Fragrances

CK One Shock Men’s Cologne Review

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When I got around to reviewing CK One a few days back, I decided that I would start to tackle some of the other fragrances in the Calvin Klein line also. Today, I want to focus on CK One Shock for men, which right away tells you it’s going to be quite different from its unisex counterpart. I really do like this fragrance, although, I guess I’m not too fond of the bottle design (the green lettering reminds me of Ghostbusters) but whatever it’s what’s inside that counts, right? With that in mind, let us take a closer look at CK One Shock cologne.

Note: I have updated this review, some 4 years after the original, to expand upon this scent more. Check out the Best Colognes for Men by Calvin Klein here

What does CK One Shock Smell Like?

shock

Notes include: Clementine, Cucumber, Black Pepper, Black Basil, Tobacco And Musk Base Notes

Click here to try: Calvin Klein One Shock for Him Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Review

The first thing that one notices about CK One Shock is that it is a wholly masculine scent, especially when compared to the original CK One. With a name like Shock, you would also expect it to be extremely bold and of course, shocking.

However, that isn’t the case in my opinion, it is a good scent but there are far more energetic fragrances on the market.

CK One Shock is a very youthful fragrance to me and it’s woodsy and spicy masculinity is underlined but an inherent sweetness, like a warm vanilla scent. Also, while tobacco is a base note, it comes out in a very subtle way and isn’t overwhelming at all in its presentation.

It’s definitely the leader, but doesn’t hit quite as hard, as something like Burberry London or Versace Dreamer. The tobacco is sweet and cured, not the green, wild plant aroma.

The opening is actually quite bright with the clementine and cucumber note joining the tobacco. Shock will dry down into something much darker and warmer, but the initial spray, is energetic with some very nice citrus vibes.

There is even a hint of cherry in there, which I suppose goes with the cured tobacco note, but it is nice to catch a whiff of that in a men’s cologne.

As it dries down further, CK One Shock grows warmer, and there is a spiciness which emerges. Cardmom, pepper, and some other herbal ingredients. The spice is wrapped up in the embrace of the amber note, which grows in strength, and takes some of the real estate occupied by the dominant tobacco note.

At this point, it has sweet qualities still resonating from the clementine, with spices, and lots of tobacco and amber. It’s masculine and balanced.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Shock really packs a punch early on, which is awesome for a fragrance like this. Later on, it does settle down, and doesn’t have huge sillage but you will notice that you have it on.

Some definite things that CK One Shock has going for it, is the price and the longevity. This is one of those, that you will probably have to double spray, a few spots. However, that will give it a longevity boost into the 6-7 hour range.

For an everyday wearer, it is very affordable and unique enough for a man to stand out from the crowd. It is also one that will last long enough on your skin to go through its entire presentation of notes before it evaporates completely.

It is attractive enough to receive attention, but still plays it safe enough to be worn in an office, or classroom.

I would say that while it has to ability to be an everyday wear, it seems like it’d be at its best in the Fall and Winter months. So, while it is limited to the colder parts of the year, it enjoys great versatility within this time frame.

Overall Impressions of CK One Shock

Overall, CK One Shock can be a good choice for guys who are on a budget or have limited options. It is a moderate to slightly heavy scent that projects warmth, sweetness, and masculinity for hours on end.

It does have a certain uniqueness to it, but that uniqueness is still rather plain and unexciting. It’s a solid cologne at the price, not amazing, but I do have a higher opinion of it nowadays. It is worthwhile to pick up at discounted price.

Cool Water vs. Polo Blue EDT Cologne Comparison

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In this post, I want to do a head to head comparison between two popular men’s aquatics: Polo Blue EDT vs. Cool Water by Davidoff. Now, I’m not a huge fan of either, but I do think they are both solid colognes. The question is, which one smells better? Is there a difference in how long they last? Which is more versatile?

Tale of the Tape: Cool Water vs. Polo Blue

Polo Blue

Notes include: amber, melon, patchouli, geranium, cucumber, tangerine, moss, musk

Click here to try: Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren for Men, Eau De Toilette Natural Spray, 4.2 Ounce

Read my original review: Polo Blue Review

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

Opening

Cool Water opens up with mint, tobacco, and of course these notes are surrounded by an aquatic aroma. It’s got a green and fresh smell, that later picks up white floral notes, and a fairly soapy scent. I really do like the uncured tobacco note and the crisp spice of the mint. It is at times sharp and then smooth.

