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Le Male vs Ultra Male by Gaultier Cologne Comparison

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Jean Paul Gaultier’s fragrance, Le Male, has become an absolute classic and perennial best seller. It’s spawned an insane number of flanker fragrances, all put in slightly different versions of that iconic torso shaped bottle. One of these flankers, Ultra Male has become quite a force on its own terms, as well as being a personal favorite of mine. But with all of its great qualities, how does it stack up against the original Le Male? In this post, I want to compare the two and lay out what the differences are and which of these two colognes is the better bet.

Ultra Male vs. Le Male: Tale of the Tape

Le Male

Notes include:  orange blossom, mint, lavender, woods, vanilla, tonka bean, cinnamon, and more

Click here to try: Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male By Jean Paul Gaultier For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 4.2 Oz.

Read my original review: Le Male by JPG

Ultra Male

Notes include: vanilla, pear, amber, woods, cinnamon, cumin, sage, lavender, mint

Click here to try: Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male for Men Intense Spray, Eau de Toilette, 4.2 Ounce

Read my original review: Ultra Male Review

Opening

Of course there is going to be a lot of overlap between these two fragrances. However, Le Male is much more geared towards being vanilla, woodsy, and powdery.

The opening of Le Male is all about the vanilla and its spices, mint and cinnamon. All of which are present in Ultra Male. As it dries down further, that’s when lavender and woods come in, and take away some spiciness.

While, Ultra Male is noticeably absent of the same powdery quality and has a sugary sweetness and an added pear note. What it does have is a burst of initial spice, mainly from the cinnamon note.  Pear, vanilla, and light citrus round it out and give it an aroma akin to bubble gum.

It’s kind of hard to give it to one or the other, it’s really about personal preference, and I like Ultra Male more. I’d give it a slight edge.

Edge: Ultra Male (slightly)

Projection

While both of these scents strike me as moderate, I think Le Male falls to the weaker end of that spectrum, and Ultra is towards the stronger end. Le Male is noticeable and can project well for a few hours, at least.

In fact, Ultra Male also comes out with more of a bang before settling down into that upper moderate range. Ultra Male actually has a rather large projection radius at first, but quiets into a moderate.

Go easy with the sprays or give it time to settle. Neither are bad, nor weak, but Ultra is stronger. I’ve sometimes used it like an air freshener and it will stick around pretty loudly for a long while.

Edge: Ultra Male

Longevity

Through personal experience, I tend to get 6-7 hours with Le Male, which is certainly respectable. Le Male used to have better longevity, but newer formulations, seem stuck in this 6-7 hour range.

With Ultra, I usually get at least 8, more likely 9, and sometimes even longer. Ultra Male has very good strength and is damn near elite in that regard. After having this cologne for two years, a colder climate will yield me 10 hours, pretty regularly.

Realistically, 8-9 hours is all you really need in almost every situation, and Ultra fills that role nicely. But, if you need a bit more, this flanker can provide that.

Edge: Ultra Male

Versatility

They both serve the same purpose. Nightlife type fragrances that are built for cold weather. There is really no difference in this regard. However, after spending more time with Ultra Male, I feel that Le Male, is the better casual scent.

Ultra Male can be too bold at first, which can limit it in certain situations. Plus, in near quarters, it can still project itself strongly sometimes (even after time has passed). I’m changing this category to Le Male.

Both of these scents are going to better for a younger man. Teens through mid-twenties for most guys. Neither of these is what you’d term a formal cologne.

Edge: Le Male

Overall Scent

I love Ultra Male right now. In the past, I have really enjoyed wearing Le Male, and I think that it is still a great cologne. However,  I think JPG, just made Ultra Male a better scent. I mean, Le Male has been around for 20+ years at this point, so it’s not surprising that they surpassed it eventually.

I could wear either and be perfectly fine, but I enjoy how they altered the notes in Ultra Male and got rid of the powdery excesses of the original. Granted, I believe that they are discontinuing Ultra Male, so the time to grab a bottle may be limited…but while that lasts, that’s what I’m going with.

It might be a good idea to pick up a bottle of Ultra Male and one of the cheaper Le Male clones. That way you could have both, if you desired.

Winner: Ultra Male

Acqua di Gio Profumo vs. Profondo

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Acqua di Gio Profumo has been the best release from the AdG series to me. However, 2020 saw Armani bring Profondo to the market, and it has gotten plenty of praise. Which of these two fragrances smells better? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy? In this post, I am going to compare these scents, before declaring an ultimate winner.

