Fragrances

Azzaro Chrome vs Azzaro Pour Homme Comparison

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In today’s cologne comparison, we have a head to head match up between two very popular fragrances from Azzaro: Chrome and Azzaro Pour Homme. As usual, I am going to break down each scent and compare them based on different metrics and ultimately pick a winner as to which of these two colognes smells the best and is the better purchase option.

Tale of the Tape: Azzaro Pour Homme vs Chrome

Azzaro Chrome

Men’s Chrome by Azzaro Eau de Toilette Spray – 3.4 oz.

Notes include: ylang ylang, lemon, pineapple, musk, woods, and jasmine

My Full Review: Azzaro Chrome 

Azzaro Pour Homme

Notes include: oakmoss, amber, musk, cedar, juniper berries, lavender, lemon, anise, and more

Click here to try Azzaro Pour Homme: Azzaro By Azzaro For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 6.8 oz

My full Review: Azzaro Pour Homme Review

Opening

Azzaro Pour Homme opens up with an extremely fresh aroma consisting of very dry woodsy notes with an underlying spice. The spice isn’t too intense and the main notes that I gather from the start are oak moss, anise, and cedar. It’s dry and cool with a smoothly calming lavender note.

Chrome has an upbeat and refreshing opening of fruit notes, including pineapple and lemon. Paired with that is a floral combination of ylang ylang and jasmine on top of some earthy woods.

Between the two I like the vibrant citrus feeling that Chrome gives off, Azzaro is more earthy/woodsy, and while well done it doesn’t strike me as all that interesting.

Edge: Chrome

Projection

Neither of these scents really dominates in terms of their sillage. Azzaro Pour Homme is fairly moderate and steady throughout the wear.

Chrome may seem more intense at first, but I chalk that up to the citrus notes being sharp. No real winner here.

Edge: Push

Longevity

I get great longevity from both of these scents. This is another category where there really isn’t much of a difference. However, I think that Azzaro Pour Homme usually gives me an extra hour or more of performance.

Edge: Pour Homme (slightly)

Versatility

Seasonally, Chrome is more for the warmer weather while Pour Homme is better for colder temperatures. However, Chrome can be worn year round (it just has more of a summer vibe), while Azzaro Pour Homme doesn’t hold up as well in hot weather.

I would also say that Azzaro Pour Homme is better at being used for dressed up occasions than is Chrome. It’s more low key, masculine, and doesn’t have that same intense citrus that can be out of place. On the other hand, Chrome is more of a casual cologne.

One could honestly have pretty much all bases covered with just these two scent, assuming he enjoyed how they both smelled.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Between the two, I’d rather wear Chrome. It’s just much more my style than is Pour Homme. I don’t dislike Pour Homme, it has a very masculine, old school, soapy/clean aroma. Also, it is well blended and offers more complexity than the straightforward Chrome.

It really boils down to what kind of fragrance you prefer because these two perform pretty much neck and neck.

Chrome is a hyper-clean fruit laden fragrance with a metallic edge and a drydown with a floral/woods accord.

Azzaro Pour Homme is much more earthy, creamy, and like a classic soap. It is refined but never too proper.

Me? I like the first one better. In it’s simplicity, Chrome really delivers an affordable performer for everyday wear.

Winner: Chrome

Mont Blanc Legend Spirit vs. Invictus

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In this head to head men’s fragrance match up, I am going to be taking a closer look at the ever popular Invictus vs. Legend Spirit, a flanker scent release by Mont Blanc. Which of these men’s colognes, smells the best? Lasts the longest? Is the better buy overall? I have revisited each in the past week, to gather my thoughts and impressions of these colognes, and will break them down by category.

