Y EDT by Yves Saint Laurent

It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed a Yves Saint Laurent fragrance on the site, at least in the men’s lineup. As such, I am going to be doing reviews on the Y fragrances for men that were released, fairly recently.

In this post, I will be covering the eau de toilette version first, and do the EDP in another write up later. As usual, I will cover what’s in this scent, how it smells, performs, and if it is worth a try?


What Does Y EDT Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, ginger, aldehydes, violet leaf, geranium, sage, cedar, musk, incense, ambergris, fir

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau De Toilette Spray 100ml/3.3oz


My Full Wear Review

My first impression upon smelling Y, is of just how incredibly fresh this fragrance is. Very cool, crisp, airy, and quite clean. I like it. The bergamot is light, but adds a great citrus juiciness to the center.

The aldehydes are distinct and give Y a bright and sunny disposition. Add to that, an ambergris note which isn’t too heavy but plays off of the other ingredients, much as it does in Creed fragrances. The opening is delightful.

The next layer to hit my nose, is a bit of violet leaf and ginger. The ginger brings forth a light spice and the violet leaf isn’t super prominent, but does provide its familiar aroma. Y is actually a pretty straightforward scent that doesn’t undergo too much development.

When it does dry down further, it is muskier and woodier, than it had been in the opening and you get some fruitiness to go along with that.

Does it still retain its freshness in the dry down? Yes. It is sweet with a light and airy character and a solid woody foundation with sage sprinkled in. It sort of strikes me as a non-oceanic Acqua di Gio Absolu, not that they smell exactly the same, but do give off a very similar vibe.

It has that citrus top, with an herbal spice, sitting on top of a not too heavy but dry wood. Definitely some cedar, in there, and a touch of fir.

What I ultimately get in terms of notes are: citrus, aldehydes, sage, cedar, ambergris, violet leaf, and the remnants of apple and ginger. Is it super complex? No. It is, however, very well put together.

Y EDT feels familiar, while having its own unique composition. This one is very easy to wear and enjoy.


Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, I’d say it’s pretty moderate for the first half of wear, and then is a skin scent. The sillage of Y EDT isn’t huge, but it’s respectable for much of the wear, and then sticks really close to the skin. I definitely wouldn’t call it weak, but it isn’t supposed to be a ‘bomb’ cologne.

The longevity is good, but not insane, on my skin. I can get 7-ish hours of wear from one application. That fits most of my purposes, so I have no real complaints.

Seasonally, spring and summer. Actually, it can be worn year round without much fuss, but it would be great in the heat. It’s light and won’t get all nasty once the heat and humidity kicks in. It’s nice to have a scent like that on your shelf, when it gets to that time of year.

In terms of the versatility of Y, it can cover a lot of bases. It’s not too uptight to not be worn casually, but it can also be worn in an office setting or dressed up.

It has an appealing scent that will fetch complements and can be worn on dates. I’d say that it is more attractive than ‘sexy’, but women do seem to enjoy its aroma. It’s an easy one for most people to enjoy and i

Y EDT isn’t the type of scent that will take over a room, but does give you a very solid performance, in a light/upbeat presentation. I can’t really image that there are too many people, who would hate this cologne.


Overall Impression

Overall, do I like Y EDT? I’d have to say, yes. It’s nothing that is super unique or a must have, but it does smell very good to me.

I really enjoy the freshness and cleanliness of the fragrance, a great balance of sweet, and fresh spice. It has solid performance and is super versatile.

I have no real complaints about this cologne, it is safe enough to be a blind buy, and should get plenty of positive reaction from people while wearing it. It has been enjoyable to test out and wear around, I’m glad YSL moved in a new direction, and released this type of scent.

Since writing this initial review, I have also tried out Y Eau de Parfum. To me, the EDP version is actually much better than this, at least performance wise (and smell, in my opinion).

A bit different, but enhance everything that was great about this one. So, I would recommend getting the EDP vs. the EDT, unless you get some unreal price break.

Update: Beyond the EDP, Le Parfum and a few others have also been released since I first published this. Fraiche is limited to summer, but I think that I like it more than the EDT. While I don’t dislike the EDT, I feel like its my least favorite of the series.

