By Lifestyle

10 Best Smelling Dolce & Gabbana Colognes

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Dolce & Gabbana is an Italian luxury house that doesn’t have a whole lot of options in terms of men’s colognes but there sure do have some really good ones available. Their top perfumes are generally fresh and masculine without ever being overbearing.

I have chosen what in my opinion are the ten best options for men, looking for a D&G fragrance to start wearing. On this list, there should be something for everybody to check out, from the more popular fragrances for him to the lesser known.

What are the Best Dolce & Gabbana Fragrances for Him?

The Classic D&G Scent

Dolce & Gabbana Dolce & Gabbana By Dolce & Gabbana for Men 6.7 Oz Eau De Toilette Spray, 6.7 Oz– The company’s namesake fragrance. For a man who knows what he wants and carries himself with a calm confidence. It contains citrus notes of lemon and orange that blends with softer notes like lavender and the more heavy tobacco notes.

Brilliant fragrance for the right guy. It does have a unique profile while feeling completely familiar. I think it is the way that the lavender and tobacco fill up the heart of the fragrance.

This one is really sexy and masculine. The sillage on D&G Pour Homme was great, as well as the longevity. Lavender and lemon, with clean sandalwood, and a lovely tobacco heart.

Find an older bottle if possible, as that was when it was at its absolute best. D&G Pour Homme Review

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Best The One Fragrance

The One Luminous Night– So, Dolce has developed a ton of these The One fragrance flankers. Luminous Night was one for 2021 and seems kind of limited in its production run. Though, it might very well be the best of the bunch…you just need to track down a bottle.

Update: Dua now has their inspired by take on this: 1 & Only Luminous.

Luminous Night is a sweeter fragrance, with the same amber appeal, and a smokier base than some of the others in the series. What’s great here is the addition of dates, as the fruity sweet note, sitting within that sea of amber.

Some basil and black pepper spices up top, but it isn’t too intense with it.

Also, has a woody base to go with that thicker sweet fruity top. It’s actually not super heavy, but still reserve it for cooler to moderate temperatures. Luminous Night Review

One Winter Cologne

The One EDP– I loved the original The One EDT, and it’s listed below. The problem with it was the longevity. It would fade quickly on my skin. However, The One EDP, not only boosted the performance; but also delivers a great smell…without changing too much.

Still. though, it isn’t a powerhouse. The One eau de parfum, is still however, a great warm fragrance featuring cardamom, amber, and tobacco.

It’s also become one of the best selling D&G fragrances for him. A fantastic wear in the colder months. The amber really leads the way and you give bits of spice throughout from basil, coriander, and fresh ginger.

My Other Light Blue Wear

Light Blue Sun Pour Homme– I’m replacing the original Light Blue on this list, with this flanker. Light Blue Sun has been one that I’ve been wearing here in the late spring and early summer months and I really quite enjoy it.

To me, it sort of splits the difference between the original EDT and Intense, while having a few unique touches of its own. Light Blue Sun kicks off with an ozonic sea breeze, frozen grapefruit, and a fresh ginger note.

There is a lighter rosemary and the spice isn’t as intense as the original. Citrus and a cooling sensation, that is later joined by the hint of a creamy coconut. Very smooth and slightly sweet, but an awesome choice for when it gets hot outside.

I do go back and forth between Light Blue Sun and Eau Intense, there is overlap, and each has its merits. I do like wearing this one around when I’m out and about, during the daytime. Light Blue Sun Review

Best Summer Fragrance

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Intense Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 1.6 Ounce– I actually prefer the Intense version of Light Blue over the original. Like Light Blue, Eau Intense, starts out with a citrus opening; this time minus the bergamot note that is so prevalent in the original.

Grapefruit and mandarin this time around, but the grapefruit is ‘frozen’ and produces a wonderful chilled feeling. In that regard, it is sort of like Versace Man Eau Fraiche, but with a different structure.

Also, this one doesn’t have the same spice or aquatic note. The pepper is replaced with a great juniper and the aquatic aroma, is much closer to fresh water, than a sea note.

I think that this one is much more refreshing and fun to wear, the whole chilled vibe is great on a warm day. The sillage is strong and I get around 9 hours of use, on my skin. Light Blue Eau Intense Review

Most Popular D&G Cologne

The One By Dolce and Gabbana for Men, 3.3 Ounce
One of my personal favorite smelling fragrances ever, but it doesn’t last as long as I would hope. Maybe, it’s just me because, other reviews claim it lasts all day.