Note: Profumo has since been replaced by Acqua di Gio Parfum (very little difference at all, if any, other than the bottle).

Tale of the Tape: Acqua di Gio Profumo vs. Profondo

Acqua di Gio Profumo

Notes include: bergamot, sage, patchouli, incense, geranium, rosemary, and marine notes

Click here to try: Giorgio Armani Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Profumo 75ml (2.5oz) Parfum Vapo., 2.5 Fluid Ounce

Read my Review: AdG Profumo

Acqua di Gio Profondo

Notes include: mandarin, bergamot, lavender, marine notes, rosemary, cypress, lentisk, patchouli, musk

Click here to try: GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Profondo for Men Eau De Parfum Spray 4.2 Ounces, blue

Read my Review: AdG Profondo

Opening

The opening act of Profumo is laden with bergamot and the salty marine notes. It is darker and has a mysterious quality to it. Also, featuring a incense note that adds a smoky layer to it, as well as a very nice sage.

Profumo is going to develop with this smoky, herbal, and mineral smelling aroma as it develops. You’ll get plenty of the original AdG DNA, but it is much more distinct from that than is Profondo.

Meanwhile, Profondo starts off quite a bit like the original Acqua di Gio. The bergamot note takes the lead and is flanked by a slight mandarin orange note. The main difference is that Profondo is more marine, with less of a salty quality, and a resinous aroma from the lentisk. 

Profondo has the impression of water and less of an oceanic feeling. They wanted to design it to be like diving to the depths and it does have that refreshing quality…but not a salty ocean scent.

It will get smoother and a bit creamier, as it wears on. 

Which fragrance is better? Eh, it’s a close call. However, I would lean more towards Profumo, since it has more originality than does Profondo. But, I enjoy both of them.

Edge: Profumo

Projection

Profumo was never a powerhouse for me. It starts of pretty strong, but is much more moderate past the first few hours.

Not weak, but it hangs around. I do notice that it’s more of an intimate once you get past that bolder start. Usually, within a 3-4 foot radius for much of the wear.

As a parfum, it has the higher fragrance concentration between these two scents.

Profondo is an EDP and the lighter sillage of the two. Again, this one also hangs around nicely but it won’t be an in your face experience.

It’s better than the original AdG, in terms of strength, as well as Profondo Lights, but doesn’t hit that same Profumo level. Probably, 2-3 foot projection with a normal amount of sprays. You can get more from either if you start doubling up the application.

Profumo takes this category, as it was designed to do.

Edge: Profumo

Longevity

Profumo will stick around for over 8 hours on my skin. Usually, it’ll be under 10 and those last few aren’t really that strong. Not an elite fragrance, but still a nice wear. 

Update: I did notice a slight decline with Profumo, with its later bottles before it was basically rebranded as AdG Parfum. Nothing drastic, but not the same level of potency.

Profondo gives me 7-8 hours before quitting. It comes fairly close to Profumo, but still can’t get the win.

Both of these fragrances for having marine/aquatic characteristics perform well and don’t just completely evaporate off of the skin. Though, Profumo is the more intense and long lasting of the line.

Edge: Profumo

 

Versatility

Both of these colognes are very versatile spring and summer wears. That can be worn by men of all ages. Can be worn casually, lightly to the office, out on a date, etc. Since they do overlap so much, it would be easy to call this category a draw.

However, I think Profondo gets the edge, because it seems like it will hold up a bit better on the hottest days of the year.

Profumo is a bit thicker and has the incense smokiness and more of the mineral accord, so, it’s not as great at the extremes. Though, it’s not completely awful or anything, and still very much a summery type of cologne.

Edge: Profondo

Overall Scent

I really enjoy wearing Profondo. I think that it is close enough to the original, but has enough difference to stand on its own. Especially, during the dry down stages. It becomes smooth and fairly nuanced, with woody notes and a nice sweetness.

Profondo is sort of the midway between AdG and Profumo. So, if you think Profumo is a little too much, Profondo will be a better bet for you. It’s a deeper and more marine Acqua di Gio.

You don’t need both of these (though, I might personally), really, as there is overlap between them.

As such, only picking one. I’m going with Profumo. It has more of a unique vibe and gives a better performance. It is slightly better than Profondo, in my mind. 

Update: Profumo has been ‘discontinued’. Meaning, they’ve released a newer Acqua di Gio Parfum, which is basically the same thing, with maybe some slight alterations. I might now be tempted to go with Profondo, as I’ve seen a lot cheaper bottles of that floating around than either Parfum or old bottles of Profumo.

