Fragrances

Bleu de Chanel EDP vs Versace Eros Comparison

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In this edition of the head to head men’s fragrance comparisons, I wanted to take a closer look at two very popular scents for men: Versace Eros vs. Bleu de Chanel EDP.

Now, of course, BdC has multiple variations to compare; however, I chose the eau de parfum version because I think that it’s the best.

While Eros, has it’s own set of flankers (not counting Flame). I’ll go with the original. Which cologne smells better? Which lasts longer? Read below for my full break down.

Tale of the Tape: Eros vs Bleu EDP

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

Bleu de Chanel EDP

Notes include: grapefruit, sandalwood, amber, vanilla, tonka bean, ginger, mint, and more

Click here to try: Bleu De Chaneⅼ Eau De Parfum Pour Homme Spray 1.7 Fl. OZ. / 50ML.

Read my Review: Bleu de Chanel EDP

Opening

Versace Eros starts off with a bold mix of mint, apple, and lemon. In some newer bottles, the lemon seems stronger to my nose, and the vanilla doesn’t come on as early.

Update: But, with my most recent travel sprayer it’s more of a balanced blend again.

Eros is a interesting mix of a warm cloud of sweetness and a cool crisp freshness.

Apple and mint, bring on the latter. Tonka bean and vanilla, create that cloud-like effect.

Bleu de Chanel EDP also starts off with citrus, including lemon, but the grapefruit note is actually the stronger of the two.

Bleu also brings on its mint note, but the ginger and pink pepper, have a stronger spice. A little later, you get a smoky incense, and warm amber.

Which is better? I do enjoy the opening of Eros, a whole lot. I liked the original batches the best, however. Now, the lemon does seem stronger, which throws off the balance a bit (not too much, but noticeable).

The opening of Bleu EDP can be sharp, but I enjoy the citrus notes, and the spicy freshness which comes through. I think I’ll give the Chanel the edge.

Edge: Bleu

Projection

Eros has always been a loud fragrance, on my skin. The sillage will project itself pretty far and wide; it totally has the ability to take over a room.

Bleu EDP, is strong, but doesn’t have a crazy powerful projecting ability. In fact, as it wears on, it’s pretty moderate. Bleu never touches the capability of Eros.

Update: Newer bottles of Eros aren’t as strong, as they used to be, in my opinion. I still think it has the slight edge, but they are now almost equal.

Edge: Eros (slightly)

Longevity

Bleu de Chanel EDP, gets me about 8 hours of wear. For me, Bleu Parfum, has the best longevity in the BdC family (10 hours).

Eros still gets me 10 hours, even with the newer bottles (swear, they are different from the originals). Both of these scents, have the staying power, Eros just goes a bit further.

Update: I’m changing this one from Eros to a tie. The power with Eros has retreated over the years, as has the longevity. Now, it also stands at about 8 hours or so.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Versace Eros is good as a casual scent for younger men, and also as, a nightlife powerhouse. It is best worn in the autumn/winter months and can completely fall apart in the high heat. Springtime, it’s decent.

Meanwhile, Bleu EDP can go year round, but is just okay when it’s really hot. Nonetheless, Bleu is better in a variety of climates than is, Eros.

Beyond that, Bleu is much better as an office scent or a formal-type of fragrance. It isn’t just limited to that, though, as it also fits while wearing a t-shirt and jeans.

It’s the more mature of the two, but not an ‘old man’ cologne, by any means. BdC EDP just has many more applications, than Eros does.

Edge: Bleu

 

Overall Scent

All right, we’re tied up going into the final category. I really do enjoy both of these fragrances and have no problem recommending either. Versace Eros has been a favorite for a long time, since I first had a sample, upon its release.

Back then, it was so bold and enveloping, with a fresh mix of sweetness and spice. The sillage was crazy, as was the longevity. I started wearing it on a regular basis, for a year or so.

However, I have a more recent mini bottle, and it seems different. It’s still very nice, but again, the vanilla/tonka bean isn’t the same.

The lemon feels amped up and it’s not the same powerhouse it once was (it’s still strong as hell, but it was once monstrous). Legend Night, has taken on the role, that the older bottles of Eros used to occupy.

I do still love the mint and apple. Plus, the dry down is still great, in my opinion. I’m not bashing Eros, it just doesn’t do much for me any longer. The formula is still good, but it doesn’t have that same level of greatness.

