Top Selling Fragrances

Versace Eau Fraiche vs. Acqua di Gio

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For this head to head fragrance match up, I am going to be taking a closer look at two highly popular men’s fragrances, Acqua di Gio vs. Versace Man Eau Fraiche. Which one of these best sellers, has the best smell? Which lasts longer? Which is more versatile? As usual, I am going to compare each cologne, in these categories, before declaring a winner. I have also included, my original review of each below, for further information.

Tale of the Tape

Acqua di Gio

Notes include: bergamot, tangerine, neroli, jasmine, rosemary, patchouli, rock rose, hyacinth, persimmon, marine notes

Click here to try: Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces

Read my review: Acqua di Gio 

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

Eau Fraiche opens up with a great fruity citrus blend led by lemon, bergamot, and an additional starfruit. The starfruit, isn’t in too many men’s fragrances, so its inclusion is a welcome addition to the start. It is very fresh and upbeat with subtle herbal notes that kick in, but it’s mostly about the citrus.

Acqua di Gio starts out with the bergamot and tangerine citrus combination, which is joined by marine notes, to give this Armani scent its famous aquatic edge. Then, there is the inclusion of jasmine and other floral notes, lurking underneath.

Which is better? I like AdG and how it starts, but, I prefer Versace Man Eau Fraiche. The lemon and other fruit notes, really start out with a bang, and create a more enjoyable experience than what I get with AdG.

Edge: Eau Fraiche

Projection

Neither scent has a loud and completely enveloping sillage. Eau Fraiche is pretty moderate for a few hours and then shifts to being much more light and airy. Acqua di Gio is also moderate, but it keeps it up throughout the wear, better than does its competitor.

Edge: AdG

Longevity

While, the sillage is a bit better when using Acqua di Gio, the longevity between these two is about equal. I get 6-7 hours of wear, on my skin, from both of these colognes. No real edge here.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Again, this is another aspect, in which these fragrances really match up well. Both are best in the warmer weather, but can go year round without issue. They can each be worn safely at school, work, casually, or out for an evening. Neither is a powerful nightclub beast.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I enjoy both of these fragrances quite a bit. They aren’t my favorite fragrances, by any stretch, but they are both very good at what they do. Acqua di Gio has a great citrus/spicy marine aroma with floral and woody undertones.

It performs well and has been loved for over two decades at this point. You cannot really go wrong with the scent at all. Though, I’d go with Profumo or Profondo, ahead of the original.

Versace Man Eau Fraiche has a great opening act, with the citrus and starfruit. Then, when it dries down you get plenty of rosewood, amber, and some herbal spice thrown in there. It isn’t super complex, but it is a really great smelling cologne, that is great to wear (especially in the summertime).

Which is better? If i had to choose, I’d ride with Eau Fraiche, a majority of the time. Not every single time, but I’d reach for it more often than AdG. It gets the nod here and I would say that it smells better.

Winner: Versace Man Eau Fraiche

12 Best Celebrity Perfumes for Women

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Celebrities have lines of clothes, make up, and of course perfumes. Some of these perfumes are quite frankly underwhelming while others are actually very well done. The following list of perfumes are the best fragrances for women released by celebrity personalities. I have selected 12 scents to round out the list and each one brings something different to the table. As always, I have included a link to their individual purchase page.

Other perfume posts for women: Sexiest Women’s perfumes and  Best Affordable Perfumes for Women

What are the Best Celebrity Perfumes for Women?

Musky Floral

Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker for Women, Eau de Parfum, 3.4-Ounce Spray Bottle– Let’s start of with our celebrity list, with one of the best sellers in this category, over the past decade plus.

Lovely starts with somewhat sharp citrus notes and an undercurrent of apple martini, which provides an interesting aroma, with not too much booziness.

