Men’s Fashion

Mont Blanc Legend EDT vs EDP

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Legend from Mont Blanc is still being used to inspire new flankers for the brand. The latest is an eau de parfum version of the famous Legend formula. I recently got a hold of a sample of Legend EDP to test it out and wanted to do another comparison post, with the original. Which of these is better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Mont Blanc Legend vs. Legend Eau de Parfum

Mont Blanc Legend

Notes include: Bergamot, Pineapple Leaf, Sandalwood, Apple, rose, oak moss, lemon verbena, geranium, lavender,  And Tonka Bean

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Legend Eau de Toilette 3.3 fl.oz.

Read my review: Mont Blanc Legend

Legend EDP

Notes include: violet leaf, leather, jasmine, moss, bergamot, woods

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Legend eau de parfum 3.3 fl oz, 3.3 fl. oz.

Read my full review: Legend EDP

Opening

Legend opens with a blend of pineapple, bergamot, and apple. It is clean, but doesn’t have the same type of sharpness, as it is calmed by lavender and tonka bean. It also has a dry underlying aroma from the base, that will become more prominent later on.

Legend eau de parfum starts off with a pretty strong violet leaf note, some bergamot, and leather. It’s fresh and somewhat green, with what I’m guessing is their synthetic oakmoss substitute. There’s really not much going on here, it feels pretty flat.

Which is better? I’m not a huge fan of the original Legend, but I like the opening act more so than the EDP. It has way more personality. The EDP just sits there as a giant dose of violet leaf on my skin, with some additional notes lurking around, but not really standing out.

Edge: Legend

Projection

I’d say that both of these are moderate. I know EDP has the higher concentration, but it doesn’t feel any stronger when I compare it to the original. The sillage is about the same at its peak. Maybe EDP goes a little longer with its strength, but that’s about it. 

Not giving it an edge.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Legend EDT gives me 5-6 hours of solid wear. During testing, I’ve gotten between 6.5-8 hours of wear from the EDP version. Neither one is going to give a marathon type of wear, but the EDP has the clear edge here.

Edge: EDP

 

 

Versatility

Mont Blanc Legend is a very versatile scent and that’s definitely one of its strengths. It can be worn year round and fits in, within all environments. It is attractive enough for dates, can go out for an evening, but doesn’t have that massive club beast persona.

Legend EDP is about the same. The violet leaf and leather doesn’t really change when it can be worn compared to the EDT version. The leather isn’t that intense and the violet leaf works pretty much year round.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Legend EDP is a similar take on the original, but with some slight differences. Less of the top fruity notes, upping the violet leaf, and a leather/woody base coming through. The opening act isn’t all that great, but the dry down gets better for me.

I wish the leather was given more of a role versus the violet leaf. That would have given it more distinction and a bit more personality than it has. The performance is solid, just not incredible.

Honestly, the fragrance strikes me as just fine. If you liked the original, you’ll probably like the eau de parfum, even if you don’t necessarily need a bottle for yourself.

Between these two? I’d rather wear the EDT. Again, I’m not even much of a fan of Legend, but it at least has some more personality. The EDP is closer to A&F Fierce or Egoiste Platinum, than is the EDT, but isn’t as good as either of those fragrances.

There’s nothing all that new with the eau de parfum, to make it a must have versus the original. I don’t think it smells any better and the performance, isn’t that much better.

Winner: Legend EDT

The Scent Intense by Hugo Boss

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The line of Hugo Boss fragrances released under “The Scent” banner, have had many incarnations over the past 5+ years. I’ve reviewed the original EDT on the site, but recently picked up the other offerings to try and complete the collection (I know, I’m late). Today’s entry is going to be of The Scent Intense. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does The Scent Intense by Boss Smell Like?

Notes include: ginger, cardamom, maninka fruit, leather, vanilla, lavender, wood

My Full Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see how Hugo Boss describes it: An irresistible fragrance, unforgettable like a savored seduction. Exquisite notes of spicy cardamom, exotic maninka fruit, vanilla and leather unfold over time for an intense experience.

The Scent Intense opens up with a much spicier aroma than does the original. Off the bat, there is a lot of ginger and cardamom. The ginger is amped up from the original The Scent and the cardamom is a newer addition.

It’s a nice change of pace and I do like the intensity of the spice in the opening. The maninka fruit is still present, but it is without its citrus pairing. The Scent Intense is much less of a fruity fragrance, than is the EDT. 

The spicy top sticks around for a while, but Intense will quickly move into its leathery phase. Maninka, lavender, and leather are basically what is around for the middle act. To my nose, the ginger is gone, and the cardamom has weakened significantly.

