Fragrances

Guilty Pour Homme EDP by Gucci

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Guilty has been a massively successful line from Gucci in the past decade. It has seemed like each successive iteration has had less to do with the original fragrance than those that preceded it. Until, they’ve become colognes that just have the same name.

So, getting ahold of Gucci Guilty Eau de Parfum, I wasn’t sure of what to expect from this. How does it smell? Is the performance amped up? Is it even worth trying?

What does Guilty Pour Homme Eau de Parfum Smell Like?

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

Full Wear Review

Here’s how Gucci describes it: The celebration of freedom expressed by the statement #ForeverGuilty continues with Gucci Guilty Pour Homme Eau de Parfum, a Woody Aromatic Spicy fragrance created to provoke. A contemporary take on two iconic perfumery ingredients popular in the ’70s.

The starts of Guilty EDP is intriguing. I read the list of notes before ever trying out this fragrance and wanted to know how they were going to infuse chili pepper, vinegar, and salt into this blend…because it sounds weird.

It does open up with a balsamic aroma. It’s spicy, warm, and has a greenish finish thanks to the presence of the rose (it doesn’t strike me as a red rose, more of a pink).

There is a touch of salt in the air, but the parfum has a fresh and soapier cleanliness that lurks underneath. One that will grow, as we move forward.

Neroli and red pepper add spice and the white floral notes sit underneath the rose. It favors the rose at first. Then, the neroli and orange blossom shine. Finally, the fragrance will feature the lavender and orange blossom.

The patchouli and rose combination do provide this with a classic feeling and an overall greenish earthiness.

At some point, the spiciness rolls off and it becomes a warmer floral fragrance, with patchouli and light woods. That soapy clean aroma becomes more apparent. There still is some chili pepper, but the balsamic aspect goes away.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

I was expecting a much more powerful scent with this eau de parfum version. Actually, the sillage is softer to moderate. Sure, the early stages are pretty solid, and that lasts about an hour or two. Thereafter, Guilty EDP is quite soft.

The longevity isn’t all that great either. It’s really not much different from the EDT, from my recollection. EDP sticks around for 5-6 hours. That’s about it.

The Guilty collection is fairly hit and miss with how long each of them lasts. They all seem to top out at the 8-9 hour mark, at the high end, and around here for the rest of them.

Guilty eau de parfum does provide a versatile wear, even if the performance isn’t top notch. It might not have a clear universal appeal, but for those who enjoy it, EDP can be worn almost anywhere and not feel too out of place.

It’s low key enough to be worn to an office. Though, I’d more want to wear it casually or for certain evenings out.

It’s not amazing in the heat. I’ve worn it in cooler autumn temperatures and on more moderate days without issue. It’s really when this cologne is at its best. Not too hot or too cold.

Overall Impressions of Guilty Pour Homme EDP

Overall, do I like Guilty EDP? Sort of. The opening act is really good. The balsamic rose with red pepper spice? Very interesting and smells great. Not my favorite fragrance ever, but it wasn’t a boring experience.

After that? Meh. It’s got some of the same notes as earlier entries into the series. Lavender, orange blossom, cedar. But, it doesn’t strike me as the same as Intense or even EDT. There’s elements there, though, the aroma is different.

I currently have an mini of Guilty Intense and the resemblance comparing them side by side, just isn’t that great.

Guilty Pour Homme EDP goes from interesting to forgettable. Yet, it still never reached a high level of enjoyment for me. It’s fine in terms of the smell.

I actually opted for a bottle of Guilty Love 2020 after sampling both it and EDP. Also, I later bought Guilty Parfum when it was released. I liked that better than EDP, as well. But, it’s also not amazing, kind of got boring after a while.

Plus, the performance isn’t all that great.

I do think that Guilty EDP is worth a try. Perhaps, you will have more of a love for it than I do. It’s fine, has its moments, but not one that I personally need to own.

Burberry Brit for Men

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Despite the overwhelming popularity of my post on the top smelling Burberry fragrances for men, I had yet to do a review of Burberry Brit and thought that I would remedy that oversight today.

