Men’s Fashion

Invictus Intense vs. Invictus Legend Comparison

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The Invictus line from Paco Rabanne just keeps churning out new editions. The latest, is Invictus Legend, which came out in 2019. It is most often compared to Intense, but which of these scents smells the best? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy overall? Legend vs. Intense?

Tale of the Tape: Legend vs Intense

Invictus Intense

Notes include: orange blossom, black pepper, malt accord, wood, black amber, ambergris

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne Invictus Intense Eau De Toilette Spray 100ml/3.4oz

My Invictus Intense Review

Invictus Legend

Notes include: grapefruit, amber, geranium, metal, mead accord, guaiac wood, laurel, sea salt, bay leaf

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne Invictus Legend eau de parfum for men 3.4 Fl Oz

Read my Review: Invictus Legend

Opening

Invictus Legend starts things off with almost a tropical sort of feel. It is a blend of lemon and grapefruit, with heavy aquatic notes and amber. The bay leaf, that is found in the Invictus line, is pretty faint in Legend.

Meanwhile, Intense begins with amber and a salty marine note. It seems more like salty breeze than anything oceanic. Then, the orange blossom note comes in, along with the boozy malted accord.

Which is better? It’s a really close call, but I think I still prefer Intense, over the newest release. I really dig the boozy and amber mix, it feels distinct, and darker than the other Invictus scents.

Edge: Intense

Projection

With the name Intense, you’d expect this one to be pretty clear cut. However, while Invictus Intense is fairly strong, the sillage isn’t crazy. In fact, I would say that Legend actually projects better than Intense.

It isn’t by much, but Legend will radiate off of my skin, by a few extra feet at its peak strength. Neither of them, is weak, however.

Edge: Legend

Longevity

With Legend, I can get 7-8 hours of wear out of that fragrance. It’s really good and will handle most purposes. Again though, Legend beats it out. I get 8-10 hours of wear, on my skin. Legend gets the edge.

Edge: Legend

Versatility

In terms of when you can wear each of these fragrances, they are about the same, excluding climate. Legend will work better in the heat, while Intense, isn’t really built for the height of summer.

Other than that, they are both pretty youthful scents. Better for casual wear, school, or nightlife. Not really professional sorts of fragrances. Legend gets a slight edge.

Edge: Legend (slightly)

Overall Scent

After trying out Invictus Legend, I found it to have many positive qualities. I especially love the citrus, toned down bay leaf, and greater use of amber than the original Invictus.

To me, Legend acts sort of as a midway point, between the original and Intense. It’s got great performance, aquatic elements, and a fresh aroma.

However, if I’m choosing which to wear, I’m still riding with Intense. I love the depth of this fragrance. I enjoy the booziness and amber, the sweetness, and woody base. I think it smells better.

If you liked the original or Invictus Aqua more, you might want to go with Legend. But out of these two, Intense is still number one. Though, I’d probably pick Legend as my second option.

Winner: Intense

Dior Homme (2011) by Christian Dior

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Somehow, I’ve never gotten around to reviewing the Dior Homme line (other than Sport), up to this time on the website. Since I didn’t have a bottle of this stuff anymore and it’s been a while, I had to get myself a sample vial, and put it through its paces once again. In this post, I’ll cover what’s its notes are, how it smells, performs, and whether or not it is worth a buy.

What does Dior Homme Smell Like?

Notes include: vetiver, iris, cacao, bergamot, amber, leather, sage, and lavender

Click here to try: Dior Homme By Christian Dior For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces

My Full Review

Note: Dior has updated Dior Homme with a new formula, that I have yet to try, but will smell quite different. It apparently doesn’t have the iris note. In this post, I am reviewing the last formulation, which was a sort of reformulation itself...Dior does these things. So, note that if you’re buying from the major retailers going into 2020, you’re going to be getting something different than what I’m describing here. I will do a separate review for the new release, when I get to test it out.

I am updating this review, a few years after the fact. Why? I needed to expand upon this fragrance and what it is. I purchased a bottle in the largest size, after my initial review, and it became my go-to scent outside of testing things for this site.

The opening of Dior Homme is a clean rush of iris, that has sort of a unisex quality to it.  However, there is this underlying cacao note that gives it a certain sweetness and helps to further the powdery aroma.

The cacao will get a bit stronger, later, but does make an early appearance. Dior Homme is very smooth and floral, especially once the lavender note begins its ascent.

