Men’s Fashion

TH Bold by Tommy Hilfiger

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Today, I want to review a scent from Tommy Hilfiger’s line of men’s colognes, TH Bold. This fragrance was released in 2015 and as a semi-new entrant to the market, I hadn’t given it a try yet. Well, now that I have, I would like to share my thoughts on this casual summer scent and whether or not I think it’s worth a buy. How does it smell, perform, when should it be worn, and does it separate itself from the pack?

What does TH Bold Smell Like?

Notes include: tangerine, lavender, grapefruit, sandalwood, cedar, bergamot, jasmine, mandarin blossom

Click here to try: TH BOLD by Tommy Hilfiger 3.4 oz / 100 ml NEW, SEALED

My Full TH Bold Review

The opening of TH Bold is a strong burst of citrus. It gives off a very nice summery vibe, sort of how the original Tommy Hilfiger cologne did, but this is quite a different fragrance. Bold’s main note is the tangerine, at first, in combination with the grapefruit playing a supporting role.

I do love a good citrus and the opening here has that going for it. A very attractive start.

Underlying that is a soapy sort of vibe with the floral notes such as lavender and jasmine, giving it a clean freshness. The cologne is called Bold and at first, the tangerine is pretty bold, but after some time it falls back into something that is much less intense.

There is a light cardamom spice, within the composition, but this isn’t much of a spicy citrus at all.

After 20-30 minutes, the overwhelming citrus scent, fades into a more floral and woodsy aroma. In my opinion, it really doesn’t stand out as a fragrance, and seems really generic and like a body wash.

A soapy white floral fragrance that is borderline unisex with how it comes across.

There is cedar and some sandalwood, which does create some nice depth to a plain tangerine heavy citrus, but it isn’t enough to make TH Bold all that interesting.

What I ultimately get is: a juicy/fresh citrus heavy top, with lavender and jasmine cleanliness in the middle, with a light citrus dry down blended with the other notes.

Sillage, Longevity, When to Wear

Projection wise, it starts out pretty strong and like I said, fades into something that is much more moderate. It actually tends to be a pretty light cologne.

Hardly lives up to the Bold name, in terms of its sillage, or really the ingredients used. That strength will descend quickly into the lighter side of things. Not much staying power.

The longevity is borderline ok, but definitely isn’t amazing. I get probably 4-5 hours with a few sprays but doubling up can stretch that time frame out a bit more. Again, I did have greater expectations from this one than was actually delivered.

Especially since, much of those hours are completely weak.

This is a casual and very safe scent for work or school. It’s probably best worn by those in their 20s and 30s. I wouldn’t call this a date night cologne or something that will stand out at the club.

I’d say it is a summer or other warm weather fragrance but probably will feel out of place in other seasons. It’s real versatility lies in the fact that, it is light enough and non-offensive. Anywhere from casual to semi-formal environments. Beyond that, it’s fairly limited.

It’s attractive enough, clean, and just very wearable without totally grabbing attention.

Overall Impressions of TH Bold

Overall, TH Bold is decent but doesn’t stand out to me. I like the opening with the tangerine note and it doesn’t smell bad at all, though it isn’t great. The boldness is short lived, which is disappointing for those looking for an absolute beast performer.

I’d say that it’s a slightly above average scent in terms of how it smells and just average (to mediocre) in how it performs.

The white floral/woodsy/soapy dry down is just okay. If it had some better power during that part, I might enjoy it more. But, it just comes across a pretty boring and average.

It might be a decent pickup if you can grab it at a really good price, though, I wouldn’t go out of my way to own a bottle. Really, this Tommy Hilfiger cologne feels like a missed opportunity. I like the general idea of this fragrance, but feel the actual execution, was quite mishandled.

With a steep discount?  Fine. Full price? Pass.

Brit Rhythm for Men by Burberry

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I am a fan of Burberry fragrances for everyday wear, especially for the younger crowd, as this design firm makes affordable choices which smell very good and perform well for many different occasions. Today, I want to focus on Burberry Brit Rhythm for Men.

This is another addition to the great run of scents produced by Burberry, albeit one that might not enjoy very much esteem from niche fragrance collectors. In this post, I want to take a bit of a close look at Burberry Brit Rhythm and review its pros and cons.

Also check out: Best Smelling Burberry Fragrances for Men

What does Brit Rhythm for Men Smell Like?

burberry rhythm

Notes include: basil, verbena, cardamom, juniper berries, leather, tonka bean, incense

Click here to try: BURBERRY Brit Rhythm Men Eau De Toilette

My Full Wear Review

Brit Rhythm is a nice change of pace from many colognes that are geared more towards younger men. A lot of those types of scents are extremely sweet or fruity, which isn’t bad, but isn’t always what we want as guys to smell like.

This isn’t to say that Burberry Brit Rhythm is wholly unique, but it does deliver a beautiful scent best suited for autumn and the early spring months.

