Fragrances

Armani Code vs Code Profumo

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For this entry in the men’s fragrance match ups, we are going to be taking a closer look at two Armani scents, Code vs. Code Profumo. Which cologne is better? The original or its flanker? I have worn both a lot and reviewed each of them, so, which one do I prefer? I am going to break them down by category, before ultimately declaring a winner.

Tale of the Tape

Armani Code

Notes include: citrus, lavender, apple, leather, tobacco, star anise, woods

Click here to try: Armani Code By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 4.2 Oz.

Read my review: Armani Code

Armani Code Profumo

Notes include: leather, amber, tonka bean, cardamom, lavender, and nutmeg

Click here to try: Giorgio Armani Code Profumo EDP Spray for Men, 3.7 Ounce

Read my full review: Code Profumo Review

Opening

Armani Code opens up with top notes of fruit, apple and citrus. The citrus is the strongest of the fruit notes, and it is joined by: leather, anise, and tobacco. It’s got a powdery quality along with, fresh spiciness, and that citrus which will slowly fade.

To my nose, the newer bottles of Code seem to use more of the tonka bean note. It’s got that creaminess/powdery type of aroma and the anise still gives it a nice kick up top. It’s much the same way that I remember older batches, but probably a bit different.

Code Profumo starts with amber and tonka bean. It also features citrus in the beginning, but its spice, is that of nutmeg and cardamom. It quite rich and warm with a sweet fizzy kind of aroma.

Profumo does have some apple and orange in the opening as well. I get orange way more so than any apple. With the warm fizziness and sweetness, this Code does have a cream soda-like smell at times.

Which is better? While I enjoy the original, I really like the way that Profumo starts off. It has elements of its predecessor, but then, also has its own dynamic personality. It’s sweet, warm, with a nice bit of spice.

Edge: Profumo

Projection

Code starts off pretty strong, but it pretty much moderate in its sillage, for a majority of the wear. Meanwhile, Profumo is stronger from the start, and keeps it close to that range for the rest of the time its on my skin.

Code isn’t weak, it’s just not the same kind of powerhouse. It has lost a step over the years, but it never did have the same ability to project as the newer Profumo does.

Edge: Profumo

Longevity

Older bottles of Code used to last for about 8 hours, in my experience. Now, it seems to hit the 5-6 hour mark, and quits. Code Profumo, however, will go for over 10 hours each time. It outperforms the original, easily.

Profumo has always delivered a solid performance, when I’ve used it.

Edge: Profumo

Versatility

Both of these scent check the same boxes, as to when they should be worn. Both are suited for the colder weather. Both can go from the office and into the nightlife. There’s no winner in this category.

I might, however, give the slight edge to Code over Profumo because it doesn’t have the same sweetness and power. So, it might be more office appropriate.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Armani Code is a classic cologne, at this point, but it’s been surpassed by flankers that came after it. I still like wearing this stuff. The citrus top is nice, the leather and tonka bean during the dry down, the spice, and the powdery softness…it’s all very enjoyable.

It has been somewhat changed, also. It doesn’t have the same strength, but, I’d still pick up a bottle for the right price.

Code Profumo is awesome. It’s sweet and creamy. It envelops your senses perfectly, on a cold day. Profumo is bold and will last a long time. I love the tonka bean, amber, and leather trio in the latter stages.

For me, it’s absolutely a better fragrance than Armani Code. The clear winner in this contest. I will say, though, Code Absolu which was released recently; has taken the crown from Profumo as the ‘best Code’ fragrance.

Winner: Code Profumo

10 Best Smelling Creed Perfumes for Women

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Creed is a boutique fragrance designer which dates back centuries and has designed fragrances for for royalty and celebrities around the world (at least according to their stories). Creed is known for using the finest ingredients and creating complex natural scents that stand out among a crowd of imitators.

Their line of women’s perfumes seem to be mostly floral based and while many share similar floral notes, each one has a unique twist on them to add fruity, spicy, or other undertones. As always, I have linked out to a page where is of these scents can be purchased at a great price.

You may also find great Creed fragrances that can be worn by women in my Best Creed Colognes for Men post!

What are the Best Creed Fragrances for Ladies?

