Men’s Fashion

Versace Man Eau Fraiche vs. D&G Light Blue

by

For this entry into the head to head men’s cologne match ups, I am going to be comparing two of the most popular fragrances on the market, D&G Light Blue vs. Versace Man Eau Fraiche. These two citrus based scents have become staples in the rotation of many guys around the world, but which one actually smells the best? Which lasts longer? Which is ultimately the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Light Blue vs. Eau Fraiche

Light Blue

Notes include: bergamot, grapefruit, mandarin orange, pepper, oak moss, juniper, musk, rosemary, rosewood, incense

Click here to try: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 6.7 Ounce

My review: Light Blue

Versace Man Eau Fraiche

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

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

Read my review: Man Eau Fraiche

Opening

Light Blue starts off with a blend of citrus notes from bergamot to grapefruit to mandarin orange. These notes are then joined black pepper and rosemary. It is bright and spicy. A clean and fresh blend.

After about 10 minutes of wear with Light Blue, I do get the incense note coming through more, a touch of smokiness.

Eau Fraiche kicks things off with lemon and bergamot, but adds starfruit, which gives it a very nice and distinct juicy aroma.

It’s a very refreshing and juicy citrus smell without the same level of spiciness of Light Blue. It has some herbal elements, but not the pepper, found in the competitor.

As it moves along, the cardamom and tarragon will become more apparent, before moving into a woodier phase.

Which is better? I really like the great lemon citrus of Versace Man Eau Fraiche, when combined with the starfruit, the opening is super clean and pleasant. I prefer it to the spiciness found in the D&G.

Light Blue has more going on up front, but the Versace just has a better presentation in that opening act.

Edge: Eau Fraiche

Projection

Neither one of these scents have giant silage. They aren’t going to fill up a room and are pretty moderate.

That being said, while they start off pretty much the same, Light Blue is more consistent for longer. Fraiche has a lighter sillage, hours into the wear, versus Light Blue.

Fraiche is just not as heavy of a fragrance, even if Light Blue isn’t all that heavy either.

Edge: Light Blue

Longevity

Light Blue always gets me in the 6-8 hour range of wear, and as I said, it is consistent during that time. It’s really one of its best strengths. That performance is like clockwork.

Eau Fraiche is a 6-7 hour wear, but not more than that, and the sillage is lighter towards the end of the 3-4 hour mark.

Eau Fraiche isn’t a powerhouse or a crazy performer. Either way you measure it, I’ve always gotten better performance out of Light Blue. Not an insane gap between them, though.

Edge: Light Blue

Versatility

These are two very versatile fragrances, as they can hold up well in the heat, are pleasant, and can go casual  or to the office.

They’re both best sellers because they are non-offensive and are great starter fragrances. Neither is a club beast and are more ‘nice smelling’ than sexy. No real separation here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

This can be a tough match up to decide on, as these have a similar profile, and are pretty simple colognes. Light Blue is very good. You can’t really go wrong with buying this fragrance, as it is well liked, and brings a good performance for a citrus based scent.

I like the citrus and spice mix, with the herbal and woody notes in the dry down. It’s fairly linear, but gets the job done.

Versace Man Eau Fraiche has a very enjoyable opening act. The dry down is more full of rosewood and amber, but the citrus hangs around throughout. There is plenty of overlap between these two, but Eau Fraiche feels like a woodier aroma to me.

Personally, I enjoy the overall smell of Eau Fraiche versus Light Blue. Yes, it is also very linear, but I feel that it hits a higher peak than does the D&G.

Light Blue has a bit better performance, but I think Eau Fraiche smells better. I’m going to give the latter, the nod in this match up, but it is really close.

I actually like Light Blue Eau Intense more than either, but between these two, I’d go Versace.

Winner: Eau Fraiche

Polo Red Rush by Ralph Lauren

by

In today’s review, I have tried out a new release from Ralph Lauren, from the Polo Red lineup: Polo Red Rush. This flanker to the original was put out in 2018 and the question is, does it bring something new to the table? What does it smell like? How does it perform? Is this new Red, even worth a try?

