Fragrances

New York Sandalwood by Bond No. 9

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The second Bond No.9 sample vial that I recently received is New York Sandalwood. It actually came in a spray vial instead of the usual Bond vial, that requires you to dab, and has a cap that’s a pain to take off…which was a welcome change.

Anyways, in this post, I’m going to cover: how it smells, what notes are included, how it performs, who this scent is for, and if it is worth a buy or not.

What does New York Sandalwood Smell Like?

Notes include: sandalwood, orris, carrot, amber, papyrus, musk, fig, cardamom, and oak moss

Click here to try: Bond No. 9 New York Sandalwood 3.3 oz Eau de Parfum Spray

My Full Wear Review

The opening of New York Sandalwood is a blast of sandalwood, amber, and oak moss. It’s a very dry warmth, something along the lines of Azzaro Pour Homme, as the mossy wood aroma quickly reminded me of.

Sandalwood, is obviously the star of this scent, and this fragrance is mostly all about how the rest of the notes fit in concert with that.

What’s unique about this fragrance, is the carrot note. What an unusual note to include and it is actually quite potent throughout. It just smells really odd to my nose, not terrible, but I don’t enjoy it at all either. It’s inclusion just sort of baffles me, as I’ve never wanted to smell like a carrot before.

Anyways, there is a level of spiciness to New York Sandalwood, with the musk and an added dryness beyond the oak moss and sandalwood.

I would attribute it to papyrus, which I have familiarity working with in paper form. It’s a subtle scent but if you know it, you’ll notice that it is there. Also, the orris root tempers everything with its powdery presence.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s fairly strong, but never struck me as overly so. Bond No. 9 did a good job with it’s performance in that regard and also with the longevity. It’ll project itself probably around 6 feet at the max. Then, it’ll draw itself closer in to the skin.

I got around 7 or closer to 8 hours of wear out of New York Sandalwood, which is definitely a plus. Not a complete marathon runner, but close to a full workday of sticking around.

This is a cold weather and casual scent. I couldn’t call this one sexy or something that would appeal to the majority of people, it really strikes me as a niche fragrance. While it’s listed as unisex, this Bond No. 9, leans much more to the masculine side of the spectrum.

Overall Impressions of New York Sandalwood

Overall, would I recommend New York Sandalwood? Maybe to a select few. I personally won’t be wearing it again, since I didn’t find it to be that enjoyable. This smell isn’t awful to me, but I’m not a huge sandalwood fan.

If you are, this would be one to consider, but there are cheaper sandalwood scents on the market that might do a better job. Again, this is a really niche fragrance, both in terms of smell and price. I’m almost completely indifferent towards it.

Just Different by Hugo Boss

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For today’s review, I am going to cover another Hugo Boss scent, the 2011 release Just Different. How does this casual fragrance from Boss stack up? How does it smell? Is it ultimately worth a purchase? Please continue reading below for my full wear review.

What does Just Different Smell Like?

Notes include: mint, freesia, basil, cashmeran, patchouli and apple

Click here to try: Hugo Boss Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, Just Different, 4.2 Ounce

My Full Review

Now, naming fragrances can be a funny business. For example, there are many ‘intense’ versions of colognes out there that are actually weak as hell. Just Different by Hugo Boss takes its name and delivers something quite familiar and ordinary.

That’s not to say that this fragrance is bad, just the name really doesn’t fit.

The opening is a really fresh blast of cool mint and along with the patchouli, reminds me of Ice Men. These two colognes are not the same but they do share some similarities.

Where they differ (and where I think Just Different is better) is the light apple note and the herbal spice provided by the basil. I also feel that this Hugo Boss scent shares some DNA with Lacoste L.12.12. White, so I’d put it as a blend between that and the aforementioned Ice Men.

Just Different has a ‘cold’ energy to it. This is a very fresh/clean type of scent and the patchouli seems to give it a bit more body, to an otherwise thin or light cologne. It’s a pretty linear fragrance and what you smell is what you get after the initial opening 5 minutes.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The projection is quite light. It is noticeable but definitely not a heavy hitter. Maybe at the lower end of the range of what could be considered moderate, at its peak.

The performance in terms of longevity is actually pretty decent, I can get up to 6 hours of wear. Not great but not as bad a some others out there on the market.

Just Different strikes me as a casual scent for spring/summer. It’s a change of pace from the usual citrus or aquatic fragrances and takes a bit of different path with the mint note (maybe that’s what’s so ‘different’ about it).

Overall Impressions of Just Different

Overall, this is a very meh fragrance. Hugo Boss seems to have a lot of these over the years, colognes that don’t really stand out and are pretty generic in almost every way.

I mean, it smells pretty nice, but isn’t fantastic by any stretch. What’s the point of owning this? Maybe if you got a really cheap bottle. Even the somewhat close alternatives of Ice Man and Lacoste White, aren’t amazing fragrances.

