritz of the bergamot citrus and vanilla sweetness hanging in the background. As it develops further, the patchouli breaks through, giving Roadster more of an outdoorsy quality.

Finally, you get the vetiver note, which brings things all together and Roadster has an almost gourmand edible quality.

Patchouli is often used to give fragrances a candy-like or baked goods smell. Here when paired with the vanilla, vetiver, and mint; you do get a somewhat chocolatey vibe during some of the wear. The performance on Roadster is solid, but it isn’t a projection beast, by any means.

roadster

Best Cartier for Winter

Cartier Santos De Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.3 Ounce
Throwback to the 1980s. On the opposite end of the spectrum from Eau De Cartier, Santos, won’t be mistaken for a unisex fragrance at all. Spicy and woodsy with notes of amber, pepper, and sandalwood.

Santos starts off with a bit of a different tone, than what it’ll eventually settle down into. There is citrus at the top paired with juniper, along with prominent basil, and lavender. It’s got a upbeat and bright freshness to it, that invigorates.

As it dries down, there is a smoky woody aroma, led by sandalwood and the pepper/basil combo. The spice here is prevalent, but not annoyingly in your face, because it gets subdued by the trio of sandalwood/lavender/amber.

Since this is an older cologne, all of the bottles out there won’t smell the same. Reformulations happen, so the exact composition, may be slightly different depending on what bottle you get.

santos

This is my current list of the top Cartier scents for guys. I will periodically come back and update the page, as newer fragrances are released, that I feel are deserving of a spot. As of now, this should get you started, since there are colognes which will suit almost anyone’s personal style.

Le Male Elixir Absolu Vs SWY Intensely

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Le Male Elixir Absolu follows on the heels of the very popular Elixir, as a part of the best-selling Le Male series from Jean Paul Gaultier. It’s entry as a bold and somewhat sweet cologne, is naturally going to draw plenty of comparisons with the other usual cold weather choices.

Stronger with You Intensely by Emporio Armani, is one of those usual choices. But, which of these men’s fragrances is actually better? Which lasts longer

Tale of the Tape: SWY Intensely vs. Elixir Absolu

Stronger With You Intensely

Notes include: pink pepper, cinnamon, toffee, lavender, sage, suede, amber, violet, vetiver

Click here to try: Intensely

My Full Review: Stronger with You Intensely

Le Male Elixir Absolu

Notes include: lavender, tonka bean, plum

Click here to try: Le Male Elixir Absolu

Read my review: Elixir Absolu

Opening

Stronger With You Intensely opens with spice as well, though it’s warmer here and doesn’t linger as long as in the original. Pink pepper really takes the spotlight, with cinnamon and sage rounding out the blend.

I notice the sweetness in Intensely shows up earlier. That toffee accord mixing with cinnamon and caramel really gives Intensely a more energetic personality.

Elixir Absolu opens differently yet familiarly compared to the original JPG Le Male Elixir. It drops the cooling mint note. Instead, you get plenty of lavender with some warmer spice and the new addition of sweet plum.

The plum actually isn’t too heavy at the start for me. It’s much less tart and sweeter than I expected it would be.

I’m not sure what the spice is here. It kind of smells like cumin mixed with a touch of cinnamon. The plum can carry a bit of spicy character too, but I’m personally getting cumin.

Lavender is the main focus with Le Male Elixir Absolu. What’s interesting is I get the sense of iris floating around in this mix. Haven’t seen anything from Gaultier mentioning this though.

Which is better? 

The opening for sure goes to the Stronger with You. While I like Absolu overall as a fragrance, the opening act is kind of messy and probably its worst part.

Edge: Intensely

Projection

This is a pretty close call. Both of these fragrances are quite powerful, have a large projection and a heavier dense feeling at times while wearing them.

I might give the edge to Elixir Absolu, as I think that it might have a slightly farther reach with how it projects. But, they’re about the same in my experience.

Edge: Push

Longevity

I get 11-12 hours with SWY Intensely. It’s a really great performer for a designer fragrance.

Does Absolu go beyond that? No, but it gets somewhat close, at least closer than many other colognes would. With the Gaultier, I get 9-10.5 hours of total wear from it. Still really good, just doesn’t hit the same level.

