Fragrances

6 Best Smelling Tommy Bahama Colognes

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Tommy Bahama fragrances tend to stick to a maritime theme, as the brand image would suggest. Over the past decade plus, they have launched new scents consistently, and have put out some enjoyable fragrances that represent a quite casual and carefree lifestyle.

For this post, I want to explore six colognes from this line, which I consider to be the best and you can still readily find. I have updated this post, to include some newer releases, and to get rid of some that are no longer available.

What are the Best Tommy Bahama Fragrances for Men?

Best Overall Tommy Bahama Scent

Tommy Bahama St. Kitts Eau De Cologne Spray for Him, 3.4 Ounce– Keeps up with the aquatic theme of the Set Sail line but takes on fruitier notes. Star Fruit and citrus are the opening stars to go along with a nice salty sea water note and the underlying masculinity of cedar.

You get orange, lime, and the star fruit notes. This sits on an aquatic accord, with a salty aroma. Very light woods give St. Kitts a bit more substance, but overall, its a very simple and refreshing wear for the warmer climates.

This one is closest to St. Barts, in terms of smell, but comes across as less boozy/creamy. Sweet, fruity, with a tropical chill permeating the entire composition. St. Kitts Full Review

Simple, Clean, Musky

Tommy Bahama Martinique Men Cologne, 3.4 Fl Oz– I really wasn’t much of a fan of this stuff at first, but I must say that it’s grown on me as a casual option. An aquatic/sea water aroma with lavender, citrus, and a dose of musk. I think that it settles in nicely and works well in the warm weather.

It opens up with blue lavender and a nice sharp bergamot. It isn’t overly sharp, as the aquatic notes and lavender temper the citrus a bit. The sea breeze notes are salty, but not super intense. Then, you get a musk and pepper note, to round things out.

However, the main part of this is lavender and musk. It turns into a suntan lotion-like scent, floating in a sea breeze/sea weed. The sillage is light to moderate, but you get some pretty good longevity here.  Set Sail Martinique Review

Top New Release

Maritime Journey– I got the chance to spray this one on at the store, but haven’t had enough experience with it to do a full review. Update: Here it is.  However, I think it is good enough to make the list.

Maritime Journey has some light fruitiness from apple, a very crisp and somewhat cold sensation. This is offset by fresh cedar, warm cardamom, and dry oakmoss.

It is more of a fresh woods, than a tropical fragrance like some of the others, but with a light spiciness to go along.

Nice Citrus Aquatic Fragrance

Tommy Bahama St. Barts Men Cologne,3.4 Fl Oz– Often compared as a poor man’s version of Creed’s Virgin Island Water (sans coconut), Set Sail St. Barts opens up with a blast of lime and sea notes that transforms into a boozy lotion, that makes you feel as if you’re right on the beach. I think that this and VIW have similarities but they strike me almost completely differently.

The lime note and sea notes, are also joined by guava, giving Set Sail St. Barts, a truly tropical aroma. It’s salty, with a very juicy citrus profile, that is quite intriguing. I really do love this lime note.

Once that opening act fades, you get palm wood with sea salt spray, and agave. Like a clean shot of tequila, while sitting on an island. Fresh and creamy summer wear, that I can get 6-7 hours with, when I go heavier on the sprays. St. Barts Full Review

Best Fresh Spice Scent

Tommy Bahama Very Cool Eau De Cologne Spray for Men 3.4oz– Ginger and citrus notes are the main players here. This is another one that took time for me to really appreciate. It’s a nice, slightly spicy smell for casual use.

It’s masculine with a light touch. Wish it lasted longer but nothing a few extra sprays wouldn’t fix.

Very Cool opens up with the ginger being the star, it is joined by nutmeg, and paprika. Unlike the other fragrances here, the citrus notes sit underneath the ginger spice, and it doesn’t have that oceanic quality.

As it moves along, the citrus notes do come out more, and it’s kind of a 50/50 split with the spice. Together, it is a soft and cool spice, almost powdery how it comes across. Nice freshie to spray on, casually. Very Cool Full Review

Fresh Aromatic Woody Cologne

Maritime Deep Blue– Maritime Deep Blue is a good release from Tommy Bahama, but it’s not as unique as other offerings from the brand. This is fairly closely related to Eternity Aqua and Polo Blue, in terms of smell.