Tuscan Leather vs Tobacco Oud Comparison

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For this post, I wanted to do another comparison between two Tom Ford scents: Tuscan Leather vs. Tobacco Oud. Which of these two popular Private Blend fragrances smells the best? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy? I have worn and reviewed both, and will now, break down each by category before declaring an ultimate winner.

Tale of the Tape

Tobacco Oud

Notes include: tobacco, oud, amber, whiskey, vanilla, cinnamon, benzoin, patchouli, sandalwood, coriander, cedar, incense

Click here to try: Tom Ford Private Blend Tobacco Oud Eau De Parfum Spray 100ml/3.4oz

Read my original review: Tobacco Oud Review

Tuscan Leather

Notes include: leather, suede, raspberry, jasmine, olibanum, saffron, amber

Click here to try: Tom Ford Tuscan Leather Eau De Parfume Spray for Men, 1.7 Ounce

My original Review: Tuscan Leather

Opening

Tobacco Oud actually starts out with a burst of the oud and whiskey. The tobacco is there, but it doesn’t become as prominent, until later on in the wear. Instead, you get a boozy oud aroma. It is kind of rough and smoky, but with coriander, patchouli, and incense underneath the two top notes.

Tuscan Leather starts off with that leather note, which is fantastic, along with saffron. I love this combination. Beyond that is a suede note, which helps to further smooth things out, and some juicy raspberry.

Which is better? To me, the start isn’t really a contest. I think that Tuscan Leather is much better in the beginning, as the open is probably the worst part of Tobacco Oud. I like whiskey, but not as much, when paired with a strong oud note.

Edge: Tuscan Leather

Projection

Both are pretty strong with the sillage, at the start, and then move into something that is more moderate. To me, there really isn’t a distinction between them. Tobacco Oud is heavier, but doesn’t out project.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Tobacco Oud will go for 10+ hours on my skin. Tuscan, will get me 8-9 hours. Pretty straightforward win here for Tobacco Oud. Though, Tuscan Leather is no slouch.

Edge: Tobacco Oud

Versatility

Both of these fragrance work best in the colder parts of the year. I’d say Tuscan can hold up better in warmer weather, but not hot. I’d much rather wear Tuscan as a casual fragrance or a date night cologne, versus Tobacco Oud. Both can however, fit in during more formal occasions.

Edge: Tuscan Leather

Overall Scent

Tobacco Oud is a nice fragrance, that gets better, as it dries down. It becomes woodier, with more sweetness, and a mix of smoky tobacco. The opening is kind of off putting, but in terms of performance and overall quality, it is a very good option for oud lovers.

However, I much prefer Tuscan Leather to it. The leather note is one of the best that I’ve ever come across and when paired with suede…it’s super smooth. It’s a darkly deep fragrance with great amber warmth, saffron, and even raspberry. When it all comes together, it is a great experience to wear.

Between the two, I would think that most people would rather wear Tuscan Leather, as it has a more mass appealing smell and one that can even be worn by women.

Winner: Tuscan Leather

Joop! vs. Cool Water

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For this edition of the head to head men’s fragrance match ups, we are going to be breaking down and comparing, two of the most popular colognes from the 1980s: Cool Water vs. Joop! Homme. Which of these classic scents, smells the best? I am going to be comparing each, in a number of categories, before declaring an ultimate winner. I have linked my original review of each scent below, for further details on these colognes.

Tale of the Tape: Cool Water vs. Joop!

Cool Water

Notes include: lavender, mint, tobacco, amber, musk, jasmine, sandalwood, neroli, coriander, rosemary, and more

Click here to try: Davidoff Cool Water Edt Spray for Men, 6.7 oz

Read my Review: Cool Water

Joop! Homme

Notes include: orange blossom, vanilla, cinnamon, mandarin, amber, cedar, jasmine, bergamot, lily, heliotrope, tonka bean, patchouli, and sandalwood

Click here to try:  Joop Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 4.2 Fluid Ounce

Read my review: Joop!

Opening

Cool Water obviously starts off with its aquatic accord front and center. However, the top is also composed of prominent mint and tobacco notes. It all comes together as green with a spicy freshness, that is later joined by floral notes, to create a soapy sort of effect.

Joop on the other hand, opens up spicy with patchouli and cinnamon, creating a bold tandem at the top. These notes are joined by an enveloping and warm amber with some light citrus coming through. It has a mix of spicy and syrupy honeyed sweetness, with floral undertones.

I like how Cool Water starts initially, with a very clean and green freshness. However, I do prefer that initial punch from Joop!, that just hits and dominates. Yes, it’s spicy, but there is a lot else to enjoy in there.

Edge: Joop!

Projection

Joop! is still a sillage monster. Perhaps, the modern version doesn’t have the same peak as the vintage bottles, but it still has a lot of power. Cool Water is probably in the same boat as to reformulations, but it never had that same projecting power, as Joop did. It’s more of a moderate fragrance, not weak, but doesn’t touch its competitor.