At the end of the day, I don’t see a reason to own versus the others…unless you personally really love the smell.

Invictus EDT by Paco Rabanne

Paco Rabanne ‘s most famous fragrance is 1 Million, which comes displayed in a gold ingot bottle. However, 1 Million is not this design house’s, only great scent. Invictus is another great fragrance choice for guys who like something that is fresh and sporty.

Since its release, Invictus has been a best seller and a permanent staple for many younger guys. It is one that has become exceedingly popular in bars and night clubs around the word.

This one also comes in a great, and interesting bottle, but I want to focus this review on what’s inside of that container…since that’s what counts, isn’t it?


What does Invictus by Paco Rabanne Smell Like?

invictus

Notes include: grapefruit, sea notes, mandarin orange, bay leaf, jasmine, ambergris, oak moss, and more.

Click here to try: Invictus by Paco Rabanne for Men 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray


My Full Review

There are many scents on the market, which are just all together boring or flat. Sometimes, as men, we need to switch it up and add something with a bit of flair and energy to it. Invictus is a scent, which I feel, does just that.

What I like about the opening, note is how the citrusy/fruity notes captivate the senses, and locks people’s attention solely on you. That isn’t to say that this is a loud or obnoxious fragrance, but it does emanate a certain confidence.

The fruit notes, ambergris, bay leaf, and aquatic elements in Invictus, combine to give the scent a sort of bubblegum like aroma, at the top. It is quite sweet and has that light powdered sugar scent, for a little bit early on.

I didn’t like it all that much, upon my initial tests years ago, but I’ll admit it did grown on me thereafter.

The bubble gum aroma in Invictus, isn’t the same warm spicy kind found in, Ultra Male. It’s got a bit of the same vibe that the edition of 1 Million called, 1 Million Cologne, has.

It’s a an aquatic fruity sweetness, but leans more toward the blue watery end than the candied end of the spectrum.

As it dries down, this Paco Rabanne cologne, moves away from the fruitiness of the opening. The ambergris, really starts to peak through, and adds a saltier touch to the aquatic notes. It feels more oceanic, as it move forward, and less of that clean aqua smell.

Beyond that, the bay leaf comes in a bit more, but especially the jasmine. It’s got a solid floral soapiness, a few hours into it, with a dry woody base. It’s nice, still has a smooth vibe, but I think that I prefer the start over this period of the wear.

In the end, I get a very fresh scent, with lots of citrus (fairly synthetic citrus) and a nice salty marine aroma. It’s clean with a masculine base of wood to tie things all together. It isn’t overly complex, but not all fragrances need to be.


Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

I do think that this cologne would appeal more to the younger man. (let’s say high school/college age to early 30s), and it is for sure one that captures the attention of girls.

I like it, but females seem to respond to this one more positively, than I do. Why? Who knows? It just works.

If you’re older, you’d almost certainly want to go with something else as your daily wear. If you really love the smell of Invictus, just keep a bottle for yourself when you want to wear it.

Invictus is another great option for summertime wear and even into the fall months. Honestly, though, it’s one that can easily work in all climates. It’s versatility is probably Invictus’ greatest strength.

I don’t think I’d wear this stuff formally, but it can fit in just about anywhere else, that you’d want to wear it. Mostly for casual situations or a night out.

It projects well without being overbearing (unless you put on too much, but what cologne doesn’t?) and it is a scent which will last for a good amount of time. In fact, I could smell remnants of it on my shirt for a few days after I wore it.

Update: I have smelled this cologne on other guys, a few times in public, in the past year. It is absolutely grating, as they probably doused themselves with it. Avoid that, for the sake of others.

On the skin, it gets about 6-7 hours, and sometimes a bit more. The sillage is quite large for the first few hours, but becomes pretty moderate for me, thereafter. It goes from beast to simply a pretty strong fragrance. The performance is very solid, however.

For an eau de toilette, the strength is good in comparison to others at this price point.


Overall Impression of Invictus EDT

The downside to this cologne? Well, if you’re one who is really into having the most complex and unique scents ever, then you might one to skip this one.

However, if you are a young guy and just want to smell good and have a scent that can work well for any occasion then Invictus is a very good choice.

