Men’s Fashion

Gentleman Society by Givenchy

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Gentleman Society is a new release from Givenchy for 2023. I wasn’t in too much of a rush to try yet another addition to the Gentleman line, since it can be pretty hit or miss for me. Anyway, I’ve been testing this one out for a full review on the site. How does Society smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Gentleman Society Smell Like?

Notes include: sage, cardamom, daffodil, vetiver, sandalwood, cedar, vanilla

Click here to try: Gentleman Society

My Full Review

Here’s how Givenchy describes it: A scent as a signature. A wild narcissus flower enhanced by a deep woody accord.

The first time that I tried Gentleman Society was in the Miami airport while waiting for my flight. I don’t think I liked it at all and simply found it annoying. But, I chalk that up to being annoyed by a delayed flight and having to then sit on a plane.

So, I bought a full sample when I got back home, to really give it a fair chance.

On my skin, this one opens up with more of the sage being loud than the cardamom spice. Now, that’ll flip and more of the cardamom show up, but early on I get a bunch of sage.

Not that this is super spicy or anything, as Society is actually pretty sweet up top, kind of nutty. Even the cardamom here, feels more like the kind found in Azzaro Wanted. Sweeter, maybe with a lighter tinge of a lemon-like aroma.

The sage is paired with the emergent vanilla note, that’ll play more of a role. Also, the daffodil, which has been gaining more traction in men’s fragrance as of late. H24 also used a narcissus flower to great effect.

What’s interesting is that Hermes cologne, also has a lot of sage and woody notes in the base. Society is a lot like this scent, but with cardamom and vanilla piled on and without the metallic aroma.

Back to Society, the sage note will pretty much burn off in that first 15-30 minutes on my skin. The cardamom and narcissus will come to the forefront, with the floral note really developing and adding that yellow sort of musky finish to this scent.

The further along we get, the drier this one feels. Vetiver and palo santo wood aren’t massive influences in the mix, but towards then end this definitely has a more striking woodiness than the floral aspects of the early stages.

It’s an woody and earthy cologne at the end, with a big hit of vanilla still sitting on top. I don’t get anymore of the cardamom, narcissus, or sage at this point. Just woodsy notes and vanilla.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Society starts off with a pretty high level of ability to project off of the skin and leave a scent trail. I wouldn’t call it elite, but it is well above average throughout the wear.

Obviously, it is going to moderate as you move along in the wear, but I never felt like it was a weak cologne while having it on.

The longevity is also good. I’d say it’s in the 8.5-9 hour range, on my skin. With heavier spraying and a full bottle, I might be able to hit the double digit hour mark. Either way, I wasn’t disappointed in the performance and this Givenchy gives you good value.

Seasonally, it strikes me as one for the cooler to more moderate temperatures. Autumn through early spring, in most places. I wore it in the daytime once, here in late spring when it was really warm out, and Society wasn’t too good.

So, keep it indoors or only when the heat isn’t blasting you outside.

Society comes across as a fragrance better suited for men in their 20s. Not completely juvenile, but its sweetish aroma, might not be mature enough for some guys.

This one can go daytime or night. It’d work great as a nightlife sort of scent. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it has enough power and appeal to grab some. Seems like one that women will like to smell on a man.

Overall Impressions of Gentleman Society

Overall, do I like this fragrance? It’s fine. I do like it much more than I did when trying it in the airport. It has some familiarity with other colognes out there, but it does separate itself ultimately and do its own thing.

The opening 30-45 minutes is my favorite part of the wear. Narcissus, sage, the nuttiness, sweetness, and cardamom. It has depth and nuance that is at least interesting, while not being the most amazing cologne ever.

After that, I’m less enthusiastic about it. Kind of boring, can feel too sweet, and just not anything that I truly enjoy.

One advantage that Gentleman Society does have, is its performance. This projects very well and will provide a full workday’s worth of wear at least before quitting. Some guys might even get a longer amount of time with Society than I do.

I think that this is a mainstream fragrance that is worth a try, especially for younger guys. It’s one that is going to be popular and probably get you some complements. Easy to wear, more of a crowd pleaser, that does everything well enough.

