Bleu Noir EDP by Narciso Rodriguez

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Bleu Noir EDP is another flanker fragrance from this Narciso Reodriguez line of scents. It was released in 2022. I recently bout a sample of this one along with the Parfum, in order to give each a full test and review for the site. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is EDP worth a try?

What does Bleu Noir EDP smell like?

Notes include: musk, ebony wood, amber, cedar, and vetiver

Click here to try: Bleu Noir EDP

My Full Review

The opening of Bleu Noir EDP is mostly about the musk and the vetiver notes. Fresh, sort of earthy with a hint of dirtiness under the cleaner aspects. It’s got a fairly dry profile, at this stage. 

As we move along, I get less of the vetiver on my skin, and the musk takes the top spot for the rest of the way. With that, comes the ebony wood and amber, and Bleu Noir becomes smoother and much warmer. 

There is still a slight sweetness here and even a powdery touch. Even though, this one doesn’t officially have that same iris note that is in the Parfum version. 

This is how it goes on for most of the way. The aroma of the vetiver will continue declining and some cedar will be more apparent with the ebony wood.

The final dry down for me, is essentially just the musk and amber with a very light woody scent floating about in the background. This isn’t a very complex fragrance.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is at best moderate. It’s a lighter fragrance that hangs around your skin without a ton of projection. During that first 30-60 minutes or so, you do get some nice ability to project, but this isn’t a massive scent.

The longevity is pretty good, not great. On me, it lasts between 6-7 hours, before finally disappearing. Again, the back half is especially when this one is sticking close to the skin. It is still around and somewhat noticeable, but past the 7 hour mark, I get nothing from it.

Seasonally, because it isn’t a heavy cologne, it can kind of fit in most scenarios. It’s probably not the best for high heat and humidity, but outside of that this Bleu Noir flanker will hold up well.

It is also very versatile in terms of when you can wear it. It can work as a daily wear scent to the office and be worn out at night. It’s not the boldest nightclub scent or the sexiest fragrance you might grab for a night out. But, it will fit in well enough, and not really be a bad choice.

Overall Impressions of Bleu Noir EDP

Overall, do I like Bleu Noir EDP? It’s pretty good, but nothing special. The Parfum version is indeed better than this one. 

The opening is fine, not my favorite. Though, I do like the middle, when you still get some of the vetiver with the amber and woods also in balance with one another.

Still, even with that, I’m never completely loving wearing this cologne. It’s nice enough and has its moments that are quality, just nothing that I need to have in my rotation.

The performance is pretty basic too. Bleu EDP is the type of fragrance that you can wear almost anywhere, but it’s not going to stand out or blow you away with how long it lasts.

That all being said, it’s probably worth a try, at least. The pricing isn’t crazy and it can cover so many bases for guys, that it warrants consideration. The smell itself might endear itself more to you, than it did for me.

Nautica Voyage vs Azzaro Chrome

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For this edition of the head to head fragrance comparisons, we are going to be taking a closer look at two inexpensive and popular options for men: Azzaro Chrome vs. Nautica Voyage. Which of these two best sellers, is the better buy? Which smells better? Has the top performance? I have tested and reviewed both and will break it down below.

Tale of the Tape

Nautica Voyage

Notes include: apple, musk, cedar, lotus, amber, mimosa, and oak moss

Click here to try: Nautica Voyage Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 oz

Read my original review: Nautica Voyage Review

Azzaro Chrome

Click here to try: Men’s Chrome by Azzaro Eau de Toilette Spray – 3.4 oz.

Notes include: neroli, lemon, bergamot, rosemary, pineapple, musk, woods, and jasmine

Read my review: Chrome Review

Opening

Azzaro Chrome opens up with lemon and pineapple, this citrus blend, is fresh and pretty sharp. With that, is jasmine and neroli, and the second one is quite prominent up top. Chrome is a bright with an aquatic sort of aroma, despite there not being any oceanic notes.

Combined,  it is all pretty familiar and yet unique. It does get compared to CK One, but it does have a distinct aroma. Yes, vaguely metallic, at times.

Voyage starts off with crisp apple with mimosa and plenty of musk. It’s got a ‘green’ aroma with aquatic undertones and the muskiness. Voyage is clean with a watery scent.