Most Popular Creed Perfume 

Creed Spring Flower by Creed for Women Millesime Spray, 2.5 Ounce– Notes include jasmine, peach, apple, musk, melon, rose, ambergris.  Spring Flower is an uplifting fruity scent with bright, floral undertones.

Melon, peach and apple are paired for a crisp and juicy sweet start to the wear.  Then, the rose and jasmine note usher in its flowery namesake, which is quite pretty.

Along with the typical Creed ambergris note, Spring Flower has a musky dry down that is fairly potent. The flower aspect is more prominent further along in the life cycle, with jasmine and musk being the highlights at that point. Meanwhile, the fruit notes have become more subdued.

Spring Flower isn’t really a heavy fragrance, more light to moderate. However, it provides good longevity, and versatility. It can definitely become a signature every day wear.

spring-flower-75ml-creed

Elegant Creed Fragrance

CREED FLEURISSIMO by Creed for WOMEN: EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY 2.5 OZ– A more mature floral than Spring Flower and not as bright as that fragrance. Classy and elegant. This actually lacks the fruits found in the first entry.

Instead one is left with a bouquet of florals with iris, violet, and tuberose. Fleurissimo has a vintage style and a garden rich profile.

As it dries down, this Creed scent has more warmth and a soapy/powdery clean quality. This is an all day wear, with excellent longevity. A springtime fragrance. Notes include: Bulgarian rose, violet, tuberose, Florentine iris.

creed fleurissimo

Classic Rose, Citrus, and Musk

Creed Fleurs De Bulgarie By Creed Millesime Spray For Women 2.5 oz– A very old perfume, supposedly dating back to 1845. Fleurs De Bulgarie is another floral perfume but one with more of a kick of citrus and spice to it.

This floral, however, is straight rose. It’s sweet and clean with a musky profile.

Fleurs de Bulgarie is pretty linear, but the dry down elevates the ambergris to go along with that great rose essence.

Obviously, it has been updated along the way, by Fleurs is still a wonderful addition to one’s collection.  Notes include: Bulgarian Rose Essences, Musks, Ambergris, bergamot. 

Fleurs De Bulgarie

Amazing Vanilla

Sublime Vanille– Creed’s Sublime Vanilla, might have the best smelling vanilla note that I’ve ever come across, it’s absolutely delightful. That creamy goodness is joined up top by orange and lemon, that creates a dessert-like quality to this scent.

It’s warm, with some additional touches of musk and tonka bean. A softer fragrance, that isn’t too complicated, but shows the absolute quality of the Royal Exclusives line of perfumes by Creed.

The issue that can come up with this one, is the heavy price tag. It is even higher priced than the others on this list. The sillage and performance are pretty good, just not outstanding. What you do get is a nice creamy vanilla, with bright citrus, and a bit of musk. Sublime Vanille Review

Sweet Violet

Love in Black– I’m personally not a huge fan of wearing violet fragrances, but I have to say I do enjoy the way that Love in Black by Creed smells.

First, it opens up with a sweet and tart black currant note that can come across like a jam. This is joined by a fresh cedar, giving it an interesting, though not always immediately enjoyable smell.

The iris and violet notes come through, giving this one a powdery aroma, fairly similar to Broadway Nite (that’s probably more powdery, but smells a lot like Love in Black).

It will become an intense violet aroma, with a sweetness, mixed floral notes, and some slight woodiness. Love in Black isn’t for everyone, so, it’d probably be best to test before committing to a full bottle.

Yet, for those who enjoy violet, this is a great example and wonderful performer.

Princess Creed

Royal Princess Oud– Royal Princess Oud is an interesting one. Like, Love in Black it features violet and iris, but early on this is paired with citrus and is way less dense.

In fact, it’s kind of bright and a bit green/floral at the early stages. The title-sake agarwood will come on, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming.

The fragrance certainly has its stronger ingredients, but also feels very balanced for much of the wear.

Yet, this stuff is intricate. The powdery qualities of the florals have their time. Bright citrus. Woodiness. Spice. Then, a resin/creaminess of vanilla, sandalwood, and some benzoin. The opening can be rough, but the development is really great.

Tuberose-led White Floral

Tubereuse Indiana By Creed For Women. Millesime Spray 2.5 Oz– Tuberose Indiana brings on a nice smelling bouquet of white floral notes highlighted by the tuberose, but not really dominated. In addition, one gets a hint of bergamot, and a creamy vanilla at the top.

