Fragrances

6 Fragrances Similar to Versace Pour Homme

by

Versace Pour Homme is a best seller and a favorite cologne of many guys. But, sometimes you may want a change of pace or to find something that is close to what it brings to the table for a better price.

In this post, I am going to cover (and update when necessary) other colognes which can fit the bill and strike close to the Versace aroma. Some will be fragrances that are trying to replicate, while others will be colognes with a close style to the Versace scent.

Scents Similar to Versace Pour Homme

The Similar Chanel

Chanel Allure Homme Sport Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 5 oz– I have to include Allure Homme Sport on the list, as it does have a lot of similarities with Versace. Not exactly the same, but they really do strike a similar chord.

I actually enjoy the smell of the Chanel more so than I do Pour Homme. However, newer bottles of Allure Sport don’t have the same performance level as they used to. Since it is also more expensive, I would probably go with the Versace instead.

The main difference to me, is that Versace has more of a citrus start. Also, the Chanel has the traditional Chanel aldehydes and a somewhat oceanic freshness to it. I love this fragrance, but the performance has become pretty meh. Allure Homme Sport Review

More Aquatic, Vanilla Creamy

Missoni Missoni Wave Men EDT Spray, 3.4 Fl Oz – This one is a really nice entry from Missoni. It does smell more like Allure Homme Sport than it does Versace, but the overlap is for sure there between the three.

The citrus top is closer to the Versace. While the aquatic and aromatic qualities are closer to the Chanel. However, Wave has more of an aquatic aroma versus either of them and also dries down with a creaminess provided by vanilla orchid and vetiver.

The performance is pretty good, at least close to par versus what we get with newer Versace Pour Homme bottles. For the price, this is a really solid and affordable wear, that gives you an easy reach during summertime.

A More Floral Based Citrus Cheapie

Nikos Sculpture Homme for men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounces– Sculpture is a really nice cheapie and has been around for multiple decades now. It isn’t a complete match, but the citrus notes do remind me somewhat of Pour Homme.

It’s in the same style, I’d say. Actually, it is sort of like a mix of Versace Pour Homme and Dreamer. The citrus opening, prominent orange blossom and floral notes, and at times bitter herbal qualities. Like a synthesis of those two Versace scents, with its own added flair.

Woodier and Light Freshness

Hatem for Men EDP – Eau De Parfum 75ML (2.5 oz)– Hatem has a ton of overlap with our target, in terms of notes. Rose, citrus, geranium, cedar, sage. So, right from the bat you are going to get a very similar structure.

The difference is going to really be with the weightings of the notes. This has a bit more spice and some added woody notes. Fresh and clean with a toned down amount of citrus.

Hatem has okay performance, but the sillage is pretty light. Depending on the price, it may be worth a look, but if it is close to the Versace I’d go with that.

Similar Aquatic Blue

Desire Blue By Alfred Dunhill For Men, Eau De Toilette Spray (3.4 Ounces)– Lighter on the citrus, but a good deal, and some amped up general blue aquatic notes.

This one is sweeter, more floral, with some tonka bean and amber finishing things out. Again, this is another one that won’t be an exactly the same as Versace Pour Homme, but in the same general style for very cheap.

The marine/aquatic aroma in this is stronger than the others on the list and the citrus is also paired with a nice lychee fruit early on in the wear. Crisp freshness and fruitier rather than just being a citrus dominant cologne.

Dua Dua

Homage Pour Homme– This is The Dua Brands inspired version of the original 2008 formulation of Versace Pour Homme. This is one to try if you want something that’s trying to match the Versace experience.

Now, I haven’t personally tried this one out, but I’m including it on the list. I’ve gotten other scents and blends from them and they usually strike it pretty darn close.

Add to that, you get an Extrait de Parfum concentration, and in my experience with Dua…the perfumes tend to perform well. Also, they usually have discount codes on the site; so, it could end up being somewhat cheaper than new bottles of the Versace.

