Fragrances

10 Best Smelling Chanel Colognes for Men

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Chanel is a French luxury brand that has a long and rich history in women’s fashion dating back to the 1920s. However, their men’s fragrance line is also a force to be reckoned with as just about all of their releases are utterly fantastic and enjoy a broad appeal among cologne enthusiasts.

For this post, I want to put forth 10 of these Chanel fragrances, which I consider to be the best bets of the line. I will update this page, as needed, when new fragrances show up or older ones get discontinued. If you want to see the best Chanel ladies fragrances, click there.

What Are the Best Smelling Chanel Fragrances for Men?

Best Bleu de Chanel

Bleu De Chanel Eau De Parfum Pour Homme Spray 3.4 OZ.– I could have also placed, the Parfum version here, as well. However, the two have plenty of similarities and overlaps, and I go back and forth on the better one.

Bleu de Chanel EDP is warm, rich, and a bit smoky. It is led, though, by the citrus top notes of lemon and grapefruit. It opens up with the citrus and some fresh spicy notes like: pink pepper, mint, and ginger.

I really love the opening act, when the both the citrus notes and spices, are on full blast. Ginger, is the main one, giving Bleu EDP a gentle fresh spiciness. Lemon and grapefruit together, has sort of an orange/lime-like aroma, to it.

Then, BdC EDP, moves into its more smoky amber phase. It’s warm and sweet, with an emerging base consisting of cedar and sandalwood. It’s a very versatile and lovely fragrance to wear.

It’s not super powerful, but it will last for a long time, and get complements from those around you. This is my favorite of the Bleu lineup and won’t be easily topped. Bleu de Chanel EDP Review

Top Unisex Option

Coromandel by Chanel– Coromandel is a scent that I’ve been getting into more lately. There are different variations of this scent: Parfum, EDP, and les Exclusifs. Each is going to give you a slightly different formulation and intensity.

Though, I’m pretty sure les Exclusifs and the older bottles of EDP are the same, at least they smell that way.

Each of them, features an awesome patchouli note, with a warm mix of amber/balsamic/oriental notes (benzoin, frankincense), and a gourmand finish…usually the white chocolate will come through the most. Spicy and warm, especially early on.

The Exclusifs or EDP (whichever is available) tend to be a sweeter formulation with more of an emphasis on the vanilla and white chocolate touches. Meanwhile, the Parfum version feels woodier and denser than the others. Coromandel Review

Ego Boost

Chanel Egoiste– Egoiste got its start in 1987, under a different name. In 1990, it was rebranded under its current title, and has been a classic ever since.

I’ve always gone back and forth as to whether this or Platinum (below) was my favorite Egoiste. However, in the past few years, the original has firmly taken the lead.

It starts off with a bold cinnamon punch. Coriander adds its own additional kick and these two are paired with a light and bright mandarin orange note. Yet, this one is super dry and warm.

Then, you get to the floral middle with a Damask rose and a touch of carnation. The dry down is almost entirely about the sandalwood, cinnamon, and tobacco. Other woods and some vanilla also make an appearance. Absolutely lovely.

For some people, they seem to need to get past that opening before enjoying it. Sure, it’s intense, but it’s one that I’ve grown to love. Egoiste Review

Old School Clean

PLATINUM EGOISTE POUR HOMME BY Chanel  – Classy and masculine. I actually remember hearing about this fragrance for the first time in a Biggie song. Egoiste Platinum is fresh with greenish and floral notes. Very luxurious and versatile for almost any event.

It’s a modern take on a classic men’s fragrance, has an old school barbershop quality to it. In that category, this is one of my favorites. Lavender, sage, geranium, sandalwood, cedar, and amber notes highlight this one.

This is a great example of a floral based fragrance, for men. Sage and rosemary, give it a masculine dose of spice, to counterbalance the soft cleanliness.

