Men’s Fashion

Versace Dylan Blue vs Eros Flame

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Versace has been releasing lots of popular fragrances over the past five or so years. Dylan Blue has been one such a release, that has gained traction with the younger set. Eros Flame is a newer release, which follows the huge popularity of the original Eros. It hasn’t enjoyed the same level of success, but seems to be growing. Which of these two colognes is better? Which one lasts longer? Which is the best buy?

Tale of the Tape

Eros Flame

Notes include: lemon, tangerine, chinotto accord, black pepper, wild mountain rosemary, pepperwood, geranium, rose, cedar, patchouli, vetiver, oak moss, sandalwood, tonka bean, and vanilla

Click here to try: Versace Eros Flame 100ml 3.4Oz Eau de Parfume For Men

My review: Eros Flame

Dylan Blue

Notes include: black pepper, violet leaf, grapefruit, bergamot, tonka bean, ambrox, fig leaf

Click here to try: VERSACE Pour Homme Sealed Dylan Blue Eau de Toilette, 3.4 Ounce

My review: Dylan Blue

Opening

Eros Flame opens up with familiar lemon of Eros, but this time it is paired with tangerine. Along with that, is: black pepper, chinotto accord, with some vanilla and tonka bean. The latter two, will be heavier later, but now take on a smaller role.

I like the added citrus vibe to Eros Flame, a lot, as it is my favorite part of the wear. I think the pairing is fresh, bright, and has enough earthiness/spice to make it interesting.

Meanwhile, Dylan Blue kicks off with its grapefruit note leading the way. This citrus ingredient is flanked by ambroxan and an aquatic accord, giving this cologne a slight watery feel.

What sets this fragrance apart, is its use of the fig note, and is what really made me like wearing this scent sometimes.

Which is better? It’s close in my mind, but I prefer the way Dylan Blue starts off. It’s smoother, has a unique quality while being familiar to other scents, and the fragrance just comes together quite well.

Edge: Dylan Blue

Projection

Dylan Blue starts off with a strong sillage, but later becomes much more moderate. You could over spray this scent, though, most normal applications will be just fine.

Eros Flame has a very strong sillage. Like monstrous. This can absolutely fill a room, if you spray too much. I’d say stick to 2-3 sprays, max, with Eros Flame. It’s without a doubt, stronger than Dylan Blue.

I will applaud Versace for really delivering with Flame, in performance terms. I did have a bottle of the original batch and I’m not sure if it has been weakened in the intervening years.

Edge: Eros Flame

Longevity

I’ve worn both of these scents, plenty of times, and it’s really the same results each time. Dylan Blue goes 6-7 hours, with extreme consistency, on my skin.

Eros Flame, just keeps going on and on. It always go for over 10 hours and I’ve detected on my skin, even 15-16 hours later.

Just from pure longevity and strength, Flame is among the best on the market. Again, I’m not sure if this has been changed, but Flame could out do the original Eros EDT formulation.

Edge: Eros Flame

Versatility

Eros Flame is best used in cooler to moderate climates and temperatures. It doesn’t work well in the heat and humidity. So, limited there. Dylan Blue can be worn year round, without issue pretty much.

Eros Flame is better used for the nightlife or casual situations. Dylan Blue, can be used in a wider range of scenarios. It can be worn during the day: school or office wear, though, it is better suited for younger guys.

Flame can be so overbearing at times, it’s not really one to wear to work or school or really a daily basis.

Between the two, I’d say Dylan Blue has better versatility.

Edge: Dylan Blue

Overall Scent

Eros Flame is an interesting take on the original Versace Eros and has amazing performance. When I first got my bottle of Flame, I liked this cologne a lot more than I do now.

Now, it doesn’t smell as good to me. The dry down becomes much more woodsy and has rosemary coming through.

Plus, the vanilla and tonka bean combo, feels a bit off with the citrus and herbal woods ingredients. It’s not a bad fragrance, I just don’t want to wear it that often.

It can actually be headache inducing. It’s greatest strength, is the fact that it is so strong and long lasting…but it does hinder its ability to be worn in a variety of situations.

Dylan Blue, has never been my favorite scent. Though, I have warmed up to it more. The opening is still the best part, while the dry down still feels generic to me.

