10 Best Smelling Old Spice Scents

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Old Spice is a brand that has been around forever. Well, for at least as long as most of us have been alive. Recently, their commercials have become funny, absurd, and pushing the angle of being over the top masculine. It’s worked, because the brand’s popularity has skyrocketed.

With all that in mind, what scents are among the best options from Old Spice? Which deodorants, body sprays, or body washes are worth trying out? I have selected ten from their line of products, which I feel deliver the best bang for your buck. Also check out: Best Axe Scents

What Makes Old Spice Unique?

Old Spice stands out because it takes everyday products like deodorant, body wash, and body spray and makes them feel more like choosing a fragrance.

Instead of generic “fresh” or “sport” scents, Old Spice gives each product its own recognizable personality; whether that’s the clean confidence of Swagger, the woodsy aroma of Timber, the aquatic freshness of Captain, or the sweet citrus punch of Wolfthorn.

It also offers a wide range of scent styles, from classic masculine woods to sweeter fruity options, so there’s something for almost everyone.

A big part of its popularity is that it gives people an affordable way to smell better every day without having to spend designer fragrance money. For a lot of guys, it becomes the “default scent” they wear most often because it’s simple, familiar, and consistently works.

Quick Overview

🏆 Best Overall: Swagger

If you want the safest all-around Old Spice scent, Swagger is the top pick. It has that classic fresh masculine profile with lime and cedarwood, giving it a clean, confident smell that works almost anywhere.

It’s versatile enough for the gym, work, casual everyday wear, or just as an easy default deodorant and body wash scent. Unlike some of the sweeter or more playful options, Swagger has broad mass appeal and feels the most universally wearable.

🏆 Best Sweet / Evening Option: Night Panther

If you prefer something richer and sweeter, Night Panther is one of the most interesting Old Spice scents. It brings a warm chocolate and sandalwood profile that feels darker and more nighttime-friendly than the usual fresh deodorant scent.

It stands out because it smells more like a sweet fragrance than a standard body wash or deodorant. For cooler weather or evening use, this is one of the strongest choices.

🏆 Most Unique Scent: Wolfthorn

For something less traditional, Wolfthorn stands out immediately. It has a sweet orange, fruity scent that almost smells candy-like compared to the usual masculine woods and spices found in most body sprays and deodorants.

Scent Scent Profile Vibe Best Season Best For
Swagger Lime, cedarwood, fresh masculine woods Clean, confident, classic Year-round Daily wear, gym, office
Night Panther Chocolate, sandalwood, sweet woods Rich, sweet, nighttime Fall / Winter Evening use, sweeter scent lovers
Royalty Black cherry, cognac, soft woods Smooth, refined, fruity Fall / Winter A more mature sweet scent
Dynasty Leather, spice, suede sweetness Warm, smooth, masculine Fall / Winter Classic masculine style with a modern twist
High Endurance Fresh Clean fresh spice, understated freshness Simple, classic, reliable Year-round Deodorant that won’t compete with cologne
Bearglove Apple, citrus, spice, soft woods Bright, youthful, fruity Spring / Summer Casual wear and sweeter daily use

Favorite Old Spice Body Wash and Deodorant Scents 

Popular Swag

Swagger– From the Red Zone collection, Swagger has become the most popular Old Spice scent, at least in the body wash category. That is how I first became familiar with this fragrance, after purchasing a smaller travel size before leaving on a trip.

It bills itself as the, “Scent of Confidence”. The title is apt, as you do get a very fresh and attractive aroma, even if it can be difficult to exactly describe what it is.

It features notes of lime and cedar, which makes sense when you smell it, but not when you see the blue colored body wash.

What I’ve noticed about this one, is it lasts particularly long, even in that shower gel form. That’s fairly unusual, but obviously a great benefit at this cheap price point. I dig it and make purchases, when it is on sale.

Nightly Gourmand

Nightpanther by Old Spice– The Night Panther comes out at night, “because he works days”, according to the tag line. And what you get with this one, is suited for that time of day.

Chocolate and sandalwood are going to be the main attractions here. Sweet, rich, but the woods keeps it from going into hyper-candy mode. This is sort of the ‘Axe Dark Temptation’, of the Old Spice lineup.

