Fragrances

Dior Sauvage Parfum vs Elixir: Which Should You Buy? (2026)

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Sauvage has become the most popular fragrance in the world. Seriously, the original is the best selling men’s or women’s scent, as of publishing…the first time a men’s cologne has done that. Or at least, the entire Sauvage line up is depending on how the count is done.

Either way, the Dior brand has naturally rolled out a line of flanker scents to capitalize on this fact. Two of them, Sauvage Parfum and the newer Elixir are among the best of them.

But, which one actually is more worthwhile? Lasts longer? I’ve tested both of these scents multiple times over the years and will break it all down for you below.

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict: Elixir wins on longevity (12–15 hrs) and projection. Parfum wins on versatility and daytime wearability. Buy Elixir if you want maximum performance for evenings and cold weather. Buy Parfum if you want something you can wear anywhere, any time of year.

Scroll down for my complete comparison between these two scents.

Category Sauvage Parfum Sauvage Elixir Winner
Opening Mandarin, bergamot, smooth Cinnamon, cardamom, spicy Parfum
Longevity ~10-11 hrs ~12-15 hrs Elixir
Projection Strong Beast mode Elixir
Versatility Year-round, all occasions Fall/Winter, evening Parfum
Overall Scent Refined, woody, vanilla Bold, spicy, distinctive Elixir
Best For Everyday wear Special occasions/cold weather —

Tale of the Tape Sauvage Elixir vs. Parfum

Sauvage Parfum

Notes include: mandarin, bergamot, cedar, sandalwood, vanilla, tonka bean, ambroxan

Click here to try: Sauvage Parfum

Read my review: Dior Sauvage Parfum Review

Sauvage Elixir

Notes include: grapefruit, wood, lavender, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, patchouli, vetiver

Click here to try: Sauvage Elixir at Macy’s

Read my review: Sauvage Elixir

Opening

Sauvage Parfum opens with the usual bergamot note from the line. However, this time, it is paired with a mandarin orange as well. The mandarin adds a juiciness to the start and actually ends up being the stronger note of the two.

Another aspect that I enjoy, is that both the ambroxan and pepper notes are toned down in Parfum versus the EDT.

That’s a nice change of pace, as that was my least favorite part of that fragrance.

Sauvage Parfum begins with that same bergamot note, but paired with mandarin orange, this time around.

It’s juicy, not as sharp, and the mandarin outlasts the bergamot, to my nose. The ambroxan is toned down and the spicy pepper notes aren’t present during this part of the wear.

It’s really smooth and less sharp. Parfum will end up being geared more towards vanilla and the woodier parts of the scent, but that’s what you get in the opening.

Meanwhile, Elixir kicks things off with a lot of spice. This time, it’s a blend of: cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. The citrus is light and is coming from grapefruit. I enjoy it and it gives off a nice intensity from the jump.

The next phase will feature more of the lavender and some sweetness from licorice and amber. Sauvage Elixir is spicy, woody, with enough sweetness to keep it interesting.

Which has the better opening? It’s a really close call in my mind. But, I have always liked how Parfum starts off. To me, it really nailed the Sauvage notes in a perfect balance in the start. Elixir is also great, but kind of does its own thing.

Edge: Parfum

Projection

Parfum has a strong projection, that is pretty consistent for many hours, and leaves a nice silllage trail. Not too overpowering, but certainly above average in the world of fragrance.

Elixir is much stronger, though. It’s a beast with its performance. Beyond that, the strength doesn’t just come and go, it will stick around for a long time with that same projection level.

Dior really ramped up the power with Sauvage Elixir, the change of focus on notes, newer ingredients, and a higher concentration really paid off.

Edge: Elixir

Longevity

Both of these Sauvage fragrances will last over 10 hours. Neither is going to give you a bad performance, but one does have a longer wear.

Sauvage Parfum will hit that 10 hour mark, maybe get me 11, depending on the day. It’s by no means weak or ineffectual. This and the Eau de Parfum are well above the original EDT.

It’s just that, Elixir, will keep right on going. 12+ hours without issue and can go well beyond that. I’m not exactly sure when it quits, because I don’t need anything more.

I would guess it’s somewhere in the 15 hour range, on my skin at least. You do get plenty of bang for your buck with this fragrance.

Elixir takes this round too.

Edge: Elixir

Versatility

Elixir and Parfum are two of the more mature scents from the Sauvage line. Neither is going to be a summertime wear, so they are about equal in terms of the climate.

I think Parfum gets the edge, as it will appeal to a younger audience as well as older guys. Both can venture into the nightlife, but I think that Parfum will probably be better for day to day wear.

It’s not as powerful, since you would need to go easy on spraying Elixir. Plus, that heavier spice and licorice note, might not fit in quite as well in some circumstances.

I think they original Sauvage formula has a lot of mass appeal and Parfum is a more refined version of it. Elixir is bolder and while still very enjoyable, Sauvage Parfum can simply cover a bit more in terms of use case.

Edge: Parfum

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these fragrances do I prefer?

Again, close call. I really like the opening act of Sauvage Parfum. I think that Dior got it right with that blend. A good use of the citrus notes, without the same level of sharpness and peppery spice.

It’s smoother, darker, and more refined than the EDT, which everything on the market is trying to create a close scent to Dior Sauvage EDT. It has a dryness, a sweetness, and isn’t an ambroxan bomb.

It ends up being more woody and vanilla, but I really like the opening act with the citrus. The dry down is good, but the woodiness isn’t quite as appealing to me.

