Fragrances

Azzaro Wanted vs. Chrome Comparison

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It’s been a while since I’ve done a new fragrance comparison post, so, let’s knock one out. Today, I am going to be breaking down two popular scents by Azzaro: Chrome vs. Wanted. Which is the better cologne? The classic or the newer release? Which has better longevity? Sillage? Ultimately, which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape

Azzaro Chrome

Click here to try: Men’s Chrome by Azzaro Eau de Toilette Spray – 3.4 oz.

Notes include: neroli, lemon, bergamot, rosemary, pineapple, musk, woods, and jasmine

Read my review: Chrome Review

Azzaro Wanted

Notes include: tonka bean, lemon, cardamom, vetiver, juniper, ginger, geranium, mint, amber wood

Click here to try: Azzaro Wanted Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce

Read my review: Azzaro Wanted

Opening

Chrome opens up with top notes of pineapple and lemon, which lends to its bright and somewhat sharp aroma. These notes are joined by floral ones, being jasmine and neroli.

The latter two help to give Chrome is clean and soapy qualities. Chrome isn’t just your typical citrus/floral, but it also has an aquatic feeling, throughout the wear.

Wanted begins with lemon, ginger, mint, and woods. It’s actually quite sweet and warm, with an Invictus-like aroma. This becomes especially true, when the cardamom and tonka bean come in fully. Wanted is warm, sweet, thick, and somewhat spicy.

Which is better? Honestly, I prefer Chrome much more than the start of Wanted. I like its cleanliness and that metallic scent, more so than, the start of Wanted. The latter isn’t that appealing, at the top, to my nose.

Edge: Chrome

Projection

Ultimately, they are both moderate fragrances. However, I think that Wanted starts off as having a stronger sillage, than does Chrome. Chrome can be fairly strong, but doesn’t reach the same height as Wanted.

Edge: Wanted 

Longevity

These two fragrances, are also pretty close, in terms of how long each lasts. Chrome has the ability to go 7-8 hours. Meanwhile, Wanted usually ranges from 7-9. Most of the time, it’ll be about the same, but Wanted can go a little longer in the right climate conditions.

Edge: Wanted 

Versatility

Chrome is good for year round daily wear. It can be worn at the office, school, or casually. Wanted can too, but Chrome is generally more appropriate. Azzaro Wanted is the better bet for nightlife, out of these two. There’s no real distinction in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Wanted has some nice parts to its wear. I’m not a big fan of the opening, as I find it too sharp, and like a worse version of Invictus. However, once the wood and tonka bean get going, I think that it turns around and is more enjoyable. It has good performance and isn’t a bad option at all.

Granted, neither of these fragrances are something that I want to reach for often. But if I had to, I would pick Chrome, on a more frequent basis. Yes, it’s been around a long time and isn’t super complex.

I just appreciate its upbeat freshness, metallic undertones, aquatic smell, and the woody dry down period. It’s not exactly as good of a performer as is Wanted, but it is close enough, to not be a big deal.

Chrome is a no-brainer, that is easy to wear, and gets a lot of complements. There’s a reason it has been a solid starter cologne, for its third decade. Again, not a huge fan of either, but Chrome is more pleasant.

Winner: Chrome

6 Colognes that Smell Like the Ocean or Beach

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Since summertime is fully upon us now, in the northern hemisphere, images of the ocean and sitting on the beach are in full swing. There are plenty of sights, sounds, and indeed aromas which we associate with these locations; many of which, have been distilled into all sorts of different fragrances. Today, I want to create a list of men’s colognes with a marine or beach aroma, that evokes these smells in a bottle.

What Men’s Fragrances Smell Like the Ocean or Beach?

Alright, I’ve already done a list of the best aquatic colognes, on this site. As such, there is going to be a bit of an overlap, but you can treat that list as a supplement to this one. Check it out, there are some great fragrances featured in that post.

For this one, I am going to solely focus on colognes with a distinct oceanic aroma or other options which bring up images of the beach. A slight differentiation from ‘aquatic’, but a distinction, nonetheless.

Best Oceanic Scent

BVLGARI Aqva Atlantiqve Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3 Ounce– Aqva Atlantiqve is possibly the best of the Aqva releases from Bvlgari, ever since it was released. The fragrance bears somewhat of resemblance to Dylan Blue, except with a much greater oceanic note, permeating its heart.

