Men’s Fashion

Ultra Male vs Versace Eros Cologne Comparison

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Versace Eros has been a wildly popular scent over the last 5 or so years. Meanwhile, Ultra Male has proven to be a great flanker to Gaultier’s Le Male. The question still remains, however, is Eros better than Ultra Male? How does each perform? What are the differences? Is one worth a purchase over the other?

Tale of the Tape: Ultra Male vs. Eros

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

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

Opening

In either case, you’re getting a sweet scent. Ultra Male features a sugary vanilla and pear combination, that is reminiscent of the original Le Male, but heightened and more refined. Ultra Male feels lighter than Eros and has a much more spicy kick to it.

Eros is a beast from the start. It’s a thick sort of enveloping gourmand fragrance. Yes, it too is sweet, but has a bold fruit and almost chocolate-like aroma at times.

I honestly can’t say that I consistently enjoy one of these opening sprays over the other. It really depends on what kind of mood I’m in that day. Plus, there is overlap between the ingredients of the two.

Edge: Push

Projection

Eros is a monster. It is a very loud and bold cologne. It can overwhelm at times and probably should be used lightly. When I wore this more often, I would usually only do one spray, maybe two if I was doing the night life thing.

Ultra Male is very good in this regard, better than its original namesake. However, it doesn’t have the same loudness and smell you across the room ability as Eros (which many might prefer).

Edge: Eros

Longevity

Again, a situation where Ultra Male is very good but Eros is better. I get 8 or 9 hours out of Ultra Male, which is no slouch. Eros does give me a few extra hours of wear it seems.

Neither one is going to quit on you, in the middle of the day. So, while Eros has the edge, it’s not too big of a deal.

Update: Newer bottles of Eros, seems to have lost a few hours of wear and power. Now, these two seem to be about equal. Ultra Male doesn’t have newer bottles, since it was discontinued, so it’s the same.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Both of these scents are great in cold weather and in the night life scene. However, I’m going to say that Ultra Male has more versatility for a couple of reasons. First, it is less overwhelming than Eros, which makes it a better choice for casual wear.

Secondly, while neither one shines in warmer weather, Ultra Male holds up better when temperatures rise. Though, it’s still not good in the high heat of summer.

Edge: Ultra Male

Overall Scent

This is a really tough comparison for me to choose a winner, as I enjoy both of these scents. Both utilize vanilla and mint, which gives them a similar profile, but the differences are still many.

The tonka bean note in Eros is really nice in my opinion, especially during the dry down period. Then again, I love the fresh pear/vanilla combo in Ultra Male, and I’m also wearing this fragrance as I’m typing this post.

I haven’t had a bottle of Eros in a couple of years, but would do so again. It does have a fresh ‘green’ vibe, that separates it from Ultra Male, also. Eros has been such a successful scent, that it has spawned imitators, or at least colognes that take elements from it such as: La Nuit de L’Homme Eau Electrique.

It’s kind of a toss up to me, but if you just go by sales, it seems more people preferred Eros. Hell, JPG has discontinued Ultra Male, last I heard. So, I will say that most guys would probably prefer Eros head to head. If you were a big fan of Le Male,  Ultra Male will be right up your alley.

In the end, I’ll give the nod to Eros…slightly.

Winner: Eros

Invictus vs Invictus Intense Cologne Comparison

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Invictus by Paco Rabanne has been a fragrance that has sold very well. Naturally, they have had to release a few flanker fragrances in order to capitalize on that success. One such entry is Invictus Intense. Now, between these two colognes which one smells better? How do they perform head to head? Which one is the better buy? Read below for my full take on these two scents.

Tale of the Tape: Invictus vs. Intense

Invictus

Notes include: grapefruit, sea notes, mandarin orange, bay leaf, jasmine

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

Read my original review

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

Opening

The main difference between the original and Intense, is that, Intense has much less sweetness; especially at the start. The citrus notes that the original put out in full force has been transmuted into something darker, warmer, and a bit salty.

Don’t get me wrong, the sweet/citrus vibe is still there in Intense but it is far less prevalent. The original Invictus is sweet and fresh at the start with those underlying oceanic notes.

I like the opening of the original much more than I used to. The mandarin orange and grapefruit notes are my favorite aspect of it.

I feel like Invictus Intense has a lot more going on from the start and is just more pleasant to my nose. The amber and the whiskey-like aroma from the malt accord is really great and gives you a much more unique take on the Invictus name.

Edge: Intense

Projection

This should be a clear winning category for Invictus Intense, but despite the name, I’m not sure that it is much better than the original Invictus in this regard.

