Fragrances

Nautica Voyage vs Versace Eros Comparison

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Alright, in this cologne comparison post, it’s going to be a bit of an odd one between Eros versus Nautica Voyage. This seems odd to me because the Versace and the Nautica colognes are almost completely different, occupy different price ranges, and seem to serve different purposes. Whatever. There are those of you out there wanting to know the differences between these two scents, which one smells better, performs better, and is the better buy between them.

Tale of the Tape: Eros vs. Voyage

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

Nautica Voyage

Notes include: apple, musk, cedar, green leaf, amber, mimosa

Read my original review here

Try Nautica Voyage: Nautica Voyage By Nautica For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 oz

Opening

Versace Eros comes right out of the gate as a powerhouse gourmand fragrance. It creates a sweet, warm, and smooth cloud of cologne around the wearer. There is a crisp apple note but it really comes across as sort of a chocolate-like scent at times.

Update: With newer bottles, I get a lot more of the lemon note up front. It was always there, but it seems stronger now.

Nautica Voyage is a really bright and summery cologne. It’s apple note, never really struck me as being apple. I guess it gets overwhelmed by mimosa and musk, as it truly smells more like orange to my nose.

Just on sheer pleasantry and as a more interesting opening, I’m going to have to give the nod to Eros.

Edge: Eros

Projection

Haha, this category isn’t even close. Nautica Voyage has light to moderate sillage and Eros is an absolute monster. Eros is quite heavy and as I mentioned, envelops you when you wear it.

Edge: Eros

Longevity

As an inexpensive fragrance, Voyage has always exceeded its price tag for me, in terms of performance. I can usually get 7 good hours of wear from it.

Again, though, Eros is just better in this regard. With this Versace scent, I can get double digit hours.

Update: With newer Eros bottles, I get like 8 or 9 hours. Still better than Voyage.

Edge: Eros

Versatility

Ok, while Voyage is much more of a summery scent, it can be worn year round. It may not have a winter ‘feel’ to it, but it will hold up in the climate. Eros is pretty much a cold weather warrior. It’s too much for the high heat and humidity.

So, is Voyage a winner in terms of versatility? Not quite.

Voyage is a casual scent. It’s not sexy and not a club beast and not really a work cologne (but wouldn’t be entirely out of place).

Eros can work casually, romantically, or in the club/bar scene. It’s probably too powerful for office wear.

Both also strike me as more youthful fragrances.

Ultimately, I think Eros has more uses, and I would definitely reach for it on more occasions than Voyage.

Edge: Eros

Overall Scent

So, this is a clean sweep for Versace Eros. I think it has the upper hand in every category versus Voyage. I like the smell better and even though it can be loud at times, Eros is more interesting.

That’s not to say that I dislike Voyage. It does smell nice. It is a very good choice for guys who need something for under $20. I mean, go check out all the reviews on Amazon, it’s a constant best seller.

It’s just that this is a weird comparison to do between two dissimilar fragrances. If I had to choose, I’d pick Eros to buy before Voyage, but I wouldn’t ever think to need to pick one versus the other.

Winner: Eros

Lacoste Essential for Men

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When I think of Lacoste, I think of crisp and clean both in terms of the scents that they produce, as well as the clothing the make. The company with the famous little gator logo, is towards the higher end of things but not towards the more extreme price points of Creed and other design houses. Lacoste is sort of a high end moderate in that regard.

In this post, I want to take a closer look at Lacoste Essential and help determine whether or not it is a fragrance which should be considered for purchase. Also, check out my Best Lacoste Colognes post for further options.

What does Lacoste Essential Smell Like?

Notes include: sandalwood, citrus, black currant, black pepper, cassia, rose, tomato leaf

Click here to try: Lacosté Essential for Men 4.2 oz EDT Spray

lacoste essential

My Full Review

Lacoste Essential opens with a sweet, green, and slightly synthetic scent that is quite pleasant. It’s kind of hard to detect exactly which note is the most prominent, as they all sort of melt together into a fresh but indistinguishable scent.

