Calvin Klein

CK One vs Eternity by Calvin Klein Fragrance Comparison

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Today’s comparison is between two mega hits from the Calvin Klein collection, Eternity and CK One. Eternity for Men is a cologne while One is a unisex scent that became wildly popular in the 1990s. In this post, I want to see which one performs better, which one is more versatile, which one smells better, and which one is more worth a buy? Read below for the head to head breakdown.

Tale of the Tape: CK One vs. Eternity for Men

Notes: papaya, pineapple and jasmine. green tea and amber

ck one

Read my CK One Review

Try CK One: Ck One by Calvin Klein for Men and Women, Eau De Toilette, 1.7 Ounce

Eternity for Men

eternity

Notes include: lavender, mandarin, basil, jasmine, sage, sandalwood, amber, rosewood, vetiver, geranium

Eternity for Men Review

Click here to try: Calvin Klein ETERNITY for Men Eau de Toilette, 3.4 fl. oz.

Opening

The opening of Eternity for Men is a clean/soapy lavender based scent with hints of the sandalwood and jasmine. I like the mandarin note up top, but you do get plenty of the woodsy notes peaking through at the start, as well.

CK One is also very fresh and clean but instead utilizes the citrus, pineapple, and green floral notes to create a light yet quite attractive aroma. It’s really a blend and it does also have a blast of papaya. I like CK one, but it does have that super bright citrus opening.

Eternity is supported by citrus notes and has more of a dry spice to it. I think that Eternity is much more interesting than CK One.

Edge: Eternity

Projection

CK One is a light to moderate type of fragrance. It isn’t a beast but it isn’t completely weak. Eternity, is a moderate cologne but has fairly good projection. It won’t take over the room but it is stronger than One.

Edge: Eternity

Longevity

Neither fragrance is an amazing, all-day type of scent. I’d say both give about 5-7 hours of wear before dying down. No real advantage. The older bottles of Eternity may have been better, but nowadays, they’re equal.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Being a unisex fragrance, CK One seems to have more versatility since it can be worn by both men and women. Both of these scents are built for spring and summer but Eternity works well in the autumn too. These are casual fragrances which are safe for work and school. Neither is a ‘romantic’ type of fragrance.

Edge: Push

 

Overall Scent

So, it comes down to whether or not you want something that is more green/dry/soapy/spicy in Eternity for Men or you want something light a more fruity. Both scents are pretty simple and linear and I personally like wearing Eternity for Men more than CK One, as it’s just more my style. Plus, I think it has a slightly better performance profile.

Winner: Eternity

CK Be by Calvin Klein Unisex Fragrance Review

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Calvin Klein was a major force in the fragrance world during the 1980s and 90s. From Obsession to Eternity to CK One and everything in between, this line of scents were constant best sellers, and still are in many ways. In this post, I want to take a closer look at another unisex fragrance by Calvin Klein, CK Be. Is this fragrance still one to wear? What are its pros and cons? Is it worth a purchase?  Also see: CK One vs CK Be

What does CK Be Smell Like?

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Notes include: magnolia, peach, lavender, musk, sandalwood, bergamot, mint, vanilla

Click here to try: CK BE by CK Unisex Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 oz.

My Full Review

The opening of CK Be is quite pleasant and doesn’t overpower you like some fragrances. It is a subtle blend of musk, lavender, peach, and citrus provided by the bergamot. Again, this is a unisex scent, so don’t expect anything that screams masculine but it isn’t some ‘girly’ perfume either.

Be starts off with a fresh mix of notes like mint, lavender, and juniper. These are paired alongside the lighter fruit notes. Lavender strikes me as being stronger, up top, but there is a nice cleanliness to the supporting ingredients.

At this stage, it does have its soapy-like aroma, but it feels ‘greener’ than it will later on. Bergamot, peach, mint, and juniper bring it about during this time.

CK Be is warm and somewhat spicy and highlighted by that citrus vibe. It’s got a youthful energy that really reminds me of late spring and the early summer months.

It’s got such a clean and almost soapy quality when it settles on the skin and really starts to bring out the floral/woodsy notes that are blended in it. Lavender, musk, magnolia, and sandalwood with a fruity soap finish. It is sweeter and less ‘green fresh’, in the latter part of the wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it isn’t a big bold scent but it isn’t completely weak either, at least at first. The longevity isn’t anything to write home about and that’s what sort of ruins this as a scent to me.