What I think is unique about this fragrance is its use of bergamot. Obviously, lots of male scents use this notes, but here it is so damn subtle and just about perfect in how it comes across. It’s just a peak of citrus popping off of the floral/leather/cacao notes, which gives it this zesty freshness.

It is an interesting contrast, between the light juiciness of the bergamot, and the underlying dryness coming from various notes like sage and vetiver. The sage is only noticeable to me, for a brief period of time.

I’ve smelled it as a more intense note in other men’s fragrances, but it has never had that much power in this composition.

To me the cacao isn’t as noticeable as it is in Dior Homme Intense, but it does give off that sweetness, and I think it’s the leather that’s holding it back somewhat. Then, there is the vetiver, which has the woodsy sharpness that seems to tie things together.

What I’m ultimately left with is a smooth and fresh blend of mostly the iris and leather. The cacao and lavender, as a secondary pairing. Some amber, with whatever’s left of the other notes. It hits my nose with such a cooling sensation. Like, a really dry cold breath of fresh air.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, I’d call it a softer fragrance. Not super weak but more toward the moderate end of the scale. It’s not an overwhelming beast, but does have a nice perimeter around your person.

The longevity lasts me from anywhere to 5-7 hours, depending on the circumstance, and it can hang around on the skin for longer than that…but that’s when it’s noticeable.

Update: with the full bottle and its powerful sprayer, the longevity is a bit better than 5-7 hours. Now, I’d say it’ll give me 8 hours, pretty regularly. 9 with good climate conditions.

Seasonally, I wear this mainly in autumn and winter. The springtime is great too, but I generally stay away from the heat of summer.

The high humidity can make it a bit messy. We’ve had a week of temperatures of 50-75 degrees Fahrenheit, and Dior Homme, fits in beautifully.

In terms of its versatility, Dior Homme is on the dressy casual to fully dressed up end of things. Though, I would honestly have no problem wearing this anytime, it does have that air of class, maturity, and refinement.

So, yeah, you could wear this casually or out on a date. It does have a sexy quality and women enjoy smelling it.

The reaction that you get will largely depend on how that person, deals with the iris note. Some don’t like the powdery or ‘make up bag’ sort of smell. Though, the leather and other notes, do prevent this from being a female scent…for me at least.

I’ve never once gotten a negative reaction from wearing Dior Homme, but I have gotten a ton of positive reactions. It’s not necessarily the most complemented, but it does draw them.

Overall Impression of Dior Homme

Overall, would I recommend Dior Homme? Of course. It’s probably a classic, at this point in time. It’s such a well balanced scent that has a interesting and unique aroma, that can be appreciated by anyone, and not just those who are really into niche fragrances. This is great juice.

I’m kind of sad that they’re reformulating this cologne. I still have plenty left, but I guess I may need to buy another back up bottle, unless the new version just blows me away.

Dior Homme is a modern fragrance, that is extremely well put together. It has been emulated by other colognes, over the years, but this remains my favorite use of the iris note. I love this scent, it’s basically my signature wear, if I can have one outside of my commitments to this site.

Bleu de Chanel vs La Nuit Comparison

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Over the past decade or so, La Nuit de L’Homme and Bleu de Chanel, have been two best sellers from two powerhouse French brands. YSL and Chanel are legendary. They have a ton of amazing creations, under their belts. But which of these colognes, smells the best? Bleu vs. La Nuit? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: La Nuit vs BdC

La Nuit

Notes include: cardamom, bergamot, vetiver, lavender, cedar

Try it out: Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L’homme Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3-Ounce

Read my review: La Nuit de l’Homme

Bleu de Chanel EDT

Notes include: lemon, grapefruit, ginger, mint, pink pepper, incense, cedar, vetiver, patchouli, jasmine, and more

Click here to try: Bleu De_Chanel for Men Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4oz NEW in BOX 

Opening

Bleu de Chanel EDT starts off with lemon and grapefruit, providing the citrus blast that it is well known for. With that you get a fresh ginger spice, that is flanked by incense, pink pepper, and mint. The spices are stronger than any smokiness, at first.

La Nuit de L’Homme also starts off with a rather spicy citrus blend. This time, it’s a sharp bergamot note, paired with a spicy cardamom. It is warm and fresh, more so than spicy, and this is especially true once the lavender really begins to emerge.

I really do like how each of these fragrances begins. In the past, I think that I would have fluctuated between which one I believe to have the better start. Now? I’m pretty firmly in the Bleu de Chanel camp. It is more interesting and the aroma is slightly better.

