Men’s Fashion

Chrome from Azzaro has been a very popular scent since the 1990s. It has spawned a ton of flanker colognes from the brand and seems to keep going on and on. However, sometimes you want something a little different, or to save money with something similar, or just find a comparable aroma to the scent. In this post, I am going to present different options that smell close to or have a style reminiscent of Chrome.

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What Fragrances Smell Similar to Azzaro Chrome?

Earthier, but Similar

Paco by Paco Rabanne for Men – 3.3 oz EDT Spray– Paco by Paco Rabanne is an older scent that can be had for a fairly inexpensive price. Also, it is along the lines of both Azzaro Chrome and CK One, and sells for cheaper.

You get citrus in the opening, but this one turns greener and woodier. Not too much and the clean jasmine note plays well off of the herbal tea.

It’s not an exact match of Chrome, but has very much a similar style. Earthier and less of the soapiness. Pretty good, but not elite performance.

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Famous 90s Smell

Calvin Klein ck one Eau de Toilette, 6.7 Fl Oz– One of the best selling fragrances of the 1990s is still going strong today. It also happens to have plenty of overlap and is one of the closest things to the scent of Chrome, on the market.

The opening is a blast of citrus and the tropical fruits. Lots of lemon and bergamot, that is matched up with papaya and the pineapple. The is also a hint of green tea with cardamom giving it a slight spice. That spice doesn’t hang around too long nor get too intense, but it is there.

This one is soapy, but less so. Has more herbal and floral highlights, to my nose at least. Less of a masculine scent, fruitier, and can be worn by anyone. There’s a good chance you’ve already come across this fragrance, but if you like Chrome, it’s one to at least try.

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Spicier Floral and Citrus

Ferrari Scuderia Red Eau De Toilette Spray, 4.2 oz– Not a favorite of mine from the Ferrari line, but one that isn’t bad, and does favor Chrome.

You get a citrus top, with a spicier profile than the Azzaro. Also, less of the soapiness/metallic aroma. The spice isn’t too heavy though, consisting of nutmeg and mint.

I will say that this one comes across as more floral, with jasmine playing a pretty prominent role throughout the wear.  Very juicy mandarin and bergamot notes sitting up top.

At the end, it’s a citrus/woody fragrance with a nice bit of floral heart. Pretty linear and performance is decent. It’s usually cheaper than our target cologne, so, it could be worthwhile to try out at the right price point. My Full Review

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Designer Scent, Close Style

Prada Luna Rossa Eau Sport Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 2.5 Ounce– To me, this is closer to Dior Homme Sport 2012, but it kind of splits the difference and strikes a fairly close chord with Chrome.

Citron and bergamot give you a pretty similar top. Ginger provides the spice here, with lavender instead of jasmine, and you still get cedar in the base.

This is a very fresh and clean scent that fits the same bill as the Azzaro, but actually does it better. Citrus, lavender, and a woody/amber base. Simple and attractive, with around 6-7 hours of wear. Luna Rossa Eau Sport Review

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Clean and Fresh Cheapie

Eau de Grey Flannel- Eau de Grey Flannel is an energetic and soapy/body wash kind of cologne. It’s not going to exactly be like Chrome. But, you get similar notes, just a different strengths. To me, the citrus is what’s toned down the most. Though, it’s still plenty noticeable in the top.

To me, it turns woodsy fresh and a bit herbal green. Cedar, lavender, and cypress are the main notes I get in the dry down. But, eucalyptus and sage pair well with the lighter citrus notes early on.

What it does have going for it? Mainly, it’s the price. Less than $15 is pretty commonplace for a full bottle.

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Like Chrome Pure

Parfums de Marly Galloway Men’s Edp Spray, 4.2 Ounce– As Chrome has been so successful since its release, it has naturally spun off a ton of flanker scents, that have also been well-liked. Chrome Pure is one such cologne.

Well, if you want something similar to that release and on the higher end, Galloway by Parfums de Marly does a pretty good job of it.

Personally, I get similarities with Set Sail Martinique in the opening act here, as well. Grapefruit, orange blossom, musk, and pepper kick things off with this one.

Later, you get the iris and amber with touches of the citrus notes hanging around. This has less citrus than Pure and the vanilla in that, is a powdery iris note instead. But, a classy and well performing fragrance, along the same lines. Galloway Review

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Extreme Aqua

GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Profondo for Men Eau De Parfum Spray 4.2 Ounces, blue– Profondo has become one of the most popular Acqua di Gio flankers, but it shares lots with both Chrome Extreme and Chrome Aqua.

To me, it’s closer to Extreme, and Aqua is more like AdG Profumo…but not as good. Still, Profondo has a style that many fans of the Chrome lineup should enjoy.

A citrus top with the usual aquatic feeling. I’ve always described this as a blue-green cologne, versus the usual aquatic ‘blue’. There are light resinous qualities and wood notes that will take on a greater role, moving forward.

Rosemary and cypress here versus the juniper freshness found in Chrome Extreme. Now, they’re not one to one matches. But, this is one that is a really great mainstream scent that can hit some of the same beats as the Chrome series. AdG Profondo

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.