Bad EDT by Diesel

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I still have some more sample scents, to work my way through and give full reviews to. I’ve had some of these fragrances for months now. One of those being, Bad EDT by Diesel. This has spawned a few editions at this point, so I wanted to see what it was all about. What does this cologne smell like? How does it perform? Is it even worth a try?

What does Bad by Diesel Smell Like?

Notes include: tobacco, cardamom, lavender, caviar, tonka bean, patchouli, violet leaf, and wood

Click here to try: BAD by Diesel Eau de Toilette Spray | 125 mL / 4.2 fl oz 

diesel bad edt review

My Full Wear Review of Bad

Before I get into my own review, let’s see what Diesel says about Bad EDT: A rough woody fragrance, contrasted with an exciting spicy rush and a salty addictive bite.

Upon the initial spray, I immediately get a blast of bergamot, which provides the citrus energy for the composition. This is paired with a fairly strong lavender note, and these two, serve as the first level of the aroma.

Now, this opening gets compared to Invictus, and I totally get why. Though, I’d say it is closer to Invictus Legend. Beyond that, I also pick up on a 212 VIP vibe. Both of those fragrances contain citrus, caviar, and spice.

I will say, that Bad EDT, is definitely not as sweet as Invictus. It’s got more of a spicy and woody opening, than the Paco Rabanne scents.

So, the first level of this fragrance is the bergamot/lavender. Underneath that, is: caviar, cardamom, spices, wood, and tobacco (which will grow in strength later on). The cardamom gives a warm/spicy boost and the caviar brings in a delightful salty quality…but not in an oceanic or aquatic way.

Honestly, at this point, I’m not impressed with Diesel Bad when I smell it close to my skin. I sprayed it on my wrist 3 times, and up close it’s meh, but when my nose isn’t close by…I really like the aroma. The distance seems to really capture the essence of this fragrance.

I keep getting very pleasant whiffs of this stuff, each time I wear it. The more time that I spend with it, the more likable it becomes to my nose.

Once it transitions from its opening act, Bad, becomes much more about the lavender and tobacco. The bergamot note, stays strong throughout but, no longer has the number one spot. Tobacco, woods, and perhaps an amber accord of some sort make up the rest of the cologne.

It is smooth, with some rough edges, a very light patchouli is in there. Lavender gives Bad, a clean-ish feeling, that is offset somewhat by the more earthy ingredients in the composition. With a nice, bright, and juicy citrus note sitting squarely in the middle of it all.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The projecting abilities of this cologne are quite strong. Not the most powerful that I’ve come across, but it can absolutely take over a room, in many circumstances. 3 sprays can make that happen, so, expect a very solid scent bubble around you.

The longevity is also very good. It will hit the 8-9 hour range on my skin, easily. After that, it’s faint, but somewhat present still. The performance here, is exactly what I would want from this type of scent.

So, you could probably push this to 10-11 hours with enough sprays. But, for its use case, I don’t really see why you would exactly.

When should Diesel Bad be worn? Casually and for the nightlife. This isn’t a school or office sort of cologne. It has a somewhat youthful vibe, but this could work for men in their late 20s, as well.

Mostly, this will be a party/club/bar fragrance. It should get complements, as it does have a mass appeal, and fairly sexy quality to it. I’d stay away from wearing this in the heat, but moderate temperatures and below, Bad handles well.

Ideally, wear in cold weather when just hanging out or venturing to a bar or lounge.

Overall Impressions of Bad EDT

Do I like Bad EDT by Diesel? I actually do. It’s grown on me, a whole lot, while testing it out. Am I amazed by it? No, but for a younger man’s nightlife fragrance, or one in the Invictus mold…this is a really good wear.

This cologne never seemed to gain any popularity, which means, it should be hitting the discount bin. That’s great news, for guys who want a nightlife scent. It’s underrated and gives you awesome performance.

If you like the Invictus line or 212 VIP, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy wearing Bad EDT.

