Men’s Fashion

L’Homme Ideal L’Intense by Guerlain

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L’Homme Ideal is a line of men’s fragrances from Guerlain that has steadily grown over the latter half of the last decade and into this one. Some releases have been particularly difficult to get a hold of from stores in the USA. That, along with their increasingly popularity, has really driven up prices. 2018’s release was L’Homme Ideal L’Intense. I recently bought a bottle on sale, as I was curious how it related to the others in the series.

What does L’Homme Ideal L’Intense Smell Like?

Notes include: tonka bean, chili pepper, almond, cardamom, vanilla, leather, and more

Click here to try: L’homme Ideal L’intense By Guerlain FOR MEN 3.4 oz Eau De Parfum Spray, black

My Full Review

Note: Bottles now seem to be in black instead of clear glass. It’s the same juice, just different packaging from the one I have.

L’Intense opens up with a warm and fresh spice that’s sitting on the smoothness of leather. The leather note is the backbone of this fragrance, and while it isn’t always the strongest of the lot, it is ever-present.

Chili pepper and cardamom bring the heat. That initial chili pepper is my favorite aspect of this opening act and reminds me a bit of Gucci Guilty EDP in that respect. However, that cologne has more of a rose aroma, which also happens to be a note in this Guerlain.

What’s interesting is the sweetness here. Cardamom lends a bit to it, but there does seem to be a unlisted cherry note here, as well. Some of the other fragrances in the Ideal series have that cherry note and I do get a hint of that.

Not juicy cherry, but very dry. It almost comes across as cherry with tobacco at times. Also, perhaps a touch of citrus in the opening minutes of this, along the line of the original Ideal or Cologne.

One major aspect of Ideal L’Intense is the smokiness. Very incense-like in how it comes across. I suppose you get a bit of that aroma from the sandalwood, almond and vanilla, but there is a stand alone infusion of smoke.

I mentioned the rose note earlier, but it’s almost non-existent in the mix. I can get whiffs of it, if I truly focus, though it isn’t going to jump out.

The top layer of chili pepper burns off and this starts to morph into a fragrance with a pretty strong blend of vanilla, tonka bean, and a resinous labdanum note. Early on, that resinous quality stands out to my nose.

L’Homme Ideal L’Intense has a dark profile with a smooth and a bit of a creamy finish with woody highlights and bursts of freshness. Vanilla, leather, tonka bean, and woods is how it finishes. The smoke begins to subside after that strong initial opener.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here isn’t all that powerful. In the early stages, I’d say it’s above average with how it projects and its overall strength. However, an hour or two in and it starts becoming more of a skin scent.

That process takes another hour or so. By the 3.5-4 hour mark, it is a complete skin scent with almost no power.

The longevity actually is in the 7 hour range. Maybe, 8 hours. Again, with half that time being quite weak. With the notes and the intense label, I was expecting a lot more from the L’Homme Ideal fragrance.

Its performance isn’t complete garbage or anything, but pretty run of the mill, in the grand scheme of things.

Seasonally, Ideal L’Intense is an autumn and winter wear all the way. The spice, smokiness, and vanilla/tonka/labdanum trio lends itself extremely well to the chillier temperatures.

Probably going to be a better pick for men in their mid-20s and up. Not stuffy, but there is a mature quality here.

I like it more as a nighttime fragrance. However, it isn’t overwhelming enough that it couldn’t be used in the daytime. Semi-formal, casual, nightlife, and potentially romantic wear. It’s attractive and enjoyable, very masculine.

Overall Impressions of Ideal L’Intense

Overall, do I like this scent? It’s fine. I blind bought my bottle for $90, which was a discount, and I’m really not too impressed with it.

The original and Ideal Cologne are both about equal to or better than this one. Extreme and some of the others are tougher to get ahold of in the US, but they’re better as well. Update: They also remade Cologne with the newer ‘Platine’ version.