It is a moderately priced cologne that will leave the wearer feeling clean and fresh, all day long. It delivers a good performance, already has plenty of fans, and has a fine aroma.

It still isn’t a fragrance, that I’m personally crazy about, but I respect it. For me, it is wearable, but for many others Invictus is lovable.

Since this has been released, Invictus has spawned many flankers, including Invictus Intense and Legend. I think both of those are better than the original, not leagues above it, but still quite a bit more well put together than Invictus EDT.

The good news is that you can usually find cheaper bottles of this stuff nowadays, at the discount sellers and the like.

This is still a pretty nice cologne, that can have its place. Though, I feel that it has been surpassed, by members of its own line and by other scents under the Paco Rabanne name.

Dior Sauvage Parfum vs. EDT Comparison

2019 has brought the release of a new Sauvage flanker, with it. This time it is called Sauvage Parfum (not to confuse with the EDP version), but how does it stack up when compared to the original and highly popular Sauvage EDT?

In this post, I want to break them each down and declare an ultimate winner, between them. Which smells better? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy? I have worn and reviewed each and am ready to share my thoughts.


Sauvage EDT or Parfum?

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


Sauvage Parfum

Notes include: mandarin, bergamot, cedar, sandalwood, vanilla, tonka bean, ambroxan

Click here to try: Sauvage Parfum

Read my review: Dior Sauvage Parfum Review


Opening

The EDT starts off with a sharp and spicy blend of bergamot and Sichuan pepper. It hits boldly and with a loud quality, but settles thereafter, with a big dose of ambroxan and lavender.

I’ve really never enjoyed the opening of Sauvage EDT, all that much. It comes across as somewhat too harsh to my nose. It settles down and smells better, as it moves along.

Sauvage Parfum begins with that same bergamot note, but paired with mandarin orange, also. It’s juicy, not as sharp, and the mandarin outlasts the bergamot, to my nose. The ambroxan is toned down and the spicy pepper notes aren’t present.

Too much ambroxan can become sickening to smell. That seems especially true now, as so many men’s colognes have added that note, in order to emulate the success of Sauvage. Parfum’s restrained use of it, along with the citrus notes, really help set it apart.

Which is better? I prefer how Parfum begins. It’s much smoother and doesn’t have the big spiciness that the original EDT can develop. For me, Parfum is a much more pleasant experience.

Edge: Parfum


Projection

I’d say that they both start off strong. The EDT can feel as if, it is bolder, but it doesn’t have the same sillage staying power. I’d say that Parfum is much more consistent overall.

Parfum may not be stronger with its sillage, but it’s an equal and is steady. I’ll get a similar experience to the EDT’s opening, hours into the wear. The original Sauvage did have really good power for an eau de toilette, so, the power has never been an issue with this line.

Edge: Parfum


Longevity

A parfum version of a scent is going to have a higher concentration, so it should last longer on the skin. However, Parfum’s projection strength wasn’t greatly better, so what’s the longevity like?

Sauvage EDT has always gotten me 6-9 hours worth of wear, which is good. It’s a wide range for me, depending on the climate and what I’m doing.

However, Parfum, lasts for over 10 hours, on the skin. Neither one is a slouch, but Parfum is just better, in this regard. It was also more consistent in testing than EDT.

The baseline of Sauvage Parfum is better for me, than the best case that I’ve gotten, when I’ve used the EDT.

Edge: Parfum


Versatility

Here is where they are pretty evenly matched. Sauvage EDT is better in the heat, but isn’t spectacular in that regard, itself. Parfum is more mature and can be worn in an office-like environment better. Both can easily be worn as a nighttime cologne and are attractive.

Edge: Push


Overall Scent

Sauvage EDT was never my favorite fragrance, but I do like it well enough. The top can be a bit bothersome to me, but I like the lavender and ambroxan, in the dry down. The scent holds up well and does a good job at performing.

However, I prefer the newer Parfum version to the EDT. It’s smoother, darker, and more refined. It has a dryness, a sweetness, and isn’t an ambroxan bomb. The Parfum is more closely related to the EDP version, than it is the EDT. Actually, Elixir and the EDP, are the best of them.

