Fragrances

9 Best Calvin Klein Colognes for Men

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Calvin Klein is a designer who was made famous for his jeans and underwear during the 1980s. However, his fragrance collection for men and women has become a huge business in itself.

CK scents enjoy a mass popularity with people and you will always find 3-4 each year that among the best selling fragrances. Of those best sellers, they more than likely have been popular for decades, and not just a few passing years.

With that in mind, I wanted to create a list of the best Calvin Klein colognes for men, and the list ended up being 9 fragrances deep. Also check out: The Best Calvin Klein Perfumes for Women

What are the Best CK Colognes for Men?

Best Overall CK Scent

Calvin Klein Obsession For Men Cologne, .5 fl oz
A great casual cologne which dates back to the late 1980s. Obsession has a lovely spice to it and features notes of mandarin, sandalwood, and amber. It’s got a great cinnamon led warmth and spice, that is supported by the nutmeg.

The amber creates a sort of an envelopment around the person wearing it and this is one of the reasons, that Obsession is so good during the winter time.

This is such a rich and enticing scent, good for everyday wear, but can also pull double duty as a date night go to. There is sweet vanilla and nutmeg, which help to round out the fragrance, and create a memorable wear.

Spicy and warm, yes, but also a smoky balsamic element that peaks through at times. The classic formulation of this was amazing, but it is still holding up well today.

Obsession has a good sillage and the longevity is decent, as well. This is a fragrance that can be worn in a variety of situations and has enough maturity for guys 30+.    My Obsession review

obsession

Classic 90s Clean

Calvin Klein ETERNITY for Men Eau de Toilette, 3.4 fl. oz.
Another oldie but one which has been popular since its inception. Eternity for men is classy and simple in its aroma. It features notes of lavender, vetiver, and sandalwood that give off a super clean and fresh ‘soapy’ feeling.

The citrus notes add some depth and a change of pace from the lavender laden parts of this cologne’s life cycle. This is a calming masculine fragrance, that enjoys a mass appeal.

Eternity is quite herbal and floral with supporting notes such as basil and sage. It’s not a heavy spice by any means, but that light herbal kick, gives this fragrance a lively profile.

It is fresh and bright, built for the warmer months of the year, as it is such an upbeat cologne. The longevity is moderate, as is the sillage, but Eternity is a nice addition for daily wear. Eternity Cologne Review

eternity

A Surprisingly Good Cheapie

CK One Shock– I found a bottle of this for $20 at a store recently. I hadn’t tried out Shock for many years and forgot how pleasant of a wear it can be.

Now, the bottle is kind of weird for the actual scent that you get in return.  It opens up with some light freshness provided by notes of cucumber and clementine. It’s not really citrusy, in a way that’s particularly noticeable, however.

Tobacco and amber are the main draws here. Soft lavender, spices, woods, and it all surrounds that nice tobacco and amber combination.

The performance is actually pretty good for this price range and it also smells quite good. Not nearly as available as it once was, but it is still kicking around discounters and various retail stores like Ross or TJ Maxx (in the US). If you can’t find it, Dua has their interpretation: Shocker One

Top Fresh Fragrance

Calvin Klein euphoria for Men Eau de Toilette, 1.7 fl. oz.
A take on the popular Euphoria for women, this men’s cologne starts off with a blast of pepper and ginger. So, expect some spice to it from the start. But ginger, isn’t too bad, and it is the main attraction.

However, it isn’t a heavy scent and the spice isn’t that overbearing, as it is mellowed out some by the amber and cedar wood notes. It’s a warm herbal/pepper spice with masculine woods serving as the base.

Euphoria for Men is a very linear and none to complicated fragrance. It’s got an attractive airy aroma, that isn’t a sillage beast, but is safe to wear at work or in close casual situations. It never struck me as wholly unique, but Euphoria is a very solid player in the everyday wear space.  My Review

Best Summertime CK Cologne

Eternity Now– This is replacing, Crave, on the list. That one has been discontinued and is getting harder to find. Eternity Now shares some of the same notes, but with its own summertime style.

The starfruit and coconut opening act, is among my favorites for any cologne, from any designer. I absolutely love it. I wore this a lot over the past 6 months or so, even during winter. Now, in the warmer months, I will still come back to my bottle.

