Men’s Fashion

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

Joop! vs. 1 Million Fragrance Comparison

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In this edition of the head to head men’s fragrances match up, I want to do a comparison of two nightlife colognes, from different eras. The late 80s beast, Joop! Homme vs. 1 Million, which has been a champ over the past decade-plus. Which of these scents smells better? Which lasts longer? Has better sillage? Is the better buy overall?

Tale of the Tape

1 Million

Notes include: Mint, Grapefruit, Rose, Patchouli, Amber, Cinnamon, White woods, Blond leather, Blood orange, Spice notes

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne 1 Million By Paco Rabanne For Men Edt Spray, 3.4 Ounce

Read my review: 1 Million

Joop! Homme

Notes include: orange blossom, vanilla, cinnamon, mandarin, amber, cedar, jasmine, bergamot, lily, heliotrope, tonka bean, patchouli, and sandalwood

Click here to try:  Joop Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 4.2 Fluid Ounce

Read my review: Joop!

Opening

1 Million is pretty notorious for its bold opening act (as well as the rest of it). It jumps out at you with a blend of blood orange, grapefruit, mint, rose, and smooth leather.

It’s got some spicy elements with the mint and cinnamon, but overall it is warm and sweet, with an amber coating. Mainly, the cinnamon will stick out. More of a warm spice than the colder freshness.

Joop! Pour Homme is also bold, from the start. It goes toward the spicier end of things, with plenty of cinnamon and patchouli, leading things off.

Those are the dominant notes, with amber, some light citrus, and floral notes peaking in from underneath.

Here the spice is more intense than it is in the Paco Rabanne. Joop! has a thicker near syrupy aroma, at times.

Which is better? I prefer how 1 Million starts versus Joop. It has a better aroma, that is sweeter, and more complex. I do like the spice of Joop, but it can also be too much for some people.

Edge: 1 Million

Projection

The sillage of both of these scents is pretty legendary. But which takes the crown? In my experience, it is 1 Million.

The current variations of Joop are still very powerful, but may have lost a step versus the vintage. Either way, I think the Paco Rabanne, has always been a bit ahead.

Update: 1 Million is still strong. However, it’s not as strong as it once was, and that peak is shorter lived. I’m flipping this category to Joop!

Edge: Joop!

Longevity

Joop can for between 7-9 hours, on my skin, depending on the climate of the day. Meanwhile, 1 Million again is a beast, and has gotten me 10+ hours on a regular basis always.

Update: Newer bottles of 1 Million will last arond 8 hours. As such, there’s no longer an advantage here. Let’s change it to a tie.

Edge: Push

Versatility

1 Million and Joop are both best for colder weather and nightlife. Both being loud and sort of monstrous in their sillage, aren’t that great of choices for business environments.

Having said that, I think that 1 Million is slightly better, in warmer conditions than is Joop. Plus, it tends to be more universally appealing and accepted than it’s competitor.

Joop can be very polarizing for people. It’s not for the faint of heart and there’s a ton of people who don’t like it.

Edge: 1 Million

Overall Scent

Alright, this was a pretty easy win for 1 Million. However, I will say that I do actually like Joop! Homme. I know, it can be one that makes people fall into a love/hate relationship, but it does still have its moments of brilliance.

It’ll just never be a ‘safe’ choice. I’ve gotten both extremely positive and negative reactions while wearing it (mostly the early stage spice, hits folks noses hard). It dates back to another era, but can still be a great cheapie, in certain situations.

1 Million is just better smelling and while it doesn’t perform the same, it’s still quite good for an EDT. Add to that, its mass appeal, and you have why it’s been a best seller for a long time now.

It is a superior fragrance to Joop! Homme and I would rather wear it versus that, in almost every scenario, even with my soft spot for Joop.

