Libre Intense by YSL

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Libre Intense was released in 2020 by YSL, as a follow up to the immensely popular and powerful Libre EDP. I got a sample of this, along with the original to really test them out and see how each differs from one another. Here’s my direct comparison post. In this one, I am going to do a deeper review of Libre Intense. How does it smell? Perform? Is it worth a try?

What does Libre Intense Smell Like?

Notes include: lavender, orange blossom, orchid, vanilla

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent for Women Libre 1.6 oz Eau de Parfum Intense Spray

My Full Review

Before we get into my review of Libre Intense, let’s see how YSL describes it: The iconic structure of Libre, a tension the lavender from France and the orange blossom from Morocco, reinterpreted in a suave and sensual way. The intensity of a melting floral core, where orange blossom flower absolute & blazing orchid accord fuse. A fragrance like a shout of freedom, the freedom to live everything with excess.

Libre Intense starts out with a sweet aroma. I don’t find it to be sugary or candy-like, but the citrus top and vanilla do give it that bright, warm, and upbeat attractiveness. It’s actually a great deal like YSL’s L’Homme Parfum Intense, but more vanilla.

The opening gives you quite a bergamot and orange-laden aroma. Both the fruit and the orange blossom itself. Which is why it strikes so close to that men’s YSL scent.

The lavender note is going to be present in this Libre flanker, but less so than in the original. That one had more of that note and a greater muskiness. This one goes more with the vanilla note and a balanced floral foursome.

Here it is: lavender, orange blossom, jasmine, and orchid. Orange blossom is strong early on, but my nose gets more orchid during the dry down stages. Jasmine is present, but it does come on all that strong, on my skin.

The vanilla qualities will ramp up, as the initial bergamot and orange juiciness fades. You also get tonka bean here, so there will bee that creamy and powdery aroma versus the soapy lavender of the original.

The ambergris, white floral notes, and vanilla end this one. It actually feels much drier and the sweetness has gone down a whole lot, by the late stage of this wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, Libre Intense will leave its mark. This perfume is powerful, can project like crazy, and will never really be considered weak.

It’s not the absolute most powerful fragrance that I’ve come across or anything. But, for a designer scent, Intense is massive in comparison to most others…including the original.

The longevity here is also great. It will easily hit double digit hours, and went 12+ hours in my experience while testing it out.

So, performance isn’t an issue and not something you’d need to worry about. Except, maybe going overboard with the sprays.

Seasonally, Libre Intense is more of a cold weather fragrance. I’d stick to this from autumn through early spring. I wouldn’t venture into the summer months with this on, seems like it’d melt pretty quickly.

A cozy fragrance, but one that doesn’t completely shy away, more like a blanket that wraps you.

This one is probably better for adults rather than teens. It has a more mature vibe, not old-ladyish, but wouldn’t match with most younger girls or younger adults.

It is attractive, has a certain sexiness to it, and can absolutely venture into the nightlife.

Overall Impressions of Libre Intense

Overall, do I like Libre Intense? I do. It’s a good fragrance on the whole and I do enjoy it much more than the original.

Mainly, less lavender makes this one better. It’s sweeter, has more orchid and orange blossom versus Libre. This one is more balanced, while actually living up to the Intense name.

I like that opening especially, as it reminds me of L’Homme Parfum Intense, which was great but had mediocre performance. Libre Intense does not, but does change into the dry down away from that YSL scent.

The latter stages are closer to the original. But, the lavender still shares the stage with the other floral notes. Still, orchid and orange blossom, mainly. It’s creamier and just feels richer than the first one.

The floral and ambergris end, isn’t my favorite. However, I like the opening and middle enough, for it to be not too big of a deal.

This one lasts freaking forever, has a great ability to project, and can leave a scent trail in your wake. For a designer and not niche perfume, this YSL is a monster.

5 Best Bentley Colognes for Men

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Bentley is another of the car manufacturers, that have gotten into the fragrance game, over the past decade. The thing is, most of the auto company colognes, are actually at least pretty good. Bentley is one that has really come out with some strong releases, at very reasonable prices. In this post, I want to present a best of list from the brand, to help you find the right one.

What are the Best Smelling Bentley Fragrances?

Intense Boozy Spice

Bentley for Men Intense– Intense is like an old school bay rum fragrance, with a modern update. Spices, bay leaf, and rum are some of the main features in the early act of this Bentley cologne.

Really rum and cinnamon, with the bay leaf and pepper flanking that main accord. The leather and woods will really come on later to smooth this one out.

