Imagination by Louis Vuitton

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Imagination by Louis Vuitton is the last of the LV samples I bought a while back, which needs a full review posted for the site. It wasn’t the one that I was most looking forward to trying out, but it definitely became a favorite of mine to wear. How does it smell? How long does it last? Is it worth a try?

What does Imagination Smell Like?

Notes include: citron, orange, bergamot, cinnamon, black tea, guaiac wood, ambroxan, neroli, ginger

lv imagination review

My Full Review

Here’s how Louis Vuitton describes it: Imagination. The key to the audacity, success and drive of the creatives who make the wildest dreams a reality. An immaterial energy that is nurtured by travel and experiences that forge a new state of mind.

Citron, bergamot, and orange. The citron will come to be the strongest of the citrus notes, but early it is rather evenly split. Orange is at its peaks upon first spraying, but will take a back seat to the other two.

That orange and citron mix is really great.  A nice juiciness that will evolve as the cologne dries down. The citron will become more prominent, also.

Update: coming back to Imagination, I’ve been getting a heavier sense of the citron with some sprays earlier on, along with a sort of light smokiness (guaiac wood?). It’s interesting, sometimes it feels way more of a pure citrus and other times, more mixed.

Ambroxan is present at the beginning of this one, taking time to outlast other notes, but sort of lurking underneath it all.

Black tea with neroli. The neroli does give it some further spice and orange influence, but that will fade along with the main orange fruit note. It’s got a fresh spiciness from ginger and just a touch of cinnamon. I don’t pick up all that much.

The opening citrus blast will be more of a citrus floral. Fresh with a watery aroma, not a pure aquatic but gives you a light blue impression, after that greenish smell early.

A juiciness that will turn more into a light citrus tea. It’s a warm ambroxan, black tea with citron squeezed into the cup. The opening has a chilled scent, but it warms up without ever becoming too heavy.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage is pretty strong for about an hour or so. After that, it’s more in the moderate range. Though, I have to say, the projection is solid throughout and never disappoints me, with its strength.

The longevity is actually quite good. I can get as much as 9.5 hours on my skin. Though, it tends to hit the 8-9 hour mark more often. For a citrus based scent, that’s pretty darn good, especially since it’s not all that heavy.

Seasonally, this is a spring and summertime fragrance. One that will capture attention with how pleasant it is, while not being something that’s super sexy.

Update: Yes, people seem to really enjoy this one, when I wear it. Now that it’s spring and heading into the summer, it really stands out and hits its stride in this weather. It really hangs around your person well and is extremely pleasant to have on.

It is very versatile in that, it can be worn to work or casually or even up to the right formal even during the day. It does have much more of a daytime vibe, than a nightclub beast or something that is reserved for evening.

But, I do wear it out at night still. Not screaming for attention, while it still receives plenty of it.

Imagination is a Louis Vuitton scent that could become a signature daily wear for a slice of the year for some men.

Overall Impressions of Imagination

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Absolutely. It actually might be the best men’s cologne released by Louis Vuitton thus far (update: it is). It’s certainly among the best of the more unisex offerings, as well.

That’s with the tea and ambroxan notes, which have a tendency to get on my nerves. That’s probably my only real personal complaint here, is that those notes just get somewhat bothersome to me after a while.

It’s way less the case here and probably only something that applies to me individually.

Update: Honestly, it isn’t bothering me at all, the more that I wear Imagination. I don’t wear the same thing everyday anyway, so, I doubt that I really get irritated by any aspect of this fragrance.

Also, I have since this initial review purchased a fragrance ‘inspired by’ Imagination from the Dua Brand, called, #Imagine. Which, if you’re looking for a much cheaper alternative, is fantastic and really hits the mark.

imagination dupe

Outside of that, this scent is phenomenal. The opening is so great. Juicy, fresh, a bit spicy, and the black tea giving you a glimpse while not being fully ramped up yet.

The dry down is still great, but I truly love that first hour to hour and a half. It’s awesome.

The performance with Imagination is also great and isn’t a problem, at this price point. There’s no real weakness with this cologne. It’s safe to blind buy and almost anyone would appreciate it.

Imagination isn’t too complicated, but it is extremely well done.

Acqua di Gio Profondo by Giorgio Armani

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Acqua di Gio has been a best seller for about 25 years or so. It has made Armani a ton of money, so, they’re going to keep reusing the name and tweaking the formula with new flankers for as long as they can. In 2020, they introduced Profondo to the lineup. Is this entry in the dark blue bottle worth it? How does it smell? Does it last a long time? Is it better than the other AdG fragrances?

What does Acqua di Gio Profondo Smell Like?

