Men’s Fashion

Ultra Male vs Le Male Terrible Cologne Comparison

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or this entry of my head to head cologne comparisons, I’m going to take a closer look at two Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male flankers: Ultra Male vs. Le Male Terrible. Which one of these colognes smells the best? These are two different takes on the highly popular original Le Male cologne, but is there a clear cut winner between them? Please continue below for my full take after wearing both of these scents.

Tale of the Tape: Le Male Terrible vs Ultra Male

Ultra Male

Notes include: vanilla, pear, amber, woods, cinnamon, cumin, sage, lavender, mint

Click here to try: Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male for Men Intense Spray, Eau de Toilette, 4.2 Ounce

Read my original Review: Ultra Male

Le Male Terrible

Notes include: vanilla, grapefruit, amber, lavender, pink pepper, vetiver

Click here to try: Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Terrible Eau De Toilette Extreme Spray, 2.5 Ounce

Read my original Review: Le Male Terrible

Opening

Ultra Male opens up with a candy-like sweetness led by the pear, cinnamon, vanilla, and mint notes. It’s sweet with a spicy profile and a noticeable intensity. It is warm and smooth and doesn’t have the same sort of powdered scent that the original Le Male does.

Meanwhile, Le Male Terrible opens up with a similar vibe to the original with vanilla and lavender notes. It doesn’t have that same minty scent and instead opts for using pink pepper and grapefruit. This makes Terrible brighter, warmer, and smoother than the original.

Between the two? While I do like the smooth warmth of Terrible and think that it is definitely a nice start, I prefer Ultra Male’s brash sweetness and intensity. It stands apart from the other colognes in this series and is just much more interesting.

Edge: Ultra Male

Projection

This isn’t even a contest. The sillage of Ultra Male is loud and bold, while Terrible is a more moderate type of fragrance. Terrible isn’t a weak scent, it just doesn’t come close to projecting as well as Ultra Male does.

Edge: Ultra

Longevity

With Ultra Male I routinely get 8+ hours of wear. It usually is around 8-9, but longer in some situations. Le Male Terrible gets me about 6-7 hours, with its moderate intensity, and I’ll catch whiffs of it during that time frame, but not after.

Edge: Ultra

Versatility

This is the category in which Terrible has an advantage. While both are more suited for colder weather, Terrible can venture into the warmer months of the year also. It’s still not great for the height of summer but it works every other time.

Next, Ultra Male is a late night, party, romantic wear scent. It doesn’t always fit in during low key casual or office type scenarios. Terrible fits in much better, since has a subtle scent.

Edge: Terrible

Overall Scent

I’ve tried out so many of the Le Male variations and I do think that Le Male Terrible is one of the better ones. It’s neck and neck really, with the original, in my mind. Perhaps not better, but it is a serious debate. However, when posted up versus Ultra Male, it doesn’t compete very well.

Ultra Male is the best JPG fragrance, to me. That’s why I have a giant bottle of it. I don’t wear Ultra Male everyday, but it is one of my winter go to scents for evening wear. Terrible is quite fresh and a nice take off of the original, with pink pepper and grapefruit, giving it an alternative dimension.

Terrible is decent as an everyday wear and would be a better choice for someone who doesn’t want a bold sweet/spicy cologne like Ultra Male. For everyone else, Ultra Male is the way to go. It’s just better all around and is distinct from the rest of the Le Male line.

Winner: Ultra Male

Nautica Voyage vs Versace Eros Comparison

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Alright, in this cologne comparison post, it’s going to be a bit of an odd one between Eros versus Nautica Voyage. This seems odd to me because the Versace and the Nautica colognes are almost completely different, occupy different price ranges, and seem to serve different purposes. Whatever. There are those of you out there wanting to know the differences between these two scents, which one smells better, performs better, and is the better buy between them.

Tale of the Tape: Eros vs. Voyage

Versace Eros

Notes of Eros: mint, green apple, tonka bean, madagascar vanilla, vetiver, Italian lemon

Click here to try: Versace Eros Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 6.7 Fluid Ounce

My original Versace Eros Review

Nautica Voyage

Notes include: apple, musk, cedar, green leaf, amber, mimosa

Read my original review here

Try Nautica Voyage: Nautica Voyage By Nautica For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 oz

Opening

Versace Eros comes right out of the gate as a powerhouse gourmand fragrance. It creates a sweet, warm, and smooth cloud of cologne around the wearer. There is a crisp apple note but it really comes across as sort of a chocolate-like scent at times.