Platinum, is at times: green, dry, woody, floral, herbal, and overall fresh. This probably won’t have the mass appeal, of others, but can absolutely be a signature scent for the right guy. Egoiste Platinum Review

egoiste

Best Woodsy Green

Paris – Édimbourg– This is probably my third favorite Les Eaux des Chanel fragrance, but probably the one that will appeal most to men. However, that doesn’t mean that Paris – Édimbourg isn’t a great scent,.

Cypress and juniper are massive here. You are going to get a gin sort of smell from this one. But, it’s so fresh and green, being inspired by the Scottish highlands. The dry down will have more of the vetiver peaking through. It’s all like bright sunlight shining through the trees in a dense forest.

There is also a vanilla note in the base, which adds just a touch of something sweeter. The performance here is decent, but it’s not a projection monster. Edimbourg is a unique one and something that plenty of guys should enjoy.

Citrus, Vanilla, Woods

Allure Homme Edition Blanche by Chanel– Sure, it’s mostly limited to a fragrance for the spring and summer months, and the performance isn’t great. However, Edition Blanche is still one of the best smelling fragrances from Chanel.

It opens up with a sharp lemon note, which will dominate the early stages. You’ve got to be a fan of the citrus, to really enjoy Blanche. Then, you get the vanilla creaminess, to give this one a light dessert feel.

Finally, vetiver and sandalwood give it a dry and fresh scent coming up from the base. Not too complicated of a fragrance, but I really enjoy Allure Edition Blanche, for the summer months.

Most Popular Chanel

Bleu De Chanel for Men Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4oz – Clean blend of citrus notes, such as grapefruit and lemon, along with a woodsy base. Extremely pleasing scent that gets showered with complements from all walks of life.

It’s not as good as the EDP, in my opinion, but does offer a different experience. I do enjoy that minty aroma in the early stages.

The citrus and fresh spicy notes in the EDP are here and have more presence. It’s not as warm or dark, this EDT, is a lighter and less intense wear. That can be a good thing, depending on either your tastes, or the situation you find yourself in. Very fresh, refined, and upbeat. Well worth a try, if you find the EDP to be too ‘thick’.

I think that BdC EDT, is one of those ‘do everything’ type of fragrances. It’s classy enough for a more formal setting, yet has enough attractive appeal, for evening wear. Very well balanced, good performance, and an aroma folks just love.

bleu

Sporty Cool Freshness

ChaneI Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme Eau de Parfum Spray 1.7 Fl. OZ. / 50ML.– I’ve gone back and forth for years between the original Allure Sport and Eau Extreme, but I’m going to give the nod to Eau Extreme here.

Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme opens up with its fresh herbal and woodsy notes, out in full force. Mint and sage, with the same orange note as the original edition, just toned way down.

Throw in cypress and pepper and you’ve got a fresh kick on top of the already sweet aldehydic Allure Sport body.

The dry down is pretty much the original, with the tonka bean and musk coming up from the base. But, Eau Extreme has the better performance for sure, which Allure Home Sport seems to be lacking in newer bottles. Chanel Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme Review

Chanel’s Lion

Le Lion de Chanel– The more that I tested this one out, the more that I liked Le Lion de Chanel. It’s not my favorite, nor one that I’d want to wear all of the time. But, I do think that this perfume is worthy of a spot on the list.

This is a unisex scent, that can actually be worn by anyone, so long as you’re into this type of scent. Since it is unique and more niche, that may not be the case.

It opens up with labdanum, amber, and a nice burst of citrus. The first two give this one a warmth and smokiness, that contrasts well with the bergamot and lemon.

It will go from juicy to drier and earthy. It’s got a solid dose of patchouli and almost a leathery quality with how all of the notes come together. Musk, amber, patchouli, smoke. It’s an interesting fragrance to wear.  Le Lion de Chanel Review

Iris Woods

Sycomore by Chanel- This is another one of Chanel’s less mainstream fragrances. However, for the right person, this can absolutely be the best of the bunch.

The iris here is quite powdery, it’s joined early on with an earthiness, spice, and some additional wafts of smokiness. That iris is going to continue to be a factor, along with the vetiver note giving it that smoky finish. Those two are the main event with Sycomore.