Tale of the Tape: Spirit vs Invictus

Legend Spirit

Notes include: grapefruit, pink pepper, bergamot, musk, aquatic accord, lavender, cardamom, oak moss, wood

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Legend Spirit Eau de Toilette, 3.3 Fl Oz

Read my review: Legend Spirit

Invictus

Notes include: grapefruit, sea notes, mandarin orange, bay leaf, jasmine

Read my review

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

Opening

Invictus opens up with bay leaf, ambergris, and citrus notes. It is sweet and fruity, with an aquatic aroma, and smells a bit like grape-flavored bubblegum. The dry down becomes more of an aquatic/amber/jasmine laden scent, but I have grown to really appreciate the top notes here. To me, the citrus in the opening, is my favorite part of the scent.

Legend Spirit also opens up with citrus and an aquatic accord, but is joined by the warmth/spice of pink pepper and cardamom. It is really nice and clean, quite pleasant, with a different feel from the original Legend.

Which is better? I think Legend Spirit is an improvement on the original and quite good. However, when wearing both scents around again last week, I found myself much more drawn to the opening of Invictus. I was never that big of a fan, but I’ve come around to like it, and it’s better than the Mont Blanc.

Edge: Invictus

Projection

The sillage of Invictus is pretty strong at first and can absolutely be bold from the jump. Though, it does calm down into more of a moderate on my skin. Meanwhile, Legend Spirit is fairly moderate, and never achieves the same power as the Paco Rabanne.

Edge: Invictus

Longevity

Legend Spirit is good for 5-6 hours, not that great, but not terrible. Invictus gives me 6-7 hours on my skin, but others can get it to go longer. I’d say it has the advantage.

For me, all of the Invictus line lasts longer than the Legend lineup, save Legend Night.

Edge: Invictus

Versatility

Both fragrances are extremely versatile in their uses. They are warmer weather fragrances, but can fit in, year round. Both can go from casual to work or out at night. Invictus is better for night clubs, but Legend Spirit is probably more mature. There isn’t much separation in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

When it comes down to it which scent smells the best? I like Legend Spirit. It is a great mix of aquatic, dry spice, and citrus blended together with some of that Legend DNA. The performance is decent and it is a clean and fresh blend, that is a bit more complex than the original, and does some very nice things.

Invictus is the better to the two, however. I’ve never been a huge fan of this cologne, but I am liking it more than I used to. That opening is sweet and attractive, it’s a great choice for younger guys, and this fragrance seems to get complements.

Plus, the sillage and longevity is better overall. Is it head and shoulders above? No, but I’d reach for Invictus more often than Legend Spirit.

Winner: Invictus

Ultra Male vs Versace Eros Cologne Comparison

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Versace Eros has been a wildly popular scent over the last 5 or so years. Meanwhile, Ultra Male has proven to be a great flanker to Gaultier’s Le Male. The question still remains, however, is Eros better than Ultra Male? How does each perform? What are the differences? Is one worth a purchase over the other?

Tale of the Tape: Ultra Male vs. Eros

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

Ultra Male

Notes include: vanilla, pear, amber, woods, cinnamon, cumin, sage, lavender, mint

Click here to try: Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male for Men Intense Spray, Eau de Toilette, 4.2 Ounce

Opening

In either case, you’re getting a sweet scent. Ultra Male features a sugary vanilla and pear combination, that is reminiscent of the original Le Male, but heightened and more refined. Ultra Male feels lighter than Eros and has a much more spicy kick to it.

Eros is a beast from the start. It’s a thick sort of enveloping gourmand fragrance. Yes, it too is sweet, but has a bold fruit and almost chocolate-like aroma at times.

I honestly can’t say that I consistently enjoy one of these opening sprays over the other. It really depends on what kind of mood I’m in that day. Plus, there is overlap between the ingredients of the two.

Edge: Push

Projection

Eros is a monster. It is a very loud and bold cologne. It can overwhelm at times and probably should be used lightly. When I wore this more often, I would usually only do one spray, maybe two if I was doing the night life thing.

Ultra Male is very good in this regard, better than its original namesake. However, it doesn’t have the same loudness and smell you across the room ability as Eros (which many might prefer).

