Men’s Fashion

Best Smelling Aquatic Colognes for Men: Top 9 Fragrances

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One of the most popular cologne segments is the aquatics. These men’s fragrances often include citrus notes to go along with sea or other marine ingredients, though, they can sometimes also be woodsy based instead of citrus. These are generally best used in spring and summer and can withstand the heat and humidity that accompanies that part of the year.

There are plenty of decent options within the frame of aquatics for men but I wanted to create a list of some of the best scents in my opinion. In the end, I chose 9 guys’ colognes that I consider to be the best smelling and top performing aquatics.

What are the Best Aquatic/Marine Colognes for Him?

In addition to this list, I have related ones for colognes that smell like the beach or ocean, if you want something a bit more specific. Also, the top tropical fragrances.

Dark, Herbal, Aquatic Cologne

Giorgio Armani Aqua di Gio Profumo, 4.2 Fluid Ounce– A flanker from the original and best-selling Acqua di Gio, AdG Profumo, exceeds the original in my opinion. It is a dark aquatic fragrance with an attractive spice and smoky undertones provided by the incense note.

Update: You also might go with the newer Profondo, which is awesome for summer.

Profumo starts out with bergamot and deep sea aquatic notes. The composition screams out summertime spent on the coast and is more refined and masculine than its predecessor. Great salty marine elements with sage and rosemary, giving it all extra heft. Awesome. Acqua di Gio Profumo Review

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Top Cheap Fragrance with Aquatic Elements

Nautica Voyage By Nautica For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 oz – This is a really great fragrance and is affordable for just about any budget. Nautica Voyage has an aquatic aroma with musky undertones. However, the main attraction is the fruit which is listed as apple, and has a cold crispness to it. Very fresh with additional floral notes.

This one has a cold aroma, with the crisp cucumber-like juiciness. It’s aquatic but not oceanic or marine, meaning, it doesn’t have that heavy sea salt note as others do. Floral and green undertones provided by oak moss, mimosa, and lotus. Voyage is one for daytime use and will usually go for about 7 hours on my skin, when wearing it.

Voyage is a constant best-seller because it delivers that bright and sunny aroma with nice performance. It has that usual Nautica marine/aquatic profile with a cedarwood base holding it all together. It’s light and built for the summertime. Casual or everyday wear.  My Full Review of Voyage Cologne

nautica voyage cologne review

Underrated Aquatic Men’s Fragrance

Fendi Fan Di Acqua Pour Homme EDT Spray for Men, 1.7 Ounce– Fan di Fendi Acqua is another designer scent, that has been heavily discounted. I think this will be cheap, until the current overstock gets scarce, and then might go back up.

In the mean time, guys have a chance to pick a bottle of this summertime aquatic, for super cheap. I bought a full bottle for $20, back in the start of 2019, and wore it plenty during the summer months.

Acqua opens up with bergamot, cedar and aquatic notes which are surrounded by a warm spiciness of peppercorn and pink pepper. While it starts off fairly spicy, it settles down into a uniquely smooth aquatic, with a great leather note.

Is this the most amazing fragrance? No, but it is quite underrated. When compared with the usual scents at this price, the quality and overall experience is much better. Fan di Fendi Acqua Review

fan di fendi acqua homme

Simple Marine Scent

Bvlgari Aqua By Bvlgari For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces
Aqva is obviously an aquatic scent. From the start we get a strong blend of two types of orange, salty seaweed, and cedar driftwood. It has that really oceanic and water laden citrus fruit vibe, that strikes hard at first.

However, it doesn’t stay citrus laden throughout like most aquatics and ends up with quite a moderate sillage. As it wears on, it feels both darker and deeper, as a fragrance. Lavender comes in to lend a clean aroma to the salty driftwood.

Really good casual scent for the summer months and feels like being at the shore. Bvlgari Aqva has been a best seller, in this space for years now, and is an aquatic that folks seem to love. Full Bvlgari Aqva Review

Tropical Island Scent

Creed Virgin Island Water Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.3 Fl Ounce– Virgin Island Water is some folks favorite summertime island life-smelling fragrance. Is it a pure aquatic? Probably not, but it fits the same sort of vibe.

I really like that opening blast, as it feels like sitting on a beach, with a tropical drink in hand. When the coconut comes in heavier, this one starts to take on more of a suntan lotion aroma.

Plenty of people enjoy that, I think that it is just okay. Consider this one to be a boozy/beachy aquatic and not an oceanic sort of scent. Virgin Island Water is built for the summertime, though, and for that it is an over nice choice for men or women. Virgin Island Water Review

Fresh Intense Aquatic for Summer

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Intense Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 1.6 Ounce– I actually prefer the Intense version of Light Blue over the original. Like Light Blue, Eau Intense, starts out with a citrus opening; this time minus the bergamot note that is so prevalent in the original. Grapefruit and mandarin this time around, but the grapefruit is ‘frozen’ and produces a wonderful chilled feeling.

