Fragrances

7 Best Smelling Tropical Colognes

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Whether you actually live in the tropics or just want a fragrance, that can bring about the feeling that you do, there aren’t always that many colognes which can deliver. Yes, there are fruity scents.

Some, with aquatic elements. But, not many that can bring a tropical character, all tied together. In this post, I want to present some options which can fit the bill, while smelling completely awesome.

What are the Best Tropical Fragrances for Men?

Polo Black by Ralph Lauren for Men – 4.2 Ounce EDT Spray– Moderate and masculine scent that works well for the day or nighttime. Wonderful fragrance that is pleasing yet subtle. An interesting mango note is joined by a blend of sage and patchouli, which gives Polo Black a woody and spicy undertone.

The top of the order include some more citrus notes like lemon and tangerine. Highly popular scent, with that mango and citrus giving it a great disposition, for what we’re looking for in this category.

This is definitely one of my favorites from Ralph Lauren and is definitely among the brand’s best. Even though, this is termed ‘Black’, there really isn’t anything dark about it. It’s a masculine fruit-laden scent, that does a great job of drawing complements. Polo Black Full Review

polo black

Tommy Bahama St. Kitts Eau De Cologne Spray for Him, 3.4 Ounce– Keeps up with the aquatic theme of the Set Sail line but takes on fruitier notes. Star Fruit and citrus are the opening stars to go along with a nice salty sea water note and the underlying masculinity of cedar.

You get orange, bergamot, and the star fruit notes. This sits on an aquatic accord, with a salty aroma. Very light woods give St. Kitts a bit more substance, but overall, its a very simple and refreshing wear for the warmer climates. Sweet, fruity, with a tropical chill permeating the entire composition.

CK Eternity Now MEN Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 OZ. – This is quickly becoming one of my favorite fragrances to throw on casually. Especially, when it’s warm out, and I want a tropical vibe. Eternity Now has a gorgeous opening act, that is simply captivating.

It kicks off with our target note and star fruit. This combination is fantastic and the star fruit is the strongest up top. There is some light spice from ginger and anise, before it dries down into a creamy fragrance with additional vanilla and tonka bean.

Ultimately, it’s mostly a coconut/vanilla blend with some cedar and lingering star fruit. The star fruit and coconut blend, is enough to provide the tropical influence, but the entire wear is great. I get about 6-7 hours of wear from this, plenty of complements, and the price is very affordable now. Eternity Now Review

Creed Millesime Imperial Spray, 4.0 fl. oz.– Creed Imperial has a lemon and sea salt opening blend, which actually gives off a melon, sort of aroma. It is very fresh and salty, with the fruit ingredients being dominant throughout. However, as it moves along, more of the oceanic influence comes in, along with musk, and a light iris note.

The melon and the salty sea accord, give this a simple, yet attractive island sort of smell. Luxurious and a joy to wear.

This one is a great summer wear, as it just feels bright, dynamic, and like a day at the shore. This is truly one of the best daytime wears, when you want something that can stand up to the humidity. The sillage isn’t heavy, but I’ve always gotten 7 hours of wear out of Imperial Millesime. This is my favorite one to wear in the warmer months. My original review.

Versace Man Eau Fraiche By Gianni Versace For Men Edt Spray 3.4 Oz– Eau Fraiche is a cleaner citrus take on the original Versace Man. This one is more of a springtime or summer scent for gentleman.

Eau Fraiche opens up with a crisp, cold, and refreshing lemon note and starfruit. It’s got an icy quality to it at first, which is really interesting, and great to spray on during the summer heat.

Then, Versace Man Eau Fraiche, warms up a bit. It becomes much woodier than just a straight citrus bomb and I think that’s when the fragrance really comes into its own. It’s all very light, clean, and super attractive.

The longevity is pretty good, I’ve gotten a little bit more than 6 hours of wear out of it, but this is a fantastic option for warmer climates or just as a strictly summertime wear. Notes include: Lemon, Rosewood, Carambola, Cedar leaves, Tarragon, Sage, Musk, Amber, Sycamore wood.  Versace Man Eau Fraiche Full Review

Paris Hilton Man By Paris Hilton For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Fl Oz– Paris Hilton for Men comes with a large helping of mango. That’s going to be the dominant note, but it has a great crispness to it, brought to you by the cucumber and ‘mountain air’ accord.

This is another great cheapie from this line, which actually brings some interesting scents, to the market. It’s overall a sweet fragrance, which lends itself to our list, but it also features some woods and spicy sage.

Mainly the cucumber and mango, is what makes it work for the tropical feel, but it is a year round kind of wear. That cucumber note is sometimes used to give a fragrance, an aquatic feel, without the aquatic ingredients.