This one has less of the citrus or aquatic elements of those colognes, but with more woodsy notes. The citrus is still quite prevalent, but not to the same intensity, in my experience.

It’s base has a certain dryness to it, with a really solid juniper note, which is the main distinction from the Polo Blue’s of the world. Maritime Deep Blue Review

Guess Seductive Homme by Guess

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I first came across Guess Seductive Homme, many years ago, while shopping at my local Target. Immediately, I really enjoyed the scent, and purchased a bottle for myself. In fact, this sweet Guess fragrance, was one of the first that I ever reviewed on this site back when it launched.

Every so often, I come back to this post to update the review, and expand upon my thoughts on this scent.  This is the latest incarnation. Also see: Guess Seductive Homme vs. Seductive Homme Blue

What does Guess Seductive Homme Smell Like?

guess seductive homme review

Try it here: Guess Seductive Men Edt Spray, 3.4 Ounce


Notes include: Cardamom Milk, Pink Pepper, Orchid, Mandarin orange, Patchouli, Amber, Sandalwood, And Musk.

My Full Review

The opening of Guess Seductive Homme is warm and smooth. The top features a mandarin orange note which gives off the juicy citrus aroma and it is joined initially by cardamom milk. Now, this cardamom is more inline with Villain by Ed Hardy, rather than what is found in The One by D&G.

The mandarin orange note is paired extremely well here with the other notes, especially for such a low cost cologne option. It can come together quite balanced, but I’ve always really dug that sweet juiciness up top.

It’s a slight spice with a very clear and upbeat citrus scent that is also flanked by the emerging pink pepper note, which becomes more noticeable as the cologne moves along.

After about ten minutes or so, the warmth becomes more enveloping as the amber takes its place as the main note along with a slight musky tinge. It is such a great blend of sweet and spicy. The sweetness is unique and the spicy isn’t overpowering, just warm and inviting.

None of the spice notes have that sharp black pepper vibe, pink pepper is much more mellow, as is patchouli and cardamom milk.

Seductive is just that, a seductive fragrance. It is not one that is feminine in its charms, rather, it is fresh and masculine. Although, there is a definite floral aspect to this cologne from the orchid note. The orchid isn’t overpowering but it does do an excellent job in support of the other aromas.

The drydown is so sweet and the whole composition become blended together, to create an aroma that is rather unique in the fragrance game. There’s a reason why this one has caught on to be a best seller, in this very affordable price range.

Finally, Guess Seductive Homme, ends its life cycle with a lightly musky amber, pink pepper, and a fruity air. Still retaining its warmth and glowing appeal.

It’s so clean and fresh without having a sporty vibe about it at all. Seductive Homme is reserved and workman-like with ability to stay close to the skin.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Seductive Homme is moderate. It actually works very well on my skin compared to some of the other offerings from Guess. It isn’t a beast or anything but it is much better than a skin scent.

It could always project itself in the 4-6 foot range, at its peak, on my skin. Not insanely impressive, though, quite useful.

I get good longevity out of this Guess cologne as well. 6-8 hours isn’t a problem to achieve at all and this is where the Blue version of Seductive fell apart.

Update: Newer bottles, are supposedly a bit weaker from what I’ve read. I haven’t experienced them, but that 6-8 hours was always very consistent for my old bottle.

I like this as a winter scent mainly although it does have year round wear capabilities. I’ve worn it in the summer and it held up decently, not great, but it wasn’t a slouch either. Seductive Homme is versatile in its uses, I’ve worn it both casually and out at night on dates. It works across the board.

Nowadays, I tend to wear it to the gym or just running errands around town. It’s a younger man’s fragrance, but I still have some of a bottle left, and I definitely like to spray it on from time to time.

Does it receive complements? Yes, I have gotten them often with this one. However, understand that it isn’t a loud or overpowering fragrance, and so it’ll usually come when someone is in close proximity to you.

It was always nice to wear this scent to a night out at the bar back in college during the winter time. That’s usually when it got noticed the most by women.

If you’re going to wear it during the summer, I’d probably do nights only. Heat and humidity aren’t amazing with this formulation. It’s much less enjoyable in that sort of climate.

