Fragrances

Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Magnetic Pour Lui

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I’ve done a lot of reviews already for the fragrances in the Lacoste L.12.12 series of releases. There are some pretty good colognes under that label, but none that really stand out, as amazing to me.

Today, I am going to review Magnetic Pour Lui, which was released back in 2016. I will share my experiences with this one. How it smells? The notes involved. When it should be worn? If it is even worth a try?

What does L.12.12 Magnetic Pour Lui Smell Like?

Notes include: juniper berries, amber, violet, patchouli, bamboo. tea, geranium, artemisia, vetiver

Click here to try: LACOSTE L.12.12 Magnetic Pour Lui Eau de Toilette

My Full Wear Review

At the very least, I want to give Lacoste some points for trying. The composition of this fragrance is quite different, from what you’ll get from most any other men’s colognes, on the market. It’s unique, certainly.

Even though, I don’t think the execution is there. To me, it is more strange, than ‘magnetic’. Not bad, just strange.

L.12.12. Magnetic opens up with a mix of juniper, violet, bamboo, and patchouli. It’s fresh and floral, the juniper is the strongest note, at the start.

However, the freshness of that note, gets diluted by the additional patchouli. While that’s not the strongest, it really does pair with the violet to create an outdoorsy sort of smell.

Further along, it has more of a woody/green herbal scent. Apparently, this is the bamboo and tea, going to work. Again, what an odd combination all of this is. I like it at this stage, though.

I start to pick up more and more amber, the bamboo is interesting, and I still kick a nice bit of juniper. I’m not a huge fan of violet, but it’s not bad.

Finally, what I ultimately get from the rest of this wear is: violet, amber, bamboo, a tad of the juniper, with patchouli/vetiver at the base. It’s got a light outdoorsy freshness, quite green, but not offensive or anything too extreme. It’s nice, really.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, this stuff is pretty light to moderate. The sillage just isn’t very powerful. I actually broke the rest of my sample vial and it dripped on my living room carpet.

The thing is, the whole room didn’t smell all that strong from it. If I had done that with other fragrances, it would have coated the carpet in its aroma for days. So, not a powerhouse scent. On the skin, it’s noticeable, but not a huge radius of scent. Then, the last few hours sit close to the skin.

The longevity is like the other Lacoste’s in the L.12.12 series, 4-5 hours, and pretty pitiful. I don’t know what it is about this house, that they can’t ever put out a scent that gets to an elite or at least high level of performance.

Seasonally, I suppose this would be a year round type of scent. Honestly, it’s just a fragrance that doesn’t really fit into the usual categories. I’d say it’s more casual, but has enough freshness, to be considered attractive to others.

Overall Impressions of Lacoste Magnetic

Overall, do I like Lacoste L.12.12. Magnetic? Sort of. I don’t hate it. I don’t love it, either. Like I wrote earlier, I appreciate what they were trying to do, I just don’t believe they hit the mark.

It’s an interesting scent, yet blends into something sort of generic, and it really wouldn’t have mass appeal. With the violet note, I’m surprised I even mildly liked it. Still, it’s nothing that I really want to wear beyond the testing for this website.

The juniper, bamboo and amber aspect I actually sort of like. At least, it’s intriguing to me as a concept. The violet and light patchouli kind of dirty up and distract from it. Magnetic had some real possibilities.

The performance is also not very great. I’m not sure who this is for? I can see someone enjoying this, but I’d say find it for cheap, if you really want to try it out.

Update: This is apparently still around online here in 2023. Bottles don’t seem that pricey, but it’s still a pass for me. Lacoste Magnetic just isn’t a great scent.

Invictus Aqua EDT (2016) by Paco Rabanne

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Getting back into men’s fragrance reviews, today’s entry is one from popular designer, Paco Rabanne and is a flanker to the best selling Invictus: Invictus Aqua eau de toilette. Now, this flanker cologne was released in 2016, but is it actually any good?

Update: There is another version of this, which came out in 2018. You’ll most likely find that around (if either) versus this one I’m reviewing here. In this review, I’ll cover what’s inside, how it smells, performs, and whether or not it’s even worth buying.

What does Invictus Aqua EDT Smell Like?

Notes include: yuzu, pink pepper, guaiac wood, marine notes, violet leaf, ambergris, grapefruit

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne Invictus Aqua Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see what Paco Rabanne has to say about Invictus Aqua: a luminous variation with a fresh woody signature: a refreshing marine top note mixed with sparkling yuzu accents. The sensual guaiac wood base note is reinforced by vibrant pink pepper.

The opening of Invictus Aqua is dominated by fresh yuzu and marine notes. The opening is actually my favorite part of this cologne and the citrus aroma is further enhanced by the inclusion of grapefruit.