Moonlight in Heaven by Kilian for unisex – 1.7 Ounce edp spray– Moonlight in Heaven is a great little scent from By Kilian. It kicks off with citrus, coconut, and mango. These ingredients together are fantastic, delivering a juicy, warm weather scent.

Very clean with a dry down featuring vetiver and rice. Yep, rice. Tied together with the coconut and citrus, it can take on a somewhat creamy smell. By Kilian is another one, that’s on the really pricey end of things, but this is a great example of what the brand can bring to the table.

Erolfa by Creed

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I have several more cologne reviews on the way within the next week or so. However, before I got to those I wanted to do one on the last Creed fragrance I sampled while visiting their boutique in Las Vegas, named Erolfa.

Yes, it’s an odd name but it’s taken from the letters of the names of the Creed family. I had never encountered this particular Creed scent before trying it out on my vacation, so, I came at it with no real expectations of performance or smell.

Update: I have tried this again, years after the original review, so I’m adding to my thoughts on this scent. This cologne is in the aquatic/marine end of things and as such I was interested in giving it a whirl in the desert heat.

What does Creed Erolfa Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, ambergris, lime, melon, orange, violet, ginger, coriander, pepper, sandalwood, musk, amber, cedar

Click here to try: Erolfa By Creed For Men. Millesime Spray 4.0 Oz.

My Full Review

The opening of Erolfa is mainly a citrus affair. The lime, melon, and bergamot really stand out in the start which reminds me of pieces of other Creed fragrances such as Imperial, Virgin Island Water, and Silver Mountain Water. Now, it isn’t wholly similar to any of them, just vague reminders from these opening notes.

I rather enjoy the opening that is a citrus blended with saltier notes which replicate the air of the sea, sort of like Acqua di Gio Profumo.

I think that Creed has done a really good job at creating a summertime fragrance that is so reminiscent of spending time on the water. It is fresh, bright, with a clean, quasi-soapy aroma to it.

Mostly what I get from this scent, beyond the citrus opening, is a slightly spicy/woody undertone with that prominent saltiness that hangs in the air.

The musk, ambergris, cedar, and sandalwood are the notes which stood out the most to my nose. The citrus stays throughout but it does weaken as time moves on and these other ingredients begin to shine.

 

It is still a rather fruity fragrance, with salt watery elements, and ambergris sitting on top of a woody base.  What I did notice about Erolfa, the second time around, is the secondary notes. 

This time, I made sure to really pay attention to the composition. I definitely got more violet, than previously, and an underlying earthy dryness. Now, neither is all that powerful, but you can zero in on each if you’re focusing.

Nonetheless, Erolfa is going to be more about the citrus, melon, ambergris, woods, and musk. 

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Erolfa is honestly pretty moderate. It isn’t really a heavy hitter in that regard, decent but nothing to write home about either. The projection will stay within about a 5 foot radius from your skin and move in closer from there. 

Longevity, I don’t know if it was just that one test I did or if it has problems, but I got a little more than 4 hours out of Erolfa. This is disappointing when compared to other Creed scents but then again it might have just been a one time thing.

Update: I’ve tried this again, since the review in 2016, I got around 5-6 hours the second time. Still, not all that great. I think the extra few hours were due to being inside more, during the second wear. 

I’d definitely say that Erolfa is a warm weather or summertime scent. I couldn’t see myself wearing this at any other time of the year. It just captures that kind of atmosphere.

Erolfa seems more of a casual daytime wear more than anything. It smells nice but it isn’t a date night or club wear by any means. Not really a sexy cologne.

You could wear it in a semi-formal situation during the spring/summer months, but it doesn’t come across as being for any specific purpose. 

Overall Impression of Erolfa

Overall, is Erolfa worth a buy? To me, I don’t think so. I like it but I was never blown away by it and I think there are not only better Creed colognes but also better seaside aquatics out there for cheaper.

I enjoy aspects of this fragrance. Coming back to it, I really appreciate the bergamot and melon notes, here. The melon is on the lighter end of things, but it pairs very well with the citrus.

Erolfa is a very pleasant fragrance, but I still can’t say that it reaches another level of greatness. 

Erolfa didn’t really wow me with its performance and while it’s pretty nice, I don’t want to spend that kind of cash for something that isn’t remarkable.

If you need to add to your Creed collection, then, by all means have at it. Anyone else, should probably look elsewhere.

CK Be by Calvin Klein

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Calvin Klein was a major force in the fragrance world during the 1980s and 90s. From Obsession to Eternity to CK One and everything in between, this line of scents were constant best sellers, and still are in many ways.