The dry down does get better than the opening act, which is just okay. It’s got a lot going on at that point and I don’t completely vibe with it. But, the lavender and tobacco in the latter stages, really gives this one a great upside.

The cardamom and caviar sound a lot more interesting in theory versus what you actually end up with.

It’s not the most incredible thing ever, but if you can get it for cheap, this will be a nice pickup. You get good performance and something that has an attractive quality to it. Nice, though, not spectacular.

Neroli Portofino Forte by Tom Ford

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In today’s review of a Tom Ford fragrance, we have a flanker scent from the high end designer brand, called: Neroli Portofino Forte. This one came out back in 2016. I am going to share my thoughts after wearing this perfume around. I will cover how it smells, what the notes are, when it should be worn, and if it is even worth a buy?

What does Neroli Portofino Forte Smell Like?

Notes include: neroli, leather, bergamot, blood orange, orange blossom, musk, woods, basil, lavender

Click here to try: Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Forte Eau De Parfum 3.4oz/100ml New In Box

My Full Review

The opening of Neroli Portofino Forte was trying its hardest to get me to hate this fragrance. It’s a musky/spice white floral with the citrus notes only being a side attraction. The basil seems pretty strong at the top and contributes to this being way too much to take all at once.

Neroli is naturally leading the way, but I think it gets distracted from, by everything else going on. Musk and basil are overkill, here.

I really don’t enjoy the first five minutes of this scent, but luckily it does improve quite a lot from there. It’s strange, because I do like basil, usually.

Once you move past that opening, Forte really starts to take on the smell of the citrus notes. Kind of backwards, usually the citrus notes will lead off a fragrance. But here, the come on strong after the initial wave.

Blood orange and bergamot come together to create quite a zesty and deliciously juicy aroma. Forte does still have that soapy sort of vibe, that the original Neroli Portofino does, but the citrus is much stronger in this flanker. Forte just feels like a bolder fragrance than the original.

As we dry down further, there is the addition of a leather note in this one. It’s kind of subtle and doesn’t have the same sort of smell as Tuscan Leather, but it is there and does create an interesting element in the heart of this perfume.

There is musk and woods, to go with the white floral notes, as well. The spiciness of the basil, is pretty much gone at this point.

Ultimately, what I am left with is woods, leather, some musk, blood orange, neroli, and orange flowers. It’s later stages, are probably the absolute highlight of Forte, I feel that this is when the perfume really stands out and distinguishes itself.

If I could skip the opening and get to the citrus, leather, and woods…I’d be much higher on this fragrance.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, moderate, but stronger than the original. Neroli Portofino Forte, doesn’t have huge sillage but it will extend about 4-5 feet from the skin for the first few hours, and then come in closer. It never seems weak, but is pretty steady throughout the wear.

For the price, it delivers something solid and doesn’t completely leave me wanting more.

Longevity, is good, better than the original. It stayed on my skin for maybe 7-8 hours, which while not amazing, is a solid workday. Really, with what you’d be paying for this Tom Ford scent, it’s not at all spectacular.

So, projection is worthwhile and it lasts about the minimum I would want to acquire a bottle.

Seasonally, Forte is for warm days. Every aspect of it is absolutely built for the sun and gives off that spring/summer feeling to a tee. It is unisex, but another one that leans more towards the feminine end of things.

Not that it’s girly or anything, just much more in line with perfumes you’d find on the women’s side of thing, as opposed to men’s colognes.

It is classy, somewhat mature, and not a casual summertime scent. It can be worn at the office or other semi-formal or dressed up sorts of events. It’s attractive, but not a sexy or seductive fragrance. Luxurious with plenty of depth for something that is worn during the summer months.

I want to wear this in the daytime. Neroli Portofino Forte isn’t something for the nightlife.

Overall Impressions of Portofino Forte

Overall, do I like Neroli Portofino Forte? I do somewhat. The opening turned me off, but the dry down brought me back in. I think that it is a nice perfume, has a really good blood orange note, and a unique use of leather.