Which is better? I’m going with Chrome, as the citrus/floral/aquatic composition, is much better at the start than is Voyage. The Nautica can be too much of a mess at first, and can take time, to settle.

Edge: Chrome

Projection

Chrome starts off pretty strong for me, it can be really bold, right out of the bottle. Later on, it is much more of a moderate scent. Voyage, is basically moderate, right out of the bottle. It’s pretty consistent, but lighter than Chrome is.

Edge: Chrome

Longevity

Nautica Voyage delivers 5-7 hours of wear, on my skin. It’s been the same result, over the years, time and time again. Not getting more than that. Azzaro Chrome will go for 7-8 hours, which outclasses its competitor, on most occasions.

Neither of these have ever been super performers for me. However, they’ve always been above average and can provide great value.

Edge: Chrome

Versatility

Both fragrances have good versatility. Neither is a nighttime scent, however. Chrome would probably fair better for office wear versus Voyage. Other than that, there’s not too much separation here. Both can be worn year round and serve as an inexpensive daily wear.

Edge: Chrome (slightly)

Overall Scent

Is it a clean sweep for Chrome? Yes.

While I like Nautica Voyage, it’s not a really ‘great’ cologne, just a great cheap cologne. It has a nice overall aroma, but to me, never smells as good as Chrome does. It doesn’t have the same performance level, either. But for less than $20? Having a bottle, isn’t a bad idea.

Chrome, on the other hand, features a great citrus/floral formula with underlying aquatic notes and a ‘metallic’ edge. It’s such a simple wear, but one which, gets plenty of complements and has the performance to last a workday.

Its dry down, becomes woodier, with hints of musk, and the citrus notes still sitting on top. The price at retail is usually pretty high, but every so often Chrome seems to get marked down dramatically at secondary sellers.

That $35-50 range is pretty standard, but I’ve seen bottles go for under $30 too. Basically, the price difference isn’t as large as it may seem. The Azzaro actually hovers much closer to the Nautica range than it first appears.

Chrome is wonderful in its niche and has been doing it for decades now. It wins this match up with ease.

Winner: Chrome

9 Fragrances that Smell Similar to Spicebomb

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Spicebomb for a long time, did its own thing. There really wasn’t much that smelled like it and that’s part of what made it so awesome. However, sometimes a good thing can be too expensive. Some even complain, that this popular fragrance, has reformulated.

I don’t know about that last part, as last I’ve tried it, Spicebomb smelled the same. Maybe it lost some power, but it definitely hasn’t been wrecked.

Either way, guys want an alternative to the Viktor & Rolf powerhouse, and that’s what I want to tackle in this post. Is there an exact clone of Spicebomb? I still say, no. However, there are definite options, which deliver similar experiences.

I’m also going to use this page for scents that are like the flankers, such as, Spicebomb Extreme, Infrared, and Night Vision. At least, if and when I find such alternates.

What Colognes Smell Like or are Clone Alternatives to Spicebomb?

Boozier Spicebomb

Bvlgari Man in Black Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– So, Blvgari’s Man in Black, isn’t always thought of when it comes to seductive sort of fragrances; but it most certainly is one from my experience. It’s not a super intense bomb or one that lasts all night (roughly 4-6 hours), but that’s more than enough for when I use it.

This is a boozy version of Spicebomb, in a lot of ways. I say, that this one is darker, and has its own personality. But man, they are like brothers, closely related but not exact copies.

Man in Black has become for me, a nightlife wear on cooler evenings. Why? Because there is a certain percentage of women, who go nuts for this scent. Not kidding. I’ve had multiple random women stop me at a bar and just flat out tell me how sexy I smell.

I’ve also worn it on a few dates and pretty much been mauled by my companion, while repeating how much they love my cologne. At times, this has been that mythical ‘panty dropper’, scent that often gets talked about on fragrance forums and YouTube videos.

So, while it’s not universally as popular as some of the other scents on this list, Bvlgari’s dark and boozy fragrance can do work when out in the field. It starts off with rum and cinnamon spices that is tempered by a smooth leather note.

There is a oud base which amps up the masculinity and floral notes lingering around to give it a bit of sweetness.