The two are most alike at the start, when the citrus is strongest. The sea notes are there, but it isn’t overly salty, and there is of course the ambergris. Atlantiqve does a great job at evoking the depths of the ocean, while still bringing the pleasant citrus notes.

Summer by the Pool

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Intense Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 1.6 Ounce– Eau Intense never completely struck me like an ‘ocean’ scent, rather, it was like sitting by the pool at a hotel on the coast. You get that salty breeze element, but the immediate aquatic aroma, isn’t that oceanic…at least to me. 

The other thing about Intense, is the addition of a ‘frozen’ grapefruit note, which does give this one a great chilled feeling. That’s pretty great on a hot summer’s day. This is one of my favorite aquatic/marine fragrances. I like it better than the original and its performance is great. Eau Intense Review

Citrus and Seaweed

Bvlgari Aqua By Bvlgari For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces– The original Aqva really goes full on with the oceanic theme, as it uses seaweed as its main ingredient. The top is actually much more citrus, utilizing two types of orange notes, some cedar, and the sea weed.

As it passes about 10 minutes, you get the salty sea water, to go along with the more prominent sea weed. There’s also some lavender, in the picture.

Aqva does give you a really good approximation of an ocean scent, but the sillage is pretty weak, and it lasts for about 5 hours. So, if you get it, get it for cheap. Oh and go heavier with the sprays. Bvlgari Aqva Review

Dark and Spicy Depths

Giorgio Armani Aqua di Gio Profumo, 4.2 Fluid Ounce– Acqua di Gio Profumo is based on the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It does feel deep and dark at times, but is dominated by bergamot and the salty sea notes.

What is interesting, is how they add incense notes, which give a smoky depth to this fragrance, along with some earthy notes like patchouli. Rosemary, sage, and the incense create a spicy herbal aroma in this fragrance, which I think is great.

Profumo has really good sillage and longevity. Ultimately, it is an oceanic/bergamot blend with the smoky herbal spice undertones. Acqua di Gio Profumo Review

Drink on the Beach

Tommy Bahama St. Barts Men Cologne,3.4 Fl Oz– Set Sail St. Barts starts off with that potent lime note with a creamy almost coconut-like scent lurking underneath. It’s also boozy and features a guava fruit note, at the top. It’s like sitting on a beach with a drink in hand, as it does contain tequila.

However, you don’t just get the tropical drink thoughts, as it does dry down with a great sea salt spray note and palm tree. I really like wearing this one during the summer, since I picked up a bottle years ago.

The sillage isn’t amazing, but I can get 6-7 hours of longevity, when I go heavy on the sprays. I will say, you’ll want to buy it at a discount, as the performance isn’t great enough to pay full Tommy Bahama prices. St. Barts Review

Simple and Beachy

JAKE (BLUE EDITION) * Hollister 1.7 oz / 50 ml EDC Men Cologne Spray– Jake is the other best seller from Hollister besides Socal. This one is much more straightforward in my opinion, but it has a really great aroma within its simplicity.

It has a citrus top that features a slight floral kind of sweetness over the top of a wood/sea water base. Fresh summer shore vibe, that is pleasant all around.

If you can get this at a discounted price, this is a good cheapie option for the summer, particularly for younger guys.

Armani Stronger With You vs Code Profumo Comparison

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For this entry into the men’s cologne comparisons, I want to take a closer look at two wintertime wears, from the Armani collection: Stronger With You vs. Armani Code Profumo. Which smells better? Which has the greater performance? Sillage? Ultimately, which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Profumo vs. Stronger with You

Armani Code Profumo

Notes include: leather, amber, tonka bean, cardamom, lavender, and nutmeg

Click here to try: Giorgio Armani Code Profumo EDP Spray for Men, 3.7 Ounce

Read my full review: Code Profumo Review

Stronger With You

Notes include: vanilla, mint, cardamom, chesnut, amber, pink pepper, sage, violet leaf

Click here to try: Emporio Armani Stronger With You for Men Eau de Toilette Spray, 1.7 oz

Read my full review: Stronger with You

Opening

Code Profumo begins with amber and tonka bean. It also has a top of citrus, nutmeg, and cardamom. It’s warmly sweet, a bit spicy, and has a certain fizziness to it. Sort of like a cream soda.