Bleu de Chanel EDP is a better fragrance, though. It is more refined, balanced, and versatile. It doesn’t have the same crazy performance levels, but it’s still very good across the board.

The smoky citrus and sandalwood, in the dry down is great. For me, it’s not a big win, but Bleu does get the nod. Eros, really isn’t even similar to Bleu de Chanel, and they aren’t substitutes for one another.

Winner: Bleu de Chanel EDP

bleu parfum review

Acqua di Gio Profondo vs. Sauvage EDT

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Dior Sauvage has in many ways become as popular as the original Acqua di Gio was back in the late 90s and early 00s. Yes, both are best sellers to this day, but Sauvage is absolutely everywhere just like AdG used to be. Armani has kept the name alive with a series of flanker fragrances, including the great Acqua di Gio Profondo. How does it stack up against Sauvage? Which smells better? Lasts longer?

Tale of the Tape: Profondo vs. Sauvage EDT

Acqua di Gio Profondo

Notes include: mandarin, bergamot, lavender, marine notes, rosemary, cypress, lentisk, patchouli, musk

Click here to try: GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Profondo for Men Eau De Parfum Spray 4.2 Ounces, blue

Read my Review: AdG Profondo

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

Opening

Acqua di Gio Profondo starts off with its citrus notes in the lead, bergamot and mandarin orange. The bergamot is the more dominant of the two ingredients. It’s a good deal amount like the original AdG. However, it doesn’t have the same floral focus, is more marine, and has a resinous quality.

It’s not too salty of a marine accord, rather it gives an aquatic impression, versus being a oceanic  scent.

Sauvage also starts off with a bergamot note. This one is much more intense than Profondo. This is joined mainly by the Sichuan pepper, as well as, pink pepper. It is bold and spicy up top. Later, it will be calmed down by lavender and the ever-present ambroxan.

Which is better? I definitely prefer Profondo’s opening act when compared to Sauvage. I find it to be much more enjoyable and well put together.

Edge: Profondo

Projection

Sauvage definitely starts off strong and does a great job at maintaining its sillage, throughout the wear.

Obviously, that’s going to fade with the passage of time. But, it has always been a slower burn with this Dior compared to a lot of other designer colognes.

Profondo isn’t weak, but it never matches the heights that Sauvage does. It starts off fairly strong and can project well, but it will settle into a more moderate scent. In between the original AdG and Profumo, with its strength.

Edge: Sauvage

Longevity

For me, neither of these fragrances can crack double digits in terms of hours on my skin. Profondo will go 7-8 before evaporating. Sauvage EDT will go 7-9.

So, in most cases their even. Though, Sauvage does seem to have an extra hour or so in it from time to time.

I do have to note that some people do get more performance out of Sauvage than I do. I’ve seen other reviews give it 10+ hours of wear. Haven’t really seen the same for Profondo.

Edge: Sauvage

Versatility

They are both very versatile fragrance. Profondo is better suited for wear in spring and summer. As is Sauvage. Sauvage seems more natural in colder weather than the more aquatic Profondo. However, Profondo can stand up better in the higher temperatures.

Neither is a formal wear fragrance. I really don’t see much divergence between them, in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Sauvage EDT has become one of the most popular, if not the most popular, fragrances for men in the world since its release (update: it’s now the best selling in the world for men or women’s perfume).

I do like aspects of it. Though, the more time that I spent wearing it, the less enthralled I was at wearing it. Plus, every men’s cologne release seems to want to copy some part of the Sauvage formula, which gets repetitive.

Frankly, I don’t even enjoy it when I’ve tried it recently. It’s still good, but it was never a great scent. The citrus is great, as is the lavender note.

Though, the ambroxan gets on my nerves. It performs well enough, but has been surpassed by the other Sauvage releases. Namely, EDP and Elixir. Plus, there are plenty of perfumes like Dior Sauvage, due to its immense popularity.

Profondo has quickly become one of my favorite ‘blue’ fragrances. It strikes me as being a better version of the original, but not as dark/smoky as Profumo is.

From start to finish, I think that it smells better than Sauvage does. It’s a step behind with its performance, but not enough to tip the scales.

It’s a great summer wear, that actually thrives when the temperature and humidity rises. I really cannot think of a situation in which I would reach for Sauvage EDT over Profondo. Maybe something based on the time of year, but even then, I’d want something else.