The citrus notes, bergamot, and tangerine, do leave an impression on me but nothing is all that dominate in this mix.

What I think makes Essential unique from other mass marketed colognes is the inclusion of cassia and tomato leaf that gives it a sweetly green mix. I really like it when tomato leaf is included in scents, as I feel it doesn’t get used often enough, and presents something different and pleasant.

Also, since the citrus isn’t overwhelming it gives these other notes (along with peppery spice) a bit of a chance to present themselves once it dries down.

This fragrance isn’t rich, heavy, or all that complex. It is fresh, clean, and has a soapy quality found in other scents such as Eternity. This is a good thing in many respects, as the simplicity seems to make it hold up well during these warmer months of the year.

It is light and perfect as a daily cologne during the spring/summer. It does have a freshness and herbal spice quality to it, that gives it, that masculine edge. Still, it all comes together as being clean, and not ‘in your face’ with the power.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Now, projection wise it isn’t a beast, but it isn’t totally weak either. It’s pretty much, right dab in the middle of the strength spectrum. The first few hours are going to be decently powered, before it settles into being a lighter type of fragrance.

Lacoste Essential, also, isn’t an amazing long-lasting performer. I get 6 hours on average of solid wear and maybe more, depending on the circumstances.

The most is usually around 7.5-8 hours, in some lower humidity circumstances. I find that if the humidity is running high, I’m going to get about 6 hours of wear from this one.

Seasonally, as I’ve already said, spring and summer. If you live in a warmer or tropical climate, it will have a year round availability. Again, I like to wear it as a casual scent or something for semi-formal or office situations.

Is it a date night fragrance? Not really. I wouldn’t call it a ‘sexy’ cologne, but it will draw some complements, so it wouldn’t be out of place really. Essential is not a club beast or something for when you really want to stand out in the crowd.

Overall Impressions of Lacoste Essential for Men

Is Essential worth a buy? That depends. It is an above average scent and if you need a casual, daily wear fragrance during the warmer months, this might be your go to.

However, if you’ve got that covered, you could definitely skip it since you aren’t missing out on anything amazing. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very nice scent, but it won’t blow anyone away.

I like the tomato leaf and citrus. It does have a rather unique profile, but still isn’t crazy good. I do enjoy wearing Essential and for the right price, wouldn’t be opposed to having a bottle.

Essential is very fresh with a blend of woods and herbal notes, in the dry down. Nice spice and it is very versatile. Better than many scents, but not elite.

5 Best Smelling Lemon Scented Colognes

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Lemon is a note that gets used often in fragrances, but it really isn’t the main focus, in many of those scents. It can be a great note, provided it is actually utilized properly. Other times, it just comes across as too tart. In this post, I want to highlight five cologne options for men that strongly feature lemon, not necessarily just a pure lemon squeeze.

What are the best smelling Lemon Colognes for Men?

Lemon and Vanilla

Chanel Allure Homme Edition Blanche– Allure Edition Blanche is absolutely one of my favorite lemon scented fragrance. Honestly, I think that the discontinued EDT Eau Concentree is the better version of this, but the EDP is still great.

Lemon, tonka bean, and vanilla. With a great pure citrus opening, that finishes with a delicious creamy finish. It smells like a lemon cake of some sort, but it’s not heavy and actually is one to wear during the summer months.

The sillage isn’t huge and the overall performance isn’t amazing, but passable. Nonetheless, this scent smells fantastic.

Spicy Lemon and Cocoa

Guerlain L’instant Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3 Ounce – L’Instant Guerlain is an interesting use of a lemon note. It kicks off with that and a spicy star anise, as the opening act. Then, it is herbal and dry, and finally sweet with the introduction of the cocoa note.

It’s got a somewhat floral heart of mostly jasmine with some hibiscus. However, most of the main thrust of this cologne is about lemon, cocoa, and sandalwood. It’s something different from most other scents out there and a great use of our target ingredient. L’Instant Guerlain EDT Review

instant guerlain pour homme

Chanel Blend of Citrus

Bleu De Chaneⅼ Eau De Parfum Pour Homme Spray 1.7 Fl. OZ. / 50ML.– I tend to go back and forth between Bleu EDP and the Parfum version. But, if you’re looking for lemon, this is the best of the line.