Polo Blue goes in a different direction with the crisp aquatic style, as it starts off with cucumber and melon. These notes are flanked by a light tangerine and amber. It is pretty straightforward, pleasant, if unremarkable.

Which is better? While I like the mint tobacco combo in Cool Water, I actually like the smell of Polo Blue better. Yes, it can be boring, but it works well.

Edge: Polo Blue

Projection

The sillage of each of these fragrances is consistently moderate. Neither goes into extreme projection mode, nor are they weak. Solid, but won’t overpower a room.

For me, I don’t notice a real difference between how much either projects on my skin. Call it a tie.

Edge: Push

Longevity

With newer bottles of Cool Water, I get 6-7 hours of wear from it. Older formulations were about 8. Polo Blue hits 7-8 hours pretty consistently, not a huge margin, but better than the Davidoff. Maybe the 1980s version of Cool Water was even better, but it’s still decent these days.

Edge: Polo Blue

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are solid choices for everyday wear. They can go casual or to school or to work, depending on your circumstances. Cool Water and Polo Blue are safe and inoffensive, to those around you, and can gather complements without choking out a room.

Neither is a club scent or really a date night cologne. They shine in spring/summer, but can go year round, as well. There’s no real distinction, in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Cool Water has a really nice opening act, with the mint and tobacco, that sit in the watery mix. I’m not a huge fan of when it turns soapy, towards the middle, but it does come around again with a woody/aquatic base to round things out.

There’s a reason that it’s been popular for so long and it has an advantage of being very reasonably priced.

I like Polo Blue, I’m not a huge fan of the scent (it’s pretty linear and simple), but I would rather wear it over Cool Water. For me, the EDP version, is better than this EDT that I’m comparing to Cool Water. But, I’d take both of the Polo options over the Davidoff.

Why? It just smells better overall. These are fairly evenly matched scents, with similar uses and performance. The melon/tangerine combination with crisp cucumber and the amber notes are quite enjoyable in Polo Blue.

It also doesn’t have the sort of soapy aroma, that Cool Water gives off at times. It’s not way better, but it does have a slight edge in this comparison.

Cool Water is the more inexpensive option, often by quite a lot, so take that into consideration. I like Polo Blue more, but not sure if I’d pay $30 more for a bottle, if I could get Cool Water and another scent for the same price. But that’s up to you and your situation.

Winner: Polo Blue EDT

Polo Red Extreme vs Polo Black Comparison

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For this edition of the men’s fragrance comparisons, I am going to take a closer look at two scents offered from the Ralph Lauren line, Polo Black vs. Polo Red Extreme. Which of these colognes is the better buy? Which has better longevity? Which just smells better overall? I have reviewed each already and will now break the head to head match up, in different categories.

Tale of the Tape: Polo Black vs. Red Extreme

Polo Black Tale of the Tape

Notes include:  mango, sandalwood, tonka bean, tangerine, sage, lemon, patchouli

Click here to try: Polo Black by Ralph Lauren for Men – 4.2 Ounce EDT Spray

My review: Polo Black Review

Polo Red Extreme

Notes include: blood orange, coffee, ebony wood

Click here to try: Polo Red Extreme Eau de Parfum Spray 4.2 Ounce, Ralph Lauren Men

Read my review: Polo Red Extreme

Opening

Polo Black opens up with an icy mango note to go along with patchouli and sage. It has a juicy fruit note at the top, with warm spice underneath. It’s a great little balancing act, of sweet and spice, and there are other citrus notes sitting at the top, also.

Polo Red Extreme starts off with a bold blood orange note and coffee. The blood orange is juicy and sweet, to go along with the warm smell of coffee beans. It’s simple and there is a bit of cranberry, which is found in the original Polo Red.

Which is better? I really like Polo Red Extreme, but to me, the opening of Polo Black is one of its strengths. It is more balanced and the mango/citrus notes are really great in the composition.