There is also a cedar base and some slight sweetness with vanilla peaking in. Drier, leathery, smooth, and a warm woodsy scent.

Keep in mind, this one has different concentrations which become available from time to time, including a parfum. Right now, it’s an EDP, as a part of the Les Exclusifs collection. It’s one that I have a limited experience with, so, I can’t give details on all of the versions.

Also, this is one of their very expensive scents, going for a multiple of what the more mainstream colognes sell for.

10 Best Giorgio Armani Colognes for Men

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Armani has a fantastic line of fragrances for both men and women, that have their own unique style and impression. Two of the colognes for men, Armani Code and Acqua Di Gio, have been best-sellers and very popular with both men and their women for years now.

However, there are other Armani colognes that are really great that don’t get the same amount of attention as those two. For this list, I wanted to explore ten of the best Armani scents, of both new and old. Also see: The Top Armani Perfumes for Women

Favorite Armani Fragrances for Him

Enveloping Winter Warmth

Giorgio Armani Code Profumo EDP Spray for Men, 3.7 Ounce– Code Profumo was the best flanker fragrance, that has stemmed from the original Code moniker.

That’s changed, in my opinion, but I do still love this one. It is sweet, warm, and a magnificent wear for the colder months of the year.

Profumo opens up with tonka bean and amber. Then is quickly followed up by the inclusion of mandarin orange, herbal notes, and rich leather. Smooth and creamy on the dry down. If you want a spicier and boozier version, go with Absolu.

Code Profumo has a strong sillage and lasts on my skin for over 10 hours, most of the time. A very good and highly intriguing winter wear for guys. Code Profumo Review

Deeper, Darker Aquatic

Giorgio Armani Aqua di Gio Profumo, 4.2 Fluid Ounce– A flanker from the original and best-selling Acqua di Gio, AdG Profumo, exceeds the original in my opinion. It is a dark aquatic fragrance with an attractive spice and smoky undertones provided by the incense note.

Update: They’ve basically discontinued Profumo under this name. Now, Acqua di Gio Parfum is essentially just this rebranded.

To me, it can be a toss up between this and Profondo. Profumo is a darker scent, while Profondo is a lighter and has a zesty sort of personality.

Profumo starts out with bergamot and deep sea aquatic notes. The composition screams out summertime spent on the coast and is more refined and masculine than its predecessor. Great salty marine elements with sage and rosemary, giving it all extra heft. Awesome. Acqua di Gio Profumo Review

Unisex Floral Leather

Cuir Zerzura– Zerzura is a part of the expensive Privee line from Armani. This one is great, as it leans masculine and delivers a great and deep floral scent.

Iris is the main floral note, with some rose and light violet leaf early on. The main attractions though are the iris, leather, and vanilla notes.

Early on, you will get a brightness of mandarin and elemi. Though, that is short-lived and this becomes rich and has an enveloping smoothness and warmth. The contrast between the leather, the creaminess, and the powdery aroma of the iris note.

Not too sweet or overpowering. I think that Armani struck a very good balance between that iris and the leather without falling too much into make-up bag territory. Lovely stuff.

Newer Code

Code Parfum by Giorgio Armani– This will be one of three Code entries onto the list. It was released in 2022 and I was surprised at how good it was.

Code Parfum kicks off with the usually bergamot note, paired with sage and iris. The bergamot is sparkling and this one has a great opening freshness to it. It’s sort of bright and aldehydic with the way the iris is worked into things.

There is some powderiness, not too much, and not as much as you’d think with both iris and tonka bean coming through. Those two notes are heavily featured in the dry down along with the remaining citrus and a crisp cedar.

It’s a clean daily wear that can fit in a wide variety of situations. Code Parfum is going to be one of those workhorse fragrances, that you can spray on pretty much whenever, but it has plenty of style. Code Parfum review

Sweet, Woody, Unique

Giorgio Armani Cologne for Men, Armani Diamonds, 2.5 Fluid Ounce
At its base, Emporio Armani Diamonds is woody and spicy. At the top, you have cocoa bean and bergamot leading the way, with a heart of amber.