Neither of these colognes are weak and both lean towards the stronger side of things. Intense might be slightly better.

I think that Intense opens up with a greater sillage than does the original, but ultimately, the end up about the same.

Edge: Push (maybe slight lean Intense)

Longevity

With the original Invictus, I would get 6-7 solid hours of wear. With Intense, it jumps to 7-8 hours, with a few more as a skin scent.

Intense is a good performer, still not absolute beast mode, unless you spray ungodly amounts but very good at what it does. I think that opening act with Intense is a bit deceptive, making it seem like it’s more of a powerhouse than it actually develops to be.

Edge: Intense

Versatility

Invictus and Intense are both best served as nightlife, romantic, or casual scents. So, in that sense it’s equal. However, Intense seems to be able to transition to all of the seasons fairly well, while Invictus always strikes me as a spring/summer scent. Intense wouldn’t feel out of place in the colder months of the year.

Edge: Intense

Overall Scent

At this point, I have to go with Invictus Intense. It’s just better, more refined, and more interesting. I like the original Invictus but I was never in love with it.

The darker amber and toned down sweetness give Intense more balance and the orange blossom adds a floral touch without the heavier citrus of the original.

That being said, the booziness of Intense may be off putting to some folks. If I were a younger guy, I might choose the original or Legend over Intense.

I’ll go with Intense between these two and go with 1 Million Prive from Paco Rabanne over both of them.

Winner: Invictus Intense

Bvlgari Aqva vs Aqva Marine Cologne Comparison

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Alright, when dealing with flanker fragrances, there can often be a lot of overlap (by design) between two scents. Sometimes, a designer will go completely in another direction, and a new iteration of a scent will smell completely different than its predecessor. Bvlgari’s Aqva line, takes the former route.

This is especially true with Aqva Pour Homme and Aqva Marine, these two are very close relatives of one another. However, which one smells better? In this post, I am going to compare these Bvlgari fragrances and try to separate a winner.

Tale of the Tape: Aqva vs. Marine

Aqva

Notes include: mandarin, seaweed, cedar, orange, lavender, petitgrain

Click here to try Aqva: Aqua By Bvlgari Eau De Toilette Spray For Men 3.4 oz

Read my Full Review of Aqva Pour Homme

Aqva Marine

Notes include: grapefruit, seaweed, neroli, cedar, rosemary, mandarin

Click here to try Aqva Marine: Bvlgari Aqva Marine Pour Homme by Bvlgari 3.4oz 100ml EDT Spray

Opening

The opening of the original Aqva Pour Homme, is a mix of the orange, cedar, and seaweed notes. This is when you’re going to get the most citrus-y aroma of the bottle before it moves on into a more salty aquatic.

This period lasts for 10-15 minutes on my skin.  Aqva Marine, on the other hand, starts off with a citrus blend of orange and grapefruit. The seaweed note is ever present but the cedar doesn’t seem to be as strong in Aqva Marine.

It really comes down to which you prefer, more or less citrus, but neither opening aroma lasts long at all.

Edge: (Slight) Aqva

Projection

Both are about the same, in my opinion. These aren’t super strong colognes but do have strong starts and stay noticeable for a good amount of time. For much of the wear, they’re essentially lighter moderate fragrances.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Again, we are dealing with extremely similar creatures here. Five or maybe six hours is about all you should expect from either Aqva scent. Both are just okay, in this regard.

Edge: Push

Versatility

To me, they are both casual summertime fragrances, that I would prefer to wear out and about versus the office. These aquatics are good to wear when the heat and humidity is up during the summer or when you live in a year-round tropical climate. Not any distinction here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

There is really so much similarity between these two but there is just enough distinction to set them apart. Aqva will deliver a salty marine blend of lavender and cedar, with the orange notes eventually fading into the background.

You will get a strong orange opening which transitions into a much softer smooth marine/woody aroma.

Aqva Marine has a different citrus edge to it. It is much more oceanic in my opinion, with a watery saltiness to go along with the seaweed. The cedar is scaled back and there is a slight floral scent provided by the neroli.

If you want more of the oceanic scent, go with Aqva Marine.

I personally like the blend of the original Aqva Pour Homme a bit more than its flanker fragrance. The difference isn’t dramatic, but I do have a preference, and I go with that as the top dog.

