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10 Best Smelling Versace Colognes for Men

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Versace fragrances are known for being stylish, masculine, and unique. Not too many design houses have a roster of fragrances that are this deep and deliver the goods each time.

Versace has plenty to offer men of different tastes and while it isn’t an inexpensive brand, it isn’t obscenely expensive for most people.

For this list, I have selected 7 fragrances from Versace which I feel are the best. I have also added a few honorable mentions. Check out: Best Smelling Versace Perfumes for Women

Favorite Versace Perfumes for Him

Tobacco Floral 90s Classic

DREAMER by Versace Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 oz– Not an overpowering fragrance but one that is highly memorable and sexy. It is sweet with enough spice to reel in the ladies and having them ask what it is you are wearing? Notes include: wild flowers, linen, amber and tobacco.

Update: They’ve reformulated and re-released this one. So, the notes and aroma are fairly different from this older version now.

Dreamer dates back to the mid-1990s and as such is now available at a great price. It opens up with a very fresh and smooth green tobacco note.

It’s uncured and more floral than the heavier pipe tobacco found in many other fragrances. This is paired with lavender to give it a floral and powdery heart.

However, its base is woody, herbal, and masculine. It’s dry with notes of fir and cedar. Then, an herbal spice of sage. Dreamer is a low key fragrance that is good for daily wear and is safe for the office. Dreamer Full Review

Pros

  • Clean and versatile fragrance
  • Inexpensive
  • Not overly powerful

Cons

  •  May be to green/floral for some men’s tastes.

Best Selling Versace

Versace Eros Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce– A deep and energetic cologne that projects an air of confidence and sensuality. Eros is the God of Love and this one is great for romantic wear. Notes include: mint, green apple, tonka bean, madagascar vanilla, vetiver.

This is now probably the most popular Versace cologne, since its release in 2012. It has now spawned a flanker called Eros Flame, which has now been released. Anyway, the original Versace Eros is bold and striking.

It opens with mint, apple, citrus, and vanilla. It’s got gourmand qualities, slight spice, and a cedar/woodsy base.

Eros is my favorite from the Versace lineup, I’d have to say. despite its extreme popularity, I still enjoy wearing this fragrance on a regular basis. Read my full review of Eros. 

Note: The EDP version and the current version of the EDT rank about the same to me. The EDP has a better opening act, in my mind, however. 

Pros

  • Sweet and bold profile
  • Great option for younger men
  • Performance

Cons

  •  Not great in warmer weather
  •  Can be too strong for office wear or school

The Other Eros

Versace Eros Parfum– Eros Parfum is the latest edition in the series, but is better than both the EDP and Flame, to my mind.

Eros Parfum obviously has plenty of overlap with the EDT and EDP. But, it does stand alone in how it presents itself.

Noticeably, the lemon note is toned down versus the original. Initially, the citrus is quite present, but it will fade.

You still get the lemon, apple, and mint notes but the weighting is different. Mint probably takes the biggest hit in the Parfum version. It does have a slight fresh spiciness early on from black pepper and sage, not too much.

The dry down goes vanilla, woods, benzoin and amber with the remaining fruity notes hanging around. Resinous and creamy to some extent. Nice strong sillage and will last a long while. Eros Parfum review

Dry, Rich, and Spicy

Versace Man by Versace 3.4oz 100ml EDT Spray– Versace Man is all about masculinity. It is rich and complex with spicy notes that deliver a beautiful aroma. The tobacco note leads the way and is a cured sort of tobacco aroma as opposed to the aforementioned Dreamer.

There is also pepper and cardamom giving Man a spice. Then, things shift a bit more towards a warmer floral blend of amber and saffron.

The end result is a refined, dry, and richly appointed fragrance which has good sillage and will last on one’s skin for quite a while. Update: This has been discontinued as of 2018, but you can still grab bottles online. 

Pros

  • Masculine and refined
  • Appropriate for in their late 20s and up

Cons

  • Getting harder to find bottles

versace man

Best Summertime Versace

Versace Man Eau Fraiche By Gianni Versace For Men Edt Spray 3.4 Oz– Eau Fraiche is a cleaner citrus take on the original Versace Man. This one is more of a springtime or summer scent for gentleman.

Eau Fraiche opens up with a crisp, cold, and refreshing lemon note and starfruit. It’s got an icy quality to it at first, which is really interesting, and great to spray on during the summer heat.

Then, Versace Man Eau Fraiche, warms up a bit. It becomes much woodier than just a straight citrus bomb and I think that’s when the fragrance really comes into its own. It’s all very light, clean, and super attractive.

