Fragrances

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

Angels’ Share vs Grand Soir

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Angels’ Share by Kilian and Kurkdjian’s Grand Soir are two of the more popular high end perfumes. Both of them are unisex, which only serves to heighten their appeal. Since there is some overlap in style and purpose, these fragrances will often be compared. But, which one actually smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Grand Soir vs Angels’ Share

Grand Soir

Notes include: amber, vanilla, tonka bean, benzoin, labdanum

Click here to try: Grand Soir from Saks

Read my full review: Grand Soir Review

Angels’ Share

Notes include: cognac, tonka bean, oak wood, cinnamon, praline, vanilla, sandalwood

Click here to try: Angels’ Share at Sephora

Read my review: Angels’ Share by Kilian

angels review

Opening

Grand Soir starts off with it’s amber already on full display. Yes, the amber with the labdanum and some benzoin are going to be contributing heavily early on.

When pulled together, there is a light spice to the warmth and even some smokiness. The vanilla isn’t too strong at the beginning of the wear. However, that and the tonka bean will increase in strength into the middle of the act giving Soir some creaminess and powdery hints.

Meanwhile, Angels’ Share starts of with its signature cognac, oak, and its tonka bean note. The cognac has an apple-like sweetness to it, which is fantastic.

The sweetness is enhanced by the inclusion of vanilla and praline. Which all plays well off of the spicy punch of the cinnamon note.

Which is better? The Kilian has more going on. Grand Soir has some spice and smoke, but Angels’ Share is boozy, warm, sweet, and spicy with an array of notes coming on board early for the ride.

I’ll go with Angels’ Share.

Edge: Angels’

Projection

With my use of Grand Soir, I get a fairly strong opening and then it’ll hang 2-3 feet from the skin, for most of the way.

Angels’ Share starts off with about the same strength initially. However, I think it stays in what could be considered an upper moderate zone for much of the wear. It has a slower decline with its strength versus what I got from Soir.

Edge: Angels’ 

Longevity

Both of these fragrances last a very long time. With Angels’ Share, I get 9-13 hours of wear on my skin.

You’d think that’d be enough to overcome Grand Soir, but nope. Grand Soir will also hit the double digit hour mark easily.

Really, there’s no real separation here. It’s just a tie between them in this category.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Seasonally, Grand Soir’s amber and vanilla richness is suited for the autumn and winter months. With Angels’ Share, it’s the same. I’d avoid both when it’s too warm out.

Both are mostly for casual to semi-formal wears, but I think Soir fits better at the office or dressier functions, since it doesn’t have a cognac note like the Kilian.

While each is more for daytime use, I have worn Angels’ Share in nightlife situations and got plenty of attention from it. Not a club beast, but it’s got the boldness to stand out.

Overall, it’s pretty split. I think the edge goes to Grand Soir, however. It fits in more environments and is probably more of a true unisex versus Angels’ Share.

Edge: Grand Soir

Overall Scent

So, overall, which of these is the better fragrance? Despite the splitting of most of these categories, this is an easy call for me personally. I am a massive Angels’ Share fan. I bought a full bottle almost immediately after first testing a sample.

Grand Soir is also a very good scent. It’s one I thought that I’d love wearing, but it was more of a like. Mostly, I just get bored of the amber and vanilla combination after a while. It’s not a very dynamic perfume beyond that opening act.

Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily. I do like that Maison Kurkdjian and it’ll be a good fit for those who don’t want the sweet, boozy, and spicy mix of Angels’ Share. Some people will prefer the low key warmth of Grand Soir.

For me, the winner is Angels’ Share. It smells better to me, has a bolder profile, and a more unique aroma than its competitor.

Winner: Angels’ Share

8 Fragrances Similar to Invictus

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Invictus by Paco Rabanne has been really really popular, over the past handful of years. It has also spawned many flanker fragrances of its own. With that being the case, there are a lot of guys who want something similar to this best seller, but not the original itself.

For this list, I have selected similar smelling or styled colognes for men to Invictus. Some will be closer than others, with some just in the same general family as our target fragrance.

What Colognes Smell Similar to Invictus by Paco Rabanne?