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

My Full Wear Review

Before getting into my personal review, let’s see how Armani describes it: Like taking a plunge into the deep blue sea, senses are awakened by green mandarin and bergamot while an ultramarine, nearly icy hue is conveyed by Acqua di Giò’s iconic marine notes. As the bubbles of oxygen rise to the top, the rosemary, lavender, cypress and lentisk absolute blend at its heart. Exuding a masculine character of depth and intensity, notes of woody patchouli and enveloping musk finally fuse with the saline accent of a mineral ambery accord at the base.

Upon initially spraying Profondo on my skin, I got a blue-green impression. Aquatic, but not as dark as AdG Profumo. With more woodiness and depth than the original Acqua di Gio. 

It kicks things off with the usual citrus notes being present, more of the bergamot versus the mandarin orange. Very marine without the incense of Profumo and less of the rosemary of the original. 

What is here, underneath the similar DNA is a sweetness and woody resin. This must be the lentisk note, as described on Wikipedia: “The plant is evergreen, from 1 to 5 m high, with a strong smell of resin, growing in dry and rocky areas in Mediterranean Europe.”

I will say, that as it dries down it becomes more of a true blue sort of aroma. I get that mineral note that is so prevalent in Profumo and also a smooth, almost creamy smell coming through. Less salty and more of a Light Blue aquatic type of marine accord. I guess, the impression of water, rather than a full on oceanic note.

Armani wanted this to have a deeper sea vibe and they accomplished it. The latter stages of the fragrance are extremely well blended. Woody with nuanced notes peaking in at different times during the wear.

There isn’t a tonka bean note listed, but there kind of seems like there is one lurking in here. I think that it’s just the way that the remaining lavender is interacting with the other ingredients, though.

I like this. Fresh and a deep blue finish, that does feel different enough from the other Acqua di Gio scents.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This isn’t a heavy sort of fragrance. It’s light, but not weak. Meaning, it hangs around but doesn’t have an enveloping thickness about it. I keep catching whiffs of it throughout the day, it’s just not a beast.

Longevity is good, but not insane for an EDP fragrance. 7-8 hours on my skin, is what I seem to get here. Nothing more, but also nothing less either. For a summertime wear, I’ll take it. 

Update: Every time that I’ve tried Profondo, it sticks to this 7-8 hour timeframe. No more, no less. At least it is consistent.

Seasonally, as I said, summer. More specifically, spring or summer, but this is really made for the warm to hot days. I think this might be the AdG cologne to go with, if you live in a super hot or humid climate and Profumo becomes too overbearing. 

Very attractive, sexy, and pleasant. Not a nightclub beast, but great for daytime and casual to semi-formal situations. You could wear this on a date and it would fit right in. It can be worn by guys of all ages, without issue. More refined and mature than Acqua di Gio, but retains enough of the original vibe. 

 

 

Overall Impressions of Acqua di Gio Profondo

Do I like this fragrance? Yes, a whole lot. I still put it behind Profumo as my favorite from this line, but this definitely has its place. Update: I still rate this one second, as of now. It’s pretty close to Profumo in terms of enjoyment.

It serves as a midway point between the original and Profumo, similar to each, while doing its own thing. The original seems pointless to me now, with its performance having taken such a hit.

Update: They followed this up with Profondo Lights and Acqua di Gio EDP. Profondo is better than either. Lights isn’t a very good flanker to this, in my opinion. I never wanted to wear it. EDP is nice enough, but I won’t be buying a new bottle, when I finish the rest of my current one.

If you have Profumo though, you don’t need this one. I just bought a bottle of Profumo, but would also consider getting some Profondo as well. Update: I never did grab a full bottle. But for folks without a fragrance website, it’s fairly redundant. I’d test both and just pick the one you prefer.

I do like the dry down period with Profondo. That’s where it’s at its most different from the others. Really smooth, with depth, a blue-ish aroma, and a woody sweetness coming in. The opening is also good, just doesn’t capture my attention in the same way.

6 Fragrances Similar to Dior Homme Intense

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Dior Homme Intense is one of the more popular fragrance options out there. It’s a continual best-seller and one that can be a starting point in a journey into more formal or floral men’s colognes. But, it can also be pricey. So, you want something cheaper that’s simialr. Or, something that’s close in style, but ultimately different from Intense. This is my ongoing page for tracking such scents.

What Colognes Smell Similar to Dior Homme Intense?

Inspiration 1

Velvet Iris by Alexandria– Velvet Iris is the first of the ‘inspired’ fragrances based on Dior Homme Intense. This one comes from Alexandria, which does a good job a creating their own versions of famous cologne formulas, at a much cheaper price.

Iris is going to lead the way, but we are supported here by lavender and a nice pear note up top. Moving more into a iris and amber middle act. Vetiver and cedar follow in the base, creating an effect extremely similar to Dior Intense, even if it isn’t 100% exact.