Update: After staying with it for a few weeks, it’s grown a bit on me and I’ve given it some more points. When I first bought my bottle, I was coming off of a sinus infection, and that may have thrown me off somewhat. Now, it’s cleaner and less smoky. Still not a love for me, but this is a pretty nice wear.

2024 Update: I’ve worn this off and on for a few years. Not too much has changed with my opinion. I still like plenty of what you get with this. Other parts, are still kind of boring and the performance is just pretty good.

The opening act is the most interesting aspect. The chili, the incense like smokiness, fruity touches, and almond combine to make up my favorite part. Even then, it’s not a total love for me.

I don’t give this a strong recommendation. If you can get it for cheaper, it’s not a bad cold weather scent, and has its moments. Yet, I don’t know that it is going to get any less expensive. Even if you enjoy the smell, the performance isn’t great.

If you already love the Ideal line, you probably already know this one. If not, I’d probably start elsewhere. I don’t hate it and I will get use out of this one over the winter, it’s just not going to be my number one pick.

Guilty Eau Pour Homme by Gucci

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Guilty Eau is one of the older scents from the Guilty line, being released in 2015. Since then, the fragrances under this banner, have taken things in a different direction from the original. Guilty Eau Pour Homme, is one that definitely takes its cues from the older compositions.

I picked up a travel sprayer full of this cologne, since I’d never actually tested it for the site. How does it smell? Is it long lasting? Is Eau worth a try?

What does Guilty Eau Pour Homme Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, lemon, orris, snowberry, musk, orange blossom, patchouli

Click here to try: Gucci Guilty Eau Pour Homme 1.6 oz Eau de Toilette Spray

My Full Review

Guilty Eau opens up like a less spicy mix of Intense and the original Guilty EDT. Early on in the wear, I get a greater impression of Intense, which then moves more towards the original.

It the top two citrus notes, toned down with a blend of the signature orange blossom note and the slight powdery quality of orris root. It’s fresh, bright, and cold.

The interesting note here is snowberry, which is apparently in the honeysuckle family. The aroma is somewhat of a cool and minty variety. It and the orris root are what really separate it from its predecessors.

It’s bright and cold early on, but it will settle into a more powdery version of the original. A sweet white floral with touches of musk and patchouli. The lemon note will still be there with the orange blossom, orris, and the base notes.

One noticeable difference that I should mention, is the lack of lavender here. Usually, I would welcome that, all things considered. But, I enjoy the lavender in the EDT version. Here is wasn’t replaced well enough, even if I like the snowberry.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

In terms of how it projects, I get 3-5 feet from skin, at its peak. It’s a fairly moderate sillage, right in line with Guilty EDT. So, a few hours of moderate wear, before it is an airy and pretty much skin scent type of cologne.

On my skin, Guilty Eau will hang around for 5-6 hours before disappearing entirely. That might not be too bad, if you can get it at a discount. At full price, I would want a bit more from a Gucci scent than what this gives.

Seasonally, it can go year round like EDT, but the greatest use will be a wear for spring or early summer. The colder quality of the fragrance, really sits well in the warmer air and adds a crisp freshness that is distinct from the other Guilty’s.

Guilty Pour Homme is kind of an all-purpose fragrance, as it can be worn casually, is safe enough for work, and attractive enough for a date.

Honestly, if a guy just wants something simple and one that can pull complements, Gucci Guilty can do the job. Performance is ehhh, but the versatility is darn good.

Overall Impressions of Guilty Eau

Do I like this fragrance? I like it, but it isn’t something that I really want to wear. While it has elements of the Guilty EDT and Intense, I prefer both of those to this one. The distinctions in the scent, don’t really give me anything that I find all that intriguing.

Plus, you get about the same level of performance as the EDT. I don’t personally want a bottle of that one, nor this one. I like Black, Intense, Love 2020, Absolute, and even EDP more so from this Gucci line.