I think Elixir is the better fragrance. It takes Sauvage in a new direction, while still being true to the concept. Plus, the performance is unreal.

The lavender, patchouli, and vetiver are the only commonalities in terms of notes versus the other Sauvage colognes. The structure of spice, citrus, and woods holds true…but they substitute newer ingredients.

Elixir has a great mix of spices. The cinnamon and nutmeg just work amazingly well within the composition. The lavender feels more natural, the amber smoother, and the licorice note adds a further distinct character.

It is the better buy. However, it you want something closer to the original EDT, you might still go with Parfum.

Parfum is probably the more wearable for most people on a day to day basis. If you don’t want that strong spice or the licorice note, it’ll probably be the better bet for you.

Note: If you still can’t decide, you might also try, Dua’s inspired take on Parfum: The Savage Attar, and get Elixir from Dior.

Personally, I like Sauvage Eau de Parfum better than either of thesee.

In this contest? I’m going with Elixir.

Winner: Sauvage Elixir

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose Sauvage Parfum if:

  • You want something wearable year-round
  • You’re newer to the Sauvage line
  • You need a fragrance appropriate for the office
  • You prefer a smoother, less intense scent

Choose Sauvage Elixir if:

  • You want maximum longevity (12+ hours)
  • You’re wearing it for evenings, dates, or cold weather
  • You want something bolder and more distinctive
  • You already own Parfum and want something different

Aventus by Creed

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As I have written before in my post about the best smelling Creed fragrances for men, it is a long and storied luxury fragrance house which dates back to 1760 (or so the legend goes). One of Creed’s most popular, and top smelling fragrances for men. is called Aventus.

It is unique, masculine, and refreshing. Even the bottle it comes in looks cool. It’s almost reminiscent of a pirates flag, aesthetically. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try? (If you’re looking for the newer Aventus Cologne, click for my review of that fragrance).

 

⚗️ Creed Aventus — At a Glance
Fragrance Family
Fruity Chypre
Key Notes
Pineapple, Birch, Oak Moss, Ambergris, Blackcurrant, Vanilla
Season
Spring Fall
Occasion
Office, Date Night, Casual, Evening
Longevity
8–9 hrs (6 hrs in heat)
Sillage
Strong — noticeable without being overpowering
Rating
★★★★★8.6 / 10
Price Range
$$$$ Luxury
Quick Verdict
A complex, smoky-fruity signature scent. Opens sharp, dries down into rich birch and oak moss. Best in cool weather — versatile enough for the office or a night out.

 

What does Creed Aventus Smell Like?

Due to the fact that it had been a while since I’ve smelled Aventus, I decided to pick myself up a sample size in order to do a review on this fragrance. (Here is my latest Creed review: Green Irish Tweed).

Update: I have updated and revamped this review, since I’ve now had even more time to spend with Aventus, over the years.

creed aventus

Notes (Ingredients) of Creed Aventus: 

Top: Blackcurrant, Italian bergamot, French apples and pineapple

Middle: Rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, and patchouli

Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla.

Click here to try Aventus: Creed Aventus Creed 4 OZ Millesime Spray For Men

Full Wear Review

The first thing I notice about Aventus when it comes straight out of the bottle is the initial intensity of the pineapple and the woodsy scent that accompanies it.

Fragrances change over time, some more than others, and Aventus is one which you definitely cannot judge right out of the bottle because it is highly layered and complex.

I’ve never really liked the opening few minutes of this Creed fragrance, as it is quite brash, and reminds me of a Pinesol-like cleaner. Yes, that’s always been the exact aroma that I get, BUT, it definitely gets much better than this. Maybe, I’m in the minority in terms of the opening, but I don’t care for that part.

I think what I most dislike about the opening is just how sharp and dry it is to my nose. The main culprits seem to be the pineapple and black currant notes.

There is also a hint of citrus from the bergamot and the watery crisp apple note, but they are background players to the other two fruits.

The black currant and pineapple feel too intense for the first few minutes that I’m wearing Aventus, and then, the birch and a bone dry oak moss are present but yet to fully form.

So, yeah, the opening is much closer to a soapy floor cleaner (but not the entire wear throughout).

The next wave dulls down the strength of the pineapple note and gives it a nice, sweet scent, which is less fruity and more of a woodsy aroma.

The birch and the musk notes really start to emerge and Aventus takes on a new and I would say much better character than it had previously.

The aforementioned oak moss comes to life in whiffs, every so often, and reminds me of something like Drakkar Noir (just that one note in particular).

This section of the fragrance is much like a brisk October day, spent outdoors, walking along a forest of birch trees. Low humidity and cool weather abound.

Aventus is noticeably sharp throughout, but again, softens as it moves through it’s life cycle. I would say that the black currant note is the underrated contributor here, as that is a rather unique fruit smell, and what I believe gives Aventus most of its ‘sharp’ tone.

While I don’t like its pairing with the pineapple in the beginning (which just makes it too overwhelming), I think it contributes quite nicely, when the Creed scent is much more developed.

The woodiness does have a slight smokiness to it, also. Dry birch and the oak moss note, will give it that sort of profile, and keep it from being a less ‘juicy’ fruit kind of scent.

It is noticeably dry smelling but that smokiness really gets going later on in the dry down period. This is the time when Aventus, really starts to get interesting. As the warm and familiar Creed ambergris note comes alive and is joined by the ubiquitous sweetness that is vanilla.

What I’m ultimately left with for the remainder of the day, is a main trio of pineapple, birch, and oak moss. With supporting roles by the ambergris, vanilla, and black currant. Aventus is a juicy, deep, rich, and woodsy scent that has plenty of character.