However, there are other folks with the same longevity issue, that I have with The One EDT.

It still makes the list, because it is so darn attractive. The One is super warm with an enveloping amber note, spicy cardamom and fresh ginger. Near total overlap with the EDP, just with less performance. So, just get the Eau de parfum version.

Like D&G Pour Homme, it features a smooth tobacco that gets paired with a citrus grapefruit and floral orange blossom. Fresh, spicy, warm, and then smooth…then disappears for me. The One EDT Review

the one for men review

Under the Radar Scent

D & G 21 LE FOU by Dolce & Gabbana EDT SPRAY 3.4 OZ (UNBOXED)– Not a well known fragrance from D&G, but it is a really good one. I got this as a sample on a whim and have worn it around at time during the past month or so. It is a masculine fragrance that is warm and spicy.

Update: I don’t believe that they make this one any longer, so, you’ll have to get a bottle online. I wouldn’t pay too high of a price for it. However, if it is pretty cheap, it can be worthwhile.

Starts off with warm boozy cognac, coriander, juniper, and some underlying floral notes. Not too heavy of a fragrance, but one the more interesting scents, that I tried from their Anthology Collection. I reviewed here.

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Best K Release

Dolce & Gabbana K for Men Eau de Parfum Spray, 5 Ounce/150ml– K EDP is a very unique and interesting scent, that followed on the heels of the EDT version. I could’ve gone with Light Blue Forever, as another new release, but how many Light Blue’s do you actually need? K gives you a new direction.

Pimento, fig, and cardamom really kick things off from the start of this scent. Really, how many other scents have anything like that trio? It’s spicy and earthy with a light and juicy citrus sitting just underneath the surface, in the very beginning.

Finally, you get the woody and somewhat bitter drydown. Fig, cedar, and vetiver are the last of the notes that still hang around. It’s quite a journey.

Now, I wasn’t totally blown away by K eau de parfum, but I appreciate D&G taking some risks and not just doing another flanker of a flanker. And…it’s a good scent, going to have a more niche fanbase, but K will still have its core group of folks who will love it. K EDP Review

Another Great Light Blue

Light Blue Pour Homme Italian Love– I wasn’t that much of a fan of Light Blue Forever, which preceded and shares a lot of overlap with Italian Love.

However, I do like this 2022 release more. Personally, I’d still pick Eau Intense over this, but I enjoy the realistic grapefruit (toned down from Forever) and the bergamot citrus adding a more rounded opening.

I need to spend some time with it, since I’ve only smelled it once, at this point. But, it’s a very nice summertime cologne. Less of the grapefruit intensity and violet leaf. Which is a big plus for me.

Update 2025: Both Italian Love and Forever are discontinued. Dua has their version of the Forever formula: Sky Blue Homme. But, not Italian Love, as of this update.

Update: Coming back to this one, it’s for sure better to me than Forever, even with all of the similarities. Italian Love’s bergamot note and the ozonic aspects are great. The bergamot combo with the grapefruit makes this one. Italian Love Review

Incenso

Velvet Incenso– Incenso is a unisex release from D&G’s Velvet fragrance lineup and more of a niche scent than something for everyone. Nevertheless, Velvet Incenso is a great perfume.

It’s a blend of resinous notes: amber, labdanum, elemi, benzoin with smoky incense, vanilla, and some cashmere wood. It’s not overly smoky, but has a great sweetness and balsamic embrace that makes Incenso a cozy wear during autumn and winter.

It’s also not completely flat, as it has a slight peppery kick up top and some further spice from a few other notes. Yet, it’s tame and utterly wearable.

The incense note is the star, but the balance here is too good, for it to be solely about that.

This is going to be more expensive than the usual mainstream releases from the brand. Velvet Incenso, in particular, is becoming more difficult to find as well. Incenso Review

10 Best Giorgio Armani Colognes for Men

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Armani has a fantastic line of fragrances for both men and women, that have their own unique style and impression. Two of the colognes for men, Armani Code and Acqua Di Gio, have been best-sellers and very popular with both men and their women for years now.

However, there are other Armani colognes that are really great that don’t get the same amount of attention as those two. For this list, I wanted to explore ten of the best Armani scents, of both new and old. Also see: The Top Armani Perfumes for Women

Favorite Armani Fragrances for Him

Enveloping Winter Warmth

Giorgio Armani Code Profumo EDP Spray for Men, 3.7 Ounce– Code Profumo was the best flanker fragrance, that has stemmed from the original Code moniker.