To me this isn’t as sweet or chocolatey as that one. But, in some ways, Night Panther is better because of it. It has sort of a leathery type of finish to it. Quite rich.

As far as the body wash goes, this one seems to stick around longer than some of the others on the list, and is a nice little gourmand type of scent.

If you want a chocolatey sweet instead of fruity sweet, this is one to check out.

Black Cherry Cognac

Old Spice Body Wash for Men, Aluminum Free, Royalty Cologne Scent, 16.9 Fl Ounce, Pack of 4– Royalty is a newer release from Old Spice, but I had to throw it on the updated list, because it’s very nice.

It is a sweeter fragrance, but the body wash isn’t candy-like. They say that the notes are cherry and cognac, but it definitely leans towards the fruity side of things versus anything really boozy. It’s clean, fresh, and has a slightly woody base in the composition.

Not as youthful or completely sport like some other offerings from Old Spice. I’ve tried the body wash, but it also comes in the anti-perspirant, if you want to bundle the two.

An extra kick of cognac would’ve been welcome, but I really liked Royalty.

Leather and Spice 

Dynasty– Dynasty is another option from the same series as Royalty. While that’s more of a smooth fruit based scent, Dynasty gives you a smooth leather with a touch of spice (much like the touch of cognac in Royalty).

Dynasty isn’t super leathery, though. It’s got almost a suede-like aroma at times, but sweeter and that initial spiciness to balance out the sweetness.

I really liked the smell of the body wash version when I sniffed it in-store. Dynasty for sure had to make the list, with its rather simple, but very attractive modern take on a classic style.

top old spice deodorant

Classic Fresh Deodorant 

High Endurance Fresh– I’m pretty sure that this is only available as an antiperspirant deodorant. However, Fresh is a simple and straightforward performer, that I have been using.

I haven’t been able to track down what the exact notes are, but it is an understated clean aroma with enough spice to keep it interesting.

Fresh High Endurance isn’t an Old Spice fragrance that you will use to stand out. It is a classic attractive smell, with no frills, and actually performs extremely well.

Being that I own this site, I tend to wear different colognes, and Fresh doesn’t interfere or overpower them. It does its job.

Out of the classic styles of Old Spice deodorant scents, Fresh has been the best on that I’ve tried.

Popular Apple and Citrus Body Wash

Bearglove Wild Collection– The name Bearglove is stupid, the smell is actually pretty great. The notes are listed as apple, citrus, and spice. There’s a bit of sharpness, plenty of sweetness, but all in all an appealing and still masculine scent.

I grabbed a few bottles of the body wash and have been using it as of late.

I pick up a pretty hefty dose of the apple note, some spice, but not a crazy amount. Crisp and refreshing, with good longevity, for what it is.

Bearglove is somewhat candy-like with how the sweetness presents itself, but still has that clean freshness of the other body washes. Probably going to appeal more to younger men.

Best Tropical Smell

Fiji- Fiji takes a simple concept and executes on it rather well. The idea behind it, is to provide that tropical island experience. The main attraction? Coconut.

Now, Old Spice could have just put out a simple coconut body spray or deodorant, and been done with it.

What they instead added to the mix, is the smell of palm tree wood, which gives Fiji a solid base to work from. No, it’s not overly complex, but this is absolutely one of their better fragrances.

It is like a crisp breeze with the smell of coconut filling the air. Probably not for everyone, but a very nice bet, for those who like the pina colada sort of smells.

You might also want to try the Moisturize Body Wash with Shea Butter, as an alternative to Fiji, if you want something creamier. It’s more of a vanilla and amber scent, that I’ve also enjoyed from Old Spice.

Top Sweet Old Spice Scent

Wolfthorn– With the name, I wouldn’t have guessed it would be such a sweet fragrance, but it is. Candy-like with a fresh and delicious orange scented aroma. Probably the least ‘masculine’ of the lot, but is going to appeal to plenty of folks.

Wolfthorn gives you that orange/citrus blend with perhaps some other underlying fruity notes, that I can’t quite pick out.

Honestly, this is one that would be fine for women or men. Good performance, as well. It’s a great body spray candidate.

Has some similarities to Bearglove, but exchanging the apple for more of a pure citrus fragrance.