While I’m on the topic of its uniqueness, it does have similar qualities to fragrances such as Chanel Allure Homme Sport, Gucci Guilty, and Armani Code.

Again, those are all great scents but Rhythm is available for a much cheaper price in most cases. This is a cologne which screams value. Plus, it doesn’t completely mimic any one of them. Just shared characteristics.

It opens for me with the lead leather note, juniper berries, tonka, and verbena. It starts out sweet, but again, it never comes across as that sweet to my nose. The scent itself is masculine, with its leathery notes, but has an underlying energy which makes it both intriguing and attractive.

Its aroma is fresh with a touch of sweetness, though, rooted in a cedar woodsy base with patchouli thrown in. An energetic outdoorsy smell, thanks to a cedar note.

The dry down, is where it really transforms from that opening of tonka and juniper to more of a leather and patchouli blend with some tonka and herbal undertones. It’s all very fresh and quite wearable.

It has a drier aroma, coming from the base, but it maintains some level of creaminess or sweetness to it thanks to that tonka note. Which, at times has a powdered scent as well. But, that isn’t too prominent to my nose.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Rhythm projects itself well and doesn’t overwhelm your own senses or that of those around you. Not a bomb, but solid, and won’t go unnoticed. It’s above average, so no real complaints. It isn’t one to leave a huge scent trail behind, unless you went wild with the sprays.

It lasts fairly well also, I’d say 6-8 hours, which isn’t outstanding but works just fine for most guy’s purposes. With an inexpensive bottle, you’ll get your money’s worth.

It really depends on the day and the climate, as to what I get from Rhythm. Either way, those last few hours aren’t going to be strong.

It isn’t too heavy of a fragrance. So, you will be able to get use out of it beyond just late autumn and into winter. I wouldn’t be using it in the heat. Though, it the more moderate temperatures of spring, Rhythm works just fine.

This fragrance is also a versatile one which can be worn out, at work, school, or anywhere really which boosts it higher in my book.

Brit Rhythm is pleasant and attractive in a non-descript way. People really won’t know what it is, but it is a simple grab, that can get complements.

It doesn’t stray too immature or too serious. As far as age range goes, it casts a pretty wide net.

Overall Impressions of Brit Rhythm

If you are looking for an inexpensive scent that is fresh, masculine, and great for everyday wear then I would say Burberry Brit Rhythm is definitely a solid option.

Younger guys on a budget, could do a lot worse than this cologne, but this really is a good performer at this pricing point.

Though, I admittedly enjoy the original Brit more. If you’re a guy who wants something really unique or a bit more advanced, there is plenty else out there. However, this Burberry flanker is nothing to scoff at, and actually pretty darn good.

The leather, tonka, and woodiness are great together and give you plenty to enjoy. It’s not a cologne that screams for attention, but does a whole lot well. No major weaknesses, but not spectacular either.

Versace Eros vs Eau Fraiche Cologne Comparison

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Versace has a whole line of wonderful smelling men’s colognes and two of the best selling fragrances in the world belong to the franchise, Eros and Versace Man Eau Fraiche. As such, many guys narrow their choice of what cologne to purchase to between these Versace gems.

How do they compare? Which one smells better? Which lasts longer? In this post, I want to compare these two scents and try to determine a clear winner or at least point to some deciding factors, that should help make a decision.

Tale of the Tape: Eau Fraiche vs. Eros

Versace Eros

Notes of Eros: mint, green apple, tonka bean, madagascar vanilla, vetiver

Read my Eros review

Shop Amazon for: Versace Eros Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

Versace Man Eau Fraiche 

Notes include: Lemon, Rosewood, Carambola, Cedar leaves, Tarragon, Sage, Musk, Amber, Sycamore

My original review

Click here to try: Versace Man Eau Fraiche By Gianni Versace For Men Edt Spray 3.4 Oz

Opening

The opening of Eros is rich and complex. It’s a gourmand type of scent that blends the crispness of mint and apple with the smooth flavors of tonka bean and vanilla.

Update: Newer bottles seem to have more lemon, then they used to. As such, the opening act has a more noticeable citrus kick.

Eau Fraiche is a very cool fragrance that opens with the scent of frozen citrus, you literally get a chilled scent. It’s quite sharp with lemon and starfruit. Add to that, some rosemary spice and the freshness of the woody base.

I think Eros has more character and is more interesting from the beginning, though I have no complaints about either. I do really like the starfruit aspect of Eau Fraiche, but I’d still give Eros the edge.

Update: Ehhh, coming back to these two. I am going to change it to Fraiche. Maybe it’s just me, but the balance of the newer Eros bottles seems off. The opening of Fraiche is sharp and fresh, but strikes me as a bit better now.