 

How Long Does it Last? What’s the Sillage Like?

Creed Aventus is a long lasting fragrance but not a complete monster. When I gave it another trial run during the past few days, it stayed with me while I was at work all day and into the evening.

I’d say it’s an 8 or 9 hour type of cologne, most of the time. Though, I have found that on hotter days, it will usually only pull around 6 hours on my skin.

I’ve seen plenty of people claim that they hit double digit hours of longevity with Aventus, but I really don’t think I ever have. Everyone’s body chemistry and skin is different, but I do hit 10+ hours with plenty of other colognes, just not this.

It isn’t overpowering but it also isn’t a fragrance that needs very much to be potent. Don’t go overboard and use a lot, because it really isn’t necessary with this cologne. However, the sillage is very good and you’ll always know that you are wearing it.

Again, the first few minutes are when it’s at its most ‘in your face’, and even then it’s not as powerful as some of the so-called ‘club beasts’. Strong but not crazy so. Other people will most assuredly be able to smell it on you.

When Should Aventus be Worn?

While it is late summer now, I don’t find this to be a great fragrance for summer overall. I like it, it can be fine inside with air conditioning, but when outdoors it loses much of its charm (another Creed option for summer is Imperial Millesime).

I actually like wearing it in the early spring or autumn, I feel like the air temperature and humidity levels are the best for this scent, during those seasons. As I mentioned before, that period during the dry down, the crisp and dry woods, really evokes those thoughts of being outdoors on a Fall day.

In terms of Aventus’ versatility, it can be worn casually or dressed up. It’s a mature scent, but not an out of date one. I’ve worn it at an office before, during the day, on a date, or a night on the town.

I will say, that it’s probably not one for a teenager, to wear to school. I mean, most teens won’t be able to afford this anyhow, but it still has a more masculine aroma.

Does This Creed Get Complements?

It’s very nice and pleasant, but not too much of a ‘sexy’ kind of cologne. I’ve gotten complements from women about it, but it doesn’t completely draw them in, like some others that I’ve worn.

While, I’ve read elsewhere, that Creed Aventus is other folks most complemented cologne. That’s not really the case for me.

Yes, indeed I have gotten plenty over the past five or however many years, that I’ve been wearing this juice. However, I will say frankly, it is not the one I get the most praise for wearing.

Not that it’s a requirement for a great cologne. You should wear a particular fragrance because you enjoy it first and foremost. If it gets other people’s attention, that’s cool.

Honestly, I get more complements from wearing Dior Intense, and even at times from Bvlgari’s Man in Black. The later is more hit or miss, but some women really love that dark/boozy/spice sort of fragrance.

Overall Thoughts and Is it Worth a Purchase?

Overall, would I recommend Creed Aventus? Yes, if you have the money to spend on a bottle, its well worth a try. It seems like the price per bottle has been going up, with the popularity. Is it worth the price of admission?

Personally, I would drop hundreds of dollars, on a variety of fragrances instead of just this one. Although, as a signature scent Aventus, really does deliver the goods, so to speak.

I’ve actually grown somewhat tired of it over the past few years, so I’m not as high on it as I once was. A lot of that may have to do with just how many times it has been copied or very closely mimicked, which is an insane amount.

However, I cannot deny that it is a great scent, and also one that performs up to its reputation.

It’s still one of the best fragrances that Creed has put out and an important landmark within the fragrance industry.

Is it overrated? Perhaps, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t good. It’s actually damn good, but like anything else popular, it will have its zealots and detractors. Nowadays, it’s something that I can enjoy wearing every so often, but not really something I’m totally in love with.

How Aventus Compares to Similar Fragrances:

Aventus vs. Sauvage vs. Bleu de Chanel– Battle of two of the most popular scents in the world. I think Aventus wins against the original Sauvage EDT. How does it stack up against BdC?

Creed Aventus vs. Green Irish Tweed– My comparison between the popular Aventus and its well put together Creed counterpart.

Aventus vs. Aventus Cologne– How does the lighter version of Aventus stack up to the original?

Creed Aventus FAQ

Is Creed Aventus worth the price?

I’d say, yes. It’s an absolute classic, but it has been copied by so many others. So, while it no longer feels as ‘unique’ as it once did, Aventus is still very enjoyable. 

Who is Creed Aventus best for?

Pretty much anyone from a newbie to the fragrance space, to a long-term collector. Great balance and easily can become someone’s signature scent.

What are the best alternatives to Creed Aventus?

Personally, I like the Poseidon’s Elixir fragrances from The Dua Brand. They have both their take on different batches of Aventus, as well as blends that they do with their other interpretations of designer scents or added notes. I had one that added an extra berry accord, called, Poseidon’s Berry Affair.

But, here’s an extended list of what I think are the best alternatives to Aventus: Fragrances similar to Creed Aventus

What batch is best for Creed Aventus?

I don’t know. Some people have their favorites, I have no plans on getting that niche with it. Again, the Dua Brand has their interpretations of different batches, so maybe look through those as a source for which one might be right for you.

 

Best Burberry Colognes for Men (2026)

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Burberry is a British luxury design house founded in 1856. Popular as a high-end clothing designer, its distinctive check patterns, are instantly recognizable around the world. In the fragrance market, Burberry has created some timeless scents for men and women, especially in the past decade.

Its men’s colognes are always among the best sellers within the industry and for good reason, they smell fantastic.