Edge: Joop!

Longevity

Cool Water will get me 6-7 hours on my skin. Joop is good for 7-9 hours of wear for me, depending on the climate and other factors. However, it still consistently equals or outperforms the Davidoff scent.

Edge: Joop! 

Versatility

This is the category where Cool Water has an advantage. It is great in the warmer months of the year, but can go year round.

Meanwhile, Joop is pretty much a cold weather scent. It doesn’t do well in the heat. Joop is better for nightlife, but Cool Water can fit in many situations, as it is much more moderate and less in your face than Joop can be.

Edge: Cool Water

 

 

Overall Scent

So, when it comes down to it, which one of these men’s fragrances is better? I like either one of these scents and both definitely have their positives.

Cool Water is a classic and a solid choice for everyday wear. It blend of green and aquatic notes at the top is great, before it moves into a classic soapy clean. The performance is still quite good, even if it doesn’t reach the levels of Joop Homme. 30 years after its release, the fragrance still sells a ton of bottles, and might be the better choice for most guys.

However, I think Joop! smells better, and is the more interesting fragrance. The spicy beginning is bold, when paired with that honey-like sweetness, it is a real attention grabber.

Then, the dry down comes along with the floral notes and the vanilla/sandalwood blend. This was always a fun cologne to wear, even if it was sometimes limited in its uses.

The versatility of Cool Water might be a selling point in a lot of cases, but if I have to go with one of these, I am wearing Joop! Homme most of the time. It’s the winner, in this match up.

Winner: Joop!

Rochas Man by Rochas

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Rochas Man cologne for men has been around for well over 15 years now and during this time has served countless men well in the pursuit of the opposite sex. Simply put, Rochas Man is well-loved by the ladies.

The really good news for guys is that they can get a hold of this seductive scent for under $30 and start grabbing attention upon first wear. In this post, I want to take a closer look a Rochas Man and give my opinion on this fragrance.

Update: I am adding further thoughts to this one in 2019, to expand upon this review, and share my more recent experiences with this Rochas fragrance.

What does Rochas Man Smell Like?

Notes include: coffee and lavender, with low notes of amber and sandalwood.

Try Rochas Man from Amazon:  Rochas Man Eau de Toilette, Woody Gourmand, 3.3 fl. oz.

My Full Review

The first things one notices about Rochas is that it is a rather sweet fragrance, with hints of cocoa and vanilla. This doesn’t mean that it is a feminine scent by any means but one that has a seductive charm to it.

Rochas Man is titled that for a reason, it is a masculine fragrance but with a mysterious undercurrent that I think is the key to drawing women closer and closer.

Rochas Man opens with that coffee/cappuccino note, some fruity hints of raspberry, and a calming lavender.

Additionally, there is the familiar smell of vanilla, which comes in and grows stronger as the wear moves on. It feels warm, with only a light amber note, giving Rochas that enveloping feeling.

As it settles down, this one does become drier, to my nose. There’s a light woody base to this fragrance and only adds to the smoothness, as the lavender and vanilla notes, pull it through.

It’s got a great blend of powder and creamy vanilla lurking throughout. Ultimately, I get: coffee, lavender, vanilla, and a bit of amber.

One major selling point of this cologne is its pricing point. It is available for significantly less than most other men’s colognes but delivers as much value as most of the expensive designer brands as well.

Rochas Man is versatile enough to be worn every day at places such as work or school but can also be applied at night for evenings spent out with friends or especially on a date.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, the sillage of Rochas is quite good, but not too heavy. It will project itself a decent distance from the wearer, but it doesn’t choke out a room, unless you go crazy with the sprays.

It is a warm gourmand fragrance, that sort of creates an enveloping cloud around you, but not overpowering.

The longevity is also solid and seems to fall into that 6-8 hour range of wear. Not a beast, but still very useful for most occasions.

I like Rochas as a fragrance mainly in the winter and fall months, as I feel that the sweetness projects well in the colder air around this time. Also, it has that projection of warmth and confidence which contrasts well with the harsh winter landscape.

This one is light enough to be a daily wear to school or even the office. However, it can definitely pull double duty and be a nighttime wear for the coldest months. A lot of women, find this one attractive, and will draw closer when you have it on.

It’s ‘sexy’ to some extent, but just a really pleasant fragrance, that is highly enjoyable to smell.

Overall Impressions of Rochas Man

If you’re looking for an inexpensive scent with just the right amount of sweetness and spice, have a look at Rochas Man, because it’s a winner. For about 20 years now, it’s been a great option for guys who want a sweet, and well-blended cologne.

This one is attractive, performs well enough, and can usually be found at a great price point. Yes, it is more limited to the times when its cold outside, but it’s actually pretty amazing and well worth having despite its limitations.