Fragrances

Mandarino di Amalfi vs. Neroli Portofino

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In this edition of the head to head fragrance comparisons, I want to take a closer look at two Tom Ford perfumes, that utilize citrus and floral ingredients. These are: Neroli Portofino vs. Mandarino Di Amalfi. Which of these unisex scents is the better of the two? Which popular fragrance gives the best performance? Which is the top buy?

Tale of the Tape: Mandarino di Amalfi vs. Neroli Portofino

Neroli Portofino

Notes include: neroli, orange flower, amber, mandarin, bergamot, jasmine, lavender, lemon

Click here to try: Tom Ford Neroli Portofino 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray

Review: Neroli Portofino

Mandarino di Amalfi

Notes include: grapefruit, lemon, wildflowers, mint, tarragon, orange blossom, sage, amber, vetiver, basil, black pepper, black currant

Click here to try: Tom Ford Mandarino Di Amalfi Eau de Parfum, 1.7oz./50ml

Review: Mandarino Di Amalfi

Opening

Portofino opens up with lemon and other citrus notes to go along with orange blossom and the neroli. The top is a bright citrus smell with a zesty quality and floral notes sitting underneath and providing a soapy feeling.

The jasmine and neroli together, really give it that bath soap sort of smell. That’s fine and this is a good example of it. I like the citrus notes, but they aren’t as prominent as the floral trio.

Mandarino Di Amalfi opens up with lemon and grapefruit, which are juicier than what is found in Neroli Portofino. There is also an additional black currant note, which is familiar, but not overly sharp within this composition.

Under all of that, is basil, tarragon, and mint. It gives the composition a cool spice and a lighter soapy quality than its competitor.

Which is better? I like Mandarino better at the start. The juiciness of the citrus is better and the herbal spice gives it another dimension, then, just being a soapy floral.

The black currant adds a nice distinction here versus Portofino. Plus, those spicy herbal notes, give Mandarino di Amalfi some more depth early on.

Edge: Mandarino

Projection

Neroli Portofino’s sillage starts out as a moderate, but quickly moves into something that is much lighter. Meanwhile, Mandarino di Almalfi, has very solid projecting abilities for a citrus based scent. It isn’t insane or anything, but it is better than Neroli, in this regard.

Edge: Mandarino

Longevity

Neroli Portofino will hit the five to six hour mark of wear, on skin. If you’re willing to spray on fabric, you can of course get a bit more. It’s really not on of the marathon type of perfumes on the market.

Mandarino di Amalfi isn’t much better, if at all. It too seems to strike that six hour mark and be gone from my skin, thereafter.

In this category, the two are very evenly matched. I get about 5-6 with Neroli and about 6 with Mandarino. This is after plenty of testing of each. Neither are great, but are passable…just don’t expect beasts.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Again, these two pretty much occupy the same space. Spring and summer wears, that can go casual or dressy, during the daytime. They are unisex fragrances, that lean more feminine, than masculine. No real distinction.

With each, you’re going to get more of that coastal summertime outdoorsy vibe. No nightlife monsters, just attractive fragrances to wear during the warmer months.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Neither of these scents really wows me, at all. They’re nice, but just not amazing. Neroli Portofino is a very simple perfume with citrus top note, neroli, and orange blossom.

Later on, it becomes even more floral, with lavender and jasmine coming in. Clean, bright, soapy, floral. Pleasant to wear and won’t offend.

Mandarino Di Amalfi, doesn’t reach some rarefied air, but I think that it is better than Neroli Portofino. The opening citrus is better, then the herbal spice brings in a different dynamic (also does it better than Neroli Portofino Forte), and then you get orange blossom and wildflower.

The floral element smells better to me in Mandarino, as well, and goes well with the green herbals.

Obviously, if you’re a super fan of neroli, you may have your leanings for Portofino. To me, I think the citrus, less soapy aroma of Amalfi is the better of the two.

The performance is pretty good, but not great. I like Mandarino and during parts of the wear, I thoroughly enjoy it, it just never brings it all together. However, it wins this Tom Ford perfume match up.

Winner: Mandarino Di Amalfi

Acqua di Gio vs Sauvage Cologne Comparison

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In this post, I am going to do a head to head comparison of two of the most popular men’s releases of the past 20 years: Acqua di Gio vs. Sauvage EDT. Which is better, the Dior or the Armani cologne? Which has better performance? Which is a better buy? I am going to break down this comparison into different categories and declare an ultimate winner. Also, I have linked my original reviews of each below.