The cedar, wood, and incense come to prominence in that later act of this scent. Really fresh, leathery, amber, and a smokiness to it.

I like how it develops from more of a boozy spice to a sweeter leather, woods and resinous amber notes. It does have a strong sillage, especially during that first hour or so, but you get the performance at a low cost.

Masculine Amber Warmth

Bentley For Men ABSOLUTE Eau de Parfum EDP Spray 3.4 fl oz / 100ml, Multi– Absolute is another one, that like Intense, really goes for a bold aroma. Though, this one takes it in a bit of a different direction.

Amber and cedar are going to be the main drivers of this cologne, especially in the dry down phase. Early on, it really packs a punch with its spicy/peppery scent, that also gives off a fairly dense smokiness.

Later, it tones it down for something that is creamier, smoother, and warm. It’s woodiness adds a very dry layer to Bentley for Men Absolute.

Not going to be for everyone, as it’s a style that you’ll have to be into. Best in colder weather.

The Unique Floral

Bentley Black Edition by Bentley Eau De Parfum Spray for Men 3.4 Ounce– Black Edition is a pretty interesting scent, that is the most floral of the lot, and has a really nice and powdery violet note.

But, it’s also sweet up top with tangerine, spice, and an ambroxan aroma. The pink pepper and tangerine remind me of Guess Seductive, not in terms of smell, but just a similar warm sweetness in the opening.

Then, this will shift to becoming more earthy and woody. The powdery sweetness will stick around. But, there is a patchouli note that comes through, fresh cedar, and a dry mossy accord.

It’s a really interesting fragrance, sort of like a lot of colognes, but not quite exactly like any of them. I’m not a huge violet fan, but this I can make an exception for.

Mass Appeal Ambroxan and Lavender

Bentley Momentum Intense Men EDP Spray 3.4 oz– Momentum Intense is one of the brands more mass appealing fragrances. The lavender note is going to be the lead here, but I think that it is actually pretty balanced and doesn’t go too far into ‘lavender bomb’ territory.

It has a sweet aroma with a warm and resinous quality to it, with a hefty dose of amberwood/ambroxan in the base of the fragrance. I don’t find it to be super sugary or anything like that, but it does have quite sweet facets mixed with aromatic thanks to that lavender and fresh geranium.

Early on there is some spice, but the dry down is a light woods with that synthetic amber aroma and lavender. Not super complicated, but it is attractive enough, and something that is pretty easy to wear. Nice performance, not super beast mode, however.

Fresh Daily Wear

Bentley for Men Silverlake– Silverlake is a newer release from the brand. It draws a lot of comparisons to Acqua di Gio, which is pretty accurate. But, the question is which edition of that scent is it closest to? For me, it’s a mix. Also, it sort of stands on its own too.

It’s fresher and cooler than most AdG entries and none of the same aquatic notes. I can see, Essenza (based on memories) somewhat, but not quite (I think that’s been overplayed). The original AdG? Maybe. Less floral jasmine and juiciness overall.

Anyway, as a stand alone fragrance Bentley Silverlake this is more greenish fresh than anything blue-ish aquatic. Though, that is there to an extent. Mint and violet leaf play well off of the citrus top, consisting of lemon essence.

It’s cleaner and has a soapy-like quality to it. The performance is pretty darn good at this price point and it’s one that is easy to wear in a variety of situations.

Paris-Biarritz by Chanel

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Chanel’s Les Eaux de Chanel line is one that I’ve been testing out for a while now. I’ve become familiar with all of the scents and am now writing up my full reviews of each. Today’s entry is Paris-Biarritz. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is this one worth a try?

What does Paris-Biarritz Smell Like?

Notes include: grapefruit, mandarin, lily-of-the-valley, vetiver, musk, neroli, patchouli

Click here to try: Paris-Biarritz by Chanel

My Full Review

Paris-Biarritz begins with its citrus notes out in full force. According to Chanel, it is grapefruit and mandarin orange. But, I definitely pick up on a lemon note, pretty clearly. To me, it actually starts off the strongest.

The citrus is juicy, refreshing, but very cold. Almost like they threw in an iced accord. The composition does have a bit of an aquatic note in there. Almost oceanic, in how it comes across. Now, it isn’t super powerful, but I get it each time I spray this perfume.

Beyond all of that, the neroli not adds to the citrus, while also creating a green and spicy fresh undertone to Biarritz.