It ends up being more woody and vanilla, but I really appreciate the use of the citrus notes in Parfum. The mandarin orange is a nice touch, that helps to set it apart somewhat from the others in the series.

Parfum does a great job performance wise, makes the Sauvage DNA more interesting, and the warm creamy aroma is super nice to smell on the skin. For me, it’s not really a close call. I’d rather wear Sauvage Parfum versus the EDT.

You can usually find the EDT for the cheapest, out of the Sauvage fragrances. So, if price is an issue, it might make more sense for you to go with that one.  On smell alone? Parfum.

Winner: Parfum

1 Million Prive vs 1 Million Lucky Comparison

For today’s cologne comparison, I’m going to do two more from the Paco Rabanne 1 Million line of scents: Prive vs. Lucky. Which of these flanker fragrances smells best? Which has the better performance and versatility? Ultimately, which is the better purchase when looking for a 1 Million cologne?


Tale of the Tape: Lucky vs. Prive

1 Million Lucky

Notes include: hazelnut, cedar, green plum, patchouli, grapefruit, amber, and more

Click here to try: 1 Million Lucky by Paco Rabanne Eau de Toilette Spray 100ml

Read my original review: 1 Million Lucky


1 Million Prive

Notes include: tonka bean, apple, cinnamon, myrrh, mandarin orange, tobacco

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne 1 Million Prive Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce

Read my original review: 1 Million Prive Cologne Review


Opening

1 Million Prive opens darker with a more emergent cinnamon note that blends with a crisp and sweet apple note. It’s warm and slightly spicy but still retains an overall sweet profile. Prive has a lot of similar elements with the original 1 Million and Armani Code Profumo, which is another great fragrance.

There is another layer to Prive with mandarin, tonka bean, and tobacco which adds depth and smoothness.

1 Million Lucky is closer to the original than is Prive. It has the same candy-like sweetness except you substitute in a plum note. It’s not exactly the same but this plum sits on top of wood and is soaked in amber.

Then, add a unique nutty profile with the addition of hazelnut. It’s got a great cedar note, which puts it above how the original 1 Million opens.

Between these two, I think Prive has the better opening. I like it’s dark cinnamon quality. Although, I don’t think it to be a massive advantage over Lucky.

Edge: Prive


Projection

The sillage between these two scents is close and neither beats the original. However, 1 Million Prive, just does a better job overall in terms of how potent of a cologne it is. Lucky can seem pretty intense, in the start, but its mostly due to the tart plum note blending with the sweetness.

Prive is actually stronger and projects itself better than Lucky. It’s just kind of an illusion of power at first for Lucky.

Edge: Prive


Longevity

On my skin, I usually get 6-8 hours from Lucky. Closer to six hours on average. 1 Million Prive gives me 9-10 and takes this category fairly easily. Lucky is the worst performing of all of the 1 Million fragrances, in terms of how long it lasts. Every other one has hit at least 9 hours for me.

Edge: Prive


Versatility

Both of these colognes have good versatility, as you can wear them both casually or during a night out. I will say that Prive is probably the ‘sexier’ of the two scents.

Prive is also more mature and better for older guys. Both of these do have a youthful vibe, Lucky does feel more like a teenage or college age scent.

While neither scent is built for hot weather, Lucky does hold up better in higher temperatures than does Prive. High heat, both will fall apart but Lucky hangs in longer.

Edge: Lucky (slightly)


Overall Scent

I’ve enjoyed wearing Lucky over the past week or so. I think it’s a nice addition from Paco Rabanne, but it doesn’t take things to a higher level. 1 Million Prive is still my favorite from that line of fragrances.

Lucky has a nice aroma, sweet, woody, warm, with nutty elements floating to the top. It’s a solid casual wear, but nothing that will really set one apart while wearing it. It has a tart and sweet opening, which I enjoy, but may turn some folks away. Plus, it is geared toward younger guys.

Prive is awesome. I like it better than the original 1 Million and it’s a fantastic cold weather scent. Yeah, it doesn’t have that year round versatility, but it’s a great cologne. It has a more mature and masculine vibe while retaining a warm sweetness that shares the spirit of the original.

Update: Prive has been discontinued and it’s already really difficult to find a bottle at a reasonable price. So, you’ll have to go with Lucky or one of the other 1 Million fragrances. Personally, if I had to buy one, it’d be the original. The Parfum is decent, but didn’t wow me.