Winner: Profondo

Le Male Elixir vs Ultra Male Comparison

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Le Male is a series from Jean Paul Gaultier that has been going on strong for nearly 30 years, at this point. Every year or so, we get ourselves a new take on the name. In 2023, that new edition is Le Male Elixir. But, how does it compare to another classic from the series, Ultra Male. Both are two of the bolder, warmer, and sweeter colognes…but which is actually better?

Tale of the Tape: Ultra Male vs Le Male Elixir

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

Read my original review: Ultra Male Review

Le Male Elixir

Notes include: mint, honey, lavender, tonka bean, benzoin, tobacco, vanilla

Click here to try: Le Male Elixir at Macy’s

Read my review: Elixir

Opening

Elixir actually kicks things off with its mint note out in full force, giving it a cooling fresh spiciness. This is joined by the usual Le Male lavender note.

The other major factor early is going to be from the tonka bean. Elixir also has a vanilla note, it just gets stronger as the wear moves forward. Tonka is sweet and syrupy when paired with the honey note and the fuzziness of the benzoin.

Ultra Male is noticeably absent of the same powdery quality of the original Le Male and has a sugary sweetness like Elixir. But, with an added pear note.

What it does have is a burst of initial spice, mainly from the cinnamon note.  Pear, vanilla, and light citrus round it out and give it an aroma akin to bubble gum.

Which is better? I do like Ultra Male’s start a lot, I feel that it’s been overtaken by what I get with Le Male Elixir. Elixir has an initial coolness, that gets warmer, has great sweetness while being fresh, and you get the early hints of that honey.

Edge: Elixir

Projection

Elixir is definitely a powerfully projecting cologne that will leave a scent trail behind you and a warm sweet embrace around you.

It has that bold start, that will moderate as it dries down. Though, it is a steady decline rather than a sharp drop off.

Ultra Male also comes out with more of a bang before settling down into that upper moderate range. Ultra Male actually has a rather large projection radius at first, but quiets into a moderate.

Between the two, Ultra Male still has an edge. It has been the boldest release from Le Male for years now and that remains the case. I will say, I do have a bottle of Ultra Male from its initial release, so that what I am basing it off of. I haven’t heard anything about it being weakened, however.

Edge: Ultra Male

Longevity

Ultra Male always has gotten me at least 8 hours of wear. That’s baseline and it routinely goes over 10 hours, with 12 not being unheard of.  But, more likely in that 9-10 hour range.

Elixir is pretty close, but a notch below. 8-10.5 hours seems to be its range, thus far, while often falling right at 9 hours in total.

Both are long lasting designers scents. Though, Ultra Male still holds the crown as the boldest and best performing of this JPG line.

Edge: Ultra Male

Versatility

The versatility isn’t the strength of either scent. Being bold, sweet, and built for colder weather doesn’t lend itself particularly well for daily wear. At least for most guys.

Both of these skew towards the younger crowd. Playful and attention grabbing nightlife fragrances, without much subtlety or formality.

They’re about equal in terms of climate. Colder to moderate temperatures. In the heat, they melt.

I think that Elixir could be used better in casual daily situations and has a sweet/warm cozy vibe, that can lend itself to a couple of sprays, and not stick out like crazy. So, not a bad option for school, if you go light.

Not much difference, but Elixir has some more usability in more situations.

Edge: Elixir

Overall Scent

Overall, which fragrance do I prefer? It’s a close call either way. Ultra Male has the edge performance wise, but Elixir has depth and a bit more versatility.

Ultra Male gives you a nice sweet and spicy mix. The pear and cinnamon pairing together, with some of the familiar Le Male DNA, was something that really grabbed my attention back when it was released.

What really grabbed my attention, was how powerful it was. I can often spray it in one room of my house and smell the cologne hours later, in another. Not faintly, either, mind you.

For years, I considered Ultra Male to be the best smelling from the series. Though, as the years moved on, I started liking the original and even Le Parfum, slightly more.

Now, Elixir has taken a higher spot on the list. Based on the aroma alone, it might be my favorite, but I still think the original is the most wearable on a regular basis.

Elixir just has a great sweetness. I like the honey and light tobacco notes that come through. The vanilla and tonka bean only add to the sweet, sometimes syrupy glaze. Yes, it can be cloying at times, but so can Ultra Male.

To me, Elixir has the edge versus Ultra Male nowadays. Not by a wide margin, but it wins.

