Men’s Fashion

Best Smelling Gucci Guilty Cologne for Him

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Gucci Guilty has become a really popular line of fragrances in the past decade or so. The company has released several flankers from the original cologne release and other variants over the years. The question that guys often have when sorting through all of these options is, which Guilty fragrance smells the best?

Having tried and reviewed these scents, I have experienced their strengths and weaknesses, to determine the answer. So, below I will present to you the two best options from the line, as it kind of is a 1A and 1B situation.

What are the Best Smelling Gucci Guilty Fragrances?

The Best Overall

Gucci Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, Guilty Black Pour Homme, 1.6 Ounce– Guilty Black has the slight edge, in my opinion, as the best Gucci Guilty cologne. It doesn’t open with the same citrus top notes as the others, and instead has neroli and orange flower, to simulate that aroma but take it in a new direction.

This one is very well blended, with a green and fresh aroma, that includes lavender and spiced coriander. It shares enough of the original Guilty DNA, while being its own thing. This is also one with solid performance and can be worn late night, as a club scent. Guilty Black Review

A Close Second

Gucci Guilty Intense Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3 Ounce– It is a tough choice to put Guilty Intense at number two, because I really do like this stuff. It shares the same lemon note, as the original Guilty Pour Homme, but tones it down and amps up the lavender and amber notes.

There are additional floral notes and cedar wood, but Intense is a pretty linear fragrance, with the lemon and amber taking hold early. Intense has a solid sillage and can last for 7-8 hours, on my skin.

It is a very versatile fragrance, that can be worn year round, and feels more mature that its predecessor. It’s just a hair below, Gucci Guilty Black, but still an awesome fragrance. Guilty Intense Review

So, there you have it, my top two choices from the Gucci Guilty Pour Homme line. It is a really close call between the top two, but I think that they are clearly above the others in the series. If you’re looking at other Gucci colognes, here is my list of the best from the brand.

Mont Blanc Legend vs. Dior Sauvage EDT Comparison

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In this edition of the head to head men’s fragrance match ups, we have two highly popular scents, that I’ve covered here many times: Sauvage EDT by Christian Dior vs. Mont Blanc Legend. When it comes down to it, which of these colognes is the better buy? I have worn and reviewed each individually, but will now compare and contrast them, in a variety of categories. Which will come out on top?

Tale of the Tape: Legend vs Sauvage

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

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

Opening

Sauvage starts out with a pretty sharp bergamot citrus note and a hit of Sichuan pepper. It is bold with a bright citrus note and a spicy disposition. Under that sits a calming and familiar lavender, along with, the famous ambroxan note that grows in strength throughout.

Legend also starts out with mainly citrus fruit notes. It has apple, bergamot, and pineapple leaf. Legend lacks the spice, but does have the lavender, is is much less intense and has a drier aroma.

Which is better? Even though, I’m not a huge fan of how Sauvage EDT starts out, I do enjoy it more than I do the simplicity of Mont Blanc Legend. It can be too sharp for my taste, but overall, the smell is really great and exciting.

Edge: Sauvage

Projection

Sauvage does have that large and bold sillage from the beginning. As it wears on, it is more of a moderate scent, probably toward the higher end of that spectrum. Legend is pretty middle of the road with its sillage throughout. Not too strong, but not weak, either.

Edge: Sauvage

Longevity

Sauvage has really good but not elite longevity, for me, while wearing it. I can get 6-9 hours from that cologne, which is useful for almost any purpose. Legend doesn’t hit that level, I get about 5-6 hours of wear, from it. Easy win for the Dior.

Legend is one of those Mont Blanc colognes that never performed all that well for me. It’s not absolutely terrible, but it should be better than it is.

Edge: Sauvage

Versatility

Both of these fragrances, excel at being versatile. They can work well in a wide variety or situations and climates. Legend is the more low key of the two and Sauvage can play the role of the night club ‘beast’, very well. No real advantage here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

In my mind, this isn’t really a close call. I do like Mont Blanc Legend, somewhat. It is a pleasant enough cologne, with a clean scent, and is an easy grab on just about any occasion.

The citrus opening is nice, then, there is the more floral dry down period also with dried sandalwood and oak moss. I get the appeal, it just never blows your socks off.

Sauvage EDT is a good cologne, not amazing either to me, but I would reach for it over Mont Blanc Legend whenever. I would pick, Legend Night, over this Dior fragrance.

The intensity of the start, smooths out over time, and Sauvage gets a healthy dose of ambroxan and lavender to create a really nice scent. It also has better performance than does Legend. So, unless price is a huge factor to get Legend a lot cheaper, I’d go with Sauvage.

Winner: Sauvage

Mont Blanc Legend Spirit vs. Invictus Aqua

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For this edition of the head to head men’s fragrance match ups, we have a competition between two popular aquatic scents: Legend Spirit vs. Invictus Aqua. Which cologne smells the best? Mont Blanc or Paco Rabanne? I have worn and reviewed, each of these scents, and will break them down in a variety of categories before ultimately choosing a winner.