The performance isn’t amazing, but it’s solid. I think that it smells better than Flame, overall. Also, it is much more versatile.

I think both of these are decent, but flawed fragrances overall. Lots of people seem to like Eros Flame, more than I ever have, so I guess take that into account. Dylan Blue isn’t a great cologne, but it does enough in comparison, to win this.

Winner: Dylan Blue

Azzaro Wanted vs. 1 Million Comparison

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1 Million has been a best seller for over a decade and is basically a legend, at this point. It once ruled much of the nightlife, not as much anymore, but it’s a great scent. Wanted was released by Azzaro and quickly grew a following. Between the two, which is better? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: 1 Million vs. Wanted

1 Million

Notes include: grapefruit, blood orange, rose, mint, cinnamon, amber, leather, patchouli, and more

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne 1 Million Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

Read my original review: 1 Million Cologne Review

Wanted by Azzaro

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 original Review: Wanted Review

Opening

1 Million has always been compared to grape bubblegum in the opening act, by a lot of people. The initial blood orange, grapefruit, leather, and mint combination does make it come across like that.

The latest batch that I tried, seems to have less of that overall. It’s still there, just the start now feels warmer with more spice.

Cinnamon, mainly. Along with an earlier emergence of amber and rose, than I remember. Sweetness, warmth, with a playful spice.

Meanwhile, Wanted kicks off with a lemon note in the lead. It’s actually not as sharp as one would expect and the opening resembles Invictus by Paco Rabanne, somewhat. It definitely differs from that fragrance, when the tonka bean and cardamom grow in strength. 

Which is better at the beginning? I’m going with 1 Million. I don’t think that either opens up amazingly well, but I prefer the aroma of 1 Million versus the pseudo-Invictus opening of Wanted.

Edge: 1 Million

Sillage

Older bottles of 1 Million were monstrous with how they projected. However, it doesn’t have that same punch. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still strong, just lost a step. 

For much of the wear, it will be stronger than average, but just not blowing the doors off with its projection or heaviness.

Wanted starts off about equal to newer bottles of 1 Million, but becomes much more moderate when it settles. While, 1 Million keeps up its power for longer on my skin.

Edge: 1 Million

Longevity

Vintage 1 Million would go for 12+ hours on me, without issue. Newer bottles? Around 8-9 hours of wear. Still very good, just not elite.

With Wanted it’s in the 7-9 hour range. All in all, I’d say they’re about equal to one another now. It used to be a pretty clear win for the Paco Rabanne, but no more.

 

Edge: Push

 

 

Versatility

Seasonally, I think that Wanted has the edge. Neither of these is good for the heat, but 1 Million is best in colder temperatures. Wanted can go warm weather, just avoid extreme heat.

Both skew towards younger guys. With Wanted being appropriate in a wider array of situations. While, 1 Million is geared toward nightlife or casual wear.

Edge: Wanted

Overall Scent

Wanted is a good fragrance, but really not one of my favorites. I like it more once it dries down and develops its own personality.  Tonka bean, apple, and juniper berry are really nice touches after the Invictus-like opening act. 

It does everything well, but nothing amazing.

I’ve always enjoyed wearing 1 Million. I know a lot of people never liked this scent, but it was always a fun and unique wear. If I were comparing Wanted to the older bottles of this Paco Rabanne scent, it’d be any easy win for 1 Million.

Now, it’s a tighter race. Though, I’m still going 1 Million. It just smells better to me, still has good performance, and more depth. 

I would go with either The Most Wanted or The Most Wanted Parfum before either of these. But, between these two, it’s the Paco Rabanne.

Winner: 1 Million

7 Best Smelling John Varvatos Colognes

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I think that John Varvatos makes some pretty good and masculines colognes overall. Two of these scents, I have reviewed here on the site thus far (Artisan and Artisan Aqua), and while both were very pleasant fragrances for men…they both had some longevity issue which made it hard to enjoy.

For this post, I want to select seven other scents from the Varvatos collection, which I consider to be the best overall (in terms of smell and longevity).

What are the Best Smelling Varvatos Colognes?

Best Overall Varvatos Cologne

Vintage– Warm, fresh, and incredibly smooth. Vintage is a masculine scent that grabs attention in an understated way. Notes include: tobacco, suede, tonka bean, jasmine, rhubarb, absinthe, and others.

