Men’s Fashion

Very Cool by Tommy Bahama

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I have already reviewed two Tommy Bahama colognes for men on this site and since I have a bottle of a third, Very Cool, I thought that I would do another for this post. I am updating this post in 2019, to further expand upon, my experiences with my bottle of this cologne. I’ve worn it enough times, to have a great feel, as to what it’s all about.

How does Very Cool measure up? Is it worth a purchase? How well does Very Cool perform? Read below, as I take a closer look at this cologne and see where it ranks among the pack.

What does Very Cool for Men Smell Like?

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Notes include: nutmeg, ginger, vetiver, bergamot, paprika, and mandarin orange

Click here to try: Very Cool by Tommy Bahama for Men Eau De Cologne Spray 3.4 FL. OZ./100 ML

My Full Review

During the opening of Very Cool, I definitely detect the ginger note in it. This fragrance has a spicy warmth to it that is mostly woodsy/outdoorsy fresh in its presentation. Though, I do detect a slight bitterness (perhaps the orange mixing with nutmeg?).

Also, there is a very faint similarity with Set Sail St. Barts, that emerges and I think that it is a bergamot note because I compared the two side by side and noticed a distinct scent in both.

The initial spray, really doesn’t have too much citrus to my nose. The orange and bergamot really sit underneath the surface, while the spiciness at the top develops.

Paprika, ginger, and nutmeg are the stars of the front end of this Tommy Bahama fragrance. This is the warmer part of Very Cool.

After about 15-20 minutes, this fragrance does become noticeably more of a citrus scent. Though, the citrus doesn’t seem to fully take over, it’s more of a 50/50 split with the woodsy/spiciness of the ginger and nutmeg notes.

This is also at the point where Very Cool, indeed lives up to its moniker, and becomes a cooler and more refreshing scent.

It is an interesting development for a summery type of fragrance. The use of spice here is much different from something like, Light Blue, which utilizes much more citrus with the pepper. This goes heavier on the freshness and spiciness and uses the citrus as sort of a dressing.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Longevity wise, Very Cool would rank as poor to moderate. It doesn’t disappear completely, but it really isn’t an all day affair either. I tend to use my small 0.5 ounce bottle to freshen up before going to the gym. I can get 3-5 hours from it, of decent wear.

It also seems to project well at first, but then definitely dies down, and is ultimately a fairly light and airy fragrance.

The sillage goes from pretty strong to skin scent. It isn’t the worst longevity/projection scent that I’ve ever come across but it isn’t anywhere near where I would want it to be.

This is more of a casual daily wear. Spring and summer mostly. You can wear it in plenty of situations, but Very Cool isn’t much of a formal wear fragrance or one for romantic wear or nightlife.

It’s an easy to wear cologne, that’s going to be one you can have in your rotation for days you just want something refreshing and don’t need to think very much about it.

Overall Impressions of Very Cool

Would I recommend Very Cool? For the price, it’s a nice smelling cologne (it’s been discontinued, so, if you can even find a discounted bottle anymore. But, I wouldn’t spend more than $30, if you do come across it.).

Update: It looks like it’s back here in 2024. I’m seeing it on Amazon again. Though, selling for $65 per bottle, which is a reach.

This Tommy Bahama fragrance isn’t my favorite of all-time or anything, but I could definitely wear it on certain occasions.

My only real issue with this scent is the longevity, which could easily be fixed with some reapplication, which isn’t a bad idea because it is so inexpensive.

It is a really fresh casual scent that offers something different from the usual summertime fare.  Very Cool is a good smelling and safe scent, just know up front it isn’t a longevity beast.

Versace Eros vs D&G The One Cologne Comparison

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I don’t know why I haven’t already done a comparison between these two insanely popular fragrance on the site already. However, I guess it’s better late than never. So today, we have a head to head matchup between Versace Eros and The One EDP by Dolce & Gabbana.

I’ve replace the EDT version of The One on here, since it’s got such poor performance, and the eau de parfum is basically the same.

Which of these men’s best sellers smells the best? Gives the best performance? Is a better option to buy?

Tale of the Tape: The One 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

Dolce & Gabbana The One

Notes of The One: grapefruit, basil, coriander, amber, tobacco, ginger, cardamom, orange blossom, and cedar

Click here to try: The One

My Full Review: The One EDP

Opening

Depending on what bottle batch of The One you get nowadays, you might get more of a spice to the opening, but what remains the same is the beautiful blend of citrus, tobacco, and amber. It’s so absolutely smooth.

I have to admit, The One is near the top of my all-time favorite smells. The aroma is just outstanding, but as a fragrance it ultimately fails. I’ll get into that later, though.

Eros, by contrast, is a bold cologne right from the start. It’s sweet with a blend of fruit, a chocolate-like blend of vanilla/tonka bean, and a crisp mint note.

