Luna Rossa Ocean by Prada

by

Prada is continuing its releases under the Luna Rossa line and its latest addition is called Ocean. This is one that I wanted to try out for a while and so I finally got a hold of a sample, to put it through some testing. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth a buy?

What does Luna Rossa Ocean Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, iris, pink pepper, artemisia, lavender, sage, suede, saffron, musk, vetiver, caramel, patchouli

Click here to try:  Luna Rossa Ocean at Macy’s

My Full Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see how Prada describes Ocean: Prada Luna Rossa Ocean has a unique neo-fresh olfactory signature that reinvents the emblematic fougère family. Sublimating notes of aromatic freshness mixed with the sophisticated sensuality of bergamot, a contrast is created with the sophisticated essence of vetiver. Everything intertwines in the heart notes with an elegant iris accord.

Ocean opens up with what I would term an impression of a ‘light blue’ color. It uses bergamot and some other light citrus notes extremely well in the opening. It’s fresh and juicy.

The usual Luna Rossa lavender note, is actually lighter in this composition. You get a smooth sweetness of suede, caramel and tonka bean. I don’t think those notes are officially listed, but their aroma is definitely in there. Perhaps, as a part of the ‘saffron accord’.

The main floral note here is the iris. Along with that suede quality and juicy citrus, you will get a fresh and aromatic aroma, with a touch of the lavender.

Smooth, sweet, spicy, but don’t expect an aquatic based on its name. Less of the ocean and something that would smell very pleasant while on the boat or shore.

Pink pepper gives it a nice warmth, but isn’t all that heavy. Personally, I don’t really get much of the artemisia note, not too much of an herbal bitterness to my nose.

That’s what much of the initial wear will consist of. Then, Ocean will begin to shift away to a drier and muskier clean.

Iris and lavender take on a larger role, along with vetiver and the musks. The opening citrus fades by a lot, and so does much of that initial sweet character. It has a certain soapiness, not over the top with it, maybe call it a ‘general cleanliness’.

The dry down is nice, a basic dry floral and musk. Yet, Ocean seems to retain some of its own unique character.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Ocean starts off with pretty good power. The sillage trail is there and it will project itself with a nice radius off of you. I’d call it the upper end of moderate sillage, at its peak.

The problem is that doesn’t stay near that level for all that long and this is a softer cologne for the rest of the way.

In terms of how long it lasts, Ocean only hits the 4-6 hour range, on the skin. It’s not great and that’s this fragrances, biggest weakness.

Beyond that, the power is really only sticking around for 2-3 hours of that, while quickly declining. The rest of the time, this Luna Rossa scent will be very close to the skin.

As far as what season to wear Ocean, pretty much any. Probably worst in the colder weather by moderate to warmer temperatures, this one pairs very nicely with.

One good thing is, that it can be worn pretty much anywhere, by anyone. Maybe not the most formal scent or one that’s going to be a night club banger. However, it is super versatile outside of that.

Other people seem to enjoy this one and it’s already gotten itself a mass appeal vibe to it. Ocean is an east to wear and easy to like cologne. It does seem familiar in many ways, but I cannot think of any scent in particular that it smells like.

Overall Impressions of Ocean

Overall, do I like Luna Rossa Ocean? Yes, but it does have its issues.

I think the opening hour or so is absolutely beautiful. I love the way that is smells early on. After that, it’s nice, but a pretty standard soapy clean kind of fragrance. Not bad, but doesn’t capture my attention to the same extent.

Though, overall the aroma is something that I’m certainly attracted to and I dig the experience as a whole.

Update: Even with the newer releases in the series, this is my favorite scent of the bunch. The EDP didn’t really last much longer for me. The Parfum has good performance, but is a different sort of smell from the first two, it’s my second pick.

The main problem with this one, is the performance. Ocean becomes a skin scent much more quickly than the other Luna Rossa fragrances. I don’t mind a softer scent, but this is one the makes you spray a lot, just to get any sort of projection and sillage.

The longevity when you do spray a lot, will get around six hours. Again, that’s not great, in a world wear there are designer colognes in this price range that can hit double digit hours.

Luna Rossa Ocean is a great fragrance at the start, that turns into a rather middling kind of cologne. Which, can make it a tougher decision, as to whether or not one should buy a bottle.

I lean towards yes, because I do think the start is great. Plus, I’ve already seen it go on sale a few times. At a discount, it could be a solid pickup.

