Fragrances

6 Fragrances Similar to Light Blue Pour Homme

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Light Blue Pour Homme is always among the top sellers in the world of men’s fragrance. It’s blend of citrus, spice, and wood is very approachable for any guy and it is an extremely versatile wear.

So, it’s really no surprise that people want something that smells similar to the Dolce & Gabbana cologne or something that is inspired by it, at a cheaper price. This is my ongoing page on the site, listing potential options.

What Colognes Smell Like or Similar to Light Blue by D&G?

The Inspired Cheaper Alternative

Citrus Marine by Dossier– I haven’t personally tried this Dossier fragrance, but I have had others in their line. This one, is their take on the formula of Light Blue Pour Homme.

So, if you’re looking for something that’s cheaper and has about the same aroma as the D&G, this’ll probably be your best bet.

You’ll at least save somewhat versus the actual Light Blue in terms of retail, but third party online sellers aren’t too much more than what Dossier is selling it for. Still, I imagine you’d do well with this.

Cheaper Blue Ocean

Agua Brava Azul by Puig– So, Azul isn’t one that tries to exactly mimic Light Blue. However, it is an inexpensive fragrance that occupies the same space as does the Dolce & Gabbana scent.

Different citrus notes with the lemon and bergamot, which aren’t as heavy in the mix as the citrus in Light Blue Pour Homme. Initially, yes, but that’ll change.

But, you get a fresh oceanic accord, sage, pink pepper, and a very nice woody base. For somewhere in the $20-25 range usually, Agua Brava Azul is a pretty nice pick up  to capture something along the same lines as Light Blue, without completely copying the formula.

Sky High Forever

Sky Blue Homme– This isn’t attempting to give you an experience like the original Light Blue Homme, but this one from Dua is an inspired creation based on Light Blue Forever.

Forever, gives you a different take on Light Blue, but very much still in the same vein. To me, it’s mostly an extremely realistic grapefruit note, greenish violet leaf, and an ozonic quality for much of the wear.

Not my personal favorite, I preferred, Light Blue Italian Love. Though, this one from Dua gives you a more affordable opportunity to re-create a very similar aroma to Forever

Sail the Atlantiqve 

BVLGARI Aqva Atlantiqve Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3 Ounce– The Aqva line occupies sort of the same space as does D&G’s Light Blue Pour Homme series, except that it is more oceanic based.

For some people they’ll want a truer aquatic than Light Blue, that hits a lot of the same beats. Atlantiqve is probably the top pick, in my mind. This is a very nice fragrance that comes across sort of like an oceanic version of Versace’s Dylan Blue, also.

The two are most alike at the start, when the citrus is strongest. The sea notes are there, but it isn’t overly salty, and there is of course the ambergris.

Atlantiqve does a great job at evoking the depths of the ocean, while still bringing the pleasant citrus notes. The latter stages really start to bring in the amber and drier notes. Salty with that amberwood note, that’s found in Light Blue Eau Intense.

So, a marine Dylan Blue with bits of Eau Intense, and the original Light Blue Pour Homme. Not trying to match any exactly, but is in the same ballpark.

Another Option in the Same Vein

GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Profondo for Men Eau De Parfum Spray 4.2 Ounces, blue- The Light Blue series isn’t the same as Acqua di Gio, but they’re both very popular citrus/aquatic/woody fragrances. As such, people can generally enjoy either one of them.

Personally, I think AdG are the better smelling fragrances when compared head to head, and Profondo is probably the most like what you’d get from a Light Blue cologne. The original Acqua di Gio, too.

Profondo gives you a familiar citrus opening, deeper woody notes, and a general aquatic type of freshness. Doesn’t have the same spice profile as a Light Blue, but I think the wood notes help to match things a bit more.

Again, not the same, but another option for those who aren’t familiar with this line. Profondo Review

Similar Style, Different Smell

Versace Pour Homme– Now, these aren’t the same fragrances in terms of this being an exact match. However, they do have a similar enough style and price point that most fans of the D&G would like this one too.