In this post, I will cover information on the best smelling Burberry perfumes for men and what makes each of them special as a scent. Also check out: The Best Burberry Perfumes for Ladies

Favorite Burberry Fragrances for Him

 

Fragrance Best For Season Key Notes Longevity Sillage Occasion Our Pick For
Burberry Brit Daily casual wear Fall Winter Ginger, Nutmeg, Cedar, Tonka Bean ~8 hrs
 
 
 
 
 
Moderate
 Everyday, Evening 🏅 Best Everyday Burberry
Burberry London Evening & date night Fall, winter Tobacco, Leather, Cinnamon, Port Wine ~7 hrs
 
 
 
 
 
Strong
 Date Night, Evening Out 🔥 Most Masculine
Burberry Touch Versatile daily signature Year-Round Pepper, Violet Leaf, Tonka Bean, Musk ~7 hrs
 
 
 
 
 
Moderate
 Office, Daytime, Casual ⭐ Most Underrated
Burberry for Men Mature, refined daily wear Year-Round Mint, Cedar, Amber, Sandalwood, Lavender ~7-8 hrs
 
 
 
 
 
Moderate
 Skews younger, Any Occasion 🎯 Retro Entry Level
The Beat Fresh casual outdoor wear Spring Fall Pepper, Lemon, Vetiver, Cedar ~6 hrs
 
 
 
 
 
Moderate
 Casual, Daytime

🌿 Most Unique

discontinued
Mr. Burberry Indigo  Fresh, aquatic everyday Spring Summer Mint, Rosemary, Sage, Amber, Citrus ~6 hrs
 
 
 
 
 
Moderate
 Casual, Daytime, Office

☀️ Best for Warmer Weather

discontinued
Hero EDT Crowd-pleasing versatile pick Spring Fall Juniper, Cardamom,  Vetiver ~7-8 hrs
 
 
 
 
 
Moderate
 Casual, Date, Office 🦸 Best Hero Release
Hero Parfum Long-lasting cold weather wear Fall Winter Cedar, Amyris, Cypriol Oil ~10 hrs
 
 
 
 
 
Heavy
 Evening, Date Night, Cold Weather 💪 Best Longevity

Longevity and sillage are based on personal wear testing. Results may vary by skin type and temperature.

Powdery Rose and Spice

Fragrance: BURBERRY Brit for Men Eau de Toilette, 1.7 fl. oz

Notes include: wild roses, tonka bean, green mandarin, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, cedar

Season: autumn, winter, early spring

Quick Verdict: Brit is an easy to wear fresh and spicy floral fragrance with decent staying power and a lovely powdery finish.

Write Up:

Burberry Brit for Men is a super fresh and modern cologne. It has green outdoorsy elements blended with spice and a powdery finish. The invigorating spice is formed by the inclusion of ginger and nutmeg.

So, it isn’t a heavy animalistic kind of spice, but one that is upbeat and refined.

All of the notes in this cologne share the stage, and never seem to overpower one another, for too long. So, while there is a rose note, it remains subdued and adds to the overall composition.

It opens up with its spicier notes with a light mandarin orange note. Ginger, nutmeg, and warm cardamom really provide a great freshness.

As it dries down, you will get more of a ‘green’ outdoorsy aroma with its cedar base, and a smooth powdery smell from the rose and tonka bean combo.

The sillage is in the range of moderate, but towards the light side of things. I get around 8 hours of wear, from this cologne.

Brit smells very good and is best in the colder parts of the year. I love to wear this during the crisp evening nights, when I want to be low key, but can still grab attention when someone is close enough. It is clean and a great blend of spicy elements and powdery floral aromas.

Fragrance Score: 7.9/10  (Read My Full Brit Review)

Pros: Clean, easy to wear, I’ve always gotten around 8 hours of wear with Brit.

Cons: Not the one to go with if you dislike powdery scents.

Masculine Tobacco Woods

london

Fragrance: BURBERRY London for Men Eau de Toilette , 1.7 fl. oz

Notes include: bergamot, cinnamon, pepper, lavender, port wine, mimosa, moss, tobacco leaf, leather

Season: autumn, winter

Quick Verdict: An absolute classic from the brand. London is rich and bold. A fragrance that I personally wore for a long time.

Write Up:

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.

Like Brit, London is a colder weather scent. Although, I prefer to wear this during nights in autumn, versus winter for Brit. If Brit is fresh and green, London is deep and powerful.

While it has that nice spice and tobacco aroma, London still has its sweet side to prevent it from going too far into one-sidedness.

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.

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.  

Also see: Burberry Brit vs London Comparison

Fragrance Score: 8.1/10  (Read: Burberry London Review )

Pros: Great spicy wear for the colder weather.

Cons: Can lean more toward being an evening wear. Some might not like it’s opening intensity.

 

A Touching Favorite

burberry touch m

Fragrance: BURBERRY Touch for Men Eau de Toilette, 3.3 oz 

Notes include: violet leaf, pepper, musk, tonka bean

Season: spring, summer, autumn

Quick Verdict: Touch is clean with hints of spice and a light soap-like aroma, at times. Not too heavy and a gem for daytime.

Write Up:

Sexy and elegant are probably the two best words to describe Burberry Touch. It has a clean aroma highlighted by pepper and violet leaf. It’s sweet yet spicy and also has a creamy/powdery feeling just underneath it all.

The pepper spice, is most pronounced in the opening bit of time, much like in Burberry London.

During the dry down period, tonka bean and musk join up to give Touch a bit more character. It’s almost too simple in how this cologne presents itself and the changes are so subtle at times, that you almost cannot detect a difference.