The snowberry is an interesting note, I would like it to be featured in some other colognes. I would’ve utilized that and the orris more, to really give this a distinct cold and powdery aroma to separate it from the others.

As it stands, it’s too similar to the EDT and not any better. It is one that if you happen to really enjoy the smell of, that you can pretty much wear it anytime. The versatility is great. If you’re a big fan of Guilty Pour Homme, give this a shot.

If not, I’d go with one of the others in the Guilty series.

Update: Coming back to this post in 2024, it seems the Guilty Eau has been discontinued. I’m not currently seeing too many bottles left for sale online. So, if you want it you should probably grab a bottle now. Again, I don’t think it’s probably worth paying up for, but if it’s pretty cheap, go for it.

YSL Comparison: Myslf vs L’Homme EDT

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Myslf and L’Homme EDT from YSL occupy a similar use case, as an easy to appreciate daily wear fragrance. L’Homme came outa few decades ago and so has established itself as a mainstay in the Saint Laurent universe. Myslf, is a more recent option, which has quickly become popular.

But, how do you decide between these colognes? Which of them is better? Lasts longer? Well, this is my page comparing and contrasting these fragrances, and break it down until we reach a decision.

Tale of the Tape: Myslf vs L’Homme by YSL

Myslf

Notes include: bergamot, orange blossom, woods, patchouli, ambrofix

Click here to try: Myslf by YSL

My Full Review: Myslf 


L’Homme

Notes include: Virginia Cedar, Ginger, Violet, Citron, White Pepper, Basil Flower, Ozone, Tonka Bean, Sandalwood, Vetiver

Click here to try: YSL L’Homme

My Full Review: L’Homme

Opening

L’Homme EDT opens up with a nice mix of citrus and spice. The bergamot and citron aren’t too sharp, as they’re really held in check by the other notes. I like the ginger and basil, here.

Again, the balance of the composition comes through, since the spice doesn’t overpower. The emergent tonka bean adds a creaminess and the violet brings a floral touch. There’s an herbal or greenish quality to the scent, but still enough of a kick to keep things interesting.

Meanwhile, Myslf opens with bergamot and orange blossom. It’s fresher than is L’Homme and it also has a slight creaminess to the aroma, thanks to the orange blossom note.

But, the very opening stage is definitely about the bergamot. That will flip a bit later, but for the start it’s a fresh citrusy cologne.

Which is better? I like each of them. Though, I would probably give an edge to L’Homme. There’s more complexity and thus more to appreciate versus the rather simple Myslf.

Edge: L’Homme

Projection

Both of these fragrances are fairly light. L’Homme is the more airy of the two. Not really going to have a monstrous projection and it will mostly sit quite close to the skin.

With Myslf, I think the first hour is actually pretty strong. Not heavy, but will create a scent trail in your wake. After that, it’s more of an intimate scent bubble. I’d say it sticks in that 1-3 foot range off of the skin, but it’s still noticeable.

L’Homme, by that point? Skin scent with very little substance.

Edge: Myslf

Longevity

YSL L’Homme has never been a performance beast. In fact, it’s gotten worse over the years, in my experience.

My latest bottle is from 2021 and now the fragrance only lasts for 2-3 hours. Whereas it used to be, 4-5, and sometimes longer. Really disappointing.

Myslf is much better than L’Homme EDT, but still nothing amazing. I got 6-7 hours of wear out of it during my testing. Still, even with that decent level of performance, it’s an easy win for the newer entry.

Edge: Myslf

Versatility

I don’t see really any difference here. They’re both best in moderate to warmer temperatures. Both of them can be worn in just about any environment or situation, without issue. These are fragrance that are designed to be extremely versatile and both do a great job at occupying that space.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two colognes do I prefer?

While L’Homme EDT, has long been one of my favorites from the YSL lineup, it’s quality has for sure degraded over the years. The bottle that I purchased in 2021, will be my last. I’ve basically relegated to a gym fragrance or just something to spray on occasionally.