A similar citrus top with musk coming on later, but Light Blue has a spicier and woodier profile. This one is a bit sweeter and more aromatic with everything. Really, the tonka bean sets it apart and makes this a closer direct comparison to Allure Homme Sport. 

Very likeable and easy to wear fragrance, a good alternative for our Dolce & Gabbana target. Versace Pour Homme review

 

9 Best Smelling Armaf Colognes

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Armaf is a designer, which certainly knows how to bring the quality, for an extremely affordable price. Yes, many of its scents are essentially cheaper versions of well known scents. However, they do indeed have some more unique original fragrances, as well. In this post, I wanted to give 9 perfumes for men, which could be considered the best of Armaf.

There are many more worthwhile colognes, but this should be a great starting place for those looking to get into this brand’s catalog.

What are the Best Armaf Colognes for Men?

Clean Green Floral

ARMAF TRES NUIT 3.4 EAU DE TOILETTE SPRAY FOR MEN— Tres Nuit has a similar aroma to Cool Water, while taking a much more floral approach, to get there. Iris, violet, and lemon verbena, are highlights of this fragrance which come together to create a fairly solid dupe of our target scent. This one has a more powdery finish and less of the soapy sandalwood.

It is fresh and probably a smoother interpretation, of this sort of style. A very nice lemon fragrance, with sandalwood, and the powdery floral notes. Another one, which lacks the aquatic element. Still, a very nice wear for the price.

Bleu Fragrance

Armaf Tag Him 3.4 Eau De Toilette Spray for Men– Tag Him has a very heavy overlap with the ingredients of the Bleu de Chanel, and thus, shares quite a close aroma with it. The citrus, ginger, mint, cedar, pink pepper, vetiver, and sandalwood are all here.

Is this Armaf, an exact replica of BdC? Not entirely, but it does occupy a similar space, and can do wonders at this price point.

You don’t get the same quality or nuance, this is a nice citrus with spice, and without that incense smokiness of Bleu. Not as much depth or layered spice effect, but still a good overall wear.

Radical Kick

Radical Brown by Armaf– I do want to include some that aren’t just Club de Nuit and Tres Nuit flankers or special editions. Radical Brown is actually a very nice fragrance that utilizes tobacco and spice to great effect.

That opening has a great kick of mostly cinnamon, but with some pepper and other spice. This will smoothen out, as you get out of that beginning act, with the inclusion of amber and labdanum. This pairs well with that rich pipe tobacco creating a warm embrace that hugs your skin.

The aroma does have a cherry sort of aroma here. Not sure if that’s actually a note or not, but it does draw comparisons with the various Guerlain scents. Though, it’s not really the same to my nose. Somewhat related, but Radical Brown doesn’t quite try to be exactly like anything.

The Dior Dupe

F Armaf Ventana Pour Homme Eau De Parfum Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce– If you want something similar to Dior’s Sauvage, down market, Ventana by Armaf is a really good affordable option. Ventana has a spicy quality to it, but definitely not the same level of pepper intensity as our comparison.

This Armaf has a fruitier open with a nice amount of lavender. You get grapefruit and a light mandarin, with woody notes, and a weaker amber.

Ventana isn’t as much of a sillage beast, as what we’re trying to replace, but it does have very good performance. Plus, after the first hour it smells very very close to Sauvage, all for under $30.

Nightlife Scent

Armaf Club de Nuit Man Eau de Toilette Spray 3.6 Ounce– Club de Nuit is a really good value play. This one often gets compared to 1 Million, it isn’t as sweet, but has an amber-laden profile.

That being said, it isn’t a super heavy spiced cologne, but it is there. It has a soft powdery quality at times, during the dry down, with a nice touch of leather. Club de Nuit has amazing performance for this price range and is an obvious choice for younger men who want a nightlife sort of cologne.

