Men’s Fashion

5 Fragrances that Smell Similar to CK One

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CK One was one of the most dominant, if not the very pinnacle of ubiquity of fragrances during the 1990s. For those of you not old enough to remember, this Calvin Klein perfume was absolutely everywhere, and is basically ingrained in our collective memories.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t completely copied to death, sure alternatives existed but nothing was exactly the same. In this post, I want to present five fragrances that smell comparable to CK One.

Fragrances that are Like CK One

Inspired Similarities

#1 by Dua Brand– I hadn’t found a perfume that attempted to recreate the CK One formula, that was a $5-10 and terrible rendition of it. Now, I haven’t tried this one out, but I’ve bought a bunch of perfumes from Dua in the past, that have tried to match designer scents and they were great.

CK One isn’t an overly complicated formula, so, this shouldn’t be an exception to Dua’s great track record.

That opening with the lemon, tea, papaya, and other notes is there. So is everything else that the original 90s formula of CK One had. If they got it even 85% percent correct this should be a good substitute.

Whether or not its worthwhile, may depend on the price of the Calvin Klein fragrance at the time that you want to purchase.

The Best Alternative

Azzaro Chrome Eau de Toilette – Cologne for Men– Chrome opens up with lemon, pineapple, and neroli. The citrus and floral blend of Chrome certainly does favor CK One and creates a compelling alternative scent.

This Azzaro does lean much more to the masculine end of things, versus being a pure unisex like the CK perfume. What I love about Azzaro is how bright and upbeat it feels. Similar style, yet completely unique.

The neroli gets paired with jasmine and you start to get more of a soapy quality. However, there is rosemary for the herbal aspect and a metallic smelling finish.

These two definitely have their distinctions but Chrome is going to give you the closest experience and you might even prefer it to One. Chrome Review

Ferrari Floral

Ferrari Scuderia Red Eau De Toilette Spray, 4.2 oz– Scuderia Red has a similar scent profile to that of CK One. However, I prefer the Calvin Klein versus this.

That being said, it can indeed be a cheaper option and is overall a pretty good fragrance. It opens up with clean and juicy citrus notes, mainly orange, with lemon verbena. This Ferrari leans greater to the floral side of things versus our target, as it has a very prominent jasmine note.

The performance is decent, I pulled 6-7 hours from this one during my testing of it a few years back. Closer to the six hour mark, mostly. Again, not an exact comparable of One, but it can provide a nice experience for a low price. Scuderia Red Review

A Bluer Generic 

Cuba Blue by Cuba for Men – 3.4 Ounce EDT Spray– So, Cuba Blue has some similarities to CK One (mainly in the base), but I’d say it’s more like a mix of Chrome and Set Sail Martinique. A sort of metallic citrus opening act, with a musky/creamy dry down.

A cheaper freshie. The wood and musk is what rings closest in my mind to One, with the citrus notes favoring the other two aforementioned scents. Cuba Blue isn’t among my favorite of the Cuba line of colognes, more in the middle of the pack.

This one is stupid cheap, but not going to provide you an exact copy of the Calvin Klein. Honestly, it’d be my last pick from the four of these options. Though, it fits the overall target style.

Best Similar and Cheaper Option

Paco by Paco Rabanne for Men – 3.3 oz EDT Spray– As of publishing, you can pick up a bottle of this Paco Rabanne cologne for around $30. To me, this is the best value for those looking to replicate CK One. Cheaper than both One and Chrome…and strikes a similar chord.

The citrus is there, though, this isn’t the exact same formula as CK One. Instead, Paco is going to give you a greener and woodier heart, with a more masculine vibe. Though, you still get jasmine and tea, at about the same level.

Fresh, smoother than One, and with a greater use of earthy aromas. The performance is pretty good, but not amazing, and not really a marathon runner. It’s from the same era as our target and that really comes through during the wear.

Dior Sauvage EDT vs. Elixir

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Sauvage is a line that keeps printing money for Dior, and so, they’re obviously going to keep putting out new flankers for the foreseeable future. The latest, is Sauvage Elixir, an expensive and more concentrated take on the name. It’s enjoying early success, but how does this new fragrance compare to the original EDT. In this post, I will compare each in a variety of categories, before declaring an ultimate winner.