Beyond that, the pink pepper note, really helps to set Aqua apart from the other offerings in the Invictus lineup. I’m a fan of pink pepper, as it’s such an underrated note, and has helped propel cheapies like Guess Seductive to its far and wide use.

Aqua is highly fresh, a sporty aquatic, with some slight soapy vibes to it. The marine notes add the aquatic element to this fragrance and they are further paired with ambergris for further saltiness.

However, Invictus Aqua never strikes me as being quite to the level of saltiness, in Bvlgari’s Aqva. It also seems a bit more mature than the original Invictus, while still retaining that similar DNA structure. Aqua isn’t nearly as sweet.

As it dries down, I get more violet leaf, less of the marine notes, and the intro of the guaiac wood. It definitely grows into a woodier fragrance, with a slight outdoorsy dirtiness to it. The oud isn’t super powerful, but you’ll notice it, when putting your nose close to the skin.

Toward the end, what I get is yuzu, guaiac wood, ambergris, violet leaf, and the aquatic notes slowly turning into quite an oceanic scent. It starts to just smell like sea water on my skin. That happens like at the very end of the day, though.

I’m not always a huge fan of aquatics, especially when it turns to pure sea water. Invictus Aqua is exactly that, deep into the wear. It’s really not my favorite part.

Sillage, How Long Does It Last, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s not super heavy or anything. Being a spring/summer fragrance the sillage is going to be lighter, but I’d say it’s fairly strong for an aquatic. It won’t go unnoticed.

The performance from this one is actually pretty great. I can pull 8+ hours from it on my skin. Quite superb for a fragrance in this category. I’d say hours 6-8 really get oceanic, with the aroma. Before that, you’ll get more of the yuzu and violet leaf.

Seasonally, again, spring/summer. It is versatile within that time frame, however. Casual, work, and definitely one to be worn at parties or night clubs. I’d stick to the warmer months, as it just feels out of place and kind of too sharp, in the winter.

It’s attractive in its freshness, meaning, it should draw complements but I really wouldn’t say that it’s particularly sexy. For a guy in his 20s, this will be a solid go to in these scenarios.

Overall Impression of Invictus Aqua

Overall, do I like Invictus Aqua? I do. I think that it is a very good scent for what it is. I’m not looking to buy a bottle personally, since I’m not a huge fan of the Invictus line, but for those who are this is a worthy addition.

Other guys, who want a well performing and versatile warm weather cologne, Invictus Aqua is an option that should strongly be considered. The yuzu note is great, as is the pink pepper.

Not overall amazing, but a nice all around fragrance. I love the yuzu, the oud isn’t too bothersome, but the end is just too marine for my taste. When it is covered by other notes, it works better.

Update: Again, this 2016 version isn’t widely available it seems. Most of those bottle got bought up. Even the 2018 version is now scarce. Personally, I wouldn’t pay above original retail for either. So, unless you already absolutely love one or both, I wouldn’t bother tracking them down.

Chrome by Azzaro

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Chrome is a fragrance by Loris Azzaro, which is quite often a best seller and has been for years. I mean, rally since its release in 1996. Like other Azzaro scents, Chrome is an inexpensive option for men, who want something fresh yet masculine. Update: The pricing can be more affordable and it seems to have stretches when it’s on sale, then expensive again. In this post, I am going to share my experience with this cologne and whether or not I think it is worth a try.

Note: I am continually updating this post, several years after the original, to expand upon my review and talk about my latest testing of Chrome.

What does Azzaro Chrome Smell Like?

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

My Full Wear Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see how Azzaro describes it: Fresh, vibrant, aquatic, woody. “A harmony as pure as metal, a blend of strength and complicity.”

The first thing you notice about Chrome is the citrus notes, mainly a blend of lemon and pineapple. It is interesting how refreshing and bright this fragrance smells, it feels quite sharp and fresh. A big player in the beginning is neroli.

Obviously, this flower plays perfectly off of the citrus top, and is joined by a light jasmine note. The top is very similar to CK One, that citrus/floral aroma, has lots of overlap with that 1990s showstopper.

Chrome always induces thoughts are bright and sunny days, in the summer. It has an aquatic-like smell at times, without having any oceanic notes, which is a nice little trick of the mind.

After the first few minutes, where neroli is powerful, the rosemary begins to come through with that herbal spiciness. It’s similar to that note in Acqua di Gio, but these are ultimately pretty different fragrances.

The first hour or so, is really all about being a citrus/floral fragrance, with a light aquatic and soapy character. Thankfully, they didn’t overload the neroli and jasmine, to make it a bath soap-like scent, those notes are empowered just enough to make Chrome smell great.

I like the dry down period quite a bit, and it does have a metallic vibe to it as the name suggests, but I don’t think it distracts from the overall presentation. The notes that emerge during this time, are the various woods, and the musk.