Tale of the Tape: AdG vs Sauvage EDT

Sauvage EDT

Notes include: Bergamot, Ambroxan, Sichuan Pepper, lavender, pink pepper, and more

Click here to try: Sauvage by Chrisitan Dior Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce

Read my review: Sauvage EDT Review

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 

Opening

The opening of Sauvage is a blast of Sichuan pepper and some pretty sharp bergamot. Add to that, a layer of lavender. It can be quite intense during the opening act. The ambroxan is noticeable at the start, but gets stronger as it moves forward.

The bergamot and pepper does pack a punch upon initial spraying. To me, it becomes much more tolerable later on.

Meanwhile, Acqua di Gio, starts with plenty of juicy citrus from bergamot and tangerine among other notes. Plus, it has an oceanic breeziness about it, from the inclusion of the marine notes.

There are floral notes throughout AdG’s wear, but jasmine is the most noticeable one at the start and softens the composition. The jasmine and the sea notes have always played wonderfully off of the juicy citrus top.

In the last sample of Acqua di Gio I had, the jasmine really stood out and made for an enjoyable experience.

Which do I prefer? I’m not a big fan of the Sauvage EDT’s opening, it kind of bothers my nose, but it gets better. I do enjoy the citrus opening of Acqua di Gio and its now classic aquatic sensibility.

So, Acqua di Gio can still bring it after all these years.

Edge: AdG

Projection

Sauvage opens up pretty strong and maintains that for quite a while, but ultimately settles into a moderate sillage cologne.

Acqua di Gio is moderate throughout, it never gets to the same level as the Dior, though. AdG isn’t weak, just a decent performer.

Update: Newer Acqua di Gio bottles are moderate and then become softer, as it moves along. The performance isn’t the same. Not terrible, just no longer what it was. Sauvage has the clear edge.

Edge: Sauvage

Longevity

Suavage EDT can last anywhere from 6-9 hours on my skin and it seems to depend on the humidity, that particular day. It’s solid, but not spectacular for me. AdG is a 6-7 hour wear, solid, but usually not to the same extent as Sauvage.

Update: Sauvage is mostly in the 7+ hour range, it will usually exceed the six hour floor. Acqua di Gio, is more in the 4-6 hour range, nowadays.

Edge: Sauvage

Versatility

Both of these scents are very versatile in their applications. They are good casually and can always be worn dressed up. Both have mass appeal and sexiness. I’ve gotten complements wearing each of these colognes before.

Updating this post, I do think AdG is more versatile. I think it can fit into formal environments a bit better, even if it’s not a completely dressy fragrance.

Edge: AdG

Overall Scent

These are obviously two of the most popular men’s fragrances on the market. Update: Sauvage is currently the best selling scent in the world. It’s everywhere

Sauvage EDT is a good fragrance, it’s never been my favorite, but I could enjoy wearing it. It uses bergamot, pepper, and ambroxan in conjunction quite well and kicked off a trend.

The dry down is better than the opening act, in my opinion. Once the initial sharpness and spice is toned down, it really begins to shine more. Later releases in the series, did a much better job with the balance.

The performance is still better than Acqua di Gio, but I don’t think the actual scent is.

Acqua di Gio, has been a mega hit for Armani, and it started a trend of similar fragrances after it was released. I loved the citrus aquatic nature of this scent and the woody base.

The jasmine, sea notes, and blend of citrus with a lime and orange aroma is still great. The performance has gone down hill over the years. But, bottles are pretty affordable and the actual aroma is still awesome.

It is very fresh and pleasing to wear. Which is better? I prefer Acqua di Gio, I’d still rather wear it over Sauvage EDT, almost any day of the week.

If we were talking about the vintage Armani formulation, Acqua di Gio would win hands down. As it is, I still give it the win.

Keeping that in mind, I would choose AdG Profumo ahead of it. I’d also pick Sauvage EDP over either of the comparison scents or heck even, Luna Rossa Carbon would get the nod. There are so many, ‘if you like Sauvage try’ colognes out there, that there are seemingly endless alternatives.

Winner: Acqua di Gio

6 Fragrances that Smell Similar to Virgin Island Water

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There are plenty of great options from the Creed line of fragrances, for both men and women. Virgin Island Water is one of, if not, the most popular option from the brand for wear during the summer months. People really enjoy the coconut, lotion, boozy aromas that this scent delivers.