What does Polo Red Rush Smell Like?

Notes include: mandarin, grapefruit, pineapple, lemon, saffron, orange flower, spearmint, red apple, lavender, red coffee, cedar, musk

Click here to try: Polo Red Rush by Ralph Lauren EDT Spray 4.2 Oz.

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Polo Red Rush feels pretty similar to the original Polo Red, which opens up with a strong cranberry note. This one, takes a different route, and produces a strong fruity smell with grapefruit, pineapple, apple, and mandarin.

The pineapple and lemon note give it that same sort of sharp quality that you would get from the original Red. Though, this time it is without the cranberry really bringing the tartness.

To my nose, only the top is very similar to the original, and Rush begins to take on its own character about 10 minutes into the wear.

I get a second layer of crisp and cold spearmint running through its heart, and a musk note which sets it quite apart from the other Red colognes. At this point, I get a lot of apple, musk, spearmint, and some saffron for good measure.

Red Rush is quite ‘green’, crisp, fruity, and has some aquatic elements lurking in the background. It’s base is a woodiness led by cedar and a very light coffee note, that is different from the one found in Polo Red Extreme.

It really isn’t that prominent at all. Though, the overall composition is upbeat and energetic, in its own way.

The dry down is more musky and floral than the rest of the wear. Orange flower and lavender come through for me, but saffron still heads up that aspect.

Beyond that, Red Rush is still mostly about the apple, musk, mint, and the citrus which seems to come back more as it reaches its final phases.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s light to moderate. It never felt very ‘loud’ or bold on my skin. Much to the same level, as the original Polo Red, maybe a little softer. It’s one that will probably require a few extra sprays.

Longevity, isn’t great. 5 hours on average, you might get six out of Red Rush. Serviceable but not really where it should be. Trying it out a few times, this seemed to be the natural limit for this scent.

It’s similar in performance to what you might get with the original Red. Red Intense and Extreme bring a longer lasting wear than Rush.

I like this as a cologne for the spring or summer months, though, it is safe to wear year round. Really, it is a year round wear, that’s just at its best when the warmer weather is here.

It probably has it’s strong point within its versatility. It can be worn casually, is safe enough for work, and is pleasant enough to wear out at night. Red Rush isn’t a cologne that is going to offend anyone, it’s pleasing, and easy to wear.

Though, probably won’t give you the same power in projecting, as you might want. It is fresh and clean, but not really sexy. As a low key and unobtrusive fragrance, it does a fairly good job, but isn’t something that stands out.

Overall Impressions of Red Rush

Overall, do I like Polo Red Rush? Meh. This Ralph Lauren fragrance feels unnecessary, in my opinion. It does take the Red line in a slightly new direction, but it’s not unique enough, nor does it perform well enough to be a great addition.

It certainly has its moments and is an overall enjoyable experience, it’s just not amazing in the slightest. Maybe consider picking it up, once it hits the secondary market, and comes down in price. Good, has some solid aspects, but not particularly memorable.

I like the apple and mint notes, along with the saffron. At no point, do I find it particularly bad, and that second layer with the mint is actually quite nice. I’m just not all that impressed by Rush as a whole.

For me, this is the worst of the Polo Red options. It’s not terrible, just kind of pointless. The performance is only okay, so, even if you enjoy the aroma…it still might not be worth it.

Polo Deep Blue vs. Blue EDT Comparison

by

The Polo line from Ralph Lauren, has released many different types of Polo Blue, over the years. For 2020, it put out Deep Blue, which is supposed to have a more oceanic quality to it. But, how does this new release compare to the original EDT? Which lasts longer? Smells better? Which cologne is the one to buy?