It does have very positive aspects, a pretty unique take on the Luna Rossa concept, and is a crowd pleaser. Full price might be too much, but if you can get a discount, it’s worth a shot.

Polo Blue Gold Blend by Ralph Lauren

by

Polo Blue Gold Blend isn’t one that’s really been on my radar, since I’ve never been a massive fan of Ralph Lauren’s Blue line. I like all the fragrances, but nothing that has totally ever drawn me in. But, since Macy’s had full bottles of this on sale for $50, I decided to grab one and give it a review for the site. How does it smell? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Polo Blue Gold Blend Smell Like?

Notes include: melon, ginger, vetiver, sage, incense, citrus, apple, amber, and more

Click here to try: Polo Blue Gold Blend EDP

My Full Review

Polo Blue Gold Blend opens up with a mix that leans fruitier than towards its herbal spiciness. Early on, it’s melon, apple, and what seems like a lime within the citrus mix. Very fresh and has a nice crisp bite.

The main spice in the starting stage, is from the ginger. There’s briefly a pepper note, with sage playing the backup role, until when it will take over both of these notes later on. 

You can tell that this is very much a Polo Blue flanker, closer to the EDP version, but sort of a midway point between that and EDT.

After that initial phase, the melon and apple notes move the citrus out of the way. The spices begin their shift, incense emerges, along with the ambroxan starting to really waft up from the base. 

The impression that it gives off, as it dries down is being much less fruity and more of a fresh cologne. The melon and apple are solid, but don’t have that same punch as the opening citrus.

Sage and incense with lavender and ambroxan is essentially what I get for most of the dry down period. Clean with that warm amber smell and bits of spice and dry woodsy notes peaking through.

gold blend review

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s pretty good. Not overly loud but not a skin scent either. On the longevity end, it might be a little bit better than the original but really, not by much. It’s definitely in the realm of average, in that regard.

Gold Blend also falls into the same longevity range as the other Polo Blue’s. I get in the 5-7 hour range, with it seemingly falling closer to the five or six area, thus far.

Seasonally, I’d wear this in the spring and summer months. It’s actually got the ability to venture into the nightlife during those months, so that’s a nice advantage to have.

It’s fine for daily wear, casual, sporty, etc. Not really anything formal, but could fit in, for most occasions. It’s also versatile enough to be worn by men of all ages. Really a jack of all trades, when it gets warm outside.

 

 

Overall Impressions of Polo Blue Gold Blend

Overall, do I like Gold Blend? I do. However, it’s about to the same extent as others in this series. Actually, I’d rank the EDP and Deep Blue above this version. Not way ahead, but I think they’re both somewhat better.

I like the opening act with the lime, melon, and apple notes. It’s nice and juicy with a spicy kick to it, while being similar to the other Polo Blue colognes.

At that point, it’s got itself some nice power and a clean and fresh aroma that is quite attractive. 

Once it dries down, it’s a pretty boring scent. I mean, still enjoyable, just a standard blue ambroxan based cologne. At times, if feels like a not as good, AdG Profumo that’s mixed with Polo Blue and added the amber in the base (perhaps, some Bleu de Chanel?).

Not bad company to be in, but just not anything better than either, particularly the Armani scent. The incense is a great touch, in Gold Blend, one of the highlights for me.

Update: I really started to dislike this one the more that I wore it. It’s pretty mediocre beyond some interesting points. So, I’ve downgraded it somewhat in the score. Not that it matters too much, as it’s not around anymore.

The performance is pretty standard. Not great, but won’t completely crap out on you, in a few hours. For the spring and summer months, it’s a perfectly fine wear, that isn’t going to offend and can be an easy one to spray on.

Is it worth it? For the fifty bucks that I paid, sure. If it’s going closer to that hundred mark, I wouldn’t be so thrilled about it. I should probably get some use out of this bottle, personally. Polo Blue Gold Blend is a nice and adequate fragrance, just nothing amazing.

Dior Sauvage vs Invictus Cologne Comparison

by

In today’s cologne comparison, I’m going to do a head to head matchup between two more extremely popular fragrances for men, Dior Sauvage and Invictus. Which of these scents smells better? Which has better performance? Which one is the more versatile cologne? Please continue below for my full take on these two fragrances.