Finally, the end game will mostly be vanilla and leather, along with the remaining maninka. I do like the combination of these notes, but I actually prefer the spicy opening act, to the vanilla and leather finish.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The Scent Intense does indeed open up with some power and the ability to project itself is actually really nice for a while. However, the overall sillage is pretty moderate, as the intensity drops pretty far once the spices have dissipated.

Nonetheless, it is much better than the completely weak EDT version. The longevity also goes for over 7 hours on my skin. It’s not completely beast mode, but very serviceable and useful for most purposes.

 

Seasonally, autumn through springtime like the original. It has a nice versatility, can be worn day or night, by a variety of age ranges and many different scenarios. The Scent Intense does have a sexy aroma, that should allow you to venture into the nightlife with confidence and appeal.

Overall Impressions of Boss The Scent Intense

Do I like this cologne? I do. In terms of smell, I actually do like the original a bit more. However, the performance here is actually pretty good, especially when put head to head with the dreadful performance of that original release.

While I like the leather and vanilla dry down, I wanted more of that initial freshness and spicy warmth that I got with the intense opening act. I enjoyed the cardamom and ginger mix, but it didn’t go on for long enough.

It seems like The Scent Intense is getting difficult to come across these days, since it was released back in 2017. It’s worth trying, if you can find it at a reasonable price.

I don’t think that it’s an amazing fragrance, but it’s very good overall. If one liked the original, this one should have something to offer you.

Spicebomb Night Vision EDT vs EDP

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Spicebomb flankers continued to be put out by Viktor & Rolf, with the Night Vision line being some of the latest examples, in their green bottles. Obviously, if you’re in the market for Night Vision, you’ll need to make a choice between the eau de toilette version and the eau de parfum. In this post, I want to compare them head to head after having tested both, and declare a winner.

Tale of the Tape: Night Vision EDT vs. EDP

Night Vision EDT

Notes include:  grapefruit, sage, black spice complex, geranium, roasted almond accord, tonka bean

Read my Full Review

Click here to try: Spicebomb Night Vision by Viktor & Rolf Eau De Toilette Spray 3 oz

Night Vision Eau de Parfum

Notes include: black spices, sage, lemon essence, fir balsam 

Read my Full Review: Spicebomb Night Vision EDP

Opening

Spicebomb Night Vision has been one that’s been sort of difficult for me to get a take on. This scent sometimes starts out sweeter, then, it’ll be super fresh and have that greenish finish to it. It’s taken me three or four wears to get a hold of this EDT.

The opening is a mix of a light grapefruit, sage, geranium, and what they’re calling a black spice complex. Basically, black pepper, but I think there is some chili pepper in there as well. Though, sometimes I swear I picked up a bit of cumin.

Nonetheless, it’s a herbal fresh spice with aromatic highlights. It will dry down with more of a smooth tonka bean and just a pinch of almond, if I really focus in. On my skin, I get a whole lot of sage and geranium, which seems to be a bit different from what other folks are picking up.

Meanwhile, Spicebomb EDP opens up with a cooler and woodier freshness, rather than a warmer spice. You do get a nice lemon essence, some red pepper, but it’s overall less sweet when compared to the EDT. 

The fir and maybe some light benzoin give this a fresh and balsamic aroma, but when I move away from the skin, it can hang in the air as a fresh sweetness.

Which is better? Between the two, I have to give the opening act to the eau de parfum. I’ve enjoyed it each time that I’ve worn it and the EDT has been confusing, as to how I feel about it, in the early stages.

I like the cold freshness, the fir note, and enough sweetness to keep it intriguing.

Edge: EDP 

Projection

Neither of the Night Vision fragrances, really brings that punch that other Spicebomb colognes are known for. Night Vision EDT is a light to moderate fragrance. It’s got a decent projection for an hour or two, then it’ll be much more of a skin scent.

The EDP starts out pretty strong, but will transition into a moderate sort of scent. In any case, Night Visioin EDP hits a higher high and stays elevated for longer with its sillage. It’s actually stronger than you think it is, with a few sprays, but not a monster.

Edge: EDP

Longevity

The EDT will last around 5 hours on me, before it fades away. Seriously, the longevity is pretty disappointing, even if you enjoy how it smells.

EDP isn’t that great, but it’ll hang around for 7-8 hours. The last few hours, it will be a skin scent, but it is still there. 

Great performance? No, but there is a clear winner in this category.

Edge: EDP

 

 

Versatility

Being two types of the same fragrance, they basically occupy the same space. Don’t wear them during the height of summer. Stick more to the nightlife. Not really a mature wear or one for formal occasions.