Sauvage Elixir or EDT? Tale of the Tape

Sauvage EDT

Notes include: Bergamot, Ambroxan, Sichuan Pepper, lavender, pink pepper, and more

Click here to try: Sauvage by Chrisitan Dior Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce

Read my review: Sauvage EDT Review

Sauvage Elixir

Notes include: grapefruit, wood, lavender, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, patchouli, vetiver

Click here to try: Sauvage Elixir at Macy’s

Read my review: Sauvage Elixir

Opening

Sauvage EDT starts off sharp with the citrus bergamot and Sichuan pepper notes out in full force. This is joined by that lavender note that is found across the Sauvage offerings. It’s intense and not all that great to my nose, especially when ambroxan gets thrown into the mix.

It does settle down and become more enjoyable and smooth. However, I’m not a fan of the pepper and bergamot combination. The lavender and ambroxan are nicer when they take the lead, as is the now faded citrus note.

Meanwhile, Elixir opens up with a lot of spice. Though, it doesn’t use the Sichuan pepper. Instead, you get cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom with a much lighter citrus note in grapefruit. This blend is wonderful and intense without the same sharpness.

The next phase will feature more of the lavender and some sweetness from licorice and amber. Sauvage Elixir is spicy, woody, with enough sweetness to keep it interesting. The licorice is a great addition to the composition, which helps this one stand out from the other Dior offerings. 

Which is better? Elixir. This newer concentration is just all around more balanced and pleasant to smell upon the initial spray. It is stronger while simultaneously being more tolerable. 

Edge: Elixir

Projection

The original Sauvage always had a strong sillage starting out and wasn’t ever weak at projecting. It does moderate after, but the EDT isn’t exactly a light cologne.

When compared to Elixir, the EDT is no match. Elixir has a very powerful ability to project and will be noticed throughout the entirety of the wear. Dior didn’t skimp out on the quality with this new release and it easily takes this category.

Elixir is one of the loudest mainstream fragrances out there and has a great ability to leave a scent trail in your wake. EDT definitely won’t be a disappointment, it can’t keep up with the heavier concentration of Elixir.

Edge: Elixir

Longevity

With Sauvage EDT, it lasts about 6-7 hours on my skin when it is warm and the humidity is higher. When it’s colder, I can get about 8-9 hours of wear from it. Some people get better performance than I do, but that’s been a consistent outcome for me.

Sauvage Elixir goes a lot longer than the EDT version. It really is a much more concentrated fragrance. I called it 12+ hours in my review, but it seems to go well beyond that 12 hour mark, during my testing of it.

Update: Even coming back to newer batches of EDT, it still hits that 6-8 hour range mostly. Elixir still goes heavy into the over 12 hour range without issue. It’s a beast as keeping things going.

Edge: Elixir

Versatility

Here’s where I think the EDT may have an edge over Elixir. For one, the EDT can venture into the summer months a lot better than Elixir can. Neither is a summertime fragrance, but the EDT won’t be overbearing in the heat, like Elixir.

Secondly, I think that the EDT can fit a wider spectrum of age range. Not many teens are going to be willing or able to rock the more mature Elixir, but they can and do wear the EDT version. 

Elixir is the more mature, but it’s not really a formal wear. Daily wear and more well put together, but I think the EDT could fit for a wider demographic.

So, the edge really comes down to a wider climate range, age range, and just overall versatility. Not to say Elixir is limited, it isn’t, just that Sauvage EDT fits a lot of situations.

Edge: Sauvage EDT

Overall Scent

Sauvage EDT is a perpetual best seller. To me, it’s become just a decent scent. Sure, it kicked off a whole trend in the industry, but fragrances like Luna Rossa Carbon have done the concept better. Also, the later Sauvage EDP and Parfum were also greater than the original.

That being said, I do like the middle and final acts of the EDT a lot better than how it opens. The performance is solid and it’s still an easy to wear crowd pleaser. For many guys, it’ll do just fine.

However, in this contest Sauvage Elixir is the clear winner. It smells better, outperforms, and presents a unique take on the DNA of this line.

The lavender, patchouli, and vetiver are the only commonalities in terms of notes versus the other Sauvage colognes. The structure of spice, citrus, and woods holds true…but they substitute newer ingredients.

Elixir has a great mix of spices. The cinnamon and nutmeg just work amazingly well within the composition. The lavender feels more natural, the amber smoother, and the licorice note adds a further distinct character.

Sauvage Elixir is easily better than the EDT. The price is where a lot of people will draw the line. It’s not cheap, but if that’s not a concern go with Elixir. If you can, you might consider buying Elixir and something else that tries to copy Dior Sauvage for cheaper.

Winner: Sauvage Elixir

6 Fragrances Similar to Light Blue Pour Homme

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Light Blue Pour Homme is always among the top sellers in the world of men’s fragrance. It’s blend of citrus, spice, and wood is very approachable for any guy and it is an extremely versatile wear.