It is brought together with lavender, orchid, and musk. Quite clean and musky with floral notes peaking through to create an attractive aroma. Can be soft, but very appealing, and one that will garner complements.

lovely

Popular J-Lo Scent

Glow By Jennifer Lopez Eau-de-toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Jennifer Lopez’ Glow is a good everyday wearer for women who want to smell good, but don’t want to be overbearing about it.

Glow opens up with grapefruit and orange blossom, leading the way. As it moves along, it takes on more of a soapy clean character, as you get plenty of neroli and musk.

The final dry down, features rose and jasmine pairing up with the musk and amber. Simple and easy to wear. Glow is fairly straightforward and not something you need to put too much thought into, since it is so versatile.   Notes include: Amber, vanilla, fruits, and floral.

glow

Fruity Floral and Amber

Jessica Simpson Fancy Love by Jessica Simpson for Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.4-Ounce– A romantic perfume from Jessica Simpson full of unique and exotic notes including blush champagne, lotus blossom, goji leaf, and amber.

This one is still surprisingly underrated, especially considering the value you get for the price. It doesn’t seem to get the same level of attention, as others from this line.

Nonetheless, Fancy Love is a great and attractive wear, with very good versatility. Champagne, citrus, and peach blossom open things up for an exciting and fruity start. Then, the creaminess comes in fully with the floral notes, and a warm/salty amber. Really pretty stuff. 

fancy love

Unique Winter Wear from Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga Fame Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 1.7 Ounce– Very sweet perfume, up front, that is seductive and sexy over the longer haul. Notes include: Belladonna, Orchid, Saffron, Incense, Honey, And Apricot.

Fame kicks its presentation off with, a good bit of saffron and orchid. The apricot, gives it a sweet fruitiness, that is then overlapped by the thick honey note.  Actually, not a super dark fragrance, as the bottle would suggest. 

Not as much of a crowd pleaser, as some of the others on the list, but one which will appeal to a certain number of women. For those who love it, it can be a signature for the colder months of the year. 

fame

Best Beyonce

Beyonce Beyonce Midnight Heat Women Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce
Midnight Heat is a fresh blend of fruits and florals that will set the tone wherever you go. You get a deep and dark plum note, with the starfruit giving the composition a unique edge.

Then, patchouli spice, and the usual Beyonce orchid set in the background. Really attractive and interesting. The plum and the starfruit, really give this perfume its driving power.

I’m not really sure, where the midnight comes into play, but the attractive fruit notes really are a joy. Notes include: Starfruit, plum, patchouli, and sandalwood.

midnight heat

 

 

Clean Daily Wear

Just Me Paris Hilton By Paris Hilton For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.4 Ounces– Very clean and light scent with floral and vanilla notes. Just Me has a feminine charm and elegance that will draw plenty of positive attention.

While it does have that vanilla and even raspberry notes, it isn’t a very sweet fragrance for the most part. Pink pepper gives you a warm spice, with further sandalwood, and other woody ingredients during the dry down.

Plus, a prominent rose, leading the floral end of things. The wood is at the heart and supports the raspberry top note, before the floral notes take over that role.

just me

White Floral Perfume by Britney

Curious by Britney Spears for Women, Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.3 Ounce– A light, beautiful, floral fragrance from Britney Spears that is quite lovely and sensual. Curious lasts for a long time, but without having a heavy or overwhelming sillage. Notes include: tuberose, magnolia, sandalwood, vanilla infused musk, pear, and jasmine.

Curious is a nice option for those who want a Britney fragrance, but aren’t wanting to venture into the sweeter candy-like or pasty-like scents.

This is much more floral with a juicy pear note, giving it that sucrose scent. White floral, with particular emphasis on the magnolia and tuberose. Very well done and balanced. 

curious

 

Energetic Nightlife Scent

Paris Hilton Can Can Eau De Parfum Spray 3.40 oz– Can Can is a really engaging and wonderfully smelling fragrance. Great for a night out. The nectarine note is wrapped in a warm amber embrace and joined by other sweet fruit notes.

