Fragrances

Polo Deep Blue vs. Blue EDT Comparison

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The Polo line from Ralph Lauren, has released many different types of Polo Blue, over the years. For 2020, it put out Deep Blue, which is supposed to have a more oceanic quality to it. But, how does this new release compare to the original EDT? Which lasts longer? Smells better? Which cologne is the one to buy?

Polo Blue vs Deep Blue Cologne Comparison

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

Polo Deep Blue

Notes include: Hawaiian Green Mango, fir, sage, Deep Ocean Accord, Cypress Oil, ambroxan, grapefruit

Read my review: Polo Deep Blue

Opening

Polo Blue opens with melon and cucumber notes, giving it a cool, familiar, and crisp aroma. There is a prevalent and consistent aquatic note, at the heart of the fragrance, with tangerine and amber adding a bit more to the composition.

Not too complicated, but nice with a great freshness.

Deep Blue is similar to Blue, but closer to the EDP version, yet does have a distinct opening act. With this Polo fragrance, you get an opening of a delicious mango note, quite a bit like Polo Black.

This gets paired with some citrus and what is called, “Deep Ocean Accord”.

That Deep Ocean smell is a somewhat salty aquatic note with ambroxan highlights. Deep Blue has more of an aquatic profile, than does the original Blue EDT. EDT keeps it crisp and watery, due to melon and cucumber, but it isn’t oceanic.

Which is better? The original Blue has a cool crispness, that smells good, but I think I prefer Deep Blue. I really like the mango note and the more marine scent coming from the new release.

Edge: Deep Blue

Projection

Neither of these fragrances is a powerhouse. I would say that Deep Blue starts off stronger, and in general, has the better sillage. It is a parfum, so the fragrance formula is more concentrated.

Polo Blue EDT isn’t bad, it’s got pretty moderate sillage throughout the wear. Not a weak cologne and will be plenty noticeable. But, it doesn’t hit the same level as Deep Blue. Deep Blue is pretty much on par with Blue EDP, in terms of its strength. Not huge, but very good.

Edge: Deep Blue

Longevity

For me, both of these scents fall in the 7-9 hour range. Solid, but by no means, elite.  There’s not much of a difference, if any, maybe a bit more favorable for Deep Blue but I’m not sure.

I definitely don’t ever break double digit hours with either of these. Most Polo fragrances are like that, not elite, but good.

I haven’t tried recent bottles of EDT, so, I’m not sure if it’s lost a step over the years. As of now, I’m rating this category a tie.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Since these two colognes are so closely related, the do share the same space, in terms of their use. Either can easily be worn year round, but are honestly better in the warmer weather.

Each are more casual daily wears, rather than, anything formal. Clean aquatic fresh scents. Though, you can wear them to the office, without much issue. School, as well, if you’re a younger man.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Again, these two are variants of the same basic formula. As such, the differences aren’t going to be overwhelming. But, I will give an opinion as to which one, I’d pick.

While I like the cucumber and citrus elements in the original Polo Blue, I prefer the mango and Deep Ocean accord, of Deep Blue. To me, that opening act is just better, than anything the original offers.

After that, they do become much more similar. After the first two hours or so, Deep Blue is like a mix of the EDT and EDP, with added ambroxan. So, if I had a choice, I’d pick it just for that opening with the mango and slightly better performance.

Deep Blue gets some added freshness and woodiness during the late stages. The sage and cypress, does have an overlap with the newer AdG Profondo by Armani. Yet, this one is heavier on the ambroxan.

Polo Blue EDT can usually be replaced well by Eternity Aqua by Calvin Klein. They are very similar and that can often be had for really cheap. But, then again, I’ve seen all the Polo’s on sale recently.

Winner: Deep Blue

Luna Rossa Carbon vs Ocean Comparison

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Luna Rossa has been a massively successful fragrance line for Italian brand, Prada. In 2021, it released its latest edition, Luna Rossa Ocean. The question then becomes, how does this latest cologne compare to some of the more popular ones before it? In this post, I am comparing Ocean to the popular, Carbon. Which smells best? Lasts longer?