Again, it actually projects pretty moderately, but does the job when someone gets close to you. This isn’t one that I wear everyday, rather, I break it out at night to see what attention it attracts me. Man in Black Full Review

Inspired Remix

Spice it Up with Belgian Choco– This one is a hybrid mix from The Dua Brand. Their version of the Spicebomb formula, is ‘Spice it Up’. However, it appears that they’re no longer selling the stand alone, at this time.

But, they do have the version mixed with their own scent called, Belgian Chocolate Truffle. So, essentially this is a fragrance that smells like Spicebomb, just with added: chocolate, almond, plum, and caramel notes to the mix.

I haven’t tried this one out, in particular. I have bought more than 10 fragrances from Dua in the past, including their ‘inspired takes’ on designer perfumes. They do a good job at coming coming close to replicating the smell.

This one should be fun with the sweeter gourmand elements added in.

Great Inexpensive Alternative

Spice & Black Vanilla by Cremo– Spice & Black Vanilla is a great one from Cremo that doesn’t cost very much, but it delivers a pretty close experience to scents from the Spicebomb line.

I for sure see the connection, between the two. To me, it’s sort of like Spicebomb with touches of Spicebomb Extreme, but simplified. Sweeter than either, too.

The spice mix seems to be a cardamom and cinnamon blend, with the latter being weaker, and not to the same extent as the Viktor & Rolf cologne. That top is spicier, but the dry down is vanilla based and quite woody.

Performance is in the 5-7 hour range with this, in my experience. Pretty good, considering this currently retails for about $20 (as of writing).

Sweeter & Inexpensive

Beverly Hills Polo Club Blaze by Beverly Hills Polo Club, 3.4 oz Eau De Toilette Spray for Men– This is a really inexpensive options that can mimic much of what we’re looking for with Spicebomb.

Is it amazing? No. It doesn’t have the depth, nor the staying power of our target. Nonetheless, it can be an option for those really pressed, for price. It’s got a heavy dose of cinnamon and more of a sweeter edge than does Spicebomb.

Drier and Smoother

Hanae Mori Him Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce– This Hanae Mori release, isn’t an exact duplicate of Spicebomb, but it’s a fairly close relative of what we’re looking for. The biggest overlap comes in the use of both cinnamon and pepper, for the spiciness, but includes additional cardamom.

However, HiM has a sweet quality with tonka bean, light citrus, and warm amber. This all sits on top of mainly cedar, with some other woodsy notes.

Not the same level of spicy intensity, this is drier, and has a smoother character. Solid performance and available at a affordable price.

Leather and Spice Fendi

Fendi Fan Di Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 1.7 Ounce– Fan Di Fendi is a line that has gotten overlooked for the past few years. I wore the Aqua version, over the summer, and it’s got a lot of positive qualities.

This fragrance, is another option that sits in the same ballpark, as Spicebomb. This one amps up the leather, gives you the pink pepper/cardamom combo, and a solid woody base. Smooth with a bit of citrus, not as rough, and has a better ability to venture into warmer weather.

The good news is, this stuff has been heavily discounted. Again, not a clone of the Viktor & Rolf fragrance, but similar sensibilities.

Dry Spicy Burberry

BURBERRY London for Men Eau de Toilette , 1.7 fl. oz– London was my first Burberry cologne and its woody fragrance is probably the most masculine of the lot. Its base notes include mimosa, leather, tobacco, cinnamon leaves, and lavender.

This fragrance is probably best served as an evening wear option because of its sensual appeal. However, I used to daily wear this seasonally, back in college. Just with lighter sprays.

London opens up, at its spiciest, with that tobacco note surrounded by both pepper and cinnamon leaf. It also features a port wine ingredient at the top, to give the scent, an ever so slight booziness.

If you pay attention, you can pick up on the wine, it’s a nice addition. Further along, the spices notes are fading in place of the leather, and dry woodsy notes.

This is an option for those who want a good designer wear, that occupies a similar space as does, Spicebomb. This is much drier, but does share many related ingredient as Spicebomb. I just wanted to throw it out there, as another candidate.

It can be very dry and earthy at times, with a certain masculine ruggedness. It has its refinement along with a wild undercurrent. The most prominent notes are the tobacco, cinnamon, and leather notes. Great stuff.