Update: Newer batches of Eros seem to have more of a lemon opening than it used to. It doesn’t have the same appeal to me, that it did.

While I really like the way Versace Eros smells…the opening of The One is utterly fantastic, in my mind. It sort of has everything that I want in a fragrance, which is why it gets the edge in this aspect.

Edge: The One

Projection

This category isn’t even close. Eros is a sillage monster. It is loud and makes a statement wherever you go. The One, is moderate at its absolute peak, and fairly light thereafter.

Edge: Eros

Longevity

With The One EDP, I get six-plus hours of wear, if I spray heavily. 4-5 hours, if I don’t It is much improved over the EDT which can disappear in an hour or two. Still, not on the level of the Versace cologne provides.

Whichever camp one falls into, Eros has the performance aspect on lockdown. It’s going to hit double digit hours in terms of longevity and seems to do so for almost everyone.

Update: I don’t get this same level anymore with newer bottles, but it still eclipses The One. Now, Eros EDT seems to be in the 8 hour range.

Edge: Eros

Versatility

Both of these colognes are cold weather scents. Both don’t hold up well in the heat. I’ll give The One the nod, as if it actually lasts on your skin, it is safer for work or casual wear.

Eros can be extremely loud and I liked to reserve it for the nighttime mostly. I think both work best at night, but The One has a versatile ability that Eros doesn’t.

Edge: The One

Overall Scent

If you’re asking me purely which one smells better, I’d go with The One by D&G. Eros smells great, but I just think that The One is near perfect…and no, Villain is not a proper substitute.

However, on balance? I used to say that, Versace Eros was the winner. It did smell great and has amazing performance capability. It is fresh, bold, and sexy.

I still think it’s a fine cologne to wear, at times. But, I’ve really lost interest in Eros over the years. It just doesn’t do it for me anymore.

The One. I adore it’s smell. It just doesn’t last that well, on my skin. The Eau de Parfum is passable, which is why I have a full bottle of it. The EDT version, isn’t worthwhile.

I like its refinement and depth versus what I get now from Eros. It smells better and the performance is good enough versus what newer batches of Eros offer. As such, I’m changing the winner on this page to The One.

Winner: The One

Best Smelling Men’s Fragrances Under $20

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We are fast approaching the holiday season once again and so I thought that I’d do another post about inexpensive options in men’s fragrances. This time around I’m going to concentrate on those colognes that are available for under $20 but above $10.

(Note: Updating this post 7 years later, some of them are now slightly above $20, but it can depend on which bottle size you opt for. But, I’ve added other perfumes that stick to the original $10-20 range).

I ended up with numerous types of  selections on this list, so there is basically something for everybody on here.  However, if you want even more options (or you searched for scents in the 20 pound or euro range) also check out: Best for under $10, Best other cheapies Part 1 and Part 2

Quick Takeaways

I go further in depth into each of these and other picks below, but here’s a quick look for those in a hurry.

What Colognes for Around $20 are the Best to try?

A Voyage Beyond

Nautica Voyage By Nautica For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 oz– A 3.4 oz bottle can be purchased for under $30 and a 1.7 oz for under $20. This is a really great fragrance and is affordable for just about any budget. 

It’s a citrusy aquatic scent with good longevity and an attractive aroma.  It has been a best-seller for years and Nautica has spun off the name into numerous flanker colognes, almost all of which, aren’t nearly as good as this original.

Voyage opens up with a cooling scent that is unique and attractive. Apple, musk, and mimosa. This is a floral fragrance in its middle act, still with an aquatic and dewy aroma throughout. My Full Review of Voyage Cologne

Spiced Delight

Spice & Black Vanilla– You could honestly go with numerous options from Cremo (like Blue Cedar & Cypress or Palo Santo), as they all smell really good and the price is right around $20.

The spice mix seems to be a cardamom and cinnamon blend, with the latter being weaker, and not to the same extent as the Viktor & Rolf cologne, Spicebomb. That top is spicier, but the dry down is vanilla based and quite woody.

The longevity is actually decent, but the sillage here isn’t overly powerful. It seemed to hit that 5-7 hour mark of wear, just mostly sitting close to the skin. For the price? Great quality and aroma. Also, available at Target and Wal-Mart currently.

Original Penguin Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– Sweet morphs into a pleasant spice with notes of apple, fir, vanilla, pepper, and musk.

But, what you end up with is a good deal of the vanilla note, with woody notes and that peppery kick. Early, you get a light apple scent which adds a fruity sweetness to the overall composition.

A bit floral with neroli and the lavender which blends with the vanilla late. Yet, it never felt all that heavy to me.

Penguin is blended well and also smells pretty good. Not my first pick, but it can do the job for a truly low price (under $15, at times). A good mix between work and casual wear.