Gucci Guilty EDP vs Parfum

by

Guilty has added another name to its lineup, with 2022’s release, Guilty Pour Homme Parfum. I bought a full bottle of it, as soon as it was released, and have been enjoying it. But, how does it compare to another best seller from the line, Guilty EDP? In this post, I am going to break down each, before declaring an ultimate winner.

Tale of the Tape: Guilty Eau de Parfum vs. Parfum

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)

Read my review: Guilty Parfum

Guilty EDP

Notes include: rose, French lavender, neroli, chili pepper, orange blossom, patchouli, vinegar, salt

Click here to try: GUCCI GUILTY POUR HOMME by Gucci, EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY 3 OZ

Read my review: Guilty EDP

Opening

Guilty EDP does have a very interesting aroma. It opens up with a balsamic quality. It is warm, spicy, and greenish with that rose note coming through. It is fresh and has a soapy cleanliness underneath, with a pinch of salt hanging in the scent.

Neroli and red pepper bring some spiciness and the white floral notes sit underneath the rose. It definitely leans toward the rose, early on.

Then, the neroli and orange blossom come through more. Finally, the fragrance will feature the lavender and orange blossom.

With 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 me.

Which do I like more? Ehhh, it’s a pretty close call. Parfum reminds me plenty of the old Guilty Intense, with some distinctions of its own.

EDP? I find the opening act to be attractive and quite unique versus plenty of the others in the series. I’ll give it the edge here.

Edge: EDP

Projection

Guilty EDP is a lighter to moderate fragrance, with the moderate end of the scale being confined to the first two hours or so after spraying.

It isn’t a super powerful fragrance, the sillage isn’t much to write home about. Though, decent.

Guilty Parfum hits the upper end of what could be considered moderate. The first two hours definitely hit a higher high, than does EDP.

It’s also 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. The peak isn’t that much greater than EDP, but it does hold it for longer, also.

Edge: Parfum

Longevity

With Guilty Pour Homme EDP, I get about 5-6 hours of wear, on my skin. The performance does leave plenty to be desired. While it’s not completely atrocious, it still isn’t great at a Gucci price point.

With Parfum, it is 7-8 hours of wear. Not a complete beast, either. Though, I can say that it has consistently outperformed the EDP version.

That extra bit of difference does help separate these two.

Edge: Parfum

Versatility

Both of these are very versatile scent. I probably wouldn’t wear either as a strictly formal sort of fragrance, but outside of that, they should be fine.

Also, neither is really a club beast. More daily wears, that can sometimes venture into the evening.

I do think that Parfum performs better in the warmer weather than does EDP. I don’t want either on the hottest days of summer, but Parfum fits better in the late spring, I’d say. That’s about the only real difference.

Edge: Parfum (slightly)

Overall Scent

With Guilty EDP the opening act is quite nice to wear. The balsamic rose with red pepper spice? Smells great and gives you something unique.

Not a complete love for me, but a strong like, and something that doesn’t bore me.

After that?  It is pretty boring. It’s got some of the same notes as earlier entries into the series. Lavender, orange blossom, cedar.

Floral, soapy, clean. More in line with the original Guilty, which isn’t bad, but it’s disappointing after that start.

Guilty Parfum? It’s a very good cologne. Doesn’t quite reach must have or classic status, but one that is enjoyable all around. I think that it is just better than EDP. Every aspect outside of the opening and even that is a close call.

You get balance between citrus, freshness, floral notes, and woodsiness in the dry down. It’s a nice entry from Gucci and takes this contest.

Update: I wore my bottle of Parfum for a while, but grew fairly tired of it. I do still like it more than Guilty EDP, but I’m not that into either of these scents anymore. They’re fine, just not something that I wanted to have on all the time.

Winner: Parfum

Light Blue Pour Homme by D&G

by

After writing hundreds and hundreds of reviews on this site, I’ve noticed that I skipped over or forgot about doing reviews on plenty of men’s colognes, that have been really popular. One of these scents, is Light Blue Pour Homme by Dolce & Gabbana, which I haven’t tried out in more than a few years by now.