So, it’s really no surprise that people want something that smells similar to the Dolce & Gabbana cologne or something that is inspired by it, at a cheaper price. This is my ongoing page on the site, listing potential options.

What Colognes Smell Like or Similar to Light Blue by D&G?

The Inspired Cheaper Alternative

Citrus Marine by Dossier– I haven’t personally tried this Dossier fragrance, but I have had others in their line. This one, is their take on the formula of Light Blue Pour Homme.

So, if you’re looking for something that’s cheaper and has about the same aroma as the D&G, this’ll probably be your best bet.

You’ll at least save somewhat versus the actual Light Blue in terms of retail, but third party online sellers aren’t too much more than what Dossier is selling it for. Still, I imagine you’d do well with this.

Cheaper Blue Ocean

Agua Brava Azul by Puig– So, Azul isn’t one that tries to exactly mimic Light Blue. However, it is an inexpensive fragrance that occupies the same space as does the Dolce & Gabbana scent.

Different citrus notes with the lemon and bergamot, which aren’t as heavy in the mix as the citrus in Light Blue Pour Homme. Initially, yes, but that’ll change.

But, you get a fresh oceanic accord, sage, pink pepper, and a very nice woody base. For somewhere in the $20-25 range usually, Agua Brava Azul is a pretty nice pick up  to capture something along the same lines as Light Blue, without completely copying the formula.

Sky High Forever

Sky Blue Homme– This isn’t attempting to give you an experience like the original Light Blue Homme, but this one from Dua is an inspired creation based on Light Blue Forever.

Forever, gives you a different take on Light Blue, but very much still in the same vein. To me, it’s mostly an extremely realistic grapefruit note, greenish violet leaf, and an ozonic quality for much of the wear.

Not my personal favorite, I preferred, Light Blue Italian Love. Though, this one from Dua gives you a more affordable opportunity to re-create a very similar aroma to Forever

Sail the Atlantiqve 

BVLGARI Aqva Atlantiqve Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3 Ounce– The Aqva line occupies sort of the same space as does D&G’s Light Blue Pour Homme series, except that it is more oceanic based.

For some people they’ll want a truer aquatic than Light Blue, that hits a lot of the same beats. Atlantiqve is probably the top pick, in my mind. This is a very nice fragrance that comes across sort of like an oceanic version of Versace’s Dylan Blue, also.

The two are most alike at the start, when the citrus is strongest. The sea notes are there, but it isn’t overly salty, and there is of course the ambergris.

Atlantiqve does a great job at evoking the depths of the ocean, while still bringing the pleasant citrus notes. The latter stages really start to bring in the amber and drier notes. Salty with that amberwood note, that’s found in Light Blue Eau Intense.

So, a marine Dylan Blue with bits of Eau Intense, and the original Light Blue Pour Homme. Not trying to match any exactly, but is in the same ballpark.

Another Option in the Same Vein

GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Profondo for Men Eau De Parfum Spray 4.2 Ounces, blue- The Light Blue series isn’t the same as Acqua di Gio, but they’re both very popular citrus/aquatic/woody fragrances. As such, people can generally enjoy either one of them.

Personally, I think AdG are the better smelling fragrances when compared head to head, and Profondo is probably the most like what you’d get from a Light Blue cologne. The original Acqua di Gio, too.

Profondo gives you a familiar citrus opening, deeper woody notes, and a general aquatic type of freshness. Doesn’t have the same spice profile as a Light Blue, but I think the wood notes help to match things a bit more.

Again, not the same, but another option for those who aren’t familiar with this line. Profondo Review

Similar Style, Different Smell

Versace Pour Homme– Now, these aren’t the same fragrances in terms of this being an exact match. However, they do have a similar enough style and price point that most fans of the D&G would like this one too.

A similar citrus top with musk coming on later, but Light Blue has a spicier and woodier profile. This one is a bit sweeter and more aromatic with everything. Really, the tonka bean sets it apart and makes this a closer direct comparison to Allure Homme Sport. 

Very likeable and easy to wear fragrance, a good alternative for our Dolce & Gabbana target. Versace Pour Homme review

 

9 Best Smelling Armaf Colognes

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Armaf is a designer, which certainly knows how to bring the quality, for an extremely affordable price. Yes, many of its scents are essentially cheaper versions of well known scents. However, they do indeed have some more unique original fragrances, as well. In this post, I wanted to give 9 perfumes for men, which could be considered the best of Armaf.