Winner: 1 Million

1 Million vs Le Male Fragrance Comparison

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In this installment of my cologne comparison series, I’m going to take a look at two mega selling fragrances with very distinct bottle shapes. The gold ingot of 1 Million by Paco Rabanne versus the Blue torso of Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier. These are two extremely popular and great smelling colognes for men.

However, I want to break it down further and find out which is the better performer, the better smelling, and the most versatile of the pair. Which of these scents for guys is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: 1 Million vs. Le Male 

1 Million 

Notes include: Mint, Grapefruit, Rose, Patchouli, Amber, Cinnamon, White woods, Blond leather, Blood orange, Spice notes

My original review

Buy here: Paco Rabanne 1 Million By Paco Rabanne For Men Edt Spray, 3.4 Ounce

Le Male by JPG Tale of the Tape

Notes include:  orange blossom, mint, lavender, woods, vanilla, tonka bean, cinnamon, and more

My JPG Review

Buy here: Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male By Jean Paul Gaultier For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 4.2 Oz.

Opening

Upfront, I have to say that both of these colognes are on the sweet side of things, so if that isn’t your type of fragrance you might want to look elsewhere. You’ll notice that they do share some common notes: mint and cinnamon.

Neither of which is the main draw but do support the overall structure of the colognes. Le Male is more of a vanilla/tonka blend with a warm spiciness. The mint and cinnamon, add a bit more of a kick up front.

Though, the impact will be lessened by lavender and orange blossom floral notes.

Meanwhile, 1 Million is like a candy grape at first with a smooth rose/leather undertone to it. The grape-like aroma, comes from those two notes meeting with orange and grapefruit.

It’s very sweet, with a warm amber ingredient enveloping things. With 1 Million, you will get more of the cinnamon note. With Le Male, mint.

It’s much less spicy, to my nose, but those notes will come along more during the dry down. Which scent is better?

I actually prefer 1 Million from the start, as it just has a more interesting profile in my opinion. I have always really enjoyed the bold start, the super sweet profile, and great use of leather/rose/amber.

I enjoy Le Male, but I really feel that it’s in top form, a bit later on in the wear. The sweet creamy/powdery heart, is really where it’s fantastic.

Edge: 1 Million

Projection

1 Million is a monster. It is loud and projects extremely well. Le Male is pretty good in this regard, but isn’t touching 1 Million.

Le Male starts out moderate, maybe towards the upper end of what you consider moderate. Then, it’ll get lighter as we move along.

Update: While Le Male, seems basically the same as it ever was in terms of its sillage. 1 Million doesn’t have the same level of sustained power that it once did. It still wins this category, but not by nearly as wide of a margin.

Edge: 1 Million

Longevity

Again, both last well. The Paco Rabanne lasts very well. Seriously, 1 Million will go on and on with very little use, it can become annoying.

Maybe newer bottles don’t have the same power, as it used to, but it still will do a great job on the performance end of things. Update: They don’t last as long. But, I still get 8 hours of wear, from my bottle.

Jean Paul Gaultier is pretty solid, I usually get about 6 hours from it, which isn’t great but it is certainly serviceable. Le Male is much more low key, but as a daily wear, it’ll handle most of a work day. Perhaps, a full one, at times.

Edge: 1 Million

Versatility

Le Male would be better for close quarter situations such as work or school. 1 Million would be better for nightlife, though, a small dab may not overpower the room and thus could be used elsewhere.

I think both are better suited for cool weather, and JPG, especially becomes a mess in the heat. For me, Le Male gets pretty darn cloying when it’s too warm.

Just as a daily wear, Le Male would be the better bet. It isn’t a formal fragrance, but really isn’t going to offend and take over a room. Coming back to this cologne after a few years, I’ve enjoyed how pleasant it can be on certain days.

Le Male has the edge here.

Edge: Le Male

Overall Scent

I like both of these colognes. Like I said, they are both sweet and they do get on my nerves at times because of that. However, I like wearing 1 Million better than Le Male.

