Fragrances

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

9 Fragrances that Smell Similar to Spicebomb

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Spicebomb for a long time, did its own thing. There really wasn’t much that smelled like it and that’s part of what made it so awesome. However, sometimes a good thing can be too expensive. Some even complain, that this popular fragrance, has reformulated.

I don’t know about that last part, as last I’ve tried it, Spicebomb smelled the same. Maybe it lost some power, but it definitely hasn’t been wrecked.

Either way, guys want an alternative to the Viktor & Rolf powerhouse, and that’s what I want to tackle in this post. Is there an exact clone of Spicebomb? I still say, no. However, there are definite options, which deliver similar experiences.

I’m also going to use this page for scents that are like the flankers, such as, Spicebomb Extreme, Infrared, and Night Vision. At least, if and when I find such alternates.

What Colognes Smell Like or are Clone Alternatives to Spicebomb?

Boozier Spicebomb

Bvlgari Man in Black Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– So, Blvgari’s Man in Black, isn’t always thought of when it comes to seductive sort of fragrances; but it most certainly is one from my experience. It’s not a super intense bomb or one that lasts all night (roughly 4-6 hours), but that’s more than enough for when I use it.

This is a boozy version of Spicebomb, in a lot of ways. I say, that this one is darker, and has its own personality. But man, they are like brothers, closely related but not exact copies.

Man in Black has become for me, a nightlife wear on cooler evenings. Why? Because there is a certain percentage of women, who go nuts for this scent. Not kidding. I’ve had multiple random women stop me at a bar and just flat out tell me how sexy I smell.

I’ve also worn it on a few dates and pretty much been mauled by my companion, while repeating how much they love my cologne. At times, this has been that mythical ‘panty dropper’, scent that often gets talked about on fragrance forums and YouTube videos.

So, while it’s not universally as popular as some of the other scents on this list, Bvlgari’s dark and boozy fragrance can do work when out in the field. It starts off with rum and cinnamon spices that is tempered by a smooth leather note.

There is a oud base which amps up the masculinity and floral notes lingering around to give it a bit of sweetness.

Again, it actually projects pretty moderately, but does the job when someone gets close to you. This isn’t one that I wear everyday, rather, I break it out at night to see what attention it attracts me. Man in Black Full Review

Inspired Remix

Spice it Up with Belgian Choco– This one is a hybrid mix from The Dua Brand. Their version of the Spicebomb formula, is ‘Spice it Up’. However, it appears that they’re no longer selling the stand alone, at this time.

But, they do have the version mixed with their own scent called, Belgian Chocolate Truffle. So, essentially this is a fragrance that smells like Spicebomb, just with added: chocolate, almond, plum, and caramel notes to the mix.

I haven’t tried this one out, in particular. I have bought more than 10 fragrances from Dua in the past, including their ‘inspired takes’ on designer perfumes. They do a good job at coming coming close to replicating the smell.

This one should be fun with the sweeter gourmand elements added in.

Great Inexpensive Alternative

Spice & Black Vanilla by Cremo– Spice & Black Vanilla is a great one from Cremo that doesn’t cost very much, but it delivers a pretty close experience to scents from the Spicebomb line.

I for sure see the connection, between the two. To me, it’s sort of like Spicebomb with touches of Spicebomb Extreme, but simplified. Sweeter than either, too.

The spice mix seems to be a cardamom and cinnamon blend, with the latter being weaker, and not to the same extent as the Viktor & Rolf cologne. That top is spicier, but the dry down is vanilla based and quite woody.

Performance is in the 5-7 hour range with this, in my experience. Pretty good, considering this currently retails for about $20 (as of writing).

Sweeter & Inexpensive

Beverly Hills Polo Club Blaze by Beverly Hills Polo Club, 3.4 oz Eau De Toilette Spray for Men– This is a really inexpensive options that can mimic much of what we’re looking for with Spicebomb.