The rest of the wear is still good, but that opening hour, is really where the magic lies. The good news, is that , Eternity Now is still available for cheap. Expect a sweet tropical cologne, with refreshing fruity notes. Eternity Now Full Review

Update: This one seems to have been discontinued, but I’ve seen it around some places still. I wouldn’t pay a crazy high price for it. Though, I also don’t think that’ll be too much of an issue.

Best Aquatic Cologne

Eternity Aqua– I’m going to replace the now defunct Euphoria Intense, with Eternity Aqua. If you can still find Euphoria Intense, its’ worth a try.

Eternity Aqua, on the other hand, is another great option for summer. If you like the Polo Blue line, this one should be right up your alley. It was a staple wear of my summer 2019.

Aqua is crisp and watery, with an opening blast of citrus and spiciness provided by Sichuan pepper. Not a heavy warm spice, but a colder and refreshing scent with undertones of tart plum and woods.

I’ve seen bottles for really cheap and it’s an absolute buy, at a certain price. I wouldn’t go full retail, but you shouldn’t have to, either. Eternity Aqua Review

Best Selling Calvin Klein Scent

Calvin Klein ck one Eau de Toilette, 6.7 fl. oz.
CK One is a part of the unisex fragrances that Calvin Klein has released and the most popular of them all.

Notes of papaya, pineapple, and jasmine give it a intriguing sweetness while the green tea and amber add warm layers to its simple base.

A landmark fragrance for the 1990s and it will probably be a best seller for decades to come. Sharp citrus and memorable dry down that has an unbelievable universal appeal.

I think most of us still know this fragrance. Maybe the younger generation has yet to experience it? Not sure, as I still encounter it from time to time.  My Review of CK One  and CK One vs CK Be Comparison

ck one

Most Unique CK Fragrance

Euphoria Amber Gold– Amber, herbal, and woody. Euphoria Amber Gold takes the Euphoria name in a different and strikingly good direction. This one flew under my radar for quite a while and it didn’t seem to get much push from CK.

Resinous and bold with sweet vanilla and honey touches. Amber Gold gives you periods where you get to fully experience the thyme or sage, before they fall back into the well-blended mix.

Mostly, you’ll experience amber, spice, and a nice honey sweetness. Though, that vetiver and woods can peak up.

The performance is markedly better than many other Calvin Klein fragrances and it has a bold sillage. Euphoria Amber Gold isn’t available everywhere, but bottles exist online and it can be a great pickup for the right guy.

Everyone 

CK Everyone EDT– While I don’t think Everyone is an absolutely amazing fragrance, this newer release from Calvin Klein is actually better than it gets credit for. Now, I haven’t tried the newer EDP version as of this update, but the EDT surprised me.

I put this one on the list before the CK One Summer Daze release, which was a limited edition anyway. But, I think this might be better in any case.

Everyone opens up with an orange and aquatic topped that is gently spiced with a fresh ginger note. Very chill, clean, and one that can be applied on a daily basis without screaming out for attention.

I do like the tea note, in the mix, which along with the light amber gives it a warmer feeling. The opening feels more refreshing and ‘cold’ to me. Like a simpler, sort of sporty update to the same CK One style, of the 1990s. But, a different scent.

Burberry Hero EDT vs. Parfum

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Hero is the popular line of men’s fragrances from Burberry. What started with an original EDT release, has now included an EDP, and a Parfum. I have tested out each of them and put these scents through their paces.

In this post, I want to focus on comparing the original EDT with Hero Parfum. Break down how each smells, performs, and which I think is the better buy from Burberry.

Tale of the Tape: Hero EDT vs. Parfum

Hero EDT

Notes include: cedar, bergamot, juniper, black pepper

Click here to try: Hero EDT

Read my review: Hero by Burberry

Hero Parfum

Notes include: cedar, amyris, cypriol oil

Click here to try: Hero Parfum by Burberry

Opening

Hero EDT starts things off with a lightly spiced, citrusy aromatic tone. The citrus note isn’t overwhelming, but it does have a major role in the start. Along with, the ever-present cedar accord, which will really dominate the latter parts of the wear.