The opening act is pretty powerful and ‘in your face’. Fir and a blend of spices announces that Vintage has arrived. Much like the other scents, on this list, it will settle down into something that is more palatable and great.

I love tonka bean, as a note, which gets flanked by that suede note and rich cured tobacco. As it dries down, I feel that it gets sweeter and the light citrus and rhubarb touches become a great deal more noticeable. Up top, those notes get lost in the fray, on my skin.

Performance is decent, but not anything that special. Nonetheless, this is probably the best smelling of the Varvatos colognes, or at least top 2-3.

vintage

Best Artisan Cologne

Artisan Pure– Pure is in my mind, the second best fragrance from the Artisan line. However, Black doesn’t seem to be around much anymore, so I’m putting this one on the list (Artisan Black is still below). 

Pure has the usual Artisan citrus flare, but pairs it with some nice herbal notes like thyme and petitgrain, to give it a slightly different touch. Pure is a very fresh citrus scent, full of rich green undertones, and a bit of a floral finish.

I like the smell of many of the other Artisan scents. This one, has better performance, and stands out with its unique aroma versus some of the other options. 

Hard to Find Artisan

Artisan Black-A citrus blend with supporting notes of ginger and some floral. This is a scent for the warmer months for guys who enjoy a sweet citric fragrance in the summertime.

I think that this one has now been discontinued. I haven’t seen any bottles of Artisan Black for a while. I’m going to leave it on the list, because you can probably hunt one down online, and I think that this was the best scent from the Artisan lineup. I’m also adding Artisan Pure to the list, as a sort of replacement.

black

Most Popular Varvatos

John Varvatos– A woodsy and leathery affair at first that emerges into a fragrance that has a certain sweetness to it present by the fruit notes. The initial start of the cologne is a mix of the leather and wood notes, like tamarind and fir.

Then, you get the fruity notes, mainly dates. Between the dates and wood, John Varvatos for Men has a unique yet familiar scent. Dates, vanilla, amber, and caramel give this one a sweetness to play off the spice and woody ingredients.

In the later stages, most of the sweeter notes fade away and you’re left with: amber, leather, and woods. The performance is pretty mediocre, so, I’d only pick it up for cheap (some other best cheap colognes for men). However, the smell is really attractive and a joy to wear. John Varvatos Review

jv

Dark and Spicy Cologne

Dark Rebel– Dark Rebel is a masculine and spicy scent, with many similarities to Man in Black by Bvlgari. It starts out with rum, tobacco, and pepper. The pepper note is pretty intense within that first 10 minute window, but settles thereafter. 

I like Rebel, once that spice has burned itself off. Vanilla, tobacco, with some underlying rum give it a sweet smoothness; that I find very enjoyable. Still further: leather, herbs, and woods emerge to give the fragrance an interesting finish.

Note: Dark Rebel Rider, probably has the better smelling opening act versus this one. However, the performance of that scent is atrocious. So, it didn’t make the cut.

Now, the performance here, isn’t great. Many John Varvatos scents (particularly the Artisan line), don’t last very long. Though, I wanted to give this one a spot because it does smell good. Another one that could be worth picking up for winter wear, if the price is right. Dark Rebel Full Review

Underrated Varvatos Scent

Star USA– Juniper berries, citron, woods, and ginger are the main stars of this moderate scent. It is woodsy and slightly spicy and kind of linear but not bad overall.

In fact, the aroma was always the highlight, even when the performance lagged. Star USA gives you that amazing citrus clean, pairs it with ginger, and finishes with a blend of woods. Together, it is super fresh and attractive.

Finishes very dry and clean. Wish it would have had more power, overall. Discontinued, but there are cheap bottles floating around in some places.

star

Newer Varvatos

XX Artisan Teal– I had tried XX Indigo and it wasn’t anything too great. However, the Teal edition of the XX series, is actually quite good. Surprisingly, the performance isn’t bad, unlike some of the other Artisan releases.

This one has a blue-ish marine aroma. Not fully immersed in sea notes, but there is a salty aquatic element to it. A mix of lemon and rosemary spice up top. All together I thought it might have an Acqua di Gio scent. Nope, close in style, though.

