Fragrances

La Nuit de L’Homme by YSL

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I wanted to start a whole new swath of fragrance reviews on this site and thought that I’d start with an offering from one of my favorite design houses, Yves Saint Laurent. YSL has several classic scents under their belts for both men and women but it is not content on relying on old staples and continues to crank out great colognes.

In this post, I want to take a closer look at the highly popular La Nuit de L’Homme, and give my opinion as to whether or not it is worth a try. Other YSL Reviews: L’Homme Libre, Body Kouros, L’Homme

What does La Nuit de L’Homme Smell Like?

Notes include: cardamom, bergamot, vetiver, lavender, cedar

Try it out: Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L’homme Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3-Ounce

Full Wear Review

The first impressions that I gather from La Nuit is how utterly perfect it seems for nighttime wear. I mean, there are plenty of great smelling colognes, but this is just built for a night on the town and for getting close to the ladies.

It’s a sweet scent that doesn’t venture off into the super candy-like aroma, rather, it remains steadfast in its masculinity. Sweet, but the opening is a spicy freshness, with dry and woody undertones. That will shift, as we move along, but the opening brings it.

At the top,  you are definitely getting hit with the cardamom right away. This note will often be a supporting player, but in La Nuit de l’Homme, it is the main attraction.

At first, it is paired with a very light citrus note of bergamot, which gives the composition a bit of brightness. However, the overall impression is one of warmth, and super freshness.

After the first few minutes, the lavender steps up big time, along with the cedar. So, you get a mix of cardamom and lavender (cardamom still the strongest), with fresh woody aromas emanating from the base.

It pretty much stays like this for the duration of the rest of the wear, but a nice vetiver does begin to peak through to about the same level as the cedar. La Nuit is a warm slightly sweet and slightly spicy fragrance, that has a fresh cleanliness, and a dark character.

For a time, La Nuit is quite powdery and has a really attractive aroma, as it dries down. I like the opening of this scent, but the dry down is fantastic.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s not a fill the room scent. It is subtle, but still noticeable, to those in your immediate presence. The sillage starts off moderate, but goes light after about an hour or two. Don’t expect a powerhouse from this or the other scents in the L’Homme lineup of colognes.

That initial punch is still pretty solid, though. Just nowadays, it doesn’t keep to that same level for all that long.

I don’t find its longevity to be anything spectacular either, it will usually last for what you need it to do (6 hours of solid performance and then maybe 2 more that it has faded a bit). For me, it has been a consistent 6-8 hour scent over the years, including the last time I recently tried it.

I know, there have been reformulations, and some think it is now weaker. I’m not sure, but again, never been a beast for me.

Update: I recently tried a newer batch of this and it was around 5 hours of wear. That’s pretty bad for a designer fragrance. The scent is absolutely still great, but I’ve really got to spray the heck out of my bottle whenever I wear it. Not too big of a deal, but La Nuit has taken a step back over the years.

It is such a balanced offering and I think that is part of the reason that it is so good. It smooth, not overpowering, and it has an alluring mystery behind it. I would say that this is a date night type of cologne and not a bold nightclub standout such as 1 Million.

Also, where 1 Million is more energetic and youthful, La Nuit De L’Homme is classy and refined. Though, it is quite versatile beyond that application.

You can wear it casually or to work as well. It’ll fit in just fine. Seasonally, best in colder to temperate weather, not a summertime scent.

It is among the sexiest men’s fragrances out there, because it always seems to draw compliments. It’s just been consistent for me over the years, with how it draws attention, even in its lighter state.

That seems to be once it settles down into its more powdery state and less during its more intense opening.

La Nuit de L’Homme is one that has been the signature scent for many guys, since its release. It can still play that role, just not to the same degree now, with the performance issues.

Overall Impressions of La Nuit

Overall, though, I have to recommend this scent. It is sexy and pleasing and generally very well-liked by women. I really like the opening burst, with the bergamot. Plus, the dry down when the vetiver arrives is great.

That opening act with the bergamot and cardamom is nice. But, coming back to this one with my newer bottle, I have been remembering how much I enjoy the mid and latter stages of La Nuit de L’homme.

The lavender, vetiver, and cedar…along with the remaining but toned down cardamom is still awesome and a pleasure to wear.