Edge: Bleu

Projection

La Nuit by YSL starts off as a fairly moderate fragrance, with its sillage. It won’t take over a room, by any means, but it’s decent up top. After a few hours, it sits close to the skin.

Bleu de Chanel opens up stronger than La Nuit and stays close to that strength for most of the wear. Definitely has better sillage than, La Nuit.

Edge: Bleu

Longevity

La Nuit will go for 6-8 hours, on my skin. Generally, closer to six. Though, I have read, newer bottles may not have the same power as before. I cannot really comment on that. Bleu will go for 5-7 hours. Overall, it’s kind of a push.

Edge: Push

Versatility

La Nuit is a very versatile fragrance, just outside of the hottest temperatures. It can go from office, to night out, to casual daily wear. Best in the autumn and winter, however.

Bleu de Chanel, can also hit all of those same functions. What it can also do, is be worn in the heat. It can pretty much be worn year round. That gives Bleu, the edge.

Edge: Bleu

Overall Scent

La Nuit is pretty much a classic. The lavender and cardamom pairing, is simple yet delightful. It has such a fresh and sensuous smell, with a great cedar and vetiver base. I would have no problem wearing this scent, as it is a very good wear.

That being said, I think Bleu de Chanel EDT, is better. I like the citrus notes, the smoky incense, and the light spices from ginger and mint.

It’s fresh and insanely versatile. Neither of these are crazy good performers, but Bleu has the better power.

Again, I could wear either of these, but I think Bleu is just a cut above La Nuit in this match. You could grab something like each now, since there are a ton of colognes inspired by Bleu de Chanel.

Winner: Bleu de Chanel

Polo Red Intense vs. Polo Blue

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In this edition of the men’s fragrance comparisons, I am going to be taking a closer look at two offerings from Ralph Lauren, Polo Red Intense vs. Polo Blue EDT. Which of these popular colognes smells the best? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy? I am going to be comparing the eau de toilette version of Polo Blue, as it is the more popular of the two options. I have included my original reviews of each fragrance linked below.

Tale of the Tape: Polo Red Intense vs. Blue EDT

Polo Blue

Notes include: amber, melon, patchouli, geranium, cucumber, tangerine, moss, musk

Click here to try: Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren for Men, Eau De Toilette Natural Spray, 4.2 Ounce

Read my original review: Polo Blue Review

Polo Red Intense

Notes include: cranberry, grapefruit, coffee, leather, ginger, amber, lavender, lemon, cedar, sage, saffron

Click here to try: Ralph Lauren Polo Red Intense for Men 4.2 Oz Edp Spray By Ralph Lauren, 4.2 Fluid Ounce

Read my original review: Polo Red Intense

Opening

Polo Blue starts off with a cool and crisp aroma, with notes of melon and cucumber, checking in early. Those are the two main attractions, with a nice aquatic scent, and a light tangerine and amber note. It is simple and pleasant.

Red Intense starts off with the same lemon and cranberry notes of Polo Red, but with added spices, to give it its own flavor. Red Intense brings forth a heavier dose of sage, saffron, coffee, and ginger. It is a sweet fruit blend with warm herbal spice.

Which is better? To me, Red Intense has the better opening, hands down. It is an improved version of Polo Red, which I already thought started off better than Blue. So, Red Intense is great. After that initial wave, you start to get more leather and lavender, to add a smoothness to the composition.

Edge: Red Intense

Projection

Polo Red Intense does start off with a few hours of pretty strong sillage, before becoming more moderate. It is definitely strong enough to be noticed, with normal application.

Polo Blue doesn’t hit the same heights as Intense, but is a pretty moderate scent throughout. Keep in mind, Red Intense is an EDP and this Polo Blue is an EDT version.

Edge: Red Intense

Longevity

The longevity of Polo Blue is actually pretty good and competes well with Polo Red Intense. With Blue, I get 7-8 hours of wear, consistently. Red Intense will go between 7-9, so, it does have a bit extra. Though, not a major difference.

Edge: Red Intense (slightly)

Versatility

Both of these scents are very versatile. Polo Blue is a bit better in terms of what climate, it can be worn in. It will hold up in the heat, while Red Intense isn’t great on those hotter days.

Meanwhile, Red Intense is better for nightlife, and has more sex appeal. Both are fine casually. pretty evenly matched, but I think Blue EDT holds up a bit better at school or work than does Intense.

Edge: Blue

Overall Scent

Polo Blue is a nice fragrance, but fairly linear, and nothing spectacular. I like it’s aquatic elements, the cucumber/melon/tangerine trio have a bright and crisp aroma. All of this sits within the warm embrace of amber. It is a simple and inoffensive choice for everyday wear, with good performance overall.