In this post, I want to take a closer look at another unisex fragrance by Calvin Klein, CK Be. Is this fragrance still one to wear? What are its pros and cons? Is it worth a purchase?  Also see: CK One vs CK Be

What does CK Be Smell Like?

rp_ck-be-300x263.jpg

Notes include: magnolia, peach, lavender, musk, sandalwood, bergamot, mint, vanilla

Click here to try: CK BE by CK Unisex Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 oz.

My Full Review

The opening of CK Be is quite pleasant and doesn’t overpower you like some fragrances. It is a subtle blend of musk, lavender, peach, and citrus provided by the bergamot.

Again, this is a unisex scent, so don’t expect anything that screams masculine but it isn’t some ‘girly’ perfume either.

Be starts off with a fresh mix of notes like mint, lavender, and juniper. These are paired alongside the lighter fruit notes. Lavender strikes me as being stronger, up top, but there is a nice cleanliness to the supporting ingredients.

At this stage, it does have its soapy-like aroma, but it feels ‘greener’ than it will later on. Bergamot, peach, mint, and juniper bring it about during this time.

CK Be is warm and somewhat spicy and highlighted by that citrus vibe. It’s got a youthful energy that really reminds me of late spring and the early summer months.

It’s got such a clean and almost soapy quality when it settles on the skin and really starts to bring out the floral/woodsy notes that are blended in it. Lavender, musk, magnolia, and sandalwood with a fruity soap finish. It is sweeter and less ‘green fresh’, in the latter part of the wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it isn’t a big bold scent but it isn’t completely weak either, at least at first. The longevity isn’t anything to write home about and that’s what sort of ruins this as a scent to me.

In totality, I’d call it a light to moderate projecting fragrance. It was never completely weak, on my skin, but never had that huge sillage.

About 4-5 hours of good use before you should probably reapply. CK Be is usually really inexpensive, so it really isn’t too much of a problem for the price, but it is pretty annoying to not have it be an all day performer.

Seasonally, CK Be is a warm weather fragrance for the spring/summertime. It’s probably best for those in their teens or twenties. Something that anyone could wear to class, a job, or just casually during the daytime.

This isn’t an extremely attractive or sexy scent. Though, it’s a smell that is quite popular, with its delightful aroma. CK Be can be sprayed on by men or women, who want to wear a non-intrusive and clean kind of perfume.

Overall Impression of CK Be

Overall, is this scent worth it? It is if you want something light and fresh at this price point. It is a really good option for either men or women that need something versatile and safe to wear on a day to day basis.

However, the longevity issue can be a problem, and if you aren’t in love with the smell one might as well get CK One instead. I’m not sure if this fragrance has been reformulated or discontinued, because I haven’t really seen it around recently.

CK be is a worthwhile purchase, at the right price, and I’d place that at under $30 or so. It’s going to give you a clean and versatile wear, that won’t offend, and is a pleasant experience all around. Is it amazing? To me, no. I like it, but it’s not something I’m particularly crazy about.

Armani Code EDT vs EDP

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Armani has done a great job keeping its two most popular fragrances alive, that being, Code and Acqua di Gio. Over the recent years, they have released a bunch of different flanker fragrances with these names, that have really raised the bar when compared to what others have come out with for their own popular colognes. The latest, is Code Eau de Parfum. How does it compare to the EDT version? Which lasts longer? Which is a better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Code EDT vs. Eau de Parfum

Armani Code

Notes include: citrus, lavender, apple, leather, tobacco, star anise, woods

Click here to try: Armani Code By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 4.2 Oz.

Read my review: Armani Code

Code Eau de Parfum

Notes include: lavender, tonka bean, cedar, lemon, vanilla, suede 

Read my review: Code EDP

Opening

Code EDT opens up with some fruity top notes, consisting of citrus and some apple. The citrus is the main attraction, but quickly joined by tobacco, star anise, and leather. It is freshly spiced with a powdery quality. This is all, while it still has that citrus aroma, which gets progressively weaker.

EDP, on the other hand, strikes me as if you took the original Code and blended it with Luna Rossa Sport by Prada. Tonka bean and lavender are both overlaps between those two fragrances. Also, you get the citrus opening and suede in lieu of leather.

Which do I prefer? I like Code EDP’s opening act more. It is difficult for me to recall what older formulations of EDT smelled like, but Code eau de parfum is a nice approximation, but ‘remixed’.

Edge: EDP

Projection

Eau de parfum has the greater concentration and therefore the stronger sillage, correct? Yes. However, it isn’t actually a powerhouse and is a fairly moderate fragrance overall. It projects better than the modern EDT, but it’s not miles better.

