Bergamotto di Calabria by Acqua di Parma

by

In this review, I’m going to be taking a look at the unisex fragrance, Bergamotto di Calabria. This is one of the scents from Acqua di Parma’s Blu Mediterraneo line and was released in 2010. Does this citrus-laden scent deliver as a summertime winner? How does it perform? Is it worth a purchase?

What does Bergamotto di Calabria Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, lemon, ginger, musk, cedar, vetiver

Click here to try: Acqua Di Parma Blue Mediterraneo Bergamotto Di Calabria Eau de Toilette Spray, 2.5 Ounce

The opening of Bergamotto di Calabria has an excellent citrus aroma. I think that it’s one of the freshest and least chemical smelling citrus notes, that I’ve come across. It is bold and definitely has a distinct citron tartness to it.

While I do detect a bit of cedar and vetiver hiding underneath, I don’t really pick up the ginger note at all. Maybe it’s just my nose, but I can usually pick it out of the other scents that I have, which feature it. Strangely, I just don’t get any here.

I absolutely love the lemon and bergamot combination, in the opening act. It has a cold freshness, which would be completely amazing during the summer months.

This Blu Mediterraneo fragrance, would be one that I could wear outdoors, on a sunny day and completely enjoy.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

OK, so here’s where I’m going to go ahead and jump into the issues with this scent. Namely, the piss poor longevity and sillage after the opening half hour. Bergamotto di Calabria doesn’t last long.

You might get a few hours of it. 30 minutes with that fantastic opening and then, it drops quickly into a skin scent and evaporates. The complete evaporation has usually happened by like hour two or three.

If I double up the sprays, I can get a bit more out of this fragrance but not much. When it dries down into a skin scent, it has more of a musky soap quality to it, that is paired with the now much weaker citrus. Lame.

It starts off as a strong scent but it dies down rapidly, like it’s kind of unbelievable just how fast it all goes away. It really is a shame, because this would be an awesome summertime scent for either men or women. The opening is just great and upbeat.

It is more for casual occasions and as I said, one to wear outdoors. I just hate the lack of a strong ginger and how utterly terrible the performance is.

Overall Impression of Bergamotto de Calabria

Overall, I cannot recommend this. The smell is really good but the performance isn’t. Plus it can be quite expensive. If they sorted out the longevity issues, I would be all over this one during the summer. That not being the case, I have to give it a pass.

Even if I could grab a cheap bottle, it wouldn’t be worth the buy. Yes, there are plenty of summertime fragrances, with less than stellar performance. This Acqua di Parma, just takes the cake. Aroma-wise, this is one of my favorites from the brand, too bad. Luckily, they have other options that don’t completely fall apart.

The bergamot and lemon notes are some of the best smelling that I’ve come across. The base notes, while they last are also nice. More power and more ginger would make Bergamotto a gem.

Nautica Voyage N-83 by Nautica

by

So far on this site, I have reviewed a few colognes from Nautica, including Voyage and Nautica Blue. Today, though, I want to tackle a flanker fragrance of Voyage; N-83 from 2013. Like other Nautica scents, this is another inexpensive option in the aquatic realm of men’s colognes.

How does N-83 stack up against other options in this price range and is it worth it over something like the original Voyage or Blue? In this post, I want to give an overview of its contents, how it performs, and if it’s ultimately worth a buy.

What does Voyage N-83 Smell Like?

Notes include: cardamom, petitgrain, mint, lavender, sandalwood, nutmeg, sea notes

Click here to try: Nautica N-83

My Full Wear Review

N-83 opens with a noticeable blast from the ‘sea notes’, giving it a defined oceanic scent. To me it is less akin to the original Voyage and more along the lines of Tommy Bahama Set Sail St. Martinique, not exactly the same, but the salty sea notes are comparable.

Both of these scents have a stronger aquatic aroma that is blended with at least some musk, though, the Tommy Bahama scent is muskier. N-83 has a much sharper edge, while Martinique is rather smooth.

The original Voyage has citrus fruit notes including orange, however, N-83 is a departure from that and instead opts to go with something that is fresh and clean with undertones of musk and smooth lavender.

From the top, you get a cool and spicy mint with a hint of petitgrain. Neither of which, is all that pronounced in the composition, but you will get their scent for a while. It comes across as fairly herbal with lighter musk at first, with that marine note permeating everything.