But, early, the cedar and juniper will pretty much split duties. Aromatic, but a touch sweet and quite fresh. Black pepper isn’t highly concentrated in the blend. However, I do think that it is a great addition to the citrus and woods.

With Hero Parfum, there’s going to be a lot of cedar in the mix. This one is earthier, woodsy, with a pine/balsamic aroma from the amyris note up top.

The pine is similar to Hero EDP, but this fragrance has a different smell to my nose, than that one.

Warm, fresh/spice, dry, and woodsy character. To me, this just comes across like a Santal 33, but with cedar as the main attraction instead of sandalwood. No, it doesn’t have papyrus or anything like that, just really has a similar style.

Hero Parfum is darker and starts to take on a sweeter and more resinous smell, as we move along.

Between them, I seem to come back to the opening act of Hero EDT more often. It’s got a very nice start, mass appealing, and not too complicated.

Edge: Hero EDT

Projection

EDT starts out above average in its ability to project. It’s not a heavy fragrance, pretty moderate, but can get a decent sent trail going.

After the first hour, it’s middle of the road, before descending into a skin scent in the waning hours.

Hero Parfum isn’t a complete powerhouse, but the first few hours are strong on me. If I spray it on a shirt that I have laying around, the projection is quite good, and definitely gives you more than the EDT.

After that, it’s in the upper range of moderate. Never weak until the very end of the wear, on that is going to be noticeable on you throughout the day.

Edge: Hero Parfum

Longevity

Hero EDT is a solid performer, especially for an eau de toilette concentration. For me, it’s always gone 7-8 hours on skin before disappearing. A full work day, is about what it’s capable of.

However, Parfum takes this category. I’m not sure when it quits, but this newer release got me 10+ hours of wear out of it. Better than both of the previous entries in the series.

Burberry Hero Parfum is a really good performer. If you like the scent, you get your money’s worth for sure.

Edge: Parfum

Versatility

Hero EDT can venture into the warmer days of the year, much better than Parfum. It’s they type of scent that can pretty much go year round. I wouldn’t go with it on the hottest or coldest days, but outside of that EDT is better at fitting in.

Parfum is better suited for autumn through early spring. It’s not so heavy that it’s a winter only scent or anything, I actually think it’ll be best to wear in the autumn.

Both of these scents can be daily wears, but I think that’s truer for EDT, at least for most people. I could see using Hero Parfum on a night out, when it is a bit crisp outside.

Not too much separation in this category, but I’ll say EDT has the edge.

Edge: Hero EDT

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two fragrances do I prefer?

While I think that Hero Parfum is an improvement over the EDP version, I still like the original Hero EDT most of all.

It’s a close call, but EDT is one that I have a slight preference for. Neither of these is a scent that I completely love.

Hero Parfum is a nice woody fragrance. Again, it strikes me as a more masculine and cedar-based Santal 33. Earthier, a bit fresher, without the same level of a powdery dry down.

Although, Parfum does have some powdery qualities here. Actually, I like Santal more than this, as the Le Labo works well on my skin.

With Hero EDT, I like the more varied mix of notes. Not just a mass of cedar, I also get citrus, juniper, and some spice from the black pepper.

Sure, it doesn’t have the same level of performance as Hero Parfum, but EDT is just more enjoyable for me to wear.

I’m not personally in the market to buy either one of these colognes, but the price difference is substantial. I’ve seen bottles of Hero EDT for well under $100 at discounters, and Parfum, I saw retail for $180.

Of course, you should still try Parfum out if you get a chance, to see how you feel about it. But, I think most people will be better served by picking up the original.

Winner: Hero EDT

Y Elixir vs Y EDP by YSL

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YSL keeps churning out flankers of the Y formula, which are all generally pretty good at least. Y Elixir is the release for the line in 2024. Meanwhile, Y eau de parfum has been the most popular edition for years now.

In this post, I want to compare and contrast each of these scents, and break down which is better by different metrics. Which smells best? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Y Eau de Parfum vs. Elixir

Notes include: bergamot, apple, ginger, sage, vetiver, geranium, juniper berries, tonka bean, amber, cedar

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 3.3 Ounce

Read my review: Y EDP

Y Elixir

Notes include: lavender, geranium, oud, incense

Opening

Y EDP starts off with its bold kick. It’s a strong bergamot, apple, and ginger blend initially. Then, will come the amber, juniper berry, and tonka bean.