Tale of the Tape: Ocean vs. Carbon

Luna Rossa Ocean

Notes include: bergamot, iris, pink pepper, artemisia, lavender, sage, suede, saffron, musk, vetiver, caramel, patchouli

Click here to try:  Luna Rossa Ocean at Macy’s

Luna Rossa Carbon

Notes include: lavender, ambroxan, metallic notes, pepper, patchouli, coal, bergamot

Click here to try: Prada Luna Rossa CARBON for Men Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 ounce

My Original Review: Luna Rossa Carbon

Opening

Luna Rossa Carbon opens up with a strong use of its citrus note, bergamot. Lavender, a light ambroxan, and the metallic aroma finish which gives it the name Carbon. It’s clean, citrus, then gives off a soapier vibe.

With Ocean, you get what I would call a ‘light blue’ impression. You get the same bergamot note. But, this time the lavender is toned down. It has a sweetness provided by a mix of tonka bean and caramel.

Smooth suede, powdery iris, really help to give off a fresh and aromatic aroma.  The iris is stronger than the lavender, in this one.

Smooth, sweet, spicy, but don’t expect an aquatic based on its name. Less of the ocean and something that would smell very pleasant while on the boat or shore.

Pink pepper is really coming through, at times. Artemisia? I really don’t pick up much, but there is some slight herbal bitterness there…if I stop and pay attention.

Which one is better? I really like the opening of Luna Rossa Ocean. It’s that absolute highlight of the cologne, to me. Very attractive and easy to wear. Familiar, while giving off its own style.

It has a great depth and sweetness that I completely enjoy.

Edge: Ocean

Projection

The two seem to open up at around the same upper level of moderate, with it how far they will project. Neither is a beast, but they are very noticeable by those around you, right after application.

Luna Rossa Ocean doesn’t hold up though. You get maybe 1-2 hours of decent projection, before it becomes super light. It’s kind of a bummer for something in this price range.

Meanwhile, Carbon is more consistent. Not a massive fragrance, it is just one that will stay steady and then slowly dissipate.  Easy win here.

Edge: Carbon

Longevity

With Luna Rossa Carbon, it has consistently performed well on my skin. I get over 8 hours of wear from it, sometimes in that 9-10 range. It sticks around and is overall a very solid scent, in this regard.

Ocean does have some performance issues. For me, it’s been 4-6 hours of total wear, during testing.

It is one that you’re going to have to spray like crazy in order to get decent longevity from it. Even with that, the last 2-3 hours are pretty much going to be sitting very close to the skin.

Edge: Carbon

Versatility

Both of these fragrances really do deliver value in terms of when you can wear each. They both fit in during pretty much all seasons. You can wear them casually, on a date, at work, or on formal occasions.

Mass pleasing for sure.

I think that I’d rather wear Ocean in the summer versus Carbon, but neither is strictly a hot wear wear.  These fragrances are daily wears for men of pretty much any age group.

I’m not sure that there is much of a distinction with these.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these colognes from Prada do I prefer?

If we were just going off of initial smell alone, I really prefer Luna Rossa Ocean. That opening act is fantastic and super pleasing to my nose. Carbon is cool, but Ocean gives me more.

The middle act is a fresh floral with notes like sage, coming through more. That initial caramel, will fade to a great extent.

But, the dry down is a pretty boring affair. Still nice, but you don’t get to enjoy the full experience thanks to its light sillage. It’s very floral, powdery, musky. Iris and lavender, a bit sweet, less ‘blue’ during this stage.

It still like it. But, I don’t like the performance. At full price? No, but I have already seen Ocean on sale that includes an extra travel sprayer. As such, I might still buy a bottle at some point. Just going to spray the hell out of it.

Carbon is just a bit better in terms of its consistency. I still like the way it smells, just not to the same extent. Plus, the performance is much better. It’s always been a better version of Sauvage.

I’ll probably own Ocean, but for most guys, Carbon would be the better play.