To me, it’s nothing spectacular, just a fragrance that smells pretty good and can deliver in the performance department.

Uomo By Ermenegildo Zegna

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In this installment of my ever-running series of fragrance reviews on this site, I would like to take a closer look at Uomo by Ermenegildo Zegna. This is a cologne with a distinct citrus based aroma, which is something that any man could add to his collection for those warm summer days.

The question remains, however, is Uomo the right cologne to perform in this particular niche? Well, follow below, as I relate my experience and impressions of this popular scent. Note: I am updating this post again years after the original, to add more thoughts about how this one performs.

What does Uomo by Zegna Smell Like?

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Notes include: Citruses, violet leaves, cedar, bergamot, vetiver

Click here to try: Zegna Uomo By Ermenegildo Zegna 3.4 Oz/100ml Eau De Toilette Spray

My Full Wear Review

My initial impression of Uomo is how noticeable the citruses are upon opening. It’s not the same kind of strong citrus vibe that I get from something like Aventus, rather, Uomo has more of an aquatic character to it. It is a very clean scent and doesn’t have the same underlying spice of another scent in this sort of category, Acqua Di Gio.

Uomo has a very smooth and bright opening scent, which really grabs one’s attention and provides a pleasant experience. The initial opening does have a freshness, sitting underneath, which is coming mostly from the violet leaf note, as it begins to take over the composition.

This Zegna has an aquatic sort of background, without the oceanic notes. Meaning, it’s watery but not like being along the seashore. Pretty much the citrus, vetiver, and violet leaf combining to create that effect.

One scent that this actually does smell pretty close to is L’Homme Libre by YSL, which I think has been discontinued. As I am updating this review of Uomo, it is now available for really cheap, compared to what it used to be. 2023 Update: Seems to be back in the $50-70 range now.

So, if you wanted a Libre replacement or cheapie for the summer, this has become quite the value proposition.

As time passes, the cedar note begins to emerge and gives Uomo a slightly woodsy scent which adds some character and doesn’t allow it to settle into just another boring aquatic. I also start to detect the violet note more and more as the scent matures on my skin.

I really do like the scent more when it settles and has had some time to reveal itself, I wish I could say that about more fragrances. Though, Uomo definitely passes that test.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This cologne has the additional benefit of being a good performer. I tried to wear it on warmer days, in these days, where the weather gets a bit wacky and jumps and drops 25 degrees in the span of a few days.

Honestly, this one is really good in the heat. Uomo is best served as a spring and summertime cologne (though you can get away with some of the Fall, if you live in the right climate, like I do) but it stands up in temperatures where other fragrances wilt.

This Zegna scent is moderate to heavy in it’s sillage and projection. I guess I should say it’s not a ‘heavy’ feeling scent, it is one that really projects well for what it is.

Personally, I would only go with 2 sprays and feel that is more than enough. It isn’t overbearing but I could see it could quickly be overused.

I did get really nice longevity out of it, 7-8 hours and it was still immediately noticeable. After that, it starts to fade but I can detect it at 9+ hours on some days.

Uomo has above average versatility. I can wear this casually during the day, it is fine for an office, but can also be used for dates/nightlife. It’s not the ‘sexiest’ fragrance ever, but it is attractive, and is generally well-liked by others.

This could absolutely be a daily wear for someone. It can be used in a variety or situations and climates.

Overall Impressions of Uomo by Zegna

Would I recommend this scent, overall? Yes. I think it is a fairly inexpensive and well-performing choice for a summertime semi-aquatic. It both smells good and performs really well.

I’m not even much of a violet leaf fan. However, I like it in this mix. The bergamot and other citruses are really fresh and how everything comes together gives it that somewhat aquatic feel.

Drier woods and vetiver in the dry down, but this stays fresh throughout.

Is it the most incredible scent ever? No, but it is really good at what it does and as such wouldn’t be a bad buy.

I could definitely see it as a spring/summer choice for me on certain days to go along with something like Creed’s Millesime Imperial or of course my Guerlain on others.

It has similarities to other popular colognes, which takes away from its uniqueness, but provides an opportunity for a relatively cheap scent.

Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Magnetic Pour Lui

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I’ve done a lot of reviews already for the fragrances in the Lacoste L.12.12 series of releases. There are some pretty good colognes under that label, but none that really stand out, as amazing to me.

Today, I am going to review Magnetic Pour Lui, which was released back in 2016. I will share my experiences with this one. How it smells? The notes involved. When it should be worn? If it is even worth a try?

What does L.12.12 Magnetic Pour Lui Smell Like?

Notes include: juniper berries, amber, violet, patchouli, bamboo. tea, geranium, artemisia, vetiver

Click here to try: LACOSTE L.12.12 Magnetic Pour Lui Eau de Toilette

My Full Wear Review

At the very least, I want to give Lacoste some points for trying. The composition of this fragrance is quite different, from what you’ll get from most any other men’s colognes, on the market. It’s unique, certainly.

Even though, I don’t think the execution is there. To me, it is more strange, than ‘magnetic’. Not bad, just strange.

L.12.12. Magnetic opens up with a mix of juniper, violet, bamboo, and patchouli. It’s fresh and floral, the juniper is the strongest note, at the start.

However, the freshness of that note, gets diluted by the additional patchouli. While that’s not the strongest, it really does pair with the violet to create an outdoorsy sort of smell.

Further along, it has more of a woody/green herbal scent. Apparently, this is the bamboo and tea, going to work. Again, what an odd combination all of this is. I like it at this stage, though.

I start to pick up more and more amber, the bamboo is interesting, and I still kick a nice bit of juniper. I’m not a huge fan of violet, but it’s not bad.

Finally, what I ultimately get from the rest of this wear is: violet, amber, bamboo, a tad of the juniper, with patchouli/vetiver at the base. It’s got a light outdoorsy freshness, quite green, but not offensive or anything too extreme. It’s nice, really.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, this stuff is pretty light to moderate. The sillage just isn’t very powerful. I actually broke the rest of my sample vial and it dripped on my living room carpet.

The thing is, the whole room didn’t smell all that strong from it. If I had done that with other fragrances, it would have coated the carpet in its aroma for days. So, not a powerhouse scent. On the skin, it’s noticeable, but not a huge radius of scent. Then, the last few hours sit close to the skin.

The longevity is like the other Lacoste’s in the L.12.12 series, 4-5 hours, and pretty pitiful. I don’t know what it is about this house, that they can’t ever put out a scent that gets to an elite or at least high level of performance.

Seasonally, I suppose this would be a year round type of scent. Honestly, it’s just a fragrance that doesn’t really fit into the usual categories. I’d say it’s more casual, but has enough freshness, to be considered attractive to others.

Overall Impressions of Lacoste Magnetic

Overall, do I like Lacoste L.12.12. Magnetic? Sort of. I don’t hate it. I don’t love it, either. Like I wrote earlier, I appreciate what they were trying to do, I just don’t believe they hit the mark.

It’s an interesting scent, yet blends into something sort of generic, and it really wouldn’t have mass appeal. With the violet note, I’m surprised I even mildly liked it. Still, it’s nothing that I really want to wear beyond the testing for this website.

The juniper, bamboo and amber aspect I actually sort of like. At least, it’s intriguing to me as a concept. The violet and light patchouli kind of dirty up and distract from it. Magnetic had some real possibilities.

The performance is also not very great. I’m not sure who this is for? I can see someone enjoying this, but I’d say find it for cheap, if you really want to try it out.

Update: This is apparently still around online here in 2023. Bottles don’t seem that pricey, but it’s still a pass for me. Lacoste Magnetic just isn’t a great scent.

Invictus Aqua EDT (2016) by Paco Rabanne

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Getting back into men’s fragrance reviews, today’s entry is one from popular designer, Paco Rabanne and is a flanker to the best selling Invictus: Invictus Aqua eau de toilette. Now, this flanker cologne was released in 2016, but is it actually any good?

Update: There is another version of this, which came out in 2018. You’ll most likely find that around (if either) versus this one I’m reviewing here. In this review, I’ll cover what’s inside, how it smells, performs, and whether or not it’s even worth buying.