The longevity is pretty good, I’ve gotten a little bit more than 6 hours of wear out of it, but this is a fantastic option for warmer climates or just as a strictly summertime wear.

Notes include: Lemon, Rosewood, Carambola, Cedar leaves, Tarragon, Sage, Musk, Amber, Sycamore wood.  Versace Man Eau Fraiche Full Review

Pros

  • Clean and bright aroma
  • Great for summer
  • Nice use of citrus and woods

Cons

  • Some may find the lemon too sharp
  • More of a casual fragrance

Good Daily Wear Cologne

Versace Signature By Gianni Versace Eau-de-toilette Spray for Men, 6.70-Fluid Ounce– A nice day to day fragrance from Versace with gentle spice notes. Versace opens up with bergamot and bitter orange notes, which creates a bright citrus aroma at the top.

It’s actually quite an intense fragrance, to my nose, for the first 30 minutes or so of wear. It mellows out a great deal afterwards, but that citrus opening is a bomb.

As it dries down, I get a lot more of the tonka bean and floral notes poking through, to give Versace Pour Homme much more depth of character. It is still a pretty straightforward cologne, which also provides some sage and cedar at the base.

I like Versace Signature but it was never my favorite from the line. It’s another one that is a great daily wear option for men who live in those warm climates, as it performs amazingly well in the heat. Notes include: Jasmine, Moroccan cedar wood, musk, kashmir wood, azalea.  My review of Versace

Pros

  • Nice smelling option for guys who want a daily wear
  • Fresh and can hold up in the hotter climates

Cons

  • The opening act, can be overwhelming, at times
  • Solid, but not amazing performance

versace pour homme

The Original

Versace L’Homme by Versace for Men – 3.4 Ounce EDT Spray– Admittedly, I overlooked this 1980s classic, the first go round with this list of top Versace colognes. L’Homme really is a fantastic scent and is now available at a great price.

Beyond that, it has so much depth, and a varied character. It opens up with a bold blend of citrus notes, headlined by lemon, and supported by bergamot.

Then, it dries down with leather, a cinnamon spice, and a mix of floral/woodsy notes. It’s got a clean aroma, with the citrus and leather. But then, the patchouli and other dry earthy elements come in, and dirty things up a tad.

It ends, as a smooth and dry citrus, with an air of absolute fresh spiciness. The longevity is good and the sillage can be pretty powerful, especially in the opening half hour or so. Very masculine and not really a teenager type of fragrance, at all.

Pros

  • Attractive price point
  • It’s classic style, stands out versus most modern scents
  • Wonderfully rich and masculine smell

Cons

  • Not for most younger guys

Honorable Mentions

The main seven listed here, are the best of the lot, and should be enough for anyone looking to get into Versace fragrances. However, there are other really nice options, that some would argue deserve a spot. To me, though, they are the best of the rest.

Versace Pour Homme Dylan Blue FOR MEN by Versace – 3.4 oz EDT Spray– Dylan Blue is a citrus aquatic, with strong ambroxan notes. As such, it is in the same fragrance family as, Dior Sauvage and Acqua di Gio Profumo. It opens with a grapefruit and bergamot mix, sitting on top of a watery base.

Then, there is the addition of a lovely fig. The dry down is more about the ambroxan and light spiciness. This one has lots to like, but overall, it just never stays at those heights in my opinion.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very nice cologne and a best seller, but doesn’t make the cut among the Versace elite. Dylan Blue Review

Blue Jeans By Gianni Versace For Men, Eau De Toilette Spray 2.5-Ounces– Blue Jeans is a wonderful fragrance by Versace, which dates back to the 1990s. The great news is, you can pick up full bottles of this for around $20 currently.

That’s a heck of a deal, even when compared to the better smelling fragrances from this list.

Blue Jeans, nonetheless, smells great. It’s simple and fresh, one that would be a great option, for younger man. You get some sweetness, with fresh notes such as lavender, and some underlying woods.

There is also some citrus in the opening. Very pleasant and a cologne, which is good for daily wear.

Versace Eros Flame for men eau de parfum spray, 3.4 Ounce, Red– Eros Flame is the flanker fragrance to the best-selling Eros. While it shares plenty of the same DNA, as the original, it is a notch below its predecessor.

I do however, especially enjoy the tangerine and lemon top notes, the are juicy and beautiful.

The performance on this one, is also fantastic. I have a full bottle, and Eros Flame, will hit double digit hours on my skin without a problem. This one is warmer, spicier, and drier than the original.