Then, there is the ambergris and fairly heavy musk. With that, a slight earthiness in the middle act, and a spiced kick too. The mix is attractive for those who like an old school sort of floral perfume, but not completely stuck in the past.

Notes include vanilla, ambergris, tuberose, white flowers, and bergamot. Captivating smell.

Tubereuse Indiana

Best Woody Fragrance

Vanisia By Creed For Women. Millesime Spray 2.5 Oz– A nice, feminine scent that screams sophistication. Vanisia is a move away from the strictly floral scents featured before. This is a very well performing blend of mostly sandalwood and vanilla.

Naturally, the Creed ambergris is another heavy hitter within the composition but there is also a straight amber note, which makes for an interesting pairing.

Vanisia is like vintage confidence in a bottle, with jasmine playing a supporting role to the main ingredients. Notes include: Jasmine, vanilla, rose, sandalwood

vanisia

Best Summertime Pick

Acqua Fiorentina Perfume by Creed for women Millesime Spray 2.5 oz
A complex fragrance that is a light aromatic with layered notes of (some) floral and (mostly) citrus.

This is the go to, if you like fruitier compositions. Bergamot, lemon, and plum start off Acqua Fiorentina with a very bright and quite sharp citrus sensation.

However, there is also a crisp apple note in the mix, which adds to the overall juiciness.

As it dries down, there is a hint of rose and carnation, which balances out some of the fruit overload. Plus, the cedar/sandalwood which sits at the base, and holds this whole thing together.

Very much like, The Scent of Peace for Her by Bond No. 9.  Notes include: rose, Virginian cedar, lemon, sandalwood, carnation, bergamot. 

Acqua Fiorentina

Top Winter Creed Scent

Creed Jasmin Imperatrice Eugenie Millesime Spray for Women, 2.5 Ounce– The supposed story behind this one, is that Jasmin Imperatrice was personally designed for Empress Eugenie of France, wife of Napoleon III. Ok, then.

If you enjoy jasmine and sandalwood, this might be your Holy Grail fragrance. It is an elegant woody fragrance with smooth vanilla undertones and that utterly delightful jasmine throughout.

Jasmin Imperatrice is luxurious and royal, whether or not it was actually made for an empress. This perfume has huge sillage and keeps going and going for hours.

Super strong but the sandalwood and jasmine combo might just be worth it to you. Notes include: bergamot, Bulgarian rose, amergris, Italian jasmine, vanilla

Jasmin Imperatrice Eugenie

Ralph’s Club EDP by Ralph Lauren

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Ralph’s Club is a fragrance that I hadn’t really paid all that much attention to after its release. But, I eventually got a hold of it, as part of a sampler pack a few months ago. So, it was only a matter of time before I got to test it out and put this cologne through its paces. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a buy?

What does Ralph’s Club Smell Like?

Notes include: lavender, clary sage, cedar, vetiver

ralph's club review

My Full Review

Ralph’s Club opens up with a mix of the lavender and clary sage notes. While it is more herbal and greenish than this example, it actually reminds me somewhat of the start of Luna Rossa Ocean, just paired down.

If that Prada is a ‘blue’ cologne, this is a blue-green. There’s also elements of Y Le Parfum here. Just not a clone of either of those scents.

The lavender and sage are both very present there, along with some vetiver. The same sort of aromatic aroma, just without the oceanic and iris. Yet, there is a light powdery quality to Ralph’s Club early on.

It is very fresh, clean, and has a definite sweetness to keep it interesting.

The lavender is the head honcho, at the start. The clary sage is just a notch underneath. However, that will begin to flip as this Ralph Lauren cologne dries down. The sage never dominates, it just seems to switch roles with the lavender.

Beyond that, you’re going to get the woody freshness of cedar, which doesn’t come across as all that sharp here.

The rest of the wear is a fresh soapiness, with dry woodsy highlights. The powdery part and the sweetness have quieted down a whole lot and are seemingly background noise.

Clean and fresh like a soap or out of the drier laundry. Not too complicated, but still has its charms.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, Ralph’s Club isn’t a monster, but it is above average. For the first few hours, I’d say it’s on the upper edge of what could be considered moderate. Then, it’ll pretty middle of the road thereafter.