Update: With newer bottles, I get a lot more of the lemon note up front. It was always there, but it seems stronger now.

Nautica Voyage is a really bright and summery cologne. It’s apple note, never really struck me as being apple. I guess it gets overwhelmed by mimosa and musk, as it truly smells more like orange to my nose.

Just on sheer pleasantry and as a more interesting opening, I’m going to have to give the nod to Eros.

Edge: Eros

Projection

Haha, this category isn’t even close. Nautica Voyage has light to moderate sillage and Eros is an absolute monster. Eros is quite heavy and as I mentioned, envelops you when you wear it.

Edge: Eros

Longevity

As an inexpensive fragrance, Voyage has always exceeded its price tag for me, in terms of performance. I can usually get 7 good hours of wear from it.

Again, though, Eros is just better in this regard. With this Versace scent, I can get double digit hours.

Update: With newer Eros bottles, I get like 8 or 9 hours. Still better than Voyage.

Edge: Eros

Versatility

Ok, while Voyage is much more of a summery scent, it can be worn year round. It may not have a winter ‘feel’ to it, but it will hold up in the climate. Eros is pretty much a cold weather warrior. It’s too much for the high heat and humidity.

So, is Voyage a winner in terms of versatility? Not quite.

Voyage is a casual scent. It’s not sexy and not a club beast and not really a work cologne (but wouldn’t be entirely out of place).

Eros can work casually, romantically, or in the club/bar scene. It’s probably too powerful for office wear.

Both also strike me as more youthful fragrances.

Ultimately, I think Eros has more uses, and I would definitely reach for it on more occasions than Voyage.

Edge: Eros

Overall Scent

So, this is a clean sweep for Versace Eros. I think it has the upper hand in every category versus Voyage. I like the smell better and even though it can be loud at times, Eros is more interesting.

That’s not to say that I dislike Voyage. It does smell nice. It is a very good choice for guys who need something for under $20. I mean, go check out all the reviews on Amazon, it’s a constant best seller.

It’s just that this is a weird comparison to do between two dissimilar fragrances. If I had to choose, I’d pick Eros to buy before Voyage, but I wouldn’t ever think to need to pick one versus the other.

Winner: Eros

Lacoste Essential for Men

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When I think of Lacoste, I think of crisp and clean both in terms of the scents that they produce, as well as the clothing the make. The company with the famous little gator logo, is towards the higher end of things but not towards the more extreme price points of Creed and other design houses. Lacoste is sort of a high end moderate in that regard.

In this post, I want to take a closer look at Lacoste Essential and help determine whether or not it is a fragrance which should be considered for purchase. Also, check out my Best Lacoste Colognes post for further options.

What does Lacoste Essential Smell Like?

Notes include: sandalwood, citrus, black currant, black pepper, cassia, rose, tomato leaf

Click here to try: Lacosté Essential for Men 4.2 oz EDT Spray

lacoste essential

My Full Review

Lacoste Essential opens with a sweet, green, and slightly synthetic scent that is quite pleasant. It’s kind of hard to detect exactly which note is the most prominent, as they all sort of melt together into a fresh but indistinguishable scent.

The citrus notes, bergamot, and tangerine, do leave an impression on me but nothing is all that dominate in this mix.

What I think makes Essential unique from other mass marketed colognes is the inclusion of cassia and tomato leaf that gives it a sweetly green mix. I really like it when tomato leaf is included in scents, as I feel it doesn’t get used often enough, and presents something different and pleasant.

Also, since the citrus isn’t overwhelming it gives these other notes (along with peppery spice) a bit of a chance to present themselves once it dries down.

This fragrance isn’t rich, heavy, or all that complex. It is fresh, clean, and has a soapy quality found in other scents such as Eternity. This is a good thing in many respects, as the simplicity seems to make it hold up well during these warmer months of the year.

It is light and perfect as a daily cologne during the spring/summer. It does have a freshness and herbal spice quality to it, that gives it, that masculine edge. Still, it all comes together as being clean, and not ‘in your face’ with the power.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Now, projection wise it isn’t a beast, but it isn’t totally weak either. It’s pretty much, right dab in the middle of the strength spectrum. The first few hours are going to be decently powered, before it settles into being a lighter type of fragrance.