London starts off with a strong sillage, but ends up being pretty moderate. The longevity is good and this one is still so enjoyable to me, after all these years. Burberry London Review.

Another Cheaper Alternative

Lomani Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, Body and Soul, 3.3 Ounce– As far as cheap alternatives to Spicebomb, this one is probably the best. It definitely brings that peppery kick up front, can clone much of what Spicebomb does, but then has its own personality.

Body and Soul gives you a touch of citrus, a lovely tobacco note, and fresh lavender to help make it feel clean. Not that sweet, but has enough to offset the pepper and tobacco note. The performance is good, but the sillage isn’t super strong. Not terrible, either.

Night Vision Dive

Zino Davidoff Cool Water Night Dive EDT Spray for Men, 2.5 Ounce– A very nice take off of the original Cool Water with mint, berries, aquatic elements, pepper, and tobacco.

It’s sweet and interesting yet still maintains an oceanic vibe but built for the nighttime as the name suggests.

It has some resemblance to the original Cool Water, with a sweetish and fresh aroma that has similarities to Night Vision EDP.

The main difference will be with its aquatic notes, which don’t feel to powerful and not really a salt water smell, at least for me. But, that just adds to the synthetic sort of freshness that each of these colognes can produce.

Much sweeter than Cool Water, more ‘blue’, less herbal/floral ‘greenish’ qualities. But, the rest of it feels a lot like Spicebomb Night Vision. Not going to be an exact match Performance isn’t bad, can be a nice wear for the summertime.

Bleu de Chanel EDP vs Versace Eros Comparison

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In this edition of the head to head men’s fragrance comparisons, I wanted to take a closer look at two very popular scents for men: Versace Eros vs. Bleu de Chanel EDP.

Now, of course, BdC has multiple variations to compare; however, I chose the eau de parfum version because I think that it’s the best.

While Eros, has it’s own set of flankers (not counting Flame). I’ll go with the original. Which cologne smells better? Which lasts longer? Read below for my full break down.

Tale of the Tape: Eros vs Bleu EDP

Versace Eros

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

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

My review: Versace Eros

Bleu de Chanel EDP

Notes include: grapefruit, sandalwood, amber, vanilla, tonka bean, ginger, mint, and more

Click here to try: Bleu De Chaneⅼ Eau De Parfum Pour Homme Spray 1.7 Fl. OZ. / 50ML.

Read my Review: Bleu de Chanel EDP

Opening

Versace Eros starts off with a bold mix of mint, apple, and lemon. In some newer bottles, the lemon seems stronger to my nose, and the vanilla doesn’t come on as early.

Update: But, with my most recent travel sprayer it’s more of a balanced blend again.

Eros is a interesting mix of a warm cloud of sweetness and a cool crisp freshness.

Apple and mint, bring on the latter. Tonka bean and vanilla, create that cloud-like effect.

Bleu de Chanel EDP also starts off with citrus, including lemon, but the grapefruit note is actually the stronger of the two.

Bleu also brings on its mint note, but the ginger and pink pepper, have a stronger spice. A little later, you get a smoky incense, and warm amber.

Which is better? I do enjoy the opening of Eros, a whole lot. I liked the original batches the best, however. Now, the lemon does seem stronger, which throws off the balance a bit (not too much, but noticeable).

The opening of Bleu EDP can be sharp, but I enjoy the citrus notes, and the spicy freshness which comes through. I think I’ll give the Chanel the edge.

Edge: Bleu

Projection

Eros has always been a loud fragrance, on my skin. The sillage will project itself pretty far and wide; it totally has the ability to take over a room.

Bleu EDP, is strong, but doesn’t have a crazy powerful projecting ability. In fact, as it wears on, it’s pretty moderate. Bleu never touches the capability of Eros.

Update: Newer bottles of Eros aren’t as strong, as they used to be, in my opinion. I still think it has the slight edge, but they are now almost equal.

Edge: Eros (slightly)

Longevity

Bleu de Chanel EDP, gets me about 8 hours of wear. For me, Bleu Parfum, has the best longevity in the BdC family (10 hours).