The differences really show in the latter stages. Nonetheless, Eros Flame is a likeable fragrance, and I still wear it from time to time. Eros Flame Review

 

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

dolce

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

11 Best Bond No. 9 Fragrances for Men

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Bond No. 9 was launched in 2003 as a boutique fragrance line that gives scent to New York City. Each fragrance represents a particular part of the city by neighborhood, beach, uptown, midtown, and downtown.

Bond No.9 is also for being pricey, as you won’t really find a bottle for under $100 and in fact it’ll probably run you closer to $200-300+. That being said, this house has a great array of scents for both men and women.

Since each fragrance takes on the particular character of the place it represents, it is a great way to find a scent that might match the certain attitude of the person wearing the scent. I have chosen what I think are the 11 best Bond No. 9 cologne options for men.  Also check out: Best Ladies Bond No. 9 Fragrances

Favorite Bond No. 9 Men’s Colognes

shelter bond review

Classic Clean Bond

Bond No.9 Chez Bond Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.3 Ounce
Violet, sandalwood, and various citrus scents make this one a winner. One of the better scents from Bond No. 9’s collection. Chez Bond is fresh and clean, plus, works well on both males and females. Very similar to Green Irish Tweed.

Chez Bond has an herbal tea-like opening with its actual tea note plus lemon and leafy greens, adding further depth to the arrangement. It feels airy and warm just like a cup of tea.

As it dries down, Chez Bond’s more substantial notes come into play. It’s a forest sort of smell with cedar and sandalwood elevating to the top to join the tea. This one is suited for everyday wear. Casual or at the office.  Read my Full Chez Bond Review

All-Around Daily Wear

Bond No. 9 Lafayette Street Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.3 Ounce– Lafayette Street opens up aromatic with a fruity aroma wrapped up in the warm embrace of vanilla and amber. However, there is also a freshness up top coming through with the coriander note.

It’s a sweet/fresh mix of citrus and apple notes, with the smooth vanilla/tonka bean, sitting on top of a woody base. The citrus note is much more noticeable than any crispness coming from the apple, but it pairs well with the amber especially during the dry down.

A bit floral, but I don’t find Lafayette Street to be too heavily weighted with those sorts of notes. Mostly, citrus, vanilla, coriander, and amber. Not super complex, but a very nice and rather unique entry from Bond.

Best Bond for Summer

Bond No. 9 Hamptons by Bond No. 9 For Men And Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.3-Ounces
One of Bond No. 9’s NY beach inspired scents, this one from the luxurious Hamptons. A citrus/woodsy scent with notes of lime blossom, bergamot, and sandalwood followed by amber, magnolia, and jasmine.

Hamptons opens up with a pretty sharp citrus combo of lime and bergamot. However, it’s pretty unique as it is flanked by floral notes, mainly jasmine.

Hamptons is also a unisex scent, so don’t expect something overly masculine. It’s a very clean and soapy kind of scent with a slight herbal air about it.

As it dries down, the sharp citrus calms down and you experience a green garden freshness surrounded by woods. It’s a low key fragrance. Good for casual, every day use. Hamptons Full Review

Best Oud Bond

Bond No. 9 New York Oud Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.4 Fluid Ounce
An under appreciated Bond scent, I think, because it is so niche. A highly sensual and rich fragrance designed to conjure up feelings of love and romance, as it was released on Valentine’s Day.

This one is something special for the right guy, but definitely not for everyone.

The opening of New York Oud is heavy and brash. The plum note especially is super tart and is joined by rose and the agarwood. It’s very layered. So, you’ll get the plum and orange. Then, the floral notes. The the strong oud and animalistic musk.

This Bond fragrance, is an absolute monster in terms of sillage and longevity. It doesn’t quit and sticks to your skin. Honestly, most guys shouldn’t consider this one, as it can be too overwhelming. My full New York Oud Review

Most Popular Bond Fragrance

Bond No 9 New Haarlem Cologne, 3.4 Ounce
This bold scent was one of the originals released in 2003 and still maintains it uniqueness to this very day. Lavender, bergamot, coffee, and cedar notes is a great choice for those who like to cause a stir. New Haarlem opens with that calming lavender note in the lead position.

It is then joined by the sweet triumvirate of coffee, vanilla, and tonka bean. It is built for the cold weather months, with a super sweet composition that is aided by a rich ambery warmth.