Edge: EDP

Longevity

With the current bottles of the original Code, it will last on my skin for 5-6 hours. It used to go 8 hours. Meanwhile, 7-8 hours is what Code EDP will get me. Neither is amazing, but there is a clear difference.

Edge: EDP

Versatility

These two colognes, essentially occupy the same space, as you’d expect. Both are best worn when the temperatures are cooler and are great as nightlife scents. Yes, the both have an attractive and sexy scent. No clear winner, here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Armani Code is a classic fragrance, there’s no doubt about that. However, it has been surpassed in terms of smell and performance by its flanker fragrances. I personally prefer Absolu and Profumo versus either of these two.

That being said, if you want something that’s closest to the original formulation of Code EDT, the EDP is going to give you that…with some changes. It doesn’t have the star anise spice, which is disappointing, but EDP is inherently smoother with a very nice vanilla finish.

For me, Code EDP is the clear winner. Frankly, I don’t see why you would even bother with EDT any longer. It had it’s day in the sun and the newer releases are just better than what is left. Code Eau de Parfum is a worthy successor.

Winner: Code EDP

Adidas Deep Energy Cologne Review

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Most of the colognes which I have reviewed thus far on this site have been of the more expensive variety. Designer fragrances do come at a premium price and while you do sometimes get what you pay for, there are still great colognes at inexpensive prices. One cologne that I want to highlight today is Adidas’ Deep Energy.

This eau de toilette, sells for right around $10 and can provide a great value for guys looking to smell good. While it isn’t the best cologne on the market, Deep Energy is surprisingly pleasant for something so inexpensive. Update: It’s discontinued.

What does Adidas Deep Energy Smell Like?

adidas_deep_energy

Deep Energy Notes: mandarin, bergamot, green apple, cardamon, lavender, musk and woods

My Full Review

I first got my bottle of Deep Energy in a gift set of 3 Adidas fragrances. I didn’t particularly care for the other two scents, but I did find Deep Energy to be a relative steal at the price.

This cologne is a sporty one, and not one that will necessarily, be the best choice for going out on a date or something like that. Although, I suppose you could if you had no other options.

It opens up with a citrus blast of mandarin orange and bergamot, with a crisp green apple, putting itself within the mix. From the start, there is a musky undertone that is present, but it never struck me as being too heavy.

As it dries down further, it can become more difficult to distinguish between the individual fruit smells, because they do sort of blend into one.

After a quick opening act, the lavender note really starts to kick in, and is joined by a cedar wood base. It’s soothing and fresh, while still retaining that sporty edge, which Adidas is known for.  I really like how it smells at this stage, as the blend isn’t overly fruity, but does have a nice crisp and pleasant aroma.

Energy is in the product title and it definitely lives up to the moniker. The mandarin and green apple notes within this fragrance, help to make it an invigorating choice.

While many other cheaper colognes, can tend to overpower, Deep Energy is one that is subtle yet stands out as a unique and pleasant experience.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it is pretty moderate for the opening hour, and then the sillage is closer to the skin. It isn’t completely weak, but a cologne that is more light and refreshing, than constantly demanding attention.

The longevity has always been good for me. Well, I mean, good for something at this price point. It’ll go for up to 6 hours or so, before fading. That’s not bad at all, when you consider that re-application won’t cost a bunch of money.

I’ve mostly worn this fragrance at work or out around town while running errands. Due to its price, Deep Energy is a good choice as an everyday cologne, that can be worn on days where you don’t want to use up the more expensive designer fragrances you might own.

It’s sporty and light enough for gym wear. Most of all, it’s a nice choice for younger guys who are still in school, and need something simple and fresh.

Deep Energy has a bit of spice to it which helps to give it a comforting warmth, from a very light cardamom note, which is persistent throughout.

Unlike something such as Opium Pour Homme, this Adidas cologne has its subtle spice paired with woodsy notes and fruity notes like green apple.

Overall Impressions of Deep Energy

I rather like Deep Energy as sort of a starter cologne or one that can be worn in casual situations because it is a overall nice smell. I have gotten plenty of complements while wearing it, and it is also fairly long-lasting, which is even a better value.

Is it amazing? No, but, it is a nice little fragrance that you don’t really need to think about before applying. It isn’t offensive, it is clean, and gets the job done.

If you’re in the market for an inexpensive cologne, definitely check out Deep Energy, again it’s only $10 or thereabouts, so it won’t break the bank.

Update: This has been discontinued for years now. The secondary market, seems to have sold off most of the excess bottles and the price has shot up. Don’t pay insane prices for this.