Now, it’s not pure lemon and is blended with grapefruit and bergamot. The thing is, the citrus notes smell terrific with one another and the lemon plays a major part of that. Underneath that, are the fresh notes of mint, ginger, and pink pepper.

Finally, the dry down of citrus, amber, and incense. It’s clean, attractive, and Bleu de Chanel EDP has nice performance with 8+ hours of wear. Bleu EDP Review

Best Seller for Winter

Versace Eros for Men 6.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray– Eros has always had a strong lemon note. In newer bottles, this seems to be even truer than it once was. It is paired with the mint note up top, plenty of tonka bean and vanilla to boot.

Eros is and has been a best seller for many years now. To me, the newer bottles don’t seem to have the same power, but this is still a plenty strong cologne. More for the autumn and winter months, as it will melt in the heat.

If you want a bold lemon gourmand sort of scent, Versace Eros can still fit the bill. Versace Eros Review

Guilty Lemon

Gucci Guilty Intense Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3 Ounce– Guilty Intense is my second favorite from the Guilty line (behind Black), but the best one with a solid lemon note. Now, the original Guilty has the strongest use of lemon, it’s just as good of a fragrance.

Underneath the citrus, is a great floral heart with lavender, orange blossom, and neroli. All of this sits on top of a lot of amber. It isn’t a super complex scent, but Guilty Intense is a beautiful and versatile fragrance to wear.

It’s got pretty good sillage and it lasts for 7-8 hours, on my skin. Gucci Guilty Intense Review

The Scent of Peace for Him by Bond No. 9

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Today’s review is of another Bond No. 9 fragrance and this time, it’s one from the men’s line, The Scent of Peace for Him. Now, there are a few different Scent of Peace fragrances out there. One for women, one unisex, and this one intended for the male audience.

In this post, I’m going to cover all of the specifics about this scent and how it performs, so read below for my complete impressions.

What does the Scent of Peace for Him Smell Like?

Notes include: cedar, bergamot, pineapple, vetiver, currant, juniper berries

Click here to try: Bond No. 9 The Scent Of Peace Eau De Parfum Spray for Him, 3.3 Fluid Ounce

My Full Review

The opening of The Scent of Peace for him packs quite a punch. It draws a lot of comparisons with Creed Aventus and while they do have some overlap, they really aren’t that similar in my opinion.

The juniper berry note gives The Scent of Peace a juicy fresh fruit scent to go along with the bergamot and pineapple. Whereas, Creed Aventus opens up more like Pine-Sol, and then gets better as it goes along. It’s cold and bright, right off of the bat. It has that similar clean dryness to Aventus.

This Bond No.9 fragrance has a strong use of cedar, which allows for the woody aroma to sit underneath the initial fruits and then take over mores as the top fruit notes settle a bit. It’s honestly, a pretty linear fragrance after the first half hour or so.

What does it ultimately smell like? Well, if you get a close sniff, you can detect separation between the ingredients and the cedar and pineapple do have a certain nice appeal. However, it becomes more muddled as you get further away from where you sprayed, and it starts to smell more like a detergent.

I’m not sure which brand of laundry detergent, I used to use, but there is one the smells exactly like The Scent of Peace for Him. That smell isn’t bad, and especially not when, it’s become faint on clothing that’s been washed.

The thing is, The Scent of Peace at a distance, smells quite a bit like detergent in concentrate form. It’s that sharp pineapple, cedar dryness, and juniper which brings out that smell. But, while there are cheap colognes like Nautica Blue, which have this same issue; it isn’t too awful in this Bond No. 9.

Upon close inspection, I enjoy the musk/vetiver combo and the very nice use of the bergamot note. It just becomes difficult to enjoy when you have on the one hand a bright and lively fragrance and on the other hand, an in your face detergent.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, this stuff is really strong. Like, two sprays is enormous, and it clouds your surroundings. That’s not always a bad thing, but it can be too much here. So, it will get top marks from me in terms of its sillage. It lives up to the price tag, with the performance.