That’s changed, in my opinion, but I do still love this one. It is sweet, warm, and a magnificent wear for the colder months of the year.

Profumo opens up with tonka bean and amber. Then is quickly followed up by the inclusion of mandarin orange, herbal notes, and rich leather. Smooth and creamy on the dry down. If you want a spicier and boozier version, go with Absolu.

Code Profumo has a strong sillage and lasts on my skin for over 10 hours, most of the time. A very good and highly intriguing winter wear for guys. Code Profumo Review

Deeper, Darker Aquatic

Giorgio Armani Aqua di Gio Profumo, 4.2 Fluid Ounce– A flanker from the original and best-selling Acqua di Gio, AdG Profumo, exceeds the original in my opinion. It is a dark aquatic fragrance with an attractive spice and smoky undertones provided by the incense note.

Update: They’ve basically discontinued Profumo under this name. Now, Acqua di Gio Parfum is essentially just this rebranded.

To me, it can be a toss up between this and Profondo. Profumo is a darker scent, while Profondo is a lighter and has a zesty sort of personality.

Profumo starts out with bergamot and deep sea aquatic notes. The composition screams out summertime spent on the coast and is more refined and masculine than its predecessor. Great salty marine elements with sage and rosemary, giving it all extra heft. Awesome. Acqua di Gio Profumo Review

Unisex Floral Leather

Cuir Zerzura– Zerzura is a part of the expensive Privee line from Armani. This one is great, as it leans masculine and delivers a great and deep floral scent.

Iris is the main floral note, with some rose and light violet leaf early on. The main attractions though are the iris, leather, and vanilla notes.

Early on, you will get a brightness of mandarin and elemi. Though, that is short-lived and this becomes rich and has an enveloping smoothness and warmth. The contrast between the leather, the creaminess, and the powdery aroma of the iris note.

Not too sweet or overpowering. I think that Armani struck a very good balance between that iris and the leather without falling too much into make-up bag territory. Lovely stuff.

Newer Code

Code Parfum by Giorgio Armani– This will be one of three Code entries onto the list. It was released in 2022 and I was surprised at how good it was.

Code Parfum kicks off with the usually bergamot note, paired with sage and iris. The bergamot is sparkling and this one has a great opening freshness to it. It’s sort of bright and aldehydic with the way the iris is worked into things.

There is some powderiness, not too much, and not as much as you’d think with both iris and tonka bean coming through. Those two notes are heavily featured in the dry down along with the remaining citrus and a crisp cedar.

It’s a clean daily wear that can fit in a wide variety of situations. Code Parfum is going to be one of those workhorse fragrances, that you can spray on pretty much whenever, but it has plenty of style. Code Parfum review

Sweet, Woody, Unique

Giorgio Armani Cologne for Men, Armani Diamonds, 2.5 Fluid Ounce
At its base, Emporio Armani Diamonds is woody and spicy. At the top, you have cocoa bean and bergamot leading the way, with a heart of amber.

The citrus and cacao combination is beautifully done and feels wrapped up in that warm and familiar amber note. I really like the bergamot that comes out of the early stages, along with the initial spiciness that will be such a factor in the middle.

The bergamot is most noticeable at the start and gradually it all dries down into a woody cologne with sweet cocoa and hints of sichuan pepper (just not much). Coming back to this one recently, the amber note really developed well, in a way I hadn’t remembered.

At that point, the aroma is quite dry, but overall it remains light and none too heavy. Fresh, sweet, with good longevity.  Notes include: Citrus, Bergamot, Cedar, Szechwan Pepper, Gaiac Wood, Ambroxan, Vetiver, Cocoa Bean. Diamonds Review

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Bluer Citrus Aquatic

Acqua di Gio Profondo– This newer release is replacing the original AdG, which really feels unnecessary to have at this time. It has been surpassed by flankers like this and there are cheaper options, that smell pretty much the same.

Profondo has plenty of overlap with Profumo, but as I said, there are slight differences. This is the lighter and has a zestier/blue vibe, versus the deep water aroma of Profumo.

Anyway, Profondo kicks off with a blend of citrus notes, with a solid freshness and spice provided by the rosemary. This doesn’t smell as smoky to me, either.

Much more of a fruity and blue aquatic, on the lines of maybe a Polo Blue, versus the other colognes in this series. Profondo Full Review

Classic Armani Release

Mania By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces
A sophisticated blend of woodsy aromatics and mandarin oranges. The opening is bright and upbeat with that mandarin note and saffron poking through.