The musk isn’t heavy, but it is noticeable. Chrome becomes a clean woody scent, with citrus sitting on top of it, and the floral notes don’t seem as relevant anymore.

Chrome is just really vibrant and reminds me of a sunny summer day. It isn’t a complex fragrance at all really, just one that is straightforward with a clean, soapy, citrus, masculine aroma.

How Long Does Chrome Last? How Strong is the Sillage?

It does seem to be pretty strong right out of the bottle, so there’s no need for more than a couple sprays. Chrome does settle down a bit, but it can be overwhelming if too much is used, in the wrong climate.

I’d say that the sillage overall, is pretty middle of the pack, once it settles. However, the initial burst, will provide plenty of power.

Updating this review here in 2020, I still find the longevity to be really good. It’ll go 7-8 hours, off of 2-3 sprays, before become a complete skin scent. I’m not sure how long it continues after that, but sprayed on a t-shirt, Chrome just kept on going. Still a great performance value, for the price.

When Should Azzaro Chrome be Worn?

Chrome can easily be worn year round. I think it’s awesome in the summertime, but it isn’t limited by season at all, unlike some other scents. It has great versatility for both younger and older men. You can wear this one casually, to school, to work, etc.

For me, I have enjoyed wearing this when it’s warmer outside and I’m just moving about town.

It doesn’t strike me as a nighttime scent, but it’s so fresh, that it’ll get complements. It’s just not a ‘sexy’ sort of cologne. Not a nightclub monster, by any means. Also, I wouldn’t call this formal and isn’t really a luxury kind of fragrance. So, if you want something high end, it’s not this.

Is Chrome Worth a Try?

Is Chrome worth a purchase? I say it is. It is a very inexpensive cologne (usually) and one that smells good and performs well. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I think it is pretty versatile and pleasant, as long as it’s not overused.

It can sell for a higher price at retail stores, but on the online secondary market, you can find really cheap bottles. Go for those. 2023 Update: I’m seeing bottles in the $35-50 range, right now. Again, that seems to change every so often, and the super affordable bottles gets bought up.

This original Chrome release is still nice, after all of these years. The other flankers can be hit or miss and not have much to do with the original formula.

Even though, not everyone will like it, Chrome is still extremely popular with the masses. If you’re in the market for a cheap everyday wear, it is definitely worth a consideration.

The citrus and floral opening is great, like CK One. It can have a sharpness to it that might be off-putting for some. I’m not too bothered by it and Chrome gets better.

But, I think when the woods start to come on strong, is when this Azzaro fragrance really begins to shine. Well done.

Guess Night by Guess

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I’ve already reviewed a few Guess brand fragrances for men on this site. Two of which were from the Seductive line of colognes that they put out. Both of those scents smell really good and are cheap to purchase (even if Seductive Blue is pretty performance poor, though, has a great aroma).

As such, I get eager to try out other offerings from this brand to see if there are other inexpensive gems that can be added to my cologne rotation. I recently tried out Guess Night which came out in 2013 and want to do a review on this fragrance to see what’s what with it. What are it’s notes? How does it smell? How does it perform? Is it worth a buy?

What does Guess Night Smell Like?

Notes include: grapefruit, pepper, cedar, elemi, geranium, vanilla

Click here to try: Guess Night Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Guess Night is highlighted by the pepper note. It definitely has a spice to it but it isn’t all that extreme and seems to be subdued a bit by the woody cedar note and the smooth vanilla.

It is a warm kind of fragrance and I honestly don’t pick up much of the grapefruit note on my skin at all. I do, however, detect the elemi which has an amber-like aroma that I really like in a cologne.

Night is actually quite pleasant from the start but it is pretty generic and doesn’t stand out in quite the same way that the two scents from the Guess Seductive line do.

After the peppery opening, Night settles down into something more vanilla/woodsy. The cedar note gives it a dry aroma but doesn’t push this fragrance into the really ‘masculine’ category.

It is definitely for men but I wouldn’t have trouble imagining Guess Night being a unisex scent. Also, this isn’t something for mature audiences, this is a young man’s cologne for those who want something warm and inoffensive.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Guess Night is a very soft type of fragrance. It doesn’t project all that well at the start and quickly settles into a skin scent. I’d double up on the sprays for this one, and I’m someone who doesn’t like to be too loud with my colognes.

I’m not even sure I’d put that opening act at even an average level of power.

Longevity, like in Guess Seductive Homme Blue, is quite poor. You might be able to squeeze out 4 hours of solid wear, if it works with your skin and you double up. I was pretty lucky to get two hours or so with it.

That can be a downside to some of these inexpensive fragrances, even if the rest of the presentation is great. Although, they have released solid performers in the past.