Touch is a very versatile fragrance that is suitable for a wide variety of occasions and weather conditions. Really underrated stuff. Touch is a clean fragrance and even while being simple, is still unique from so many other colognes out on the market.

The latter stages, really give me a clean soapy/body wash sort of feeling, but more upscale than the average soap.

I cannot even think of one that smells quite like Burberry Touch, even after almost two decades since its release.

The sillage here, isn’t too strong, but the longevity is still quite good. This could easily be a daily wear or signature scent for guys, in the daytime.

Fragrance Score: No Full Review

Pros: Quite different from the rest of the lineup.

Cons: Violet leaf can get on my nerves, sometimes. As such, this one isn’t always one that I wanted to have on.

 

 

Cooling Namesake

best burberry cologne

Fragrance: BURBERRY for Men Eau de Toilette, 3.3 fl.oz 

Notes include: mint, amber, sandalwood, lavender, cedar

Season: autumn, spring

Quick Verdict: The 1990s namesake fragrance with a crisp woody aroma. Inexpensive and very wearable.

Write Up:

Burberry cologne is the titular house fragrance from this design company. It also happens to be one of my favorite to wear on this list.

Burberry for Men isn’t as in your face as many other colognes on the market, but it allows it’s striking and refined aroma speak for itself.

It features a cool mint note, that provides that familiar fresh spice on top of a smooth sandalwood, and embedded within a warm amber. It is an interesting play between warmth and cold, throughout the wear.

This is all solidified by a smooth trio of sandalwood, lavender, and cedar. This forms the base of Burberry for Men and adds that woody masculine layer.

The mint, cedar, and amber are the stars at the beginning of the wear. The amber is warm, the mint is cold, and you get a dry freshness of the cedar wood. The bergamot citrus note, is lighter than that main trio, but does add a nice extra element into the mix.

Burberry for Men is a great option for a daily wear scent. I picked up another small bottle, some months back, and it’s still got good performance. Plus, you can usually find a full bottle at a discount from the retail price.

This has a more mature character and a moderate sillage. I’ve always felt that I could wear Burberry anywhere and it be an appropriate cologne for that occasion. It’s woody, fresh, and an intriguing fragrance that I always love catching a whiff of.  

Also see: Burberry for Men vs Brit Comparison

Fragrance Score: 7.8/10 (My review)

Pros: Enjoyable scent that is woody and cooling, which can serve as an entry level fragrance from the brand.

Cons: Less complex, not the same as more modern colognes on the market

 

Spiced Beats

Fragrance: BURBERRY The Beat Eau De Toilette for Men, 3.4 Fl. oz.

Notes include: lemon, pepper, cedar, vetiver

Season: year round (not the best on very cold days)

Quick Verdict: A retro fragrance that is discontinued, but well worth a try on the secondary market, if not too expensive.

Write Up:

The Beat is highly fresh and sharp fragrance that is propelled forward by its great pepper note. This is joined by lemon to create quite an interesting pairing.

While simple, The Beat evolves, and eventually reveals a woody base that is dotted by violet, to add a floral element.

This is probably the most unique of the colognes featured on this list. While not overpowering, it has a solid sillage and longevity, and can fit in well as an everyday wear.

The Beat is dry and outdoorsy with that juicy lemon to give it a sharp clean balance. The pepper spice at the beginning can be pretty intense at times, but the dry down with the cool vetiver is a nice change of pace.

At times, in the middle of the wear, it can be sweeter rather than spicy. Then, when the vetiver and cedar fully kick in, it is a fresh and dry woodsy type of smell. The Beat is a good choice for casual daily wear, for most of the year.

It’s not really a nightlife scent at all, just a nice and rather simple sort of fragrance. It’s opening is pretty strong, but it does calm itself down, and has a decent but not amazing longevity.

Fragrance Score: No Full Review

Pros: A slightly sweet gem, that was not too complicated but had a awesome aroma.

Cons: Discontinued.

 

The Best Mr. Burberry

Fragrance: Mr Burberry Indigo

Notes include: blackcurrant, violet leaf, spearmint, lemon, sage, rosemary, white musk, oak moss, amber, driftwood

Season: spring, summer

Quick Verdict: A forgotten cologne that shined among a rather dull line of flankers.

Write Up:

The Mr. Burberry series was pretty much a complete miss for me, until I tried Indigo. The EDP version of Mr. Burberry smelled really good but the performance was terrible. 

This series is no longer being produced, but this was the highlight.

Indigo doesn’t have insane performance, but it lasts much better on my skin with a still moderate sillage. It’s sort of got a combination between the aroma of the others in the series, mixed with Acqua di Gio, and a few other colognes.

It’s fresh, herbal, somewhat aquatic with an amber base. It opens up with the citrus coming through, that is paired with mostly the mint and rosemary notes. Then, sage will take over for the rosemary. Green while being juicy with the top fruits.

It’s not my favorite release from Burberry, but Mr Burberry Indigo was probably their best men’s release of that five year stretch. 

Fragrance Score: 7.5/10  (My Full Review)

Pros: Minty and herbal scent with an Acqua di Gio style.

Cons: Performance was okay, not great. Discontinued.

 

A New Hero

Fragrance: Hero EDT by Burberry

Notes include: cedar, bergamot, juniper, black pepper

Season: Anytime outside of high summer or depths of winter.

Quick Verdict: After a ton of flanker releases on this formula, Hero EDT still has a likeable and more wearable quality versus its more concentrated followers.

Write Up:

The EDP version is also pretty interesting, with some nice smoky touches. It’s almost a toss up for me at times, between these two, but I’ll go with Hero EDT. The more time I spent with each, the more I preferred EDT.

