Fragrances

Azzaro Wanted vs. The Most Wanted

by

Azzaro has been releasing new Wanted flankers since the success of the original release. The latest, is The Most Wanted, which is an inspired new take on the formulation. However, how does it actually compare to the original Wanted? Which smells better? Is the better buy overall?

Tale of the Tape: Azzaro Wanted vs The Most Wanted

Azzaro Wanted

Notes include: tonka bean, lemon, cardamom, vetiver, juniper, ginger, geranium, mint, amber wood

Click here to try: Azzaro Wanted Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce

Read my review: Azzaro Wanted

The Most Wanted

notes include: caramel, cardamom, amberwood

Click here to try: Azzaro The Most Wanted Eau de Parfum Intense | Cologne for Men 1.7 fl oz

My Full Review: The Most Wanted

Opening

Azzaro Wanted kicks things off with lemon, ginger, mint, and woods as its main notes. It is a warm and quite sweet start to things. To me, the fragrance has an enveloping quality thanks to the dose of tonka bean and cardamom, and how they blend with mainly the lemon note.

The Most Wanted starts with the same cardamom note as the original. This note has a slightly lemony aroma already, but The Most Wanted doesn’t actually have the citrus note. It’s fresher, spicier, but less of a sharp sweetness.

Though, the Most Wanted is still sweet with the caramel and Bourbon vanilla note. 

Which is better? For me, The Most Wanted smells better at the beginning without question. Wanted can be a bit sharp with its lemon and mint notes, among the mix as a whole. Meanwhile, Most Wanted is much more streamlined and enjoyable.

Edge: Most Wanted

Projection

In terms of sillage, these are both strong fragrances. Maybe The Most Wanted is a bit more powerful and better at projecting, but it’s really not by much. It’s not enough of a difference to base a purchase off of.

Edge: Most Wanted

Longevity

Wanted will give me a range of wear, in between 7-9 hours in total. It’s a well performing, though not elite scent.

The Most Wanted isn’t elite either, but it consistently delivers 9 hours of wear on my skin. Wanted keeps up sometimes, but it isn’t as consistent.

Edge: The Most Wanted

 

 

Versatility

Both fragrances are served best for younger men. More mature than a pure teenagers cologne, but not super refined and formal. I would wear either for nights out, dates, etc.

There’s not too much of a distinction here, they’re from the same line of colognes after all.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

The original Azzaro Wanted wasn’t a bad fragrance, but it never appealed all that much to me. It was an okay cologne with nice performance. Most of what turned me off of it was the sharpness and sweetness in the opening act. 

Though, I will say that I enjoy the tonka bean and wood notes in the final dry down. That’s the peak of Wanted and it’s definitely very wearable.

However, I thought that Wanted by Night was better than Wanted when it was released. Now? The Most Wanted is my favorite in the series. It’s rare that flanker releases have completely turned me around on a series, but it’s the case here.

The caramel and vanilla notes in The Most Wanted give you a great sweetness. The cardamom, warmth and spice. Plus, there is a freshness here that prevents the fragrance from becoming too heavy. It’s a simpler cologne, but it smells better and also has quality performance.

The Most Wanted wins pretty easily.

Winner: The Most Wanted

Allure Homme Edition Blanche EDT by Chanel

by

Allure Homme Edition Blanche EDT was released by Chanel back in 2008. I got a sample of this version a few months ago, along with the newer EDP that the brand still sells. My sample is marked concentree, so, I’m not sure if it was a further release beyond the regular EDT. Either way, this one is no longer produced, but I figured I’d do a review for posterity’s sake. 

What does Edition Blanche EDT Eau Concentree Smell Like?

Notes include: lemon, pink pepper, vanilla, sandalwood, vetiver, tonka bean, amber

My Full Review

Blanche EDT opens with a sharp and dry use of lemon, vetiver, sandalwood, and pink pepper. You’re absolutely going to have to be a citrus lover with this one, to really appreciate it, as it is very sharp upon opening.

The lemon is going to dominate through much of the wear. Early on, it feels especially intense, but once the vanilla and tonka bean kicks in…it will settle.