Edge: Fraiche

Projection

Neither of these bad boys is weak by any means. Eros is loud and heavy. Seriously, I wouldn’t ever overdo this scent. Eau Fraiche is no slouch and while not as strong as Eros it can still be a projection beast, at first.

Update: Eros has weakened somewhat, but is still ahead in this matchup. Eau Fraiche becomes more of a moderate, the further along you get into it. It’s sharpness up top, does project very well, though.

Edge: Eros

Longevity

Again, both are good performers. All day wear from both. Eros just doesn’t seem to quit sometimes, while Man Eau Fraiche, usually gets me 6-7 hours of solid wear before tapering off.

Update: Nowadays, I get in the 8-9 hour range with Eros. Not double digits anymore.

Edge: Eros

Versatility

To me, this is where the true decision lies between these two colognes. Eros is a cold weather fragrance and can be too much for casual situations (at least use it lightly).

Meanwhile, Eau Fraiche is a classic summetime scent, it can hold up during the rest of the year but it has that warm weather vibe to it. Plus, Eau Fraiche, is better for casual situations since it is not as heavy.

Eau Fraiche just has an easier time fitting in during a greater number of scenarios. Neither is a formal fragrance, however.

Edge: Eau Fraiche

Overall Scent

I like Eros better. I just find the warmth and complexity inherently appealing. However, Versace Man Eau Fraiche is probably more serviceable as an everyday wear. One is built for the winter while another shines in the summer.

They really are on two ends of the spectrum, so the best buy is up to your personal needs from the fragrance. I’d rather wear Eros out of these two. Even, with the slight changes I pick up from newer bottles of Eros, I still would gravitate toward that more often.

That being said, it’s much closer than it used to be and I’m very close to give Fraiche the win straight up. If I’m going to get a lemony opening from both, I like the pairing with starfruit from Fraiche.

The mint, vanilla, lemon blend used to be better. But, on the whole, Eros still has plenty going for it.

Winner: Eros (very slightly)

YSL Y vs L’Homme by YSL Cologne Comparison

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For this edition of the head to head fragrance match ups, we have two selections from Yves Saint Laurent’s men’s line, Y EDT vs. L’Homme EDT. Which of these colognes smells the best? The ever popular L’Homme or the more recent release from YSL? Which gives a better performance? Has more versatility? Is the better buy overall?

Tale of the Tape: L’Homme vs. Y EDT

Y EDT

Notes include: bergamot, ginger, aldehydes, violet leaf, geranium, sage, cedar, musk, incense, ambergris, fir

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau De Toilette Spray 100ml/3.3oz

Review: Y EDT

L’Homme

Notes include: Virginia Cedar, Ginger, Violet, Citron, White Pepper, Basil Flower, Ozone, Tonka Bean, Sandalwood, Vetiver

Click here to try: L’homme By Yves Saint Laurent Eau De Toilette Spray For Men 3.3 oz

Review: L’Homme by YSL

Opening

Y Eau de toilette, opens with a super clean, crisp, and cool aroma that is led by bergamot and aldehydes. The bergamot is light and gives that juicy citrus aroma, while the aldehydes act as a clean ray of sunshine, to brighten up the composition further.

Plus, an herbal/minty coolness. After that, you get ginger with violet leaf, and a warm ambergris.

L’Homme also has the bergamot opening but it is light and more well-blended with the surrounding notes than is Y.

The bergamot is paired with ginger and basil for a dash of spice and a creamy tonka bean note to help create a smoothly clean effect. Much like Y, there is an additional violet leaf note, that pops up.

That bergamot and ginger pairing is simply awesome together. There are lighter peppery spices in the mix, but it’s not overwhelming.

Which is better? These two fragrances do share plenty of overlap between them. However, I think the L’Homme smells better at the start of the wear.

I’ve always really enjoyed that aspect of this YSL cologne. Y isn’t bad, but it just doesn’t have the same blend of spice and sweetness that L’Homme achieves.

Edge: L’Homme

Projection

Y and L’Homme are both light fragrances. Neither has very much sillage. They both can start out fairly moderate but will quickly move into becoming skin scents whenever I wear them. No real edge in this one.

Update: Y EDT is more consistent with its projection and probably has better sillage than newer bottles of L’homme. So, I’m changing it.

Edge: Y EDT

Longevity

My biggest problem with YSL’s L’Homme was always the longevity. On my skin, I can only get it to last for 4-5 hours, and then its basically gone.

Y EDT isn’t much better, but it is slightly, clocking in at close to 7 hours. It’s like 6-7 hours almost every time, but not beyond that.

Update: Newer bottles of L’Homme are even worse. Y EDT is now much better than L’Homme.

Edge: Y 

Versatility

Both of these fragrances shine for moderate to warm weather in the springtime to early summer. However, they are kind of year round colognes, which aren’t unusable in any conditions really (outside of extreme heat and humidity, perhaps).