In totality, I’d call it a light to moderate projecting fragrance. It was never completely weak, on my skin, but never had that huge sillage.

About 4-5 hours of good use before you should probably reapply. CK Be is usually really inexpensive, so it really isn’t too much of a problem for the price, but it is pretty annoying to not have it be an all day performer.

Seasonally, CK Be is a warm weather fragrance for the spring/summertime. It’s probably best for those in their teens or twenties. Something that anyone could wear to class, a job, or just casually during the daytime.

This isn’t an extremely attractive or sexy scent. Though, it’s a smell that is quite popular, with its delightful aroma. CK Be can be sprayed on by men or women, who want to wear a non-intrusive and clean kind of perfume.

Overall Impression of CK Be

Overall, is this scent worth it? It is if you want something light and fresh at this price point. It is a really good option for either men or women that need something versatile and safe to wear on a day to day basis.

However, the longevity issue can be a problem, and if you aren’t in love with the smell one might as well get CK One instead. I’m not sure if this fragrance has been reformulated or discontinued, because I haven’t really seen it around recently.

CK be is a worthwhile purchase, at the right price, and I’d place that at under $30 or so. It’s going to give you a clean and versatile wear, that won’t offend, and is a pleasant experience all around. Is it amazing? To me, no. I like it, but it’s not something I’m particularly crazy about.

CK One Shock Men’s Cologne Review

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When I got around to reviewing CK One a few days back, I decided that I would start to tackle some of the other fragrances in the Calvin Klein line also. Today, I want to focus on CK One Shock for men, which right away tells you it’s going to be quite different from its unisex counterpart. I really do like this fragrance, although, I guess I’m not too fond of the bottle design (the green lettering reminds me of Ghostbusters) but whatever it’s what’s inside that counts, right? With that in mind, let us take a closer look at CK One Shock cologne.

Note: I have updated this review, some 4 years after the original, to expand upon this scent more. Check out the Best Colognes for Men by Calvin Klein here

What does CK One Shock Smell Like?

shock

Notes include: Clementine, Cucumber, Black Pepper, Black Basil, Tobacco And Musk Base Notes

Click here to try: Calvin Klein One Shock for Him Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Review

The first thing that one notices about CK One Shock is that it is a wholly masculine scent, especially when compared to the original CK One. With a name like Shock, you would also expect it to be extremely bold and of course, shocking.

However, that isn’t the case in my opinion, it is a good scent but there are far more energetic fragrances on the market.

CK One Shock is a very youthful fragrance to me and it’s woodsy and spicy masculinity is underlined but an inherent sweetness, like a warm vanilla scent. Also, while tobacco is a base note, it comes out in a very subtle way and isn’t overwhelming at all in its presentation.

It’s definitely the leader, but doesn’t hit quite as hard, as something like Burberry London or Versace Dreamer. The tobacco is sweet and cured, not the green, wild plant aroma.

The opening is actually quite bright with the clementine and cucumber note joining the tobacco. Shock will dry down into something much darker and warmer, but the initial spray, is energetic with some very nice citrus vibes.

There is even a hint of cherry in there, which I suppose goes with the cured tobacco note, but it is nice to catch a whiff of that in a men’s cologne.

As it dries down further, CK One Shock grows warmer, and there is a spiciness which emerges. Cardmom, pepper, and some other herbal ingredients. The spice is wrapped up in the embrace of the amber note, which grows in strength, and takes some of the real estate occupied by the dominant tobacco note.

At this point, it has sweet qualities still resonating from the clementine, with spices, and lots of tobacco and amber. It’s masculine and balanced.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Shock really packs a punch early on, which is awesome for a fragrance like this. Later on, it does settle down, and doesn’t have huge sillage but you will notice that you have it on.

Some definite things that CK One Shock has going for it, is the price and the longevity. This is one of those, that you will probably have to double spray, a few spots. However, that will give it a longevity boost into the 6-7 hour range.

For an everyday wearer, it is very affordable and unique enough for a man to stand out from the crowd. It is also one that will last long enough on your skin to go through its entire presentation of notes before it evaporates completely.

