Fragrances

Herod by Parfums De Marly

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So, I’ve got a ton of Parfums de Marly reviews that I need to write up, and post on the site. I received a good 10+ sample vials of this design house’s fragrances and have been testing them out. The first one, and the subject of this post, is Herod. Herod is perhaps their most popular cologne but does it actually live up to the lofty reputation?

Herod by PdM Overview

Notes include: tobacco leaf, musk, cinnamon, vanilla, vetiver, cedar, patchouli, pepper, incense, and labdanum 

Click here to try: Parfums de Marly Herod Men’s EDP Spray, 4.2 oz.

My Full Review

From the opening, Herod is an absolutely captivating fragrance, and one that is right in my wheelhouse. The tobacco note in this one is superb and reminds me of Pure Havane, in that respect.

Although, this Parfums de Marly scent has a slightly different type of tobacco and better smelling (and no honey note).

Herod really seems like an amalgamation of other scents that I’ve enjoyed. Other than Pure Havane, it has elements of Man in Black, Burberry London, as well as B Men.

Man in Black has an especially similar profile, with the spices and tobacco notes playing off of sweet ingredients. Are they exactly the same? No, but I’ve worn them both enough to recognize them as close cousins.

Herod is a warm fragrance, the vanilla note envelops you, and the cinnamon/pepper combination gives you that heated spice. It opens with those two notes being on prominent display.

Yet, it is never harsh. The smooth smokiness of the incense makes sure that the spice isn’t like a punch in the face and simply adds a relaxing texture to the aroma.

Tobacco, labdanum, and vanilla create a smooth and somewhat sweet trio which grows in strength during the wear. Another way the spices get brought under control and don’t become overwhelming.

In the dry down, it is a dark and resinous scent with a sweet heart. I really love it at this stage, as it lingers softly in the air, and I can catch whiffs of Herod throughout the day. This is where I think that the incense note shines through and earns its spot.

Ultimately, I get a mix of spicy/sweet tobacco, with smoky and resinous undertones. It’s warm, cozy, and very attractive.

Sillage, How Long it Lasts, and Versatility

Projection wise, it can be strong, but I think that it dries down into more of a moderate cologne. However, it is noticeable throughout the day. Also, the longevity is really great.

This is easily a 10+ hour wear and a scent who’s performance actually lives up to its price. Using my sample vial over the course of months, I never got a bad performance from Herod. It works extremely well with my skin and sticks around for as long as I would want.

Seasonally, Herod is one for the cold weather. I’ve been mostly testing this at night here in the summer, as it just doesn’t fit during the sweltering heat of the daytime. Update: I’ve worn this in the colder weather, or even the lighter days of autumn, and it fits perfectly.

It also has great versatility. It is a mature and refined type of fragrance that can fit well in the office but also has a level of sexiness that would work during a night out or date.

Overall Impressions of Herod by PdM

Overall, do I think Herod is worth it? Yes! This Parfums de Marly scent is a total winner in my book. I don’t personally need to buy a full bottle at the moment, due to the season, but it could definitely be a play for me during the autumn. Smooth, spicy, and tobacco laden.

Herod is one of the best PdM releases, in my opinion. Definitely a top 2 or 3 pick for me, from this designer. It smells great, has an interesting blend of familiar notes, and performs extraordinarily well for me.

1 Million Prive vs Armani Code Profumo Cologne Comparison

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For this cologne comparison, I am going to take a closer look at two of the more recent popular releases: 1 Million Prive by Paco Rabanne vs. Armani Code Profumo. Both of these fragrances, are flanker scents to other extremely popular releases, and built upon what was great about their predecessors. Which one is better, though? Which gives the best performance? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Code Profumo vs. 1 Million Prive

1 Million Prive

Notes include: tonka bean, apple, cinnamon, myrrh, mandarin orange, tobacco

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne 1 Million Prive Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce

Read my full review: 1 Million Prive

Armani Code Profumo

Notes include: leather, amber, tonka bean, cardamom, lavender, and nutmeg

Click here to try: Giorgio Armani Code Profumo EDP Spray for Men, 3.7 Ounce

Read my full review: Code Profumo Review

Opening

Armani Code Profumo opens up with a mix of warm amber and tonka bean. There is also a slight citrus aroma added by an orange note. However, it does take on more of a sweet cream soda type of aroma, when the cardamom and nutmeg emerge.