There still aren’t too many men’s fragrances utilizing saffron, but it can be utterly brilliant, as it is here.

Mania is pretty simple, with dry elements, wood, amber, and a nice citrus shining through. You have to get this one online, nowadays, as Armani no longer produces it. Highly masculine and a full bodied scent that will drive ladies wild, when close.

Update: It’s been discontinued for a long while. Probably difficult to find a cheap bottle. So, pass on it if the price is in the triple digits.

Note: Dua brand has their fragrance: Arena, which is based on this formula.

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A Stronger With You Option

Emporio Armani Stronger With You Intensely EDP For Men 3.4oz– The original Stronger with You was pretty nice, but not something that I’d consider one of Armani’s best. However, I think that Intensely is a better option than that, and worthy of a spot for this update.

Stronger with You Intensely does indeed ramp up the power of the original, within a sweeter frame, and delicious gourmand aroma.

Sage, cinnamon, and pink pepper add the layer of spice but it really isn’t a completely thick cloud of fragrance…but very much a colder weather wear.

I like this and as of now, it takes the spot as my favorite cologne from this line. Yes, Absolutely is up there as well. For me, this has the slight edge between them. Here’s my review of Intensely and my comparison with SWY Absolutely

I also think that SWY Leather is right up there at the top between these two. That’s more of a limited edition, so, it can be more difficult to find than these two.

Stylish Stand Out

Armani Attitude By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 1.7 Oz– Attitude is a fitting name, because this one is bold, and can pack a punch.

Not that it is overly heavy, but this was one that could grab attention (it has been discontinued, as well, still bottles available online ). Note: Dua has their inspired by version: #Attitude available for cheap, if you can’t find this.

You had coffee and lemon, with notes like lavender and patchouli. All in all, it could be hard to distinguish between them, as it is so well blended. That’s perfectly fine, because the result was awesome, quite sexy, and could be a complement magnet.

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The Best Armani Code

Armani Code Absolu– I am replacing the original Code on the list, as it has been surpassed by too many other offerings. Initially, Code Profumo was my favorite of the line. However, that all changed with the release of Absolu, which is the best of the bunch.

It kicks off with rum, suede, nutmeg, and tonka bean. There are the light fruit notes of mandarin and apple, floating in the background, as they do in all of the Code scents.

I really enjoy the kick and booziness provided by the nutmeg and rum, with the leather-like smoothness of suede.

It’s dark and warm, with a great sweetness during the dry down. A lighter option versus Profumo, not as cloying, but still delivers over 10 hours of wear. Code Absolu Review

9 Best Smelling Ralph Lauren Polo Colognes

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Ralph Lauren is a designer which caters to classic American sensibilities and tastes. One of his major accomplishments in the fashion world has been his line of fragrances for men and women.

There are the classics, the flankers, and some newer entries that are also great. However, with so many to choose from it can be difficult for guys to make a decision on which one to go with.

For this list, I have narrowed it down to what I feel are the nine best Ralph Lauren colognes for men. Each one brings something different to the table and should be adaptable to many different lifestyles. Also see: The Best Smelling Ralph Lauren Perfumes for Ladies

What are the Best Scents for Men by Ralph Lauren?

Best Winter Scent for Men

Ralph Lauren Polo Red Extreme Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 4.2 Ounce–  So, in this updated list I am replacing the old Polo Red with the newer flanker release, Polo Red Extreme. Further update: This has now been discontinued.

Why? Because it’s better than both Polo Red and the Intense version. Plus, it has better performance than either.

This version is darker and doesn’t have the same level of fruitiness created by the cranberry note. This is joined by a certain level of smokiness and a familiar smelling coffee note to go along with blood orange. Sweet, rich, and masculine.

You get the opening citrus note of blood orange mixed with coffee. Later, coffee becomes dominate and there is an almost chocolate-like aroma hanging in the air, when blended with the wood notes. Pretty straightforward scent, but great.

I actually do like the other two Polo Red colognes, a whole lot. I just feel that the folks at Ralph Lauren, kept tweaking the scents, until it became much improved.

Although, this isn’t really the same as the original Polo Red, which would still be on the list if it had better longevity. The coffee note here is great and sort of takes elements of Rochas Man and pairs those with elements of the Polo Red lineup. Polo Red Extreme Full Review

The Next Red in Line

Polo Red Parfum– Red Extreme is still my favorite of the line so far. I do like the original, as well. However, the newer Red Parfum release might be my second favorite. It is more unique, while still having some of that same sort of presentation as the original Polo Red.