This one has a bit of thickness to it, but never felt overly heavy to me. A good amount of sweetness and spice in the mix, at times it’s got a cinnamon baked good like aroma, then it’ll hit with the coffee. New Haarlem review

Nights with a Chocolate Spice

Chelsea Nights by Bond No. 9– This perfume starts out with cacao and hazelnut coming on powerfully. This time, the cacao is stronger, and it for sure goes in a different direction than its compatriot.

Chelsea Nights isn’t a sugary chocolate bar, though. It’s got great touches of saffron, oud, a light rose, and myrrh. Yes, it’s sweet but it has a cinnamon sort of kick that comes through, warmth, a bit of smokiness floating underneath.

The end has a good deal of suede and vanilla. But, this comes across a leathery with the saffron note still being in the mix. It has settled down in terms of both spiciness and sweetness.

Smoother and creamy. Chelsea Nights hits so many different levels with its depth and is well worth checking out. Nice performance. Another one that is decidedly unisex, but may not fit everyone’s style.

Sexiest Bond No. 9 Cologne

Bond No. 9 Hot Always by Bond No. 9 For Men. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.3-Ounces
Probably the most masculine of the bunch and is designed for men, specifically. This cologne is sexy and a great bet for those who enjoy a more mature and refined scent.

The leather infused notes beg to be worn by a man who exudes confidence.

The other end of the the fragrance is highlighted by patchouli. So, you’re going to experience a back and forth between leather and patchouli. Underneath that will be mostly sandalwood smoothness, along with cinnamon spice.

Bergamot, and civet round it out. It’s not all that loud of a cologne, but it has very good staying power. Warm, smooth, with some sweetness to boot. H.O.T. Always has a very interesting, old school character.

Amazing Unisex Scent (leaning feminine)

Bond No.9 Bleecker Street Women Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.3 Ounce
Bleeker Street is a fantastic unisex fragrance highlighted by notes of violet leaf, patchouli, cassis fruit, vanilla, cinnamon, and caramel among others.

Bleecker Street is interesting in that it has a unique profile and has outdoorsy and somewhat sweet elements. It starts off fresh with a good deal of the cassis and the violet leaf. I’m normally hesitant with violet leaf scents, but I’ve always liked how it worked in Bleeker.

This Bond has a slightly aquatic freshness with clean, green, and a fruitiness. Beyond the aforementioned cassis, there is a blueberry note in the first 45-60 minutes that is great.

The sillage is moderate but it gives very good performance in terms of its longevity. It’s clean while being sporty and quite attractive for daily wear. This might be a reach at the current price levels, but if you can get a sample before, you might find out that this is the Bond for you.

Great Springtime Option

Bond No. 9 Riverside Drive by Bond No. 9 For Men. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.3 0z
An attractive scent, though not my favorite. It’s a great blend of spice and fruit notes that can be worn during the day but still versatile enough for some evenings out.

Though, it isn’t really a nightlife cologne. This seems to really be enjoyable to some women. Also similar to GIT by Creed.

The fragrance starts out with a basil, violet, and oak moss blend. It’s quite dry and the pineapple top note here really isn’t juicy, more along what you’d find in Creed Aventus.

Riverside Drive is sort of an amalgamation of multiple fragrances. The two Creeds and also YSL L’Homme Libre, due to the prominent basil note. It is a moderate sillage casual cologne, best worn in the spring/summer. My Riverside Drive Full Review

riverside drive

Best Woody Cologne

Bond No. 9 Great Jones by Bond No. 9 For Men. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.3-Ounces
A citrus-infused woodsy blend of aromas which develops beautifully. It’s super dry with notes of oak moss and cedar wood.

Fresh and classically masculine scent that is smooth and starts off with an orange top note.

The cardamom is also present at the beginning, but, it settles into its woody and lightly musked finaly form in due time. Great Jones is a throwback to another era. Simple and clean but performs very well.

The complete notes are: bergamot, sweet orange, cardamom, cedar, vetiver, oak moss,  and musk.

Creamy Incense Scent

Bond No. 9 Governors Island Eau de Parfum/3.4 oz.– Governors Island is one that Bond No. 9 brought to market near the end of the last decade. It’s probably not one of their most popular fragrances, but it is a very good one.

It does indeed have some similarities to Luna Rossa Black, though, that one has a vanilla note that really comes through. Governors Island is a resinous and slightly smoky perfume with a creamy finish.

It is a somewhat spicy and very woody base covered in a resinous amber, with some sweetness that comes through. The latter stages feature a greater use of musk. It is a bold and long-lasting scent, but maybe a bit too niche for daily wear.

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

emporio diamonds

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.

mania

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.

attitude

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

polo

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