Edge: Polo Black

Projection

The sillage of Polo Black is fairly moderate. It is pretty good for the first few hours and then weakens somewhat. Red Extreme has a strong sillage, not super powerful, but it is definitely stronger and projects itself further than does Black.

Edge: Red Extreme

Longevity

Polo Black, is once again pretty good, as it will last for 6-7 hours. With Red Extreme, I get 8-10 hours of wear, on my skin. It’s an easy win for Extreme.

Edge: Red Extreme

Versatility

Neither of these scents, holds up great on the hottest days of the year. However, Polo Black probably does a better job in warmer weather. Both are great for casual wear, can be worn in an office, or for a night out. I’d say that, Polo Black has a better versatility for climate though, and thus an edge.

Edge: Polo Black

Overall Scent

Polo Black has a great opening act of mango, citrus, and spice. I find this to be quite appealing and better than how Polo Red starts out. The dry down is nice, woody and has some tonka bean, but I think that it’s not as good during this period. Beyond that, the sillage is average, and the longevity is too.

Red Extreme is really straightforward with that bold orange opening, with coffee, and tart cranberry. It features an ebony wood note, at the base, but most of what you get is the orange and coffee. I think that it is a bold and dynamic scent, with great performance, and a really good sillage.

Between them, I think that Red Extreme is better overall. The nod could have gone to Black, if it maintained its opening act, and could at least be in the ballpark of Extreme in terms of performance. It doesn’t though, so, I give the win to Red Extreme.

Winner: Red Extreme

Invictus Aqua vs. Light Blue Eau Intense

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For this head to head comparison post, we are going to take a closer look at two popular citrus aquatic fragrances, for the summertime. In one corner, we have Invictus Aqua. Versus, Light Blue Eau Intense, in the other. Which of these marine accord-laden scents, smells the best? Has the better sillage? Longevity? Which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Invictus Aqua vs Eau Intense

Light Blue Eau Intense

Notes include: mandarin, frozen grapefruit, juniper, aquatic accord, amber woods, musk

Click here to try: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Intense Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 1.6 Ounce

My review: Light Blue Eau Intense

Invictus Aqua EDT

Notes include: yuzu, pink pepper, guaiac wood, marine notes, violet leaf, ambergris, grapefruit

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne Invictus Aqua Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce

Read my review: Invictus Aqua

Opening

Invictus Aqua starts off with its salty marine notes, with a strong blend of yuzu and grapefruit. It’s fresh, clean with that saltiness, and has a bit of pink pepper in it as well. I like the way that Aqua begins, the yuzu is awesome, when combined with the aquatic notes.

Light Blue Eau Intense also starts with grapefruit, but it’s ‘frozen’, and paired with mandarin orange. I think that it’s got a colder quality, less saltiness in the aquatic accord, and the juniper note comes in and adds a nice touch.

Which is better? It’s a pretty close call for me, but I like Eau Intense more here. The crispness, the freshness, and the aquatic accord is all slightly better than in Invictus Aqua.

Edge: Eau Intense

Projection

Both of these colognes are pretty moderate in the sillage. They both start off with a somewhat strong ability to project themselves to the surrounding area. Then, they taper off within a few hours, to something much more subdued…but not weak.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Light Blue Eau Intense lasts about 9 hours on my skin. Invictus Aqua will usually do about 8. However, Aqua has the ability to hit over 10 hours, on occasion. It kind of depends on the climate and my skin, that day.  The Paco Rabanne is a bit better or at least has that ability.

Edge: Aqua (slightly)

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are quite versatile. They really both shine in the warmer months of the year, as the aquatic aroma, truly works in the heat. However, you could wear either year round, if you wanted.

They can be worn casual or at work or for an evening out. I wouldn’t classify either as a nightlife scent, though. There’s no real separation in this category.

Edge: Push

 

 

Overall Scent

Invictus Aqua is a really nice scent, which I enjoy wearing, for the first few hours. Then, the dry down gets worse and worse to my nose, until I end up not liking it. That citrus and marine combination is great.