Winner: Le Male Elixir

9 Best Smelling Ralph Lauren Polo Colognes

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Ralph Lauren is a designer which caters to classic American sensibilities and tastes. One of his major accomplishments in the fashion world has been his line of fragrances for men and women.

There are the classics, the flankers, and some newer entries that are also great. However, with so many to choose from it can be difficult for guys to make a decision on which one to go with.

For this list, I have narrowed it down to what I feel are the nine best Ralph Lauren colognes for men. Each one brings something different to the table and should be adaptable to many different lifestyles. Also see: The Best Smelling Ralph Lauren Perfumes for Ladies

What are the Best Scents for Men by Ralph Lauren?

Best Winter Scent for Men

Ralph Lauren Polo Red Extreme Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 4.2 Ounce–  So, in this updated list I am replacing the old Polo Red with the newer flanker release, Polo Red Extreme. Further update: This has now been discontinued.

Why? Because it’s better than both Polo Red and the Intense version. Plus, it has better performance than either.

This version is darker and doesn’t have the same level of fruitiness created by the cranberry note. This is joined by a certain level of smokiness and a familiar smelling coffee note to go along with blood orange. Sweet, rich, and masculine.

You get the opening citrus note of blood orange mixed with coffee. Later, coffee becomes dominate and there is an almost chocolate-like aroma hanging in the air, when blended with the wood notes. Pretty straightforward scent, but great.

I actually do like the other two Polo Red colognes, a whole lot. I just feel that the folks at Ralph Lauren, kept tweaking the scents, until it became much improved.

Although, this isn’t really the same as the original Polo Red, which would still be on the list if it had better longevity. The coffee note here is great and sort of takes elements of Rochas Man and pairs those with elements of the Polo Red lineup. Polo Red Extreme Full Review

The Next Red in Line

Polo Red Parfum– Red Extreme is still my favorite of the line so far. I do like the original, as well. However, the newer Red Parfum release might be my second favorite. It is more unique, while still having some of that same sort of presentation as the original Polo Red.

This one also doesn’t have that original cranberry note and utilizes the blood orange of Extreme up top. The initial citrus isn’t too overpowering and it has a shorter run at the head, since you get the spice of pink pepper and the slightly bitter absinthe note.

It interestingly shifts into a floral accord, which isn’t a staple of the Polo Red colognes. Lavender is strong here, with a touch of orris softness.

Overall, it is less tart than Red. With a good use of sweetness, a fresh spice, and an easy to wear formulation. Polo Blue Parfum is also pretty good, but I prefer this and the others on the list. Full Review

Top Overall Daily Wear Scent

Polo Black by Ralph Lauren for Men – 4.2 Ounce EDT Spray– Moderate and masculine scent that works well for the day or nighttime. Wonderful fragrance that is pleasing yet subtle. Possibly the best Polo cologne for a wide audience.

An interesting mango note is joined by a blend of sage and patchouli, which gives Polo Black a woody and spicy undertone.

The top of the order include some more citrus notes like lemon and tangerine. Highly popular scent. Notes include: tonka bean, iced mango, patchouli noir, spanish sage, and silver armoise.

Polo Double Black is also a good choice. That one is obviously a flanker fragrance, but the composition is arranged differently, and I think Black does it better. Even though, this is termed ‘Black’, there really isn’t anything dark about it. It’s a masculine fruit-laden scent, that does a great job of drawing complements. Polo Black Full Review

Best Newer Ralph Lauren Cologne

Ralph’s Club– The Polo Intense release was a nice update to the classic formula, but I think Ralph’s Club EDP is the better fragrance.

It’s not overly complicated but has a fresh and clean profile, with a distinct clary sage note at the top. Has a soapy clean quality with an underlying woodiness from the cedar note. I get the comparisons to YSL’s Y, but it’s not exactly the case, as the apple note is missing.

What you do get with Ralph’s Club is an easy to wear and mass appealing fragrance that can be worn pretty much anywhere by any guy. It’s a very safe pick.

Has a level of sweetness to the aroma and the dry down is mostly a clean lavender smell. Good longevity, also. Ralph’s Club Review

Top Blue Release

Polo Deep Blue Parfum– Usually, when you get this deep into flanker fragrances, the quality seems to drop off. However, the 2020 release of Polo Deep Blue Parfum, has become a great addition to the Blue line.

Deep Blue takes a similar formula to the other offerings, but adds a mango note, and Deep Ocean accord. The opening act is great, as the mango (much like found in Polo Black) really creates an awesome aroma.