Tale of the Tape

Legend Spirit

Notes include: grapefruit, pink pepper, bergamot, musk, aquatic accord, lavender, cardamom, oak moss, wood

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Legend Spirit Eau de Toilette, 3.3 Fl Oz

Read my review: Legend Spirit

Invictus Aqua EDT

Notes include: yuzu, pink pepper, guaiac wood, marine notes, violet leaf, ambergris, grapefruit

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne Invictus Aqua Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce

Read my review: Invictus Aqua

Opening

Invictus Aqua opens up with a citrus blend of yuzu and grapefruit to go along with its marine accord. I really enjoy how this one opens, with that salty aquatic accord, and that very nice yuzu sitting on top. Plus, pink pepper kicks in to give it that slightly spicy warmth.

Legend Spirit has a similar opening to Invictus Aqua, with it’s citrus and aquatic start. However, to go along with the pink pepper, Spirit has a fairly strong cardamom note lurking in there as well, which is a good change of pace.

Which is better? Again, they are quite similar at the start. However, I think I like the smell of Invictus Aqua, a bit more at the beginning. The yuzu and the aquatic accord, is just a tad better.

Edge: Invictus Aqua

Projection

Both of these fragrances fall into the moderate camp. The sillage of either, isn’t very bold or extreme. Though, Aqua does achieve a bit better projection than does Legend Spirit. It isn’t a huge difference, but the Paco Rabanne is better, on my skin.

Edge: Aqua

Longevity

With Legend Spirit, I can muster about 5-6 hours worth of wear, before needing to reapply. Meanwhile, Invictus Aqua gets me 8 hours, and I can get over 10 on occasions.

Edge: Aqua

Versatility

These two are very closely related fragrances. Both are very nice colognes for casual wear during the warmer months of the year. They can also be worn to work or for an evening out. There really isn’t any separation, in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

With Mont Blanc’s Legend Spirit, I do like plenty about this cologne. The cardamom is a great addition to a citrus aquatic, it isn’t super heavy, but it does add a noticeable spice to the composition.

It is clean and fresh and adds a different dimension than does the original Legend. It’s a very nice fragrance and not a bad wear, at all. The dry down stays fresh and the latter stages of this scent, smells better than Invictus Aqua.

Aqua has a better opening act and better performance overall. As it dries down, I am less of a fan, because it first becomes woodier (not bad) and then ends with lots of that sea water aroma (not great).

I’m going to give the nod to Invictus Aqua, because it does more overall, but I do think that Spirit has a better smell throughout the remainder of the wear. This is a close one, but I think most guys would prefer Aqua.

Winner: Invictus Aqua

Azzaro Wanted vs. Chrome Comparison

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It’s been a while since I’ve done a new fragrance comparison post, so, let’s knock one out. Today, I am going to be breaking down two popular scents by Azzaro: Chrome vs. Wanted. Which is the better cologne? The classic or the newer release? Which has better longevity? Sillage? Ultimately, which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape

Azzaro Chrome

Click here to try: Men’s Chrome by Azzaro Eau de Toilette Spray – 3.4 oz.

Notes include: neroli, lemon, bergamot, rosemary, pineapple, musk, woods, and jasmine

Read my review: Chrome Review

Azzaro Wanted

Notes include: tonka bean, lemon, cardamom, vetiver, juniper, ginger, geranium, mint, amber wood

Click here to try: Azzaro Wanted Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce

Read my review: Azzaro Wanted

Opening

Chrome opens up with top notes of pineapple and lemon, which lends to its bright and somewhat sharp aroma. These notes are joined by floral ones, being jasmine and neroli.

The latter two help to give Chrome is clean and soapy qualities. Chrome isn’t just your typical citrus/floral, but it also has an aquatic feeling, throughout the wear.

Wanted begins with lemon, ginger, mint, and woods. It’s actually quite sweet and warm, with an Invictus-like aroma. This becomes especially true, when the cardamom and tonka bean come in fully. Wanted is warm, sweet, thick, and somewhat spicy.

Which is better? Honestly, I prefer Chrome much more than the start of Wanted. I like its cleanliness and that metallic scent, more so than, the start of Wanted. The latter isn’t that appealing, at the top, to my nose.

Edge: Chrome

Projection

Ultimately, they are both moderate fragrances. However, I think that Wanted starts off as having a stronger sillage, than does Chrome. Chrome can be fairly strong, but doesn’t reach the same height as Wanted.

Edge: Wanted 

Longevity

These two fragrances, are also pretty close, in terms of how long each lasts. Chrome has the ability to go 7-8 hours. Meanwhile, Wanted usually ranges from 7-9. Most of the time, it’ll be about the same, but Wanted can go a little longer in the right climate conditions.

Edge: Wanted 

Versatility

Chrome is good for year round daily wear. It can be worn at the office, school, or casually. Wanted can too, but Chrome is generally more appropriate. Azzaro Wanted is the better bet for nightlife, out of these two. There’s no real distinction in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Wanted has some nice parts to its wear. I’m not a big fan of the opening, as I find it too sharp, and like a worse version of Invictus. However, once the wood and tonka bean get going, I think that it turns around and is more enjoyable. It has good performance and isn’t a bad option at all.