The pink pepper is the first note to fall off and that gives the sandalwood and vetiver a bit more room in the base. The vanilla creaminess will start to envelope the lemon note, along with the tonka bean. 

This Chanel fragrance is actually pretty darn linear and there isn’t much development beyond that. Just more of the lemon/vanilla aroma and less of the other notes within the composition.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is moderate in the early stages and then pretty light thereafter. However, it does project itself very nicely early on and it’ll hang around well after spraying. Just don’t expect a complete beast for the duration.

Longevity wise, I get 6-ish hours on my skin with this Eau Concentree. Allure Edition Blanche spends much of that time, as a skin scent, but it does indeed hang around. Still noticeable, just not amazing with its performance.

 

Seasonally, Allure Edition Blanche is a spring and summer fragrance, all the way. Mainly, for the summertime. I like to wear it casually or even for a night out. Though, I’d say that it’s probably at its best in the daytime. 

Overall Impressions of Edition Blanche Eau Concentree

Do I like this fragrance? Absolutely. I know they don’t produce this version anymore, and the EDP is close enough, but I really do love this scent. Uden by Xerjoff is an available replacement (and in many ways even better).

That dry lemon and pink pepper opening act could scare some away from this. However, that creamy vanilla/sweet/dessert like finish is so damn good on a warm summer’s day. I have been slowly depleting my sample vial, since I know it’s such a rare commodity. 

The performance of Allure Edition Blanche was never its strong suit. The sillage is moderate, at its peak, but detectable. For much of the wear, it will be a softer experience. Though, it does stick around on the skin for a nice amount of time. 

I wish Chanel could’ve beefed up the performance a bit more.

If you want a bottle of this one in particular, you’ll have to shell out over $300 in all likelihood off a site like eBay. Or you can just go with the EDP, which is also near this same level. Uden is usually $200, but well worth it. 

Mont Blanc Legend EDT vs EDP

by

Legend from Mont Blanc is still being used to inspire new flankers for the brand. The latest is an eau de parfum version of the famous Legend formula. I recently got a hold of a sample of Legend EDP to test it out and wanted to do another comparison post, with the original. Which of these is better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Mont Blanc Legend vs. Legend Eau de Parfum

Mont Blanc Legend

Notes include: Bergamot, Pineapple Leaf, Sandalwood, Apple, rose, oak moss, lemon verbena, geranium, lavender,  And Tonka Bean

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Legend Eau de Toilette 3.3 fl.oz.

Read my review: Mont Blanc Legend

Legend EDP

Notes include: violet leaf, leather, jasmine, moss, bergamot, woods

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Legend eau de parfum 3.3 fl oz, 3.3 fl. oz.

Read my full review: Legend EDP

Opening

Legend opens with a blend of pineapple, bergamot, and apple. It is clean, but doesn’t have the same type of sharpness, as it is calmed by lavender and tonka bean. It also has a dry underlying aroma from the base, that will become more prominent later on.

Legend eau de parfum starts off with a pretty strong violet leaf note, some bergamot, and leather. It’s fresh and somewhat green, with what I’m guessing is their synthetic oakmoss substitute. There’s really not much going on here, it feels pretty flat.

Which is better? I’m not a huge fan of the original Legend, but I like the opening act more so than the EDP. It has way more personality. The EDP just sits there as a giant dose of violet leaf on my skin, with some additional notes lurking around, but not really standing out.

Edge: Legend

Projection

I’d say that both of these are moderate. I know EDP has the higher concentration, but it doesn’t feel any stronger when I compare it to the original. The sillage is about the same at its peak. Maybe EDP goes a little longer with its strength, but that’s about it. 

Not giving it an edge.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Legend EDT gives me 5-6 hours of solid wear. During testing, I’ve gotten between 6.5-8 hours of wear from the EDP version. Neither one is going to give a marathon type of wear, but the EDP has the clear edge here.

Edge: EDP

 

 

Versatility

Mont Blanc Legend is a very versatile scent and that’s definitely one of its strengths. It can be worn year round and fits in, within all environments. It is attractive enough for dates, can go out for an evening, but doesn’t have that massive club beast persona.