It gives Eau Intense a run for its money. But then, it gets an infusion of wood (which is decent). Finally, it dries down to pretty much just to the sea water note…which isn’t too attractive, when it is by itself.

The opening act is great, the performance is great, but a lot of the wear isn’t.

Light Blue Eau Intense, to me, has a slightly better opening. It also has about equal performance to Invictus Aqua. Most importantly, it stays great throughout.

It has quickly become one of my favorite aquatic fragrances, out on the market. Eau Intense is smooth, clean, and its drydown with juniper and amberwood holds the thing together.

For the first few hours, it’s a close call. After that, the D&G owns this contest. Another option, may be to try Light Blue Sun. It’s kind of a midway point between Eau Intense and the original Light Blue. Good for those who think Eau Intense comes on too strong.

Winner: Eau Intense

Oud Fleur vs Noir de Noir Comparison

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After doing my review of Oud Fleur yesterday, I had to do a comparison post, with its similar counterpart Noir de Noir. These two Tom Ford fragrances, can often be the final two choices for some folks, but which is the one to go with? Which perfume smells better? Which lasts longer? Which of these oud based Tom Ford scents, is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Oud Fleur vs. Noir de Noir

Noir de Noir

Notes include: rose, oud, patchouli, black truffle, tree moss

Click here to try: Tom Ford Private Blend Noir De Noir Eau De Parfum Spray Edp 3.4 Fl / 100 Ml

My original review: Noir de Noir

Oud Fleur

Notes include: oud, sandalwood, resin, patchouli, rose

Click here to try: Oud Fleur by Tom Ford for unisex – 3.4 Ounce edp spray 

My review: Oud Fleur

Opening

Noir de Noir opens up with rose and patchouli, as its main notes. The oud sits underneath, those two, and isn’t all that prevalent. The rose has a nice sweetness that pairs nicely with the earthy and spicy patchouli.

Oud Fleur opens up in a very similar manner. Rose leads the way, but it is paired with mostly the sandalwood note and a resinous amber. The similarities between the two, go much further, as oud and patchouli are also present in Oud Fleur.

Which is better? Again, they’re quite close, but I like the start of Oud Fleur more. The sandalwood and resin set it apart. To me, the opening of Noir de Noir, is its weakest quality. It becomes much better later on.

Edge: Oud Fleur

Projection

For the duration of the wear, both of these are mostly moderate fragrances, in terms of sillage. The aren’t going to project, in an extreme way. I will say, that Oud Fleur is stronger on my skin, for the first few hours than is, Noir. After that, they are about equal.

Edge: Oud Fleur

Longevity

Both of these perfumes, last for 8-9 hours, on my skin. I haven’t noticed any differences in this regard, during testing. Each is very good, though, not elite.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Noir de Noir and Oud Fleur are relegated mostly to colder weather. You can go somewhat into the temperate climates, with these, but should avoid the heat.

Now, both of these are unisex, technically. Oud Fleur leans more feminine and Noir de Noir, while more masculine, probably has the wider appeal. More men and women could enjoy it.

Noir de Noir is probably better for nightlife and I would consider it to be sexier. Oud Fleur, is probably the more formal or elegant type of perfume. I’d give the edge to Noir, in this category.

Edge: Noir

Overall Scent

It is admittedly, a pretty evenly matched bout up to this point. There’s so much overlap between these Tom Ford fragrances, that it can indeed be a difficult choice.

Oud Fleur has a nice sandalwood and resinous quality that I enjoy. It’s spicy profile, is a highlight, and its a great option if you love the agarwood smell. Particularly, if you’re a female. The performance is solid all around, but it can be a pretty linear scent.

To me, Noir de Noir is the better fragrance. The opening isn’t all that amazing, but this one really gets going during the dry down. During the latter stages, it becomes earthier and dirtier, so to speak. The oud isn’t super powerful, but you get a mossy note, to go along with patchouli.

Also, there is vanilla and truffle which gives Noir de Noir, a sweet and creamy aroma. It has a depth and personality, that Oud Fleur lacks, in my opinion. The performance is pretty much on par with its competitor too. Plus, it is more of a viable wear for most men and women, as well.

Winner: Noir de Noir