Popular Designer Wear

Uomo Born in Roma by Valentino– This was a fragrance which really reminded me of the Invictus line, in terms of smell and style. It’s not an exact copy, by any means, but the opening act really does favor what we’re looking for.

Roma starts off very sweet and with an undertone of mineral oil and violet leaf. That aspect isn’t something that I’m personally too keen on. I actually prefer Invictus in that regard.

With that you get ginger, salt, and sage. The spices here aren’t heavy and like what you get in some of the Invictus lineup. But, this Valentino doesn’t have the aquatic accord.

As it dries down, you get more wood, vetiver, violet leaf. It’s much less sweet and pretty different from Invictus, at that point. Still, if you like the Paco Rabanne, you might enjoy this. Uomo Born in Roma Review

Another Popular Scent

Azzaro Wanted Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Azzaro Wanted does often get compared to Invictus, as they do have plenty of similarities. They are not, however, the same. Just colognes with a close style and which go after the same market.

Some guys, think this is the superior scent, but I’m not one of them. However, if you want something along the lines of Invictus, it is indeed one you should check out for yourself.

The main difference in terms of smell, is that, Wanted is spicier and woodier in its presentation. The lemon note also seems sharper. Cardamom, to my nose, is the ingredient responsible for most of the distinction between these scents.

Wanted dries down with a smooth and fresh fruitiness, with apple, tonka bean, and juniper berries. Azzaro Wanted Review

Similar Nightlife Fragrance

Carolina Herrera 212 Vip Men Party Fever Eau De Toilette Spray For Men, 3.4 Ounce (Limited Edition)– 212 VIP Men Party Fever is a really interesting scent, that can be sort of difficult to find nowadays, but is still floating around. It has elements of the bold nightlife scent 212 VIP, as well as Invictus, and some distinct elements.

Update: Really difficult to find nowadays. I wouldn’t pay a ton for this.

Now, I want to state, that this isn’t the same smell as Invictus. Rather, VIP Men Party Fever, has a similar sweet fruity with wood profile as does our target, without the saltiness of the aquatic notes.

It provides a blend of citrus and apple notes with freshness from cedar, a nice ginger spice, and a touch of cannabis. Very much a youthful and sweet smelling scent.

Yep, but you won’t smell like a smoker. This isn’t as loud and lacks the booziness of 212 VIP, but delivers a nice warm weather wear, that evokes the style of the Invictus line. 212 Party Fever Review

Overlap with Invictus

JIMMY CHOO Man Intense Eau De Toilette, Fougere Oriental Woody, 3.3 fl. oz.– Man Intense starts off smelling quite a bit like Invictus and the original Jimmy Choo Man.

Then, it does develop its own personality distinct from those two, while remaining in the same ballpark. Oh, and it smells better than both.

The drydown is fresh and clean with notes of: melon, lavender, and tonka bean. Doesn’t have the oceanic notes of the Paco Rabanne, but gives you the fruitiness and some light amber with peppery spice. Read my full review.

Cheapest Glory

Milton Lloyd Fame & Glory x2 by Milton Lloyd– If you’re looking for a cheaper option to smell close to Invictus, Fame & Glory by Milton Lloyd, should fit the bill. Milton Lloyd fragrances, do generally, hit the mark of the colognes that they are inspired by.

I haven’t tried this one out personally, yet. However, at a price point of $10-15, it might be a worthwhile shot at finding a replacement for the more expensive Paco Rabanne.

Another Alternative Option

Rasasi Hawas for Men EDP – Eau De Parfum 100ML (3.4 oz)– Not exactly a  match, nor is it an exact Invictus Aqua aroma. Hawas for Men, is like a brother to those fragrances, with its own distinct personality.

It has aquatic notes, but this doesn’t feel quite as oceanic. Hawas has a nice amber note, a bit more of a soapy quality, and the sweetness isn’t as pronounced in the beginning.

A nice sharp citrus blend with apple and hints of spice from cinnamon and cardamom. Fresh with a light wood in the base.

Similar Designer Style

MONTBLANC Legend Spirit Eau de Toilette, 3.3 Fl Oz– To me, this would smell closer to Invictus Aqua, than the original. Even then, it’s not super close. Nonetheless, the style of Legend Spirit, is in the same family as these fragrances and worth checking out if you like Invictus.