Stronger With You starts off with cardamom, pink pepper, and mint. It strikes me as being more along the lines of something like, Azzaro Wanted. It is really fresh and has a nice personality, before the sweet vanilla, comes in.

Which is better? Code Profumo. I don’t particularly like the cardamom heavy start of Stronger, though, it does get much more enjoyable as it dries down. Code Profumo is a bit more interesting and the tonka/amber combination smells better, at the start.

Edge: Code Profumo

Projection

Stronger with You has a strong sillage. It’s not insanely powerful, but it will create a large scent bubble around you, as you wear it. Profumo is also strong, probably about the same sillage as its competitor. I don’t really see much of a difference here.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Stronger with You will go for about 9 hours, but it can go over 10, at times. It’s got a very good performance. With Code Profumo, I always get 10+ hours of wear. It’s doesn’t have a huge amount of extra staying power, but Code Profumo is a slightly better.

Edge: Profumo

Versatility

Both of these fragrances, are more suited toward cold weather, and for the nightlife. You can wear them at the office or at school, but these should be sprayed lightly, in those scenarios.

I wouldn’t be wearing either of these, when it gets warmer out, as they don’t hold up too well. There is no clear distinction, in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Stronger With You, doesn’t have the best opening act, and it made me worried that it wasn’t going to be a good fragrance. However, it improves greatly throughout its development, and ultimate is a very nice cologne. It ends up with a dry woody aroma, led by vanilla, and a great chestnut note.

In my mind, the chestnut note, holds this one together. The cedar, sage, and amber that comes through gives it a much different vibe than its opening. The performance is also quite good.

However, it isn’t quite as good as Code Profumo, in my opinion. There are aspects that I enjoy more from Stronger, but it isn’t as consistent during the entire wear. Profumo is sweet, creamy, and bold. The amber, tonka bean, and leather are rich and super smooth together. It’s fantastic in the winter.

For that, I’m giving the win to Code Profumo. Actually, the newer Code Absolu, is better than both but in this limited match up Profumo takes it.

Winner: Profumo

Azzaro Wanted vs. Versace Eros Comparison

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For this entry, into the men’s fragrance comparisons, I am going to do another one with Azzaro Wanted. This time, it’ll be put up against the ever popular Versace Eros, to see how it fares. Which one of these colognes smells better? Which lasts longer? Ultimately, which scent is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Eros vs. Wanted

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

Azzaro Wanted

Notes include: tonka bean, lemon, cardamom, vetiver, juniper, ginger, geranium, mint, amber wood

Click here to try: Azzaro Wanted Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce

Read my review: Azzaro Wanted

Opening

Wanted starts of with lemon, ginger, mint, and woods. The lemon and mint are of course similar to Eros, however, this starts off smelling more like Invictus. It’s got a bit more spice and is woodier, but the real heart of the fragrance kicks in, when the cardamom and tonka bean fully emerge. It’s got a warm fruity sweetness, with wood, and that enveloping tonka bean aroma.

Eros starts off with a bang of ingredients, including: lemon, mint, and apple. Its weird how it shares two of those main opening notes with Wanted, but the two don’t have a very similar smell, at all. Eros is a crisp blend of warmth and coolness provided by the mint, with a bright and sweet profile.

Which smells better at the opening? I’ll take Eros over Wanted. Wanted can start off like a sharper version of Invictus and kind of just be too much. Eros is bold, but it is way more enjoyable to my nose.

Edge: Eros

Projection

This isn’t even a close contest in terms of sillage, Eros wins easily. Eros is strong and can be an absolute bomb, if you over spray. Wanted starts off strong, but settles pretty quickly into a moderate cologne, for the rest of the wear.

Edge: Eros

Longevity

Wanted actually has solid longevity. It will last for me for between 7-9 hours, so, a full work day without issue. Eros, however, wins this category because it gives me over 10 hours of wear. Wanted doesn’t crap out early, but it cannot match Eros.

Edge: Eros

Versatility

Both scents are pretty versatile in their uses. However, neither is really one that does well when it gets hotter outside. Eros is a casual scent that can also double up as a nightlife wear.