Scent wise, this is a definite buy. Performance wise, it’s just okay. This has been a very popular scent for long time now, so, it has proven itself among the masses and gotten very positive feedback. Give it a try for yourself.

The good news is that, it’s one that actually does go on sale from time to time, either directly from YSL or through a discount site. I got it and a bottle of L’Homme from YSL, buy one get one free, if I remember correctly.

Acqua di Gio vs Profumo Cologne Comparison

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Acqua di Gio was released by Giorgio Armani back in 1996. Since then, it has been a runaway best seller, and one of the most popular colognes on the market. Obviously, to capitalize on that success, the brand has release numerous flanker scents including Acqua di Gio Profumo.

In this post, I want to do a full head to head comparison, to determine which is the better buy: Acqua di Gio vs Acqua di Gio Profumo. Which lasts longer? Which smells better?

AdG vs. Profumo: Tale of the Tape

Acqua di Gio

Notes include: bergamot, tangerine, neroli, jasmine, rosemary, patchouli, rock rose, hyacinth, persimmon, marine notes

Click here to try: Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces

Read my review: Acqua di Gio 

Acqua di Gio Profumo

Notes include: bergamot, sage, patchouli, incense, geranium, rosemary, and marine notes

Click here to try: Giorgio Armani Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Profumo 75ml (2.5oz) Parfum Vapo., 2.5 Fluid Ounce

Read my review: Acqua di Gio Profumo

Opening

The original Acqua di Gio opens up with tangerine and bergamot citrus notes, to go along with jasmine and a sea breeze air. It’s quite pleasant and upbeat with a bright aquatic disposition.

The citrus medley is great. I like the lemon, tangerine, and bergamot. They work well together, beautifully. It starts to have more of a floral influence, after a few minutes, with jasmine and a clean neroli. Sea air and rosemary spice, round things out, in the original AdG.

The jasmine really tends to stick out on my skin, with the latest batches. I do love it, when paired with the citrus and aquatic accord.

Meanwhile, Profumo opens with the same sharp bergamot note, a spicy sage, and more of a watery marine note, than a sea breeze. It is darker, has a refreshing profile, and is later joined by a smoky incense.

It’s feels like the depths of the ocean and not like a gentle shore wind. Saltier, with a hint of that original rosemary, which is outclassed by the sage addition.

Which is better? I really like the original, but the opening of Profumo is better, in my opinion. I like that it goes fully with the bergamot and that added smokiness is a great touch.

There’s more going on in AdG Profumo, which creates a bolder, and fuller aroma. At least, to my nose.

Edge: Profumo

Projection

Acqua di Gio is a fairly across the board moderate fragrance. The sillage isn’t too strong but it is consistent throughout.

Profumo starts out stronger and ends as a moderate. For the first few hours, it has a stronger projection than does the original, and they are close to the same after that. In fact, Profumo’s peak is much more powerful.

Once they dry down, they will project about 3-5 feet from the skin. Profumo can definitely go loud, in the early stages.

Edge: Profumo

Longevity

On my skin, AdG lasts for 6-7 hours, and that is about the max that I ever get out of it. Profumo, will go for 8+ and can hit 10 hours, on occasion. It has better performance.

Classic bottles of Acqua di Gio, may have had a few more hours, to its name. However, the latest bottles are in that 6-7 hour range. Profumo can consistently hit the upper single digits, without issue.

Update: My latest bottle of Profumo doesn’t seem to ever hit 10 hours like my other one did. Still sticks around, but not to the same extent.

Edge: Profumo

Versatility

Both of these fragrances, sort of fit the same bill. Both are spring/summer wears mainly, that can go year round, if need be. Casual wear, work, or even on a date. Profumo has more of a mature vibe, but not enough to really separate these two.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Acqua di Gio is a classic fragrance. It has been a best seller and will continue to be one, for a long time. I like its aquatic style, the citrus, the jasmine, and the rosemary note. It’s got great balance and has been a great starter cologne for guys, for over two decades.

Profumo is all of that, but an improved version, in my opinion. It’s darker, spicier, smokier, and more adult than its predecessor. It feels like a deeper and more complex fragrance and the aroma just smells better to me.