Sculptured Citrus

Nikos Sculpture Homme for men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounces– Sculpture is a really nice cheapie and has been around for decades now. The opening act is full of a bright/sour/sweet lemon note that stands out in the summer months.

The citrus opening, prominent orange blossom and floral notes, and at times bitter herbal qualities. Light with a clean and somewhat powdery finish in the latter stages. This one routinely goes for under $20 per bottle.

Wouldn’t be my first pick with an unlimited budge, but for cheap, Sculpture does a good job at providing value. The brand has a few other options, as well, if this style doesn’t do it for you.

The Seduction of Guess

Guess Seductive Men Edt Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Warm, sweet, and with a bit of spice. Guess Seductive Homme is an all-around good performer but really shines in the colder months of the year.

I still have a bottle of this one (update: finished it off) and it’s my go to from the Guess lineup. Seductive Blue also smells really good but it doesn’t have the same longevity as the original. You could also go with Los Angeles 1981, which is another great cheapie from the brand.  My Original Guess Seductive Review

A Clean Hei

Hei by Alfred Sung for Men, Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4-Ounce– Alfred Sung’s Hei is a staple for those who need a cheaply priced scent that does a fantastic job at delivering the goods. It is a really clean and fresh scent with a bit of powdery aroma to it.

Longevity and projection are good but not amazing, which is to be expected in this class of scents.

Watery notes and violet leaf give this an aquatic feel, but you also have a great bamboo note, and citrus top that energize the blend. This one is unique because you dry down into something woodier and greener with less of the aquatic start.

The Hilton Options

Paris Hilton for Men– The Paris Hilton line of colognes for men are very nice for the price point. Nowadays, they tend to go for around $25, but I’ve seen them recently for under $20 as well.

Really, you have multiple options from this brand beyond the listed Paris Hilton for Men. Gold Rush, Just Me, and Heir are all worth checking out. Depending on what kind of style of scent you’re looking for. For example, Just Me, is an Acqua di Gio styled fragrance.

An Older Standard for under $20

Yves De Sistelle Thallium for Men 3.3 Ounce EDT SP– Fairly powerful and sweet candy-like fragrance with some powder to boot.

Interesting mix of apple and pineapple notes to go along with some woodsy ones. That start can really explode off the skin. Pineapple and bergamot citrus together, are quite sharp.

It stays sweet, but follows things up with musk, woods, and lavender. I do have to say this doesn’t have a naturalistic smell at all, with its notes. So, it absolutely won’t appeal to everyone. If you like bold and sweet fragrances, this might be the one for you.

Gentleman Intense EDT by Givenchy

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Gentleman Intense eau de toilette is a popular edition of the now long-running Givenchy series. It was released back in 2021. It’s one that I’ve tried numerous times before, but never posted my full review of. Well, I received a sample of Intense with a recent order, so let’s dive into it now.

How does it smell? Does Gentleman Intense last long? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Gentleman Intense EDT Smell Like?

Notes include: blue iris, bergamot, cedar, basil, cardamom, cypress, coumarin

Click here to try: Gentleman Intense EDT

My Full Wear Review

Gentleman Intense often gets compared to the Dior Homme series, from the last decade. Yes, many of the scents from this Givenchy line have overlap in notes and style with those colognes.

Mainly, the notes they share are: bergamot, iris, and cedar. Gentleman Intense EDT particularly favors Dior Homme Eau, that was discontinued a long while ago. Mainly because, they are the woodier fragrances of the bunch that still have a strong iris.

However, Gentleman Intense does manage to stand apart on its own. It opens up with a mix of the bright bergamot, a strong cedar, and a nice kick from the basil note. Here, it smells more to me like Dior Homme 2011, just without the leathery aspect.

Still, they’re fairly close. I do enjoy how this Givenchy opens up. The basil and the cedar really work well together. But, you also get a decent amount of the cardamom here for some further depth and spice.

As we head into the middle act, it gets less spicy more woodsy fresh. The cardamom stays around the longest, but even it will fade.

Iris will be at its powdery peak, once the spice happens. But, it’s splitting a lot of the workload with the cypress and especially the cedar.

Cedar, iris, and tonka bean in the base. A touch powdery and creamy. Yet, the cedar and remaining cypress note pull this one towards the woody side of things. It feels fresh, crisp, and here’s where it has a closer aroma to Prada L’homme.

I’d say it’s more like the original than the more powdery L’eau.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

While not being a heavy sort of cologne, this Givenchy scent does have some sneaky strength in terms of how it projects.

Not a massive cloud of fragrance following you around. However, the scent bubble that it does create will be substantial and it performs well above average overall. After 2-3 hours, this one is more intimate, but isn’t weak until deeper into the back half of the wear.