This one also doesn’t have that original cranberry note and utilizes the blood orange of Extreme up top. The initial citrus isn’t too overpowering and it has a shorter run at the head, since you get the spice of pink pepper and the slightly bitter absinthe note.

It interestingly shifts into a floral accord, which isn’t a staple of the Polo Red colognes. Lavender is strong here, with a touch of orris softness.

Overall, it is less tart than Red. With a good use of sweetness, a fresh spice, and an easy to wear formulation. Polo Blue Parfum is also pretty good, but I prefer this and the others on the list. Full Review

Top Overall Daily Wear Scent

Polo Black by Ralph Lauren for Men – 4.2 Ounce EDT Spray– Moderate and masculine scent that works well for the day or nighttime. Wonderful fragrance that is pleasing yet subtle. Possibly the best Polo cologne for a wide audience.

An interesting mango note is joined by a blend of sage and patchouli, which gives Polo Black a woody and spicy undertone.

The top of the order include some more citrus notes like lemon and tangerine. Highly popular scent. Notes include: tonka bean, iced mango, patchouli noir, spanish sage, and silver armoise.

Polo Double Black is also a good choice. That one is obviously a flanker fragrance, but the composition is arranged differently, and I think Black does it better. Even though, this is termed ‘Black’, there really isn’t anything dark about it. It’s a masculine fruit-laden scent, that does a great job of drawing complements. Polo Black Full Review

Best Newer Ralph Lauren Cologne

Ralph’s Club– The Polo Intense release was a nice update to the classic formula, but I think Ralph’s Club EDP is the better fragrance.

It’s not overly complicated but has a fresh and clean profile, with a distinct clary sage note at the top. Has a soapy clean quality with an underlying woodiness from the cedar note. I get the comparisons to YSL’s Y, but it’s not exactly the case, as the apple note is missing.

What you do get with Ralph’s Club is an easy to wear and mass appealing fragrance that can be worn pretty much anywhere by any guy. It’s a very safe pick.

Has a level of sweetness to the aroma and the dry down is mostly a clean lavender smell. Good longevity, also. Ralph’s Club Review

Top Blue Release

Polo Deep Blue Parfum– Usually, when you get this deep into flanker fragrances, the quality seems to drop off. However, the 2020 release of Polo Deep Blue Parfum, has become a great addition to the Blue line.

Deep Blue takes a similar formula to the other offerings, but adds a mango note, and Deep Ocean accord. The opening act is great, as the mango (much like found in Polo Black) really creates an awesome aroma.

At first, the ocean accord is fresh and stimulating. Later, is does become more of a pure ambroxan scent.

The performance here is good, with solid sillage for the first few hours, before it settles. Yes, it is quite a bit like Polo Blue EDT and EDP, in the latter stage. But, I like the opening act enough to give it a spot on this list. Polo Deep Blue Review

Best Fresh Sporty Ralph Lauren Scent

Ralph Lauren Polo Sport Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 4.2 Ounce– Polo Sport has become a classic cologne it its own right. Sometimes simple and clean is the best course of action when choosing a cologne and that’s what Polo Sport excels at.

I remember using this cologne when I was younger and how absolute fresh and invigorating a fragrance that it is.

Smelling this scent takes me back, and to me, really defines what a sporty fragrance should be. This was probably the best Polo fragrance in the 1990s.

Note: Dua has their own inspired by version of this, based on the 1990s formulation called, Endorphin.

It’s not too citrusy or too much of a light aquatic, rather, it blends all of these elements together to make something wonderful and upbeat.

Polo Sport takes so many different elements a does a wonderful job at blending them all together. The sharp and cool mint, the lovely lavender, the sunny citrus notes…all of which sit atop a layer of marine notes.

This has always been a very versatile fragrance and works well for teenagers to adults. My Polo Sport Review

Top Polo Fragrance for Summer

Ralph Lauren Polo Blue Eau de Parfum for Men, 4.2 Ounce– I replaced one of the Big Pony flanker fragrances on this list with Polo Blue because the former got discontinued.  Polo Blue itself has two options, the EDT and the eau de parfum.

I think the EDP version (linked above) is the more interesting and better performing of the choices, but either is a solid choice for guys.