Most Popular Armaf Cologne

Armaf Club De Nuit Intense Man EDT Men New in Box, 3.6 Fl Oz This is the best-selling offering from Armaf, and that is likely because of it resemblance to, Creed’s Aventus. I totally understand the comparison, which is definitely intentional.

Between the two, Club de Nuit Intense is much heavier with lemon, than the Creed is, and doesn’t have the same level of pineapple. Also, while it does share the birch note, Aventus always struck me as a much drier scent with a heavier smoky quality.

Both are still present in Club Intense, just not to the same extent. Performance wise, this Armaf is pretty top notch.

Fresh Lyrics

Tres Nuit Lyric– A flanker of Tres Nuit, that keeps the same fresh and somewhat aquatic style, that does favor Acqua di Gio Profondo. It starts off fresher and more aquatic than that one, with a greenish cypress heavy style in the dry down.

The opening is pretty good, with the citrus and aquatic notes. Rosemary gives it a fresh spiciness. Same notes as Profondo, just not exactly the same. The transition into the middle act and the dry down is when Lyric is at its best. Still has the remnants of the aquatic aspects, but calmer with the lavender influence.

Performance here is fine, just nothing amazing, when compared with some others from this brand. Good value, however.

Clean Powder with an Edge

Armaf Voyage Perfume EDP 100 ML For Men– Voyage is a clean and somewhat spicy fragrance with lavender and iris providing a calming powdery quality. Voyage has a nice dose of grapefruit, up top, and it is joined by a spiced trio of cinnamon, sage, and a very light cardamom.

The cardamom is later joined by tonka bean, which gives Voyage its warmer and enveloping qualities. That of course, plays very well off of the fresh spice and purely clean citrus.

Very well put together, all around, and a nice scent that can venture into most climates (except the heat of summer).

Dark Sweet and Spice

Armaf Signature Night 3.4 oz Eau De Parfum Spray for Men– A fragrance that is in the same family as fragrances like, Man in Black and Spicebomb. Closer to Man in Black, without the heavy rum opening, and with less spice.

This is smoother, a bit sweeter, and has a powdery iris note which is a great addition.

I love the fragrance of Man in Black, so, Signature Night was naturally going to be a scent that I enjoy. This is the lighter and less in your face version of the Bvlgari cologne, but still has enough of the appealing spiciness, to make it worthwhile.

6 Fragrances Similar to Polo Red

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Polo Red has been a very popular release from Ralph Lauren. It has spawned multiple flanker fragrances and remains among their best sellers, many years after it came out. As a result, many guys want to find a cologne that smells similar, is a clone, or just a cheaper alternative to wear. In this post, I want to give four options that can best try to duplicate the aroma and style, one gets from Polo Red.

What Colognes Smell Like or are Alternatives to Polo Red?

Higher Quality Inspired Creation

Bet on Red by Dua– The next entry on the list is the cheapeast alternative, that tries to mimic the scent of Polo Red. However, this one from Dua is of higher quality and comes closer to actually accomplishing that feat (while still costing less than the Ralph Lauren).

It still comes at you with the same opening of tart cranberry and citrus notes. It’s a sweet tart sort of aroma. Then, you’ll get the signature coffee note surrounded by amber and some of that sage heart.

As of right now, this is probably the best available alternative that smells almost entirely the same as what we’re looking for. Other entries on the list have different qualities and similarities that might interest you. This one, hits the same beats as Polo Red.

Super Cheap Smell Alike

Red Classic Match, version of Polo Red Eau de Toilette Spray for Men– Classic Match fragrances are designed to be super cheap alternatives to original designer colognes. This is the Polo Red version, that bears a striking resemblance, but not an exact copy of our target. Nonetheless, you can get a bottle for under $10, and simulate most of what you get from the Ralph Lauren fragrance.

Intense Flanker

Polo Red Intense by Ralph Lauren for Men 4.2oz Eau de Parfum Spray– Red Intense is the closest smelling flanker fragrance, to the original Polo Red. Red Intense starts off with a similar cranberry and citrus blend.