Which is Better? Sauvage EDT vs. Invictus

Tale of the Tape

Sauvage

Notes of Sauvage: bergamot, ambroxan, lavender, pepper, wood notes

Click here to try: Christian Dior Sauvage for Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

My Original Sauvage Review

Invictus

Notes include: grapefruit, sea notes, mandarin orange, bay leaf, jasmine

Read my review

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne Invictus Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce

Opening

The opening of Sauvage gives off an aroma of amber, pepper, and the sharp bergamot note. There is a bit of spice to it but I do get a lot of the ambroxan. It’s nice and dries down to a clean/soapy scent with some slightly spice wood notes and the ever present bergamot.

Invictus has a candy-like opening of grapefruit/orange while retaining an aquatic appeal. It’s youthful and summery. Invictus also ramps it up with a bay leaf spice and amber.

It’s like the candy sweetness of one of the 1 Million fragrances with its oceanic element giving it a different direction. It does change somewhat, as it moves along, but you get most of what the fragrance is up front.

In this case, I enjoy the bergamot/amber combo than the artificial candy scent that Invictus puts out. I’ve actually grown to enjoy Invictus more than I used to, but I still think that the opening of Sauvage is better…and I’m not even a huge Sauvage EDT fan.

It was almost enough to tip the scales in favor of Invictus, but not quite.

Edge: Sauvage

Projection

Both Sauvage and Invictus are strong from the start. Invictus dips somewhat after a few hours of wear, while Sauvage mostly keeps chugging along.

These scents lean towards the stronger side of things, but I think Sauvage is slightly ahead. That being said, I think that the sweetness of Invictus can be much more noticeable/annoying, when over-sprayed.

I think Sauvage will leave a greater scent trail behind you, as well. It’s a more consistent sillage.

Edge: Sauvage

Longevity

Sauvage gives me 6-8 hours of wear, usually towards the higher end of that range. Meanwhile, Invictus gives 6-7 hours most of the time, and can occasionally surprise with an extra hour. Sauvage is more consistent in this regard.

Both are pretty good, but not elite with the longevity. Most of the time, they will be about even, but Sauvage has an extra gear that Invictus lacks.

For some people, Sauvage can go even longer than what it seems to do for me.

Edge: Sauvage

Versatility

I think both of these colognes has good versatility in terms of when you can wear it. They can both be casual scents and then also be worn for a night out or for romantic wear.

Both are mostly spring/summer scents and while you could technically wear both in the colder months of the year, they aren’t really in their element.

I might give the edge to Sauvage, as it can have a more mature vibe, but it really isn’t enough to separate them. As I don’t feel, that either is a formal type of scent.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I like both of these scent, but I’m not personally crazy about either one. Other folks, seem to have a much higher opinion of both, than I do. However, if I had to choose one to wear, I’d pick Sauvage. It’s just better, in my opinion.

If you really like the way Invictus smells, that’s cool. However, I can’t place it all that highly even in the Paco Rabanne family of scents anymore. I’d rather wear, Invictus Intense over the original and either 1 Million cologne over both of them.

To me, Sauvage smells better than either Invictus option. tThough, I’d wear 1 Million Prive ahead of any of them.

Sauvage is a bright and upbeat cologne that has amber-y citrus freshness, that dries down into a clean and soapy blend with woody undertones. It’s nice and works well.

As of right now, if you enjoy both of these colognes, you might select Invictus, since you can usually find bottles for much cheaper than you can for Sauvage. If it’s just based of smell and performance, go with Sauvage. There are plenty of other cologne alternatives to Dior Sauvage too.

Both have become insanely popular over the years, so, you won’t really stand out with either choice.

Winner: Sauvage

Nautica Voyage vs Cool Water by Davidoff

by

For this edition of the cologne match ups, we have two sent that dominate sales, in the inexpensive part of the market: Nautica Voyage vs. Cool Water by Davidoff. Which of these popular men’s fragrances smells the best? Has better longevity? Sillage? Versatility?

Tale of the Tape: Voyage vs. Cool Water

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

Cool Water

Notes include: lavender, mint, tobacco, amber, musk, jasmine, sandalwood, neroli, coriander, rosemary, and more

Click here to try: Davidoff Cool Water Edt Spray for Men, 6.7 oz

Read my Review: Cool Water

Opening

Nautica Voyage has a watery opening that is crisp and has a chilled feeling. It starts out with apple, mimosa, and musk. It is green, a bit musky, with a floral kick. It’s not my favorite part of the wear, but does a decent job at introducing this cologne.