For the money, it is close enough and well worth a try if you want the same type of aroma without the designer costs.

Inspiration 2

Intense Homme by Dua– Intense Homme from The Dua Brand is the other ‘inspired’ fragrance based on the Dior Intense structure. For this, they chose to base their creation on the 2008 release of the Dior.

This one I haven’t tried yet. But, I have like 7 bottles of other designer inspirations from this brand and they’re all like 85%+ percent similar to what you’re looking for. Along with, having really good performance, as a higher extrait de parfum concentration.

Dozens of positive reviews for Intense Homme, so, I doubt that Dua misssed the mark. Very affordable, if you want something super close in scent.

Leathery Iris

Valentino Uomo Intense by Valentino EDP for Men, 3.4 Fl Oz– Uomo Intense from Valentino is one that has been compared to Dior Intense since it was released.

To me, it actually has a lot in common with the old Dior Homme, rather than just Intense. In fact, it starts out with a more leathery opening act than either of the Dior fragrances. Leather, vanilla, with lighter citrus notes.

The dry down is when this gets better and does more of its own thing. The iris is the commonality and it is well done. I like it with the vanilla, tonka bean, leather, and that sage note that weirdly pops out on my skin late in the game.

Personally, I still like Dior Intense more than this. But, Uomo Intense gives you a bit of a different take on this scent structure. Uomo Intense Review

Boozy Similarities

Gentleman Reserve Privee– Chestnut, iris, whiskey, and a light citrus make this one a close relative of what you get with Dior Homme Intense. Not the same, but plenty of overlap with it, Dior Homme 2011, and Uomo EDT by Valentino.

Reserve Privee with its chestnut note, starts out quite nutty and has a chocolate-like finish to it that I enjoy quite a lot.

Now, other people are higher on this fragrance than I am overall. Mainly, because once you get past the opening, it really doesn’t have anything that stands out. Iris, amber, and some wood is basically how it finishes. The iris just isn’t as good as the Dior, either.

But, maybe you enjoy it more than me? Reserve Privee Review

Bleu it Up

Bleu Noir Parfum by Narciso Rodriguez– This entry in the Bleu Noir series does strike a pretty familiar aroma to scents like Dior Intense and the aforementioned, Uomo Intense.

It’s going to give you something along the same lines, with a main iris note, but it isn’t trying to be exact and does plenty of its own thing. So, don’t expect the same thing, but a similar structure.

This one utilizes a great cypress note, leather, and a pretty hefty cardamom in the opening act. Plus, Narciso Rodriguez scents are known for their use of musk and this one doesn’t skimp on that either.

Powdery, clean, a different woody accord but very much in line with the type of scent we want here.

An Armaf

Futura La Homme by Armaf– So, here’s one from Armaf that I haven’t personally tried out. But, everything points to this be along the same lines as the style of Dior Homme Intense.  The iris note, woody notes, bergamot, and some light leather too.

I wouldn’t expect an exact match or anything like that, just another cheaper fragrance that doles out a similar experience. Armaf is usually decent with their colognes, this one is probably worth a shot.

4 Perfumes Similar to Born in Roma

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Born in Roma has been a successful line for Valentino in both the men’s and women’s editions. Today, I want to focus on the Donna version of Born in Roma, in order to keep an ongoing list of potential alternatives or other perfumes that simply have a similar style to the Valentino fragrance. Below are my picks.

Fragrances that Smell Like Donna Born in Roma

Electric Option

Electric Fantasy by Britney Spears– So, Electric Fantasy is a great little flanker from Britney Spears, that does have a pretty similar aroma to Born in Roma.

Pink pepper and jasmine are heavy influences in both during the opening acts. Here, we get passionfruit instead of the more tart blackcurrant of the Valentino. As such, more of a tropical vibe with Electric.

Yet, the Britney fragrance isn’t as sweet. A lot will have to do with the difference in the use of vanilla, which is heavy in Born in Roma. With Electric Fantasy, a powdery heliotrope serves that role, but it’s obviously going to be different.

Again not the same exact scent, but this is a cheaper option that can bring an enjoyable and at times close fragrance to that which we are looking for.

Rome Inspired

Heart of Rome by Dua– The only ‘inspired by’ fragrance of Donna Born in Roma that I’m currently aware of comes from The Dua Brand. Their scent Heart of Rome attempts to capture much of the same vibe as the Valentino release.

As such, the not structure is going to closely follow our target scent, which hopefully translates into a perfume that is pretty darn similar.

Now, this is one from Dua that I haven’t tried out, so I can’t say for sure. However, I’ve owned like 7 fragrances from this company that were ‘inspired by’ designer scents and they all were very good.