Phantom vs. Invictus Comparison

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Paco Rabanne has come out with some pretty unique and memorable fragrances for men, over the years. It’s 2021 release was called Phantom, which is presented in a metallic robot bottle. Interesting, but how does it compete with one of the brand’s best sellers, Invictus EDT?

Tale of the Tape: Invictus vs Phantom

Invictus

Notes include: grapefruit, sea notes, mandarin orange, bay leaf, jasmine

Read my review

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

Phantom

Notes include: lemon, lemon zest, lavender, patchouli, vetiver, apple, smoke, and more

Click here to try: Phantom by Paco Rabanne

phantom cologne review

Opening

Phantom opens up with lemon and apple giving it a juicy start.  The aroma is sweet and almost tropical, with how all of the notes come together. Under that, is lavender and vanilla, further pushing the aromatic creaminess.

That juicy citrus fruit opening will give way to a drier and earthy aroma. The juiciness fades, and patchouli will really start to come through along with an herbal sort of spice. It dirties it up, and yes, there is a touch of smoke.

Invictus opens with a citrusy candy-like aroma of a blend of orange and grapefruit notes. This is joined by an aquatic element, that gives it a summertime vibe.

Ambergris and bay leaf combine with the fruits and aquatic accord to give Invictus a sweet grape bubblegum sort of smell. Very blue-ish and watery, without giving off that oceanic sea water smell.

Which is better?

I’m going with Invictus. The initial fruity top of Phantom isn’t too bad, but that quickly goes away. That earthy, lavender, vanilla mix isn’t great. It feels thicker and heavier than Invictus, also. Meh.

Edge: Invictus

Projection

The projection for either can seem huge when first spraying, with those citrus notes and gourmand touches. But, it’s mostly an illusion.

Each of these is pretty moderate, from the start. I don’t think either is beast mode. Phantom quiets down sooner to something that sits closer, on my skin.

Ultimately, they hit about the same peak level of sillage. Neither is weak, but pretty decent on the whole.

Edge: Push

Longevity

With each of these colognes, I get about 6-7 hours. The Paco Rabanne line has had some long-lasting colognes over the years, but these are moderate.

Invictus was never a marathon runner for me. Phantom doesn’t seem to be either. It sticks around well enough, but doesn’t surpass its competitor.

Edge: Push

Versatility

I think that Invictus is better across all seasons than Phantom. Phantom works okay in warmer weather, but I think it smells better in the cold.

It’s been a mix of warm fronts and cold fronts this winter, as I’ve been testing Phantom, and it’s for sure more pleasing when it’s a bit chilly.

But, I don’t want to wear either in the very depths of winter. Invictus has more of a summer feel.

Both are more casual or daily wear or club scents for younger guys. Sure, some older men can wear these just fine, but that won’t be the target audience.

Other than that, they kind of fit the same bill. I’d give the edge to Invictus for the climate advantage.

Edge: Invictus

Overall Scent

Overall, I’m not a huge fan of either of these fragrances? Invictus, was one that I used to not really care for, but it did grow on me. Particularly, that opening act.

So, personally, I don’t want a full bottle of either.

Phantom is kind of a strange one. It’s familiar, but I can’t quite compare it to anything exactly. The opening that is citrusy and apple is pretty okay. I like the semi-tropical vibe that it puts out, when combining with the vanilla and lavender note.

The next phase, I enjoy much less. It becomes earthier with the lavender and a faint smokiness.

However, it then shifts to being lavender and vanilla dominate with a dry/grassy vetiver and the fruit notes seem to make a comeback. Just, at a much lower volume. Weird. If anything, it reminds me of the women’s YSL Libre series, stripped of the white floral notes.

I don’t hate Phantom, it just doesn’t really wow me in any way. Invictus can get boring after a while and I the dry down is probably its weakest point. Though, it will be my pick, because I like the citrus/aquatic start to it more than Phantom.

Phantom just isn’t very good, pretty forgettable, outside of the robot bottle.

Winner: Invictus

5 Best Bentley Colognes for Men

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Bentley is another of the car manufacturers, that have gotten into the fragrance game, over the past decade. The thing is, most of the auto company colognes, are actually at least pretty good. Bentley is one that has really come out with some strong releases, at very reasonable prices. In this post, I want to present a best of list from the brand, to help you find the right one.