At first, the ocean accord is fresh and stimulating. Later, is does become more of a pure ambroxan scent.

The performance here is good, with solid sillage for the first few hours, before it settles. Yes, it is quite a bit like Polo Blue EDT and EDP, in the latter stage. But, I like the opening act enough to give it a spot on this list. Polo Deep Blue Review

Best Fresh Sporty Ralph Lauren Scent

Ralph Lauren Polo Sport Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 4.2 Ounce– Polo Sport has become a classic cologne it its own right. Sometimes simple and clean is the best course of action when choosing a cologne and that’s what Polo Sport excels at.

I remember using this cologne when I was younger and how absolute fresh and invigorating a fragrance that it is.

Smelling this scent takes me back, and to me, really defines what a sporty fragrance should be. This was probably the best Polo fragrance in the 1990s.

Note: Dua has their own inspired by version of this, based on the 1990s formulation called, Endorphin.

It’s not too citrusy or too much of a light aquatic, rather, it blends all of these elements together to make something wonderful and upbeat.

Polo Sport takes so many different elements a does a wonderful job at blending them all together. The sharp and cool mint, the lovely lavender, the sunny citrus notes…all of which sit atop a layer of marine notes.

This has always been a very versatile fragrance and works well for teenagers to adults. My Polo Sport Review

Top Polo Fragrance for Summer

Ralph Lauren Polo Blue Eau de Parfum for Men, 4.2 Ounce– I replaced one of the Big Pony flanker fragrances on this list with Polo Blue because the former got discontinued.  Polo Blue itself has two options, the EDT and the eau de parfum.

I think the EDP version (linked above) is the more interesting and better performing of the choices, but either is a solid choice for guys.

To me, the EDP version is like the original EDT, but blended with elements of Acqua di Gio Profumo. It features a citrus note of bergamot to go along with herbal spices including basil and cardamom. Add to that a smooth suede and aquatic sea notes.

The other option, the EDT version is more of an aquatic, its lighter and has notes of juicy melon and cucumber leading the way. Again, I like either option. The EDT is the better seller, but the EDP is the better performer, in my opinion.

Top Classic Ralph Lauren Fragrance

Polo by Ralph Lauren for Men, Eau de Toilette Natural Spray, 4-Fluid Ounce– The original, the classic. Polo is a fantastic and woodsy aromatic for the gentleman who is bold and like to stand out.

It starts out quite dry with leather and pine notes and then transitions into a rich tobacco and patchouli blend that is smoky and intriguing.

An absolute monster in terms of sillage and performance. There’s a reason it has been so loved for over 40 years.

It such a great blend and starts to check off boxes throughout. Herbal. Woodsy. Spicy. A very thorough scent and one which completely goes against the grain of most of the most popular colognes of today’s era.

Again, not for everyone, but Polo is an absolute signature scent for the right man.  My Full Review

polo

Pros

  • Classic and masculine scent
  • Still has great performance

Cons

  • Better Suited for Older Guys

Most Underrated Cologne by Ralph Lauren

Safari by Ralph Lauren for Men, Eau De Toilette Natural Spray, 4.2 Ounce– Safari is a scent that one must use caution with, as it can be very strong.

However, it is also a delightfully masculine smell with a sweetness that many other fragrances lack. The main thrust of it is an outdoorsy, green herbal plant and woods mixture.

However, that’s only the beginning as Safari is a complex, and unique aroma. It’s masculine but tempered by citrus and floral notes.

Try to find an older bottle, as from what I understand it has been reformulated…and not for the better. Still, the original Safari is a legend.

Pros

  • Unique
  • Beautiful Complex Composition

Cons

  • Another one for a more mature man

gold blend review

7 Colognes that Smell Similar to Chrome

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Chrome from Azzaro has been a very popular scent since the 1990s. It has spawned a ton of flanker colognes from the brand and seems to keep going on and on. However, sometimes you want something a little different, or to save money with something similar, or just find a comparable aroma to the scent. In this post, I am going to present different options that smell close to or have a style reminiscent of Chrome.

What Fragrances Smell Similar to Azzaro Chrome?

Earthier, but Similar

Paco by Paco Rabanne for Men – 3.3 oz EDT Spray– Paco by Paco Rabanne is an older scent that can be had for a fairly inexpensive price. Also, it is along the lines of both Azzaro Chrome and CK One, and sells for cheaper.