Quite the Aura

Aura MUGLER 90 ml refillable Spray EDP– Aura EDP is another fragrance from Mugler that can be a great one to check out if you like Born in Roma.

Now, these two aren’t the same. But, the base notes and the structure do have a lot of commonalities between them. With Aura, you get orange blossom instead of the jasmine of the Valentino perfume.

Also, has a greenish layer of leaves, that gives it a unique dewy aroma. Sort of a minty aroma up top, especially when blended with the rhubarb. But, the dry down is orange blossom, vanilla, and woods.

To me, this is an underrated scent. Might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but still quite good. Aura EDP Review

Paradise

Paradiso Assoluto by Cavalli– This perfume from Cavalli isn’t going to be anything like an exact match. But, the structure and the main notes does personally remind me of Born in Roma to an extent.

Jasmine and vanilla are the main attraction with Paradiso. You also get a citrus fruity top and very similar wood notes in the base.

The main differences are the fruity sweet/tart opening act is greater and much more significant in the Valentino. Secondly, Paradiso Assoluto has more of the jasmine note, particularly later in the wear, along with a wisteria influence.

Le Male Airlines by JPG

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Airlines is a limited edition Le Male flanker released by Gaultier back in 2020. I had never tried it, but came across a bottle, while ordering other fragrances and decided to try it out. I believe it is a variant of Le Male Aviator, slightly different, but I’ve never tried that either.

JPG’s Le Male scents are somewhat hit and miss, but I am generally positive on the lineup. How does Airlines smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Le Male Airlines Smell Like?

Notes include: vanilla, cardamom, mint, artemisia, lavender, caraway, cinnamon, bergamot, and more

My Full Wear Review

So, Airlines really separates itself from others in the Le Male series, by being heavily weighted with the cardamom note. Early on in the wear especially, Airlines is a cardamom bomb. But, you’ll still definitely know this cologne is from Gaultier, as it strikes a lot of the same Le Male chords.

Along with that, there is a very light citrus, mint, artemisia, and cinnamon. So, there will be an herbal and greenish influence in this one, not that it is overwhelming just present. I think there is a touch of violet leaf in the mix too. Fresh and a warmer spice to this cologne in the opening act.

The initial complete dominance of the cardamom will pull back some, giving the chance for the mint and vanilla notes to take on a larger role. The cardamom and artemisia have a slightly bitter edge to their smells, with the latter fading a lot after 30 minutes or so.

The next phase has some more balance to it, with the emergence of the lavender note. Things feel softer, cooler, and there’s a powdery aroma coming from underneath. At this point, it’s a: cardamom, lavender, vanilla, and mint blend mainly.

That’s pretty much how it’s going to finish as well. The only really differences being, that the ‘greenish’ scent has pretty much gone, and there is an emergence of a woody accord. Yet, the cardamom, lavender, and vanilla are going to be what Le Male Airlines is about for the rest of the way.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here starts off with a bang, almost close to my bottle of Ultra Male. It can project very well and leaves a nice trail in your wake.

However, that will fall apart quickly and it’s slightly above average for the rest of the duration.

The performance is pretty good, but doesn’t dare approach anything great. I can get about 6.5-7 hours of wear on skin. Falling short of Ultra Male, but in line with most of the other editions in this series. It’s fine, not too much to complain about.

Seasonally, this is a very versatile fragrance. Outside of the height of summer, this will be fine. I’ve worn it on milder and very warm spring days, and Airlines performed well and didn’t start to smell weird.

Though, it’s more of an autumn through early spring wear, at its best.

It can also serve as a daily wear or something to use for the nightlife. It’s got that great spiciness and freshness and generally is attractive. It does have more of a younger man’s vibe to it, but isn’t completely immature. Just not going to be a formal type of cologne.

Overall Impressions of Airlines

Overall, do I like Le Male Airlines? I do. I think it’s one of the better releases out of the Le Male flankers (better than In the Navy, which I also recently tried). It’s not great, but overall pretty enjoyable and a cologne that I will wear from time to time.

This is really heavy with the cardamom, which I already own a few fragrances like that, so it’s not filling much of a need. I do like the varying spices. Not just warmth, but also a cold mint, and other assorted green freshness.

The end result hangs pleasantly in the air, with a more balanced approach with vanilla and lavender notes. It’s nothing too complicated, but a solid scent on the whole.

The performance is basically mid-range. It has that bold start and quiets down quickly. Even with that, it stays around for a while. As long as you’re not overpaying for a bottle, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

This was a limited edition, and while bottles are still floating around, you’re going to have to make a move soon to avoid paying outlandish prices. Mine was about $45, which seems about right for this cologne.