Semi-Aquatic/Oceanic Fragrance

Krakengard– Another entry from the Wild Collection. Krakengard gives you a bit of the sea, but doesn’t go full marine mode, like some actual colognes. It’s more like a sea spray, sitting underneath a blend of herbs and citrus.

This is another one that delivers a very clean fragrance, with a nice citrus sharpness, which settles down to a manly edge.

I like it, not as sweet as some of the others on the list, but you shouldn’t expect that from something named after a sea monster.

The touch of the oceanic, is a nice highlight, but it doesn’t go too crazy into being a complete salty ocean water sort of aroma.

Classic Fresh Wood

Old Spice Aluminum Free Deodorant for Men, Timber with Sandalwood Scent, 3 oz, (Pack of 3)– Timber is a pretty straightforward classic-style scent. It’s going to give you a fresh woody fragrance, without a lot of frills or sweetness like the others on the list.

While Fiji goes tropical with the woods, Timber is more mountainous in its aroma, and utilizes sandalwood as its main note.

Plus, the sandalwood here isn’t bad for being a body wash, but it certainly isn’t like a high end cologne.

Nonetheless, I like this one for its simplicity and it’s definitely one of their better fragrances. If you want to get away from the fruit-laden scents, Timber is one that you should check out.

Le Male vs Ultra Male by Gaultier

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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? After having bought and tested each of these fragrances, I want to compare the two and lay out what the differences are and which of these two colognes is the better bet.

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict

Ultra Male wins on opening, projection, and longevity, while Le Male wins on versatility and easier everyday wear. Buy Ultra Male if you want the louder, sweeter, stronger-performing nightlife fragrance with more compliment potential.

Buy Le Male if you want the smoother, more classic signature scent that works better across office, casual wear, and everyday use.

Ultra Male feels like the more exciting choice, while Le Male remains the safer all-around pick.

Category Le Male Ultra Male Winner
Opening Lavender, mint, bergamot, cardamom with fresh clean sweetness Pear, lavender, mint, cinnamon, vanilla with a sweeter candy-like feel Ultra Male
Projection Moderate, noticeable but smoother and less aggressive Strong, loud, and designed to stand out Ultra Male
Longevity Usually 6–8 hours depending on skin Around 9+ hours with stronger lasting sweetness Ultra Male
Versatility Very versatile for office, casual wear, dates, and cooler weather Best for nightlife, dates, parties, and colder months Le Male
Overall Scent Classic fresh vanilla barbershop style with smooth masculinity Sweeter, louder, warmer vanilla-pear scent with stronger club appeal Ultra Male
Best For Classic daily wear and signature scent use Nightlife, compliments, and stronger presence —

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.

There is a pleasant bergamot note up top with Le Male, also. I like how it and the cinnamon play off one another early. Obviously, very reminiscent of what I get from Ultra, too.

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. I will say that with my newer bottle, it’s definitely closer to that six hour mark than getting near or above seven.

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 and daily wear.

Update: Coming back to this post with my new bottle of Le Male, it’s definitely the better everyday cologne versus Ultra. Still not a formal fragrance, but an easy one to go with for younger guys.

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

le male jpg review

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 do enjoy coming back to it from time to time. When I got a smaller bottle, I wore it for like a month straight, before setting aside Le Male once again. The mix of creamy and powdery aspects can really draw me in, but the same sweetness eventually grates on my nerves, and I’ll move on to another fragrance.

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.

Update: It seems like the reversed course and then brought it back. Who knows how long it sticks around with the influx of Le Male flankers like Elixir, taking attention away from it.

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

Who Should Buy Each

Choose Le Male if:

You want the original Jean Paul Gaultier DNA
You prefer a smoother lavender-mint-vanilla scent
You need something more versatile for daily wear
You want a fragrance that works for office, casual wear, and dates
You prefer a classic masculine scent over something louder and sweeter

Choose Ultra Male if:

You want the stronger performer between the two
You prefer sweeter fragrances with pear, vanilla, and cinnamon
You mainly wear fragrance for dates, parties, and nightlife
You want stronger projection and more compliment potential
You like bold, youthful fragrances that stand out more

8 Best Louis Vuitton Fragrances for Men

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Louis Vuitton is always among the top selling or the exact best selling luxury brands in the world. Mainly known for its fashion, bags, and leather goods; it has recently begun to launch a whole host of fragrances for men and women.