Legend EDP is about the same. The violet leaf and leather doesn’t really change when it can be worn compared to the EDT version. The leather isn’t that intense and the violet leaf works pretty much year round.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Legend EDP is a similar take on the original, but with some slight differences. Less of the top fruity notes, upping the violet leaf, and a leather/woody base coming through. The opening act isn’t all that great, but the dry down gets better for me.

I wish the leather was given more of a role versus the violet leaf. That would have given it more distinction and a bit more personality than it has. The performance is solid, just not incredible.

Honestly, the fragrance strikes me as just fine. If you liked the original, you’ll probably like the eau de parfum, even if you don’t necessarily need a bottle for yourself.

Between these two? I’d rather wear the EDT. Again, I’m not even much of a fan of Legend, but it at least has some more personality. The EDP is closer to A&F Fierce or Egoiste Platinum, than is the EDT, but isn’t as good as either of those fragrances.

There’s nothing all that new with the eau de parfum, to make it a must have versus the original. I don’t think it smells any better and the performance, isn’t that much better.

Winner: Legend EDT

The Scent Intense by Hugo Boss

by

The line of Hugo Boss fragrances released under “The Scent” banner, have had many incarnations over the past 5+ years. I’ve reviewed the original EDT on the site, but recently picked up the other offerings to try and complete the collection (I know, I’m late). Today’s entry is going to be of The Scent Intense. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does The Scent Intense by Boss Smell Like?

Notes include: ginger, cardamom, maninka fruit, leather, vanilla, lavender, wood

My Full Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see how Hugo Boss describes it: An irresistible fragrance, unforgettable like a savored seduction. Exquisite notes of spicy cardamom, exotic maninka fruit, vanilla and leather unfold over time for an intense experience.

The Scent Intense opens up with a much spicier aroma than does the original. Off the bat, there is a lot of ginger and cardamom. The ginger is amped up from the original The Scent and the cardamom is a newer addition.

It’s a nice change of pace and I do like the intensity of the spice in the opening. The maninka fruit is still present, but it is without its citrus pairing. The Scent Intense is much less of a fruity fragrance, than is the EDT. 

The spicy top sticks around for a while, but Intense will quickly move into its leathery phase. Maninka, lavender, and leather are basically what is around for the middle act. To my nose, the ginger is gone, and the cardamom has weakened significantly.

Finally, the end game will mostly be vanilla and leather, along with the remaining maninka. I do like the combination of these notes, but I actually prefer the spicy opening act, to the vanilla and leather finish.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The Scent Intense does indeed open up with some power and the ability to project itself is actually really nice for a while. However, the overall sillage is pretty moderate, as the intensity drops pretty far once the spices have dissipated.

Nonetheless, it is much better than the completely weak EDT version. The longevity also goes for over 7 hours on my skin. It’s not completely beast mode, but very serviceable and useful for most purposes.

 

Seasonally, autumn through springtime like the original. It has a nice versatility, can be worn day or night, by a variety of age ranges and many different scenarios. The Scent Intense does have a sexy aroma, that should allow you to venture into the nightlife with confidence and appeal.

Overall Impressions of Boss The Scent Intense

Do I like this cologne? I do. In terms of smell, I actually do like the original a bit more. However, the performance here is actually pretty good, especially when put head to head with the dreadful performance of that original release.

While I like the leather and vanilla dry down, I wanted more of that initial freshness and spicy warmth that I got with the intense opening act. I enjoyed the cardamom and ginger mix, but it didn’t go on for long enough.

It seems like The Scent Intense is getting difficult to come across these days, since it was released back in 2017. It’s worth trying, if you can find it at a reasonable price.

I don’t think that it’s an amazing fragrance, but it’s very good overall. If one liked the original, this one should have something to offer you.

Spicebomb Night Vision EDT vs EDP

by

Spicebomb flankers continued to be put out by Viktor & Rolf, with the Night Vision line being some of the latest examples, in their green bottles. Obviously, if you’re in the market for Night Vision, you’ll need to make a choice between the eau de toilette version and the eau de parfum. In this post, I want to compare them head to head after having tested both, and declare a winner.