Eros still gets me 10 hours, even with the newer bottles (swear, they are different from the originals). Both of these scents, have the staying power, Eros just goes a bit further.

Update: I’m changing this one from Eros to a tie. The power with Eros has retreated over the years, as has the longevity. Now, it also stands at about 8 hours or so.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Versace Eros is good as a casual scent for younger men, and also as, a nightlife powerhouse. It is best worn in the autumn/winter months and can completely fall apart in the high heat. Springtime, it’s decent.

Meanwhile, Bleu EDP can go year round, but is just okay when it’s really hot. Nonetheless, Bleu is better in a variety of climates than is, Eros.

Beyond that, Bleu is much better as an office scent or a formal-type of fragrance. It isn’t just limited to that, though, as it also fits while wearing a t-shirt and jeans.

It’s the more mature of the two, but not an ‘old man’ cologne, by any means. BdC EDP just has many more applications, than Eros does.

Edge: Bleu

 

Overall Scent

All right, we’re tied up going into the final category. I really do enjoy both of these fragrances and have no problem recommending either. Versace Eros has been a favorite for a long time, since I first had a sample, upon its release.

Back then, it was so bold and enveloping, with a fresh mix of sweetness and spice. The sillage was crazy, as was the longevity. I started wearing it on a regular basis, for a year or so.

However, I have a more recent mini bottle, and it seems different. It’s still very nice, but again, the vanilla/tonka bean isn’t the same.

The lemon feels amped up and it’s not the same powerhouse it once was (it’s still strong as hell, but it was once monstrous). Legend Night, has taken on the role, that the older bottles of Eros used to occupy.

I do still love the mint and apple. Plus, the dry down is still great, in my opinion. I’m not bashing Eros, it just doesn’t do much for me any longer. The formula is still good, but it doesn’t have that same level of greatness.

Bleu de Chanel EDP is a better fragrance, though. It is more refined, balanced, and versatile. It doesn’t have the same crazy performance levels, but it’s still very good across the board.

The smoky citrus and sandalwood, in the dry down is great. For me, it’s not a big win, but Bleu does get the nod. Eros, really isn’t even similar to Bleu de Chanel, and they aren’t substitutes for one another.

Winner: Bleu de Chanel EDP

bleu parfum review

9 Best Leather Scented Perfumes for Women

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Leather is fairly common as the lead ingredient in men’s fragrances. However, it usually only plays a minor role, in those targeted toward women. Nevertheless, it is still a very popular and familiar smell for people, that it will lead the way in perfumes from time to time.

In this post, I want to present nine options for ladies’, who are looking for a great leather scented perfume. If you want some more options, here is my men’s list, and there should be some fragrances that aren’t too masculine.

What are the Best Smelling Leather Perfumes for Women?

Best Tom Ford Leather

Tom Ford Ombré Leather Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4-oz–  Ombre Leather is a new 2018 release, but one that I’m really enjoying. It is unisex scent but leans more masculine, in my mind. This fragrance is very dry and warm, with leather being the main star.

However, it is joined by amber and moss, that play the background. The description by the marketing department at Tom Ford, describe this one, as taking a lot of cues from the arid landscape of the western United States.

Jasmine is another important part of Ombre Leather and it is shockingly good when put together with the leather in this fragrance. The leather is rich and very smooth, it really reminds me of a supple leather jacket. The dry down period is mostly about the jasmine and leather notes, being at the forefront. Smooth, sweet, lightly floral, and with that subtle amber note hovering in the background.

I actually prefer this scent to Tuscan Leather, but that’s just my opinion, and I think I’m in the minority there. A moderate wear, with an overall clean aroma, but with an earthy dirtiness underneath. Patchouli and dry moss, only add to the rugged outdoorsy smell of the dry down. However, that is just one layer, underneath that dark gem of a leather not. Awesome.

Ombre Leather has moderate sillage for the first 6-8 hours of wear, then, it’s more of a skin scent. That period will go on for an additional 2-3 hours. It’s not a beast, in terms of its power, but it does have a long lasting lifespan. Ombre Leather Review

Memoir

Memoir Woman by Amouage– Now, this one isn’t a direct leather fragrance. Rather, it is one with a significant amount of the note.