Many guys will enjoy Profondo more, however. If you weren’t sold on Profumo and liked the original AdG, I’d go with Profondo. Also, if you live in a really hot and humid region, Profondo may be a better buy.

You’ll get a smoother and a somewhat cleaner scent with Profondo. No huge herbal notes or incense. I really do like this one, just not as much.

Winner: Profumo

Coco Mademoiselle L’eau Privée by Chanel

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Coco Mademoiselle L’eau Privée was brought out by the design house in 2020, as a night scent interpretation of the original Coco Mademoiselle. I grabbed a sample of this a while back and wanted to give it a try to see what it’s all about. How does it smell? Is it worth a buy?

What does Coco Mademoiselle L’eau Privée Smell Like?

Notes include: rose, jasmine, mandarin orange, musk

Click here to try: CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE L’EAU PRIVÉE Eau Pour la Nuit Spray 1,70z

My Full Review

Here’s how Chanel describes this scent: A delicate, sensual interpretation of COCO MADEMOISELLE designed to be worn at night.

L’eau Privée opens up with the bright and juicy orange note that is found in the original Coco Mademoiselle. The neroli note is noticeably absent, but it does seem like there is still a bit of the patchouli note lingering around.

Obviously, this one isn’t anywhere close to being as bold or intense as the others in this line of fragrance. However, I really like the way that it smells. I’ve always been a fan of Mademoiselle and this gives you a lighter interpretation, where the orange really gets to shine.

It’s fresh and not as sharp, which is great, since it’s made to be sprayed before bed. The rose and jasmine are there, more of the jasmine to my nose, but neither ever really comes to dominate. For me, the mandarin orange and the musk notes are the stars of the show.

Not too much development, the orange fades, and it becomes more of a musky floral blend.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

At it’s peak, the sillage is pretty moderate. Weaker than the others in the series, so, don’t expect a huge projection. The thing is, that peak is short-lived. After that, L’eau Privée is a light fragrance that’s going to stick close to the body.

The longevity, is about 4 hours on me. Those last two hours, it’s basically a complete skin scent. Again, that’s what this one is designed to do. The performance isn’t going to be the selling point for anyone looking to purchase this fragrance.

The versatility is basically limited to a few hours before bed or anytime, you want a quick spray to freshen up for a short period of time. If you buy this, you’re not going to be wearing it out to the club or the office or wherever.

I mean, you can wear it to these places and you’ll smell great. But, a few hours later…it’ll be all but gone.

My Overall Impressions

Do I like this perfume? Yes, I love the formulation of this Coco Mademoiselle. L’eau Privée smells really great, upon the first spray. The mandarin orange really gets time to shine and you get plenty of that original DNA here.

If this were a longer lasting flanker, it’d be pretty damn amazing. As it is, only a limited number of people are going to want a bottle.

Something to wear to bed? Okay, fine. You’re still paying Chanel prices for the opportunity to do so. If that sounds like what you’re in the market for, it does smell wonderful. If you’re not, then, really go with one of the other Coco Mademoiselle options.

Acqua di Gio Absolu vs Dylan Blue Comparison

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In today’s comparison, we have a head to head match up between a Versace fragrance and one by Giorgio Armani: Dylan Blue vs. Acqua di Gio Absolu. Now, both of these men’s colognes have become fairly popular over the past few years, but which stands out the most? Which has the better performance? Versatility? Which one simply smells the best?

Tale of the Tape: AdG Absolu vs. Dylan Blue

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

Acqua di Gio Absolu

Notes include: patchouli, marine notes, labdanum, tonka bean, wood, bergamot, grapefruit, lavender, rosemary, apple, pear

Click here to try: Acqua di Giò Absolu Eau de Parfum Spray 4.2 fl oz Men

Read my full review here: Acqua di Gio Absolu

Opening

AdG Absolu opens with the citrus notes of bergamot and grapefruit, apple, wood, sea water, and tonka bean. It’s very fresh and aquatic with the woody notes providing a solid base for the other notes to play off of. It then, develops a warm and resinous smell due to the labadanum.

Meanwhile, Dylan Blue also starts off with the bergamot and grapefruit citrus combination. It’s also aquatic but opts for a black pepper note to spice the composition up some. More citrus than aquatic and with a does of ambroxan.

Which is better? I like complexity of AdG Absolu and how it develops, hitting many different notes, and doing it all very well. Dylan Blue isn’t bad, but kind of simple and very similar to so many other colognes.