Once the juiciness of the citrus has faded, this becomes drier, greener, and more floral. Neroli and lily of the valley are the floral notes here. Paris-Biarritz becomes a balanced mix of those along with some ample vetiver, musk, and patchouli.

It’s a light soapy citrus with woody, green, and musky aromas exchanging places during the dry down. It’s something I’ve experienced with plenty of other scents, but the watery/sea vibe I get, does give it some distinction.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one is pretty moderate at first. Then, becoming lighter for the rest of the wear. Now, the citrus notes can initially come on strong, as it has that usual sharpness. That is short-lived.

For the rest of the wear, it is going to sit close to the skin, 2-3 feet away. Not a powerhouse, like most summertime citrus perfumes.

The longevity also isn’t very good. I can squeeze 4-5 hours out of Paris-Biarritz, with a bit of over-spraying. That’s about all it is going to provide. Not shocking for the type of perfume this is, but I’d expect more.

Seasonally, this is a warm day wear for spring and summertime. It is a unisex fragrance, that sort of starts off more masculine, and finishes more floral and feminine. It’s about the same impression as something like, Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford.

If you can wear that, this will be fine.

I would stick to daytime wear. Around town casually, maybe to work, or semi-formal events. It’s attractive and clean, but not anything that would be considered sexy.

Overall Impressions of Paris-Biarritz

Overall, do I like Paris-Biarritz? Yes, I do. It’s just my least favorite of the Les Eaux de Chanel line of perfumes.

The aroma itself is nice.  I really like the citrus top, with its cold juiciness. The rest of the wear, it pretty standard issue. It smells like a bunch of other stuff, which is fine, but not at Chanel prices. Plus, there are better options than this from the brand.

The longevity here is only 5 hours at best, which doesn’t lend itself to wanting to acquire a full bottle. If that were beefed up, I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to it. Though, I can’t say that this one that I’d constantly be wanting to wear.

It’s nice, with how it smells. The performance is meh. Just not too much to get excited about with this one. Not terrible, just not a must have.

Perfect by Marc Jacobs

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I received a sample of Perfect by Marc Jacobs by mistake. With an order, they sent me a whole host of women’s perfumes, when I ordered samples for men. Oh well. As such, I am going to add to my ladies’ fragrance reviews, and start things off with this 2020 release. How does Perfect smell? Perform? Is it worth a try?

What does Perfect by Marc Jacobs Smell Like?

Notes include: daffodil, rhubarb, almond milk, cedar, cashmeran 

Click here to try: Marc Jacobs Perfect Women 3.3 oz EDP Spray 

My Full Review

Before we get into my own review, let’s see how Marc Jacobs describes it: A bright daffodil and juicy rhubarb accord meets soft cashmeran and comforting notes of almond ilk. Dazzling and unexpected. Perfect, just like you.

The opening is quite bright and juicy. The rhubarb accord comes across like strawberries mixed with a greenish aroma. There also seems to be some other fruity note or at least the impression there, smells sort of like cherry to my nose.

That’ll stick around for a little while, as the daffodil gains strength, along with the light and semi-sweet almond milk. The almond milk actually isn’t too heavy in the mix, don’t expect a huge creaminess or anything, but it is there.

The top is juicy and candy-like (sweet/tart), while this one will dry down into something more woody fresh and musky.

As it moves along, the cashmeran will be the main player alongside the daffodil. It actually never turns into a pure floral play, but is rather balanced in how it presents.

That sweet-tart aroma of the rhubarb accord will fade. It is a clean, slightly soapy scent, with a milky woody base. Not too complicated, but very nice.

Projection, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, it is fairly strong, while the rhubarb is around. Then, it will be a lighter to moderate wear, without much of a trail.

Overall, I’d say it’s above average, but it’s not going to project like crazy.

The longevity is also good, but not amazing. I get about 7-8 hours of wear, on my skin. So, around a workday, which is fine unless you need a marathon performer.

Seasonally, this one is a spring and summertime wear, all the way. It completely matches a daytime of sunshine and greenery.

It’s not a ‘teenagers’ fragrance, even if they can also where this. Though, it does have a youthful energy. Probably not going to be something that you wear formally. However, it’s safe enough to wear for most other occasions.

Not really a romantic or nightlife wear. Stick to the daytime, but you can use it a whole lot in that timeframe.

Overall Impressions of Perfect

Overall, do I like Perfect? I do enjoy it. It doesn’t live up to the name exactly, but it is a very nice and uplifting perfume from Marc Jacobs.