However, Polo Red Intense just smells better to me. The dry down has that great cranberry note, with amber, leather, lavender, and coffee. It has lots of personality, warmth, and a dynamic smell.

It can be super smooth, spicy, and fruity. Red Intense is a really interesting fragrance to wear and I would reach for it over Polo Blue a vast majority of the time.

However, Red Intense might not be the best for you. It can indeed be bold and sweet, which might not fit in for what you’re using it for. Many, might want to go with the more versatile Blue EDT.

Truth be told, neither of these would be my first choice from either the Red or Blue lines. If you like Blue: Deep Blue or Blue EDP are better. If you like Red: Red Extreme and Red EDP.

Winner: Red Intense

Tom Ford Tuscan Leather vs Creed Aventus Comparison

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In this edition of our head to head cologne comparisons, we have to competitors that are best sellers for their respective brands: Tuscan Leather by Tom Ford vs. Aventus by Creed. Which one of these popular fragrances smells the best? Which one gives a better performance? Is more versatile? Please continue below, for my full take after wearing both of them for a long time.

Tale of the Tape: Aventus vs. Tuscan Leather

Tuscan Leather

Notes include: leather, suede, raspberry, jasmine, olibanum, saffron, amber

Click here to try: Tom Ford Tuscan Leather Eau De Parfume Spray for Men, 1.7 Ounce

My original Review: Tuscan Leather

Aventus

Top: Blackcurrant, Italian bergamot, French apples and pineapple

Middle: Rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, and patchouli

Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla.

Click here to try Aventus: Creed Aventus Creed 4 OZ Millesime Spray For Men

My original Review: Creed Aventus

Opening

The start of Tuscan Leather is a mix of the leather note and saffron, which gives it a striking similarity to Godolphin by Parfums de Marly. However, the Tom Ford separates itself with the inclusion of a raspberry note, which adds a sweet juiciness to the composition.

It’s super rich and smooth, with an additional inclusion of black suede that really amps up those elements.

Meanwhile, the opening of Creed Aventus, is one that I’ve never really been a fan of. Pineapple and black currant together at the top, cause the cologne to be quite sharp, and this is played off of dry birch wood.

Plus, additional apple and citrus, make the opening of Avenuts a tad to intense for my taste.

Edge: Tuscan Leather

Projection

Creed Aventus isn’t insanely powerful, but the sillage is strong, and you can indeed overdo it if you’re not careful. Tuscan Leather matches that power at first, but after an hour or so, it turns into a more moderate scent with sillage commensurate with that.

Edge: Aventus

Longevity

With Aventus I average about 6 hours of wear on warm and humid days. On colder days, it will last for 8-9 hours, on my skin.

Older bottles of Tuscan Leather seem to have better longevity than Aventus, but the latest batch, gets around 8 hours of wear for me. So, with that in mind, I don’t currently see an advantage here.

Edge: Push

Versatility

In terms of what occasions each can be worn on, these two are very similar. Both are great dressed up, at the office, or for a night on the town. Heck, I wear them casually too. I think the difference comes in, when the seasons are considered.

Tuscan Leather is a autumn/winter scent, it’s not awful in moderate temperatures, but it shines in the colder air. Aventus, on the other hand, has much better ability to be worn year round. It’s not great in the middle of the summer, but is great during the rest of the year.

Edge: Aventus

Overall Scent

This is actually a really tough head to head to decide on, because these two colognes are actually quite different, but people seem to love comparing them for some reason. Which smell I enjoy better, can often depend on what day I’m asked, and what I’m in the mood for.

While I don’t like the opening of Aventus, I do like the dry down period much better. It becomes softer, has a dry smoky quality, and is quite well done. It also has better projection at this time and can hold up in warmer weather better.

Tuscan Leather, has an amazing leather note. It’s warmed by amber, really dark and smooth, with added raspberry and jasmine. It’s simpler but is very good within that simplicity.

Most of the time, I will enjoy wearing this Tom Ford more than the Creed. I happen to enjoy its aroma more than Aventus overall, even if Aventus can do better in certain aspects.

So, while I’m going to give the nod slightly to Tuscan Leather, it might not be the best option for you. If you don’t particularly enjoy leather, you won’t like wearing it.

If you want citrus and dry woods, among other things, Aventus will better serve you. Maybe you get a bottle of Tuscan Leather and try out one of the imitations of Creed Aventus for cheaper.

Winner: Tuscan Leather (slightly)