You get citrus in the opening, but this one turns greener and woodier. Not too much and the clean jasmine note plays well off of the herbal tea.

It’s not an exact match of Chrome, but has very much a similar style. Earthier and less of the soapiness. Pretty good, but not elite performance.

Famous 90s Smell

Calvin Klein ck one Eau de Toilette, 6.7 Fl Oz– One of the best selling fragrances of the 1990s is still going strong today. It also happens to have plenty of overlap and is one of the closest things to the scent of Chrome, on the market.

The opening is a blast of citrus and the tropical fruits. Lots of lemon and bergamot, that is matched up with papaya and the pineapple. The is also a hint of green tea with cardamom giving it a slight spice. That spice doesn’t hang around too long nor get too intense, but it is there.

This one is soapy, but less so. Has more herbal and floral highlights, to my nose at least. Less of a masculine scent, fruitier, and can be worn by anyone. There’s a good chance you’ve already come across this fragrance, but if you like Chrome, it’s one to at least try.

Spicier Floral and Citrus

Ferrari Scuderia Red Eau De Toilette Spray, 4.2 oz– Not a favorite of mine from the Ferrari line, but one that isn’t bad, and does favor Chrome.

You get a citrus top, with a spicier profile than the Azzaro. Also, less of the soapiness/metallic aroma. The spice isn’t too heavy though, consisting of nutmeg and mint.

I will say that this one comes across as more floral, with jasmine playing a pretty prominent role throughout the wear.  Very juicy mandarin and bergamot notes sitting up top.

At the end, it’s a citrus/woody fragrance with a nice bit of floral heart. Pretty linear and performance is decent. It’s usually cheaper than our target cologne, so, it could be worthwhile to try out at the right price point. My Full Review

Designer Scent, Close Style

Prada Luna Rossa Eau Sport Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 2.5 Ounce– To me, this is closer to Dior Homme Sport 2012, but it kind of splits the difference and strikes a fairly close chord with Chrome.

Citron and bergamot give you a pretty similar top. Ginger provides the spice here, with lavender instead of jasmine, and you still get cedar in the base.

This is a very fresh and clean scent that fits the same bill as the Azzaro, but actually does it better. Citrus, lavender, and a woody/amber base. Simple and attractive, with around 6-7 hours of wear. Luna Rossa Eau Sport Review

Clean and Fresh Cheapie

Eau de Grey Flannel- Eau de Grey Flannel is an energetic and soapy/body wash kind of cologne. It’s not going to exactly be like Chrome. But, you get similar notes, just a different strengths. To me, the citrus is what’s toned down the most. Though, it’s still plenty noticeable in the top.

To me, it turns woodsy fresh and a bit herbal green. Cedar, lavender, and cypress are the main notes I get in the dry down. But, eucalyptus and sage pair well with the lighter citrus notes early on.

What it does have going for it? Mainly, it’s the price. Less than $15 is pretty commonplace for a full bottle.

Like Chrome Pure

Parfums de Marly Galloway Men’s Edp Spray, 4.2 Ounce– As Chrome has been so successful since its release, it has naturally spun off a ton of flanker scents, that have also been well-liked. Chrome Pure is one such cologne.

Well, if you want something similar to that release and on the higher end, Galloway by Parfums de Marly does a pretty good job of it.

Personally, I get similarities with Set Sail Martinique in the opening act here, as well. Grapefruit, orange blossom, musk, and pepper kick things off with this one.

Later, you get the iris and amber with touches of the citrus notes hanging around. This has less citrus than Pure and the vanilla in that, is a powdery iris note instead. But, a classy and well performing fragrance, along the same lines. Galloway Review

Review image

Extreme Aqua

GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Profondo for Men Eau De Parfum Spray 4.2 Ounces, blue– Profondo has become one of the most popular Acqua di Gio flankers, but it shares lots with both Chrome Extreme and Chrome Aqua.

To me, it’s closer to Extreme, and Aqua is more like AdG Profumo…but not as good. Still, Profondo has a style that many fans of the Chrome lineup should enjoy.

A citrus top with the usual aquatic feeling. I’ve always described this as a blue-green cologne, versus the usual aquatic ‘blue’. There are light resinous qualities and wood notes that will take on a greater role, moving forward.

Rosemary and cypress here versus the juniper freshness found in Chrome Extreme. Now, they’re not one to one matches. But, this is one that is a really great mainstream scent that can hit some of the same beats as the Chrome series. AdG Profondo