It is just more interesting to me. Le Male is nice but it can feel pretty synthetic and I don’t find myself wanting to wear it as often. There are stretches of time, where that isn’t true, but then I grow tired of the JPG once again.

Plus, I think there are plenty of other options that accomplish the same sort of vibe as Le Male. In the winter, I might also go with Kouros Body or Eros or even Burberry. Update: That’s changed, since this was originally posted almost 10 years ago.

1 Million is limited sometimes in its uses ,and I cannot bear to wear it , everyday. However, when I’m in the mood, it fits the bill. The leather and amber notes, really make it something special to me.

Yes, it can be brash at times, and that ‘bubble gum’ smell can be hit or miss depending on the mood.

Overall though, it still has better performance, a deeper profile, and captures attention in ways that the Jean Paul Gaultier perfume doesn’t. I’d wear either, but I prefer 1 Million.

I will say, for most people, Le Male would be the better option due to its versatility and low key style. But, I don’t think that makes it a better fragrance.

Winner: 1 Million

New York Oud by Bond No. 9

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I’ve received plenty of Bond No. 9 samples, as of late, so one can expect plenty of reviews of both men’s and women’s fragrances to be posted…as soon as I write them all up. Today, we have an entry from the unisex collection, New York Oud. It was released by Bond back in 2011. In this post, I’m going to explore what’s in it, how it smells, performs, and if I think it is worth a purchase or not.

What does New York Oud Smell Like?

Notes include: red plum, agar wood, saffron, rose, orris, honey, patchouli, orange zest, vetiver, musk

Click here to try: Bond No. 9 New York Oud Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

My Full Review

Right off of the bat, it is important to understand that New York Oud is a unique and niche fragrance. Meaning, it will not have the universal appeal of the common best sellers, that seemingly everyone enjoys.

The opening is brash and strong. You are immediately introduced to the tart red plum note, the oud, and rose.

I have to say, rose is one of my least favorite notes (especially in a men’s fragrance), and oud can be hit or miss for me. Both are good at times and terrible at others. I think that Bond No. 9 gets the oud right in this one.

Still, I do get tired of the rose and oud pairing.

The plum is quite tart and strong, underneath it I can detect the sweet familiarity of the honey note. The fruit blended with patchouli, reminds me a bit of Black XS, as it hits your nose in the same intense way.

There is a lot going on here, but mostly what I experience is: plum with orange layered with the rose/saffron/iris floral, and then that animalistic aroma of agar wood/musk.

Throw in some honey and patchouli for good measure and that’s New York Oud. It’s plenty complex.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, this one is really powerful on my skin. If you like very bold and loud scents, this one might be along the lines of what you’re looking for.

It’s pretty difficult to screw up the power with these rose and oud combo scents. But, this one is particularly well projecting. Plus, it does have some heft to it. Not a giant, thick cloud; kind of close though.

Not only that, it goes on and on, with how long it lasts. It’s one of those colognes that you really have to scrub off, in order to get rid of it. Top level projection and longevity.

This strikes me as more of a cold weather scent. I’m not really sure what to classify it as, casual? Romantic? I’d go more nightlife with this, but not a nightclub scent. Something like a lounge.

I really think that this will only work for a certain type of guy and would become more of a signature scent for him. It is unisex, technically. Though, this one definitely leans much more masculine, to me.

For most consumers, I don’t think this will even be an option. It’s one of those higher end niche fragrances, made for collectors or those who are bold with their perfume choices.

Overall Impressions of New York Oud

Overall, do I think that New York Oud is a buy? Yes, with caveats. Looking at the list of notes, I would expect to hate this fragrance, as it is chock full of stuff that can completely turn me off of a scent.

However, I don’t hate it. It’s interesting and unique, though, still not something that fits my personal style.

This is quite a niche fragrance, for those guys who love oud and want to stand out on a daily basis. If that’s you, New York Oud is your scent. It is expensive, as is the rest of the Bond No. 9 lineup.

