Fragrances

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

La Nuit de L’Homme vs. Versace Eros Comparison

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For this match up, I wanted to do one between two of the top selling fragrances of the past decade, and break down which one that I think is the better scent. On the one hand, we have the ever popular La Nuit de L’Homme by YSL.

Also, we have the upbeat youthful nighttime wear, Versace Eros. I’ve worn both many times and reviewed each for this site, but which one is the better smelling cologne? Which lasts longer?

Tale of the Tape: Eros vs. La Nuit

Versace Eros

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

Shop Amazon for: Versace Eros Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

My review: Versace Eros

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

Opening

La Nuit de L’Homme opens up with plenty of cardamom and a light but noticeable bergamot. The latter, gives the fragrance a light citrus touch, at the start.

Then, it is mostly replaced by lavender. The YSL opens as a fresh, warm, and slightly spicy fragrance.

Eros opens with a bold pop of Italian lemon, mint, and apple. It is sweet, warm, crisp, and with a cool spice flowing from the mint note.

In some of the more recent bottles, the lemon seems more prominent. However, in my newer travel sprayer that I purchased it feels more balanced with the mint and apple notes.

Which is better? It’s a close call, in my opinion, but I prefer the start of Eros. It’s power and aroma has always drawn me in from the first time, I ever smelled it.

Edge: Eros

Projection

La Nuit starts off as a moderate fragrance with its sillage, and then, settles down into something that is pretty light.

Meanwhile, Eros is loud from the start, and stays strong throughout. It’s the type of scent that you can easily go overboard with.

Update: Eros is still bold, but not to the same extent.

Edge: Eros

Longevity

La Nuit has always gotten me 6-8 hours of wear, I’ve heard reformulations may have taken a hit to that number, but I haven’t experienced that personally.

However, Eros still easily wins this category, as it will last for over 10 hours with no issue.

Update: So, La Nuit has gotten a few hours worse, as has Eros. But, Eros is still much better than the YSL.

Edge: Eros

Versatility

Neither of these scents is built for the warmer weather. They are both great in the cold and probably through most of springtime.

So, you can wear either when it is temperate or even slightly warm outside.

As an daily wear? I’d say that La Nuit has the edge and would fit in better in an office type environment, but it is also great for a night out.

It has a sexiness and is also well put together.

Eros is much more of a nighttime powerhouse or casual scent.

Edge: La Nuit

Overall Scent

La Nuit de L’Homme is a really fantastic fragrance. The cardamom and lavender blend is excellent and smells great. Then, when the vetiver and cedar kick in, it can be an absolute joy to wear. It’s really no wonder that it has been a best seller for Yves Saint Laurent.

If you want a daily wear, and you’re older, you would probably want to go with La Nuit between the two of these fragrances.

I do like the dry down a lot. It’s got a fresh and powdery scent to go along with the woodsy base.

However, if I have to choose between the two based on the smell and overall performance, I would reach for Eros a majority of the time. I

think that overall it is much more interesting, dynamic, and smells better throughout. Oh, and the fact, that it’ll last all night.

I don’t think you can really go wrong with either, but I give the Versace the win.

Winner: Eros

Michael for Men by Michael Kors

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There are plenty of popular fragrances out there which are light and sweet in their aromas and downright unisex in their application, if not almost completely feminine. Michael for Men by Michael Kors is not one of these scents.

I recently received a sample vial of this stuff and have been testing it out over the past few days, in order to see if I like it and to get a sense of how it holds up throughout the day. In this post, I’m going to relay my findings to you and whether or not I think this cologne is worth a purchase.

What does Michael for Men by Michael Kors Smell Like?

FullSizeRender (43)

Notes include: Leather, woods, patchouli , tobacco, sandalwood, fruits, plum

Click Here to Try Michael Kors for Men

My Full Review

The opening notes of Michael for Men strike me as very warm and spicy, in the same way Opium Pour Homme does, only without the prominent vanilla note. Immediately, I thought that this was a cologne built for the colder months of the year.

However, the spicy notes don’t envelop you like a cloud, this cologne has a quite smooth and woodsy undercurrent to it, like a shot of good whiskey. I found it to be quite nice and masculine.

This Michael Kors fragrance also has a layer of sweetness to it provided by the dried fruit notes which includes, plum. To me, the fruits never develop into anything that strong but they do play a nice supporting role throughout its life cycle.

I will say, that, after about and hour or so, the spicy notes begin to take a back seat and the cologne becomes more refined with the scent of leather and woods emerging more to complement the tobacco.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

While Michael for Men starts out fairly strong, I would say that its projection is quite moderate. It doesn’t overpower, but I also got some pretty decent results with it too.

The sillage strength in the beginning, certainly isn’t a total bomb. Nonetheless, it will project itself to form a nice perimeter around you.

It also doesn’t last all day, like some colognes, but it doesn’t fade out after 30 minutes either. In terms, of its performance, I would say this cologne is moderate across the board.

Coming back to it, after a few years, it seems to stick around in the 5-7 hour range. Not spectacular, but quite useable.