Overall Impressions of Guess Seductive Homme

Overall, I am very happy with my experience with Guess Seductive. It is a warm, crisp, long-lasting, and great smelling cologne for men that is available for an inexpensive price. What more could you want from it?

I enjoy the citrus, fresh spiciness, and inclusion of saffron and amber. It does have a pretty unique mix, especially when it was released. To me, it’s really reached classic status in this price point. Is it the most incredible scent? No, but it really shines versus comparable colognes, and gives you something worthwhile.

I’m glad that I picked up a bottle of this for under $20 and much like a fragrance such as Nautica Voyage, it greatly exceeds its price in what you get in return.

It’s not nearly as well-made as many of the higher end designer scents out there, but Seductive Homme delivers a unique a deliciously sweet experience, for a third of the price. It’s still one of the better ‘cheapies’ on the market and probably will be for quite a long time.

Even if the newer bottles don’t have the same level of performance (and I’m not sure that’s the case), it’s still a solid option for those in the market.

Dior Sauvage vs Prada Luna Rossa Carbon Comparison

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For today’s head to head cologne comparison, I am going to do two popular fragrances from higher end European designers: Sauvage by Dior and the flanker fragrance by Prada, Luna Rossa Carbon. Which of these scent’s smells the best? Which one lasts longer? What are the differences? Which one should you buy?

Tale of the Tape: Carbon vs. Sauvage EDT

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

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

Opening

Now, these two scents often get compared to one another and for good reason, they are extremely similar on the surface. For me, the similarity is most obvious when first applying, and up through maybe the one hour mark.

The notes that these two fragrances share are the ambroxan, lavender, pepper, and bergamot at the beginning. Sauvage opens with much more of an ambery scent that is covered by a sharp citrus note.

While, Luna Rossa Carbon has a strong bergamot note, it doesn’t have the same intensity as the Sauvage and the ambroxan isn’t as prominent. There is also a bit of a metallic note to Carbon, as the name would suggest, but it’s not too strong. Mostly, the bergamot fades and you get a soapy emergence of lavender.

Between the two, I think I like Luna Rossa Carbon’s opening a bit more. It still has the freshness and the citrus but it doesn’t come across as sharp or in your face.

Edge: Carbon

Projection

Neither one of these scents are complete monsters in terms of their sillage. However, I think because Sauvage has that sharper citrus, it seems to fill a room more than the more moderate Prada fragrance.

Luna Rossa Carbon isn’t weak, it just seems much more subdued than does the Dior. The lavender has that effect and it is much more prevalent in Carbon.

Sauvage for sure has the edge earlier on in the wear. After that, the gap does close somewhat, but Dior takes this round.

Edge: Sauvage

Longevity

Sauvage gives me 8+ hours of wear, as does Luna Rossa Carbon. Again, Sauvage projects stronger throughout than does Carbon, but the Prada cologne is still present.

Update: A few years following this initial post, I do feel like I get more of a consistent wear from Carbon. It’s been like clockwork, whereas Sauvage, sometimes doesn’t last well on my skin for some reason.

The longevity is still about the same most of the time, just the consistency isn’t always there with Sauvage EDT. Sauvage has more sillage and can last longer, it doesn’t always do it. But, that could just my personal experience.

Edge: Push

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. Neither scent has an advantage here.

These fragrances are daily wears for men of pretty much any age group. I would say I would rather wear Luna Rossa Carbon in a formal situation, but unless that’s an everyday occurrence, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Sauvage is a best seller for a reason, it’s easy to wear and has mass appeal. Carbon replicates this in its own way.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I think for most people, the decision between these two fragrances would come down to the price. I will say, if you can get one significantly cheaper than the other, go with that scent.

These scents can smell extremely similar at times, from a distance, and most people won’t know which you’re actually wearing.

For me, neither of these scents is a personal favorite of mine. However, I’ve been liking Luna Rossa Carbon a bit more, and I think that’ll be my winner. It does have more of a lavender aroma to it than does Sauvage, so, if that’s not your thing go with the Dior.

Update: I originally wrote this comparison a few years ago. Since then, Carbon has become by far the better fragrance, in my mind. I couldn’t stand wearing Sauvage EDT, the last time.

I prefer other Luna Rossa fragrances to Carbon and Sauvage EDP, is way better than the EDT. The eau de parfum version is an amazing scent. Much more balanced and deeper.