It takes on a sugary sort of aroma when all paired with the musk and floral notes. Can Can is a lively scent that can come through with energy, on days and nights, during the winter months. Paris Hilton’s lineup, has a bunch of good fragrances for cheap.

can can

Youthful Perfume by Katy Perry

Katy Perry Meow Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Ounce– Meow opens up with the fruit infusion from pear and tangerine citrus, which is then joined by a creamy vanilla. This perfume is both sweet and leans toward the younger set, so, don’t expect something refined and ‘grown up’.

Though, I wouldn’t call it strictly a teenager’s fragrance. However, in its innocent sweetness, Meow is still utterly enjoyable. It’s light and pleasant, with a bit of musk, but an overall sweet and creamy profile. This is probably the best option, for younger ladies from Katy Perry.

meow

Sweet & Spicy by Rihanna

Reb’L Fleur by Rihanna, 3.4 Ounce, Eau De Parfum Spray– Reb’l Fleur is a moderate, feminine scent from Rihanna that works well for all occasions. It’s a clean fragrance that blends sweet and spice. The top is made up of fruits, but you get vanilla and coconut-infused creaminess, underneath it all.

These two notes, eventually take over the composition during the dry down. The peach, berries, and plum are delicious up front and then you get enough patchouli to make it earthy and slightly more gourmand.  Notes include: red berries, hibiscus, plum, vanilla, peach and coconut water.

reb'l fleur

Top Ariana Grande Pick

Ariana Grande Sweet Like Candy Eau de Parfum, 3.4 Ounce– Ariana Grande, loves to add marshmallow to her scents, and this is probably the best performing example.  Yes, it’s sweet but doesn’t feel like a heavy sugar laden mess.

Actually, Sweet Like Candy is fairly light while being yummy. Vanilla, blackberry, whipped cream, and of course, marshmallow pull together to form a warm and youthful perfume with solid perfomance.

Best Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian True Reflection Women Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce– True Reflection a lighter fragrance in terms of its sillage but it, has a darker sweets vibe, reminiscent of chocolate. It brings in the patchouli to give it that familiar, baked goods warmth and aroma, that is found in so many other scents.

Sure, it’s been done plenty of times before, but this is actually a great example at a low price.

The rest of the wear gives you a nice plum note, creamy floral highlights, and a fresh woodsy/musky finish. True Reflection is balanced, giving you an array of different smells during the wear, from sweetness to floral to more earthy. Light sillage, but plenty of depth to keep one’s interest. 

Light Blue Eau Intense vs. Dylan Blue

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For this entry, I want to do a comparison post between two men’s colognes, with fairly aquatic compositions: Dylan Blue by Versace vs. Light Blue Eau Intense by D&G. Which of these two popular fragrances, smells better? Which has the better longevity and strength? I have worn and reviewed each, over the past few years, and will now breakdown which one is the better buy.

Tale of the Tape

Dylan Blue

Notes include: black pepper, violet leaf, grapefruit, bergamot, tonka bean, ambrox, fig leaf

Click here to try: VERSACE Pour Homme Sealed Dylan Blue Eau de Toilette, 3.4 Ounce

Read my full review: Dylan Blue

Light Blue Eau Intense

Notes include: mandarin, frozen grapefruit, juniper, aquatic accord, amber woods, musk

Click here to try: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Intense Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 1.6 Ounce

My review: Light Blue Eau Intense

Opening

Bergamot and grapefruit are the top notes of Dylan Blue. These two notes sit on top of a somewhat aquatic accord, surrounded by ambroxan, and a fig note which gives it some distinction versus other fragrances in this style. The opening is one of my favorite parts of Dylan Blue.

Light Blue Eau Intense also opens up with grapefruit, but is instead joined by mandarin orange, and the grapefruit has a frozen coolness added. It doesn’t have that same peppery intensity as the original, but I instead get plenty of juinper, and the aquatic accord in the beginning.

Which is better? I really enjoy how both of them start off, but I would say that I like Eau Intense more than Dylan Blue. It is refreshing and aquatic and doesn’t bring about similar thoughts of Sauvage, like Dylan Blue can.