Though, that initial burst is quite juicy, bold, and blue.

Some people don’t seem to care for the opening act. I actually think that its that amber and juniper layer that can put some people who’ve tried EDP off. But for me, the apple and bergamot pairing really grabs my attention with its crisp bite.

The sage also comes through quite a bit, even at this early point of the process.

With, Y Elixir we are going to get something that is seemingly familiar, but goes in another direction. You will catch aspects of Y EDP in Elixir, no citrus, but there seems to be some of the apple still around (may just be the geranium).

Lavender and geranium are the stars here, especially the second one. The lavender gives this one a clean and soapy kind of aroma. But, that is more than offset by the spicy, earthy, crisp, woodsy freshness of the geranium.

Very cold and fresh in these early stages. Not as blue or bold as EDP for example. Though, this one has some depth and I enjoy how tame and easy to wear it is.

Oud adds to the base and the woodiness. However, it just isn’t all that massive of a note here in the early stages. Also, an incense note provides a smokiness which also isn’t too pervasive. Both are really nice in the support of the other two notes.

Which is better? I usually prefer eau de parfum to others in this series. Though, I think Y Elixir takes this opening act for me. It’s mellow, fresh, woodsy, and well put together.

Edge: Elixir

Projection

Y EDP is very strong at the start. I can spray my bottle and fill the room with its scent, with not too many sprays.

The first 30-60 minutes are powerful. After that, it’s strong before settling into something that is above average. Y EDP doesn’t radiate that scent like crazy the whole way through.

Elixir is no slouch. It just doesn’t hit the same high level that the eau de parfum does. It’s also slightly above average for most of the wear, but it also projects very well for that first hour or so.

Just not to the same degree.

Edge: EDP

Longevity

Y eau de parfum lasts for about 10 hours on my skin. For me, it’s still the best performing fragrance in this YSL series.

Y Elixir actually sticks around well. Falls a bit short of the EDP, but it’s better than Le Parfum, in this regard.

I get close to 9 hours of longevity out of Elixir. Quite good, not elite, and not as long-lasting as Y EDP.

Edge: EDP

Versatility

Y EDP and Elixir are both good, nearly year round. I might prefer Elixir in the hotter weather, but it’s not exactly built for that either.

Y Elixir without the bold citrus and apple notes, comes across as being a bit more mature and professional.

Elixir is a super versatile fragrance. It can do everything that Y EDP can do; plus, it can be an office wear, or something you spray on for a low key evening out. It’s attractive enough to catch attention, without being overwhelming.

Edge: Elixir

Overall Scent

Overall, this was a lot closer than I expected it to be prior to testing out Y Elixir.

Elixir is a really nice fragrance. As of now, it’s right up there with Le Parfum, tied for my second favorite Y cologne. I’m not sure which of them gets the nod, possibly Elixir, since it has better performance.

The opening act is really fantastic. It’s got just enough spice, some incense/oud smokiness, and really let’s that geranium note shine. I’m a big fan of geranium.

The back half is still quite good, more lavender and geranium, with a woodsy undertone. The aroma itself is quite a bit like Y EDP at this point, just less dynamic and interesting.

I’m still choosing Y EDP. It’s better for the entirety of the wear and has a stronger performance. Though, Elixir was close to making this a coin toss, I just prefer EDP more.

Y Elixir is a very versatile scent and might be the one you would want to go with as a daily office wear or something along those lines.

Elixir at the higher price point, might feel too ‘run of the mill’ for some who want a bolder sort of fragrance. I really enjoy Elixir, but Y EDP is still probably a better bet for most people.

Winner: Y EDP

YSL Myslf EDP vs. Le Parfum

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Myslf by YSL has become a very popular fragrance since its release. Naturally, this is going to lead to more flanker releases under this name, the first of which is Myslf Le Parfum. Now that there are two options in the series, which is the better men’s fragrance?