Also, the longevity is pretty incredible. I’ve taken soap and water, to where I sprayed it on my arm hours earlier, and I could still smell The Scent of Peace for Him…the next day. Crazy. After wearing this a few times, easily in the double digit hours club, without question. Outstanding.

As far as its seasonality, this just strikes me as a summertime cologne. It feels too strong to be suitable for enclosed spaces such as an office, but might work as a casual outdoorsy fragrance during the warmer months of the year.

It’s not particularly sexy or nightlife worthy, just a fresh and clean sort of scent. Again, I really don’t think that it has the same appeal or aroma as Aventus. It is versatile as a daytime fragrance, but that’s what I’d keep it as.

Overall Scent of The Scent of Peace

Overall, would I recommend The Scent of Peace for Him? It’s not for me, but it’s nice enough. I don’t hate it and the performance is pretty insane. However, it just strikes me in the same vein as Sauvage and Dylan Blue, these bright citrusy colognes with woody undertones.

They’re decent but aren’t impressive overall. Plus, I think I prefer those two colognes to this Bond No. 9 and they are both much cheaper. It’s okay, but that’s about it. The Aventus comparisons, are pretty overdone, as they really aren’t that similar.

Yes, they are somewhat alike, but not complete clones by any stretch.

Best Smelling Aquatic Colognes for Men: Top 9 Fragrances

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One of the most popular cologne segments is the aquatics. These men’s fragrances often include citrus notes to go along with sea or other marine ingredients, though, they can sometimes also be woodsy based instead of citrus. These are generally best used in spring and summer and can withstand the heat and humidity that accompanies that part of the year.

There are plenty of decent options within the frame of aquatics for men but I wanted to create a list of some of the best scents in my opinion. In the end, I chose 9 guys’ colognes that I consider to be the best smelling and top performing aquatics.

What are the Best Aquatic/Marine Colognes for Him?

In addition to this list, I have related ones for colognes that smell like the beach or ocean, if you want something a bit more specific. Also, the top tropical fragrances.

Dark, Herbal, Aquatic Cologne

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: You also might go with the newer Profondo, which is awesome for summer.

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

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Top Cheap Fragrance with Aquatic Elements

Nautica Voyage By Nautica For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 oz – This is a really great fragrance and is affordable for just about any budget. Nautica Voyage has an aquatic aroma with musky undertones. However, the main attraction is the fruit which is listed as apple, and has a cold crispness to it. Very fresh with additional floral notes.

This one has a cold aroma, with the crisp cucumber-like juiciness. It’s aquatic but not oceanic or marine, meaning, it doesn’t have that heavy sea salt note as others do. Floral and green undertones provided by oak moss, mimosa, and lotus. Voyage is one for daytime use and will usually go for about 7 hours on my skin, when wearing it.

Voyage is a constant best-seller because it delivers that bright and sunny aroma with nice performance. It has that usual Nautica marine/aquatic profile with a cedarwood base holding it all together. It’s light and built for the summertime. Casual or everyday wear.  My Full Review of Voyage Cologne

nautica voyage cologne review

Underrated Aquatic Men’s Fragrance

Fendi Fan Di Acqua Pour Homme EDT Spray for Men, 1.7 Ounce– Fan di Fendi Acqua is another designer scent, that has been heavily discounted. I think this will be cheap, until the current overstock gets scarce, and then might go back up.

In the mean time, guys have a chance to pick a bottle of this summertime aquatic, for super cheap. I bought a full bottle for $20, back in the start of 2019, and wore it plenty during the summer months.

Acqua opens up with bergamot, cedar and aquatic notes which are surrounded by a warm spiciness of peppercorn and pink pepper. While it starts off fairly spicy, it settles down into a uniquely smooth aquatic, with a great leather note.