However, there is the factor of the Creed expense. VIW isn’t cheap, so, folks start to look for alternatives which may be. In this post, I want to cover scents which smell similar to VIW and at least deliver a somewhat like experience.

What Scents Smell Similar to Creed Virgin Island Water?

Lime, Sea Air, and Booze

Tommy Bahama St. Barts Men Cologne,3.4 Fl Oz– This one is often cited as a less expensive alternative to Creed’s Virgin Island Water (without coconut). Set Sail St. Barts starts things off with its sea notes and an intense lime aroma. The lime here, is much more prevalent than in the Creed scent.

While I do feel that this Tommy Bahama fragrance has plenty of overlap with VIW, they are both distinct colognes, and not the same as one another. Our lime note, is also paired with a guava note, giving it a very tropical smelling citrus smell. I thoroughly enjoy the lime note here.

The lime will fade, however, the fragrance gets a boozy boost of agave with sea salt and palm wood flanking it. Very fresh and clean, with a creamy lotion quality, that is ultimately different from Virgin Island.  St. Barts Full Review

Closest Caribbean

Caribbean Waters Dua– As far as cheaper similar styled, Caribbean Waters by Dua, is as close as you’re going to find currently. This one still has the coconut and the boozy aspects, from a similar rum note.

However, the rum note here, is much rougher and doesn’t have nearly that same smooth quality as does our target Creed fragrance. The lime note is nice up top and gets paired with a very clean tropical coconut aroma. Together, with a hint of sugar and the rum, is quickly turns into a cocktail-like scent that brings about thoughts of the Caribbean.

Caribbean Waters can be a difficult fragrance to find at times (gets sold out), and I’ve been seeing prices, hovering in the $50-60 range still. Not a super cheapie, but it does a decent job at being close to Virgin Island Water.

Caribbean Blend

Gone Swimming in Caribbean Waters– So, this is another version of the Dua Brand’s perfume. I purchased a full bottle of this one, and I have to say, it’s great.

Gone Swimming blends inspirations of Afternoon Swim by Louis Vuitton with our Creed fragrance. The pair combined create a fantastic summer wear. You get lime, other citrus notes, coconut, rum, cane sugar.

The opening leans more towards Afternoon Swim, but overall, the scent becomes pretty balanced between the two. The longevity and sillage are both great, with 2-4 sprays total. If you want something based on Virgin Island Water, but given a remix; Gone Swimming is one to for sure check out.

I’ll be wearing this one all summer.

Fruitier and Aquatic

Bond No. 9 Coney Island Eau De Parfums Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Coney Island is somewhere on the spectrum between Set Sail St. Barts and VIW. I’d say that it’s closer to the former, but has a connection to what we’re targeting.

It’s more aquatic, but Coney Island does bring its booze soaked, elements to the forefront at times during the wear.

This one starts off with melon and a blend of citrus, to go along with its oceanic accord. It’s cold with a tequila-like finish. Citrus, guava, and melon with a fine layer of salty breeze. It’s very much a cocktail fragrance, with underlying woody notes, during the end of the wear.

This one, isn’t a fragrance to spray on everyday, but can be an upbeat wear for chill days during the summertime. Sort of niche and limited, while having its positive qualities.

Citrus and Tequila

Kenneth Cole Vintage Black– Vintage Black is another one, that is closer to Set Sail St. Barts, but shares a similar category to VIW. This one doesn’t have coconut, nor does it contain oceanic notes.

What is it? A sharp citrus spray with tequila booze soaked cleanliness, that dries down into a lavender/woody mix. The lime and grapefruit, give a similar experience, as to what we’re looking for.

We just happen to thing things, in a non-island smelling direction. This is a version more akin to an urban environment, rather than, sitting on the beach.

Coconut, Floral, Without Rum

Hawaii Volcano 30ML (Alexandria Fragrances) There is actually an Intense version of this fragrance, as well, that is spicier and contains the rum note. Hawaii Volcano is the one for those, who want a fruitier, less spicy scent.

This one is also pretty darn close to Virgin Island Water. You do get the great coconut scent from this one, with a sugary finish, and again not the rum.

It is pretty straightforward and doesn’t develop all that much. But if you want a lime and coconut blend, with hints of floral notes underneath, this is definitely a cheaper option.