1 Million Prive actually shares elements with Code Profumo, as well as, the original 1 Million. The Paco Rabanne does add apple, cinnamon, and myrrh; which seems to give Prive a slightly more interesting dynamic than its competition.

Honestly, it’s tough to pick between them, since I love both of these fragrances. But for the start? I think that I’ll lean towards Prive.

Edge: Prive

Projection

Neither one of these fragrances is an absolute beast, in my opinion. This sillage on both is strong, but moderately so, not overboard. I do think that Code Profumo has slightly better projection than does Prive. It’s not a lot more, but it does have a little something extra.

Edge: Profumo

Longevity

With 1 Million Prive, I get about 9-10 hours of wear on my skin. Meanwhile, the Armani, will hit double digit hours on a regular basis with me. Both are great performers, but Code Profumo is again better.

Edge: Profumo

Versatility

Both of these scents are built for the cold weather. Also, both are nightlife colognes, that can pull double duty and still work in the daytime. Both are sexy and can be worn dressed up or casually. There is really no clear distinction in this regard.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Once again, this is a very tough match up to choose a winner from, as I really enjoy wearing both of these fragrances and the fill a similar niche.

Armani Code Profumo, is super warm and smooth with great leather, tonka bean, and amber notes leading the way. It’s got outstanding longevity and sillage, plus, it will draw complements.

The only real downside, is that, sometimes the sweet creaminess of the fragrance can be too much, and I won’t want to wear it for a little while.

Meanwhile, 1 Million Prive, has taken the crown as the best 1 Million flanker scent and probably the best Paco Rabanne to date. It’s sweet, it’s warm, and has more interesting notes than does Profumo.

I feel like it has greater depth and the tobacco, cinnamon, and apple exemplify this. Code Profumo can seem like a one tone fragrance, at times, while Prive has more phases.

Also, I think that Prive is going to be more enjoyable for the most people out there, more universal appeal so to speak. Overall, I really don’t think one could go wrong with either, but I will lean towards 1 Million Prive being better.

Winner: 1 Million Prive

La Nuit de L’Homme vs La Nuit L’Intense Cologne Comparison

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This post has been sitting in the queue for a few years now, so, I guess it is time to finally write up this comparison. Today, we have to entries from YSL men’s fragrance collection: La Nuit de L”Homme vs. La Nuit de L’Home L’Intense. Which of these smells the best? The best-selling original or its offspring? Which has better performance? Which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: La Nuit vs L’Intense

La Nuit

Notes include: cardamom, bergamot, vetiver, lavender, cedar

Try it out: Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L’homme Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3-Ounce

Read my review: La Nuit de l’Homme

La Nuit L’Intense

Notes include: violet, sage, iris, patchouli, vanilla, tonka bean

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L’homme L’intense Eau De Parfum Spray, 2.0 Ounce

Read my review: La Nuit L’Intense

Opening

La Nuit opens up with lots of cardamom and a citrus bergamot note, at the start. It is fresh, warm, and has that light addition of bergamot. Then, the lavender really begins to come into its own, sometime thereafter. It is a really captivating start, that gives you a nice bit of spice before settling down.

L’Intense opens up with violet and iris. It is a very floral fragrance, pretty powdery, and pretty darn feminine to my nose. Later in the wear, sage and patchouli, will help to give it a better profile but the start is really sweet and floral.

Which is better? For me, the original La Nuit has the better opening, without question. L’Intense doesn’t smell bad, but it can be too sweet and powdery, without anything anchoring it.

Edge: La Nuit

Projection

Both of these scents are moderate for me, for a few hours, and then become light. No, L’Intense wasn’t intense at any time, I wore it. Not sure why it has that name.

Edge: Push

Longevity

La Nuit has consistently gotten me 6-8 hours of wear, on my skin. I hear talk about reformulations, taking a toll on its performance, but I haven’t come across that (though, it could be certain batches under performing).

Meanwhile, L’Intense would only last for 3-4 hours. I’ve tried it several times, in different climates, same result.