So, the Armani has the definite edge in longevity, with about equal projecting power.

Edge: Intensely

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are best worn autumn through early to mid-spring. Elixir Absolu isn’t as thick or cloying as the original Elixir can be, but it’s not exactly light either.

Within that, though, I think that SWY Intensely is the better option for date night or some other nightlife event versus Absolu. Neither is a formal sort of fragrance, but I think that the Armani can fit in better on a day to day basis.

Not a massive difference, but Intensely has the edge.

Edge: Intensely

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two fragrance do I prefer?

Le Male Elixir Absolu has quickly become one of my favorites from JPG. The opening act is a bit rough, but the dry down is quite good and something that I have enjoyed wearing.

I started wearing it almost exclusively versus the original Le Male Elixir. It’s smooth, sweet, and the lavender with a touch of plum is great. The performance is also great.

However, in comparison to Stronger with You Intensely, I don’t the Absolu is as good. The Armani is more versatile, is more consistent, has a bit better performance, and I think smells slightly more appealing than the Gaultier cologne.

Intensely is the best from the SWY series, in my opinion, and is also going to be the better choice for most men here.

Winner: Stronger with You Intensely

8 Best Smelling Perry Ellis Colognes for Men

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Perry Ellis doesn’t usually come up when talking about the ‘best’ designer fragrances on the market. However, this is one of those houses that definitely plays a role within the industry. You will find that most Ellis colognes are available for under $30 and almost universally smell good.

This is a brand that presents so much value for the guy looking to smell fantastic without having to break the bank. In this post, I am going to present what I feel are the 8 best Perry Ellis colognes that have been released thus far.

Favorite Perry Ellis Fragrances for Men

Warm Spice for Winter

Perry Ellis M for Men, 3.4 fl oz Eau de Toilette– Sweet vanilla meets spice from cinnamon and anise to create a fragrance that is sneaky good.  Very warm and fresh, wintertime kind of cologne, that does a solid job at filling that niche.

M is a very nice inexpensive option, as it has a similar scent to Chanel Allure. Not exactly the same, but you do get a close vibe. Creamy vanilla/tonka bean, with spices, and dries down with a bit of a powdery finish.

Citrus and Wood

Perry Ellis Night By Perry Ellis for Men Eau-de-toillete Spray, 3.4 Ounce–A citrus/woody scent that delivers blood orange and lemon notes in a very pleasant presentation. It has a woody dry down that has mossy elements. Don’t really get the ‘night’ moniker, but it is a damn nice cologne.

I really like blood orange in fragrances, it doesn’t get used often enough. The citrus is the star, but, the woodsy base brings it all together with a fresh and somewhat spicy kick. Also, a bit of an amber in there, as well.

Not super complex or one that’s going to stand out with its boldness. But, it gives you a nice experience at a low price.

Reach for the Sky

Sky by Perry Ellis– If you can get this one for fairly cheap, it’s worth checking out as an easygoing daily wear.

Citrus and a light mint note kick things off up top. It’s clean, bright, and sitting on top of a further watery base thanks to the aquatic notes and a touch of violet leaf.

Style wise, this is a lot like other scents like Polo Blue or even Sauvage to some extent. But, Sky is more aquatic and less woody than the Dior in particular. Though, in the dry down there is a good bit of ambroxan.

I will say that it doesn’t smell exactly like any of them, just you know along the lines of what you’re getting here, if you’ve smelled those types of colognes before.

Crisp and watery with some lavender, but mostly that citrus aquatic vibe is what this one is all about.

Midnight Amber

Midnight by Perry Ellis– Not sure if this is a flanker of Night or the brand just continued the theme in their naming. Either way, Midnight is another great release from Perry Ellis, this time giving you an amber and citrus blend.

The opening is an orange note with the ever-present amber and some spiciness provided by cinnamon and rosemary. Beyond that, vanilla gives it a further delicious creaminess, particularly in the dry down when it pairs with the amber.

The thing is, Midnight is not a heavy cologne that will bog you down, it does have a great freshness to it. The citrus, spice, and geranium make sure of that.

Performance is okay. This one is available for cheap, so, don’t expect some complete beast or anything. For the price? I think Perry Ellis Midnight is well worth getting.