On my skin, I will get 8-9 hours of wear from Gentleman Intense. Not really anything beyond that, unless I sprayed it on a t-shirt directly. It’s quite good for most purposes, but doesn’t hit a truly elite level.

Seasonally, Gentleman Intense EDT can be worn pretty much whenever, outside of the height of summer. Even then, you could wear it inside. It’s actually not great in the heat. I like it best, when it is sort of chilly outside and it can venture deep into springtime as well.

It’s great strength is its versatility. This is one that can be worn in a wide variety of scenarios, from casual to more dressed up to date night or out at to a bar. It doesn’t scream for attention, but just works well with that chill, woody iris aroma.

Overall Impressions of Gentleman EDT Intense

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Yes, I do. I’m not even a massive fan of the Gentleman series from Givenchy, but Intense strikes me as being one of the best of them.

Sort of like Dior Homme Eau, but, just going off of memory this might be the better scent. I really like the opening with the basil, cedar, and cardamom coming out. The basil and cedar pairing is great to go along with the signature iris.

It does hold up well throughout, also. When it becomes like a Dior Homme Eau/Prada L’Homme hybrid sort of scent. Though, it doesn’t hold my attention as much towards the back half.

Still, for the price you can get this at, it is well worth a try. I see it for sale in the $70 range, currently, which is a good deal versus a lot of its comparable designer fragrances. Some of which, aren’t even around any longer.

If you like the Gentleman series or want an easy to wear, super versatile woody-floral for men, given Intense EDT a go.

Uden Overdose by Xerjoff

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Uden Overdose is the flanker to the rather popular Uden from Xerjoff’s Shooting Stars line of fragrances. This one was released in 2018. I finally got a sample of Overdose, after multiple attempts at ordering and being shipped the wrong thing. So, I really am glad to get to test it out.

How does Uden Overdose smell? How long does it last? Is it actually worth the price of entry?

What does Uden Overdose smell like?

Notes include: lemon, bergamot, ginger, tobacco blossom, coffee, amber, musk

Click here to try: Uden Overdose by Xerjoff

My Full Review

I am a pretty big fan of the original Uden, I bought a full bottle of it a few years ago. So, I was interested in what the Overdose version was like.

This one starts off with the same lemon note as the first, but, it is clear early on that this isn’t the same fragrance at all. It is blended with a slightly sour bergamot and the spice of ginger. It actually is a pretty big ginger kick, featured in this perfume.

What I do notice is the dryness of the tobacco blossom note. Not quite a grass or a vetiver note, but similar to some varieties of those ingredients. Smooth, but not a rich cured tobacco aroma.

I do actually understand the comparisons with Versace Dreamer. Not exact, as that is much more floral than this, but a similar vibe.

The ginger will tone down, as will the citrus. However, the citrus will stick around for the duration.

There actually is a slightly detectable coffee note at this point, but it is completely overshadowed and not nearly as strong as in Uden.

What I was expecting when I heard the name Overdose, was for the coffee to be ramped up and citrus toned down. Maybe a darker formula, but no, they went in another direction.

What is here is a citrusy tobacco blossom with a blend of amber and musk coming from the base. The amber is probably 60/40 with the musk, to my nose. This is basically what the scent is for the rest of the way.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This isn’t a particularly heavy scent, you won’t get bogged down with it. However, it does have some above average reach with how it projects. Again, nothing that’s too strong, but with a normal amount of sprays it’s very noticeable in your wake for the first few hours at least.

Then, it’s much more moderate in the 3-4 foot range from where you sprayed, until it backs in before disappearing.

For me, this Xerjoff seems to hit exactly 8 hours each time. Doesn’t appear to go any further than that, but it’s good enough for most occasions. Maybe you might want something a bit longer lasting at the price point.

Seasonally, it’s mostly going to grab attention in the spring and summer months. Though, I don’t think that it’s stuck there. I might avoid the depths of winter, but more mild days and also in autumn is just fine.

It’s a well put together scent that can work as a daily wear, even if Overdose isn’t particularly formal. I do like it going about town and more casually in the daytime, versus being something I’d reach for in the evenings.

Overall Impressions of Uden Overdose

Overall, do I like Uden Overdose? I do like it. Though, I don’t think that it is anything special, especially at the Xerjoff price point. Also, even if it has a lighter and fresher blend, I don’t think it’s better than Uden. I’m glad that I bought the original instead.

It’s a good perfume. I like the ginger. The tobacco blossom is also interesting. The performance is good enough and it’s a very wearable scent.

There’s nothing particularly bad about this fragrance. Everything is fine to quite good, but that’s a problem for me, if I’m going to be buying a Xerjoff scent.

This is one that I would test out before buying, if you’re considering it. Make sure that it’s one you’re going to want to stick with for the long haul. Most people, can skip Uden Overdose, as it’s too much money for something of this sort.