In this post, I want to give a general overview of Brit, my impressions of it, how well it wears, and whether or not it should merit consideration of a purchase.

Note: I have updated this review, a few years after posting the original, to give new thoughts and expand more upon Burberry Brit for Men.

What Does Burberry Brit Smell Like?

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Notes include: wild roses, tonka bean, green mandarin, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, cedar

Click here to try Burberry Brit:BURBERRY Brit for Men Eau de Toilette, 1.0 fl. oz

My Full Wear Review

My immediate impulse when smelling Burberry Brit is to compare it with other Burberry fragrances, such as London. Whereas London is more of a rugged, woodsy, tobacco type of scent, Brit strikes me as something much smoother.

The opening is fresh and delightful and one is immediately drawn into the subtle spice of the nutmeg/ginger/tonka notes; and the quite powdery aroma, which balances it out.

The mandarin and bergamot citrus notes are present at the top and provide their usual brightness. This is a nice contrast from the fresh spiciness of the rest of the composition.

The opening is really dominated by this subdued citrus and fresh spice combination. There is an air of sweetness within Brit during this stage of the wear, the citrus and tonka bean, seem to be creating that effect.

Yet, the cologne overall still has this green outdoorsy cleanliness during this time, as well.

What is interesting about Brit is that it contains wild roses but that it doesn’t give off the extreme rosiness of a cologne such as Dunhill Desire.

Brit isn’t in any way a loud cologne, I think it really does a fantastic job of taking different elements and working them together in harmony instead of having one dominate feature.

With Brit, you get a warm spice, fresh green/woodsy notes, with a hint of citrus provided by the green mandarin note, and a baby powder type of finish.

The dry down is the make or break period for most guys with this fragrance, I’d say. The dark powdery rose, isn’t going to be enjoyable for some folks, but it is very well done.

Again, it isn’t a super feminine or in your face rose. It’s smoothed out by tonka bean, a cedar base, with the same spices with the ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg notes.

Longevity, Sillage, and Versatility

Longevity wise, this is a really good performer and will typically last around 8 hours give or take. It isn’t a projection beast by any means but it does a great job at presenting itself as a moderate scent.

It’s always had solid sillage on my skin, consistent, but not a scent bomb. It’s more of a strong starter, then, lighter after a few hours. For much of the wear it’s going to be an intimate kind of cologne.

Nevertheless, in all my years of having various bottles of this scent, I’ve never been disappointed by its performance. It holds up well.

 

Burberry Brit is another safe option for the autumn or winter months, just like Burberry for Men (Also see: Brit vs Burberry for Men Comparison).

However, I think Brit would be a better wintertime wear. I’ll usually wear it on colder days, but occasionally I will put some on in the evening, as something casual.

Brit for Men isn’t a summertime fragrance, though, it can be worn in the more moderate temperatures of spring. Still, much better as a colder climate scent.

Brit is an option that can be worn safely at work or even for class. It’s not going to overpower and it smells quite clean and pleasant. Teen guys can wear it, but it doesn’t have that really youthful vibe, and has enough maturity to be worn by someone much older.

Overall Impressions of Burberry Brit for Men

Overall, I really enjoy this stuff. Brit is a great choice for everyday wear in the fall or winter months of the year.

It is a solid performer for school or work and safe to use in either environment. It isn’t necessarily a ‘sexy’ type of cologne but it smells damn good and is attractive enough with the ladies. I’d definitely rate it as a buy.

This has become my third most worn Burberry cologne at this point, as I usually go with Burberry for Men or London depending on the occasion, and which bottle I have.

(Edit: I have purchased a full bottle, in the autumn, and have been wearing it more than the others. I’ve been loving Brit for Men, as of late. I think it’s become my second favorite behind London now).

Still, Brit for Men is a fairly unique guy’s cologne, and does everything quite well.

Really, there haven’t been too many great releases from this brand in a long while. The Mr. Burberry series was decent, but nothing must have. Still, well over a decade later Brit just works, and is among this designers top scents.

Y EDT by Yves Saint Laurent

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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.

Dior Sauvage Parfum vs. EDT Comparison

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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

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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