What does Invictus Aqua EDT Smell Like?

Notes include: yuzu, pink pepper, guaiac wood, marine notes, violet leaf, ambergris, grapefruit

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne Invictus Aqua Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see what Paco Rabanne has to say about Invictus Aqua: a luminous variation with a fresh woody signature: a refreshing marine top note mixed with sparkling yuzu accents. The sensual guaiac wood base note is reinforced by vibrant pink pepper.

The opening of Invictus Aqua is dominated by fresh yuzu and marine notes. The opening is actually my favorite part of this cologne and the citrus aroma is further enhanced by the inclusion of grapefruit.

Beyond that, the pink pepper note, really helps to set Aqua apart from the other offerings in the Invictus lineup. I’m a fan of pink pepper, as it’s such an underrated note, and has helped propel cheapies like Guess Seductive to its far and wide use.

Aqua is highly fresh, a sporty aquatic, with some slight soapy vibes to it. The marine notes add the aquatic element to this fragrance and they are further paired with ambergris for further saltiness.

However, Invictus Aqua never strikes me as being quite to the level of saltiness, in Bvlgari’s Aqva. It also seems a bit more mature than the original Invictus, while still retaining that similar DNA structure. Aqua isn’t nearly as sweet.

As it dries down, I get more violet leaf, less of the marine notes, and the intro of the guaiac wood. It definitely grows into a woodier fragrance, with a slight outdoorsy dirtiness to it. The oud isn’t super powerful, but you’ll notice it, when putting your nose close to the skin.

Toward the end, what I get is yuzu, guaiac wood, ambergris, violet leaf, and the aquatic notes slowly turning into quite an oceanic scent. It starts to just smell like sea water on my skin. That happens like at the very end of the day, though.

I’m not always a huge fan of aquatics, especially when it turns to pure sea water. Invictus Aqua is exactly that, deep into the wear. It’s really not my favorite part.

Sillage, How Long Does It Last, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s not super heavy or anything. Being a spring/summer fragrance the sillage is going to be lighter, but I’d say it’s fairly strong for an aquatic. It won’t go unnoticed.

The performance from this one is actually pretty great. I can pull 8+ hours from it on my skin. Quite superb for a fragrance in this category. I’d say hours 6-8 really get oceanic, with the aroma. Before that, you’ll get more of the yuzu and violet leaf.

Seasonally, again, spring/summer. It is versatile within that time frame, however. Casual, work, and definitely one to be worn at parties or night clubs. I’d stick to the warmer months, as it just feels out of place and kind of too sharp, in the winter.

It’s attractive in its freshness, meaning, it should draw complements but I really wouldn’t say that it’s particularly sexy. For a guy in his 20s, this will be a solid go to in these scenarios.

Overall Impression of Invictus Aqua

Overall, do I like Invictus Aqua? I do. I think that it is a very good scent for what it is. I’m not looking to buy a bottle personally, since I’m not a huge fan of the Invictus line, but for those who are this is a worthy addition.

Other guys, who want a well performing and versatile warm weather cologne, Invictus Aqua is an option that should strongly be considered. The yuzu note is great, as is the pink pepper.

Not overall amazing, but a nice all around fragrance. I love the yuzu, the oud isn’t too bothersome, but the end is just too marine for my taste. When it is covered by other notes, it works better.

Update: Again, this 2016 version isn’t widely available it seems. Most of those bottle got bought up. Even the 2018 version is now scarce. Personally, I wouldn’t pay above original retail for either. So, unless you already absolutely love one or both, I wouldn’t bother tracking them down.

Chrome by Azzaro

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Chrome is a fragrance by Loris Azzaro, which is quite often a best seller and has been for years. I mean, rally since its release in 1996. Like other Azzaro scents, Chrome is an inexpensive option for men, who want something fresh yet masculine. Update: The pricing can be more affordable and it seems to have stretches when it’s on sale, then expensive again. In this post, I am going to share my experience with this cologne and whether or not I think it is worth a try.

Note: I am continually updating this post, several years after the original, to expand upon my review and talk about my latest testing of Chrome.