I still need to grab some of this Burberry release for additional testing. But, from my experience with it thus far, it’s a very nice release from the brand.

Update: I bought a travel size and it is very likeable and super versatile, as a daily wear. It’s one of their best releases in 5+ years.

It’s fresh and woody, but not completely overpowering with the cedar note. Gives you a simple clean, that can be worn almost anytime. The bergamot citrus top, hangs around underneath the cedar for a long while, and gives Hero a spectacular brightness.

Juniper and some pepper spice come through for an aromatic finish. The pepper is noticeable at first, but fades rather quickly. Performance is a bit above average, not spectacular. 

Here’s an ‘inspired by’ cheaper alternative from The Dua Brand: Lionheart

Fragrance Score: 7.8/10 (Hero EDT Review)

Pros: Smells nice, versatile. 

Cons: Not super complex or high performing

 

The Next Best Hero

Fragrance: Hero Parfum by Burberry 

Notes include: cedar, amyris, cypriol oil

Season: autumn, winter

Quick Verdict: Long lasting edition of Hero with a focus on the cedar note and it brings an earthiness to the formula.

Write Up:

Updating here, I still like the EDT the best so far from the Burberry Hero line. However, I like the newer Parfum more than the EDP, and it deserves a spot on the list.

Update 2: I also like this version better than Parfum Intense.

Some of you, may prefer this. Up top it’s earthy, woody, and balsamic. This is a very cedar heavy fragrance with a dry feeling throughout the wear. Fresh with spices and even some moments where you get a bit of a powder coming through.

Not a super powerful fragrance, but it gets the job done with its projection. Beyond that, Hero Parfum also lasted over ten hours on my skin, when I’ve tested it out.

There haven’t been too many releases from Burberry as of late, but this is a good one. Just not for everybody.

Fragrance Score: No Full Review   (Comparison: Hero EDP vs. Parfum)

Pros: Fresh, earthy and a bit powdery versus just being a straight cedarwood bomb.

Cons: Not as mass appealing as EDT.  

 

Burberry Men’s Fragrance FAQ

What is the best Burberry cologne for men?

Personally, I think London is the top pick, from the older releases. Nowadays, they’re focusing on Hero as a series. I’d go with Hero EDT, maybe Parfum (but the new 2026 Elixir looks very interesting). 

How long does Burberry Brit last?

I’ve always gotten around 8 hours of wear with Brit for Men. It’s not super noticeable at that stage, but it still is hanging around as a skin scent.

Which Burberry cologne is best for winter/summer/office/date night?

Tougher to say, now that their lineup of men’s fragrances is basically just the Hero line. For winter, I’d go London or Hero Parfum. Summer: Mr. Burberry Indigo or The Beat (if you can find them). Office: Hero EDT or Brit. Date Night: One of the Hero fragrances or London.

What does Burberry Hero smell like?

Different releases under this title have different scents. Cedar is the central theme of the series. EDT is lighter and has some citrus to help its mass appeal. While later entries go even drier with the woods or start to introduce leather. Heavier, more niche appeal.

Is Burberry a luxury fragrance brand?

Burberry has luxury offerings with its unisex releases. Scents like the new Hero Elixir are more expensive with a heavier concentration and a style that’s more like a niche fragrance. While there are older scents like London, Brit, and Burberry for men that are much more affordable. Lineups change and some scents get discontinued or even re-released.

 

 

Sauvage EDT by Christian Dior

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In the world of fragrance, it is often an exciting event when Christian Dior releases a new cologne for men. After all, this is a brand which has come out with some absolutely amazing scents in the past and has a long history of creating winners for guy’s who enjoy a sophisticated scent.

In 2015, they released a new fragrance, Sauvage, which features an ad campaign starring Johnny Depp. Since then, this fragrance has become an absolute powerhouse in the world of men’s colognes.

Sauvage is super popular and a constant best seller (literally became the first men’s fragrance to be number one worldwide, outselling even all ladies’ perfumes) . The question is, is it worth it?

In this post, I want to give some of my thoughts about this new cologne and whether or not it lives up to the name of Dior. How does it smell? What are the notes? Does it last long? How’s the sillage? Is it actually something one should buy?

🌍 DIOR SAUVAGE — AT A GLANCE
Fragrance Family Fresh Aromatic Woody
Key Notes Bergamot, Ambroxan, Sichuan Pepper, Lavender, Pink Pepper
Season Spring Summer
Occasion Office, School, Casual, Dressed Up, Bar
Longevity 6–7 hrs typical, up to 8–9 hrs in winter
Sillage Moderate to fairly strong — noticeable without overpowering
Rating ★★★★☆ 8.1 / 10
Quick Verdict
A fresh, mass-appeal daily scent with a sharp bergamot opening, spicy pepper kick, and smooth ambroxan-lavender dry down. Very versatile and easy to wear, especially in warmer weather, with solid performance and broad appeal.

What does Dior Sauvage EDT Smell Like?

sauvage

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

Click here to try: Sauvage by Christian Dior Eau de Toilette for Men, 2 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

By now, one has probably seen the magazine adverts or the short ‘film’ starring Johnny Depp, in the media blitz before this fragrance’s release. This eau de toilette cologne is definitely a mass market affair.

However, that doesn’t mean that it is a terrible cologne. In fact, I rather enjoy the scent even it isn’t 100% unique in it’s scent or even if it can become a signature cologne for a guy.