Bleu de Chanel EDT vs Dior Sauvage

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I have already done some comparison posts between the various flanker editions to these fragrances. However, I never got around to doing the comparison post between the original best sellers. Chanel vs Dior, their top EDT product. Which is better? Bleu de Chanel vs Sauvage EDT? Which lasts longer? Which is the top buy?

Tale of the Tape: Bleu de Chanel vs. Sauvage

Sauvage EDT

Notes include: Bergamot, Ambroxan, Sichuan Pepper, lavender, pink pepper, and more

Click here to try: Sauvage by Chrisitan Dior Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce

Read my review: Sauvage EDT Review

Bleu de Chanel EDT

Notes include: lemon, grapefruit, ginger, mint, pink pepper, incense, cedar, vetiver, patchouli, jasmine, and more

Click here to try: Bleu De_Chanel for Men Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4oz NEW in BOX 

Opening

The opening of Sauvage is a sharp and somewhat spicy blend of Sichuan pepper and bergamot. The citrus note can be pretty intense when blended with the spice of the pepper. This is later calmed by the emergence of the prevalent ambroxan note, as well as, lavender.

Up top, it really is about that bergamot note and the pepper. Personally, I prefer the smell once the pepper has had time to burn off.

Bleu de Chanel EDT also opens up with its citrus ingredients. In this case, lemon and grapefruit. For spice, you get in the opening a blend of: ginger, mint, and pink pepper.

To my nose, the ginger is the largest contributor to the composition. Not to mention, the inclusion of smoky incense. Though, up top, that isn’t all that powerful.

I will say, in some bottles I’ve encountered, the mint can come across as the stronger note ahead of the ginger. I really depends on the blend.

Which is better? I’ve never been a fan of how Sauvage EDT starts off. Not that I hate it, just not my cup of tea. Bleu de Chanel does a much better job of being more balanced. Plus, I just think that the aroma smells more attractive.

BdC doesn’t have the same level of harshness that I can get from Sauvage and that Sichuan pepper note.

Edge: Bleu

Projection

For me, Sauvage EDT starts off pretty darn strong. The sillage will create a nice perimeter around you, but it does become a more moderate scent, during the rest of the wear.

Yet, it is one that you could indeed overspray, especially during its early phases. It was never a complete powerhouse throughout, however.

Bleu EDT? For me, it is a moderate sillaged fragrance, for the entirety. It never feels like it would take over a room, but it isn’t weak, either. Subtlety with some limited range. Sauvage is the stronger of the two. 

Bleu just never hits the same levels and is softer for most of the latter wear in comparison.

Edge: Sauvage

Longevity

Sauvage EDT lasts anywhere from 7-9 hours, on my skin. The exact time, will be dependent on the particular climate conditions that day. 

BdC will go in the 5-7 hour range, usually. It can be equal to Sauvage, at times, but ultimately doesn’t have the same level of staying power.

Older bottles of Bleu de Chanel could do better than the current incarnation. It’s upper end is currently about what you get with the Dior.

Edge: Sauvage

Versatility

Bleu de Chanel is one of the most versatile fragrances out there. It can go from the office, to a date, to nightlife, to formal, and anywhere in between. It smells nice, is attractive, and doesn’t ever really feel out of place.

With Sauvage, it does have good versatility also. However, it can have a more youthful vibe than the Chanel, and doesn’t fit into office or formal wear nearly to the same extent.

Climate wise, this strike the same chord. Both are better in warmer weather, but can go year round.

Edge: Bleu

 

Overall Scent

So, in terms of the categories presented, these two colognes have been pretty evenly split. Though, which one is ultimately a better wear?

Sauvage has become an insanely popular option for guys, even more so than BdC, when it was released years earlier. I’m not a great fan of how this fragrance starts off, but it does get better, in my mind.

The lavender and ambroxan calm things down. Particularly, the ambroxan, and the pepper gets less intense. With a calmer bergamot and ambroxan pairing, Sauvage is a nice wear. You get really good performance and a wide range of potential circumstances in which to wear it.

However, I think Bleu de Chanel smells better. Between, these two EDT’s that’s my pick. Personally, I think the EDP versions of each, are better than either of these two. Although, the EDT versions are the best sellers.