I enjoy the juicy fruit and the colder aspects of it, much more than the mimosa floral. It’s not my favorite flora, but it works fairly well in Voyage.

Cool Water is an aquatic scented fragrance from the start and these marine notes are initially joined by mint and tobacco. It is sharp and has a green quality as well, from the uncured tobacco, before white floral notes join those at the top. It then becomes somewhat soapy.

By the name, you would expect much more of an aquatic sort of cologne, but it really only sways that way in the beginning. And even the, it is tempered.

Which is better? I prefer Cool Water, even though, I’m not crazy about it. I like the mint, tobacco, and aquatic notes…not so much the soapy scent. However, Voyage doesn’t start out great, in my opinion. It’s the mimosa and musk combo is a bit much.

The opening act really isn’t the strong suit of either fragrance.

Edge: Cool Water

Projection

Nowadays, I think that these two colognes are pretty similar in terms of sillage. They both hit that moderate chord, pretty well. If we’re talking vintage Cool Water, it’d have the advantage. None exists now.

Either way, neither of these are going to be complete bombs. However, you will notice that you have them on throughout the day, as they aren’t completely weak.

They aren’t going to leave huge scent trails behind you or just leap up off of the skin either. But, they’re nice for what they are.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Again, reformulation hinders the newer bottles of Cool Water somewhat. It used to be good for over 8 hours, but now seems to go 6-7, on my skin. Voyage will do 5-7. No real advantage in terms of how long it can go, but maybe Cool Water has better consistency.

Voyage is very consistent in that 5-7 hour range. I’ve never gotten any more from it. Really depends on the day, but it is good for at least those 5.

The performance is at least good enough from both, to keep them in the value play category of scents. I’ll give this category to the Davidoff.

Edge: Cool Water (slightly)

Versatility

Voyage has solid versatility. It can go casual and even some work environments. Mostly a spring/summer wear, but you could technically wear it year round.

The same is true for Cool Water, its probably a more mature fragrance, and better for the office or daily wear. Neither is particularly a ‘sexy’ scent, nor a club wear. Cool Water has more of a sense of refinement, versus the more casual Nautica.

Edge: Cool Water (slightly)

Overall Scent

I’m not a huge fan of either or these colognes, I like both, but they’re not something that I wear all of the time. I like the dry down period of Voyage a lot, that’s much better than how it opens. Much smoother, with some oak moss and lotus added.

Cool Water has a nice opening with the mint. I’m not all that into the soapy smell, but when its woody notes hit, I get back into the fragrance.

Which of these two is better? I’d lean Cool Water, I think it has more depth, and has a better smell throughout the wear. Neither is perfect, but both are really good cheapies.

For younger guys, I’d probably go with Voyage. If you’re older, Cool Water would probably fit better. It’s not that much better, but the Davidoff wins here. Vintage bottles, would have more of an edge, but you have to go out of your way to find those around.

Winner: Cool Water

9 Best Smelling Mint Scented Colognes

by

Mint is ubiquitous in foods, gums, fresheners, and the like. Whether you’re talking about peppermint or spearmint, everyone knows the smell, and it isn’t a difficult ingredient to parse out. In colognes, it isn’t used all the time, and is even more rarely the star of the show. But, there are some really good ones. Here is a review list of some of the top selections for men’s fragrances with a prominent mint note.

What are the Best Smelling Mint Colognes for Men?

Boozy Mint Fragrance

Guerlain Homme Eau De Parfum Spray for Men, 2.7 Ounce
The mint note in this one is a part of the mojito accord which gives it a fresh and boozy type of scent with a woodsy background. I wear this one on a pretty regular basis.

This one opens up with a strong blend of mint and lime, with the rum note hanging around in the background. The lime and mint are about equal at first, but the mint gains strength, as the wear moves along. It’s also got a sweet sugar note.

During the dry down, the mint is flanked by cedar and vetiver. It becomes woodier and much drier of a cologne. It’s not super heavy and will give you 7-8 hours of performance. My Guerlain Review

Best Smelling Mint

Kryptomint– Kryptomint is a great one, if you’re in the market for a gourmand mint fragrance with plenty of warmth. You get coffee, chocolate, and tonka bean. Pair that with mint and patchouli, giving this Thierry Mugler scent a distinct and delightful vibe.

The greatest part is, that Kryptomint, settles into its warmer state. The opening act is as cold as ice, with a brilliant use of mint. Super fresh and sweet with really nice performance.