Thankfully, it isn’t weak and can project itself nicely off of the skin.

Longevity seems to be in the 7.5 hour range, on me. Again, not a totally great performer, but very useful and not a waste of money.

Seasonally, this can work pretty much year round. I’d avoid the extreme heat. However, cold to moderate temperatures and this thing is a go.

It’s a very attractive and easy to like cologne. The versatility is probably the greatest strength of Ralph’s Club. Casual, office, dressed up, a night out. It’s got you covered for most any occasion and can be worn by all age groups.

They did a really great job at making this one a jack of all trades.

Overall Impressions of Ralph’s Club

Overall, do I like Ralph’s Club? I do. It’s an appealing fragrance with solid performance and sure to be a crowd pleaser.

It’s a pretty basic formula and there isn’t a ton of development. But, the sage and lavender are good enough to carry it.

Yes, it is will remind you of various elements from other popular colognes, but it doesn’t smell exactly like any of them. Just hints of them, while doing its own thing.

The good news, is that if you really enjoy the smell of Ralph’s Club, it will reward you with its versatility. This could very well be a daily wear type of scent for some guys. Is it amazing? No, but it also doesn’t have any really noticeable deficiencies as a fragrance.

Polo (Green) vs Polo Blue Cologne Comparison

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In this post, I want to do another cologne comparison between two fragrances from the Ralph Lauren line, Polo and Polo Blue. Now, Polo is a classic fragrance from the 1970s, comes in that familiar green bottle, and has been a best seller for decades.

Blue EDT is a more recent addition to the lineup but has been well received thus far. Which of these colognes smells better? Which performs better? Who should consider wearing each? Read below for the complete breakdown.

Which is Better? Polo vs. Polo Blue

Polo Blue Tale of the Tape

Notes include: amber, melon, patchouli, geranium, cucumber, tangerine, moss, musk

Read my original review: Polo Blue Review

Polo (Green) Tale of the Tape

polo

Notes include: basil, leather, tobacco, oakmoss, pine, cedar, and more.

Click here to try: Polo by Ralph Lauren for Men, Eau de Toilette Natural Spray, 4-Fluid Ounce

Read my original Review

Opening

This is a battle between an aquatic opening in Polo Blue versus the dry woodsy/leathery opening of the original Polo. Polo Green is stronger and more complex then Blue is. I find it to be a much more interesting fragrance.

Blue opens with a cool and crisp blend of cucumber, melon, and some citrus (mainly tangerine). This combination, gives it that sort of aquatic and familiar appeal. Behind that watery trio is a herbal basil note.

Green is a classic sort of scent. It mainly kicks off with pine and leather, but you will also pick up hints of tobacco and the basil, that’s also in Blue.

Between these two, I tend to favor the opening of Green.  Yes, the original Polo has more of an old school aroma, but I like it better.

Blue smells nice, but it’s pretty commonplace, and feels like so many other scents, of that fragrance type.

Edge: Green

Projection

Polo Blue is rather moderate in its projection, it isn’t super strong but it gets the job done. Polo Green is a strong fragrance and can dominate a room if overused…it’s much more of a beast.

The original Polo doesn’t have the same power it once had, but it still brings the power more than Blue EDT.

They’re both decent for what they bring to the table, but neither hits beast mode. That being said, the original Green bottle is the more powerful between them.

Edge: Green

Longevity

The difference between these two is that Blue will usually be good for 6-9 hours while Green is a 8+ hour scent. Blue EDT has a wide range and much less consistency in what I get from it. It’s not bad, but it can sometimes quit earlier than expected.

Unless either of them has been reformulated in the past couple of years, Green still takes this category over Blue.

Edge: Green

Versatility

The original Polo is a more mature fragrance and thus eliminates some potential younger users. It can also be too heavy at times for use in close quarters.

I think overall it holds up well, however. Seasonally, it’ll be best autumn through early spring. While Blue can for sure be of use for most of the calendar year as well.

Blue is a much more versatile and manageable scent that can appeal to multiple types of men. I think that it performs better in the warmer months too, without feeling completely out of place in the more mild parts of the year.

Edge: Blue

Overall Scent

It’s tough to compare these two, since they are really quite different scents. Polo Green is has a dry/smoky/woodsy/green type of aroma and Blue is more aquatic/woodsy.