Wanted probably fits in better, in an office type environment, because it isn’t too loud and it dries down with a woodier aroma. The Azzaro probably has a slight edge.

Edge: Wanted 

Overall Scent

To me, Wanted is a decent, but not amazing fragrance. There’s parts of it, that I like, and others that I really don’t. It’s a fresh scent, with some spice, and when the wood and tonka bean get going…I enjoy it.

The opening is like a worse version of Invictus and can be too sharp. Overall, it’s not a terrible fragrance, but not something that I want to wear often.

Eros, on the other hand, is just a better scent. I always loved how bold it was, right out of the bottle, and the interplay between the mint, lemon, and vanilla notes. Yes, it’s loud, but the sweet creaminess of the blend can be absolutely great on the right day. It also has better performance.

I’m going with Eros, and I don’t know if I’d honestly pick to wear Wanted before Eros, if I had to pick between them.

Winner: Eros

Nautica Voyage vs Nautica Classic Comparison

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In this edition of the head to head fragrance comparisons, I’m going to be taking a look at two cheap options, from the brand Nautica. The two colognes are best sellers still, but which is the top wear: Nautica Classic vs. Voyage? I have worn each and will break them both down by category before declaring a winner. Which smells better? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape

Nautica Voyage

Notes include: apple, musk, cedar, lotus, amber, mimosa, and oak moss

Click here to try: Nautica Voyage Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 oz

Read my original review: Nautica Voyage Review

Nautica Classic

Notes include: lime, sage, cedar, sandalwood, jasmine, lemon, amber, musk, and more

Click here to try: Nautica Classic for Men by Nautica 3.4 oz 100ml EDT Spray

Opening

Voyage opens up with notes of apple, musk, and mimosa. It’s clean and has an aquatic feeling, but it isn’t oceanic, in its aroma. The crisp apple and mimosa create a watery sort of smell and this is layered with musk and some lotus flower.

Nautica Classic starts off with a clean blend of citrus with a fresh sea-like breeze to it. There is also a prominent jasmine note and some musk, which gives the scent a soapy sort of quality. Underneath this top is a woodsy/spicy blend with notes of sage, tarragon, and cinnamon.

Which is better? Nautica Classic has been reformulated and doesn’t really smell like how I remember it.

Nonetheless, I like how it starts off better than Voyage, which I never particularly enjoyed the first few minutes of. I like the citrus and spice blend and the soapy aroma isn’t too front and center, from the start.

Edge: Nautica

Projection

The sillage on Vyoage is pretty moderate. It is never loud or very bold, yet, it is quite consistent on my skin. It doesn’t just crap out, an hour in. Meanwhile, Classic, starts off about the same but it does weaken pretty darn fast. This is a case, where it was probably better in the past, but doesn’t compete now.

Edge: Voyage

Longevity

What I like about Voyage, is that, you do get a pretty solid performance for a low price. It will last 5-7 hours, on my skin, and never feels all that weak to me. Classic will go for around 3-4 hours of wear. That’s disappointing.

Edge: Voyage

Versatility

These two fragrances pretty much occupy the same space, as to when they should be worn. Both are best in warm weather, but fine for year round wear.

Both are better for casual situations, school, or maybe the office. They aren’t nighttime, club scents, or romantic wears. There’s no real separation between them.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

It’s difficult to do this comparison now. Nautica Classic isn’t the same as it was in the 1990s, from the actual smell, to the performance. I know that I smelled the old formulation, at the time, but it’s really hard to remember a scent from 25 years ago.

As such, I can only describe what it is now. The smell itself is nice enough. You get an upbeat citrus with aquatic elements up top. Herbal spice and jasmine, with some woodiness in the dry down. It is later pretty fresh and soapy.

The problem is, the scent really doesn’t perform well anymore. Yes, it’s only around $10 a bottle, but it could definitely be better than it is. For those reasons, I cannot give it an edge versus Voyage.

Voyage, still smells better in my opinion, and has the performance to back it up. I’m not a huge fan of how it starts, but I do like the dry down quite a lot. There’s a reason it’s basically the best selling cheap men’s cologne. It wins this match up, but honestly, you can grab a bottle of each for under $25…so it’s not too much of a stretch to just wear both.

Winner: Voyage