Seasonally, keep it to autumn through early spring. It’s at its best in cooler temperatures, but it holds up decently in a more moderate setting. It is a versatile scent, good for an evening out, while being safe for the office.

Overall Impression of Michael for Men

Would I recommend this fragrance? Meh…I don’t hate it but I’m not exactly thrilled with it either, it’s just not really my style. I think this would be a solid option for some men during the late fall and winter months but it’s just not for me.

If you are the type that really likes the smooth, spicy, tobacco type of scents, this would be a good bet. It’s warm, inviting, and classy…I just personally have no real use for it.

I like the tobacco and the plum notes here, I think that they bolster the cologne, quite a bit. Trying this one again, a few years after my initial review, I can’t really say that my opinion has changed on this Michael Kors fragrance. Still good, but not great, with a solid balance all around.

Update: This one got discontinued. There is a Michael Kors Pour Homme fragrance, but it’s different from this older release.

Mr. Burberry EDT by Burberry

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Mr. Burberry EDT isn’t a cologne that I had tried out yet, so when I got a sample of it, I was hoping that it would be among the brand’s best efforts. This scent was released in 2014, which makes it one of the newer colognes from this line. It is a woodsy based fragrance with a citrus note provided by grapefruit.

In this post, I want to give my impressions of Mr. Burberry eau de toilette after wearing, describe how it smells, performs, when it should be worn, and if it’s worth a purchase or not.

What does Mr. Burberry EDT Smell Like?

Notes include: tarragon, cedar, birch leaf, grapefruit, cardamom, sandalwood, vetiver

Click here to try: BURBERRY Mr Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 1.6 Ounce

My Full Review

The opening of Mr. Burberry is a smooth blend of the grapefruit note along with some of the woods, notably the sandalwood and cedar. I can’t say that I’m blown away by the opening but I do find it pleasant and subtle on my skin. There’s just so many pairings of grapefruit and wood out there, it feels redundant.

There is a dash of mint in there, from the start, which lends a nice bit of coolness to the composition. It has a slightly herbal tone to it that underlies the citrus and woodsy notes but again, Mr. Burberry never comes across as anything special, in my opinion.

That isn’t to say that this cologne smells bad, it definitely doesn’t. Mr. Burberry is very clean and crisp and feels like a more dressed up type of fragrance, that can also be worn casually. The mint, cardamom and tarragon, is what really drives the best aspects of this cologne.

There is a hint of spice there, that is pretty much the only thing I find interesting about it. That’s the cardamom note coming through, to my nose, it is the highlight of Mr. Burberry. It plays wonderfully off of the mint, and then later, the woodsy base notes.

Nutmeg? I suppose, but it is none too strong. It just seems really generic and uneventful otherwise, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, depending on your own personal style.

As it dries down, I think this fragrance gets somewhat better than how it started. It’s got plenty of woody goodness in there and is quite fresh. Vetiver and birch, are the main notes I pick up from that aspect, along with the ubiquitous sandalwood.

The grapefruit is still around, not as sharp as it once was, but it does provide the main thrust of this cologne. The finish of Mr. Burberry is dry, woodsy, with the herbal/spice notes still floating around.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The projection is decent. You can get away with spraying a lot more of this stuff than some other entries. It’s stronger than a skin scent, but the sillage doesn’t carve out a path in a room. Mr. Burberry does everything smoothly.

The longevity is also pretty good, this isn’t an all day and all night affair, but it’ll probably get through most of a work day. During testing, I got in the 5-7 hour range, and that’s what it seems about capable of.

Having now used up the sample sprayer that I had, I’d say that’s the range I get each time. Mostly, closer to the five hour mark, rather than the latter.

Mr. Burberry is an elegant type of scent so it will do well in those dressier situations as well as at work or school. It really isn’t offensive and is simply something that smells good/fresh. It does enjoy some versatility too, as it seems like it could work in almost any season.

It’s not a night club beast, has a definite appeal, but not really a sexy quality. Women will enjoy it, but it’s isn’t something that truly captures attention, in my experience.

As much as it doesn’t really cultivate much excitement from me, I can honestly say that it’s versatility is perhaps its strongest point. It’s pleasant, low key, and has the ability to simply work in so many different scenarios.

Overall Impressions of Mr. Burberry

Overall, is Mr. Burberry a buy? For me, no. I actually like the way it smells and it is far better than Burberry Weekend, for example. There are just other Burberry colognes that I would rather wear.

Plus, since the performance isn’t outstanding, it loses more of my potential interest.

This cologne seems to get a lot of undue hate from a lot of folks, but it really isn’t a ‘bad’ fragrance, just not something I absolutely must have. If I could snag a really cheap bottle of this stuff, I probably would wear it on some occasions, and enjoy doing so.

It doesn’t stand out from the pack and that could be good or bad depending on your own tastes.

I do wish it was a bit more interesting and had some greater longevity. Even just the performance, could’ve made Mr. Burberry EDT worthwhile at the right price.