Lacoste Essential, also, isn’t an amazing long-lasting performer. I get 6 hours on average of solid wear and maybe more, depending on the circumstances.

The most is usually around 7.5-8 hours, in some lower humidity circumstances. I find that if the humidity is running high, I’m going to get about 6 hours of wear from this one.

Seasonally, as I’ve already said, spring and summer. If you live in a warmer or tropical climate, it will have a year round availability. Again, I like to wear it as a casual scent or something for semi-formal or office situations.

Is it a date night fragrance? Not really. I wouldn’t call it a ‘sexy’ cologne, but it will draw some complements, so it wouldn’t be out of place really. Essential is not a club beast or something for when you really want to stand out in the crowd.

Overall Impressions of Lacoste Essential for Men

Is Essential worth a buy? That depends. It is an above average scent and if you need a casual, daily wear fragrance during the warmer months, this might be your go to.

However, if you’ve got that covered, you could definitely skip it since you aren’t missing out on anything amazing. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very nice scent, but it won’t blow anyone away.

I like the tomato leaf and citrus. It does have a rather unique profile, but still isn’t crazy good. I do enjoy wearing Essential and for the right price, wouldn’t be opposed to having a bottle.

Essential is very fresh with a blend of woods and herbal notes, in the dry down. Nice spice and it is very versatile. Better than many scents, but not elite.

5 Best Smelling Lemon Scented Colognes

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Lemon is a note that gets used often in fragrances, but it really isn’t the main focus, in many of those scents. It can be a great note, provided it is actually utilized properly. Other times, it just comes across as too tart. In this post, I want to highlight five cologne options for men that strongly feature lemon, not necessarily just a pure lemon squeeze.

What are the best smelling Lemon Colognes for Men?

Lemon and Vanilla

Chanel Allure Homme Edition Blanche– Allure Edition Blanche is absolutely one of my favorite lemon scented fragrance. Honestly, I think that the discontinued EDT Eau Concentree is the better version of this, but the EDP is still great.

Lemon, tonka bean, and vanilla. With a great pure citrus opening, that finishes with a delicious creamy finish. It smells like a lemon cake of some sort, but it’s not heavy and actually is one to wear during the summer months.

The sillage isn’t huge and the overall performance isn’t amazing, but passable. Nonetheless, this scent smells fantastic.

Spicy Lemon and Cocoa

Guerlain L’instant Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3 Ounce – L’Instant Guerlain is an interesting use of a lemon note. It kicks off with that and a spicy star anise, as the opening act. Then, it is herbal and dry, and finally sweet with the introduction of the cocoa note.

It’s got a somewhat floral heart of mostly jasmine with some hibiscus. However, most of the main thrust of this cologne is about lemon, cocoa, and sandalwood. It’s something different from most other scents out there and a great use of our target ingredient. L’Instant Guerlain EDT Review

instant guerlain pour homme

Chanel Blend of Citrus

Bleu De Chaneⅼ Eau De Parfum Pour Homme Spray 1.7 Fl. OZ. / 50ML.– I tend to go back and forth between Bleu EDP and the Parfum version. But, if you’re looking for lemon, this is the best of the line.

Now, it’s not pure lemon and is blended with grapefruit and bergamot. The thing is, the citrus notes smell terrific with one another and the lemon plays a major part of that. Underneath that, are the fresh notes of mint, ginger, and pink pepper.

Finally, the dry down of citrus, amber, and incense. It’s clean, attractive, and Bleu de Chanel EDP has nice performance with 8+ hours of wear. Bleu EDP Review

Best Seller for Winter

Versace Eros for Men 6.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray– Eros has always had a strong lemon note. In newer bottles, this seems to be even truer than it once was. It is paired with the mint note up top, plenty of tonka bean and vanilla to boot.

Eros is and has been a best seller for many years now. To me, the newer bottles don’t seem to have the same power, but this is still a plenty strong cologne. More for the autumn and winter months, as it will melt in the heat.