However, it also includes more coffee and spices, such as sage. It is a fresher version of this scent, still sweet, but with more warmth (amber) and spice. Plus, a very nice leather not. This one has better sillage and performance, than the original. Polo Red Intense Review

Similar Style Designer Wear

Play by Givenchy for Men, Eau de Toilette Spray, 1.7 Ounce– Givenchy Play isn’t a duplicate for Polo Red, but it does have a similar style. It contains the same citrus notes (just no cranberry), along with coffee.

I actually preferred Play Intense, to this one, but Play has more similarities to Polo Red. Givenchy’s Play, has been discontinued, but you can still pick up bottles online. Again, not a clone, but sits in the same category as Red.

Update: The bottles that are left, are generally way too expensive to be worth it anymore.

Sweeter Polo Red Alternative

Davidoff Davidoff The brilliant game by davidoff for men – 2 Ounce edt spray, 2 Ounce– The Brilliant Game from Davidoff, is a pretty close alternative to Polo Red, in how it presents itself. It has a similar top of citrus and a cranberry like aroma, but adds a boozy liquor mixture with it, which gives the cologne a sort of fizziness.

Then, it turns to sweet caramel and cream tonka bean during the latter stages. Very warm and attractive scent, that delivers much of what you get with the Polo.

Red Ferrari

Man in Red by Ferrari– Sweet apple and tart plum give this one a really fruity sensation that hits in the same ballpark as Polo Red. Though, it’s not at all identical. It’s gives me shades of Scuderia Red, Guess Seductive, and Polo Red.

Pink pepper gives you some warmth and spice. No coffee or amber in this one. But, you get a creaminess from tonka bean and vanilla, while the apple, citrus, and tart provide that same type of style as the Polo.

It’s a decent alternative or one to try, if you can get it at a cheaper price. Personally, I think Polo Red is better than this one, but it can provide some value too. Man in Red Review

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Angel Men Pure Malt by Thierry Mugler

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Another sample cologne that I picked up recently was Angel Men Pure Malt by Thierry Mugler. Now, I was already somewhat familiar with this fragrance, but seeing as I hadn’t smelled it in a long time, I didn’t want to write up a review post for it. So, I grabbed a sample with my last order and wanted to put together my full thoughts on this Mugler scent from the A*Men line.

What does A*Men Pure Malt Smell Like?

angel men pure malt review

Notes include: bergamot, patchouli, vanilla, cedar, amber, fruits, coffee bean, musk

Click here to try: Angel Men Pure Malt by Thierry Mugler Eau De Toilette Spray (Limited Edition) for Men, 3.40 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Pure Malt really sets the stage. Man, is this a rich and enticing fragrance. It kind of reminds me of B*Men also by Thierry Mugler but way better with less spice and an enjoyable fruitiness.

I’ve been really digging scents that feature a boozy type of aroma, and Pure Malt is beautiful, like a fine whiskey. There is a warm sweetness in the same vein as Pure Havane but with alcohol in lieu of tobacco.

The start features the blend of fruits, vanilla, whiskey, and a bit of the patchouli. The patchouli comes through to give it a warm bakery feeling, like it does in so many women’s perfumes. However here, it just helps to shape the alcoholic sweetness.

As the scent wears on, I feel that it becomes even better than the opening act. The berry-like fruits begin to fully emerge and give the cologne a distinctive feel. Nonetheless, they are only playing a supporting role at this stage.

However, Pure Malt never relinquishes its very masculine energy or fall into a trap of being too ambiguous. I found myself constantly trying to get a whiff of this lovely gourmand scent throughout the night that I was wearing it. It was just enjoyable and pleasant to wear.

Finally, the latter stages are smooth, creamy, warm, woody, with its underlying sweetness still kicking around. Vanilla, tonka bean, and vague hints of coffee are swirling around a base of cedar and malt.