This has an amberwood note in it, that some people don’t really like. I generally enjoy wearing this one, but it did sometimes get annoying. As such, the original Light Blue should also be highly considered, as an alternative.

Also, this one doesn’t have the same spice or aquatic note. The pepper is replaced with a great juniper and the aquatic aroma, is much closer to fresh water, than a sea note.

I think that this one is much more refreshing and fun to wear, the whole chilled vibe is great on a warm day. The sillage is strong and I get around 9 hours of use, on my skin. Light Blue Eau Intense Review

Boozy Beach Aquatic

Tommy Bahama St Barts Cologne Eau de Cologne Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce –This Tommy Bahama scent is sort of like a poor man’s version of Virgin Island Water. It’s got a strong lime kick, which turns into a smooth and creamy finish with salty undertones as if you were sitting on the beach.

I like wearing this one from time to time. The performance isn’t amazing, so, I’d suggest trying to find a cheap bottle. Definitely avoid paying full price. It starts off strong with the lime, but later, the sillage is pretty light. Still, I enjoy this one as an island type of aquatic. Set Sail St. Barts Review

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Salt Water Oceanic Perfume for Him

Bvlgari Aqva Marine Pour Homme by Bvlgari 3.4oz 100ml EDT Spray– The flanker fragrance to Bvlgari Aqva and while it’s very similar this one feels lighter and has an added salt water note. This is built for summertime. Between the two Bvlgari options on this list, Aqva Marine is the one for those who want a purer oceanic experience.

This one has the same orange note, with additional grapefruit, and neroli to keep things light and fresh. Seaweed is a major player here, so, consider that before getting a bottle of this cologne.

Crisp, Easy to Wear Fragrance

Calvin Klein ETERNITY for Men AQUA Eau de Toilette, 3.4 Fl Oz– I am replacing Polo Blue EDT on the list, with an entry from Calvin Klein. Eternity Aqua is the closest thing you will get to a clone of Polo Blue EDT. Actually, it comes quite close to replicating it exactly, but there are a few differences.

Mainly, the opening act, is what is so similar to Blue. Eternity shares the cucumber note and that aquatic type of scent, but also features a plum note and citrus, to separate it from the Polo. It turns into a citrus spiciness with Sichuan pepper, with elements from the original Eternity for Men.

Is it better than Polo Blue? In terms of smell, they are really close, but I’m actually partial to Aqua. The longevity of Polo Blue is better, but I get 5-7 hours from this Calvin Klein. It would ultimately come down to price.

Right now, you can find full bottles of Eternity Aqua at some places for under $30, which is a saving versus Blue. If you can get one of the cheap bottles, go with this on over Ralph Lauren. Eternity Aqua Review

There you have it, 9 excellent options for guys who want to delve into the marine/aquatic space. Each of these scents provides something different while maintaining that underlying similarity which makes these types of colognes so interesting to wear.

Just Cavalli I Love Him by Roberto Cavalli

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Another sample that I’ve received recently is this Roberto Cavalli cologne from 2004, Just Cavalli I Love Him. The name is pretty bad, in my opinion. If someone asked what you were wearing and you had to answer, “I Love Him”, it’d probably be a bit awkward. That being said, I wanted to give my impression of this fragrance, see how it performed, and if it is even worth a buy.

What does Just Cavalli I Love Him Smell Like?

just cavalli i love him

Notes include: tangerine, ginger, green tea, saffron, nutmeg, sandalwood, pineapple, black pepper

Click here: Just Cavalli I Love Him By Roberto Cavalli for Men Eau-de-toillete Spray, 2 Ounce

My Full Review

Behind its stupid name, this fragrance actually isn’t all that bad. It is a blend of citrus/spice/powdery aromas tied together in a light and fresh cologne.

The opening is more of the tangerine and black pepper notes than anything with support coming from the ginger, nutmeg, and the green tea note which provides is bit of uniqueness in an otherwise rather seemingly generic fragrance.

Actually, it isn’t quite like anything else exactly, but it does feel like a million other summer colognes. Like, it has just enough to separate it from the pack.

The citrus is pretty bright and somewhat sharp at the beginning, with a fizzy drink like quality. However, it will become more of a sweet powdery and slightly spiced cologne during the dry down.

For me, I can’t really pick out too many of the notes toward the end of the wear. It’s just an overall blend of ingredients stirred up to create an impression.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, I Love Him, is really soft but you will notice it there…it isn’t a skin scent. However, while it is a lighter scent it does have really good longevity, which adds to its case as a possible daily wear scent during the summertime.