Winner: Prive

11 Best Smelling Colognes for College Age Men

Going to your classes in college, you won’t necessarily see too many well-dressed and stylish people. Many times, in fact, there will be plenty of people rocking sweats and baseball caps.

If you’re one of those people who wants to buck that trend or you want to simply smell great at a house party, investing in the right cologne can go a long way to making sure you make a good impression.

Fragrances are designed to fit different lifestyles and personalities and a good college cologne should match with the circumstances you’ll find yourself in or what you own style is. What is the best cologne for college students?

Well, there isn’t one definite answer as it depends on your own tastes. However, with this post I want to present you with some great options that should have you covered no matter who you are or who you’re buying for.


What are the Best Smelling Scents for College Men?

Note: I’m not getting into the super inexpensive options in this post. Here is my list of cheaper buys for all age ranges.

Invictus Flanker

Invictus Legend–  The original Invictus is still a best seller. To me, that scent is okay, but if you want something similar but better…go with Legend. Intense is also an option, but that might be too boozy for most guys.

Legend is closer to Intense than the original but with a more aquatic and fruity profile. Thus, making it easier to wear on a day to day basis.

It starts off with those marine notes, amber, and grapefruit. An interesting addition to this version of Invictus, is a metallic note sort of like in Azzaro Chrome. You get the usual sweetness of Invictus and the bay leaf undertones.

Warm amber, slight spice, woodiness, and that metal note make up the base. Legend is a very powerful scent and can hit double digit hours of wear. Invictus Legend Full Review


New Take on an Old Classic

Acqua di Gio Profondo– The original AdG has been a staple for around 25 years or so. However, it is past its prime and doesn’t deliver the same quality (here are cheaper alternatives to the original).

The good news is that Armani, has put out two flanker versions of this scent that are much better than the original, in my opinion. Profondo and Profumo. I’m listing Profondo as the better option for college guys, as it has a brighter and bluer aquatic profile, and is a complement getter.

Profumo is great and one that I really enjoy wearing in summer. If you want a darker, deeper scent, with more intensity and incense smokiness…go with that. Profondo gives you citrus, aquatic freshness, with a woody and herbal base.


Simple and Versatile Prada

Luna Rossa by Prada–  Luna Rossa is a very simple fragrance, but also smells wonderful. It has spawned a number of flanker fragrances. I could also go with Sport, here. That one, doesn’t have as good of performance as it should, though.

This is a super fresh and clean sort of scent. Luna Rossa kicks off with citrus and spearmint, being the two main attractions. It is very upbeat and the mix is joined by lavender and sage, the latter giving it an extra kick.

This one settles down into a blend of lavender, mint, and some remaining citrus. A unique sort of smell, that keeps it simple, but excels at everything. Prada Luna Rossa Review


The Explorer

MONTBLANC Explorer Eau de Parfum, 3.3 fl. oz.– This Montblanc cologne has become a very popular alternative to those wanting a cheaper Aventus by Creed. There’s some similarities there, but Explorer isn’t entirely a complete match.

Explorer starts off with a very nice bergamot citrus that gets paired with the fresh spices, pink pepper and sage. Underneath that, sit cacao and leather. It will become bright, fresh, and very smooth to wear.

Explorer is very versatile and easy to wear. It doesn’t have monster sillage, but it does have a good ability to project itself. Plus, a 6-8 hour lifespan, on the skin. This is a good choice for an all-around crowd pleaser. Explorer Review


The Better Sauvage

Sauvage EDP by Dior– I know that it is still the best seller, but my opinion of the original Sauvage, has only declined with the hype. It was never very high to begin with. Nonetheless, I was really surprised by how good the eau de parfum version of Sauvage was. It blows away its predecessor.

From the opening spray, EDP is so much smoother and doesn’t have the same sharpness as the EDT. You get the ambroxan amped up, with the citrus and Sichuan pepper toned down. That, is no longer a heavy spice and is joined by anise and nutmeg, giving this version a better balance.