The citrus and cacao combination is beautifully done and feels wrapped up in that warm and familiar amber note. I really like the bergamot that comes out of the early stages, along with the initial spiciness that will be such a factor in the middle.

The bergamot is most noticeable at the start and gradually it all dries down into a woody cologne with sweet cocoa and hints of sichuan pepper (just not much). Coming back to this one recently, the amber note really developed well, in a way I hadn’t remembered.

At that point, the aroma is quite dry, but overall it remains light and none too heavy. Fresh, sweet, with good longevity.  Notes include: Citrus, Bergamot, Cedar, Szechwan Pepper, Gaiac Wood, Ambroxan, Vetiver, Cocoa Bean. Diamonds Review

emporio diamonds

Bluer Citrus Aquatic

Acqua di Gio Profondo– This newer release is replacing the original AdG, which really feels unnecessary to have at this time. It has been surpassed by flankers like this and there are cheaper options, that smell pretty much the same.

Profondo has plenty of overlap with Profumo, but as I said, there are slight differences. This is the lighter and has a zestier/blue vibe, versus the deep water aroma of Profumo.

Anyway, Profondo kicks off with a blend of citrus notes, with a solid freshness and spice provided by the rosemary. This doesn’t smell as smoky to me, either.

Much more of a fruity and blue aquatic, on the lines of maybe a Polo Blue, versus the other colognes in this series. Profondo Full Review

Classic Armani Release

Mania By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces
A sophisticated blend of woodsy aromatics and mandarin oranges. The opening is bright and upbeat with that mandarin note and saffron poking through.

There still aren’t too many men’s fragrances utilizing saffron, but it can be utterly brilliant, as it is here.

Mania is pretty simple, with dry elements, wood, amber, and a nice citrus shining through. You have to get this one online, nowadays, as Armani no longer produces it. Highly masculine and a full bodied scent that will drive ladies wild, when close.

Update: It’s been discontinued for a long while. Probably difficult to find a cheap bottle. So, pass on it if the price is in the triple digits.

Note: Dua brand has their fragrance: Arena, which is based on this formula.

mania

A Stronger With You Option

Emporio Armani Stronger With You Intensely EDP For Men 3.4oz– The original Stronger with You was pretty nice, but not something that I’d consider one of Armani’s best. However, I think that Intensely is a better option than that, and worthy of a spot for this update.

Stronger with You Intensely does indeed ramp up the power of the original, within a sweeter frame, and delicious gourmand aroma.

Sage, cinnamon, and pink pepper add the layer of spice but it really isn’t a completely thick cloud of fragrance…but very much a colder weather wear.

I like this and as of now, it takes the spot as my favorite cologne from this line. Yes, Absolutely is up there as well. For me, this has the slight edge between them. Here’s my review of Intensely and my comparison with SWY Absolutely

I also think that SWY Leather is right up there at the top between these two. That’s more of a limited edition, so, it can be more difficult to find than these two.

Stylish Stand Out

Armani Attitude By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 1.7 Oz– Attitude is a fitting name, because this one is bold, and can pack a punch.

Not that it is overly heavy, but this was one that could grab attention (it has been discontinued, as well, still bottles available online ). Note: Dua has their inspired by version: #Attitude available for cheap, if you can’t find this.

You had coffee and lemon, with notes like lavender and patchouli. All in all, it could be hard to distinguish between them, as it is so well blended. That’s perfectly fine, because the result was awesome, quite sexy, and could be a complement magnet.

attitude

The Best Armani Code

Armani Code Absolu– I am replacing the original Code on the list, as it has been surpassed by too many other offerings. Initially, Code Profumo was my favorite of the line. However, that all changed with the release of Absolu, which is the best of the bunch.

It kicks off with rum, suede, nutmeg, and tonka bean. There are the light fruit notes of mandarin and apple, floating in the background, as they do in all of the Code scents.

I really enjoy the kick and booziness provided by the nutmeg and rum, with the leather-like smoothness of suede.