It can go for 7-8 hours, at its best…sometimes just six, though.

This is a casual scent, I wouldn’t wear it on a date or brand it as a ‘sexy’ cologne, though it does smell quite nice. Another perk, is the aforementioned ability to stand up in the heat, it does a great job of that in fact.

Overall Impressions of Just Cavalli I Love Him

Overall, is this Roberto Cavalli fragrance a buy? I mean, not really. I don’t really find anything all that special about it, beyond the green tea and the tangerine, it isn’t all that unique.

It does have really good performance, which is especially important in a summer cologne, so if you can grab it at a good price (it’s not even in production anymore)…it could be a cheap casual wear scent.

Mont Blanc Legend vs. Versace Eros Comparison

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For this entry into the series of head to head men’s fragrance match ups, we have two best selling scents, from the past decade: Versace Eros vs. Mont Blanc Legend. Which one of these well known colognes, smells the best? Which has the better performance? Which is the top buy? I will break down each by category and have linked my original reviews below.

Tale of the Tape: Legend vs. Eros

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

Versace Eros

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

Shop Amazon for: Versace Eros Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

My review: Versace Eros

Opening

Eros opens up with that familiar lemon, crisp green apple, and the spicy coolness of mint. It is bright, sharp, juicy, and then begins to develop a sweetness.

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 drier and more floral aroma than Eros.

Which is better? I prefer how Eros kicks off, much more than I do the Mont Blanc. It has not only a better aroma, but more depth, and complexity. I’m immediately drawn into the fragrance, rather than, just thinking it is pleasant.

Edge: Eros

Projection

Eros has always has a large sillage. It is the type of fragrance that you can spray and detect from across the room. It stays pretty strong throughout the wear, but especially on the front end.

Legend has good sillage, but it is much more in the moderate camp, and never challenges the strength of the Versace.

Edge: Eros

Longevity

Legend has never lasted a great deal of time on my skin. It isn’t terrible, but is just okay, clocking in at 5-6 hours. Meanwhile, Eros will go all day, and get into the 10+ hour range. Easy win here.

Update: Newer bottles of Eros, don’t seem to have the same power. It’s still better, but closer to the 8-9 hour range, on my skin.

Edge: Eros

Versatility

Versace Eros is great in the cold weather and can venture into springtime, but doesn’t hold up all that well in the heat. It is much more of a romantic or nightlife wear, you can venture into the office wear with it, but you must tread lightly with the sprays.

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.

Edge: Legend

Overall Scent

For me, this isn’t a close call. I know others really like Legend, but I think that it is just pretty good. When compared to Versace Eros, it doesn’t stand a chance, in my opinion. I do like it’s clean citrus and lavender blend with some smooth tonka bean and a fresh woody base.

The performance is just decent, but you can usually pick up a bottle for a good price.

Eros, while it is a very popular and heavy fragrance, is still a favorite of mine. I don’t wear it daily, but I do come back to it time and time again.

It is sweet, seductive, and very bold. Women seem to like it, heck, even other guys seem to appreciate it. It’s still a great experience to wear it and it gets the nod here.

Winner: Versace Eros

Herod by Parfums De Marly

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So, I’ve got a ton of Parfums de Marly reviews that I need to write up, and post on the site. I received a good 10+ sample vials of this design house’s fragrances and have been testing them out. The first one, and the subject of this post, is Herod. Herod is perhaps their most popular cologne but does it actually live up to the lofty reputation?

Herod by PdM Overview

Notes include: tobacco leaf, musk, cinnamon, vanilla, vetiver, cedar, patchouli, pepper, incense, and labdanum 

Click here to try: Parfums de Marly Herod Men’s EDP Spray, 4.2 oz.

My Full Review

From the opening, Herod is an absolutely captivating fragrance, and one that is right in my wheelhouse. The tobacco note in this one is superb and reminds me of Pure Havane, in that respect.

Although, this Parfums de Marly scent has a slightly different type of tobacco and better smelling (and no honey note).

Herod really seems like an amalgamation of other scents that I’ve enjoyed. Other than Pure Havane, it has elements of Man in Black, Burberry London, as well as B Men.

Man in Black has an especially similar profile, with the spices and tobacco notes playing off of sweet ingredients. Are they exactly the same? No, but I’ve worn them both enough to recognize them as close cousins.

Herod is a warm fragrance, the vanilla note envelops you, and the cinnamon/pepper combination gives you that heated spice. It opens with those two notes being on prominent display.

Yet, it is never harsh. The smooth smokiness of the incense makes sure that the spice isn’t like a punch in the face and simply adds a relaxing texture to the aroma.