Polo Blue vs Deep Blue Cologne Comparison

Polo Blue

Notes include: amber, melon, patchouli, geranium, cucumber, tangerine, moss, musk

Click here to try: Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren for Men, Eau De Toilette Natural Spray, 4.2 Ounce

Read my original review: Polo Blue Review

Polo Deep Blue

Notes include: Hawaiian Green Mango, fir, sage, Deep Ocean Accord, Cypress Oil, ambroxan, grapefruit

Read my review: Polo Deep Blue

Opening

Polo Blue opens with melon and cucumber notes, giving it a cool, familiar, and crisp aroma. There is a prevalent and consistent aquatic note, at the heart of the fragrance, with tangerine and amber adding a bit more to the composition.

Not too complicated, but nice with a great freshness.

Deep Blue is similar to Blue, but closer to the EDP version, yet does have a distinct opening act. With this Polo fragrance, you get an opening of a delicious mango note, quite a bit like Polo Black.

This gets paired with some citrus and what is called, “Deep Ocean Accord”.

That Deep Ocean smell is a somewhat salty aquatic note with ambroxan highlights. Deep Blue has more of an aquatic profile, than does the original Blue EDT. EDT keeps it crisp and watery, due to melon and cucumber, but it isn’t oceanic.

Which is better? The original Blue has a cool crispness, that smells good, but I think I prefer Deep Blue. I really like the mango note and the more marine scent coming from the new release.

Edge: Deep Blue

Projection

Neither of these fragrances is a powerhouse. I would say that Deep Blue starts off stronger, and in general, has the better sillage. It is a parfum, so the fragrance formula is more concentrated.

Polo Blue EDT isn’t bad, it’s got pretty moderate sillage throughout the wear. Not a weak cologne and will be plenty noticeable. But, it doesn’t hit the same level as Deep Blue. Deep Blue is pretty much on par with Blue EDP, in terms of its strength. Not huge, but very good.

Edge: Deep Blue

Longevity

For me, both of these scents fall in the 7-9 hour range. Solid, but by no means, elite.  There’s not much of a difference, if any, maybe a bit more favorable for Deep Blue but I’m not sure.

I definitely don’t ever break double digit hours with either of these. Most Polo fragrances are like that, not elite, but good.

I haven’t tried recent bottles of EDT, so, I’m not sure if it’s lost a step over the years. As of now, I’m rating this category a tie.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Since these two colognes are so closely related, the do share the same space, in terms of their use. Either can easily be worn year round, but are honestly better in the warmer weather.

Each are more casual daily wears, rather than, anything formal. Clean aquatic fresh scents. Though, you can wear them to the office, without much issue. School, as well, if you’re a younger man.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Again, these two are variants of the same basic formula. As such, the differences aren’t going to be overwhelming. But, I will give an opinion as to which one, I’d pick.

While I like the cucumber and citrus elements in the original Polo Blue, I prefer the mango and Deep Ocean accord, of Deep Blue. To me, that opening act is just better, than anything the original offers.

After that, they do become much more similar. After the first two hours or so, Deep Blue is like a mix of the EDT and EDP, with added ambroxan. So, if I had a choice, I’d pick it just for that opening with the mango and slightly better performance.

Deep Blue gets some added freshness and woodiness during the late stages. The sage and cypress, does have an overlap with the newer AdG Profondo by Armani. Yet, this one is heavier on the ambroxan.

Polo Blue EDT can usually be replaced well by Eternity Aqua by Calvin Klein. They are very similar and that can often be had for really cheap. But, then again, I’ve seen all the Polo’s on sale recently.

Winner: Deep Blue

Luna Rossa Carbon vs Ocean Comparison

by

Luna Rossa has been a massively successful fragrance line for Italian brand, Prada. In 2021, it released its latest edition, Luna Rossa Ocean. The question then becomes, how does this latest cologne compare to some of the more popular ones before it? In this post, I am comparing Ocean to the popular, Carbon. Which smells best? Lasts longer?