There are many more worthwhile colognes, but this should be a great starting place for those looking to get into this brand’s catalog.

What are the Best Armaf Colognes for Men?

Clean Green Floral

ARMAF TRES NUIT 3.4 EAU DE TOILETTE SPRAY FOR MEN— Tres Nuit has a similar aroma to Cool Water, while taking a much more floral approach, to get there. Iris, violet, and lemon verbena, are highlights of this fragrance which come together to create a fairly solid dupe of our target scent. This one has a more powdery finish and less of the soapy sandalwood.

It is fresh and probably a smoother interpretation, of this sort of style. A very nice lemon fragrance, with sandalwood, and the powdery floral notes. Another one, which lacks the aquatic element. Still, a very nice wear for the price.

Bleu Fragrance

Armaf Tag Him 3.4 Eau De Toilette Spray for Men– Tag Him has a very heavy overlap with the ingredients of the Bleu de Chanel, and thus, shares quite a close aroma with it. The citrus, ginger, mint, cedar, pink pepper, vetiver, and sandalwood are all here.

Is this Armaf, an exact replica of BdC? Not entirely, but it does occupy a similar space, and can do wonders at this price point.

You don’t get the same quality or nuance, this is a nice citrus with spice, and without that incense smokiness of Bleu. Not as much depth or layered spice effect, but still a good overall wear.

Radical Kick

Radical Brown by Armaf– I do want to include some that aren’t just Club de Nuit and Tres Nuit flankers or special editions. Radical Brown is actually a very nice fragrance that utilizes tobacco and spice to great effect.

That opening has a great kick of mostly cinnamon, but with some pepper and other spice. This will smoothen out, as you get out of that beginning act, with the inclusion of amber and labdanum. This pairs well with that rich pipe tobacco creating a warm embrace that hugs your skin.

The aroma does have a cherry sort of aroma here. Not sure if that’s actually a note or not, but it does draw comparisons with the various Guerlain scents. Though, it’s not really the same to my nose. Somewhat related, but Radical Brown doesn’t quite try to be exactly like anything.

The Dior Dupe

F Armaf Ventana Pour Homme Eau De Parfum Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce– If you want something similar to Dior’s Sauvage, down market, Ventana by Armaf is a really good affordable option. Ventana has a spicy quality to it, but definitely not the same level of pepper intensity as our comparison.

This Armaf has a fruitier open with a nice amount of lavender. You get grapefruit and a light mandarin, with woody notes, and a weaker amber.

Ventana isn’t as much of a sillage beast, as what we’re trying to replace, but it does have very good performance. Plus, after the first hour it smells very very close to Sauvage, all for under $30.

Nightlife Scent

Armaf Club de Nuit Man Eau de Toilette Spray 3.6 Ounce– Club de Nuit is a really good value play. This one often gets compared to 1 Million, it isn’t as sweet, but has an amber-laden profile.

That being said, it isn’t a super heavy spiced cologne, but it is there. It has a soft powdery quality at times, during the dry down, with a nice touch of leather. Club de Nuit has amazing performance for this price range and is an obvious choice for younger men who want a nightlife sort of cologne.

Most Popular Armaf Cologne

Armaf Club De Nuit Intense Man EDT Men New in Box, 3.6 Fl Oz This is the best-selling offering from Armaf, and that is likely because of it resemblance to, Creed’s Aventus. I totally understand the comparison, which is definitely intentional.

Between the two, Club de Nuit Intense is much heavier with lemon, than the Creed is, and doesn’t have the same level of pineapple. Also, while it does share the birch note, Aventus always struck me as a much drier scent with a heavier smoky quality.

Both are still present in Club Intense, just not to the same extent. Performance wise, this Armaf is pretty top notch.

Fresh Lyrics

Tres Nuit Lyric– A flanker of Tres Nuit, that keeps the same fresh and somewhat aquatic style, that does favor Acqua di Gio Profondo. It starts off fresher and more aquatic than that one, with a greenish cypress heavy style in the dry down.

The opening is pretty good, with the citrus and aquatic notes. Rosemary gives it a fresh spiciness. Same notes as Profondo, just not exactly the same. The transition into the middle act and the dry down is when Lyric is at its best. Still has the remnants of the aquatic aspects, but calmer with the lavender influence.

Performance here is fine, just nothing amazing, when compared with some others from this brand. Good value, however.

Clean Powder with an Edge

Armaf Voyage Perfume EDP 100 ML For Men– Voyage is a clean and somewhat spicy fragrance with lavender and iris providing a calming powdery quality. Voyage has a nice dose of grapefruit, up top, and it is joined by a spiced trio of cinnamon, sage, and a very light cardamom.