The blue/aquatic vibe and the pink pepper remind me somewhat of Living Stromboli from the Light Blue series. But, this is different. Muskier with more depth.

The dry down fully lets you enjoy the saltier aspect of this cologne along with the driftwood base note. Lasts six, maybe 7 hours. Not amazing performance, but worth picking up at the right price.

1 Million vs 1 Million Lucky Paco Rabanne Comparison

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There apparently was a 1 Million flanker fragrance release, that I was not aware of, and that is: Lucky. I reviewed it the other day and enjoy it, but how does it stand when compared to the original 1 Million by Paco Rabanne? In this post, I am going to do another comparison to see which one I would choose and why.

Tale of the Tape: Lucky vs 1 Million

1 Million

Notes include: grapefruit, blood orange, rose, mint, cinnamon, amber, leather, patchouli, and more

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne 1 Million Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

Read my original review: 1 Million Cologne Review

1 Million Lucky

Notes include: hazelnut, cedar, green plum, patchouli, grapefruit, amber, and more

Click here to try: 1 Million Lucky by Paco Rabanne Eau de Toilette Spray 100ml

Read my original review: 1 Million Lucky

Opening

The opening of 1 Million is very famous and familiar to many people by this point. It has an ultra sugary sweet aroma that is likened to grape bubble gum. When you pay closer attention you can pick up cinnamon, rose, and the leather notes.

Newer bottles feel warmer and even spicier than I recall, the original batches. Maybe, it’s a trick of my memory?

1 Million Lucky opens with fresh woods and fruits such as plum. Warm wood covered by amber and a rich hazelnut. It’s sweet and cream without much of any spice to it.

Which one do I prefer? I mean, there is some similarity between them. However, I like the heightened cedar element within Lucky, so I’ll give it the nod.

That’s saying something, because I really do like wearing the original 1 Million. However, the opening act, isn’t my favorite aspect of that fragrance. The newcomer has an edge, with its uniqueness.

Edge: Lucky

Projection

The original 1 Million has huge sillage and for a while it seemed like Lucky would match it. However, while Lucky can start out strong, it never reaches the same highs as 1 Million does. Nor does it have the consistency.

This is even with 1 Million, not having the same crazy projecting power, that it used to. Don’t get me wrong, it still has monster sillage, just a step below its origins. Nevertheless, it can still outplay Lucky.

Update: Nowadays, it’s closer to even. I’d still put the original ahead of what I get with Lucky, based on the back half of the wear, it seems to stick around better.

Edge: 1 Million

Longevity

Lucky is a 6-8 hour fragrance for me. 1 Million lasts seemingly forever. The original has the edge here without a doubt. I always get 10+ hours of wear from it.

I’ve heard that other folks don’t get the same staying power with 1 Million, but it’s still a performer for me. Anyways, it does have significantly better performance that 1 Million Lucky.

Update: With my newer bottle of 1 Million, it’s around 8 hours of wear. So, it hits the upper end of what I got with Lucky. Still a slight edge with 1 Million, for consistency, but this is a lot more even than what it was.

Edge: 1 Million

Versatility

Is Lucky a versatile fragrance? Yes, I think that this is the aspect where it has the original definitely beat. Since it is much more understated, Lucky can be worn during your everyday life, while also still serving as a club scent.

The original 1 Million could be kind of loud for everyday wear. I’ve personally done it, but it is really a nightlife scent, at its heart. I actually like wearing it casually, like buying smaller bottles, and just hanging out with 1 Million on.

Both colognes, are mainly for younger guys. Lucky, in particular, has a very youthful vibe. It might be the better bet for a teenager.

Edge: Lucky

Overall Scent

I’m tempted to go with the newer scent, as the original 1 Million has been being used by a ton of people for about 20 years now. However, I can’t say that I definitely like Lucky better than the older Paco Rabanne fragrance.

It does smell good, has an overlap with the original. The plum, hazelnut, and woody base were interesting additions but I still think the original is better. Even if, I don’t wear it all that often anymore.

Lucky is a good scent and I’ll probably wear my mini bottle some over the next month. I don’t want to say it’s bad, but I’m putting it at number 3 in terms of 1 Million and it’s spin offs. Prive is my number 1, still.