To me, the EDP version is like the original EDT, but blended with elements of Acqua di Gio Profumo. It features a citrus note of bergamot to go along with herbal spices including basil and cardamom. Add to that a smooth suede and aquatic sea notes.

The other option, the EDT version is more of an aquatic, its lighter and has notes of juicy melon and cucumber leading the way. Again, I like either option. The EDT is the better seller, but the EDP is the better performer, in my opinion.

Top Classic Ralph Lauren Fragrance

Polo by Ralph Lauren for Men, Eau de Toilette Natural Spray, 4-Fluid Ounce– The original, the classic. Polo is a fantastic and woodsy aromatic for the gentleman who is bold and like to stand out.

It starts out quite dry with leather and pine notes and then transitions into a rich tobacco and patchouli blend that is smoky and intriguing.

An absolute monster in terms of sillage and performance. There’s a reason it has been so loved for over 40 years.

It such a great blend and starts to check off boxes throughout. Herbal. Woodsy. Spicy. A very thorough scent and one which completely goes against the grain of most of the most popular colognes of today’s era.

Again, not for everyone, but Polo is an absolute signature scent for the right man.  My Full Review

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Pros

  • Classic and masculine scent
  • Still has great performance

Cons

  • Better Suited for Older Guys

Most Underrated Cologne by Ralph Lauren

Safari by Ralph Lauren for Men, Eau De Toilette Natural Spray, 4.2 Ounce– Safari is a scent that one must use caution with, as it can be very strong.

However, it is also a delightfully masculine smell with a sweetness that many other fragrances lack. The main thrust of it is an outdoorsy, green herbal plant and woods mixture.

However, that’s only the beginning as Safari is a complex, and unique aroma. It’s masculine but tempered by citrus and floral notes.

Try to find an older bottle, as from what I understand it has been reformulated…and not for the better. Still, the original Safari is a legend.

Pros

  • Unique
  • Beautiful Complex Composition

Cons

  • Another one for a more mature man

gold blend review

L’eau D’Issey Pour Homme by Issey Miyake

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I first wrote this review, early on in this website’s history back in 2014, and it was one of the first that I ever did. I had purchased a full bottle of L’eau d’Issey on a whim, because I had heard good things about this popular Issey Miyake fragrance. I had no clue who this Japanese designer even was.

Now, I’m coming back around in 2023 to give a more in depth review, because the first time around wasn’t sufficient. What’s funny, is that even til this day, it is a consistent;y popular for guys around the word.

What does L’Eau D’Issey Smell Like?

For a cologne which has been on the market since 1994, still being in the top sellers is quite an accomplishment. Why all the fuss? Quite simply because it smells good. L’eau D’Issey is a cologne which I have had on my night stand throughout the years and one that I like to break out in the spring and summer months especially, but it works year round.

Notes include: lemon, yuzu, tarragon, bergamot, tobacco, vetiver, lotus, nutmeg, musk, cedar, sandalwood, lily

Click here to try: L’eau d’Issey

My Full Wear Review

The first thing one notices after spraying L’eau D’Issey on your skin is the way the citrus notes blend with the spice. That is my least favorite part of this fragrance, is its initial offering. Some people really enjoy it but it’s just meh to me. When seeing the notes listed with yuzu and lemon, you would expect it to open up with a juicy citrus aroma.

That’s not really the case here, L’eau d’Issey is pretty sharp at the start, but dry as it is paired with woods, vetiver, spices, and tobacco. As such, the whole thing takes on a different aroma from many other fragrances on the market.

However, once the cologne begins to settle and fully reveal itself, that’s when the true magic of Issey Miyake starts.

Issey Miyake Pour Homme is a very bright scent. Like, it radiates a feeling of sunshine on a spring or summer day. It feels utterly familiar, yet still so unique, as I haven’t come across another men’s cologne that smells the same as this one.

It isn’t utterly complex, it is dominated by citrus, then comes the spice, and then the musky and woody base. It is in the same category of scent as something like, Light Blue.

The yuzu and lemon, get paired with nutmeg and tarragon. It’s spicy but not insanely so. As it dries down, the spice begins to fade for me, and the citrus isn’t as sharp.

When the wood notes emerge (cedar and sandalwood), so do hints of floral notes, which is mainly the lotus. Not my favorite flower, but not bad here. The musk is noticeable, though, the composition remains clean and fresh and doesn’t get bogged down into a musky mess.