Is it amazing? No. It doesn’t have the depth, nor the staying power of our target. Nonetheless, it can be an option for those really pressed, for price. It’s got a heavy dose of cinnamon and more of a sweeter edge than does Spicebomb.

Drier and Smoother

Hanae Mori Him Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce– This Hanae Mori release, isn’t an exact duplicate of Spicebomb, but it’s a fairly close relative of what we’re looking for. The biggest overlap comes in the use of both cinnamon and pepper, for the spiciness, but includes additional cardamom.

However, HiM has a sweet quality with tonka bean, light citrus, and warm amber. This all sits on top of mainly cedar, with some other woodsy notes.

Not the same level of spicy intensity, this is drier, and has a smoother character. Solid performance and available at a affordable price.

Leather and Spice Fendi

Fendi Fan Di Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 1.7 Ounce– Fan Di Fendi is a line that has gotten overlooked for the past few years. I wore the Aqua version, over the summer, and it’s got a lot of positive qualities.

This fragrance, is another option that sits in the same ballpark, as Spicebomb. This one amps up the leather, gives you the pink pepper/cardamom combo, and a solid woody base. Smooth with a bit of citrus, not as rough, and has a better ability to venture into warmer weather.

The good news is, this stuff has been heavily discounted. Again, not a clone of the Viktor & Rolf fragrance, but similar sensibilities.

Dry Spicy Burberry

BURBERRY London for Men Eau de Toilette , 1.7 fl. oz– London was my first Burberry cologne and its woody fragrance is probably the most masculine of the lot. Its base notes include mimosa, leather, tobacco, cinnamon leaves, and lavender.

This fragrance is probably best served as an evening wear option because of its sensual appeal. However, I used to daily wear this seasonally, back in college. Just with lighter sprays.

London opens up, at its spiciest, with that tobacco note surrounded by both pepper and cinnamon leaf. It also features a port wine ingredient at the top, to give the scent, an ever so slight booziness.

If you pay attention, you can pick up on the wine, it’s a nice addition. Further along, the spices notes are fading in place of the leather, and dry woodsy notes.

This is an option for those who want a good designer wear, that occupies a similar space as does, Spicebomb. This is much drier, but does share many related ingredient as Spicebomb. I just wanted to throw it out there, as another candidate.

It can be very dry and earthy at times, with a certain masculine ruggedness. It has its refinement along with a wild undercurrent. The most prominent notes are the tobacco, cinnamon, and leather notes. Great stuff.

London starts off with a strong sillage, but ends up being pretty moderate. The longevity is good and this one is still so enjoyable to me, after all these years. Burberry London Review.

Another Cheaper Alternative

Lomani Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, Body and Soul, 3.3 Ounce– As far as cheap alternatives to Spicebomb, this one is probably the best. It definitely brings that peppery kick up front, can clone much of what Spicebomb does, but then has its own personality.

Body and Soul gives you a touch of citrus, a lovely tobacco note, and fresh lavender to help make it feel clean. Not that sweet, but has enough to offset the pepper and tobacco note. The performance is good, but the sillage isn’t super strong. Not terrible, either.

Night Vision Dive

Zino Davidoff Cool Water Night Dive EDT Spray for Men, 2.5 Ounce– A very nice take off of the original Cool Water with mint, berries, aquatic elements, pepper, and tobacco.

It’s sweet and interesting yet still maintains an oceanic vibe but built for the nighttime as the name suggests.

It has some resemblance to the original Cool Water, with a sweetish and fresh aroma that has similarities to Night Vision EDP.

The main difference will be with its aquatic notes, which don’t feel to powerful and not really a salt water smell, at least for me. But, that just adds to the synthetic sort of freshness that each of these colognes can produce.

Much sweeter than Cool Water, more ‘blue’, less herbal/floral ‘greenish’ qualities. But, the rest of it feels a lot like Spicebomb Night Vision. Not going to be an exact match Performance isn’t bad, can be a nice wear for the summertime.

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