Each of them is attractive and has a certain sexiness to it. Should easily draw complements and have a level of mass appeal. 

I don’t really see a distinction in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

So, which Spicebomb Night Vision is the better scent?

The EDT is one that I sort of like, but I’m mostly indifferent to. I don’t think that it’s a bad smelling fragrance, it just doesn’t really have that much appeal. Plus, the performance isn’t all that great. It grew on me, the more that I wore it, but didn’t gain that many points in its favor.

I like the spice blend, particularly the sage and geranium. The tonka bean dry down is just okay. There are better examples out there.

Night Vision Eau de Parfum is actually enjoyable to wear. It also grew on me, but by the end of testing it out, I was digging it. The cool freshness, fir woodiness, and the sweetness that comes and goes is overall well done.

Plus, the performance is way better, especially for Viktor & Rolf prices. Yet, it’s still not my favorite of the Spicebomb line. It’s a good scent, that should have many fans. Is it a must have? Not really. It’s a worthwhile cologne to try out though and is better than the original EDT.

Winner: Night Vision EDP

Spicebomb vs. Spicebomb Extreme Comparison

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Spicebomb is a long-time favorite of fragrance fans. It always delivered a great experience and a nice masculine smell. As such, anytime a flanker is released, people will love to give it a go to see if Viktor & Rolf have improved upon the formula. Spicebomb Extreme is once such flanker cologne that the brand has released. How does it smell? Which is better? Which lasts longer?

Tale of the Tape: Spicebomb vs. Spicebomb Extreme

Spicebomb Extreme

Notes include: tobacco, cumin, cinnamon, saffron, vanilla, bourbon

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme Eau De Parfum Spray 50ml/1.7oz

Read my Full Review: Spicebomb Extreme

spicebomb extreme edp

Spicebomb

Notes include: cinnamon, saffron, bergamot, pink pepper, pimento berries, white leather, tobacco, grapefruit, vetiver

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3.04 Ounce

Read my review: Spicebomb EDT

Opening

Spicebomb starts out as the name implies, with its spices out in full force. However, there is also a light citrus blend up top of grapefruit and bergamot. It’s more noticeable after the initial spray, but it does stick around for a while.

The cinnamon is the leader, a bit of pink pepper, and some underlying saffron,. After a few minutes, you will start to pick up hints of the tobacco and leather.

Spicebomb Extreme actually starts out much sweeter. The tobacco is the main attraction here, with vanilla and lavender. The spice is there, but secondary, and led by the same cinnamon and the additional cumin.

Which do I like better between the two? It’s awfully close in my opinion. However, I think I like the sweet/spice blend of Extreme somewhat more than the spicier original. Both are really great, though, I’ll give the edge to the flanker.

Edge: Extreme

Projection

As I recall, older bottles of Spicebomb used to have pretty heavy sillage. You could spray and the projection was really good, though, short of being elite. Now, it’s more moderate. Though, I still get a nice wear from this latest batch. Any rumors of its full decline have been greatly exaggerated.

Spicebomb Extreme is the stronger and better projecting of the two. It also is more consistent in its power for a longer duration. Extreme also isn’t the elite of the elite, with its sillage, but it doesn’t disappoint.

Edge: Extreme

Longevity

This latest sample of Spicebomb will go for 6-7 hours on my skin. The last hour or two, it’s pretty much a skin scent. The performance isn’t bad, just not as good as it used to be. Still very usable.

Spicebomb Extreme can go anywhere from 10-13 hours, depending on the day, skin, and climate conditions. It really is an awesome performing scent, especially for a more mainstream designer cologne.

Extreme takes this one, easily.

Edge: Extreme

Versatility

Both scents do have plenty of similarities. Seasonally, I’d stick to the autumn and winter for both of them.

For either, I’d generally wear both casually or for a night out versus any sort of a formal event. I don’t really see much of a distinction between them, in terms of how versatile each is.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Despite how the categories have shaken out thus far, this is actually a tough call for me, as I really like each of these Viktor & Rolf fragrances.

The original Spicebomb is always an enjoyable wear. It has a lot of overlap with another favorite of mine, Man in Black, so it’s an easy one to love. Yes, newer bottles have lost a step, but it’s really not as dire in my experience, as some have said.

The longevity is still pretty good and it can project itself moderately well. It’s just not an absolute beast.

Spicebomb Extreme is a beast. The performance is among the best, in terms of how long it will last on my skin. It also develops differently, with a greater emphasis on tobacco and sweetness, versus just being a spicy monster.

In terms of smell, I might give a slight edge to Extreme. Though, it’s close.