The citrus and the wood notes, are my favorite ingredients here. That dry down period, is the highlight of L’eau D’Issey, while the opening act is just okay.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it would always start out really strong for me, and then move into a more moderate phase.

I always seem to keep L’eau d’Issey to 2-3 sprays max, because of the strength, and not wanting to be outlandish with it on warmer days. Unless I’m outside or it’s going to be a while before I am in close quarters with other people.

The longevity was solid and clocked in around 6-8 hours, depending on the day. It never went to extreme lengths of time, on my skin, but it never quit on me early, either. I really have no complaints about the performance of L’eau D’Issey.

Update: Coming back to this one, it doesn’t seem to have any weakened performance over the years, at least on my skin. It still sticks around for 6 hours or more. 

What I really enjoy about this cologne is its versatility. To me, it works during any season, but I’ve said that I really dig it when it gets warm. Since I live in a humid region, I need a fragrance which will hold up in the spring and summer months, and Issey Miyake has proven itself capable.

This can be great to have on hand, because I have so many colognes that only work when it’s cold out, that I need something of a go-to for the heat.

Also, this is a fragrance that can be worn at work or at school or for a night on the town. It’s designed as a more casual every day kind of fragrance, but it definitely draws women closer.

I’ve gotten too many complements on this one, to keep track of, and it’s honestly not even my favorite cologne. But since it seems to work, I can’t complain. Not what I’d call a sexy cologne, but very masculine and appealing.

You get a clean freshness, that has a fairly familiar kind of profile, but enough differences to make it stand out from the pack.

Overall Impressions of L’eau D’Issey by Issey Miyake

Overall, L’eau D’Issey is a good buy because it’s not too expensive, it’s versatile, and seems to always draw complements. There are others which I think smell better, but there are few which have as many strengths.

As a casual, everyday wear, this Issey Miyake one is a great option to have around. I haven’t been too much into the flankers of this scent (like Blue Astral), but I can keep coming back to the original, and enjoy wearing it.

I like the citrus notes here. Not as big of a fan, of their initial pairing with the tarragon and nutmeg. It can be too sharp, too potent, but this cologne settles down nicely.

Update: L’eau D’Issey is no longer one that I keep a bottle of at all times. Though, it’s still one that I have fond memories of and enjoyed wearing again. At a decent price, it’s a fragrance that is worth picking up. Sub-$50 seems like a fine price still.

Best Colognes for the Office: Fragrances for Professional Men

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Colognes come in many different scents, however, not all of these scents are appropriate or desirable for all occasions. There are fragrances that do smell wonderful but are best served when applied during a night out and not while working at the office. Professional men require a eau de toilette that is understated yet still fresh and compelling.

There are yet still other men who simply don’t want their fragrance to be that ‘loud’ and more on the subtle side and wish to find the perfect cologne for daily use. In this post, I want to lay out some options that you could consider for an everyday cologne as well as present a few that I think are the top colognes for daytime.

 What are the Best Daytime Office Fragrances for Men?

Days in Bleu

Bleu de Chanel– It’s a best-seller, has been for a long time, and that’s because it’s great. Bleu de Chanel is a fantastic option for a basic, no non-sense fragrance, that can easily become a daily wear.

Most of the decision will be to select which version you prefer. Bleu de Chanel EDT is the original, the most understated. The woodier Parfum version is one that many people enjoy discovering. Personally, I like EDP a bit more than the other two.

bleu de chanel review

Cracking the Code

Code Parfum by Armani– This is another one with multiple options. The original Armani Code is a classic for daily wear, but I like the newer Code Parfum nowadays. Others in the series go too heavy with notes like suede and other sweetish features.

Code Parfum finds the balance while respecting the original DNA. It has a fresh and clean start with a juicy bergamot note, bright aldehydes, and the floral focus of the iris note. It feels cold, with a slight powdery aroma, but the iris goes more into the buttery creamy end of things.

7-8 hours of wear, very simple, and crowd pleasing. I really like Code Parfum as an effortless daily wear for the office and beyond.

Ego Unleashed

Egoiste Platinum by Chanel– One could also go with the original Egoiste, which is sweeter, drier, and richer with notes of tobacco and sandalwood. However, as a clean daytime wear, I like Platinum better for the job.

Platinum has a classic soapy clean, but it’s a modernist interpretation of this style. Herbal, fresh spicy, green, and with a healthy dose of lavender. You’ll get phases of petitgrain, sage, and neroli during the wear.