Beyond that, it has a longer wear and greater sillage than the original. It’s the best Acqua di Gio flanker, as it shares a lot with the original, and then adds a twist.

Plus, Profumo is no longer a new release, and you can grab bottles at a discount from full price. Just another additional edge.

Update: Profumo has basically been rebranded as AdG Parfum. 

Winner: Profumo

Polo Blue vs Ultra Blue Cologne Comparison

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For this installment of my head to head fragrance match ups, we have two entries from Ralph Lauren: the original Polo Blue EDT vs. Ultra Blue. Which smells better? The original or its newer flanker cologne release? I have tested out both of them, and as usual, will break down each to some key metrics and declare an ultimate victor.

Ultra Blue or Polo Blue EDT? Tale of the Tape

Polo Blue

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

Click here to try: Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren for Men, Eau De Toilette Natural Spray, 4.2 Ounce

Read my original review: Polo Blue Review

Ultra Blue

Notes include: lemon, salt, amber, bergamot, basil, verbena, sage, juniper

Click here to try: Ralph Lauren Polo Ultra Blue 2.5 Fluid ounce Eau De Toilette

Read my review: Ultra Blue

Opening

Polo Blue EDT starts out with a crisp blend of melon and cucumber. It’s chilled with a hint of tangerine and amber. To me, it’s always felt kind of bland. It’s nice but not anything spectacular.

I do like that crispness, slight spice, and semi-aquatic feel. On a summer’s day, it can be quite invigorating, even if it isn’t super unique or exciting.

Ultra Blue goes with lemon and salt at the opener, which ain’t much more exciting. It is more of an aquatic and the saltiness is sort of like an ocean breeze. Ultra Blue tracks closer to the EDP version of Blue.

Which is better? Ehhh, it’s a tough call, as neither are great but I think I enjoy the original Blue more here. Ultra Blue tries to go for more of the herbal freshness, with oceanic elements.

That’s not a bad thing, but the execution, isn’t amazing. Pretty good, enjoyable, but I’ll still go with Blue EDT for the starting portion.

Edge: Polo Blue

Projection

The original Polo Blue isn’t a beast, the sillage is moderate for much of the wear, but overall quite solid. You’ll notice it and so will others. I get good performance from the EDT, in this regard. It’s definitely not meant to be a projection monster, but it does give you

Ultra Blue is really kind of weak. It’s somewhat moderate for maybe an hour and then turns into a skin scent. Ralph Lauren fragrances can be so hit or miss, with the power.

Ultra Blue is one of the releases, that is pretty noticeably weak. Particularly when compared to the rest of the Polo Blue lineup, which aren’t that powerful themselves.

It’s kind of surprising, as the other Blue scents are around the same with their sillage. Ultra Blue sort of falls flat.

Edge: Polo Blue

Longevity

Polo Blue always lasted about 7-8 hours on my skin, which is a very respectable amount of time. Blue EDT is at least above average, each time that I’ve worn it. It hasn’t disappointed me, at any time.

While Ultra Blue has weak sillage, it actually stays on the skin for 6 hours, which is a bit weird. However, it is such a light fragrance that its lack of sillage really undercuts how long you think it lasts, since you’re not smelling it all of the time.

Neither one of these colognes peters out early. Blue still wins it fairly easily, with both the hours it can last, and its sustained strength.  But, it’s also true that neither is an absolute performer, on the skin.

Edge: Polo Blue

Versatility

Both scents are spring/summertime wears, since they share a common DNA. I’d wear either casually. They could both be worn at an office or for school. They sort of share the same space.

They can technically go year round, but fit in much better during the warmer months. The summer is the peak of Polo Blue’s powers, it’s really a nice and simple wear for that time.

Each is a very versatile wear, that can serve as a daily cologne, for many guys. No clear winner here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Ultra Blue isn’t a bad smelling cologne. Actually, I quite enjoy the aroma. The lemon, the saltiness, swimming in amber with just a hint of sage and basil sitting underneath. It’s nice. The sillage is just bad and it offers no real advantage over either Polo Blue EDT or EDP.

I’m not even that much of a fan of the original Polo Blue EDT because I find it to be pretty boring. It does smell good and has nice performance, which versus Ultra Blue, that’s all that you really need.