Performance is an easy win for Extreme, also. So, it’s going to be the overall winner here. But, bottles of Spicebomb can be found for much cheaper, if that’s a big factor for you…go with Spicebomb.

If the cost doesn’t matter, Spicebomb Extreme is the better bet.

Winner: Spicebomb Extreme

Acqua di Gio Profondo vs Profondo Lights

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Acqua di Gio continues to spawn off flankers, 25 years after the original was released. The latest is the Profondo side of things, with the awesome original, and 2021’s Profondo Lights.

Being a big fan of AdG Profondo, I was excited to be able to try out Lights and see if I had another one to enjoy. Which of these fragrances is better? Which lasts longer? Which should you buy?

Tale of the Tape: AdG Profondo vs. Profondo Lights

Acqua di Gio Profondo

Notes include: mandarin, bergamot, lavender, marine notes, rosemary, cypress, lentisk, patchouli, musk

Click here to try: GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Profondo for Men Eau De Parfum Spray 4.2 Ounces, blue

Read my Review: AdG Profondo

Profondo Lights

Notes include: cardamom, mandarin, patchouli, cedar, marine accord, vetiver, lavender, cypress, rosemary

Read my full review: Profondo Lights

Opening

Acqua di Gio Profondo starts off with its citrus notes in the lead, bergamot and mandarin orange. The bergamot is the more dominant of the two ingredients. It’s a good deal amount like the original AdG. However, it doesn’t have the same floral focus, is more marine, and has a resinous quality.

It’s not too salty of a marine accord, rather it gives an aquatic impression, versus being a oceanic  scent.

Profondo Lights goes in a different direction initially. I’ve said that Profondo is a blue fragrance with green-ish qualities, well, Lights reverses that.

It opens up with a bright use of the mandarin, a heavy bit of cardamom, and cypress coming through as the main bout of woody freshness. All of this is sitting on top of the marine accord.

Which is better? I prefer the opening of Profondo versus Profondo Lights. The initial few minutes of Lights, really doesn’t work well on me. It actually reminds me of having a less harsh apple cider vinegar aroma.

That does change and it gets better, but that alone doesn’t let it get to the same level of enjoyment as Profondo.

Edge: Profondo

Projection

Profondo starts out in the stronger sillage camp, but settles fairly quickly into the moderate. It’s got decent projection but isn’t ever super powerful.

Profondo Lights starts out as a moderate, never has the same strength, and sits much closer to the skin for a majority of the wear. Not completely weak, but fairly average overall.

I was actually kind of surprised, since they have such similar formulas, but Lights never hits the same level as the original Profondo.

Edge: Profondo

Longevity

AdG Profondo gives me a consistent 7-8 hours of wear. Admittedly, it’s not amazingly long lasting, but that’s a workday’s worth of wear. It’s solid.

Profondo Lights is again, a step behind. This stuff is gone from my skin in 5-6 hours. Not a complete waste, but it’s outdone by its competitor and Profumo.

Edge: Profondo

Versatility

I don’t really feel that there is much of a difference between these two, in terms of when they can be worn. Seasonally, I’d stick to spring and summer for both. Beyond that, they’re both fine in casual to semi-formal situations.

Easily can be daily wear sorts of fragrances for the right guy. At least, during the warmer parts of the year.

This one is an even split for me, no real advantage to either fragrance.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

This is an easy win for the original Profondo. Lights tries to go in a new direction, does some things well, but ultimately doesn’t really provide too much that is interesting to me.

Profondo Lights opening act is pretty bad. I don’t know if it’s just something with how it works on me, but I actively dislike the start. The blend of the mandarin, cardamom, and cypress just feels off to me.

Although, I like the latter stages, when it settles down…it’s never a love. It becomes more like Profondo, but Lights has a greener and more marine depth to it. One problem that I have with it, is that is has an underlying bitterness to the scent, that I don’t enjoy.

Overall, Profondo Lights isn’t a bad cologne. It ends up being okay, but that’s about it. The performance doesn’t do it any favors either.

Meanwhile, I am a big fan of Acqua di Gio Profondo. Along with Profumo, it is a favorite of mine from the series. It’s smooth, blue, with a great citrus opening and it’s a fragrance that I have loved wearing during the summer.

This isn’t a contest for me, I’d rather wear Profondo over Lights every time. The cardamom doesn’t add much for me and actually throws off the composition, in my opinion, and I’m someone who likes a good cardamom note. Here, it’s all just mehhh.

Update: Profondo Lights is now discontinued. To me, it’s still not worth tracking down and paying a high price for.  So, now, Profondo really is the clear winner.

Winner: Profondo