With the changes in the formula, the citrus is fresh and juicy, as it should be. The longevity here is amazing, and honestly, one of the best from the more popular designers. Sauvage eau de parfum is the best, from that line, with Parfum being second. (Update: Elixir is the best now, but quite pricy).  Sauvage EDP Full Review


Sweet Red Spice

Spicebomb Infrared EDT– This newer edition of Spicebomb is a great choice for men in their early 20s. It takes parts of the familiar Spicebomb DNA and infuses it with a blast of reddish notes. Red berry oil, cinnamon, and peppers.

The result is a sweet, warm, intense spice up top. Then, Infrared will become a fresher sort of spicy cologne, with tobacco, and that great fruitiness from the red berry notes.

One could go with the Night Vision series from this line, but Infrared is much more appealing and my opinion and delivers a good performance without being overwhelming. Spicebomb Infrared Review


Powdery Clean with Spice

Burberry Brit– Burberry Brit is a very smooth, green, powdery, and slightly spicy scent. It’s one of my favorite from Burberry, the other being London, but this one is a bit more versatile. If you want a woodsy/tobacco scent, go with London.

It opens up with a blend of ginger, nutmeg, and tonka bean. Underneath this, is a nice bit of citrus, that really only hangs around for the start. It has some sharpness in the beginning and more of an outdoorsy aroma.

Then, the wild roses kick in but they balance quite well with the ginger note and tonka bean. This combines to create the powdery finish. Solid performance. Burberry Brit Full Review

brit


Classic, Well-Loved, Affordable

Jean Paul Gaultier– Le Male by JPG has been a super popular fragrance for younger guys since the 1990s. I actually prefer the discontinued release, Ultra Male, to this. However, this one is much more suitable for daily wear outside of the nightlife. It doesn’t have the same level of power that it once did, but Le Male is still pretty good in terms of performance.

It opens up with vanilla, mint, and cinnamon. A sweet and spicy blend with a bit of citrus and plenty of intensity. The fragrance will settle down into something warmer, cleaner, with some underlying creaminess.

Vanilla, lavender, and mint will lead the way. Under that is woods, amber, and some smooth tonka bean. Le Male is super easy to wear and gives you a fresh option for daily wear.  My Review of Le Male

jean paul


Fresh, Herbal, Aquatic Polo

Polo Deep Blue- I like this newer release from the Polo lineup. I’ve never been a huge fan of Polo Blue, but this or the EDP are the best options. Deep Blue adds a very similar mango note to the opening, as found in Polo Black.

For a younger man, I’d go with Deep Blue or Polo Black. The mango here is paired initially, with what the brand calls ‘deep aquatic accord’, which provides a bit of a salty oceanic sort of aroma. It’s not a super heavy addition, but it is a great touch.

This is a fresh and moderately aquatic cologne. The second stage comes with the herbal and woody notes, mainly, sage and cypress. My only complaint, is that it finishes smelling like the other Polo Blue offerings, but with more ambroxan. It’s still good, but I like the first half best. Deep Blue Review


Bright, Clean, Attractive

Gucci Guilty Black– This is probably the best of the Gucci Guilty line of scents. I rank it slightly ahead of Guilty Intense. Black, is a very clean and well-balanced scent, that offers notes of coriander, lavender, and orange flower as the main attractions.

Up top, you get a bit of a citrus aroma from the neroli and a nice cedar wood in the base. However, it blends together and it can be difficult to pick out the individual notes, but the result is a very attractive and versatile cologne for guys.

Not a huge powerhouse, but Guilty Black has very good longevity and can be worn in a variety of situations. Plus, it is a rather unique scent that stands out from the crowd. Gucci Guilty Black Review


The Best and Most Wanted

Azzaro The Most Wanted Eau de Parfum Intense | Cologne for Men 1.7 fl oz– This is the most recent release from the Wanted line by Azzaro here in 2021…and it is absolutely the best one.

The warmth and slight spiciness of the cardamom notes comes through early. But, it also has a lemony sort of scent to it as well, giving a nod to the first edition of Wanted. It has a bit of fruitiness, but more of a fresh spice and great sweetness provided by caramel.

It’s a tug of war between sweet and spice and a balsamic finish. Really good performance with this one and a fragrance that is an awesome choice for this demographic. The Most Wanted Review