I’ve bought two travel spray sizes of each of these scents to test out and compare. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is ultimately the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Myslf EDP vs. Parfum

Myslf

Notes include: bergamot, orange blossom, woods, patchouli, ambrofix

Click here to try: Myslf by YSL

My Full Review: Myslf 

Myslf Le Parfum

Notes include: black pepper, orange blossom, Bourbon vanilla, amber, patchouli, woods

Click here to try: YSL Myslf Le Parfum

Opening

Myslf begins with bergamot and orange blossom, as its main combination. It’s fresh and it also has a bit of a creaminess to how it smells, mostly due to the orange blossom note. Which doesn’t have as much of an opening sweetness, thanks to that large citrus start.

But, the very opening stage is a bergamot centered fragrance. That will change later on, but for the start it’s a fresh citrusy cologne.

Le Parfum opens up fresh and sweet. Here, there still seems to be a touch of that bergamot in the mix, but this version is much more orange blossom dominant.

The orange blossom sweetness is pretty bubblegum like, with how it comes across, but I think it is kept in check well by that top use of black pepper. A nice kick of spice but not too much of it.

It’s warm and I also get a decent amount of the woods and patchouli, during this opening act.

Which is better?

It’s neck and neck, but I actually might give the edge to EDP. That citrus opening really can capture my attention and I’ll give the original the go ahead.

Edge: EDP

Projection

Myslf for the first hour is actually fairly strong. Not a heavy fragrance, but it will create a substantial enough scent trail in your wake.

After that, it’s more of an intimate scent surrounding you. I’d say it sticks in that 1-3 foot range off of the skin, but it’s still noticeable.

Le Parfum is a heavier cologne than is the EDP. It is also the more powerful of the two, as far as projection goes.

Still, it’s not a great deal more powerful, and it’s not a beast. But, it does give you more punch throughout than the original.

Edge: Le Parfum

Longevity

With EDP, it will last for 6-7 hours on my skin. It’s okay, a bit disappointing for this price range, by no means terrible.

On my skin, Le Parfum seems to deliver 9 and possibly 10 hours on my skin, depending on the day.

It’s a pretty easy win for the newer scent and higher concentration.

Edge: Le Parfum

Versatility

Myslf eau de parfum is just such an inoffensive and easy to wear fragrance, that it can fit in pretty much anywhere during any time of year. It’s an easy on to just spray on as an everyday wear, but is attractive enough to hit the nightlife, even if that’s not it’s main function.

With Le Parfum, you get a lot of the same. Better than EDP in the colder weather, but doesn’t hold up to the same degree in the heat. It’s not bad in the higher temperatures, but EDP is better, in that regard.

I think Le Parfum is the better nightlife or romantic wear. It’s got greater depth than just being a clean daily wear.

As such, I would give it the slight edge here.

Edge: Le Parfum

Overall Scent

Overall, which one of these YSL fragrances do I like more?

It’s actually a somewhat tight contest between these two or at least. For me, while I really do enjoy the opening act of EDP, it’s not as exciting on the dry down.

Plus, that fresh and clean heavy citrus, type of aroma isn’t something that I always want.

With Parfum, I think that it gets better and the longevity is also gives it an edge. Between them, I lean more towards Parfum. The more that I wore each of these scents, the more Le Parfum started to grow on me.

The vanilla, amber, and orange blossom blend are really great in the back half. Le Parfum has moment where it is powdery, then it’s woodier, then it’s more of an amber floral.

Which the trio of those three notes is also found in Le Male by Gaultier and during the heavier vanilla parts, there is a bit of a resemblance.

There’s more depth here, you’re just giving up the bergamot citrus explosion that you get with Myslf EDP.

However, I will add a caveat. Myslf Parfum is a much more floral fragrance. It’s actually smells quite a bit like the long-discontinued, YSL L’Homme Parfum Intense. Just with more depth and better performance.

(Note: The Dua Brand now has their ‘inspired by’ fragrance based on EDP. So, one could buy a bottle of that and get a bottle of Le Parfum from YSL, if you can’t decide). 

It’s like they took the original, added vanilla, stripped most of the citrus, and fused it with L’Homme Parfum Intense.

It’s also more unisex and some might find Myslf Parfum to be feminine with how it comes across. So, if you prefer the citrus floral aroma, you’ll want to go with Myslf EDP instead.