The other LVMH maison, Christian Dior, is already a powerhouse in the perfumes space, and Louis Vuitton is seemingly positioning itself as an upmarket option here.

In this post, I want to give my suggestions as to the best smelling LV colognes for guys, for those who are looking for a place to get started in their search. I’ve linked up my full review of each, where applicable (I still need to finish one). 

Quick Overview

🏆 Best Overall: Imagination

If you want the safest all-around Louis Vuitton fragrance for men, Imagination is the top pick. It has huge mass appeal because it blends bright citrus, black tea, neroli, and ginger into something that feels fresh, upscale, and incredibly easy to wear.

It smells luxurious without being too loud, which makes it perfect for daily use, office wear, travel, or just as a signature scent. Among the current Louis Vuitton lineup, this is the one that feels the most universally loved.

Here’s a similar and cheaper alternative that I wear: #Imagine by the Dua Brand

🏆 Best Performance: Ombre Nomade

If maximum projection and longevity matter most, Ombre Nomade is the clear winner. This is the beast performer of the Louis Vuitton line, with huge sillage and serious staying power that can last all day and beyond.

The oud, incense, leather, and raspberry combination gives it a bold, dark, statement-making profile that is built for evenings, colder weather, and occasions where you actually want people to notice your fragrance. It is not subtle—but that is exactly why many people love it.

🏆 Best Summer Fragrance: Afternoon Swim

For pure warm-weather wear, Afternoon Swim is one of the best luxury summer scents available. It opens with a blast of juicy orange and bright citrus that feels sparkling, clean, and instantly uplifting.

Unlike heavier designer fragrances, this one feels effortless and refreshing in heat, making it ideal for vacations, daytime wear, and high-temperature climates. If you want the “luxury summer scent” experience, this is the one.

 

 

 

Fragrance Best For Season Key Notes Performance Sillage
Imagination Daily luxury wear Spring / Summer Citron, black tea, neroli, ginger Very good Moderate
Nouveau Monde Unique signature scent Fall / Winter Cocoa, saffron, oud, incense Great staying power Strong
Ombre Nomade Maximum performance Fall / Winter Oud, incense, raspberry, leather Beast mode Very strong
Nuit de Feu Fall signature wear Fall / Winter Incense, oud, leather, woods Very good Strong
Afternoon Swim Pure summer wear Spring / Summer Orange, citrus, ginger, ambergris Good Moderate
Sur la Route Clean woody citrus Spring / Summer Bergamot, cedar, nutmeg, pepper Very good Moderate
Cactus Garden Bright herbal summer Spring / Summer Lemongrass, bergamot, mate Very good Moderate
City of Stars Beachy citrus wear Spring / Summer Lime, blood orange, musk Good Moderate

Favorite Smelling Louis Vuitton Colognes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most Unique Option

Fragrance: Nouveau Monde

Notes include: leather, oud, saffron, cacao

Season: autumn, winter

Quick Verdict: A rich, distinctive scent built around cocoa, oud, saffron, and incense that feels unique, darker, and perfect for someone who wants a true signature fragrance.

Write Up:

Nouveau Monde is an interesting fragrance and which has quite a unique profile. Two of its main notes, are cocoa bean and saffron.

I enjoy a good saffron, an ingredient that doesn’t get used enough, but I can’t recall it being paired with cocoa bean in any other scent.

Along with that you get a smokiness from oud and incense. This Louis Vuitton scent does open up with a bit of sharpness, which I take is from the listed black currant note. However, thereafter Nouveau Monde has a bit of a sweeter undertone, blended with a light spice.

This is a bold scent with great staying power and a deep richness. It won’t be for everyone. I’m honestly not a huge fan of oud, but I did like this one and how it developed. 

 

Most Mass Appealing

 

Fragrance: Imagination

Notes include: black tea, citron, neroli

Season: spring, summer

Quick Verdict: The best all-around Louis Vuitton fragrance for men, combining fresh citrus, black tea, and smooth amber into a mass-appealing signature scent with true luxury feel.

Write Up:

I’m replacing L’immensite on this list, in favor of Imagination, after testing it. Frankly, the notes are similar, but Imagination is just better to me all around.