Mostly, it sits on my shelf.

Myslf, isn’t an amazing fragrance. I really like the opening act from it, though. It was close to edging out L’Homme, in that respect.

The citrus and orange blossom duo is great. There is a light spice, woodiness, and earthiness in the dry down. I do think the first half of the wear is better than its second half, however.

But, if I’m comparing these two scents, I’d pick Myslf as the one that I’d buy. The newer L’Homme EDP had promise, but ultimately fell flat with its performance too. ‘d pick Myslf over that one, as well.

If we were talking the original batches of L’Homme, it’d probably get the edge. However, nowadays, I’d definitely pick up a bottle of Myslf, before the older fragrance release.

Winner: Myslf

Ranking the Acqua di Gio Fragrances

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Acqua di Gio now has around a quarter century worth of history and sales. It is one of the most successful men’s fragrance releases in history. That initial EDT release is a classic, but is it the best of the bunch? What is the best AdG fragrance for men?

Here is my list, which I will update periodically as newer releases come to market from Armani.

What are the Best Smelling Acqua di Gio Colognes?

The Best Overall

GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Profumo for Men Eau De Parfum Spray, 2.5 Fl Oz– Profumo still takes the top spot in my book.

The usual citrus is still there, with dark mineral and marine notes, and sage/incense. The smokiness and spiciness here is pretty awesome. Profumo just has more depth than the others and I think that it smells slightly better than Profondo.

I enjoy its metallic-like finish and the performance is still very solid (even if I think newer bottles don’t have the same staying power, as the initial batches). AdG Profumo Review

Update: The newer Parfum is basically a slightly reworked version of Profumo with a new bottle. So, you can get that instead of paying through the nose for old bottles of this cologne.

A Very Close Second

GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Profondo for Men Eau De Parfum Spray 4.2 Ounces, blue– Profondo nearly took the crown from Profumo, but is just a notch below. I still do love wearing this cologne and will probably buy a full bottle for myself.

Profondo is a blue-ish type of cologne (more blue-green to my nose). It doesn’t have the same smokiness and darker qualities of Profumo and is less floral than the original. Profondo has a deep woody character, with a smooth somewhat resinous finish.

To me, the aquatic elements here aren’t salt water. More like the impression of fresh water. I like this the best on the hottest days of the year. Great release. AdG Profondo Review

The Discontinued Gem

ACQUA DI GIO ESSENZA BY GIORGIO ARMANI FOR MEN 2.5oz EDP Spray– With Essenza, I’m going off of my memory of what it smells like. It has been discontinued for quite a while now and bottles are selling for hundreds of dollars.

Note: The Dua Brand has their ‘inspired by’ version of this edition. Makes a lot more sense to get that versus trying to track down an old bottle.

To me, this is the third best AdG scent. It may be recency bias and if I had a bottle, it could move up the list. Either way, unless you’re already a fan, you probably won’t be getting this one.

It was very much like the original EDT release, but greener, and with a great dose of basil. Which as a note, can be absolutely amazing when used well. Really a fragrance that did everything well and can be worn pretty much whenever.

Instinct

AdG Absolu Instinct– This one is actually discontinued, but I bought a sample recently, and it’s actually a really good edition from this line. Absolu is further down the list, but Absolu Instinct, grabs this spot as an under the radar gem.

I actually saw this on sale right before Armani discontinued it, but didn’t grab a bottle for myself. Maybe a mistake, because I quite like it.

Again: Dua’s Water Primal Essence is also an option, as a replacement.

It doesn’t have the same level of a resinous smell that Absolu has, features a well executed seaweed note, and probably shares the most overlap otherwise with Profumo.

Woodier with a marine profile that is kept in check by the amber wood and citrus. A spicy opening act to go along with the citrus and oceanic influences. Somewhat salty, but has a sweetness that Absolu lacks.

Absolu Instinct won’t be for everybody, but could end up as the favorite of the bunch for some percentage of people.