What does Azzaro Chrome Smell Like?

Click here to try: Men’s Chrome by Azzaro Eau de Toilette Spray – 3.4 oz.

Notes include: neroli, lemon, bergamot, rosemary, pineapple, musk, woods, and jasmine

My Full Wear Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see how Azzaro describes it: Fresh, vibrant, aquatic, woody. “A harmony as pure as metal, a blend of strength and complicity.”

The first thing you notice about Chrome is the citrus notes, mainly a blend of lemon and pineapple. It is interesting how refreshing and bright this fragrance smells, it feels quite sharp and fresh. A big player in the beginning is neroli.

Obviously, this flower plays perfectly off of the citrus top, and is joined by a light jasmine note. The top is very similar to CK One, that citrus/floral aroma, has lots of overlap with that 1990s showstopper.

Chrome always induces thoughts are bright and sunny days, in the summer. It has an aquatic-like smell at times, without having any oceanic notes, which is a nice little trick of the mind.

After the first few minutes, where neroli is powerful, the rosemary begins to come through with that herbal spiciness. It’s similar to that note in Acqua di Gio, but these are ultimately pretty different fragrances.

The first hour or so, is really all about being a citrus/floral fragrance, with a light aquatic and soapy character. Thankfully, they didn’t overload the neroli and jasmine, to make it a bath soap-like scent, those notes are empowered just enough to make Chrome smell great.

I like the dry down period quite a bit, and it does have a metallic vibe to it as the name suggests, but I don’t think it distracts from the overall presentation. The notes that emerge during this time, are the various woods, and the musk.

The musk isn’t heavy, but it is noticeable. Chrome becomes a clean woody scent, with citrus sitting on top of it, and the floral notes don’t seem as relevant anymore.

Chrome is just really vibrant and reminds me of a sunny summer day. It isn’t a complex fragrance at all really, just one that is straightforward with a clean, soapy, citrus, masculine aroma.

How Long Does Chrome Last? How Strong is the Sillage?

It does seem to be pretty strong right out of the bottle, so there’s no need for more than a couple sprays. Chrome does settle down a bit, but it can be overwhelming if too much is used, in the wrong climate.

I’d say that the sillage overall, is pretty middle of the pack, once it settles. However, the initial burst, will provide plenty of power.

Updating this review here in 2020, I still find the longevity to be really good. It’ll go 7-8 hours, off of 2-3 sprays, before become a complete skin scent. I’m not sure how long it continues after that, but sprayed on a t-shirt, Chrome just kept on going. Still a great performance value, for the price.

When Should Azzaro Chrome be Worn?

Chrome can easily be worn year round. I think it’s awesome in the summertime, but it isn’t limited by season at all, unlike some other scents. It has great versatility for both younger and older men. You can wear this one casually, to school, to work, etc.

For me, I have enjoyed wearing this when it’s warmer outside and I’m just moving about town.

It doesn’t strike me as a nighttime scent, but it’s so fresh, that it’ll get complements. It’s just not a ‘sexy’ sort of cologne. Not a nightclub monster, by any means. Also, I wouldn’t call this formal and isn’t really a luxury kind of fragrance. So, if you want something high end, it’s not this.

Is Chrome Worth a Try?

Is Chrome worth a purchase? I say it is. It is a very inexpensive cologne (usually) and one that smells good and performs well. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I think it is pretty versatile and pleasant, as long as it’s not overused.

It can sell for a higher price at retail stores, but on the online secondary market, you can find really cheap bottles. Go for those. 2023 Update: I’m seeing bottles in the $35-50 range, right now. Again, that seems to change every so often, and the super affordable bottles gets bought up.

This original Chrome release is still nice, after all of these years. The other flankers can be hit or miss and not have much to do with the original formula.

Even though, not everyone will like it, Chrome is still extremely popular with the masses. If you’re in the market for a cheap everyday wear, it is definitely worth a consideration.

The citrus and floral opening is great, like CK One. It can have a sharpness to it that might be off-putting for some. I’m not too bothered by it and Chrome gets better.

But, I think when the woods start to come on strong, is when this Azzaro fragrance really begins to shine. Well done.