Granted, neither of these fragrances are something that I want to reach for often. But if I had to, I would pick Chrome, on a more frequent basis. Yes, it’s been around a long time and isn’t super complex.

I just appreciate its upbeat freshness, metallic undertones, aquatic smell, and the woody dry down period. It’s not exactly as good of a performer as is Wanted, but it is close enough, to not be a big deal.

Chrome is a no-brainer, that is easy to wear, and gets a lot of complements. There’s a reason it has been a solid starter cologne, for its third decade. Again, not a huge fan of either, but Chrome is more pleasant.

Winner: Chrome

6 Colognes that Smell Like the Ocean or Beach

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Since summertime is fully upon us now, in the northern hemisphere, images of the ocean and sitting on the beach are in full swing. There are plenty of sights, sounds, and indeed aromas which we associate with these locations; many of which, have been distilled into all sorts of different fragrances. Today, I want to create a list of men’s colognes with a marine or beach aroma, that evokes these smells in a bottle.

What Men’s Fragrances Smell Like the Ocean or Beach?

Alright, I’ve already done a list of the best aquatic colognes, on this site. As such, there is going to be a bit of an overlap, but you can treat that list as a supplement to this one. Check it out, there are some great fragrances featured in that post.

For this one, I am going to solely focus on colognes with a distinct oceanic aroma or other options which bring up images of the beach. A slight differentiation from ‘aquatic’, but a distinction, nonetheless.

Best Oceanic Scent

BVLGARI Aqva Atlantiqve Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3 Ounce– Aqva Atlantiqve is possibly the best of the Aqva releases from Bvlgari, ever since it was released. The fragrance bears somewhat of resemblance to Dylan Blue, except with a much greater oceanic note, permeating its heart.

The two are most alike at the start, when the citrus is strongest. The sea notes are there, but it isn’t overly salty, and there is of course the ambergris. Atlantiqve does a great job at evoking the depths of the ocean, while still bringing the pleasant citrus notes.

Summer by the Pool

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Intense Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 1.6 Ounce– Eau Intense never completely struck me like an ‘ocean’ scent, rather, it was like sitting by the pool at a hotel on the coast. You get that salty breeze element, but the immediate aquatic aroma, isn’t that oceanic…at least to me. 

The other thing about Intense, is the addition of a ‘frozen’ grapefruit note, which does give this one a great chilled feeling. That’s pretty great on a hot summer’s day. This is one of my favorite aquatic/marine fragrances. I like it better than the original and its performance is great. Eau Intense Review

Citrus and Seaweed

Bvlgari Aqua By Bvlgari For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces– The original Aqva really goes full on with the oceanic theme, as it uses seaweed as its main ingredient. The top is actually much more citrus, utilizing two types of orange notes, some cedar, and the sea weed.

As it passes about 10 minutes, you get the salty sea water, to go along with the more prominent sea weed. There’s also some lavender, in the picture.

Aqva does give you a really good approximation of an ocean scent, but the sillage is pretty weak, and it lasts for about 5 hours. So, if you get it, get it for cheap. Oh and go heavier with the sprays. Bvlgari Aqva Review

Dark and Spicy Depths

Giorgio Armani Aqua di Gio Profumo, 4.2 Fluid Ounce– Acqua di Gio Profumo is based on the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It does feel deep and dark at times, but is dominated by bergamot and the salty sea notes.

What is interesting, is how they add incense notes, which give a smoky depth to this fragrance, along with some earthy notes like patchouli. Rosemary, sage, and the incense create a spicy herbal aroma in this fragrance, which I think is great.

Profumo has really good sillage and longevity. Ultimately, it is an oceanic/bergamot blend with the smoky herbal spice undertones. Acqua di Gio Profumo Review

Drink on the Beach

Tommy Bahama St. Barts Men Cologne,3.4 Fl Oz– Set Sail St. Barts starts off with that potent lime note with a creamy almost coconut-like scent lurking underneath. It’s also boozy and features a guava fruit note, at the top. It’s like sitting on a beach with a drink in hand, as it does contain tequila.

However, you don’t just get the tropical drink thoughts, as it does dry down with a great sea salt spray note and palm tree. I really like wearing this one during the summer, since I picked up a bottle years ago.

The sillage isn’t amazing, but I can get 6-7 hours of longevity, when I go heavy on the sprays. I will say, you’ll want to buy it at a discount, as the performance isn’t great enough to pay full Tommy Bahama prices. St. Barts Review

Simple and Beachy

JAKE (BLUE EDITION) * Hollister 1.7 oz / 50 ml EDC Men Cologne Spray– Jake is the other best seller from Hollister besides Socal. This one is much more straightforward in my opinion, but it has a really great aroma within its simplicity.

It has a citrus top that features a slight floral kind of sweetness over the top of a wood/sea water base. Fresh summer shore vibe, that is pleasant all around.

If you can get this at a discounted price, this is a good cheapie option for the summer, particularly for younger guys.