Edge: Eau Intense

Projection

The sillage of both can be strong at first, but I think Dylan Blue hits a higher level. An hour or two into the wear, both of these colognes move more into the moderate end of things.

Edge: Dylan Blue

Longevity

Dylan Blue lasts for 6-7 hours on my skin and I never get any more than that. It’s decent and serviceable. Light Blue Eau Intense will last or 9 hours, in my experiences with it.

Edge: Eau Intense

Versatility

Both are great in the spring/summer, but can work year round. Both can go casual, more dressed, up and out on a date, if need be. I don’t really see much of a distinction between these fragrances, here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Dylan Blue grew to me having a higher esteem for the fragrance, the more I tested it out. I still don’t love it, but I do like the citrus aquatic opening, a whole lot.

The rest of the wear, becomes laden with ambroxan, pepper, and violet leaf. That part of it isn’t as good, but again, not terrible either. I never came around to thinking that the dry down, was more than decent.

Light Blue Eau Intense is better, in my opinion. The opening is even better than Dylan Blue’s which is the highlight of its life, and it also lasts longer.

It’s super fresh and the aquatic/fruit elements are chilled, which is really awesome on a hot day. Plus, the woody base with juniper floating around, only adds to its pleasant smell.

It’s a pretty close match up, but I’m going with the Dolce, in this one.

Winner: Eau Intense

Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger Cologne Review

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Tommy Hilfiger was a major force in 1990s fashion and his line of fragrances for men and women have enjoyed great popularity even since that time. Hilfiger is a lifestyle brand which tries to celebrate the American spirit and caters to the tastes of classic Americana. Tommy Hilfiger cologne is a perfect example of this brand association with the United States and as we will see in the notes of this fragrance one that brings together familiar elements to produce a nice casual scent.

What does Tommy Cologne Smell Like?

tommy

Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger notes: citrus, cranberry, mint, lavender, cactus, amber and cinnamon apple pie

Click here to try: Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger for Men – 3.4 oz EDC Spray

My Full Wear Review

I first got a bottle of Tommy Hilfiger cologne as a Christmas gift from a relative, many years back. From there it found its way into my rotation as a daytime fragrance for going to school and work. I think that is probably the best use for this fragrance, not necessarily one designed for the nightlife but is a good choice for days during the spring and summer.

Tommy opens up with an intense blast of the fruit notes: grapefruit, apple, and cranberry with a healthy dose of mint popping through. At first, it is really fresh and crisp, but later it will turn more into an apple pie accord with warm cinnamon and amber.

It is a really interesting blend of tart cranberry, cool mint, and that crisp watery apple note. Tommy is an upbeat and very positive feeling fragrance, everything about it brings back memories of the late 1990s, when this scent was everywhere.

Being that it is comprised of fruity notes, Tommy does have a really sweet smell to it, one that is more citrusy than candy sweet. Before it gets more to the apple pie stage, Tommy is really green and smooth with lavender and what I assume to be the cactus note.

I think that this fragrance has always had balance with the bright citrus to not going too far in the warmth of the pie accord, because it is a completely chilled scent at times, too.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The projection always started out pretty heavy, but it just feels like a solid moderate wear, after an hour or so. People will be able to smell it, but I never choked out a room even with the vintage bottles.

Tommy Hilfiger cologne lasted a full work day in my experience and never overpowers the people around you. It is a rather ambient fragrance that is youthful and warming in its presentation. Hours 6-8 aren’t very strong, but it does stick around.

The price has come down a lot, but at one time this was a sought after designer scent, and it actually does give good performance.

Tommy was always a pretty versatile fragrance. Mostly for guys in their teens or twenties, but could be worn to work or school or casually or even on a date. Not a nightlife scent, but wearable during the daytime, seemingly year round.

Overall Impressions of Tommy

Is Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger worth a buy? I’d say, yes. If you aren’t looking to spend a lot of money on a fragrance and are looking for a casual or everyday wearer than I would recommend giving Tommy Hilfiger a shot.