The coffee bean adds a nice touch, as you can only pick up its familiar scent, at certain times during the wear. Pure Malt is just unique and plain delicious to the senses.

Sillage, Longevity, Versatility

Projection wise, Pure Malt is fairly strong, but not crazy so. You’ll notice that it’s there and so will other people around you but it shouldn’t choke anyone out unless you went overboard.

I actually got good longevity with this, it’s hard to remember the details of when I applied and when it faded last night but I’d say 6-8 hours or thereabouts. Update: After wearing this for a while, it seems like 7 hours is pretty standard, for Pure Malt’s longevity. Not a monster performer, but still quite enough.

Pure Malt is yet another cold weather gem. Seriously, the one thing that might hold me back from buying a larger bottle is that I already have so many ‘go-to’s’ during the cooler months of the year…it’s starting to get ridiculous. But yeah, during the summer months, this wouldn’t be a wise choice.

This is quite a masculine cologne and while I like it, it seems that women had mixed feelings about it while I had it on. Most liked it, but weren’t in love with it. It’s funny because I really liked wearing this stuff, so this is one, I probably won’t account for others’ opinions.

Another update: the more that I’ve worn this, the more the positive reactions, outweigh the negative or indifferent. There are times, where this gets an insane number of complements, while out on the town.

I don’t know that I’d wear this to an office. It’s more of a casual, date night, or evening out kind of scent. It does contain those strong alcoholic notes, which you might not want to smell like whiskey, while at work. Your call, though.

Overall Impression of Pure Malt

Overall, would I rate Pure Malt a buy? Yes, I think it’s great but I don’t think it’d be for everyone. It can be quite pricey, it is limited by the climate you live in, not for those who don’t like the smell of malt (obviously), etc.

On the other hand, this is a very well done entry from Thierry Mugler and is at least worth a try for a lot of guys.

The whole thing is warm, sweet, and gourmand. Angel Men Pure Malt is an experience all its own and probably one of the best colognes on the market. It’s application is niche, but it does things so utterly well, that I want to spray it on more and more.

There’s just so much going on here, and when it came out, there really wasn’t too much out there that was quite like it.

I doubt it’ll be what you’re looking for in a daily wear, but as a secondary option you break out on occasion, this is a definite yes.

2023 Update: Pure Malt has been discontinued for a while now. So, if you’re looking for this original formulation, you’re going to have to find an old bottle online or try finding a close approximation. The Dua Brand has one available, that I haven’t tried.

Dylan Blue vs Versace Eros Cologne Comparison

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OK, so today, I’m going to do a head to head comparison between two Versace fragrances: Dylan Blue and Eros. These have been two extremely popular scents as of late and so there are a lot of guys wondering which one is the right one for them. Which of these two smells better? Gives the best performance? Please continue reading below for my full take and comparison.

Eros vs. Dylan Blue: Tale of the Tape

Versace Eros

Notes of Eros: mint, green apple, tonka bean, madagascar vanilla, vetiver, Italian lemon

Click here to try: Versace Eros Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 6.7 Fluid Ounce

My original Versace Eros Review

Dylan Blue

Notes include: black pepper, violet leaf, grapefruit, bergamot, tonka bean, ambrox, fig leaf

Click here to try: VERSACE Pour Homme Sealed Dylan Blue Eau de Toilette, 3.4 Ounce

Read my Full Review of Dylan Blue

Opening

Dylan Blue opens much like a less spicy/smoky version of Aqua Di Gio Profumo. It is a strong initial blast of grapefruit and bergamot, that gives it that citrus/acquatic vibe. After a bit of time it then transforms into something akin to Dior Sauvage, but not quite the same.

It has a similar citrus/ambroxan combo as does Sauvage, but not the spiciness. Plus, the aquatic notes set it apart. Beyond that, Dylan Blue features a really great fig note, in the opening stages.

I think that has become my favorite aspect of wearing this scent, the way the grapefruit and fig notes blend.