It’s dark and warm, with a great sweetness during the dry down. A lighter option versus Profumo, not as cloying, but still delivers over 10 hours of wear. Code Absolu Review

Azzaro Wanted vs. Dior Sauvage Comparison

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Dior’s Sauvage has become an absolutely monstrous best seller, since its release, five or so years back. Because of this, it often gets compared to many other fragrances, that men are looking to buy. Azzaro Wanted, was released a few years after, and has enjoyed its own limited popularity. Which one is better? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Wanted vs Sauvage EDT

Sauvage EDT

Notes include: Bergamot, Ambroxan, Sichuan Pepper, lavender, pink pepper, and more

Click here to try: Sauvage by Chrisitan Dior Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce

Read my review: Sauvage EDT 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

Sauvage EDT starts off with a mix of spicy Sichuan pepper and a sharp bergamot citrus note. It’s a pretty intense start, that is calmed by the later emergence of ambroxan and lavender.

Meanwhile, Azzaro Wanted begins with ginger, mint, lemon, and woods. It’s got a warm and very sweet aroma. There’s a thick and enveloping quality to Wanted. Cardamom and tonka bean come in and give the cologne that thick and sweet scent.

Which is better? I’m actually not too crazy about how either one of these fragrances starts. However, I do prefer the Sauvage opening. It is pretty strong, but it is much more preferable, versus the really sweet, slightly spicy, and huge lemon note of Wanted.

Edge: Sauvage

Projection

Sauvage and Wanted start off as strong fragrances. I’d say that Sauvage has the better sillage, up top. Both do grow less powerful, a few hours in, but Sauvage has the better projection throughout. Wanted becomes much more moderate.

Edge: Sauvage

Longevity

After trying out both of these colognes, many times, there doesn’t seem to be any difference in terms of how long they last. On my skin, I get in the 7-9 hour range for both, depending on the climate that day. Neither are elite, but both scents perform quite well.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Both of these scents can be very versatile. They can go casual, nightlife, and maybe to work depending on personal circumstances.

I think that Sauvage holds up better, in a wider variety of climates, and has a slightly more mature vibe.  Wanted can come across as too sharp/sweet, for certain applications.

Edge: Sauvage

Overall Scent

Wanted by Azzaro, is a pretty good cologne, in my book. I really don’t like how it starts off, as it smells way too sharp for my nose. However, later on in the wear, I do enjoy the blend of tonka bean and wood. The sweetness is smoother and less of a bother. Plus, the performance is solid.

Sauvage EDT has never wowed me, but I like it. I especially like it more than Wanted. If I had a choice, I’d go with Sauvage EDP or Parfum, before wearing the original.

However, between these two specific options, I’ll take Sauvage EDT for sure.

Update: Coming back to this post years later, the subsequent Wanted releases have all been better than the original. The Most Wanted and The Most Wanted Parfum are two that I’d pick before Sauvage EDT or Wanted.

Really, it’s a toss up between The Most Wanted and Sauvage EDP for me. I’d probably go with the Dior, but the Azzaro is a better value. You might also want to try a cheap alternative to Dior Sauvage.

Winner: Sauvage

7 Fragrances Similar to Gucci Guilty

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Gucci Guilty Pour Homme is one of the more popular daily wears for men, out on the market. Gucci has pumped out numerous flankers, after this became a best seller, and plenty of guys want something which smells similar.

Either to, find a cheaper fragrance that nearly matches, or just another alternative options which has a similar feeling. In this post, I want to present 7 colognes, which I think can fit the bill.

Cologne Alternatives Like Gucci Guilty

Before getting into the list, I haven’t come across any exact matches of Gucci Guilty Pour Homme.

Update: I have now. However, there are several options which are close or fit the same general style. Honestly, most of the list is just flat out a better scent, in my opinion, than is Guilty.

Guilty Inspirations

Fougere Pink Pepper by Dossier– Finally, found a directly inspired fragrance of Guilty Pour Homme EDT, and it’s from Dossier.