Personally, I don’t plan on wearing either Carbon or Sauvage EDT, in the future. But, if I have to pick it’s Carbon without question. It feels more balance to me, less of that opening citrus pop, and a nice subtlety with the lavender and metallic note.

Still, Sauvage sells more bottles than Prada, so I guess most people don’t know about Carbon or choose to ignore it. Also, there’s a ton of smell-a-likes of Sauvage, looking to get a piece of its success…here’s that list Fragrances similar to Sauvage.

Winner: Carbon

Gucci Guilty EDT vs. Parfum

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Gucci keeps coming out with new versions of their Guilty line. Some, are wildly different from the originals. While others, share a pretty similar overall vibe. Guilty Pour Homme Parfum, falls in that latter category. So, with that being the case, how does Parfum compare to the original EDT? Which lasts longer? Smells better?

Tale of the Tape: Guilty EDT vs Parfum?

Gucci Guilty

Notes include: lemon, orange blossom, lavender, patchouli, cedar, pink pepper, neroli

Click here to try: Guilty By Gucci EDT spray for Men, 3 Ounce

Read my original review: Gucci Guilty

Guilty Parfum

Notes include: juniper, orange flower, cistus, lavender, nutmeg, lemon, patchouli, musk

Click here to try: Guilty Pour Homme Parfum by Gucci (Macy’s)

Opening

Gucci Guilty opens up with a blend of lemon, pink pepper, and lavender. It’s a light, warm, and calming fragrance with added base notes of cedar and patchouli.

While it feels basic, it’s actually fairly unique in how it comes across when compared to other scents. At least when compared with non-Guilty fragrances.

With Guilty Parfum, you get a fresh and aromatic fragrance early on. The lemon is more peel than juicy fruit. It has a colder and woodsier feeling versus EDT. The juniper and nutmeg, really are pretty dominant at the opening stages, on my skin.

Which is better? I like EDT. It’s quite nice to smell. Straightforward and attractive.

But, I prefer the opening of Parfum more so. It’s a better mix, with some more depth, and a different profile. Plus, I like that juniper and nutmeg blend.

Edge: Parfum

Projection

Comparing an EDT to a Parfum, it’s pretty clear that the latter should have the greater sillage, just based on the perfume concentration. Parfum, for sure does. But, it isn’t a total beast, however.

Guilty EDT is moderate for the first few hours of the wear. Then, it will be pretty light and airy for the rest of the way. Not a huge performer, but it generally stays above skin scent level right up until the end.

With Guilty Parfum, it hits the upper end of the moderate range. Not massive, but it will project itself 4-6 feet for a while. Then, it too will begin to lighten up after a few hours. Still, it maintains more than Guilty and reaches a higher high.

Edge: Parfum

Longevity

Guilty EDT isn’t a workhorse. Anytime that I’ve used it, I’ve only gotten 5-6 hours of wear from it. It’s pretty average and doesn’t simply disappear. But, it’s not something that keeps going.

Is Parfum better? Yes, but it’s longevity is in the 7-8 hour range. Solid, but it also isn’t a complete performer. 7-8 hours is good and about what I would expect with something like this.

Parfum has the clear edge here. 

Edge: Parfum

Versatility

Both of these are extremely versatile. They can be worn nearly year round…accepting the hottest and coldest days. Both are great daytime wears, with the ability to handle the nightlife. 

These two Guilty fragrances are kind of no-brainers. Not the most formal occasions, but fit in fairly well most other places.

But, I think that Parfum has more maturity in comparison. Older guys can enjoy it, as well as younger ones, who are more the target audience for EDT. Very easy to wear, either way, but Parfum gets the nod.

Edge: Parfum

 

Overall Scent

Gucci Guilty EDT has always been something that I liked, but never really had much attraction to wear. I’ve always preferred its flankers.

It is a simple and clean fragrance, that is a good go to for a wide variety of situations. The main focus is simple and are the lemon, lavender, and pink pepper note.

It has a slight woody/earthiness to the aroma, but also some nice floral sweetness. By no means a bad one, just nothing that jumps out.

Guilty Pour Homme Parfum? It’s a very good scent. Not a complete classic, but one that I’ve enjoyed wearing in this short time since its release. It’s just an across the board better cologne than the original EDT.