Profondo Parfum

Acqua di Gio Profondo Parfum– It’s better than Profondo Lights, certainly. Though, I still like the EDP more than this one overall.

While Profondo Parfum is likeable, I’m not sure what the point of it is. It’s somewhat different from the EDP, but not too much. It’s more of the oceanic aroma, some added mimosa, and less of the fresh wood of the original.

Still, this is fresh and smells great while I have it on. The resinous smell from the labdanum is warm and inviting during the dry down.

If it’s the same price as EDP, I might give this one a go. However, the current difference in price at retail, is a bit too great for me to want to buy a bottle for myself.

Eau de Parfum

Acqua di Gio EDP–  The Eau de Parfum version is a new release for 2022 and thus far I have been enjoying it. It doesn’t do too much that’s new, but it has a lot of overlap with others in the series, making it quite good all around.

It opens up with its green mandarin and sea notes. Actually smells pretty close to Profondo and Profondo Lights, minus the potent cardamom of the latter. Quite bright and upbeat. Early on, it’s like the Profondos and the original AdG.

Then, it will shift to smelling more like Profumo, accept less dense and smoky. Patchouli, sage, and geranium will chip away at the mandarin’s citrus dominance.

It’s maybe a notch below the other two current releases, overall. Maybe a notch above the original based on performance. The aroma? I might still lean the EDT, but it’s close. Acqua di Gio EDP Review

Update: I finished my bottle of Eau de Parfum. I became less enamored with it, as time wore on. It’s fine. As I say below, I’d probably switch this with the original, if that one still had any staying power.

gio edp review

The Original

Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces – The original EDT takes the 4th spot on the list. I received a sample of this, when I recently bought a bottle of Profumo, and it was still very enjoyable.

It doesn’t have the same strength or longevity, as it once did. Though, the fresh citrus and floral notes really come through for that classic Armani experience. Nowadays, does it really have a place?

Maybe. For me, only at a big discount, and I might still go with Just Me by Paris Hilton. I like it, but it has been surpassed. If it had the same performance of old, I’d probably have it higher on the list. At least above EDP. I think that one provides more value, though. AdG Review

Interesting, but Not the Best

GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Absolu Eau De Parfum Spray, 2.5 Fl Oz, Beige– The last that I saw of Absolu, it was being heavily discounted by retailers. I guess it never caught on with the public, much the same case with me.

It really isn’t a bad fragrance, just there are now four better releases in the Acqua di Gio line. The more time I spent with it, though, the less I liked it. This is probably the most unique of the bunch and actually quite similar to Invictus Aqua, but better than that.

It’s a resinous and woody aquatic with pear and apple. Really an amber-like aroma that permeates much of the wear. You do get good performance with this, again, it’s just not nearly as good as the others. AdG Absolu Review

My Least Favorite

Profondo Lights– This has now been discontinued, but I never got into it. Yes, while it shares a ton of overlap with Profondo, I never saw the point of this flanker either. It’s worse than both of the other Profondos. So, it’s getting the last spot here.

I do enjoy cardamom, as a note. Here, I don’t enjoy it, within the confines of the rest of the Profondo composition. And since that didn’t improve the formula, what’s the point of owning this?

There wasn’t one for me. I’m sure there are still bottles floating around out there, if you personally want to try Lights out. Profondo Lights review

6 Best Smelling Diesel Colognes

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Diesel is a youthful and striking brand known around the globe for its line of denim. In the world of fragrance, it has also carved out a niche for itself and in the men’s cologne category it carries a lot of weight in terms of popularity and the quality of its scents.

For this list, I have selected six colognes from Diesel’s lineup, which I feel are the best of the bunch. Note: I have updated the page with some newer entries. Others on the list, may be less available than they used to.