The cardamom is later joined by tonka bean, which gives Voyage its warmer and enveloping qualities. That of course, plays very well off of the fresh spice and purely clean citrus.

Very well put together, all around, and a nice scent that can venture into most climates (except the heat of summer).

Dark Sweet and Spice

Armaf Signature Night 3.4 oz Eau De Parfum Spray for Men– A fragrance that is in the same family as fragrances like, Man in Black and Spicebomb. Closer to Man in Black, without the heavy rum opening, and with less spice.

This is smoother, a bit sweeter, and has a powdery iris note which is a great addition.

I love the fragrance of Man in Black, so, Signature Night was naturally going to be a scent that I enjoy. This is the lighter and less in your face version of the Bvlgari cologne, but still has enough of the appealing spiciness, to make it worthwhile.

6 Fragrances Similar to Polo Red

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Polo Red has been a very popular release from Ralph Lauren. It has spawned multiple flanker fragrances and remains among their best sellers, many years after it came out. As a result, many guys want to find a cologne that smells similar, is a clone, or just a cheaper alternative to wear. In this post, I want to give four options that can best try to duplicate the aroma and style, one gets from Polo Red.

What Colognes Smell Like or are Alternatives to Polo Red?

Higher Quality Inspired Creation

Bet on Red by Dua– The next entry on the list is the cheapeast alternative, that tries to mimic the scent of Polo Red. However, this one from Dua is of higher quality and comes closer to actually accomplishing that feat (while still costing less than the Ralph Lauren).

It still comes at you with the same opening of tart cranberry and citrus notes. It’s a sweet tart sort of aroma. Then, you’ll get the signature coffee note surrounded by amber and some of that sage heart.

As of right now, this is probably the best available alternative that smells almost entirely the same as what we’re looking for. Other entries on the list have different qualities and similarities that might interest you. This one, hits the same beats as Polo Red.

Super Cheap Smell Alike

Red Classic Match, version of Polo Red Eau de Toilette Spray for Men– Classic Match fragrances are designed to be super cheap alternatives to original designer colognes. This is the Polo Red version, that bears a striking resemblance, but not an exact copy of our target. Nonetheless, you can get a bottle for under $10, and simulate most of what you get from the Ralph Lauren fragrance.

Intense Flanker

Polo Red Intense by Ralph Lauren for Men 4.2oz Eau de Parfum Spray– Red Intense is the closest smelling flanker fragrance, to the original Polo Red. Red Intense starts off with a similar cranberry and citrus blend.

However, it also includes more coffee and spices, such as sage. It is a fresher version of this scent, still sweet, but with more warmth (amber) and spice. Plus, a very nice leather not. This one has better sillage and performance, than the original. Polo Red Intense Review

Similar Style Designer Wear

Play by Givenchy for Men, Eau de Toilette Spray, 1.7 Ounce– Givenchy Play isn’t a duplicate for Polo Red, but it does have a similar style. It contains the same citrus notes (just no cranberry), along with coffee.

I actually preferred Play Intense, to this one, but Play has more similarities to Polo Red. Givenchy’s Play, has been discontinued, but you can still pick up bottles online. Again, not a clone, but sits in the same category as Red.

Update: The bottles that are left, are generally way too expensive to be worth it anymore.

Sweeter Polo Red Alternative

Davidoff Davidoff The brilliant game by davidoff for men – 2 Ounce edt spray, 2 Ounce– The Brilliant Game from Davidoff, is a pretty close alternative to Polo Red, in how it presents itself. It has a similar top of citrus and a cranberry like aroma, but adds a boozy liquor mixture with it, which gives the cologne a sort of fizziness.

Then, it turns to sweet caramel and cream tonka bean during the latter stages. Very warm and attractive scent, that delivers much of what you get with the Polo.

Red Ferrari

Man in Red by Ferrari– Sweet apple and tart plum give this one a really fruity sensation that hits in the same ballpark as Polo Red. Though, it’s not at all identical. It’s gives me shades of Scuderia Red, Guess Seductive, and Polo Red.

Pink pepper gives you some warmth and spice. No coffee or amber in this one. But, you get a creaminess from tonka bean and vanilla, while the apple, citrus, and tart provide that same type of style as the Polo.

It’s a decent alternative or one to try, if you can get it at a cheaper price. Personally, I think Polo Red is better than this one, but it can provide some value too. Man in Red Review

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