With Legend spirit you start off with grapefruit and an aquatic accord, much the same as Invictus. With this one, you also get a nice dose of pink pepper and cardamom.

This is a warmer scent, that has more spice and musk/woody base, with less citrus than the Paco Rabanne offerings. It feels more wearable for an older guy, than the often times too youthful, Invictus. Legend Spirit Review

Clean, Less Sweet

English Laundry Cambridge Knight Eau de Parfum, 3.4 fl. oz.– Another not exact aroma, that actually shares similarities with the above Legend Spirit, as well.

Black currant and grapefruit blend with aquatic notes, not as candy-like or as salty as the Invictus scents. The black currant gives this a different vibe, with a certain tartness and sharpness.

Later, Cambridge Knight really brings in some nice musk, with woods. To go along with the other notes, everything feels very clean. The performance here, is great, as it lasts long and projects itself well.

Nautica Voyage vs Azzaro Chrome

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For this edition of the head to head fragrance comparisons, we are going to be taking a closer look at two inexpensive and popular options for men: Azzaro Chrome vs. Nautica Voyage. Which of these two best sellers, is the better buy? Which smells better? Has the top performance? I have tested and reviewed both and will break it down below.

Tale of the Tape

Nautica Voyage

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

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

Read my original review: Nautica Voyage Review

Azzaro Chrome

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

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

Read my review: Chrome Review

Opening

Azzaro Chrome opens up with lemon and pineapple, this citrus blend, is fresh and pretty sharp. With that, is jasmine and neroli, and the second one is quite prominent up top. Chrome is a bright with an aquatic sort of aroma, despite there not being any oceanic notes.

Combined,  it is all pretty familiar and yet unique. It does get compared to CK One, but it does have a distinct aroma. Yes, vaguely metallic, at times.

Voyage starts off with crisp apple with mimosa and plenty of musk. It’s got a ‘green’ aroma with aquatic undertones and the muskiness. Voyage is clean with a watery scent.

Which is better? I’m going with Chrome, as the citrus/floral/aquatic composition, is much better at the start than is Voyage. The Nautica can be too much of a mess at first, and can take time, to settle.

Edge: Chrome

Projection

Chrome starts off pretty strong for me, it can be really bold, right out of the bottle. Later on, it is much more of a moderate scent. Voyage, is basically moderate, right out of the bottle. It’s pretty consistent, but lighter than Chrome is.

Edge: Chrome

Longevity

Nautica Voyage delivers 5-7 hours of wear, on my skin. It’s been the same result, over the years, time and time again. Not getting more than that. Azzaro Chrome will go for 7-8 hours, which outclasses its competitor, on most occasions.

Neither of these have ever been super performers for me. However, they’ve always been above average and can provide great value.

Edge: Chrome

Versatility

Both fragrances have good versatility. Neither is a nighttime scent, however. Chrome would probably fair better for office wear versus Voyage. Other than that, there’s not too much separation here. Both can be worn year round and serve as an inexpensive daily wear.

Edge: Chrome (slightly)

Overall Scent

Is it a clean sweep for Chrome? Yes.

While I like Nautica Voyage, it’s not a really ‘great’ cologne, just a great cheap cologne. It has a nice overall aroma, but to me, never smells as good as Chrome does. It doesn’t have the same performance level, either. But for less than $20? Having a bottle, isn’t a bad idea.

Chrome, on the other hand, features a great citrus/floral formula with underlying aquatic notes and a ‘metallic’ edge. It’s such a simple wear, but one which, gets plenty of complements and has the performance to last a workday.

Its dry down, becomes woodier, with hints of musk, and the citrus notes still sitting on top. The price at retail is usually pretty high, but every so often Chrome seems to get marked down dramatically at secondary sellers.

That $35-50 range is pretty standard, but I’ve seen bottles go for under $30 too. Basically, the price difference isn’t as large as it may seem. The Azzaro actually hovers much closer to the Nautica range than it first appears.

Chrome is wonderful in its niche and has been doing it for decades now. It wins this match up with ease.

Winner: Chrome