Polo Blue EDT is the winner here, but I’d take the EDP over either of these. Actually, if you were leaning towards Ultra Blue, the newer Deep Blue is closer to that but with better performance. Much more oceanic and with a nice mango note.

I think nowadays, my number one and two from this line would be Blue EDP or Deep Blue. Really depending on the day, which would take that first spot. EDT is fine and can be an easy to wear scent, but it pretty easily takes the win here.

Winner: Polo Blue

Dylan Blue vs Dior Sauvage Cologne Comparison

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There has been a lot of talk over the past year about Dylan Blue and Dior Sauvage EDT. Both are best selling scents who have a ton in common in terms of smell and performance. However, if one is in the market for a bottle of either, which is the best bet? Which of these colognes actually smells better? Gives a better performance? Continue below for my full comparison breakdown.

Tale of the Tape: Sauvage or Dylan Blue?

Sauvage

Notes of Sauvage: bergamot, ambroxan, lavender, pepper, wood notes

Click here to try: Christian Dior Sauvage for Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

My Original Sauvage 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

The opening of Sauvage gives me a strong ambroxan (amber) aroma with pepper and a sharp bergamot note. Indeed, the reason people look towards these two colognes, is because they are so similar in their composition.

To my nose, Dylan Blue is a lot stronger on the citrus from the start, paring the bergamot with grapefruit. After 10-15 minutes, Dylan Blue morphs into some kind of clone of Sauvage.

Coming back to these two colognes, a few years after this original comparison, I have a much higher opinion of the Versace fragrance’s start. The grapefruit note with the bergamot is really nice, however, the main attraction is the fig.

The fig and citrus blend is super enjoyable for me, when I’m in the mood for it. While the Sauvage opening, is sharp and can feel too abrasive, many times.

As such, I am revising the winner in this category. The better start? Dylan Blue. It’s not a major difference, but I find myself liking the beginning 30-60 minutes of Blue, much more than I used to.

Edge: Dylan Blue

Projection

For the first hour, Dylan Blue is pretty strong on my skin. Then, it drops off a lot and becomes much more of a moderate skin scent. It’s never completely weak or anything, but it doesn’t maintain the height of its power for very long.

Sauvage is probably the same strength as Dylan Blue during that first hour. The difference is that Sauvage does a better job as sustaining itself throughout. The decay of the strength, is a slow process, and Sauvage takes its sweet time.

Edge: Sauvage

Longevity

The Versace gives me 5-6 hours, at the most. I’ve worn it a lot, trying to get more out of it, and yet it remains a moderate fragrance. This has remained true, for every time that I’ve used it over the past 3 or 4 years.

Sauvage isn’t an absolute beast but it is a few hours better. You’re looking at 7-8 hours of solid wear from this Dior cologne. In the right circumstances, I can pull off 9 hours, but it’s not a guarantee.

If we’re talking about the EDT version, it’s better. If you go with the other Sauvage’s they can usually hit 10+ hours easily.

Edge: Sauvage

Versatility

As these two scents are so similar in their presentation, there is no clear cut winner here. Both can be worn casually or out on the town for an evening. Both shine in warmer weather and yet still can fit in the rest of the year.

Neither is a formal type of fragrance and both do tend to skew towards being worn by younger guys.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I’m going with Dior Sauvage as the winner. Dylan Blue has grown on me, over the years. I used to find it completely uninteresting, but eventually began to like the opening act a good deal. Nonetheless, it doesn’t really sustain itself.

The fig paired with the citrus is pretty nice, but there is a huge ambroxan note here, that gets bothersome to me (as does the Dior).

Neither cologne is my personal favorite to wear. They are both pleasant and versatile scents that give good enough performance.

Sauvage is just better at everything. Dylan Blue, does have the nice citrus opening but then it fades out too quickly, which is a disappointment to me.

Once I get past the opening act, Sauvage is more tolerable to me, but still isn’t a must have. It just takes this head to head.

Unless pricing is a serious consideration, go with Sauvage. Though, if you want to save some cash, Dylan Blue will get you most of what you want from Sauvage. There are also a million other fragrances that have tried to ‘dupe’ Dior Sauvage.

To me, Sauvage EDP is the best of either, and I’d prefer that to the original EDT.