The opening of this actually seems like a mix of St. Martinique and the newer release, Voyage Heritage. That Voyage is a stronger mint/lavender pairing.

What you really get with Voyage N-83 is a semi-soapy aquatic, with some freshly clean spice, and calming lavender. It doesn’t hit you with any citrus notes or other fruity inclusions, like most other aquatics.

You do get a nice bit of salty ‘sea air’ smell, which is a cool touch to the composition. Which, I guess can be a good or bad thing, depending on your personal tastes.

N-83 is a pretty simple and straightforward fragrance, that’s not a bad thing, it’s not meant to be some rich complex formula…just an inexpensive scent that smells good. I think it delivers on that end. I think that this scent is a bit more masculine than Voyage with less fruit and seemingly more understated.

Sillage, Longevity, and Projection

Projection wise, N-83 is completely moderate. This isn’t one that will fill up a room unless you went completely overboard with it. You do get a solid 30-60 minute, opening act with some power.

However, that will change and it will be a lighter moderate scent. Not terrible with the projection and scent trail. Just not a massive cologne.

Longevity isn’t that great either. I think that is one area where it fails to live up to the original. 4-6 hours and it fades into a skin scent. The first 3 hours, is where it’ll actually be really noticeable, with that aforementioned first hour delivering the goods.

It is good for casual wear or at the office (not a formal workplace, however), especially in the summer months, which is the case with pretty much any Nautica fragrance. I’d definitely lean towards casual wear or some outdoors activities like the beach.

This is much more of a starter cologne for guys, so, it can be a good option for younger men. If you’re older, its going to be of a fairly limited use, and you should consider going up-market for something better.

Still, N-83 is very serviceable in a pinch or when you just want a ‘dumb’ grab.

Overall Impressions of Voyage N-83

Overall, is N-83 worth a buy? You could definitely do a lot worse and for the price, it really is a solid pick. However, I think that Nautica has a few better options in this price range, that will deliver the same if not much better results depending on your personal taste.

It’s a nice, clean, soapy, type of scent but nothing special and there are better bets from the same brand. Though, this one is still one of their better releases. Especially, with some of the boring stuff Nautica has put out as of late.

That opening freshness and musk is pleasant with the highlights of petitgrain, cardamom, and mint. Nothing too dramatic, just something that has a great vibe.

When compared to designer scents at a higher price point, it doesn’t really compare at all. You can easily do better higher up the price chain and even lower points than this. Still, N-83 has always been likeable and an easy grab.

Gentlemen Only Casual Chic by Givenchy

by

With my recent sample haul, I received my third fragrance from Givenchy’s Gentlemen Only line, Casual Chic. This was released in 2015. My favorite of the previous two was Gentlemen Only Intense, but Casual Chic seemed to be more of an imitation of the original than that particular flanker cologne.

In this review, I’m going to cover what it’s made of, how it smells, performs, when it should be worn, and if I think that it is worth a purchase or not.

What does Gentlemen Only Casual Chic Smell Like?

Notes include: cedar, ambroxan, birch leaf, sandalwood, cardamom, ginger, juniper

Click here to try: Givenchy Gentlemen Only Casual Chic Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.3 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

Here’s how Givenchy describes it: A seductive fragrance for the easygoing gentleman. Fresh and relaxed for a casual chic allure.

The initial spray of Casual Chic seems to have an element of orange for the first 30 seconds or so before the spicy and woody aroma emerges. It has an outdoorsy vibe that is topped by the ginger and juniper notes which creates quite an interesting combination.

Casual Chic is energetic and fresh with an old school feel that never strays into the unisex category like some other scents.

The ginger note provides that characteristic spice throughout the life of the scent and Casual Chic is one of the better uses of this note, that I’ve experienced recently.

I find it to be quite ‘green’ and woodsy, like a walk in the forest on a late spring or summer day, but it doesn’t go full woods as compared to another scent like Azzaro.

The ambroxan note, keeps it warm and smooth without getting overpowered by the cedar.

When compared to the original Gentlemen Only, I do find some similarities in the composition, but the original is much smokier and actually does have that orange not that Casual Chic briefly mimics.

Sillage, Longevity, and When to Wear

It’s projection is pretty moderate but it is better than its predecessor in this regard. It’s not an overwhelming fragrance, but it is noticeable.