Tale of the Tape: Ocean vs. Carbon

Luna Rossa Ocean

Notes include: bergamot, iris, pink pepper, artemisia, lavender, sage, suede, saffron, musk, vetiver, caramel, patchouli

Click here to try:  Luna Rossa Ocean at Macy’s

Luna Rossa Carbon

Notes include: lavender, ambroxan, metallic notes, pepper, patchouli, coal, bergamot

Click here to try: Prada Luna Rossa CARBON for Men Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 ounce

My Original Review: Luna Rossa Carbon

Opening

Luna Rossa Carbon opens up with a strong use of its citrus note, bergamot. Lavender, a light ambroxan, and the metallic aroma finish which gives it the name Carbon. It’s clean, citrus, then gives off a soapier vibe.

With Ocean, you get what I would call a ‘light blue’ impression. You get the same bergamot note. But, this time the lavender is toned down. It has a sweetness provided by a mix of tonka bean and caramel.

Smooth suede, powdery iris, really help to give off a fresh and aromatic aroma.  The iris is stronger than the lavender, in this one.

Smooth, sweet, spicy, but don’t expect an aquatic based on its name. Less of the ocean and something that would smell very pleasant while on the boat or shore.

Pink pepper is really coming through, at times. Artemisia? I really don’t pick up much, but there is some slight herbal bitterness there…if I stop and pay attention.

Which one is better? I really like the opening of Luna Rossa Ocean. It’s that absolute highlight of the cologne, to me. Very attractive and easy to wear. Familiar, while giving off its own style.

It has a great depth and sweetness that I completely enjoy.

Edge: Ocean

Projection

The two seem to open up at around the same upper level of moderate, with it how far they will project. Neither is a beast, but they are very noticeable by those around you, right after application.

Luna Rossa Ocean doesn’t hold up though. You get maybe 1-2 hours of decent projection, before it becomes super light. It’s kind of a bummer for something in this price range.

Meanwhile, Carbon is more consistent. Not a massive fragrance, it is just one that will stay steady and then slowly dissipate.  Easy win here.

Edge: Carbon

Longevity

With Luna Rossa Carbon, it has consistently performed well on my skin. I get over 8 hours of wear from it, sometimes in that 9-10 range. It sticks around and is overall a very solid scent, in this regard.

Ocean does have some performance issues. For me, it’s been 4-6 hours of total wear, during testing.

It is one that you’re going to have to spray like crazy in order to get decent longevity from it. Even with that, the last 2-3 hours are pretty much going to be sitting very close to the skin.

Edge: Carbon

Versatility

Both of these fragrances really do deliver value in terms of when you can wear each. They both fit in during pretty much all seasons. You can wear them casually, on a date, at work, or on formal occasions.

Mass pleasing for sure.

I think that I’d rather wear Ocean in the summer versus Carbon, but neither is strictly a hot wear wear.  These fragrances are daily wears for men of pretty much any age group.

I’m not sure that there is much of a distinction with these.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these colognes from Prada do I prefer?

If we were just going off of initial smell alone, I really prefer Luna Rossa Ocean. That opening act is fantastic and super pleasing to my nose. Carbon is cool, but Ocean gives me more.

The middle act is a fresh floral with notes like sage, coming through more. That initial caramel, will fade to a great extent.

But, the dry down is a pretty boring affair. Still nice, but you don’t get to enjoy the full experience thanks to its light sillage. It’s very floral, powdery, musky. Iris and lavender, a bit sweet, less ‘blue’ during this stage.

It still like it. But, I don’t like the performance. At full price? No, but I have already seen Ocean on sale that includes an extra travel sprayer. As such, I might still buy a bottle at some point. Just going to spray the hell out of it.

Carbon is just a bit better in terms of its consistency. I still like the way it smells, just not to the same extent. Plus, the performance is much better. It’s always been a better version of Sauvage.

I’ll probably own Ocean, but for most guys, Carbon would be the better play.