What are the Best Smelling Bentley Fragrances?

Intense Boozy Spice

Bentley for Men Intense– Intense is like an old school bay rum fragrance, with a modern update. Spices, bay leaf, and rum are some of the main features in the early act of this Bentley cologne.

Really rum and cinnamon, with the bay leaf and pepper flanking that main accord. The leather and woods will really come on later to smooth this one out.

The cedar, wood, and incense come to prominence in that later act of this scent. Really fresh, leathery, amber, and a smokiness to it.

I like how it develops from more of a boozy spice to a sweeter leather, woods and resinous amber notes. It does have a strong sillage, especially during that first hour or so, but you get the performance at a low cost.

Masculine Amber Warmth

Bentley For Men ABSOLUTE Eau de Parfum EDP Spray 3.4 fl oz / 100ml, Multi– Absolute is another one, that like Intense, really goes for a bold aroma. Though, this one takes it in a bit of a different direction.

Amber and cedar are going to be the main drivers of this cologne, especially in the dry down phase. Early on, it really packs a punch with its spicy/peppery scent, that also gives off a fairly dense smokiness.

Later, it tones it down for something that is creamier, smoother, and warm. It’s woodiness adds a very dry layer to Bentley for Men Absolute.

Not going to be for everyone, as it’s a style that you’ll have to be into. Best in colder weather.

The Unique Floral

Bentley Black Edition by Bentley Eau De Parfum Spray for Men 3.4 Ounce– Black Edition is a pretty interesting scent, that is the most floral of the lot, and has a really nice and powdery violet note.

But, it’s also sweet up top with tangerine, spice, and an ambroxan aroma. The pink pepper and tangerine remind me of Guess Seductive, not in terms of smell, but just a similar warm sweetness in the opening.

Then, this will shift to becoming more earthy and woody. The powdery sweetness will stick around. But, there is a patchouli note that comes through, fresh cedar, and a dry mossy accord.

It’s a really interesting fragrance, sort of like a lot of colognes, but not quite exactly like any of them. I’m not a huge violet fan, but this I can make an exception for.

Mass Appeal Ambroxan and Lavender

Bentley Momentum Intense Men EDP Spray 3.4 oz– Momentum Intense is one of the brands more mass appealing fragrances. The lavender note is going to be the lead here, but I think that it is actually pretty balanced and doesn’t go too far into ‘lavender bomb’ territory.

It has a sweet aroma with a warm and resinous quality to it, with a hefty dose of amberwood/ambroxan in the base of the fragrance. I don’t find it to be super sugary or anything like that, but it does have quite sweet facets mixed with aromatic thanks to that lavender and fresh geranium.

Early on there is some spice, but the dry down is a light woods with that synthetic amber aroma and lavender. Not super complicated, but it is attractive enough, and something that is pretty easy to wear. Nice performance, not super beast mode, however.

Fresh Daily Wear

Bentley for Men Silverlake– Silverlake is a newer release from the brand. It draws a lot of comparisons to Acqua di Gio, which is pretty accurate. But, the question is which edition of that scent is it closest to? For me, it’s a mix. Also, it sort of stands on its own too.

It’s fresher and cooler than most AdG entries and none of the same aquatic notes. I can see, Essenza (based on memories) somewhat, but not quite (I think that’s been overplayed). The original AdG? Maybe. Less floral jasmine and juiciness overall.

Anyway, as a stand alone fragrance Bentley Silverlake this is more greenish fresh than anything blue-ish aquatic. Though, that is there to an extent. Mint and violet leaf play well off of the citrus top, consisting of lemon essence.

It’s cleaner and has a soapy-like quality to it. The performance is pretty darn good at this price point and it’s one that is easy to wear in a variety of situations.

5 Best Smelling Guess Colognes for Men

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When looking for new colognes to wear, it can be a very good idea to include several inexpensive options within your collection, just to have some nice and casual everyday wears. It can get really pricey to put on the top designers day after day. One brand that has a solid albeit limited line of cheap men’s fragrances is Guess.