Edge: Absolu

Projection

The sillage of both of these scents starts out pretty strong for the first hour. Then, both of them settle down into something that is much more moderate. After wearing both multiple times, I really don’t notice a distinct difference between how powerful and how much each projects.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Dylan Blue has consistently gotten me 5-6 hours of wear on my skin. No matter how many times I’ve worn it, it’s the same results. Meanwhile, AdG Absolu will go for about 8 hours. Neither is an insane length of time, but the Armani takes this category.

Edge: Absolu

Versatility

One thing that both of these fragrances excel at is in how versatile they are. Yes, they are both best in spring and summertime, but can easily make the transition to the rest of the year without issue. They can be worn casually or for evenings out or at work. There isn’t an advantage in this for either one.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I do like Dylan Blue, I even have a little mini bottle that I use from time to time, and it has grown on me more with passing time. The citrus and ambroxan notes are enjoyable, the fig leaf is a nice added touch, and overall its quite fresh and pleasant to wear.

However, it can also be kind of boring and a bit linear. There is some overlap with AdG Absolu, but Dylan Blue is ultimately simpler, and doesn’t have quite as good as smell.

Absolu, not only has similarities between itself and Dylan Blue, but also with Invictus Aqua. The thing is, it is superior in both aroma and performance to both. It takes a citrus and aquatic base and adds resinous and earth qualities to it.

The patchouli lends itself perfectly, not being too heavy, while there is a delightful amber permeating the whole things. It’s not my favorite fragrance by any stretch, but it does what it does, at a high level. It’s a solid choice for guys in their 20s.

I will say, that Absolu has more of a marine aroma than does Dylan Blue, and usually costs more. So, if those factor in, you might consider going with the Versace.

Winner: Acqua di Gio Absolu

Nisean by Parfums De Marly

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After this review of Nisean, I think that I have only two more write ups to do of my Parfums de Marly sample collection. This is a sample that I had to spend some more time with in order to really appreciate and see how the cologne developed before jotting down my thoughts about Nisean below. As usual, I am going to cover how it smells, performs, and whether or not it is worth a purchase.

What does Nisean by PdM Smell Like?

Notes include: patchouli, incense, cedar, rose, saffron, labdanum, lime, grapefruit, and more

Click here to try: PARFUMS DE MARLY NISEAN 125ML EDP SPRAY

My Full Review

Nisean is not one of the more well known or appreciated fragrances from Parfums de Marly. I don’t know why, maybe it’s because it’s name looks like a Japanese car manufacturer. Anyhow, here is how the cologne sample card describes it: “A beautiful dark wood, hyper textured (majestic patchouli) illuminated by a distinguishable incense note, having the effect of a sacred nectar warming both the heart and the body.”

Sure, ok. I definitely pick up on the dark wood, which I’m guessing is the cedar. Nisean is dry and warm with the amber and the familiar smokiness of the incense note. The saffron is there but it isn’t as intense to my nose, as it was in Godolphin (which I prefer to Nisean).

However, I think that the saffron still plays very nicely off of the patchouli.

During the dry down, there is an element of sweetness (not candy-like) that emerges from within Nisean. Like a dried fruit sweetness, from the grapefruit/lime citrus combination, and a floral sweetness provided by rose.

It stays very warm and woody but there is that citric quality that just feels like it is soaking into the cedar wood. From there, I get a bit of a pepper spice and a warm/sticky amber note.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Nisean is toward the upper moderate end of the spectrum. Not a monster, but it is solid, and you’ll know that it is there. On the other hand, the longevity is awesome.

Like almost every other Parfums de Marly cologne, this one is hitting the double digit hour mark, without trouble. I tend to lose track of these workhorses, but I’d say somewhere in the 12-13 hour range, on my skin.

Wear wise, I’d put this in the fall and winter seasonal category. It’s a mature scent, not ‘old man’, but a guy in his late 20s and up who has his shit together. Nisean can be worn semi-casual to dressed up and is best in that space or as an office scent. It’s not something for the night club scene by any stretch.

Overall Impressions of Nisean

Overall, do I like Nisean? Yes, I like it. I feel like it’s probably the sixth or seventh best of this company’s line of colognes. That’s saying something about the depth of options here, as this is by no means an average fragrance.

It’s a very dry woody fragrance with patchouli, incense, and amber warmth as its base.

From there, you’ll get some bit players such as the citrus notes chipping in. It smells good but it isn’t amazing, in my opinion. Though, it is a great performer. It’s a very solid fragrance and could earn a spot in a man’s rotation, but it wouldn’t be my number one option.