Winner: Sauvage

Kouros Body by Yves Saint Laurent

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I first posted this review of Kouros Body back in 2014 or so. But, this was one of my go to wear’s in the previous decade also. I love this fragrance. So, I had to do an update for the site. It doesn’t quite fit comfortably in a category, the notes are unusual on their own, and quite weird when placed together.

However, it was always great, and an absolute joy for me to wear. I’m going to cover: how this Yves Saint Laurent cologne smells, what’s in it, how it performs, and when it should be worn.

What does Kouros Body Smell Like?

KO14M

Body Kouros Notes: Incense, eucalyptus, benzoin, cedar, sage

Click here to try: Kouros Body by Yves Saint Laurent for Men – 3.4 oz EDT Spray

I would describe the scent of Kouros Body as sweet with a spice. Not sweet like a fruity scent would be,  but rather a bit like candy. The spice is subtle, more of an undertone, but gives Kouros Body a certain character and warmth. This cologne is highly distinctive and memorable.

On nights I’ve worn it out to a bar, it always seems to have women inching closer before they ask, “What are you wearing that smells so good?”

The scent profile is rather unique, as I’ve never come across anything else like it, and it doesn’t share any real connection with the original Kouros from YSL.

I mean, when the strongest note is benzoin, and you have a smokey incense note throughout the wear…you’re going to be a different type of cologne.

Anyway, Body is pretty warm and enveloping, with a medicinal touch from the inclusion of eucalyptus. I find it to be smooth and soothing.

The benzoin and eucalyptus are paired at the top of this cologne, along with the spicy sage note. It’s not a heavy spice, by any means, just a part of the warm cloud everything is wrapped up in.

As it dries down, Body Kouros, feels quite herbal and sweet but with less of the eucalyptus and more of a cedar coming through. The composition is so simple, but manages to have such a great smell on my skin.

In the end I get, lots of benzoin with burning incense, and sage and eucalyptus flanking that. Very fresh.

I have to admit that Kouros Body is one of my personal favorite colognes and one that I like to have on hand. It doesn’t have the same attention grabbing qualities as other scents. Body is to me, like a slower and more methodical seduction, almost hypnotic in its draw.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, this one was always pretty moderate on my skin. Body Kouros isn’t a heavy fragrance and the sillage is going to hang pretty close to you, after about an hour of wear or so.

But, it’s not a total skin scent. Just one that is lighter and not a powerhouse.

The older bottle that I had would give me about 6-7 hours of wear, sometimes better on colder days. I’m not sure what the newer bottles are putting out, but it was always solid.

One draw back for me is that it doesn’t perform as well during the summertime. Especially, if you live in an area of high humidity like I do. No, Kouros Body begs to be worn during chilly days or evenings when it’s warmth can fully emanate outwards.

Stick to wearing it in the autumn through early spring and you should get Body at its best.

This was definitely one of my go to scents during the winter time, in the 2009-2013 era, of my life. I could wear this out for a night at the bar, somewhat dressed up, with an overcoat.

It wasn’t clearing out the room, like 1 Million would, during that time period. However, when women got close to me, a whole lot of them were digging this YSL gem.

It’s got a good age range on it too. It’s not irreverent and young, nor does it smell stuffy and old. Men in their early 20s and older gentlemen, can spray this one on without issue or feeling out of place.

Overall Impressions of Kouros Body

Kouros Body will always have a soft spot for me, after being a great wear for such a long stretch. I should get a new bottle at some point, but I have so many reviews and tests to do for this site, it gets difficult to not have sparsely used bottles laying around.

However, I can recommend this scent, but it’s not going to be one that everybody enjoys wearing. Body is its own thing completely, and kind of a time capsule cologne, that represents the turn of the new century when not every fragrance felt like a clone of another.

Eucalyptus and benzoin are actually a great combination. It’s resinous and herbal, while being smooth and fresh. It’s an easy to wear fragrance, even with its more unique style, and women have seemed to compliment it quite often over the years.

Then, you have the warmth, sweetness, and smokiness from incense. It’s not really anything like the original Kouros, but does its own thing, and does it well.

Again, I’m not sure if the newer bottles got reformulated or not, but it’s one to try out. But, understand that it might not be a favorite for everyone.