The Acqua Alternative

Perry Ellis 360 Red for Men, 3.4 fl oz EDT– Famously well-performing and great smelling fragrance that is available at a low price. Has a familiar blend of citrus with a bit of a spicy kick. Solid cologne all around.

360 Red by Perry Ellis gets compared often with Acqua di Gio. While they do share quite a similar structure, this one has much more of a citrus based aroma, with its lemon and lime start. Later, clove and cinnamon provide its spicy and more masculine edge.

Fresh and inexpensive, with guys swearing by this cologne for years.  360 Red Review

Fresh, Clean, Sporty

Perry Ellis Reserve By Perry Ellis For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces– A softer, clean scent that has a hint of sweetness and almost soapy quality to it. A nice casual everyday wear, that won’t overpower, but has a intriguing aroma.

Reserve is a fresh blend with fruits, florals, woods, and musk all mixed together. A 90s throwback with a nice dose of lavender and juniper berries, after that citrus punch in the opening. Good energy and one that can be worn daily or in more casual situations.

The Other 360

Perry Ellis 360 White for Men, 3.4 fl oz Eau de Toilette Spray-The other 360 flanker fragrance on the list, 360 White,  has that Le Male vibe but seems much softer and different enough to stand on its own. Light with floral sweetness and a minty body.

The main difference is going to be the citrus notes up top and the powdery quality is a bit ramped up. Not too heavy and quite versatile for an inexpensive cologne.

It is harder to find a bottle nowadays, as I think that it’s been discontinued. 360 White is still around, so, I’ll keep it on the list but you’ll probably have to search a bit to find it at a good price.

A Bit Like Bleu

Perry Ellis Pour Homme, 3.4 fl oz EDT– Perry Ellis Pour Homme is a clean citrus and spicy fragrance for men, that does a close impression to Bleu de Chanel. At least, for something at this price point.

Beyond that, you get cardamom warmth, lavender, and a lighter woody base and musky dry down. It’s not a terrible performer and will get you plenty of use, just don’t expect a marathon runner. Quite a good cheapie alternative to Bleu, that gives you a nice orange note in lieu of the Chanel citruses.

Best Le Male by JPG Fragrances (Ranked)

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Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier is a series that has been going for about 30 years, at this point. In that time, the brand has released plenty of new editions or special bottles under this fragrance title.

While most of these scents are no longer available on the market, there are some which are more recent, that can be tracked down. On this page, I want to rank the Le Male colognes that I have reviewed on the site, and update it as newer releases emerge. 

Best Le Male Colognes (Ranked)

Still My Favorite

Ultra Male– This one is not going to be a daily wear for most. Even for me, it’s one that I only go to on occasion, and for that reason it may not be the one that you buy. But, I do still think it’s my favorite.

Ultra Male represents a lot of the qualities that I like about JPG colognes. It’s bold, out there, and doesn’t  need to be a signature scent. I’ll wear something else for the day to day, but I want some fragrances in my collection that hit hard and are borderline obnoxious.

Ultra gives you a massive pear and cinnamon combination. It’s sweet and spicy and fills up a room. I’ve got an older bottle, so, I’m not sure if they’ve toned it down in more recent bottles…but this is very potent juice.

Lavender, mint, and vanilla also come through. Later, the lavender and vanilla are the main attractions, along with some amber.

Ultra Male isn’t the Gaultier for everyone or every use case, despite its popularity. Though, it’s a very good release for what it is. Ultra Male review

A Better Elixir

Le Male Elixir Absolu– Yep, this has already climbed up to the second spot on my list of favorite Le Male fragrances. I’m not sure if this one has gotten a positive reception since its release, but I wear this one way more often than the original Elixir.

Admittedly, the opening is kind of shaky and not my favorite. Once we get into things, I think Elixir Absolu really starts to shine, and I thoroughly enjoy wearing this.

This one opens with lavender as the big player, along with some warmer spice, and the plummy sweetness. Now, it’s not a juicy plum note, it’s subtle but present.

Lavender, tonka bean, and some smooth sweetness highlights most of the wear. Performance is great and it’s a better formula than the first Elixir. Elixir Absolu review

Best Daily Wear

Le Male Le Parfum– This is the one to go with, if you want something that’s going to be an easy to wear and attractive cologne for day and night use.