It’s not much of a mature fragrance, but it isn’t completely childish, by any means. This stuff has been a best seller for over 20 years, at this point, and there is good reason for that.

I don’t know how often I’d wear this nowadays, but I do get that feeling of nostalgia smelling it, and I used to wear this very often in my late teens.

If you’re older or want a more mature cologne, go elsewhere. But, if this sounds like it fits your current age range or style, it is worthwhile. Good smell, nice performance, and well-liked.

Dirty English by Juicy Couture Cologne Review

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I am updating this original review from five plus years ago, as I’ve spent much more time with this Juicy Couture fragrance, and want to expand upon things. Dirty English has begun to enjoy a popularity of sorts nowadays, because the price has come down so much, that it can be a nice buy for not a lot. Some guys may be reluctant to try a cologne from a brand that the word ‘juicy’ stretched across many overweight women’s sweat pants but I assure you that this is a really nice scent for guys to try out. Though, it is not for everyone, Dirty English has a deep and masculine scent which will work for many men who don’t enjoy the fruitier or more aquatic scented colognes.

What does Dirty English Smell Like?

english

Dirty English Notes: Blue Cypress, Mandarin, Bergamot, Black Leather, Sandalwood, Amber, Musk, Atlas Cedar, Vetiver, Wood, Black Moss Absolute, oud, cardamom

Click here to try: Dírty Englísh Cologne 3.4 oz Eau De Toilette Spray MEN

My Full Wear Review

Dirty English opens up with a blast of oud, which is flanked by black leather, and very light citrus from mandarin orange and bergamot. The citrus adds just a bit of bright juiciness to the fragrance, that is overall pretty dry.

That dryness is a factor of all of the wood notes that are present in this Juicy Couture cologne,as there is also a distinct cypress from the beginning, and runs through the heart of things.

Things begin to get smoother, as it wears on further. The oud is still very noticeable, however, the leather and other variety of woods get heavier to balance the composition out.

You also do get elements of moss and vetiver coming through, this has a definite outdoorsy aroma, but doesn’t stray too far into that space thanks to the lovely leather note and spice. The spice in this one isn’t heavy and is mostly provided by cardamom.

What I ultimately get from Dirty English is a leathery oud with plenty of dry warmth and a slight boozy aroma, that I don’t really know what’s causing that effect. You do get whiff of mandarin orange throughout the wear, which is a good change of pace. Oh and lots of smooth fresh woods.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, this stuff is strong. Not insanely heavy, but I don’t need much of it. Now, I will say that my bottle is from 2015, and I’ve heard about possible reformulations of this. I don’t know, but its performance was always very good.

Here’s what I had to say in the original review from 5 years back: Dirty English is definitely not a light fragrance, it has a certain strength and heaviness to it, so overdoing it will probably produce bad results for those wearing it. One spray on the neck and another rubbed between my wrists and forearms is all that I have been using. 

The longevity gives me 8+ hours on my skin, with that bottle that I have. It will keep going and never quits early on me.

Seasonally, this is a cold weather fragrance, all the way.  I have thus far only received positive reactions while wearing this cologne. As fall is just now kicking off, this is another great one to pair with the crisp weather. it could be termed a ‘sexy’ cologne, just not a sweet one.

Definitely skip wearing Dirty English when it gets warmer outside. It turns messy in the heat.

This fragrance is fresh and manly, which is what one would suspect with notes of leather, woodsy elements, and that dirty oud note. Don’t think I’d wear this one to the office or school, but outside of that, I will.

Overall Impressions of Dirty English

Overall, do I like Dirty English? Yes, I think that it is a wonderful cheapie, as the price from its original release has come down so much. It has a very masculine and unique vibe, which I like, and the performance has always been great for me.

It’s one that I reach for when I want to wear a dry woody scent and the leather is always something that I’ve enjoyed about it.