As such, I got a hold of a new vial of the stuff, to try out the latest formulation and give it a proper review. Please continue reading below for my updated thoughts, on this best selling summertime scent.

What does Light Blue Pour Homme Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, grapefruit, mandarin orange, pepper, oak moss, juniper, musk, rosemary, rosewood, incense

Click here to try: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 6.7 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

Light Blue opens up with a blast of fresh citrus, mostly the bergamot and grapefruit, with a hint of the mandarin orange rounding things out. From the start, this one is bright and upbeat, and immediately brings to mind summer days.

Beyond the citrus notes, there’s is some spice provided by the pepper and an herbal element of rosemary. Very similar style to the Acqua di Gio line, but they are still distinct from one another.

After 10 or so minutes, the base notes begin to come out more. Incense is quite noticeable, it doesn’t create a giant cloud of smokiness, but does create a light envelopment of the citrus notes.

The Brazilian rosewood is not overly prominent, but instead holds steady in the background, giving Light Blue a solid grounding to base itself from. There is some dried oak moss and musk, though, neither are all that strong.

More of just a light essence in the background. It all comes together as a very crisp and light fragrance. There isn’t too much development from this cologne, it’s pretty linear, and gets right to the point of what you’re going to get from the wear.

Citrus, pepper/rosemary, with a dry and woody base. Simple, is a good thing here, you don’t really want a heavy and complicated summer scent.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Pour Homme is a light to moderate scent. It’s not weak in my opinion, at least with this current formulation, and projects pretty darn well for around five hours before it winds down. The sillage on these current bottles is definitely passable and not at all ‘bad’.

Has it lost a step? Maybe. Though, I’m not sure if it’s my memory thinking that it used to be more powerful or an actual reformulation.

The longevity is also decent, it’ll carry along for 6-8 hours, depending on what the day is like. That’s actually good for a summertime citrus fragrance like this. It’s not elite, by any means, but this D&G will get the job done.

Seasonally, I like it best in the summer or the warmer months of spring. However, I’ve been testing it out so far in the winter, and it actually feels quite nice. Mostly, I’ll use it as a change of pace from the heavier and more wintertime only fragrances in my collection.

Light Blue has very good versatility, because it is super safe and inoffensive. You can wear it to work, casually, or out at night during the summer months.

Personally, I would wear something else for the nightlife, when its cold outside, but this could do the job when it’s simply too humid for a heavier scent. Light Blue Pour Homme is an attractive fragrance, so, you can’t really go wrong with it. Especially, if you are a younger guy.

It’s pretty close to being a jack of all trades. If you don’t need more formal or very ‘serious’ sorts of fragrances.

Overall Impressions of D&G Light Blue

Overall, do I like Light Blue Pour Homme? I do. It’s a simple fragrance that enjoys a mass appeal and women seem to enjoy it. It’s kind of an entry level cologne for guys just getting into fragrance and want a versatile value fragrance.

It’s not amazing to me, but I still do get enjoyment from this Dolce fragrance. And really, the entire Light Blue line.

The citrus notes are fresh and have a bit of sour lemonade quality, while the background notes add bits of themselves to the composition without being distracting.

This one has been so wildly popular for so long that it has become commonplace. You’re not going to stand out as unique with Light Blue on, but you aren’t going to choke out a room with it either. It really is a no brainer, easy reach, and mass appeal cologne.

I’m not big on the pepper and herbal aspects, which isn’t terrible here, but I prefer the citrus. Especially, on a warm day.

Personally, I prefer Light Blue Eau Intense to this one. I like the extra power and clean aquatic vibe that it puts off. It seems to be a toss up whether or not guys prefer the original or the intense version. Here’s my comparison: Light Blue vs. Eau Intense

Also, you could go with Light Blue Sun, which has overlaps with this original version; though, with a different overall profile.

6 Best Smelling Tommy Bahama Colognes

by

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

by

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.