In fact, it might be the best of the bunch. (Update: Yes, this is my favorite, as of this revision)

Imagination is a beautiful fragrance, quite stunning at times. The amber is less intrusive than in L’immensite and the citron note here is simply awesome when paired with the crisp black tea note. 

Up top, you get the citron and other citrus notes, including mandarin orange. The citron sticks out the most, but there is a definite neroli floral infusion in the heart. Between that and the ginger note, there is a very clean and cold aroma here.

Early on, it a greenish citrus blend. Then, you get the floral touches. But, ultimately tea and the lighter amber get surrounded by the remaining citrus to create an easy to wear gem. Full Review

The Beast Performer

Fragrance: Ombre Nomade

Notes include: incense, oud, rose

Season: autumn, winter

Quick Verdict: The beast performer of the lineup, delivering huge projection, massive longevity, and a bold oud-leather-incense profile made for statement wear

Write Up:

I feel like every high-end designer needs to have their oud and rose fragrance. This is the Louis Vuitton version of that.

But, it’s actually not dominated by those two notes entirely, which is a good thing. It starts off smoky with incense and that oud note. Then, the smoke clears out and you get a blend of raspberry, rose, leather, and benzoin (though, I also pick up saffron). 

Ombre Nomade is very rich, balanced, and smooth. The rose and raspberry really help to keep it from being a oud bomb. Though, the sillage here is absolutely massive, and this is one to go light with the application. 

Not my personal favorite, but Ombre Nomade is one that I really appreciated, when I reviewed it: Ombre Nomade. 

 

Best Pure Fall/Autumn Fragrance

Fragrance: Nuit de Feu

Notes include: leather, incense, oud

Season: autumn, winter

Quick Verdict: A smoky, resinous fall and winter fragrance centered around incense and oud, ideal for cooler weather and people who love deep, mysterious scents.

Write Up:

Yes, this fragrance does capture a dark mood. Lots of incense in Nuit de Feu, so, you’re going to get a great smoky aroma, that is paired with oud and leather. Warm and resinous, with an overall dry profile. 

I like this one just a tad more versus Ombre Nomade, but that one is a lot more powerful.

The incense are really the star up top. Then, the leather carries the scent home.

The leather here, comes across as stronger than does the oud. Simple in its presentation, but I can imagine that this would really shine, when it gets colder out. It is more of a unisex fragrance, while it does have some power, Nuit de Feu didn’t strike me as overbearing

Actually, this Vuitton reminds me of the older batches of Dirty English, with a bit less wood and an incense infusion. Not the same smell exactly, but a similar style. Nuit de Feu Review

 

 

Best Pure Summer Wear

Fragrance: Afternoon Swim

Notes include: orange, ambergris, ginger

Season: summer

Quick Verdict: The ultimate summer Louis Vuitton fragrance, with bright juicy orange and sparkling citrus that feels clean, refreshing, and effortless in hot weather.

Write Up:

This fragrance is summertime the whole way. Not super complex, but attractive and has a very refreshing energy. Afternoon Swim is a citrus-laden cologne, so, if that’s not your thing it won’t be for you.

Does remind me a lot of Dior Homme Cologne (or an Acqua di Parma scent, like Bergamotto di Calabria, only with a dominant orange note), with some exceptions. First, Dior Cologne has more of an iced lemonade profile.

Second, this has somewhat of an aquatic vibe. There is a saltiness here (ambergris), that isn’t too intense, but is noticeable. Also, I dig the light ginger touches.

The orange note here is fantastic, along with its flanking citrus notes. Ginger doesn’t tend to last all that long in most fragrances and here it’ll be there for the opening act.

With these sorts of summer scents, you cannot really expect great performance. Though, Afternoon Swim from Louis V, holds up pretty well.  Afternoon Swim Full Review

 

Clean and Naturalistic Citrus

Fragrance: Sur la Route

Notes include: bergamot, cedar, grassy notes

Season: spring, summer

Quick Verdict: A smooth woody-citrus scent with a natural green freshness that feels refined, understated, and easy to wear every day.

Write Up:

This one is another citrus based fragrance, but definitely separates itself from the others on the list, in terms of how it smells.