They are both used as casual or office wear scents, but not really ideal for the nightlife. They fill the same role, no clear winner.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

This is a tough comparison to do, because there isn’t a choice that is head and shoulders above the other. Y EDT is a very nice and light scent that is quite pleasant in its simplicity.

It has a balanced composition, smells really good, but isn’t all that interesting. It’s safe, but won’t really turn heads.

L’Homme, is the better smelling cologne of the two, even if it has worse longevity. I’ve always enjoyed the scent and wished that it was stronger, as the release of L’Homme Intense was quite different from the original, and not simply a beefed up version.

The performance of both leaves much to be desired. Both have similar strengths, yet Y lasts a tad longer as mostly a skin scent. L’Homme smells the best. I’m going to give the nod to L’Homme, even with its weaknesses, because I find it to be a better composition. It’s a very slight winner.

Frankly, I prefer Y EDP (Review) to either of these, as it smells better than EDT and has great performance.

Update: While L’homme smells better still. It’s performance is pretty terrible nowadays. As such, I’d go with Y EDT now out of these two. Y is a nice fragrance and some decent performance.

Winner: Y EDT

Venetian Bergamot by Tom Ford

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Continuing through my review of a whole lot of Tom Ford fragrances, we have a 2015 release, entitled: Venetian Bergamot. I want to take a closer look at this fragrance after I’ve been testing it out for a while. How does it smell? What are the notes? How does it perform? Is it worth a purchase?

What does Venetian Bergamot Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, pink pepper, black pepper, amber, sandalwood, tonka bean, ylang ylang, ginger, magnolia, gardenia, cedar

Click here to try: TOM Ford Private Blend Venetian Bergamot EDP Spray 3.4 Oz / 100 Ml Sealed

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Venetian Bergamot obviously features that familiar citrus bergamot opening, but this one definitely doesn’t take the familiar route with it. Not only is there a spice to the aroma, there are also floral notes, which create something that is quite unique.

However, even with the other elements being involved from the jump, it is still mostly the juicy and somewhat sour citrus smell with sandalwood peaking through. The start is much more of a tropical scent than what you get during the rest of the wear and I find it really enjoyable.

As it dries down further, Venetian Bergamot, becomes less of a bergamot scent and the floral notes being to take over the composition.

This is mainly gardenia with some ylang ylang. So, at this point it is the floral notes, pink and black pepper, sandalwood, and a fading bergamot. It is smooth and creamy with bright elements that really perk up the senses.

I think that the most interesting aspect of this Tom Ford fragrance is the spicy notes in here. They aren’t heavy spices however, the white ginger is a nice addition to the warm pink pepper, and the hint of sharp black pepper sprinkled throughout.

This is what keeps the fragrance in the unisex category, even as the white floral notes pull it toward the feminine side of things.

What I ultimately get from Venetian Bergamot when all is said and done is, a gardenia/ylang ylang combo sitting on top of sandalwood and cedar, with a mix of bergamot and spices floating around this core composition.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise it’ll be in the 3-6 foot range. The sillage of this one is pretty moderate, and works down into something light and close to the skin. So, the first 3-4 hours, it will be a moderate scent. Then for the rest of the time, VB is much more of a skin scent.

It does last in the 7-8 hour range on my skin, so the longevity ain’t too shabby. For a lot of that wear, it’ll be the woods with some light floral touches. The bergamot doesn’t completely last all that time, but the blend is fairly creamy and has a clean soapy quality.

Seasonally, Venetian Bergamot is one for the spring and summer months. Between the citrus and floral notes, it begs to be worn in the warm weather. As I said, it is unisex that leans more towards the feminine side of things, but this is still completely safe to wear for men.

It’s classy and has an expensive air about it. Not really a sexy fragrance but one that smells nice and can be worn in dressy casual or more upscale scenarios. It is completely office safe.

This one is better worn when dressed up or for at least more semi-formal occasions during the spring and summer.

Overall Impressions of Venetian Bergamot

Overall, do I like Venetian Bergamot? I do like it. It is a bit too floral for my taste and I wish it stayed closer to what it is at the opening, rather than, drying down to gardenia, ylang ylang, and magnolia.

That being said, it is still a very nice perfume, that has a unique scent and decent performance.

I do like the bergamot, ginger, and spiciness of that opening. With the name, I was expecting to get more of a pure bergamot, but it ends up with a greater use of the gardenia. That’s fine, just not what I was expecting when I first tried Venetian Bergamot.

It’s by no means a beast in terms of its performance, so at this price point it might be a pass. Though, it isn’t entirely terrible either. Value is okay, but that’s your call.

However, if you’re looking for a citrus or floral fragrance and want to try something different, Venetian Bergamot is worthy of consideration. It’s not one of the top tier Tom Ford perfumes, but it’s in the upper half or even third, for sure.