Is this the most amazing fragrance? No, but it is quite underrated. When compared with the usual scents at this price, the quality and overall experience is much better. Fan di Fendi Acqua Review

fan di fendi acqua homme

Simple Marine Scent

Bvlgari Aqua By Bvlgari For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces
Aqva is obviously an aquatic scent. From the start we get a strong blend of two types of orange, salty seaweed, and cedar driftwood. It has that really oceanic and water laden citrus fruit vibe, that strikes hard at first.

However, it doesn’t stay citrus laden throughout like most aquatics and ends up with quite a moderate sillage. As it wears on, it feels both darker and deeper, as a fragrance. Lavender comes in to lend a clean aroma to the salty driftwood.

Really good casual scent for the summer months and feels like being at the shore. Bvlgari Aqva has been a best seller, in this space for years now, and is an aquatic that folks seem to love. Full Bvlgari Aqva Review

Tropical Island Scent

Creed Virgin Island Water Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.3 Fl Ounce– Virgin Island Water is some folks favorite summertime island life-smelling fragrance. Is it a pure aquatic? Probably not, but it fits the same sort of vibe.

I really like that opening blast, as it feels like sitting on a beach, with a tropical drink in hand. When the coconut comes in heavier, this one starts to take on more of a suntan lotion aroma.

Plenty of people enjoy that, I think that it is just okay. Consider this one to be a boozy/beachy aquatic and not an oceanic sort of scent. Virgin Island Water is built for the summertime, though, and for that it is an over nice choice for men or women. Virgin Island Water Review

Fresh Intense Aquatic for Summer

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.

This has an amberwood note in it, that some people don’t really like. I generally enjoy wearing this one, but it did sometimes get annoying. As such, the original Light Blue should also be highly considered, as an alternative.

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

Boozy Beach Aquatic

Tommy Bahama St Barts Cologne Eau de Cologne Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce –This Tommy Bahama scent is sort of like a poor man’s version of Virgin Island Water. It’s got a strong lime kick, which turns into a smooth and creamy finish with salty undertones as if you were sitting on the beach.

I like wearing this one from time to time. The performance isn’t amazing, so, I’d suggest trying to find a cheap bottle. Definitely avoid paying full price. It starts off strong with the lime, but later, the sillage is pretty light. Still, I enjoy this one as an island type of aquatic. Set Sail St. Barts Review

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Salt Water Oceanic Perfume for Him

Bvlgari Aqva Marine Pour Homme by Bvlgari 3.4oz 100ml EDT Spray– The flanker fragrance to Bvlgari Aqva and while it’s very similar this one feels lighter and has an added salt water note. This is built for summertime. Between the two Bvlgari options on this list, Aqva Marine is the one for those who want a purer oceanic experience.

This one has the same orange note, with additional grapefruit, and neroli to keep things light and fresh. Seaweed is a major player here, so, consider that before getting a bottle of this cologne.

Crisp, Easy to Wear Fragrance

Calvin Klein ETERNITY for Men AQUA Eau de Toilette, 3.4 Fl Oz– I am replacing Polo Blue EDT on the list, with an entry from Calvin Klein. Eternity Aqua is the closest thing you will get to a clone of Polo Blue EDT. Actually, it comes quite close to replicating it exactly, but there are a few differences.

Mainly, the opening act, is what is so similar to Blue. Eternity shares the cucumber note and that aquatic type of scent, but also features a plum note and citrus, to separate it from the Polo. It turns into a citrus spiciness with Sichuan pepper, with elements from the original Eternity for Men.

Is it better than Polo Blue? In terms of smell, they are really close, but I’m actually partial to Aqua. The longevity of Polo Blue is better, but I get 5-7 hours from this Calvin Klein. It would ultimately come down to price.

Right now, you can find full bottles of Eternity Aqua at some places for under $30, which is a saving versus Blue. If you can get one of the cheap bottles, go with this on over Ralph Lauren. Eternity Aqua Review

There you have it, 9 excellent options for guys who want to delve into the marine/aquatic space. Each of these scents provides something different while maintaining that underlying similarity which makes these types of colognes so interesting to wear.