It has similarities to Guilty Intense, but even feels like an improvement upon that. You get balance between citrus, freshness, floral notes, and woodsiness in the dry down. I just like wearing it more so than the original. Plus, better performance.

It’s a clean sweep for Parfum.

Winner: Parfum

5 Best Smelling Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Fragrances

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L’homme Ideal has gained a ton of adherents to the fragrance line, for almost a full decade now. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to pick one out, if you don’t want to invest in the entire line. In this post, I want to break down my top five colognes that have been released thus far by Guerlain. Hopefully, to at least give you some idea about which of these scents will fit with your own style.

What’s the Best L’Homme Ideal Fragrance (Ranked)?

My Favorite

Ideal Cologne- I think my pick for number one has shifted a few times over the years. However, after giving it some more thought, I think Ideal Cologne was the best of the line. It is now discontinued, so, not great for those who want to try it out.

This one was a great summertime option. The focus here is going to be on the citrus notes, such as: grapefruit, bergamot, and orange. The Ideal almond note, plays a lesser role with Cologne, especially early on. But, it will come around with a nice vetiver.

Fresh and has an almost frozen profile to it, that’s perfect for the warmer weather. Lighter sillage, but it could last for around 8 hours. If you can find a bottle, for a reasonable price, L’Homme Ideal Cologne is worthwhile. Ideal Cologne Review

Best Available

L’Homme Ideal EDP at Selfridges (ships from UK)– Ideal eau de parfum has taken over the second spot on the list. Coming back to both it and Extreme, I now distinctly favor it versus the other.

Cherry and almond are the stars of EDP early on. The sweet warmth is very attractive, with some very light spiciness and other notes, like leather and vanilla. It’s not too sugary sweet or overwhelming with its sillage, just a nice balance, and a pretty similar aroma at times to L’Intense.

The main issue here, is getting a hold of a bottle in the US. They no longer sell it here, so, the best bet for getting Ideal EDP is to buy from the UK or grabbing a bottle from an eBay seller. To me, this is the best one that is still produced. Ideal EDP Review

Leathery Sweetness

Ideal Extreme-At times, Extreme has been my favorite. But, less so this time around testing out these fragrances. Though, it may again claim the top spot. This one gets me a ton of leather versus the others.

Extreme is actually pretty similar to the others, with the standard nutty almond note, but paired with fruity notes such as plum. Quite tart to me, rather than sweet, early on.  Add to that, Ideal Extreme has spicy notes and a tobacco finish. Still dry fruity sweet, but not overly sugary or unbearable.

Yes, the fragrance lasts all day and while the sillage isn’t insane, it’s a very solid wear all around. L’Homme Ideal Extreme is also very difficult to find, as of now it’s not even for sale on Guerlain’s website, so you’ll have to dig a bit. Another one, Americans will have to order from Europe. Ideal Extreme Review

The Original

Guerlain L’Homme Ideal EDT Spray for Men, 1.6 Ounce– Ideal EDT seems pretty underrated here in the number 4 spot, because it is a very enjoyable fragrance to wear.

Almond, citrus, and woody spice start this one off. To me, this has the most almond in it, especially in the early stages. You get leather in there as well, but mainly its a citrus blast with a nuttiness. Sweet, dry, and clean coming down the home stretch.

I like the versatility of EDT. It’s not purely a cold weather fragrance and can venture into the springtime or for summer evenings. Really easy to wear and all around a solid cologne. Also, it is a lot easier to find in the States versus Extreme and EDP.

Spicy and Smoky

L’homme Ideal L’intense By Guerlain FOR MEN 3.4 oz Eau De Parfum Spray, black– As I mentioned before, L’Intense has some overlap with the EDP versus the other fragrances on this list. But, it is distinct and a separate fragrance in its own right.

L’Intense opens with chili pepper and cardamom spices blending with the strong leather note, in this blend. It’s not as sweet as EDP, more leather, more spice, and a smoky finish. However, there does seem to be plenty of the same DNA.

It has a dry sweetness to it, almost tobacco-like at times, but this is ultimately a spicy/smoky blend that dries down into a leather/vanilla cologne. The sillage actually isn’t all that heavy and the fragrance lasts around 7 hours.

Not my favorite of the lot, but L’Intense is readily available and brings a somewhat darker and more mature vibe to the Ideal name. L’Intense Review