Now, Kryptomint isn’t the best fragrance out there. It is getting the nod, as the best mint cologne, in my mind. If I wanted a mint based cologne it would be either this or Guerlain Homme.

Fresh Mint and Lavender

Prada Luna Rossa Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– I don’t usually care for bitter orange notes like in Terre d’Hermes (which I hate), but it quite simply works in Luna Rossa, and is by no means overpowering.

Plus, the citrus is only the main attraction at first. Then, there is an emergence of mint and lavender. What a great little scent. It is a bright citrus aroma with a cool demeanor thanks to the spearmint and calming lavender note.

The dry down does have a slight powdery/soapy feel, but it isn’t that much, and way less than what is in some of the others. The spearmint here, is utterly perfect.  Luna Rossa Full Review

The Best Seller with Mint

Versace Eros Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce
Versace Eros is very rich and layered, which helps to produce a heavy, warm, and gourmand aroma. The mint lends to this by playing beautifully off of notes such as tonka bean.

In the newer bottles, I definitely get more of the lemon note, versus a blend of mint and lemon. However, this still gives a great bold aroma, with our target ingredient playing a large role.

No, Eros isn’t a pure mint fragrance, but it provides the cooling freshness against the other warmer/thick notes. Versace Eros Review

An Autumn Minty Cologne

BURBERRY for Men Eau de Toilette, 3.3 fl.oz– Burberry cologne is the titular house fragrance from this design company. It also happens to be one of my favorite to wear on this list. Burberry for Men isn’t as in your face as many other colognes on the market, but it allows it’s striking and refined aroma speak for itself.

It features a cool mint note, that provides that familiar fresh spice on top of a smooth sandalwood, and embedded within a warm amber. It is an interesting play between warmth and cold, throughout the wear.

This is all solidified by a smooth trio of sandalwood, lavender, and cedar. This forms the base of Burberry for Men and adds that woody masculine layer.

This has a more mature character and a moderate sillage. I’ve always felt that I could wear Burberry anywhere and it be an appropriate cologne for that occasion. It’s woody, fresh, and an intriguing fragrance that I always love catching a whiff of. My review 

FullSizeRender (49)

Aromatic Mint

Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male By Jean Paul Gaultier For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 4.2 Oz.
Warm, spicy, and vanilla. Le Male gets energized by the mint notes providing a fresh spice to its smooth fragrance.

Le Male is an absolute classic, at this point, and a fragrance that almost everyone has encountered. The mint and vanilla notes are so good together, with some added spices and the calming force of the lavender at the very heart.

The dry down, is more about the vanilla, but the mint hangs around the whole time. Plus, at the start, it really shines. This is an easy daily wear, with good performance, and suitable for younger guys. Le Male JPG Review

jean paul

Simple and Clean

Ralph Lauren Big Pony Green #3 Men By Ralph Lauren Eau de Toilette, 4.2-ounce
This is a soft and fresh and very straightforward fragrance by Ralph Lauren. The notes essentially consist of mint, ginger, bergamot, which gives #3 a green and spicy scent.

The interplay between the light ginger and mint is interesting. I am a big fan of ginger in colognes, though, it isn’t a huge factor in Big Pony #3. This scent has been discontinued, as it was a short-lived lineup.

However, if you can get a cheap bottle, this is a simple one worth checking out.

Classy Masculine Scent

Cartier Roadster 3.4 Fl. oz. Eau De Toilette Spray Men
Roadster is a fresh and prominent use of mint with some vetiver and vanilla to give it a smoother woodsy feel. However, the mint is the main attraction.

Roadster is a very ‘green’ type of fragrance, with mint as its main note. It’s got a smooth lightness from the vanilla note and the vetiver gives it a masculine quality.

Rather unique overall, but simple. The opening is the mint with a spritz of the bergamot citrus and vanilla sweetness hanging in the background. Top Cartier Fragrances

roadster

Another Guerlain Option

L’homme Ideal Cool by Guerlain– This one is a blend and it’s harder to find nowadays. But, this is a great fragrance with a large dose of mint in there.

Ideal Cool gives you the usual citrus start, like the EDT, but adds on a fresher and greener profile than the other iterations from Guerlain.

The interesting part of the fragrance to me, is when the mint note interacts with the almond. Sounds a bit strange, but it simply works. The sillage here is pretty light, but the performance in terms of longevity is solid.