Edge: Eros

Longevity

Again, a situation where Ultra Male is very good but Eros is better. I get 8 or 9 hours out of Ultra Male, which is no slouch. Eros does give me a few extra hours of wear it seems.

Neither one is going to quit on you, in the middle of the day. So, while Eros has the edge, it’s not too big of a deal.

Update: Newer bottles of Eros, seems to have lost a few hours of wear and power. Now, these two seem to be about equal. Ultra Male doesn’t have newer bottles, since it was discontinued, so it’s the same.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Both of these scents are great in cold weather and in the night life scene. However, I’m going to say that Ultra Male has more versatility for a couple of reasons. First, it is less overwhelming than Eros, which makes it a better choice for casual wear.

Secondly, while neither one shines in warmer weather, Ultra Male holds up better when temperatures rise. Though, it’s still not good in the high heat of summer.

Edge: Ultra Male

Overall Scent

This is a really tough comparison for me to choose a winner, as I enjoy both of these scents. Both utilize vanilla and mint, which gives them a similar profile, but the differences are still many.

The tonka bean note in Eros is really nice in my opinion, especially during the dry down period. Then again, I love the fresh pear/vanilla combo in Ultra Male, and I’m also wearing this fragrance as I’m typing this post.

I haven’t had a bottle of Eros in a couple of years, but would do so again. It does have a fresh ‘green’ vibe, that separates it from Ultra Male, also. Eros has been such a successful scent, that it has spawned imitators, or at least colognes that take elements from it such as: La Nuit de L’Homme Eau Electrique.

It’s kind of a toss up to me, but if you just go by sales, it seems more people preferred Eros. Hell, JPG has discontinued Ultra Male, last I heard. So, I will say that most guys would probably prefer Eros head to head. If you were a big fan of Le Male,  Ultra Male will be right up your alley.

In the end, I’ll give the nod to Eros…slightly.

Winner: Eros

Invictus vs Invictus Intense Cologne Comparison

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Invictus by Paco Rabanne has been a fragrance that has sold very well. Naturally, they have had to release a few flanker fragrances in order to capitalize on that success. One such entry is Invictus Intense. Now, between these two colognes which one smells better? How do they perform head to head? Which one is the better buy? Read below for my full take on these two scents.

Tale of the Tape: Invictus vs. Intense

Invictus

Notes include: grapefruit, sea notes, mandarin orange, bay leaf, jasmine

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

Read my original review

Invictus Intense

Notes include: orange blossom, black pepper, malt accord, wood, black amber, ambergris

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne Invictus Intense Eau De Toilette Spray 100ml/3.4oz

My Invictus Intense Review

Opening

The main difference between the original and Intense, is that, Intense has much less sweetness; especially at the start. The citrus notes that the original put out in full force has been transmuted into something darker, warmer, and a bit salty.

Don’t get me wrong, the sweet/citrus vibe is still there in Intense but it is far less prevalent. The original Invictus is sweet and fresh at the start with those underlying oceanic notes.

I like the opening of the original much more than I used to. The mandarin orange and grapefruit notes are my favorite aspect of it.

I feel like Invictus Intense has a lot more going on from the start and is just more pleasant to my nose. The amber and the whiskey-like aroma from the malt accord is really great and gives you a much more unique take on the Invictus name.

Edge: Intense

Projection

This should be a clear winning category for Invictus Intense, but despite the name, I’m not sure that it is much better than the original Invictus in this regard.

Neither of these colognes are weak and both lean towards the stronger side of things. Intense might be slightly better.

I think that Intense opens up with a greater sillage than does the original, but ultimately, the end up about the same.

Edge: Push (maybe slight lean Intense)

Longevity

With the original Invictus, I would get 6-7 solid hours of wear. With Intense, it jumps to 7-8 hours, with a few more as a skin scent.