This could be a fairly versatile scent, if you can get to last on your skin. It’s still one for younger guys, but it has a well put together and not a super sweet vibe, like many teenage type of colognes. Probably best for casual or daily wear at school or that sort of thing.

Overall Impressions of Guess Night

Overall, is Guess Night worth a buy? I don’t see why you would want it. I mean, it is really cheap and doesn’t smell bad. Though, it isn’t all that unique or amazing smelling either. What’s interesting is that this was in part a Francis Kurkdjian designed scent. Not his best cologne, however.

In a lot of ways, this one is like the later release, The One Gentleman. Pepper and vanilla are big players in that fragrance too.

I do like the elemi and pepper pairing up top, with the vanilla influence lurking beneath those two notes. To me, that’s the highlight of the wear.

If you want a Guess cologne that smells better and still has crappy longevity go with Seductive Homme Blue.

If you want a Guess cologne that actually performs well, go with the original Guess Seductive or 1981. Night isn’t another underrated gem, which is disappointing. I like what they were trying to go for, the execution was just poor.

I guess you can still take a chance on Guess Night, if the price is cheap enough, but I wouldn’t bother.

K EDT by Dolce & Gabbana

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K (King) is the newer series of fragrances from the Dolce & Gabbana lineup. K EDT, the subject of today’s review was released back in 2019. This is one that I’ve tried a few times previously in-store, but finally grabbed a sample of in order to do a proper review. How does it smell? Does K EDT last long? Is it worth a try?

What does K EDT Smell Like?

Notes include: juniper, blood orange, citrus, sage, pimento, cedar, patchouli, and more

Click here to try: Dolce and Gabbana K Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3 Fl Oz for Men

My Full Wear Review

Here’s how D&G describes it: Masculine, authentic, charismatic. K by Dolce & Gabbana Eau de Toilette is a perfume which captures the essence of the contemporary man: a king of everyday life.

K begins with its citrus freshness front and center. I’ll get to the spices in a second, but the opening is full of the blood orange and lemon notes. Personally, I get more blood orange, on my skin and the rest is more of a mass of citrus notes.

Underneath the citrus is the warmth and spice of pimento and the fresh/fizzy aroma of the juniper note. The latter when paired with the citrus, gives K EDT a bit of a gin drink scent.

This one is noticeably less warm and spicy than K EDP, without the fig too, but pimento is still playing a big role here. That’s probably the note that provides the distinct qualities of this cologne.

The third layer of the opening and one that emerges more so 15-20 minutes in, features some light sage and geranium. Not heavy, but it is there. Further freshness and noticeable when that citrus blast has toned down

K EDT will really begin to turn into a drier, woodier, aromatic. The middle phase features lots of the juniper, lavender, vetiver, and some remaining pimento.

Really, that’s the biggest shift for me the rest of the way, the absence of the citrus and pimento notes. It’s like a woodsy lavender cologne, clean, while being kind of generic. Not nearly as unique as you get with the opening.

In the end, it’s lavender and a mass of wood notes. Maybe some cedar, not much of the juniper left, and I guess a touch of the vetiver.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

K starts off with a rather bold kick. Not massive sillage, but the scent trail it leaves behind will be above average. While it settles and will move closer to the skin, I think that it remains above average for the first half and then is gradually into skin scent territory.

The longevity here is pretty good. I get just over 7 hours with K EDT, usually. Maybe it can hit 8, on the right day, but I don’t expect it to. For an eau de toilette, King is solid.

Compared to the EDP version, K EDT is better when its warmer outside. Lighter and more of that citrus influence. However, it’s also not exclusively a summer scent and works fine in autumn or spring as well.

K EDT is a casual to semi-formal daily wear, mostly for younger guys. But, it isn’t juvenile and the age range isn’t too settled. There aren’t any notes in the mix that are going to make this one feel too cheap or cloying.

K EDT is attractive and should be able to draw complements while wearing. Not a complex or entirely novel fragrance, but it has enough going for it in its simplicity to be appreciated.

Overall Impressions of K EDT

Overall, do I like K EDT? I do like it somewhat. The EDP is slightly better than this one overall, but this version certainly has its merits. I’m not totally in love with it or going to buy a full bottle, but it is easy to wear and a very solid entry on the whole.

The opening with the citrus is a highlight, I actually do like the brightness, slight fizziness, and the use of the pimento note. It’s not amazing, but still comes across as pleasant.

After that, it’s woody and clean, but not with a whole lot of development. It’s fine, smells nice enough, and you do get a good enough performance for this Dolce & Gabbana scent to be worthwhile.

If you need an easy go to for daily wear, you could do a lot worse than this. I’ve seen K priced pretty reasonably at different places, so, one can even get a good deal nowadays.

For me, it’s worth trying out. Not necessarily one you need to run out and buy immediately. Though, a likeable enough cologne.