2022 Update: Sauvage has become an absolute best seller in the world of men’s fragrance and has spawned seemingly endless imitators and somewhat similar scents (like: Dylan Blue)

Before we start, let’s see how Dior describes this eau de toilette: A radically fresh composition, dictated by a name that has the ring of a manifesto. That was the way François Demachy, Dior Perfumer-Creator, wanted it: raw and noble all at once. Natural ingredients, selected with extreme care, prevail in excessive doses. Radiant top notes burst with the juicy freshness of Reggio di Calabria bergamot. Ambroxan, derived from precious ambergris, unleashes a powerfully woody trail. Sauvage is an act of creation inspired by wide-open spaces. An ozone blue sky sprawled above a rocky landscape, white-hot beneath the desert sun. 

The composition is rather simplistic yet definitely delivers the masculine vibe that the designer was going for. The ambergris derivative , Ambroxan, is quite noticeable and gives Sauvage a solid foundation from which to present itself. It is clean, fresh, and inviting with a warm and spicy kick delivered by the Sichuan pepper note.

The opening features a very sharp bergamot note and lavender to go with that pepper kick. It is very similar to that of Luna Rossa Carbon, only that Prada fragrance doesn’t have the same level of citrus intensity in the start. I’ve done a post comparing these two colognes.

While Sauvage definitely has a sharp start, I feel like it gets smoother after some time has passed after application.

On my skin, the citrus subsides, after about 20 minutes of wear and I really start to get a noticeable ambroxan aroma. It is so well blended with the pepper, that some of the spicy edge is taken off of that note. However, the warm and smooth composition does have that solid spice throughout.

Sauvage is another cologne that strikes me as really fresh and sort of has that ‘right out of the shower’ vibe to it. The lavender note, which is found in so many soaps and fresheners, really adds to this feeling.

Lavender is one of the main differences between Sauvage and Luna Rossa Carbon, as it is much stronger in the latter than in this Dior scent.

The floral notes here are a bit underappreciated. Yes, the lavender is prominent in the composition, but there is also geranium and labdanum that are present in the background of Sauvage.

These help to support the outdoorsy, wide open spaces, vision that the designer was going for. They are pretty faint but they can come through in a whiff, if you’re familiar with how these notes smell.

 

While it is warm and has that underlying spice, there is a certain woodiness of cedar, which helps to further the raw masculinity which comes through in this scent. It is a very pleasant experience, though, it does draw reminders of other colognes I have smelt in the past.

So, I can’t really reward it points on a factor of uniqueness. A lot of that enveloping sort of feeling that comes with Sauvage, I think is due to the presence of pink pepper, especially in the dry down. It’s one of the main notes in something like Guess Seductive Homme, and I pick up on that pink pepper vibe with this Dior.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sauvage is a fragrance for the warmer months and it did very well on a hot day here. It seems like it should have been released before the summer season and not after because I don’t get a cold weather aura from it at all. That’s sort of odd considering how ‘warm’ it smells with the amber and pepper notes.

It has a moderate to fairly strong projection, in that it doesn’t overpower but it seemed to hold up fairly well on my skin for maybe 6-7 hours so the longevity is at least decent as well.

This is based of doing a few sprays for each wear, however, it can be overwhelming sometimes if you’re prone to wearing a lot of fragrance.

The opening act can indeed pack a punch. But, that is fairly short-lived and it becomes more moderated thereafter. Still, not a bad ability to leave a scent trail or just project off of the skin.

Update: Since I originally wrote this review, I have a lot more experience with Sauvage, and I do get much longer wear during the wintertime. Maybe bump that to 8-9 hours. Humidity, stifles its ability to last on my skin for its full capability.

Other folks report, having much better longevity with Sauvage than I do, and say it goes all day. Again, like every fragrance, it is going to depend on your own skin chemistry and how the cologne reacts with it on a particular day. For me, it’s just pretty good but not outstanding in how long it lasts.

Sauvage is actually a very versatile fragrance and I think that is one of the reasons that it has become so popular with the masses.

It’s something that could be worn to work or school (if you go light), but can be worn causally, dressed up, or even at the bar. It really has become ubiquitous at this point, but it does have so many uses that it’s completely understandable.

Lots of women do find this to be a sexy fragrance. I think it smells more ‘clean’ than anything sexy, but if members of the opposite sex are saying its sexy, I guess it is.

It’s pretty ubiquitous at this point, there are so many guys wearing it, and so many clones that it’s lost some of its appeal.

Overall Impression of Sauvage EDT

Overall, I think this is a very solid cologne but nothing all that special. I’ve never been a huge fan of wearing it, but I like it well enough. Dior Sauvage is too sharp for me at times, but then I catch a whiff and I rather like the ambroxan/citrus/lavender blend of the eau de toilette. I ‘get’ why people like it so much.

Though, as someone who reviews and wears a ton of different colognes, Sauvage just strikes me as kind of meh. However, if you want a cologne that is very versatile, has a wide fan base, and delivers good performance…Dior Sauvage EDT is a solid bet for the vast majority of guys. You won’t stand out, but you’ll get a lot of use out of a scent, with such a massive appeal.

Since the release of this original Sauvage, Dior has also released, the EDP and Parfum versions. In my opinion, they are both better than this one, Sauvage EDP being my personal favorite.

This version is very wearable and will provide a solid daily wear option for many guys. It’s not amazing, but it does an overall good job.

How Sauvage Compares to Similar Fragrances

YSL Y vs. Sauvage EDT– Comparing two popular ‘blueish’ fragrances. This time it’s Y from YSL to compare to the Dior best seller.