Edge: La Nuit

Versatility

Both are best worn in fall/winter, but can venture into more mild temperatures, just fine. I’d say the original is more versatile, as it is a nightlife scent, that can go casual/work/date.

While, L’Intense just doesn’t strike me as something to wear in the evenings. Plus, who wants to re-apply constantly?

Edge: La Nuit

Overall Scent

This head to head, really isn’t even close. I never understood the purpose of the L’Intense version of La Nuit. It doesn’t smell like the original, it isn’t intense, and is just a decent overall fragrance in terms of scent.

If it were an actual intense version of the original, that would be awesome, but it isn’t. As far as flankers go, La Nuit Eau Electrique is really good, and underrated. So, you might give that a try.

La Nuit de L’Homme is smooth, fresh, with enough spicy kick to make things interesting. I really enjoy the cardamom and lavender combo, especially once the cedar and vetiver get going in the base. It outperforms its flanker and just smells better.

Winner: La Nuit

Versace Eros vs Creed Aventus Comparison

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Wow. I honestly can’t believe I haven’t done this comparison before. These are two of the most popular men’s fragrances on the market and have very loyal fan bases. Personally, I like both of them, but which one would I pick if pressed? Which smells better? Which scent has the best performance? Versatility? Continue below for my full take between Versace Eros vs Creed Aventus.

Tale of the Tape: Eros vs Aventus

Notes of Creed Aventus: 

Top: Blackcurrant, Italian bergamot, French apples and pineapple

Middle: Rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, and patchouli

Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla.

Click here to try Aventus: Aventus For Men 4.0 oz EDP Spray By Creed

Click here to read my original Aventus Review

Versace Eros

Notes of Eros: mint, green apple, tonka bean, madagascar vanilla, vetiver, Italian lemon

Click here to try: Versace Eros Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 6.7 Fluid Ounce

My original Versace Eros Review

Opening

While I think the overall head to head matchup is a tough choice, the opening for me, is a no brainer. I pretty much hate how Aventus starts off. I’ve worn it so many times, that I’ve become numb to the opening, but it’s always struck me as a really harsh citrus/wood mix. Luckily, it gets way better.

Eros, on the other hand, is a monster from the start. The mint, the tonka/vanilla mix, and the fruit notes all combine to make a wonderfully bold gourmand aroma. Versace Eros has an exceedingly rich warmth and delicious scent.

Update: Gahhhh, Eros has more lemon in the opening than it used to in the first bottles. I still like it more, but it doesn’t captivate me in the same way.

Edge: Eros

Projection

Aventus is a very good fragrance in terms of sillage. It’s strong and noticeable and doesn’t disappoint. However, Eros is a loud scent. On my skin, it is a complete bomb, and that’s one of the things I have liked about it. Head to head, Eros is stronger and has a bigger radius.

Update: Nowadays, I’d say Aventus has the edge. Eros doesn’t seem to have that same strength in the latest batches I’ve tried. Still good, but now Aventus is better.

Edge: Aventus

Longevity

Again, that loudness by Eros is sustained, as it easily pulls 10+ hours of work. Aventus is really consistent, I pretty much always get 7-8 hours from it, with an occasional 9. Both of these fragrances do a fantastic job of performing, just Eros goes a bit further.

Update: Eros is still a bit better for me, but not the same powerhouse. Closer to 8-9 hours.

Edge: Eros

Versatility

While I dig Eros, it isn’t the most versatile scent out there. It’s boldness isn’t always appreciated as an office or school wear.  Can be great for the nightlife, though. Also, it’s much more of a cold weather scent. I never really like how it would wear during the summer months.

Aventus, is pretty much an all-around safe bet. It can be worn dressed up, casually, at the office, out on the town. It really delivers some value, in how many ways it can be used.

Edge: Aventus

 

 

Overall Scent

Update: I used to prefer Eros. However, it isn’t the same to me, as it used to be. Aventus is still the same and I’ve taken enough of a break from it to appreciate it once again.

I really like Aventus, and I appreciate everything about it (outside of that opening). It’s so well crafted and definitely has a great appeal.

I’ve worn it a whole lot, to the point that I’m sick of it. So, I’m not as high on it as I once was. Plus, there are endless streams of fragrances trying to be an equivalent to Aventus, and the aroma has gotten played out to an extent.