The original 1 Million, will always bring about fond memories for me, and is one I enjoy coming back to. It’s not the nostalgia clouding my mind, though. It actually is the better scent here.

However, for some guys (especially the younger crowd), Lucky can be a great fragrance for them to pick up. The honey and plum notes and nuttiness is still rather unique and has a certain amount of charm to it.

Winner: 1 Million

Gucci Guilty vs. Acqua di Gio

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In this edition of the head to head men’s fragrances match up, we have two popular choices from Italian designers, Acqua di Gio vs. Gucci Guilty. Which of these scents ultimately smells the best? Performs better? Is the top buy? I have worn each around, reviewed them (linked below), and now will compare each in a variety of categories to select the best.

Tale of the Tape: AdG vs. Gucci Guilty

Acqua di Gio

Notes include: bergamot, tangerine, neroli, jasmine, rosemary, patchouli, rock rose, hyacinth, persimmon, marine notes

Click here to try: Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces

Read my review: Acqua di Gio 

Gucci Guilty

Notes include: lemon, orange blossom, lavender, patchouli, cedar, pink pepper, neroli

Click here to try: Guilty By Gucci EDT spray for Men, 3 Ounce

Read my original review: Gucci Guilty

Opening

Gucci Guilty starts off with a strong blast of citrus from the lemon note, that is flanked by warm amber, and calming lavender. It smooth and fresh with a bit of spice lurking underneath the surface. Guilty has a floral tinge from the orange blossom and neroli, with a cedar base. Very nice.

Acqua di Gio opens up with a blend of citrus notes of bergamot and tangerine. These notes are accompanied by marine notes, which gives this fragrance its aquatic aroma, and some jasmine undertones.

As it moves along, it will develop more of its aquatic elements and slight smokiness. Guilty stays with its bright and warm disposition. I have always loved that sea breeze accord and the way that it plays off of the citrus.

Which do I prefer? I actually like the way that Gucci Guilty starts off, better than, Acqua di Gio. The lemon note is great, it’s soaked in amber, with a nice lavender coming through. It’s simple and effective.

Yes, AdG has a lot going for it, and this is a close contest. But, that start from Guilty has something special about it to me. Not a massive edge, but the Gucci takes this one.

Edge: Guilty

Projection

At the start, both of these fragrances have pretty similar sillage, that could be characterized as in the moderate range. You notice it, but not overpower a room.

Guilty, however, lightens up quicker than does the Armani. It becomes more light and airy, a few hours in.

If we were talking about the original formulations of each, AdG would take this one pretty easily. Even in there latest states, the edge for Acqua is pretty apparent.

Edge: Acqua di Gio

Longevity

Wearing Gucci Guilty, I only seem to ever get 5-6 hours of wear, from it. Pretty average, not spectacular. Acqua di Gio is somewhat better, clocking in at 6-7 hours, on my skin. Not a massive difference, but it’s noticeable.

AdG used to be even better, than its current incarnation. Nonetheless, it can still outdo the original Gucci Guilty, with its performance.

Edge: Acqua di Gio

Versatility

Each of these fragrances, is extremely versatile in its uses. Both mainly fit in during the spring/summer months, but can easily be worn year round without problem.

Neither is a formal fragrance, but they’re also not only for teenagers. They can appeal to a very wide audience, which explains the massive sales success of each over the decades.

They are also both safe to wear to class or the office, casually, or even out on a date. There’s not really an edge in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

This is a pretty close call between these competitors. I really like Acqua di Gio and it is a classic, at this point in time. It’s got a great citrus marine profile, with supporting floral and wood notes. It also has better performance than does Gucci Guilty.

I like how Guilty smells. I prefer how it starts out, with the great lemon, floral, and amber notes. It’s very simple and straightforward, but that orange blossom and lavender, plays very well off of the citrus. Clean and bright.

However, I still think the Acqua di Gio is the better fragrance. The dry down period of Acqua di Gio and the better performance, gives it the edge, in my opinion. Is it miles better?

No, but it is the more interesting fragrance. Guilty is a pretty basic scent. It is unique in how it presents itself, but not much depth there. I think that I’d pick Guilty Black and probably Intense over it, but not the original Guilty.

Even then, that’s not a sure thing, as I really do like AdG and it can still be a signature daily wear for a lot of people.

Winner: Acqua di Gio