Dior Sauvage Parfum vs. EDT– Two variations of the Sauvage name, I personally prefer Parfum against the original. But, what are the differences?

 

Dior Sauvage FAQ’s

Which Dior Sauvage version is best? 

Everyone has their preferences with these fragrances, for me it’s: Sauvage EDP and Elixir. I think that the eau de parfum is the perfect blend of the original EDT formula. Not as sharp, smoother, but with a great dynamic.

Elixir is also great. However, it takes things in a different direction and not everyone will be into that formula. Anyway, here’s how I rank all of the Sauvage colognes: Dior Sauvage Ranked

Is Dior Sauvage good for everyday wear?

Yes, it’s a very versatile cologne. There are reasons that it’s a best seller and one of the main one’s is how it can fit with the style of so many people, in so many situations.

Is Dior Sauvage too common?

It’s been a best selling fragrance for over a decade. It’s been copied by almost every designer and anyone else who makes colognes. So, yes, it is very common. However, people still do like it and you should wear whatever you want to.

There won’t be much, if any pushback or negativity towards wearing it. Guess what? Most people like popular things.

Is Dior Sauvage better than Bleu de Chanel?

Which one? Sauvage EDT? No, I think the Bleu de Chanel fragrances are all better. Sauvage EDP? Now, you have a case. But, here’s how I ranked them: Sauvage vs. BdC vs. Aventus

 

Armaf Club de Nuit Intense vs. Aventus

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Creed’s Aventus has been so mega-popular over the past decade, it has created its own sub-industry of fragrances trying to mimic or outright match its appealing formula. The most popular of these fragrances is Armaf’s Club de Nuit Intense EDP. But, how do these two scents actually compare? Does Club smell better? Last longer?

Tale of the Tape: Club de Nuit Intense vs. Aventus

Creed Aventus 

creed aventus

Notes of Creed Aventus: 

Top: Blackcurrant, Italian bergamot, French apples and pineapple

Middle: Rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, and patchouli

Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla.

Click here to read my original Aventus Review

Click here to get Aventus: Aventus by Creed

Club de Nuit EDP

Notes include: lemon, apple, blackcurrant, birch, jasmine, rose, vanilla, musk, ambergris, patchouli

Click here to try: Club de Nuit Men EDP

Opening

The sharp pineapple note, with the other citrus and woodsy elements of Aventus has never been something I enjoyed all that much.

That opening isn’t a favorite of mine, but Armaf is the same as well, so no luck in getting something different for me.

The pineapple, blackcurrant, and the dryness of birch can be a bit much at first. However, I do like what it settles into.

Fresh and lively, very enjoyable to wear. Next, you get less pineapple, and more of the birch wood and oak moss. This is where Aventus comes into its own. Plus, a little vanilla sweetness and the remaining apple note.

With Club EDP, I find it to be a smoother version of the EDT from Armaf. I get more of the apple note too, from this version.

The differences here are that Club has a fruitier start. Less smokiness and the birch wood doesn’t have the leathery facets, until later on in the wear. At least on my skin.

Which is better? While I don’t personally enjoy either’s opening act all that much. The Creed quality is higher and I do like the birch wood note better in the original.

Obviously, these two are going to be quite similar, but Aventus still has a nicer balance of its notes and a more engaging scent from the get go.

Edge: Aventus

Projection

Both of these fragrances start off with a good deal of strength and project quite well off of the skin. For the duration of the wear, they are both above average, in this regard.

I’m not sure that Aventus is actually any stronger than Club de Nuit Intense. There may be a slight difference here, but I’m not really getting it.

I’ve tested both of them on skin and have applied to clothing. Putting each fragrance onto a shirt and placing it on a chair, I can detect either of them from about the same distance, when I’ve done this.

No massive difference here.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Club will last for 7-9 hours, on my skin. The more I try it, the more it seems to settle closer to the bottom of that range. Still, very good.

Aventus is a 7-10 hour fragrance. Overlapping with the Armaf. However, I usually get 8-9 hours from the Creed version. It has a higher ceiling and more consistency.

Club de Nuit Intense EDP does give you plenty of wear for the money. That’s why it’s one of, if not the most popular of the Aventus-like colognes out there. Armaf didn’t dilute the idea with a bad performing scent, yet it still is a step behind.

Edge: Aventus

Versatility

There’s no distinction here. One’s mimicking the other, so they cover the same ground.

Mostly all-season fragrances that can be worn dressed up or even more casually. I’d avoid the hottest days of the year with either and both are better in the autumn and early spring, in my opinion.

Really great at being ‘jack of all trades’ sort of fragrances. But, this category is a tie.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Between these two, I do still think that Creed Aventus is the better fragrance overall. It has a greater depth and more little facets of different aromas than does Club. It’s the original, has higher quality, and slightly better performance.

However, if I were in the market for Aventus and didn’t want to spend $200-400+ (or whatever the latest pricing is), Club de Nuit Intense from Armaf would be an option, that I’d probably go with.

It gives you much of what you’d get from the Creed in terms of smell. Really, only some minor details are missing, but you save so much money.

If you’re going based on smell alone, I still like the Creed more. Is it that much better, to justify the price for most people?

No, for the vast majority of guys, the cheaper Armaf will do the job just fine. There’s a reason it has become so popular, even in a sea of other Aventus inspirations.

It’s a nice choice. Personally, I went with one of the Poseidon’s Elixir scents by Dua (there’s a ton of varients). It does a very close rendition of Aventus, even if I got the version with added berry notes. Dua is around the same price point at the Armaf, also.

Winner: Aventus