Tobacco, labdanum, and vanilla create a smooth and somewhat sweet trio which grows in strength during the wear. Another way the spices get brought under control and don’t become overwhelming.

In the dry down, it is a dark and resinous scent with a sweet heart. I really love it at this stage, as it lingers softly in the air, and I can catch whiffs of Herod throughout the day. This is where I think that the incense note shines through and earns its spot.

Ultimately, I get a mix of spicy/sweet tobacco, with smoky and resinous undertones. It’s warm, cozy, and very attractive.

Sillage, How Long it Lasts, and Versatility

Projection wise, it can be strong, but I think that it dries down into more of a moderate cologne. However, it is noticeable throughout the day. Also, the longevity is really great.

This is easily a 10+ hour wear and a scent who’s performance actually lives up to its price. Using my sample vial over the course of months, I never got a bad performance from Herod. It works extremely well with my skin and sticks around for as long as I would want.

Seasonally, Herod is one for the cold weather. I’ve been mostly testing this at night here in the summer, as it just doesn’t fit during the sweltering heat of the daytime. Update: I’ve worn this in the colder weather, or even the lighter days of autumn, and it fits perfectly.

It also has great versatility. It is a mature and refined type of fragrance that can fit well in the office but also has a level of sexiness that would work during a night out or date.

Overall Impressions of Herod by PdM

Overall, do I think Herod is worth it? Yes! This Parfums de Marly scent is a total winner in my book. I don’t personally need to buy a full bottle at the moment, due to the season, but it could definitely be a play for me during the autumn. Smooth, spicy, and tobacco laden.

Herod is one of the best PdM releases, in my opinion. Definitely a top 2 or 3 pick for me, from this designer. It smells great, has an interesting blend of familiar notes, and performs extraordinarily well for me.

1 Million Prive vs Armani Code Profumo Cologne Comparison

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For this cologne comparison, I am going to take a closer look at two of the more recent popular releases: 1 Million Prive by Paco Rabanne vs. Armani Code Profumo. Both of these fragrances, are flanker scents to other extremely popular releases, and built upon what was great about their predecessors. Which one is better, though? Which gives the best performance? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Code Profumo vs. 1 Million Prive

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 full review: 1 Million Prive

Armani Code Profumo

Notes include: leather, amber, tonka bean, cardamom, lavender, and nutmeg

Click here to try: Giorgio Armani Code Profumo EDP Spray for Men, 3.7 Ounce

Read my full review: Code Profumo Review

Opening

Armani Code Profumo opens up with a mix of warm amber and tonka bean. There is also a slight citrus aroma added by an orange note. However, it does take on more of a sweet cream soda type of aroma, when the cardamom and nutmeg emerge.

1 Million Prive actually shares elements with Code Profumo, as well as, the original 1 Million. The Paco Rabanne does add apple, cinnamon, and myrrh; which seems to give Prive a slightly more interesting dynamic than its competition.

Honestly, it’s tough to pick between them, since I love both of these fragrances. But for the start? I think that I’ll lean towards Prive.

Edge: Prive

Projection

Neither one of these fragrances is an absolute beast, in my opinion. This sillage on both is strong, but moderately so, not overboard. I do think that Code Profumo has slightly better projection than does Prive. It’s not a lot more, but it does have a little something extra.

Edge: Profumo

Longevity

With 1 Million Prive, I get about 9-10 hours of wear on my skin. Meanwhile, the Armani, will hit double digit hours on a regular basis with me. Both are great performers, but Code Profumo is again better.

Edge: Profumo

Versatility

Both of these scents are built for the cold weather. Also, both are nightlife colognes, that can pull double duty and still work in the daytime. Both are sexy and can be worn dressed up or casually. There is really no clear distinction in this regard.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Once again, this is a very tough match up to choose a winner from, as I really enjoy wearing both of these fragrances and the fill a similar niche.

Armani Code Profumo, is super warm and smooth with great leather, tonka bean, and amber notes leading the way. It’s got outstanding longevity and sillage, plus, it will draw complements.

The only real downside, is that, sometimes the sweet creaminess of the fragrance can be too much, and I won’t want to wear it for a little while.

Meanwhile, 1 Million Prive, has taken the crown as the best 1 Million flanker scent and probably the best Paco Rabanne to date. It’s sweet, it’s warm, and has more interesting notes than does Profumo.

I feel like it has greater depth and the tobacco, cinnamon, and apple exemplify this. Code Profumo can seem like a one tone fragrance, at times, while Prive has more phases.

Also, I think that Prive is going to be more enjoyable for the most people out there, more universal appeal so to speak. Overall, I really don’t think one could go wrong with either, but I will lean towards 1 Million Prive being better.

Winner: 1 Million Prive