It comes across as a bit watery, along with some green-ish grass notes. Not an aquatic or a refreshing drink, sort of cologne.

The opening does have a pretty powerful blast of the bergamot note and there is a strong leathery aroma, which LV doesn’t list in the actual notes, but it is there. The cedar note really adds that fresh woodiness to the already bright and watery citrus mix. 

Sur la Route should enjoy some mass appeal and popularity, out of the offerings from the Louis Vuitton collection. Very subtle spice from nutmeg and a dash of pepper, for at least some of the wear.

Mostly a classic clean woody citrus with some spring/summer naturalistic smelling notes. 

Louis Vuitton describes this one as, “A metaphor for each individual’s personal path: the journey is as important as the destination.”  Sur la Route Full Review

 

Another Awesome Summer Vuitton

 

Fragrance: Cactus Garden

Notes include: bergamot, geranium, lemongrass

Season: spring, summer

Quick Verdict: A bright herbal citrus fragrance with lemongrass and mate that feels uplifting, energetic, and especially strong for spring and summer.

Write Up:

Cactus Garden is a fairly unique summertime wear, led by lemongrass. That naturalistic aroma is paired with a fresh bergamot citrus and mate note, which gives this Louis V scent an herbal tea sort of aroma.

The geranium note helps to steer the ship and transition from the citrus and lemongrass notes towards when the mate becomes the lead in the dry down.

This is a great change of pace for the summer. Has some similarities to Green Irish Tweed by Creed, but still different and really beautiful.

The scent is particularly bright and energetic at first with the bergamot. Though, when it dries down you get a much colder and refreshing vibe coming through. That’s most of the wear, it’s a very simple blend that brings so much to the table within its limited confines.

Cactus Garden is perfectly unisex, awesome in warmer weather, and balanced enough for daily wear. Read my Cactus Garden Review

Update: This got discontinued. Here’s an alternative from Dua: Garden of Thorns. But the brand brought back Sun Song, which is also pretty good. Or you could go with Pacific Chill.

Starlight, Star Bright

city of stars review

Fragrance: City of Stars 

Notes include: blood orange, tiare flower, bergamot, lime, musk

Season: spring, summer

Quick Verdict: A sunny citrus-musk fragrance with a soft beachy feel that works well as a lighter, relaxed luxury scent for daytime wear.

Write Up:

City of Stars is another of the unisex options, on the list. It sort of leans slightly feminine, but is still one that can totally be worn by anyone.

Lime, blood orange, and bergamot are the citrus top notes. Lime, will be the strongest of the bunch, City is blended well throughout the wear.

This LV cologne isn’t a pure citrus blend, however. Tiare gives this one a tropical flower influence, which when paired with the citrus and musk, gives City of Stars a beachy and sunny sort of feeling.

It’s a great mix of the juicy freshness, with periods of powder and creaminess sitting underneath. The latter stages are more powder (still not massively) with some of that lime juice still attached to the aroma.

Maybe one that you try out to see if you vibe with it. City of Stars is a very nice experience, though. City of Stars Review

 

Acqua di Gio Parfum (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).

Quick Overview

My Verdict: Both of these scents are very enjoyable entries into the Acqua di Gio series. However, AdG Parfum (formerly Profumo) has a more interesting fragrance and slightly better performance versus its competitor.

 

Category Acqua di Gio Parfum Acqua di Gio Profondo Winner
Opening Bergamot, salty marine notes, incense, sage, darker and smokier Bergamot, slight mandarin, more marine, fresher and smoother Parfum
Longevity 8+ hrs, usually under 10 7–8 hrs Parfum
Projection Starts strong, then moderate; usually 3–4 ft Lighter sillage; usually 2–3 ft Parfum
Versatility Very versatile, but thicker and less ideal in extreme heat Very versatile, especially better for the hottest spring/summer days Profondo
Overall Scent More unique, smoky, herbal, mineral, better performance Smoother, cleaner, deeper marine take on the original Parfum
Best For Those who want the more distinctive scent and stronger performance Hot weather, humid climates, and fans of the original AdG DNA —

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

Acqua di Gio Parfum

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

Click here to try: Acqua di Gio Parfum by Armani

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 Parfum 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.

