Fragrances

Dior Sauvage vs Prada Luna Rossa Carbon Comparison

by

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

by

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

by

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

Baccarat Rouge 540 vs. Creed Aventus

by

Creed Aventus and Baccarat Rouge are two of the most popular fragrances in the world. Since they are both luxury scents and have that popularity, they often get compared to one another. Even though, they are both different scents, and one is distinctly for men to wear. Nonetheless, I thought I’d give my full comparison between these perfumes. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Aventus vs. BR 540

Baccarat Rouge 540

Notes include: saffron, ambergris, cedar, fir resin, jasmine

Click here to try: Buy from Saks

Creed Aventus 

creed aventus

Notes of Creed Aventus: 

Top: Blackcurrant, Italian bergamot, French apples and pineapple

Middle: Rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, and patchouli

Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla.

Click here to read my original Aventus Review

Click here to get Aventus: Aventus by Creed

Opening

The opening act of both of these is pretty funny to compare for me, as I’m not a huge fan of how either starts off. The sharp pineapple note, with the other citrus and woodsy elements of Aventus has never been something I enjoyed.

If all I’d have to go by was the first 15 minutes or so, I’d think that this fragrance wasn’t worth wearing. The pineapple, blackcurrant, and the dryness of birch can be a bit much at first.

However, I do like what it settles into. Fresh and lively, very enjoyable to wear. Next, you get less pineapple, and more of the birch wood and oak moss. This is where Aventus comes into its own. Plus, a little vanilla sweetness and the remaining apple note.

Baccarat rouge goes with the saffron and jasmine, front and center in the beginning. It’s clean, sweet, and presents a lemony tinge to it from the hedione (jasmine). Sitting under that, is the amber and wood notes giving this a invigorating and resinous quality early on…which will become greater as it develops.

Which is a better opening? Again, not a huge fan of either. But, I’d give the edge to Baccarat Rouge, because I like the resin.

Edge: BR 540

Projection

Both of these fragrances starts off strong. But, most of what separates them in sillage, will come later in the wear.

I think Aventus hits a higher level and can project itself further. Plus, it will maintain much of its strength for a longer time than Baccarat Rouge does.

Rouge kicks off strong, goes moderate, and then has a stage wear it is pretty airy and light. It does hang around, but doesn’t have a heavy or overwhelming presence.

Aventus is the better of the two here.

Edge: Aventus

Longevity

With Aventus, I will usually get 8-9 hours of wear out of it. Sometimes, it’ll hang around for 10, on my skin. But, within that time frame, the sillage will mostly stay pretty substantial and it won’t be a pure skin scent.

Meanwhile, BR 540 will land anywhere from 8-12 hours. It has a much wider spectrum than does the Creed, usually hitting around 10 hours total. They’re fairly close to one another, but Baccarat does have a higher high than Aventus.

Thus, the Kurkdjian perfume takes this category.

Edge: BR 540

Versatility

This is an interesting category. Baccarat Rouge 540 is much more of a unisex fragrance, than the more traditionally masculine Aventus. So, in that sense it is more versatile.

However, I think seasonally Aventus is more versatile since it can hold up better in the warmer weather, while also being able to stick around for the cold. Spring and autumn is where Aventus is best, in my mind.

Both are the sort of fragrances that can be worn pretty much anywhere.

All in all, I think I’ll give BR 540 the nod. Just because it will have a greater appeal to a wider range of people, even if it isn’t a warmer weather scent.

Edge: BR 540

Overall Scent

Baccarat Rouge is a very nice fragrance, that has captured so many hearts, that it has been endlessly copied. It is distinct, pleasant to wear, and has very good performance.

I do like when it settles down. The amber, jasmine, and overall clean yet resinous quality is intriguing. For women, it’d be the one I’d go with between these two. Although, if you can swing it, BR 540 Extrait is a better scent.

As to which of these two fragrances is better? The answer is Aventus. Yes, I think the opening is rough, but the dry down has so much depth and just smells better than does Baccarat Rouge. Sure, Rouge has a slight edge in different metrics, but Aventus isn’t far behind.