I like the opening with the rhubarb and how the daffodil starts to come through underneath. It reminds me of a sunny spring day and it all just has a nice energy to it.

As it dries down, I appreciate that it doesn’t go full on floral or green, but instead takes a more balanced approach. The almond milk isn’t all that forceful, but in its limited role (at least on me), it does add a nice touch.

The performance is good all around, even if it isn’t a powerhouse. I don’t think most people would be disappointed by it.

Maybe you should avoid, if you don’t like that sweet tart strawberry/cherry like vibe. If that’s you’re thing, you will probably get plenty of use out of this in the spring and summertime. It’s pretty, not overwhelming, and has some decent versatility.

Platinum égoïste by Chanel

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Chanel Egoiste Platinum was released back in 1993, as a follow up to the popular original Egoiste. Though, the two really don’t have too much in common. This is already a classic, that I’ve come back to over the years, and have enjoyed. Even if, this fougere sort of cologne isn’t my personal style…I’ve always dug this. I recently picked up a sample again to see how it’s holding up today, so, this is going to be my review.

What does Egoiste Platinum Smell Like?

Notes include: lavender, rosemary, petitgrain, amber, clary sage, geranium, cedar, vetiver, sandalwood, jasmine, and more

Click here to try: Platinum Egoiste by Chanel

chanel platinum review

My Full Review

Before we get into my take on this scent, let’s see how Chanel describes it:
PLATINUM ÉGOÏSTE is a fragrance for the extrovert who isn’t afraid of making himself known. The fresh and aromatic notes of the energetic fougère-green accord represent the strength of the man with a commanding presence.

In the early opening, Platinum Egoiste gives me a blast of petitgrain and sage early on. These two are flanked by neroli and lavender, the latter of which is going to play a major part throughout.

It’s like a fresh soap aroma, with an edginess to it. Proper clean, but with an air of confidence. After 15 mintues or so, the neroli and petitgrain have begun to move on, and I get rosemary and sage in their place.

Greenish, herbal, fresh spicy, and lavender. At some point, it does begin to transition to being a lavender and woody aroma, rather than spicy herbal. The aroma is very dry and outdoorsy without being too rough about it.

The vetiver plays the largest role out of the woodsy notes, but geranium has it time in the spotlight, and really gives Platinum its greenish scent. Cedar and sandalwood split the rest of the duties.

Finally, the final dry down is still going with the lavender, amber, woods, but a mossy note does come through. It’s not too pronounced on my skin, but its there. Not a huge change from what had been happening, but just enough.

Projection, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage with this is solid within the first few hours, but it does get quite a bit lighter thereafter. Not a complete monster, but with a good amount of sprays it will be noticed, linger, and can be picked up from 4-6 feet away.

Platinum creates a nice scent bubble, just not an extreme one.

The longevity on bottles nowadays, seems to sit in the 5-7 hour range depending on the day. If it’s a bit colder outside, it sticks to my skin more so than when it gets even somewhat warm.

If you want performance, you’ll have to overspray to a degree, and just accept you’ll end up buying another bottle. Just how it is.

One thing that this has going for it, is just how versatile it is. Platinum Egoiste works well in any season pretty much. Personally, I avoid the hottest days to spray this one on, but it’s honestly not terrible then either.

Mostly, I’d stick to autumn through early spring. Mild days are better than colder ones.

This is a classic barbershop style fougere cologne. It’s clean and easy to wear with a spicy fresh edge. It absolutely works for the office, just as a daily wear, or even into the evening. Not a club beast or something that’s in your face, Platinum is low-key confidence.

I will say that it can be worn by men of any age, so long as your style isn’t completely casual. It has an attractive quality, sexiness, and women seem to enjoy it. All in a classy presentation.

Overall Impressions of Platinum

Overall, do I like Platinum? Yes, in this style of cologne, it is one of my favorites. I do like a clean scent. I will usually go with a powdery one. With this Chanel, I get a change of pace with fresh spiciness, lavender, and woody/earthy elements.

It’s all very balanced and easy to wear. Classic without falling into old man territory. This is a Chanel that will be a signature fragrance for some guys. If you love it, it’s something that will absolutely stick around in your collection.

I don’t think it is one for every guy, however. Sure, try it, but don’t be surprised if it isn’t something you vibe with. Not everyone wants a shaving cream/soapy sort of wear. I will say, give it time to develop on your skin and come back to it again…it can take time to fully appreciate.

It’s a masculine fragrance, not one that is going to be confused for a unisex perfume. If it sounds intriguing, give it a go.