Bleu de Chanel is very fresh and clean, with a lovely ginger note, and a nice additional smokiness. Then later on in the composition, cedar and vetiver, give it an addition boost of smooth freshness/woodiness.

It is the kind of fragrance that could potentially be, the only one a man wears. Overall, it is just superior to Sauvage. I don’t think Sauvage is terrible, by any means.

It is pretty solid all around, even if it has become overplayed in the past decade. Actually, both have been copied to death, but there are too many Dior Sauvage inspired perfumes on the market to even count. To be fair, there are plenty of supposed Bleu de Chanel substitutes too.

Winner: Bleu de Chanel

Prada Luna Rossa vs Luna Rossa Sport Comparison

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I’m back with another head to head match up, to determine which is the best fragrance from the Luna Rossa line: Luna Rossa vs. Sport. I’ve already compared each scent to Carbon and these two came out as the winners. Now it’s time to pick between my two favorite Luna Rossa’s. Does the original smell better or does Sport exceed its predecessor?

Tale of the Tape: Luna Rossa vs. Sport

Luna Rossa

Notes include:  lavender, sage, spearmint, ambrette, ambroxan, and bitter orange

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

My Review: Luna Rossa Review

Luna Rossa Sport

Notes include: vanilla, lavender, tonka bean, juniper berries, ginger

Click here to try: Prada Luna Rossa SPORT Eau de Toilette Spray 3.4 oz

Read my review: Luna Rossa Sport Review

Opening

Luna Rossa opens up powered by bitter orange to give the fragrance its citrus tone. It is blended with calming lavender and a refreshingly cool spearmint note, that adds a nice contrast to the bright citrus.

I like how bright and great the bitter orange blends with that fresh spearmint note. It honestly has a sporty aroma of its own.

Sport gives you an enveloping opening of tonka bean, lavender, and vanilla. It has some juniper berries, but lacks the citrus burst of the original. It’s actually really clean and fresh.

Which do I prefer? Ehhhh, it’s a tough call because they both share that lavender note, but I tend to lean toward Sport, as the tonka and vanilla combination is more appealing than the bitter orange. Even if I do thoroughly enjoy the spearmint kick in the original.

Edge: Sport

Projection

Neither of these fragrances have huge sillage. The radius of each is going to stick close to the person that is wearing it. Luna Rossa is on the lighter side, it is a moderate fragrance, but sticks toward the more airy end of the spectrum.

Initially, it seems much more loud, mostly due to that sharp citrus opening. Luna Rossa will settle down.

Sport isn’t heavy either, but it is pretty much a typical moderate, and has more projection than does its Prada compadre. It sustains it better, at least.

Edge: Sport

Longevity

With both of these scents, I can hit the 6-8 hour range. Sport is stronger, but it doesn’t last any longer than the original. No winner here.

Both of them are solid, for what they are. But, neither are going to be all-day marathon type of wears.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Again, both of these colognes match up well in terms of when they can be worn. Luna Rossa is pretty much a year round fragrance and has a better ability to hold up in the heat and humidity of summer than does Sport. Sport doesn’t completely fall apart or anything, it’s just not as good in those months.

Each can be worn casually, at the office, or in a more formal environment. Sport is probably better for date nights or evenings spent out on the town.

I’m tempted to give the edge to Luna Rossa, but it’s really not clear cut at all.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

These are the two best Prada Luna Rossa fragrances that have been released, in my opinion. Which one is better?

Luna Rossa is a very simple fragrance. Clean, bright, and quite linear in its presentation. It’s a light and inoffensive cologne, that can be worn pretty much whenever. I like the citrus, lavender, and mint blend but it can feel kind of boring at times.

Luna Rossa Sport is the best, in my opinion. The creamy tonka bean/vanilla paired with the lavender is the main attraction, but, it doesn’t stop there. Ginger adds a spicy undertone, which keeps it interesting, and juniper gives it a touch of fruit.

It like, the original, is really crisp and fresh. Sport just took it to a higher level.

My rankings for the Luna Rossa lineup. 1. Sport. 2. Luna Rossa. 3. Carbon.

I’ve worn all of them a dozen times or more and I keep coming back to the same conclusion. I do, however, waver between these two. Some days, I’m feeling Luna Rossa more, but mostly it’s Sport that takes the crown.

When I’m not in the mood for tonka bean, that’s usually when I’d reach for the original. I just slight prefer the flanker to the first one.

Winner: Luna Rossa Sport