Still, there are a ton of fragrances in this category, that do similar things. I like the addition of the plum note and honey, which help to separate it a bit from the usual rose and oud entries.

Moves for Men by Adidas

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Adidas is an athletics company, so, it should be kept in mind that the fragrances they produce are catered to a certain segment of the market at a certain price point. This isn’t a Dior or Creed type of fragrance manufacturer, where you are buying something wholly unique and a fashion statement in its own right.

With that out of the way, I wanted to do a review of Moves because it was one that I received as a gift in my early years in high school, which brings back memories when I think about Moves cologne.

This one came out back in 1999. How does it smell? How long does Moves last? Is it worth a try?

Note: Moves for Him was discontinued for a long while. It seems that Adidas has now re-released it. I found bottles on Amazon, which have ben redesigned, but you can at least buy this one again.

What does Adidas Moves Smell Like?

adidas

Notes include: black pepper, clove, jasmine, pineapple, spearmint, green apple, musk, and more.

Click here to try: Adidas Moves for Him

My Full Review

Moves is a blue fruity fragrance. Not in terms of a lemony type of citrusy smell but its fruity based profile is something similar to Tommy Hilfiger (although they don’t smell the same at all).

Though, there is an orange note here.

Where those two scent do align, is their youthful appeal. Let me just state from the start that, Adidas Moves is a cologne that should be used for high school guys in most instances.

Opening up, green apple is most prevalent and I can also detect the pineapple in it as well. As it settles down a bit, the more earthy notes begin to emerge and give it a center.

You do get a spicy freshness from the combination of the mint and black pepper notes. Nothing massive, but they give an edge to the shower gel sort of aroma that Moves presents.

One interesting note here, is the tomato leaf. Doesn’t stick out for long, but gives this Adidas cologne its initial greenish and freshness. Slightly aquatic, with how this can present early on.

A bottle of Moves can be had for under $10 (update: used to be. New bottles are about $15. Still a good affordable perfume for men) which makes it a solid option for younger guys, who don’t have much of an income yet.

Very clean presentation and always had a great cooling sensation when I wore Moves, back in the day. As it dries down, it honestly becomes much less distinct with its notes.

Vague florals, the blue-ish mishmash of notes and generic fruitiness, and then a musky base with some light woods. Not very complicated, but enjoyable.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise it’s pretty moderate and it can last somewhat long depending on the weather and conditions in which it is worn. That’s for the first half.

After that, it’s light and has it remaining refreshing quality that sits close to the skin.

On me, it would always hit the 5-6 hour range. Perhaps, it could tap 7 here or there. It’s a pretty basic and middle of the road performer. Not as bad as some of the really cheap colognes that have been released over the years, but also nothing spectacular.

It always struck me as a warm weather scent but it never really held up outdoors in the heat. It just evokes memories of those months when I was younger and this was my go to cologne.

A couple sprays should be enough for sitting in class, dates, etc. Again, though, this is more of a casual and sporty fragrance. It does smell good enough to venture a bit beyond that, but not much, and it is a teenager to college wear.

Maybe an older guy could wear it during a workout or something along those lines but should definitely opt for something more mature as a day to day fragrance.

Overall Impressions of Adidas Moves

Overall, is Adidas Moves worth a look? I mean, if you’re in middle or high school, then it is a safe bet. Outside of that? If you just happen to get a free bottle or don’t care about spending the $10 bucks…then go for it.

It’s not a mature fragrance and it doesn’t really have much to it in terms of layers. It’s a fairly attractive scent for the younger crowd. Though, it isn’t my favorite, but it is one which will work well for most guys of that age range.

It’s pretty linear, but I like the mix of fruity notes and greener undertones. This is more nostalgia for me, so, I’m not going to be grabbing a bottle. It’s nice enough for what it is and can do the job for some guys out there.