Eros, is an absolute monster from the start. The main players at the beginning are the mint, tonka bean, and vanilla. The green apple and lemon provide support and give Eros that juicy/gourmand quality.

Newer bottles of Eros, seem to be more about the lemon note in the opening, than the previous efforts. Maybe it’s just the batches that I got. It’s still nice, but it can come across fairly different. The vanilla, mint, and tonka bean are the best notes, to my mind.

Update: After coming back to even newer batches, Eros EDT really does favor that lemon note early on, nowadays. It’s a bit closer contest between it and Dylan Blue. I’d still give a decision towards Eros, but not by very much

I actually like the start from Dylan Blue and feel that it is one of the cologne’s strongest qualities. However, Versace Eros really makes an impression, and that’s what I’m giving the edge to.

Edge: Eros

Projection

This category isn’t even a contest. The clear edge goes to Eros, without question. Versace Eros is perhaps one of the loudest and most bold fragrances on the market (at least in the mainstream).

That’s one of the reasons, it enjoys such a popularity. However, it can also be a bit much for some folks.

Update: Again, the newer bottles of Eros don’t hit exactly the same way. Still bold and ahead of Dylan Blue, but they’ve taken a step back in terms of power.

Dylan Blue has a fairly strong opening and then fades after about an hour. After that, it’s pretty moderate for the most part, before it becomes a weak skin scent. It’s not terrible but not in the same realm as Eros.

Edge: Eros

Longevity

Again, complete domination. Eros lasts seemingly forever. When I would wear this regularly, a few years back, I could spray in the morning and still detect it towards the late night before showering. It’s a total beast.

Are the latest batches weaker? It’s tough to say, a recent mini of Eros that I purchased didn’t seem to hit the same strength as it used to. I put it up against Eros Flame, and that one lasted forever, while Eros was a notch below. Again, it might just be a bad batch.

Update: It’s around 8-ish hours now. Maybe more, depending on the day.

Dylan Blue is a pretty average performer. I get a solid 5-7 hours of wear from it. Coming back to this fragrance, after a year or so, it pretty consistently hits 6 hours. So, I expect 6-7, but sometimes it’ll quit at 5.

Edge: Eros

Versatility

Dylan Blue gets the nod here, I think. It can be worn year round with no problem, be perfectly fine in a casual environment, and still has the ability to perform in the nightlife.

Since Eros is so strong, it has it’s time and place. I would wear it to the office but limited it to one spray only. This is more of a nightlife powerhouse, than strictly a casual cologne. Add to that, I like it in the cold to moderate temperatures, as I think it gets messy in the heat.

Edge: Dylan Blue

Overall Scent

I like Dylan Blue, I’m just not that into it, though. It’s a pleasant but fairly generic kind of scent and is like an amalgamation of several other popular colognes. That’s not to say it’s bad and you wouldn’t enjoy it, but it’s not that incredible in my eyes.

Blue has a very nice opening act, but it turns into an ambroxan heavy fragrance, without much personality. The fig, light pepper, and citrus top are the peak of its creativity and the enjoyment I get from it.

Versace Eros is a special kind of animal. Yes, it’s insanely popular, but it still has a unique quality that Dylan Blue lacks. It’s not for everyone, but, it not only performs better…it also smells much better than Dylan Blue. That’s why it’s the winner here.

In fact, if you’re looking for Versace fragrances, I’d put the following ahead of Dylan Blue: Man Eau Fraiche, Eros, The Dreamer, and possibly even Pour Homme (depending on my mood).

Update: Yes, I still like Eros more than Dylan Blue. From Versace, I think Eros Parfum is the best of the Eros line now. I’m not really into the Eros formula as much as I was back when it came out in 2012 and the years after. That being said, it’s still a solid pick up. I’ve recently reviewed Greatness by Dua, which is based on the older formula of Eros EDT, and I think that’s a good bet for those who want the classic Eros EDT sort of smell.

Winner: Eros