But, if  you have the opportunity I’d test both of them out. Again, I like both and it’s not a huge gap between them, but I do seem to have a definite preference for Le Parfum.

Winner: Le Parfum

Eros Energy by Versace

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Eros Energy is the latest edition to the now long-running Eros for men series by Versace. I’ve been waiting to try this one for months, after there being some delays in its US release, post-announcement.

I bought a full bottle and have been testing it out to see what Energy brings to the table. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is this Eros worth a try?

Eros Energy Overview

Notes include: bergamot, grapefruit, lime, lemon, green mandarin, orange, blackcurrant, musk, amber, moss, patchouli, and pink pepper

Click here to try: Versace Eros Energy

eros energy box

My Video Review of Eros Energy

Here’s my initial YouTube review. The full written review continues below and will be updated over time. But, if you want to watch a video instead:

My Full Review

Here’s how Versace describes it: a unique fragrance with powerful silage and a long-lasting presence. Love, energy, and desire are at the core of the creation, inspired by the breathtaking beauty of the Mediterranean coast. 

Eros Energy is very much a citrus based fragrance. There’s a whole lot of those fruits involved here: lime, green mandarin, orange, lemon, grapefruit, and bergamot. Oh, and, the tart blackcurrant berry.

For me, Energy presents its aromas in waves. First, we get a mix of mostly: lemon, grapefruit, bergamot. Then: lime, orange, and even some blackcurrant.

When it settles? More of a lemon/bergamot/grapefruit/orange grouping.

Is it just citrus? No, there is a faint spiciness coming from the pink pepper note. I do get some patchouli in there as well, but that’s more after an hour or so.

The main attraction other than the citrus, is the musk note. It’s the most prominent, along with the amber, which seems to be present in almost all of the Eros fragrances now.

Energy isn’t a super complicated fragrance. The dry down is a lighter citrus and musk blend. The musk will grow more dominant the further along that you get. The patchouli and moss, add a slight woodsy air to the mix, but it’s mostly going to be about that musk and amber.

Very fresh and engaging, just not a very deep fragrance compared to others in the series.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Energy does bring a strong start. That initial 30-60 minutes, Eros Energy is something that projects itself well, while not being a heavy fragrance. It doesn’t have the same sort of density as the others like Eros Parfum.

After that, the reach will start to fade quite dramatically. On the whole, it’s pretty middle of the road, but the second half of the wear is very much a skin scent.

Longevity-wise, Eros Energy does stick around somewhere between 5-7 hours, on my skin. About what I expect from a citrus heavy summertime cologne like this.

Is it as long lasting as the previous Eros fragrances? Nope. But, that’s what I expected with this release.

Also, those last few hours of wear, Energy is basically a skin scent. You do get a bold start and it hangs around noticeably for 3-ish hours, but it is not a powerhouse sort of fragrance.

Seasonally, this one is a spring and summertime wear. Energy holds up well in the heat and humidity, during my testing of it.

The late release did take away from its use case for this year, since it comes alive in the heat. But, it should be just fine to wear on a more moderate day, as well.

This isn’t a formal sort of wear or a romantic wear. It’s casual, while being well put together. Energy doesn’t feel juvenile, but there are better options for the office.

Overall Impressions of Eros Energy

Overall, do I like Eros Energy? I like aspects of it. Overall, though, it’s pretty mid. After spending a week or so wearing it, it’s almost certainly my least favorite of the Versace Eros series.

The citrus opening, while it is intense, did grow on me. I did start enjoying wearing Energy during that first hour, especially while walking around outside.

In these late summer temperatures, Energy works quite well.

The back half? It’s fine. Musky amber with some citrus. Nothing too exciting or anything that I completely love with it.

Energy has overlap with fragrances such as: Dior Homme Cologne, Aventus Cologne, or maybe Dior Sport 2017. I’m not sure that it’s better than any of those scents, as a citrus heavy entry into the market.

It’s not necessarily worse, but I don’t know what it really provides that I cannot get elsewhere.

I’d recommend that you try it before you buy. I will be wearing Eros Energy sometimes, but I’m also glad that I purchased the smaller bottle, in order to do this review.