Parfum 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 Parfum, since it has more originality than does Profondo. But, I enjoy both of them.

Edge: Parfum

Projection

Parfum 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 Parfum 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.

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

Edge: Parfum

Longevity

Parfum 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 Parfum, 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 Parfum, 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, Parfum is the more intense and long lasting of the line.

Edge: Parfum

 

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.

Parfum 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: Parfum

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 Parfum. So, if you think Parfum 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 Parfum. It has more of a unique vibe and gives a better performance. It is slightly better than Parfum, 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 Parfum 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: Parfum

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose Acqua di Gio Parfum if:

You want the stronger performer with better longevity
You prefer darker, smokier, more mature fragrances
You like incense, mineral notes, and a more distinctive scent
You want something that works especially well for evenings or dressed-up occasions
You value projection and stronger presence over ultra-freshness

Choose Acqua di Gio Profondo if:

You want the fresher, cleaner everyday option
You live in a hot or humid climate and need better warm-weather versatility
You prefer brighter marine notes over smoky incense
You like the original Acqua di Gio DNA and want a modern update
You need something easier to wear casually, at the office, or during the day

Bleu de Chanel EDP vs. Parfum: Which to Buy? (2026)

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The Bleu de Chanel lineup has been an extremely popular one, over the past decade. Chanel has released multiple versions, under this banner, including its latest: Bleu de Chanel Parfum.

However, when we compare Parfum vs. BdC EDP, which is the better fragrance? How do these two cologne match up and which on should you consider buying, if you’re in the market.

In this post, I will break it down, after testing and reviewing them both. I compare them, in different categories, before declaring a winner.

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict: Bleu de Chanel EDP wins on opening, versatility, and overall scent. Parfum wins on longevity, while projection is basically a tie. Buy EDP if you want the best all-around option with better year-round wear and a bold citrus-spice opening. Buy Parfum if you want a darker, woodier version with slightly longer staying power.

Scroll down for my complete comparison between these two scents.

Category Bleu de Chanel EDP Bleu de Chanel Parfum Winner
Opening Bold citrus, fresh spices, ginger, pink pepper, mint, smoky incense Smoother citrus with stronger early woods, mint, cedar, sandalwood EDP
Longevity About 8 hours, sometimes a bit longer About 10 hours with the same number of sprays Parfum
Projection Starts strong, then settles to slightly above average Also starts strong, then settles similarly Push
Versatility Better year-round wear, stronger in hotter climates, office/night/casual friendly Great for autumn/winter and temperate conditions, still versatile EDP
Overall Scent Balanced citrus, spices, and woods with great depth Darker, woodier, warmer, more complex sandalwood-heavy take EDP
Best For All-around wear and broader year-round use Woodier tastes and slightly longer performance —

Bleu Parfum or EDP? Tale of the Tape

Bleu de Chanel Parfum

Notes include: sandalwood, cedar, lemon, lavender, mint, bergamot, tonka bean, amber, geranium

Click here to try: BLEU DE C H A N E L PARFUM, 3.4 oz./ 100 mL

Read my Review: Bleu de Chanel Parfum

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

Bleu de Chanel EDP opens up with a bold blend of citrus notes, leading the way. These fruit notes are joined by freshly spiced notes, consisting of mainly, ginger and pink pepper.

Although, you will get a cool mint sensation in there, as well. It’s quite nice and will then transition, to include a smoky incense note and more amber.

Bleu Parfum, starts off with: lemon, bergamot, and lime. These citrus notes aren’t as sharp or powerful, as in the EDP. Instead, they become tempered by the strength of the woodsy notes here.

This one has a stronger mint note, but really gives you the cedar and sandalwood, earlier on. It is interesting, how they take this already familiar formula, and ramp up the woody base earlier in the wear.

Which is better? It’s a tough call. I like the citrus/woods/herbal qualities to Parfum. However, I think that I prefer the start of EDP, more consistently. The citrus and spices are bold, not as complex as Parfum, but really grab my attention.

Really, I’ve been wearing the EDP a bit more here in the summer and have been loving the lemon and bergamot combination. It’s awesome.

Edge: EDP

Projection

Both of these fragrances, start off pretty strong, but subside by quite a bit later on. Neither has a super powerful sillage and will stick quite close to the wearer, a few hours in.