Finally, it will dry down with some great woody notes including vetiver, sandalwood, cedar, and geranium. The scent could be stronger, though, it’s not particularly much of an issue. Platinum Egoiste review

Prada Style

Prada L’homme Intense Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– Honestly, you could choose any of the L’Homme line from Prada and it would work. I like Intense and L’eau ( an awesome  powder aroma) more than the original, but it’s also very nice.

Mainly, I like the darker aroma of this one, and the fact that I can get 9 hours of wear on my skin. It has the powdery iris note of the original, amber, and a great leather accord, in the opening.

Later on, there is a subtle base of patchouli and sandalwood, which add to the overall enjoyment and aren’t a distraction. The dry down is mainly iris and tonka bean, with the leather and amber, playing support roles.

It’s super rich and fits beautifully in the colder weather of autumn and winter.  L’Homme Intense Review

The Dior Namesake

Dior Homme– Dior Homme gets reformulated every so often and the name is simply re-used with the newer formula. In 2020, Dior changed it again. While I don’t like this one as much as the last, it’s still a very good fragrance, especially for daily wear.

It starts off bright, fresh, and woody. Bergamot citrus leads the way with cedar and vetiver flanking it during the opening act. Underneath that, is a light spiciness headed up by pink pepper.

This one is not too heavy, has solid performance, and smells great even in its toned down simplicity. Dior Homme Review

Green Clean

Green Irish Tweed– Green Irish Tweed is an higher end option by Creed that is worth checking out.

I’m not much of a fan of the mossy, violet leaf, and pine sort of aroma up top. But, I think that this one gets better as it settles after 15 or so minutes.

The lemon verbena and citrus notes come out and give this one a bright and green blend, which will become a soapy/powdery scent as it dries down further.

GIT is another fragrance with good performance and an older school vibe. It isn’t stale or boring, however, and has a dynamic energy to its composition. GIT Review

Gentleman Daily

Gentleman EDP by Givenchy– Gentleman EDP is a great option for daily wear at the office or anywhere really.

This one has an iris note along with a spicy accord, benzoin, woody notes in the dry down, and the creaminess of vanilla (with a nice heaping of tonka bean). Not super heavy, with its light citrus top note, but one that’s going to be an autumn and winter wear.

This is refined and has a mass pleasing aroma that is versatile enough to wear in the evenings too.

Classic Chanel

Pour Monsieur by Chanel– Pour Monsieur is an absolute classic from Chanel and it has the style to match. This might not be a pick for everybody, as the fragrance dates back to the 1950s, which gives it a different sensibility versus the newer entries on the list.

The lemon note leads the way, but it has a dry blend of moss and vetiver underneath providing that woodsy aroma. Plus, notes like basil and cardamom giving it a spicy lift. Earthy, dry, woodsy in the base with a citrus not dominating the top.

Lots of greenish and spicy touches throughout. Not a very ‘juicy’ citrus, but this one has a simple elegance that can work very well in an office environment. Timeless.

24

H24 EDT by Hermes– This one gets mixed reviews, while being fairly popular, and it’s one that I personally enjoy. It’s a really useful scent for our purposes in this post.

H24 features notes like sage and narcissus to produce something that is clean while being rather unique. There’s a metallic edge to the aroma, it’s also sweet, and dries down with a woody smell. The sage is strong up top, but this Hermes gradually becomes more balanced.

It’s a moderate cologne with it’s sillage and lasted on my skin for up to 7.5 hours, when I was testing H24 out. H24 Review

h24 review

Guilty Goodness

Gucci Guilty– An easy to wear and very versatile floral fragrance for men. Guilty EDT isn’t my absolute favorite, but it is one that I do think is a great entry level cologne, for those who don’t want to overthink their scent.

It opens up with a lemon and pink pepper combination, with neroli and orange blossoms sitting in the background. It will shift more towards those notes, while having a woodsy base of patchouli and cedar.

Again, this is very likeable and easy going. Not an insane amount of longevity, but you can pretty liberally apply it without blowing out a room. Guilty Review

Fancy French

Tuxedo by YSL– The name and reputation suggests that this is only for pure formal wear. To me, that’s not the case. Sure, it’s classy and luxurious, but it’s also amazing for the office and daytime use.

Tuxedo gives you a slight spice in the opening from black pepper and cardamom, it’s just not overwhelming. This one is absolutely smooth and the real highlights are: amber, patchouli, and vanilla.

Fresh, sweet, and a lighter fragrance. Tuxedo Review