Guess was a really popular fashion line, especially in the early 1990s but still produces colognes that can fill the void for those who need something to wear without dropping some serious coin. In this post, I want to present five cologne options from Guess that I think are the best smelling scents that they have released thus far.

What are the Best Smelling Guess Colognes?

Best Guess Fragrance

Guess Seductive Men Edt Spray, 3.4 Ounce– This is my favorite Guess cologne overall. I think that Seductive Blue smells a bit better, but it doesn’t perform nearly as well as the original. Seductive Homme has a warm amber sweetness with notes of pink pepper, musk, and orchid.

It kicks off with a nice mandarin orange note and the slight spice and warmth of cardamom. It is fairly cardamom heavy, in the initial phase of the wear. The sweet and spicy blend continues forward with the inclusion of the amber, musk, and light black pepper note.

As it dries down further, it becomes sweeter, with the additional orchid note coming through. Not super powerful, but strong enough to be noticed, and gets me 6-8 hours of wear. A great value buy. Read my full review

guess seductive homme review

Top Newer Release

Guess 1981 Los Angeles, 3.4 Oz– Plum and bergamot are the fruity notes here, which add a bit of sweetness to the opening act of 1981 Los Angeles. Beyond that, it is a fresh aromatic with spicy notes of pepper and ginger coming on early in the wear.

It’s fresh and cold at first with a pretty big dose of mint outshining the spices and geranium note. As it dries down, it will feel herbal and warm with an amber base. It retains its fresh spices, gains woodiness (vetiver and sandalwood), loses much of the fruity sweetness, but develops a powdery aroma which is actually pretty good.

Similar to Eros? Similar style, but not an exact match or anything. But, that’s the sort of fragrance you should expect, just toning down the boldness. Not the best performer on skin, but you get an initial strong sillage, and a decent enough longevity for the price.

Fresh Spice, Citrus/Amber

Guess By Marciano by Guess for Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4-Ounce– A more mature fragrance than the other Guess offerings. It’s got a mandarin orange note that isn’t summery like the one in Nautica Voyage, for example.

That note is pretty close to Seductive Homme. This is spicier and (smells) leathery and while it’s not my style, I’ll still have to call it one of their best.

Guess by Marciano is sort of like Seductive Homme, if it took the spicier route rather than the sweeter. You get the orange, amber, and pepper here. However, it also includes the freshness of ginger and sage.  The amber feels a bit more resinous, as well.

Nice performance and finishes things off with a somewhat woody base. I had a sample sprayer of this years back. While I wasn’t in love with it, I did finish using the cologne, and enjoyed aspects of it.

Fresh and Woodsy

Guess By Parlux Fragrances For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 2.5 Oz.– A woodsy and spicy scent that is a different fragrance from any of the others on this list. With notes like wormwood and fir, you know you’re getting something that is green and outdoorsy.

Yet, Guess Man is still quite fresh and feels very clean. This is another safe bet for everyday wear that won’t break the bank and gives decent performance. Guess is better for the cooler months of the year. It has a semi-aquatic feeling, at times, with an herbal finish and a nice sandalwood base.

Performance is just okay. Not a powerhouse, in terms of sillage or longevity. But, it can usually be had for super cheap, which can allow you to overlook its faults.

Clean, Powdery, and Attractive

Guess Seductive Homme Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, Blue, 3.4 Ounce– I loved this scent when I first smelled it and thought that I had another cheap daily wear to go to. It’s a powdery blend of spice and citrus highlighted by a cardamom note. Blue is fresh, aquatic, and pretty unique.

The aquatic elements sit in the background, but they are there, if your nose can discern them. It does have that powdery freshness, but it isn’t a heavy or overbearing kind of smell. It’s light and has a cold and warm push/pull, sort of sensation.

The performance of this one versus the original Guess Seductive, is quite stark. Aside from the fact, that they really don’t have much in common other than cardamom and some citrus. It just didn’t last on my skin, which is highly disappointing. Maybe, you’ll have better luck with it. Guess Seductive Homme Blue Review