Tale of the Tape: Night Vision EDT vs. EDP

Night Vision EDT

Notes include:  grapefruit, sage, black spice complex, geranium, roasted almond accord, tonka bean

Read my Full Review

Click here to try: Spicebomb Night Vision by Viktor & Rolf Eau De Toilette Spray 3 oz

Night Vision Eau de Parfum

Notes include: black spices, sage, lemon essence, fir balsam 

Read my Full Review: Spicebomb Night Vision EDP

Opening

Spicebomb Night Vision has been one that’s been sort of difficult for me to get a take on. This scent sometimes starts out sweeter, then, it’ll be super fresh and have that greenish finish to it. It’s taken me three or four wears to get a hold of this EDT.

The opening is a mix of a light grapefruit, sage, geranium, and what they’re calling a black spice complex. Basically, black pepper, but I think there is some chili pepper in there as well. Though, sometimes I swear I picked up a bit of cumin.

Nonetheless, it’s a herbal fresh spice with aromatic highlights. It will dry down with more of a smooth tonka bean and just a pinch of almond, if I really focus in. On my skin, I get a whole lot of sage and geranium, which seems to be a bit different from what other folks are picking up.

Meanwhile, Spicebomb EDP opens up with a cooler and woodier freshness, rather than a warmer spice. You do get a nice lemon essence, some red pepper, but it’s overall less sweet when compared to the EDT. 

The fir and maybe some light benzoin give this a fresh and balsamic aroma, but when I move away from the skin, it can hang in the air as a fresh sweetness.

Which is better? Between the two, I have to give the opening act to the eau de parfum. I’ve enjoyed it each time that I’ve worn it and the EDT has been confusing, as to how I feel about it, in the early stages.

I like the cold freshness, the fir note, and enough sweetness to keep it intriguing.

Edge: EDP 

Projection

Neither of the Night Vision fragrances, really brings that punch that other Spicebomb colognes are known for. Night Vision EDT is a light to moderate fragrance. It’s got a decent projection for an hour or two, then it’ll be much more of a skin scent.

The EDP starts out pretty strong, but will transition into a moderate sort of scent. In any case, Night Visioin EDP hits a higher high and stays elevated for longer with its sillage. It’s actually stronger than you think it is, with a few sprays, but not a monster.

Edge: EDP

Longevity

The EDT will last around 5 hours on me, before it fades away. Seriously, the longevity is pretty disappointing, even if you enjoy how it smells.

EDP isn’t that great, but it’ll hang around for 7-8 hours. The last few hours, it will be a skin scent, but it is still there. 

Great performance? No, but there is a clear winner in this category.

Edge: EDP

 

 

Versatility

Being two types of the same fragrance, they basically occupy the same space. Don’t wear them during the height of summer. Stick more to the nightlife. Not really a mature wear or one for formal occasions.

Each of them is attractive and has a certain sexiness to it. Should easily draw complements and have a level of mass appeal. 

I don’t really see a distinction in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

So, which Spicebomb Night Vision is the better scent?

The EDT is one that I sort of like, but I’m mostly indifferent to. I don’t think that it’s a bad smelling fragrance, it just doesn’t really have that much appeal. Plus, the performance isn’t all that great. It grew on me, the more that I wore it, but didn’t gain that many points in its favor.

I like the spice blend, particularly the sage and geranium. The tonka bean dry down is just okay. There are better examples out there.

Night Vision Eau de Parfum is actually enjoyable to wear. It also grew on me, but by the end of testing it out, I was digging it. The cool freshness, fir woodiness, and the sweetness that comes and goes is overall well done.

Plus, the performance is way better, especially for Viktor & Rolf prices. Yet, it’s still not my favorite of the Spicebomb line. It’s a good scent, that should have many fans. Is it a must have? Not really. It’s a worthwhile cologne to try out though and is better than the original EDT.

Winner: Night Vision EDP