It’ not a heavy fragrance, lighter to moderate in terms of sillage. However, it does project rather well. So, you do get some value out of this spring and summer wear.

It does have good longevity on my skin, probably 7 hours of wear. This is when the original fell flat by hour 3…so that’s a good improvement.

Not an elite scent, I’m just glad it outshines the original at least. Surprising, considering what its based on, but Casual Chic worked pretty well for me.

I’d rate this as a casual scent, as the name implies. Good for work, school, or a day spent around town.

It’s a outdoorsy kind of cologne but it seems to be best for warmer weather, when so many other similar scents get stuck in the winter category. This is a nice change of pace from the norm.

It could probably be worn to work or semi-formally. Not really a club scent or something super formal. But, the freshness and easy going nature gives it the ability to be worn fairly extensively in the spring and summer.

Overall Impressions of Casual Chic

Overall, is Casual Chic worth a buy? I enjoy it but it doesn’t really fit me and my style. That said, it is better than the original Gentlemen Only.

So, if you like that or if this composition seems to fit your personal style, it could be a good purchase at the right price. It’s solid all around but it doesn’t particularly blow me away ever, for what it does, it does it well enough.

The juniper and ginger are the highlights for me. Not too big on the ambroxan and birch, but the other woods give it a nice freshness. Nothing about Casual Chic is bad, more of an above average cologne that some guys will really like, while others will mildly enjoy.

Update: While there are still bottles around online, Givenchy discontinued this one some time ago. The one’s I have seen are mostly on eBay and are selling for around $100. Not going to be worth the reach for most people. Unless you’ve already tried it and loved it, you can pass on Casual Chic.

Sahara Noir by Tom Ford

by

In this post, I am going to tackle more of a niche type of fragrance by Tom Ford, 2013’s Sahara Noir. It is a scent that is highly influenced by the smells which are common to the Middle East. As usual, I am going to cover how it smells, its ingredients, how it performs, when it should be worn, and if it is worth a buy or not.

What does Sahara Noir Smell Like?

Notes include: frankincense, amber, papyrus, cinnamon, balsam, benzoin, rose, jasmine, oud, bitter orange

Click here to try: Tom Ford Sahara Noir Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.7 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

Just by looking at the ingredients, one can tell that Sahara Noir isn’t going to be your typical woman’s perfume. Right off the bat, I am struck by what an exotic fragrance it is but also how it is going to be completely niche.

I doubt that most non-enthusiast people would want to wear or even enjoy this scent, but there has to be a crowd who would find this delightful.

It’s oriental qualities does remind me of Opium Pour Homme, especially in it’s spicy/medicinal aspects. However, Sahara Noir continues down the smoky and warm path whereas Opium, begins to take on much more of a vanilla aroma.

I would actually dare to say that this Tom Ford perfume is even darker and more masculine than that YSL cologne for men. Again, this stuff is probably not for the majority of women.

I really pick up on the frankincense, amber, and oud notes initially. I am not a big fan of oud, unlike a lot of niche fragrance lovers. It’s use is sort of hit or miss for me. Sahara Noir is very dry and warm and feels to me quite ancient.

Update: Coming back to this again, I get more cypress on my skin. Particularly after the opening 30 minutes or so. Then, that fades away into a mass of other dry woods.

I do appreciate what Tom Ford did with this scent, it really does transport you mentally to distant lands. It’s exactly a desert landscape kind of perfume. Lots of wood, resin, and incense.

Kind of waxy at times, not much floral influence from the rose note. Dry, smoky, and warm.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Performance wise, it’s a fairly strong perfume. It isn’t the strongest and most overpowering scent ever, but it is definitely well above average. The sillage is worthy of the price.

Longevity wise, Sahara Noir is an absolute beast. I’d say it easily surpasses 12+ hour of wear. Scents with these kinds of notes always seem to deliver, but Sahara goes above and beyond.

This Tom Ford is worth the price, based on the performance for sure. If you like the smell, Sahara Noir isn’t going to quit on you.

I guess this would be for casual wear? It seems like such a niche fragrance, that I cannot really even classify it. It’ll fit for someone with a certain personal style.

I’d say it’s best for the colder months of the year, for sure. Stick to late autumn and the depths of winter, as a change of pace.