However, that’s not a bad thing, as this is still a great perfume with a great leathery accord. You’re also going to get plenty of wood, amber, incense, spice, and some lighter floral touches. Memoir Woman has depth and cycle that will present different facets of its structure.

The opening will have less of our target note, but I find the middle and dry down to have a very leathery presence on my skin. Sure, that’s paired with some sweet resinous notes, tuberose, and wood. But, I really like the effect. It’s just a pricey perfume.

Classic Warm and Rich Leather

Habanita By Molinard For Women Eau De Toilette Spray, 1.7-Ounces– Habanita dates all the way back to the 1920s. Is it the same exact perfume from back then?

Almost certainly not. However, it is a classic fragrance with a great leather notes playing a leading role. It starts off with fruit notes, blended together, but you can sense peach.

Then, it becomes warmer and rich with tobacco, amber, and leather. Floral notes dance in the background, creating a powdery aroma, which combines with leather in the dry down. This stuff is bold and can be hard to find, but it’s been around for close to a century for a reason.

Unisex Leather Option

Valentino Donna Noir Absolu– Donna Noir Absolu has overlaps with the men’s version of this, but is unisex at the same time. A blast of peppery spice in the opening, settles down into a smooth leathery joy.

On top of that leather is a sweet/tart fruitiness and just a hint of booze, at least early on. The further along you get, the drier that the perfume becomes, with an incense smokiness permeating the fragrance.

The opening has a dark plum note, with that initial booziness, and peppered kick. Then, you will transition into something that is more of a smooth woody leather, when out target note is paired with sandalwood.

Not super heavy, not too sweet, just a well-blended and great smelling perfume.

Cuir Chanel

Cuir de Russie by Chanel- Another high-end leather fragrance and a classic from Chanel. Cuir de Russie is ultimately a leather floral fragrance.

However, it doesn’t stop there. It opens up with some light sparkling citrus, along with some dry and smoky birch wood from the base. Tobacco comes into to add some heft and sweetness of its own.

You get the usual Chanel floral notes like jasmine and ylang-ylang. Yet, all of this is in support of a supple and rich leather note which permeates the wear. In the end, it’s more of a leather, jasmine, and birch finish. Less sweet than it started, but hints of that opening still remain.

Super pricey, in the EDP version. So, I’d probably track down a sample before committing to the full bottle purchase.

Vanilla Blend

Fan Di Fendi Extreme Eau De Parfum Spray – 75ml-2. 5oz– Fan di Fendi Extreme is from this century, but still one that seemed to fly under the radar. Actually, you could say that about both the men’s and women’s fragrances, released under this title.

There is some light citrus and tuberose in the opening stages, but the main start are the leather and vanilla.

Leather is the prominent note, and it is fantastic in this one, with a creamy vanilla to flank and provide support. Very well put together and can feel unisex, at times. The opening is a bit sharp, but it calms down, into a more beautiful form.

Natural Floral and Leather

Bottega Veneta Bottega Veneta Eau De Parfum Spray, 1.7 Ounce– Bottega Veneta start off with some fruity top notes, which lose their strength quickly, but linger around for quite a long while. Pink pepper moves in, with some awesome jasmine, and a super smooth leather.

It’s light, with floral elements, and a clean somewhat outdoorsy presentation. Later, it takes on more of a powdery finish with the leather still leading things. Has a very good blend of sweetness, leather, and creaminess.

Hermes Entry

Hermes Kelly Caleche Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 3.3 Ounce– This is one for those who want a more floral blend with the leather. This one has plenty or rose, violet, with some iris thrown in. The leather is the centerpiece, but each flower, seems to have its turn to shine.

Kelly Caleche is fresh, interesting, with nice vanilla undertones. Not too heavy, but solid performance, and has a somewhat playful vibe.

Unique and Dark

Black By Bvlgari Eau De Toilette Spray 2.5 oz– Bvlgari Black is a unique sort of scent, that also has mass appeal. Black features green tea and a rubber note in there also. Yep, rubber, but it’s actually really nice.

Leather with green tea, a warm amber, and vanilla bringing things all together. This is a unisex fragrance that has a dark profile, but enough sweetness, to keep its more unusual ingredients in line.