It opens up with the same neroli, pink pepper, and lemon notes before it transitions into that orange blossom and lavender heart. All for under $30 (as of this update).

I’m surprised that there aren’t many other inspired by versions of this cologne, since it is so popular and not that difficult of a formula to do. But, Dossier is the one that has the quality and presents the best option for those who want a cheaper alternative.

Black Edition

Dark Guilty by The Dua Brand– So, this one is inspired by Guilty Black and not the original Guilty Pour Homme. For me, that’s fine, as I prefer Black.

It’s going to have less of the amber influence, with greener notes, coriander spice, and a bit of a different balance among the floral notes. Has green notes and woods without coming across like a forest.

I haven’t tried this version out from Dua. But, I’ve bought plenty of designer inspired fragrances from them in the past and have had an overwhelmingly positive experience doing so.

If you want something like Guilty Black, this’ll probably be the best bet.

Similar Style from Another Italian Designer

Prada Luna Rossa Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– Luna Rossa is similar to Guilty, yet remains distinct. This is one in the same sort of genre, but with more freshness. Plus, the citrus is only the main attraction at first.

After that, there is an emergence of mint and lavender. What a great little scent. It is a bright citrus aroma with a cool demeanor, thanks to the spearmint, and calming lavender note.

The dry down does have a slight powdery/soapy feel, but it isn’t that much, and way less than what is in some of the others.  Luna Rossa Full Review

The Better Guilty Fragrance

Gucci Guilty Intense Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3 Ounce–  It shares the same lemon note, as the original Guilty Pour Homme, but tones it down and amps up the lavender and amber notes.

There are additional floral notes and cedar wood, but Intense is a pretty linear fragrance, with the lemon and amber taking hold early.

Intense has a solid sillage and can last for 7-8 hours, on my skin. It is a very versatile fragrance, that can be worn year round, and feels more mature that its predecessor. I prefer this one to the original, with how it smells, and it has better performance. Guilty Intense Review

Update: This one has been discontinued for years now. Bottles were still around before. It’s probably too expensive to be worth tracking down.

Fresh Aromatic Alternative

Prada Luna Rossa SPORT Eau de Toilette Spray 3.4 oz– Luna Rossa Sport is a simple fragrance and is a flanker of the original Luna Rossa. Sport doesn’t have the citrus notes, but does give you a similar fresh aromatic scent, like Guilty.

While it is a simple and fairly linear wear, Sport, is super fresh and smells really great. It opens up with a blend of vanilla and tonka bean, which creates a sort of powdery aromatic aroma, with sweetness provided in part by a nice juniper berry note.

Beyond that, ginger adds a lightly fresh spice, and there is the lavender note that is ubiquitous in the Luna Rossa series. Refreshing and crisp. I reviewed it here.

Between Guilty and Intense

Diesel Only The Brave By Diesel For Men Edt Spray 4.2 Oz– Only the Brave is one of the most popular scents from Diesel. It is a great citrus/woodsy scent best served for younger guys and for wear during the fall and winter months.

When used correctly it is a real crowd pleaser, especially with the ladies. It’s probably closer to smelling like Guilty Intense, though, it is close enough to make the list.

This one has a violet and leather accord, which sets it apart from the Gucci series. The citrus also has more of a sharpness to it at times, when compared to the better blended Guilty Pour Homme. Still, this one is very likeable as a daily wear and has similarities to our target cologne.

Brighter Citrus, Not Exact

Versace Signature By Gianni Versace Eau-de-toilette Spray for Men, 6.70-Fluid Ounce– A nice day to day fragrance from Versace with gentle spice notes. Versace opens up with bergamot and bitter orange notes, which creates a bright citrus aroma at the top.

It’s actually quite an intense fragrance, to my nose, for the first 30 minutes or so of wear. It mellows out a great deal afterwards, but that citrus opening is a bomb.