Phantom vs. Invictus Comparison

by

Paco Rabanne has come out with some pretty unique and memorable fragrances for men, over the years. It’s 2021 release was called Phantom, which is presented in a metallic robot bottle. Interesting, but how does it compete with one of the brand’s best sellers, Invictus EDT?

Tale of the Tape: Invictus vs Phantom

Invictus

Notes include: grapefruit, sea notes, mandarin orange, bay leaf, jasmine

Read my review

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

Phantom

Notes include: lemon, lemon zest, lavender, patchouli, vetiver, apple, smoke, and more

Click here to try: Phantom by Paco Rabanne

phantom cologne review

Opening

Phantom opens up with lemon and apple giving it a juicy start.  The aroma is sweet and almost tropical, with how all of the notes come together. Under that, is lavender and vanilla, further pushing the aromatic creaminess.

That juicy citrus fruit opening will give way to a drier and earthy aroma. The juiciness fades, and patchouli will really start to come through along with an herbal sort of spice. It dirties it up, and yes, there is a touch of smoke.

Invictus opens with a citrusy candy-like aroma of a blend of orange and grapefruit notes. This is joined by an aquatic element, that gives it a summertime vibe.

Ambergris and bay leaf combine with the fruits and aquatic accord to give Invictus a sweet grape bubblegum sort of smell. Very blue-ish and watery, without giving off that oceanic sea water smell.

Which is better?

I’m going with Invictus. The initial fruity top of Phantom isn’t too bad, but that quickly goes away. That earthy, lavender, vanilla mix isn’t great. It feels thicker and heavier than Invictus, also. Meh.

Edge: Invictus

Projection

The projection for either can seem huge when first spraying, with those citrus notes and gourmand touches. But, it’s mostly an illusion.

Each of these is pretty moderate, from the start. I don’t think either is beast mode. Phantom quiets down sooner to something that sits closer, on my skin.

Ultimately, they hit about the same peak level of sillage. Neither is weak, but pretty decent on the whole.

Edge: Push

Longevity

With each of these colognes, I get about 6-7 hours. The Paco Rabanne line has had some long-lasting colognes over the years, but these are moderate.

Invictus was never a marathon runner for me. Phantom doesn’t seem to be either. It sticks around well enough, but doesn’t surpass its competitor.

Edge: Push

Versatility

I think that Invictus is better across all seasons than Phantom. Phantom works okay in warmer weather, but I think it smells better in the cold.

It’s been a mix of warm fronts and cold fronts this winter, as I’ve been testing Phantom, and it’s for sure more pleasing when it’s a bit chilly.

But, I don’t want to wear either in the very depths of winter. Invictus has more of a summer feel.

Both are more casual or daily wear or club scents for younger guys. Sure, some older men can wear these just fine, but that won’t be the target audience.

Other than that, they kind of fit the same bill. I’d give the edge to Invictus for the climate advantage.

Edge: Invictus

Overall Scent

Overall, I’m not a huge fan of either of these fragrances? Invictus, was one that I used to not really care for, but it did grow on me. Particularly, that opening act.

So, personally, I don’t want a full bottle of either.

Phantom is kind of a strange one. It’s familiar, but I can’t quite compare it to anything exactly. The opening that is citrusy and apple is pretty okay. I like the semi-tropical vibe that it puts out, when combining with the vanilla and lavender note.

The next phase, I enjoy much less. It becomes earthier with the lavender and a faint smokiness.

However, it then shifts to being lavender and vanilla dominate with a dry/grassy vetiver and the fruit notes seem to make a comeback. Just, at a much lower volume. Weird. If anything, it reminds me of the women’s YSL Libre series, stripped of the white floral notes.

I don’t hate Phantom, it just doesn’t really wow me in any way. Invictus can get boring after a while and I the dry down is probably its weakest point. Though, it will be my pick, because I like the citrus/aquatic start to it more than Phantom.

Phantom just isn’t very good, pretty forgettable, outside of the robot bottle.

Winner: Invictus