If you want a bold lemon gourmand sort of scent, Versace Eros can still fit the bill. Versace Eros Review

Guilty Lemon

Gucci Guilty Intense Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3 Ounce– Guilty Intense is my second favorite from the Guilty line (behind Black), but the best one with a solid lemon note. Now, the original Guilty has the strongest use of lemon, it’s just as good of a fragrance.

Underneath the citrus, is a great floral heart with lavender, orange blossom, and neroli. All of this sits on top of a lot of amber. It isn’t a super complex scent, but Guilty Intense is a beautiful and versatile fragrance to wear.

It’s got pretty good sillage and it lasts for 7-8 hours, on my skin. Gucci Guilty Intense Review

The Scent of Peace for Him by Bond No. 9

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Today’s review is of another Bond No. 9 fragrance and this time, it’s one from the men’s line, The Scent of Peace for Him. Now, there are a few different Scent of Peace fragrances out there. One for women, one unisex, and this one intended for the male audience.

In this post, I’m going to cover all of the specifics about this scent and how it performs, so read below for my complete impressions.

What does the Scent of Peace for Him Smell Like?

Notes include: cedar, bergamot, pineapple, vetiver, currant, juniper berries

Click here to try: Bond No. 9 The Scent Of Peace Eau De Parfum Spray for Him, 3.3 Fluid Ounce

My Full Review

The opening of The Scent of Peace for him packs quite a punch. It draws a lot of comparisons with Creed Aventus and while they do have some overlap, they really aren’t that similar in my opinion.

The juniper berry note gives The Scent of Peace a juicy fresh fruit scent to go along with the bergamot and pineapple. Whereas, Creed Aventus opens up more like Pine-Sol, and then gets better as it goes along. It’s cold and bright, right off of the bat. It has that similar clean dryness to Aventus.

This Bond No.9 fragrance has a strong use of cedar, which allows for the woody aroma to sit underneath the initial fruits and then take over mores as the top fruit notes settle a bit. It’s honestly, a pretty linear fragrance after the first half hour or so.

What does it ultimately smell like? Well, if you get a close sniff, you can detect separation between the ingredients and the cedar and pineapple do have a certain nice appeal. However, it becomes more muddled as you get further away from where you sprayed, and it starts to smell more like a detergent.

I’m not sure which brand of laundry detergent, I used to use, but there is one the smells exactly like The Scent of Peace for Him. That smell isn’t bad, and especially not when, it’s become faint on clothing that’s been washed.

The thing is, The Scent of Peace at a distance, smells quite a bit like detergent in concentrate form. It’s that sharp pineapple, cedar dryness, and juniper which brings out that smell. But, while there are cheap colognes like Nautica Blue, which have this same issue; it isn’t too awful in this Bond No. 9.

Upon close inspection, I enjoy the musk/vetiver combo and the very nice use of the bergamot note. It just becomes difficult to enjoy when you have on the one hand a bright and lively fragrance and on the other hand, an in your face detergent.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, this stuff is really strong. Like, two sprays is enormous, and it clouds your surroundings. That’s not always a bad thing, but it can be too much here. So, it will get top marks from me in terms of its sillage. It lives up to the price tag, with the performance.

Also, the longevity is pretty incredible. I’ve taken soap and water, to where I sprayed it on my arm hours earlier, and I could still smell The Scent of Peace for Him…the next day. Crazy. After wearing this a few times, easily in the double digit hours club, without question. Outstanding.

As far as its seasonality, this just strikes me as a summertime cologne. It feels too strong to be suitable for enclosed spaces such as an office, but might work as a casual outdoorsy fragrance during the warmer months of the year.

It’s not particularly sexy or nightlife worthy, just a fresh and clean sort of scent. Again, I really don’t think that it has the same appeal or aroma as Aventus. It is versatile as a daytime fragrance, but that’s what I’d keep it as.

Overall Scent of The Scent of Peace

Overall, would I recommend The Scent of Peace for Him? It’s not for me, but it’s nice enough. I don’t hate it and the performance is pretty insane. However, it just strikes me in the same vein as Sauvage and Dylan Blue, these bright citrusy colognes with woody undertones.

They’re decent but aren’t impressive overall. Plus, I think I prefer those two colognes to this Bond No. 9 and they are both much cheaper. It’s okay, but that’s about it. The Aventus comparisons, are pretty overdone, as they really aren’t that similar.

Yes, they are somewhat alike, but not complete clones by any stretch.