As it dries down, I get a lot more of the tonka bean and floral notes poking through, to give Versace Pour Homme much more depth of character. It is still a pretty straightforward cologne, which also provides some sage and cedar at the base. This has much more citrus sharpness, than Guilty, more of a close relative.  My review of Versace

Oud Wood vs Intense Comparison

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I reviewed Oud Wood by Tom Ford, in the beginning of this year. I also had a small batch of Oud Wood Intense, but only got around to testing it recently. Now, that they’re both out of the way with the reviews, I wanted to do a head to head comparison post between them.

Oud Wood vs. Oud Wood Intense. Which is the better fragrance? Which lasts longer? Which has the greater sillage?

Tale of the Tape: Oud Wood vs. Intense

Oud Wood

Notes include: rosewood, sandalwood, oud, vanilla, tonka bean, amber, cardamom, and vetiver

Click here to try: Tom Ford Private Blend Oud Wood Eau De Parfum Spray – 50ml/1.7oz

Read my original review: Oud Wood

Oud Wood Intense

Notes include: oud, juniper, leather, cypress, angelica, ginger

Click here to try: Tom Ford Oud Wood Intense 1.7 oz./ 50 ml Spray New 

Read my original review: Oud Wood Intense

Opening

Oud Wood starts off with a strong blast of the oud note and cardamom. Underneath that, is a peppery sort of spice. It’s warm and dry, with sandalwood and rosewood, already being prominent at the base. It’s a very spicy and woody, sort of aroma up top.

Oud Wood Intense is a monster from the start. It too, is spicy, with less of the oud in the beginning. What you get is a spiciness from the ginger, with an animalistic spice, and the smell of rich leather. Quite a different experience.

Which opening is better? It’s tough to say, but I think I’ll give the edge to the original. Intense can be pretty harsh and bold, in the immediate stages, while Oud Wood gets right to business.

I think that the original has a better balance, even if it is the more understated scent of the two of them.

Edge: Oud Wood

Projection

This one isn’t even close. Oud Wood Intense has a bomb-like sillage. It is loud and can project itself like crazy, off of a few sprays. Oud Wood is more of a moderate, then, a lighter scent after some time has past.

I’m glad that they made an intense version that actually lives up to the title. Oud Wood itself, isn’t terrible with the sillage or how far it projects. It’s maybe a bit above average, in the initial stages of wear.

It just doesn’t compete with its flanker, though.

Edge: Intense

Longevity

The original Oud Wood, was pretty mediocre on my skin, with how long it lasted. I only got 4-5 hours of wear from it. Meanwhile, Intense, will hit 10+ without even a problem. It really is an all day kind of fragrance.

I’m not sure if other people have had problems with the performance of Oud Wood, but it really didn’t hold up for me. Intense, however, is great and lives up to its lofty price point.

Edge: Intense

Versatility

Oud Wood and Intense are both cold weather fragrances. Oud Wood can be worn formally, to an office, or casually. Not a club beast, nor will most folks find it particularly sexy.

Intense, on the other hand, has some limited uses. It is very loud cologne. It’s not really office suitable, and would seem, to be best used casually. It’s a niche sort of scent, that isn’t going to have a wide appreciation among the public.

Neither of these perfumes is super versatile, with when or where it can be worn, but the original is much more accessible.

Edge: Oud Wood

Overall Scent

This is a pretty challenging call. For one reason, I’m not a huge oud fan. Secondly, these are ultimately quite different fragrances, with period of overlap.

In my mind, Oud Wood Intense, is the better fragrance. I find it intriguing, even if, I don’t ultimately love it. The fiery and smoky qualities. The leather. The dry cypress. The bold presentation. It’s great.

The downside? It’s so niche and powerful, that most guys won’t be able to wear it. Heck, I couldn’t wear it for much beyond testing it out.

Oud Wood is the safer choice. But, I don’t really care for it, as it isn’t super interesting like its flanker. The smell is better initially, but Intense has more going on, start to finish. The performance of Oud Wood was pretty crappy, especially at the price. Had that not been the case, it would have taken it.

As it stands, I’m giving the win to Intense, even if only a few will find it to be something they can use.

Winner: Oud Wood Intense