I would rather wear Aventus, hands down. Most men, will probably prefer the Creed fragrance, also.

So, women: vast majority will want BR 540. Men: Vast majority will want to go with Aventus. But, again, BR 540 is the more unisex friendly scent.

Winner: Aventus

Light Blue Pour Homme vs. Forever

by

Light Blue has spawned a ton of different flankers, seemingly every year for a long time now. The latest, is the blue-bottled Light Blue Forever, that gained a lot of popularity since its release. Though, how does it compare to the original? Which lasts longer? Smells better? Should you buy?

Tale of The Tape: Light Blue Pour Homme vs. Forever

Light Blue

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 review: Light Blue

Light Blue Forever

Notes include: grapefruit, violet leaf, white musk, vetiver, ozonic accord

Click here to try: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Forever for Men by Dolce & Gabbana Eau De Parfum,3.3 Fl Oz

My Full Review: Light Blue Forever

Opening

Light Blue starts off with its citrus fruits led by bergamot and grapefruit, with a bit of mandarin orange. It is super bright and summery, with a spicy pepper note, and an herbal aroma of rosemary.

After 10 minutes, the citrus is bolstered by some base notes, of incense and rosewood. This gives the scent a touch of smoky wood, lingering in the background.

Light Blue Forever also starts with a grapefruit note. But, it is the sole focus of this scent, and isn’t splitting duties between citrus fruits as the original does. It also smells more realistic and has a very fresh crispness to it.

Beneath that, is a blue-green ozonic accord that adds a watery freshness, and the ever-increasing violet leaf.

Which is better? Forever. If you’re going to make one note the focus, you’d better do it well. D&G definitely nailed the grapefruit experience and it is just more enjoyable early on.

Edge: Forever

Projection

I’d call both of these fragrances moderate, at their peak. With Forever, you get that bold grapefruit burst initially, which does project itself quite well. But, after that it will become lighter, and will be very light for much of the wear.

With Light Blue, it’s moderate also, but I’d call it more consistent with its sillage. It does also get lighter, but holds on to the middle for a few more hours.

Edge: Light Blue

Longevity

With longevity, I have gotten 6-8 hours with the original Light Blue in the past. Newer bottles seem to be on the lower end of the spectrum. Not too bad considering what you get with many long-running popular colognes.

With Light Blue Forever, it gets me just over 7 hours of wear, even with that lighter kind of strength level. Again, pretty good for a super citrusy fragrance.

I might have given the edge, to the original with older bottles. But, I’ll call it a tie with today’s offerings.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are at their peak in the summertime. Also, can venture into the spring, but really great on the warmer days. I think that Forever actually has more refinement, than the original, and that’s really the separation between them.

Not that it’s a formal cologne, by any means, but it can go better into semi-formal situations. It isn’t a massive difference, with when they can be worn, but a slight edge to Forever.

Edge: Forever

Overall Scent

I do enjoy Light Blue quite a bit. It isn’t my favorite, by any means, but it is so easy to wear and has plenty going for it. It’s clean, fresh, and a great first buy for many guys just starting out with fragrances. It gives you a decent performance for the price.

It’s got a drier, spicier aroma than the more green/ozonic qualities of Forever, that some men may prefer.

With Forever, I really do like that opening act with the grapefruit note. After that, it becomes a greener and woodsier scent and the grapefruit becomes just another part of the composition.

Violet leaf and vetiver with some musk…once you get past the grapefruit, I don’t really lover it.

It smells fine, at that point, but is pretty weak with its sillage. I don’t hate it, but once the opening fades, the appeal is gone for me.

The opening alone might have me recommend it over the original. As a whole, I’m kind of torn between the two. I think the original is still more enjoyable overall. It feels more dynamic and has a better ability to stick around with some power.

So, I guess the nod goes to Light Blue, over the newer Forever. But, it’s pretty equal. Forever has a higher high, but it’s short-lived.

Winner: Light Blue