Honestly, I don’t detect much of a difference.

I do kind of wish that either of them, had that big time sillage for longer, than they do. I’d say they’re both slightly above average, in this regard; but, I sometimes want an outstanding beastly performer.

Sometimes, it can feel like Parfum may not have as much punch. But, that’s more of it having a greater use of woody notes versus the amber found in Bleu eau de parfum.

The greater fragrance concentration in Parfum doesn’t seem like it has too much of an impact when comparing it to the eau de parfum.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Bleu de Chanel EDP will last on my skin, for 8 hours, as a pretty moderate fragrance. Sometimes, it’ll hang around a little while longer. It’s very solid with it’s performance, but isn’t an elite level fragrance with its strength or staying power.

Meanwhile, Parfum, does go a longer ways with the same amount of sprays. I get about 10 hours of wear from BdC Parfum. Both are really good, though.

It’s to be expected, as Parfum is the higher fragrance concentrate. It at least cracks that double digit barrier, barely, but it does get past it.

Again, even with that, there isn’t a massive difference in performance. Those last few hours might not even be needed for many people.

Edge: Parfum

Versatility

Neither of these is really great during the heat of summer. EDP holds up better, in a hotter climate, but is best in spring/autumn. Parfum is more of an autumn/winter wear, that still holds up in a temperate condition.

Other than that, these two are about the same. Can be worn to the office, out at night, semi-formal, or casual. The BdC lineup is well-known for being a ‘do everything’ type of scent.

I will give EDP the edge, as it does have a better year round capability. Actually, I think that the EDT, holds up more year round when compared with these two scents.

Edge: Bleu EDP

 

Overall Scent

This is a pretty tough decision, as I like both of these Chanel fragrances, a lot. Bleu de Chanel Parfum is dark, woody, and complex. It’s got a great take on this formula, with an outstanding sandalwood note.

It’s warmer and woodier, but maintains enough of that zesty citrus to be pleasing. I really like when you’ve got a good mix of the citrus top with the sandalwood. Obviously, a lot of similarities with the EDP, but that’s got enough distinction to be enjoyed on its own.

Ultimately, I would prefer to wear the EDP more often. I am a fan of the citrus opening, the heavier use of the fresh spices, and it still has the woodiness in the latter stages.

Parfum is a really awesome option, and you may wish to go with it, if you want a woodier and less citrus based fragrance.

I usually have a preference toward the citrus, so, I think that the EDP is the best offering from the entire line. Note: You could also get the Dua Brand’s ‘inspired by’ take on Parfum for cheap, after picking up a bottle of EDP.

Sure, EDT is more of an intense citrus, but the EDP has much better depth and balance. Admittedly, I could wear any of them, and be perfectly happy doing so. Each has been imitated and there are some fragrances that have tried to copy Bleu de Chanel Parfum.

These two are neck and neck, but BdC Eau de Parfum, is slightly better to me. Although, either will be a great choice.

Winner: Bleu EDP

 

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose Bleu de Chanel EDP if:

You want the best all-around Bleu de Chanel
You prefer a bolder citrus and spice opening
You need something more wearable year-round
You want a fragrance that works easily for office, casual, and nights out
You like more freshness up top without losing depth and woodiness

Choose Bleu de Chanel Parfum if:

You want slightly better longevity
You prefer darker, woodier, warmer fragrances
You like sandalwood to play a bigger role in the scent
You mainly wear fragrance in cooler weather or temperate conditions
You want a smoother, more complex take on the Bleu de Chanel DNA

Bleu de Chanel Fragrances FAQ

Which is better: Bleu de Chanel EDP or Parfum?

Again, I prefer the EDP more than Parfum. My current top 3 releases in this line are: Eau de Parfum, Exclusif, and Parfum. I really do like the Exclusif release too. It’s not for everyone, but it’s close to as good as EDP, in my opinion.

Which Bleu de Chanel is best for everyday wear?

Probably the original EDT or EDP. Any of them could be worn everyday technically, but those two work the best in a range of settings and climates.

Which Bleu de Chanel is best for winter?

Either Exclusif or Parfum seems to work best when it’s colder outside. I’d probably lean Parfum, though. The woodiness works well, even if it isn’t as dense.