It opens with a prominent cardamom note and some other spice (pretty sure it’s cinnamon). Lavender and vanilla already begin to emerge. However, early on the iris is the main focus of this scent.

The dry down? Lavender, vanilla, and amber.

This is a really good cologne for most guys. It’s an easy no brainer sort of wear. There are plenty of other iris fragrance options. A more recent release, Society Extreme, is one that I bought and like more than this Gaultier.

Yet, I have to give this one its due, even if I tend to like the bolder Le Male scents. Le Parfum review

First Elixir

Le Male Elixir– I’m going to put Elixir here. It’s still one that I like, but Elixir Absolu has pulled away as my favorite between them, to the point that I barely spray this one on anymore.

This is still likeable, but you’re going to have to appreciate a very sweet and loud sort of cologne. This one is warmer and thicker, with its honey note and amber. Yet, it has a cooling spiced opening act with mint.

Lavender, honey, amber, tobacco, and tonka bean are major players here. The scent does develop and has different facets to enjoy during the wear. I’d like Absolu more, but some of you might still want to go with this one. Le Male Elixir review

Lover

Le Male Lover– I don’t have too much experience with this one. But, when I tried it out, I liked what it does. If you don’t like the Elixir entries to this series, Le Male Lover could be a good alternative for you.

It’s a better version of Le Male In the Navy. More complex with a better use of vanilla and the oceanic accord. In the Navy feels much thinner and has less going on than does Lover.

Based on my limited testing with this, I’d put it about equal with the original Le Male. It’s good, maybe I’d find it to be a notch below, if I gave it some more time. But, if you find it at a discounter, I think it can be a good pick up.

The Original

Le Male– I’ve gone through so many periods over the years of loving this fragrance and then not wanting to wear it at all. That’s basically what happened again with my latest smaller bottle of Le Male.

Yes, it’s the original. Yes, it’s a classic. It still has its positives and can be worth it, but I’m not always enamored with the result.

It opens up spicy and with its vanilla already coming out and never leaving. It’s a mix of coolness and warmth, before the smoother lavender and vanilla blend really take hold. Orange blossom is another floral note in the mix.

At times, Le Male is creamy, but it does have more of a powdery finish overall. Still a nice buy. Le Male review

Not so Terrible

Le Male Terrible– You probably won’t find many bottles of Le Male Terrible still around, but just in case, I’ll put it on the list since I’ve already reviewed it. It came out back in 2010.

Overall? It’s pretty good. Quite similar to the original Le Male, but Terrible opens up with pink pepper in lieu of the mint note, along with a grapefruit.

Cardamom is also missing from the mix. Lavender and vanilla are still the leads with this one. However, vetiver, pink pepper, and amber also lend support to make it more of a unique blend.

If you can find this for really cheap and want a different take on Le Male EDT, it warrants a try. Anything above $50-60? I’d almost certainly pass. Le Male Terrible review

Fly with JPG

Le Male Airlines– Airlines had potential. The opening act with the cardamom is really attractive. Much of the time, this one feels like a relative of 1 Million Royal. Overall, it’s a nice cologne, just not one that you need to have.

My bottle was $30 or so, a few years ago. Even with that being the case, I don’t wear Le Male Airlines very often. I wore it a few times in autumn and winter, just to go walk outside with.

Light citrus and artemisia break up the usual Le Male pacing. The Cardamom is really amped up here, but it still has the familiar mint and cinnamon combination in the blend.

The back half is less fresh and spicy. It’s cooler and softer, with the lavender and some woods taking hold of the composition. Airlines review

On the Ocean

Le Male in the Navy– I’m not sure if bottles of In the Navy are still easy to find a decent price, but honestly, don’t bother. This isn’t a worthwhile fragrance and I would rather wear Airlines versus this, any day of the week.

Peppermint, vanilla, ambergris, and an oceanic accord. I thought that it might have some style with its simplicity, but was ultimately disappointed.

I do like the peppermint in the beginning, but the rest of the way its a watery mix of vanilla and ambergris. Nothing too spectacular here and not one to track down. In the Navy review