I think that Green is probably the better scent overall but Blue is a really good choice for everyday wear, that probably has a wider appeal.

It really depends on what you’re looking for in a cologne. If you want a more modern scent, go with Blue. If you want a classic blend of woody notes, smoothness, and some additional spice Polo Green is great.

Actually, you might want to give Polo Intense a try, as it’s a modern update to the classic Green.

Honestly, for most guys, Blue EDT will be a better bet. If you favor Blue, I’d actually pick up Blue EDP or Deep Blue before Blue EDT.

Winner: Polo Green

Versace Eau Fraiche vs. Dylan Blue Comparison

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In this match up, we have two options from Versace, Man Eau Fraiche vs. Dylan Blue Pour Homme. Which of these two best sellers from the Italian designer, smells the best? Which lasts longer? In this post, I am going to break down my thoughts on each, comparing them between categories. I have worn and reviewed both fragrances on this site, so, I’m familiar with the pros and cons of each. Is there a clear winner here?

Tale of the Tape: Eau Fraiche vs. Dylan Blue

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: Dylan Blue

Versace Man Eau Fraiche

Notes include: Lemon, Rosewood, Carambola, Cedar leaves, Tarragon, Sage, Musk, Amber, Sycamore

Click here to try: Versace Man Eau Fraiche By Gianni Versace For Men Edt Spray 3.4 Oz

Read my review: Man Eau Fraiche

Opening

Dylan Blue opens up with bergamot and grapefruit at the top. These two citrus ingredient sit within a watery aquatic aroma, with an increasingly strengthening ambroxan. It has hints of being like Sauvage, but at the start, Dylan Blue adds a fig note to the citrus aquatic scent. This sets it apart and also creates what is one of my favorite aspects of this fragrance.

Eau Fraiche also starts out with citrus top notes, paring lemon with the bergamot, and then adding starfruit. It is bright and very attractive. Then there is a slight herbal kick, added to the cologne to give it more depth.

Which is better? The opening act of Dylan Blue is quite good and I am tempted to give it the nod, but I really do like how that Versace starts out. Normally, the citrus opening might not be enough to impress, but that lemon and starfruit combination really grabs my attention. It is ultimately what I prefer.

Edge: Eau Fraiche

Projection

Dylan Blue is pretty strong at the start and for an hour or so, before the sillage shifts more into the moderate end of things. Upon spraying, it is one that can fill a room, and then quiets down. Meanwhile, Eau Fraiche, starts out more moderate and becomes light and airy.

There isn’t a huge difference in the sillage of each of these two. However, Dylan Blue does have a bit more power, in my experience.

Edge: Dylan Blue

Longevity

Dylan Blue is the stronger of the two contenders, however, both of these colognes last 6-7 hours while wearing. That is what I get out of both of them pretty consistently. In my experience, there is no edge.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Both of these scents are very versatile, in their application. They can work year round, but I like them each for the warmer weather. Eau Fraiche is great in summer. They can both work casually, at work, school, or wherever.

I think Dylan Blue has the edge, as a nightlife scent, and that’s the only real distinction I make between them.

Edge: Dylan Blue

Overall Scent

So, when I first tried out Dylan Blue, I was pretty indifferent toward the fragrance. Since then, I’ve worn it a bunch of more times, and now have a bit more of an appreciation for it.

I really like how it opens with the aquatic citrus vibe, but am still pretty indifferent to the dry down period. It’s citrus and fig notes are the highlights, but after that, I really don’t care for it.

It becomes more about the ambroxan, pepper, and violet leaf; as it moves forward. It’s not as enjoyable, at that point, but still nice.

Between these two, I would rather wear Eau Fraiche. The citrus opening is awesome, with the inclusion of the starfruit. Then, it also has an amber note in the dry down, but not as dominant as Dylan Blue and a woody base.

The wood they use is rosewood, which does have a distinct and different aroma, which I rather like. I like the opening act of this one better than its dry down, but I think the entire experience is simply more enjoyable.

It’s cleaner, less of the ambroxan note which can create too much of that synthetic ‘blue’ aroma. I don’t hate Dylan Blue, Fraiche just takes this one.

Winner: Eau Fraiche