Intense is a good performer, still not absolute beast mode, unless you spray ungodly amounts but very good at what it does. I think that opening act with Intense is a bit deceptive, making it seem like it’s more of a powerhouse than it actually develops to be.

Edge: Intense

Versatility

Invictus and Intense are both best served as nightlife, romantic, or casual scents. So, in that sense it’s equal. However, Intense seems to be able to transition to all of the seasons fairly well, while Invictus always strikes me as a spring/summer scent. Intense wouldn’t feel out of place in the colder months of the year.

Edge: Intense

Overall Scent

At this point, I have to go with Invictus Intense. It’s just better, more refined, and more interesting. I like the original Invictus but I was never in love with it.

The darker amber and toned down sweetness give Intense more balance and the orange blossom adds a floral touch without the heavier citrus of the original.

That being said, the booziness of Intense may be off putting to some folks. If I were a younger guy, I might choose the original or Legend over Intense.

I’ll go with Intense between these two and go with 1 Million Prive from Paco Rabanne over both of them.

Winner: Invictus Intense

Bvlgari Aqva vs Aqva Marine Cologne Comparison

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Alright, when dealing with flanker fragrances, there can often be a lot of overlap (by design) between two scents. Sometimes, a designer will go completely in another direction, and a new iteration of a scent will smell completely different than its predecessor. Bvlgari’s Aqva line, takes the former route.

This is especially true with Aqva Pour Homme and Aqva Marine, these two are very close relatives of one another. However, which one smells better? In this post, I am going to compare these Bvlgari fragrances and try to separate a winner.

Tale of the Tape: Aqva vs. Marine

Aqva

Notes include: mandarin, seaweed, cedar, orange, lavender, petitgrain

Click here to try Aqva: Aqua By Bvlgari Eau De Toilette Spray For Men 3.4 oz

Read my Full Review of Aqva Pour Homme

Aqva Marine

Notes include: grapefruit, seaweed, neroli, cedar, rosemary, mandarin

Click here to try Aqva Marine: Bvlgari Aqva Marine Pour Homme by Bvlgari 3.4oz 100ml EDT Spray

Opening

The opening of the original Aqva Pour Homme, is a mix of the orange, cedar, and seaweed notes. This is when you’re going to get the most citrus-y aroma of the bottle before it moves on into a more salty aquatic.

This period lasts for 10-15 minutes on my skin.  Aqva Marine, on the other hand, starts off with a citrus blend of orange and grapefruit. The seaweed note is ever present but the cedar doesn’t seem to be as strong in Aqva Marine.

It really comes down to which you prefer, more or less citrus, but neither opening aroma lasts long at all.

Edge: (Slight) Aqva

Projection

Both are about the same, in my opinion. These aren’t super strong colognes but do have strong starts and stay noticeable for a good amount of time. For much of the wear, they’re essentially lighter moderate fragrances.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Again, we are dealing with extremely similar creatures here. Five or maybe six hours is about all you should expect from either Aqva scent. Both are just okay, in this regard.

Edge: Push

Versatility

To me, they are both casual summertime fragrances, that I would prefer to wear out and about versus the office. These aquatics are good to wear when the heat and humidity is up during the summer or when you live in a year-round tropical climate. Not any distinction here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

There is really so much similarity between these two but there is just enough distinction to set them apart. Aqva will deliver a salty marine blend of lavender and cedar, with the orange notes eventually fading into the background.

You will get a strong orange opening which transitions into a much softer smooth marine/woody aroma.

Aqva Marine has a different citrus edge to it. It is much more oceanic in my opinion, with a watery saltiness to go along with the seaweed. The cedar is scaled back and there is a slight floral scent provided by the neroli.

If you want more of the oceanic scent, go with Aqva Marine.

I personally like the blend of the original Aqva Pour Homme a bit more than its flanker fragrance. The difference isn’t dramatic, but I do have a preference, and I go with that as the top dog.

Winner: Aqva Pour Homme