Sure, Eros can be limited in its uses, but I love that vanilla/apple/mint/tonka bean blend. It’s bold and sexy and delicious. While it’s tough to go against Aventus, this loud ass cologne has enjoyed insane popularity for a reason over these past years.

Also, if I were given $200 to buy fragrances and had to buy one of the two, I’d choose Eros plus other colognes; rather than just a single bottle of Aventus.

Versace Eros is a much better value play, as you can pretty much find bottles for around $40.

Neither of these colognes is my favorite, at the moment, but with the newer bottles of each Aventus would now get the nod.

Winner: Aventus

A*Men Pure Havane Vs. Pure Malt Cologne Comparison

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Today’s installment of my ever-running series of cologne comparisons will be between two scents from the Angel Men line by Thierry Mugler, Pure Havane and Pure Malt. These are two popular and well respected fragrances, as A*Men flankers. In This post, I want to explore the openings of both, how each smells, how it performs, and which of these two colognes is a better buy overall?

Tale of the Tape: Pure Malt vs. Pure Havane

Pure Havane 

A*Men Pure Havane

Notes include: tobacco leaves, honeyed tobacco, patchouli, and bitter cocoa

Click here to try: Thierry Mugler Eau de Toilette Spray, Angel Men Pure Havane, 3.4 Ounce

Read my original review: Pure Havane Review

Pure Malt 

angel men pure malt review

Notes include: bergamot, patchouli, vanilla, cedar, amber, fruits, coffee bean, musk

Click here to try: Angel Men Pure Malt by Thierry Mugler Eau De Toilette Spray (Limited Edition) for Men, 3.40 Ounce

Read my original review: Pure Malt Cologne Review

Opening

The opening of both of these scents is really quite fantastic, in my opinion. This is going to be a tough comparison, as neither of these scents is bad or an under performer, and it will mostly come down to personal preference.

Pure Havane opens up as a brighter and sweeter fragrance than does Pure Malt. Havane is a warm and sensual tobacco note blended with sugar, honey, and a bit of vanilla.

Malt on the other hand gives you that darker and heavier malt aroma with smokey and fruity undertones. It’s a blend of the fruits, whiskey, vanilla, and some patchouli to roughen things up slightly. Later, it will get smoother and creamier with woody base notes, but up top its a delightful whiskey soaked scent.

Which is better? To be honest, I’m really digging the boozy scent of Pure Malt right now, and I’m going to give it a very slight nod. I really like the sugary tobacco of Havane, but Malt is above it. I’ve come back to wearing each, and each time, Malt seems to draw me in a bit more.

Edge: Pure Malt

Projection

I don’t really notice a difference in the projection strength between these two. They are both pretty powerful, in terms of sillage, but not obscenely so. Plenty strong starters, that moderate, as they dry down but never get weak until deep into the wear.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Both of these colognes are very solid performers, just not beast mode. However, Havane becomes more of a skin scent after 5-6 hours. I usually get an extra hour or two out of Pure Malt.

Update: with Pure Malt, it’s pretty much 7 hours of wear each time. That’s been consistent over the years.

Edge: Pure Malt

Versatility

These two are cold weather scents and work obviously well in casual situations. Havane, though, does have more of a use in romantic wear it seems. Neither is a ‘club’ scent but Pure Malt hasn’t gotten as warm of a reception from women in my experience as Havane does…it doesn’t effect me wearing it, but it’s something to consider.

Edge: Pure Havane

Overall Scent

To me, the real decision is between whether you prefer a tobacco note or a boozier type of scent. Havane is sweet in a sugary way, masculine, and rich. It really is a great cologne.

Pure Malt gets it sweetness from fruit notes, has a spicier/smoky profile, and is much more like a fine whiskey. It ends up with its malty aroma, vanilla, cedar, and tonka bean. Less boozy, towards the end, but very clean and woodsy.

I love both of these colognes and think that Mugler knocked it out of the park with them.

Pure Malt is just a bit better in terms of performance, and I really have enjoyed wearing, it over the past few days. Your results may vary, but I know which one I’m picking.

Update: A few years after this initial post, and I still will go with Pure Malt, most of the time. Pure Havane is a nice fragrance to put on, every so often, Malt has more depth and an interesting profile.

Winner: Pure Malt