It’s not sexy at all to me or even something that most people want to smell on someone else. This perfume has to be something that you absolutely enjoy. Casual or lightly sprayed semi-formal.

Overall Impressions of Sahara Noir

Overall is Sahara Noir, worth a buy? If you really love incense, want to smell like them, and can handle wearing a quite masculine fragrance; then this one might be right up your alley.

Update: Personally, I’d pick Encens Satin or Velvet Incenso before this one. I think those are better uses of incense and the various resinous amber notes. This Tom Ford perfume is now discontinued and has been for some time. So, I guess I wasn’t the only one not very impressed.

Coming back to this many years later, it’s a lot less ‘challenging’ to me, but I still don’t find it to be great. The performance is amazing, but the rest…meh. Those other incense based perfumes are better and still available.

Anyone else, I can’t really see the mass public wearing this one, and since it’s been discontinued that’s probably a spot on assessment.

I don’t particularly dig it. Though, I don’t think it’s horrendous. I just don’t particularly enjoy this type of scent, most of the time. This isn’t one of the exceptions.

Only the Brave Wild by Diesel

by

Another sample that I received recently is from the Only the Brave line by Diesel, named, Wild. Flanker fragrances to original scents that have enjoyed popularity can be hit and miss. Sometimes, you get an improvement over the original, and many other times you get a complete dud. How does Only the Brave Wild stack up? Please continue reading below for my full take.

What does Only the Brave Wild Smell Like?

Notes include: citronella, lavender, nutmeg, black pepper, coconut wood, cedar

Click here to try: Diesel Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, Only The Brave Wild, 4.2 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Only the Brave Wild, is a mix of woodsy green notes and spice provided by the black pepper and nutmeg notes. It took me a few minutes to figure out what the nutmeg note was reminding me of and I finally placed it to Polo’s Double Black.

No, these two scents aren’t clones of one another, it was just that singular note which was drawing my attention. But with the citronella note in this one instead of the mango in Double Black, there is a vague resemblance lurking between the two scents.

Anyways, there is a fresh spiciness and warmth to this cologne from the outset. The grapefruit-like aroma (citronella) gives Only the Brave Wild an understated citrus aroma that blends rather nicely but ultimately weakens after about a half an hour.

There is also coconut wood as a note and not the coconut itself, which is interesting because it isn’t an intense coconut smell like found in Virgin Island Water.

However, you do pick up on that sort of tropical vibe underneath the wood and spice. As it moves along, I get more of the black pepper and nutmeg combo paired with the wood, and much less of the citrus/coconut combo.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, this Diesel cologne, is kind of weak, but not a complete disaster. You might add an extra spray while wearing it to get a full effect. Still, not going to overwhelm.

It hangs in the air rather lightly but it does have a pretty good radius of projection for a time. The overall effect is pretty limited.

The longevity is also not so great, I’d say around 4 hours per wear, maybe 5 on occasion. The sillage is a bit better than how long it actually lasts, which isn’t saying much.

For a mainstream designer fragrance, that’s just flat out embarrassing. I tested it a few times and that’s what I got out of Wild. With a super cheap cologne, I might expect performance like this, but not for Diesel.

This strikes me as a fall through springtime scent. I wouldn’t like this in the summer and it would probably perform even worse in the heat. Even though it isn’t a heavy fragrance, has some citrus and tropical notes, I’d still pass when it’s hot out.

In cold weather, it could be fairly decent, as a casual or maybe office kind of cologne to wear. There are certainly more formal and better options, however. I wouldn’t wear this for a night on the town, a date, or anything else of the sort.

It’s not a very versatile fragrance outside of the range of climate that it can be worn in.

Overall Impressions of Only the Brave Wild

Overall would I recommend Only the Brave Wild? Not really. I don’t see it as useful in any meaningful way. It doesn’t smell terrible, but it’s just okay, and very forgettable.

The performance isn’t good enough for it to be a sneaky good fragrance, and I’m pretty unenthusiastic about wearing it any further. It is fairly unique, it just doesn’t do much of anything with that uniqueness.

Like, the performance is bad, even if you happen to personally like the smell. Coming back to this scent, I’m wavering on even that aspect of it. I still think that Only the Brave Wild is mid in smell and pretty lousy in almost every other aspect.

There are a ton of better options at this price point and below, so Only the Brave Wild is the odd man out.