Winner: Aqva Pour Homme

3 Colognes that Smell Similar to Tsar

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Tsar has been a popular enough fragrance for 30-plus years for it to have developed a fan base of adherents. As such, people want to find alternatives to this scent that can offer something similar but with a different feel or strike a close chord. In this post, I want to present 3 cologne options that smell similar Tsar by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Which Fragrances Smell Like Tsar by Van Cleef & Arpels?

Best Designer Option

Jazz by Yves Saint Laurent– Jazz is a YSL fragrance which dates back to the 1980s and strongly favors what you get with Tsar. It opens spicy, with notes of coriander and nutmeg, with some hints of basil early on.

Lavender is quite present here, along with drier and woodsy notes, when the initial spice fades. Tobacco, oakmoss, and a hint of leather. Once it gets to the floral heart, they are very similar, with artemisia, lavender, and geranium being big players in both.

With Jazz, I get 9-10 hours of performance, so if you want a near match with Tsar that gives you what you pay for…this is a great choice. My Full Review

Woodier Aroma from Cartier

Cartier Pasha De Cartier Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.3 Fluid Ounce– This doesn’t have the same level of lavender (still plenty), when compared to something like Jazz, but it has the woodier notes that make up Tsar.

Pasha is a great performer and sits beautifully in the colder months of the years. Oakmoss and mint, give it a dry freshness, and then the caraway for some added spice. The scent warms up, while retaining its green outdoorsy depth, and the coolness of the mint.

The lavender is most noticeable in the latter stages, along with sandalwood and rosewood.

pasha

 

 

A Polo Classic

Safari by Ralph Lauren for Men, Eau De Toilette Natural Spray, 4.2 Ounce– Safari isn’t an exact copy of Tsar, but it is another option for those who enjoy this style of fragrance. It is also a delightfully masculine smell with a sweetness that many other fragrances lack. The main thrust of it is an outdoorsy, green herbal plant and woods mixture.

However, that’s only the beginning as Safari is a complex, and unique aroma. It’s masculine but tempered by citrus and floral notes. That’s the main difference, is Safari seems a bit brighter and not nearly as green and woodsy as Tsar. It still has plenty of that, just to a different amount.

Herod vs Tobacco Vanille Fragrance Comparison

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Herod and Tobacco Vanille are two popular high end fragrances for those who want a tobacco scented fragrance with some sweetness. Both have their strengths and admirers, but ultimately, which one is better? Which lasts longer? Which should you look to buy?

Tale of the Tape: Herod vs. Tobacco Vanille

Herod

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.

Read my Review: Herod by PdM

Tobacco Vanille

Notes include: tobacco, vanilla, dried fruit accords, cocoa, tonka bean, wood sap, spices

Click here to try: Tom Ford Beauty Tobacco Vanille Private Blend Spray/3.4 oz.

Read my Review: Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford

Opening

Tobacco Vanille opens up with a sweet tobacco, as the main player. It is bold and joined by vanilla, cocoa, and creamy tonka bean. Also, there is a spiciness, which I take to be the cinnamon note. This can start off really powerfully and a bit overwhelming.

Herod also has a sweet tobacco note, but the profile is overall much spicier than the Tom Ford fragrance. Cinnamon and incense give it a different feeling. While these two get compared often, they have much different scents at times.

Herod takes on a aroma closer to something like B*Men or Burberry London. Not that they are exact, but I can definitely pick up the similarities.

Which is better? Honestly, Herod comes across much better in the opening. Darker, spicier, while still retaining a sweetness. 

Edge: Herod

Sillage

Tobacco Vanille comes across as stronger, at the start. I think that they are somewhat equal for a while, but the Tom Ford edges out the PdM fragrance overall. It’s not that much better at projecting, but it does have a bit of lead.

Edge: Tobacco Vanille

 

Longevity

Both of these lasts for over 10 hours, on my skin.  Really well beyond that, too. I don’t see one as being better here since they both go all day. Great performers.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Herod and Tobacco Vanille sort of occupy the same space. Both are cold weather wears all the way. They have enough personality to be worn out, but enough style to be worn in the office, more formal occasions, or casually.

There’s really no separation from my perspective.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I like Tobacco Vanille, particularly as it dries down and becomes less in your face. The tobacco is more of a greenish variety, not toasted or processed. Vanilla and cocoa still give it its sweetness and it comes across as very well put together. 

The performance also lives up to the price tag.

Herod is darker with more of spicy/sweet blend than Tobacco Vanille has. Also, the tobacco is smokier and cured, with a resinous aroma supporting the entire thing. It’s a close call between these two options, but I prefer the Parfums de Marly. The incense and resin is great and I love the tobacco note here. 

Winner: Herod