Favorite Diesel Colognes

The 90s Classic

DIESEL PLUS PLUS by Diesel EDT SPRAY 2.5 OZ Masculine– While it comes in a box shaped like a milk carton, Plus Plus by Diesel, won’t leave a man smelling like sour dairy. Its notes include sandalwood, bergamot, orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, and tonka bean among others.

It is a fresh and spicy fragrance that gives off an air of creaminess that stimulates the senses. This is an older part of the Diesel lineup, but this does have a rather unique vibe to go along with that kind of bizarre milk carton box.

The fresh spiciness of cinnamon and nutmeg, is always a good pairing together. Not too intense, but tempered but a sweet orange and a great tonka bean note.  Maybe not for everyone, but this does take me back to the 1990s, which had its own style of fragrances.

A Spirited Wear

Spirit of the Brave– This one is interesting versus the rest of the newer releases from the brand. Even though, this one came out in 2020, they’ve slowed the pace of their new fragrances.

Anyway, it’s an interesting mix of citrus and apple sweetness, woods, and tonka bean creaminess, and more.

The fragrance starts out with a great mix of aromatic freshness and fruitiness. The bergamot and apple aren’t naturalistic, so, Spirit does have more of a candy-like sweetness to it early on.

But, we also get sage, cypress, amber. The dry down is woodier, with more of a vanilla sort of aroma and that amber note. It’s not overly heavy or cloying, just something that’s quite enjoyable, and even somewhat green at times thanks to that cypress note.

Best Nightlife Diesel

Bad EDT by Diesel– This one has some similarities to my nose, with Invictus Legend and 212 VIP. Bergamot and lavender give you a citrus and soft opening, but then you get some spices and woody notes.

Bad EDT is a youthful and bold fragrance, best suited for nightlife. I’m not too big of a fan of the opening act, but it gets better and transforms as it goes on. Tobacco, woods, amber, and some bergamot are the stars as this scent moves along.

What you really do get with Bad, is great performance. It gives you a 8-9 hour wear, which is perfect for the casual or nighttime situations, you’d be wearing it in. Bad EDT Review

diesel bad edt review

Best Overall Diesel Scent

Diesel Only The Brave By Diesel For Men Edt Spray 4.2 Oz– Only the Brave is one of the most popular scents from Diesel.

It is a great citrus/woodsy scent best served for younger guys and for wear during the fall and winter months. When used correctly it is a real crowd pleaser, especially with the ladies.

This has low key been a terrific option for guys, for a long time now. Not only do you get an attractive and versatile cologne, it is also usually available at a low price point.

This one give you a richness that can really draw your attention to the aroma, with a balanced sweetness provided by citrus and some light floral touches. Later in the wear, I pick up more of the amber and leather notes, which ends things very well.

Most Popular Diesel Cologne

Diesel Fuel for Life Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 4.2 Ounce– Smooth, rich, and energetic. Fuel for Life is a blend of fruit notes like raspberry and grapefruit along with lavender and woodsy notes.

A great scent choice as it is versatile enough to be worn whenever and is also just a great smelling cologne. The appeal with this one, I think, comes from the anise note.

I love that ingredient to give a cologne some spiciness. It pairs surprisingly well with the raspberry and citrus.

Fuel for Life has some close imitators, of its simple formula. Notably, Playboy London is a close imitator.

However, that one doesn’t have the performance, great anise or raspberry, and feels more alcohol based. Fuel for Life delivers an attractive, simple, and well rounded performance.

Under the Radar Scent

Diesel Only The Brave Tattoo Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 4.2 Ounce – A sensual and perhaps a bit darker take on the Only the Brave line of colognes.

Tattoo features Bourbon pepper, sage, apple, and tobacco notes to create a sexy and masculine scent that is sure to draw attention.

This was a flanker fragrance, spawned from the success of Only the Brave. I don’t think they make it any longer, but you can track down bottles online. It’s a darkly sweet scent, that has similarities to Black XS.

However, Only the Brave Tattoo doesn’t have the overwhelming lemon and patchouli mix, that the Paco Rabanne scent does.