It is attractive enough to receive attention, but still plays it safe enough to be worn in an office, or classroom.

I would say that while it has to ability to be an everyday wear, it seems like it’d be at its best in the Fall and Winter months. So, while it is limited to the colder parts of the year, it enjoys great versatility within this time frame.

Overall Impressions of CK One Shock

Overall, CK One Shock can be a good choice for guys who are on a budget or have limited options. It is a moderate to slightly heavy scent that projects warmth, sweetness, and masculinity for hours on end.

It does have a certain uniqueness to it, but that uniqueness is still rather plain and unexciting. It’s a solid cologne at the price, not amazing, but I do have a higher opinion of it nowadays. It is worthwhile to pick up at discounted price.

Euphoria Men by Calvin Klein Cologne Review

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For the third installment of my review of the Calvin Klein line of fragrances for men, I thought that I would tackle Euphoria. It is a more recent creation than most of the designer’s big hits from the 1980s and 1990s, being first launched in 2006. With a name like Euphoria, you would expect it to deliver an almost unforgettable experience of the senses and really draw people in…does it? Let us take a closer look at this CK cologne. Update: I am revamping this review, after trying this cologne again. The Best CK Fragrances

What does Euphoria Men Smell Like?

euphoria men

Notes include: chilled sudachi, raindrop accord, solid amber, cedar leaf, black basil, patchouli, creamy suede, ginger pepper cocktail, Brazilian redwood

Click here to try: CK Euphoria Men Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml

My Full Wear Review

I’m coming back to review this one again, after several years. I wasn’t crazy about this fragrance back then, I didn’t hate it, and was more or less indifferent toward Euphoria. I almost completely forgot about it. However, I’ve had a chance to retry it recently, and wanted to give this cologne a fair shake.

Euphoria Men opens up with it’s spiciness front and center. Ginger is the main attraction, which has really become a note, that I love wearing as of late (particularly in Burberry Brit). It is joined by its ‘pepper cocktail’ note, which gives a spicy punch to what otherwise would be more of a lighter freshness.

The amber note adds a warm somewhat sweet aroma, that is joined by basil, a bit of smooth suede, and a solid woody base. Euphoria shifts toward being a ginger/herbal spice, with the amber, and wood (lots of fresh cedar).

I like it, the blend of ginger/pepper/basil with amber is really enjoyable. How this cologne smells, has definitely grown in esteem with me, since I’ve last encountered it. What I get most of the wear is the woods: cedar and redwood. Along with, a hefty dose of amber.

Sillage, Longevity, Versatility

The sillage on Euphoria is pretty moderate, at first, then quite soft. This was always one of my problems with this fragrance, the performance being sub par. It’s not completely weak, in terms of how it projects, but it isn’t a standout either.

The longevity is also, pretty mediocre. It’ll go for 3-4 hours, on my skin, and pretty much be completely evaporated by the time hour four starts up. Still disappointing. I’ve even used the spray deodorant and it lasts about the same as the actual cologne.

Seasonally, Euphoria Men doesn’t really strike me as appealing to only one season. I think that it’s best in moderate climates. I don’t like it, in the heat of summer.

The rest of the year, seems about right. It is clean and fresh enough, to be versatile, as to what occasions you could wear it. It’s inoffensive, so work or school, is just fine. Though, I’d say that this one, seems like a better fit for guys in their 20s. Not really a nightlife cologne.

Overall Impressions of Euphoria Men

Do I like Euphoria overall? I like the smell. It’s much better than I remember, a nice spiciness, with herbal qualities, and wood. Simple and straightforward, but very pleasant. The aroma itself, isn’t the issue, it’s the performance.

It’s a simple sort of fragrance, but is pretty unique in how it smells. The performance is just lackluster and how good it smells can’t really save it entirely.

To this day, it doesn’t seem to work on my skin, but I’ve read other complaining about it as well. Is it the absolute worst? No, I mean, I could probably find a use for this stuff (if I didn’t have an endless line of options).

The smell is really nice, though, not amazing. If you can get a bottle for cheap, Euphoria Man, wouldn’t be a bad option. It’d be a limited option, but a nice wear, while it lasted.