Is it amazing? Not in my mind. It is also a really expensive scent, so, even if I wanted to spend that much money it wouldn’t be a top choice for my personal collection. It’s a well put together fragrance, that smells good, and has an interesting character.

I really don’t like the initial basil blast in the opening and how it interacts with the rest of the composition. This is one that definitely gets better as it moves on. Ultimately, it’s just not a must have for me.

Allure Homme by Chanel

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Allure Homme is the original from the series, released back in 1999. I’ve already reviewed the flankers to this, on the site, and have put off writing this for months.

Mainly, I wanted to experience it without comparing it entirely to what followed (even though I do, in this post), but really appreciate this Chanel fragrance on its own. What does it smell like? When should it be worn? Does it perform well?

What does Allure Homme Smell Like?

Notes include: mandarin, coriander, cistus, cedar, tonka bean, black pepper, peach, rosewood, and more

Click here to try: Chanel Allure Homme Eau De Toilette Spray 150ml / 5 Oz

My Full Review

Let’s see how Chanel describes it: Difficult to define, impossible to resist. Crisp and clean, warm and sexy, ALLURE HOMME is the expression of a man’s charisma and inner strength. A fresh, spicy and woody composition that reveals the presence of the man who wears it.

The opening of Allure Homme is a bright clean citrus affair, led by the mandarin orange. That note is flanked by peach and some lemon. If you’re familiar with Edition Blanche, you can definitely pick up the DNA with the lemon note.

The fruit notes are joined at the top with some light and fresh spices. Mainly, coriander. Along with some black pepper and a touch of ginger, I think. With some added lavender…which is very light on me.

Allure does a fantastic job at being warm, while not being heavy, and retaining quite a fresh profile overall. There’s even a bit of coconut, that adds to the complexity, if you can catch it. Sometimes, I pick it up well, others not so much.

Well, as it dries down, some of the spices fade. The fruity notes become almost just the orange and lemon, by themselves. In the place of the declining notes, you will get wood, vanilla, amber and some aromatic floral notes.

The citrus is going to be the star, but this one does become drier as it moves forward. The sandalwood and rosewood are pretty prominent on my skin.

Along with, the vanilla note. This stage really gives me the Edition Blanche vibes, but with more complexity.

The final dry down gives me citrus, sandalwood, and cistus. Benzoin, also appears to be in the mix. That cistus (amber) aroma is very reminiscent of the one in Bleu de Chanel EDP.

The remaining notes the mix like vanilla can give this a creamy finish. Towards the tail end, it can often come across as somewhat powdery to me.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this is pretty moderate. With a decent amount of sprays, you’ll project in that 4-6 foot range, for part of the wear.

The rest of it? A few feet from the skin. Not exactly a powerhouse, but this Chanel can provide a nice intimate experience. The real tail end is pretty weak, the last few hours will be a skin scent.

The longevity usually hits the 6-7 hour range on my skin. Again, not something to write home about, but its fairly serviceable. Maybe the original batches went for longer, but with this latest crop, that’s what I got out of them.

Seasonally, I really never have a problem wearing this one. I don’t think I want to wear it on the coldest or hottest days of the year, but outside of that Allure Homme really brings it.

This is the most mature fragrance from the Allure series. Not ‘old-mannish’, but definitely not what you’d associate with much younger guys. Mid-20s and up is probably who is going for this. Stylish, not craving attention.

It can be worn during the day. To the office, semi-formal occasions, formally. It’s attractive enough for dates and nightlife, if you want to be pretty low key.

Overall Impressions of Allure Homme

Overall, do I like Allure Homme? Yes, I do. I think that it’s still full bottle worthy, even if I want better performance. This and Allure Sport Eau Extreme, still give you enough to justify a full purchase.

This scent is very versatile, mature without being stuffy, attractive, and one that I don’t have too many complaints about. The performance nowadays isn’t great. Probably my biggest beef with this perfume.

Maybe, I’d like an EDP version in lieu of the EDT. I do enjoy the lightness of Allure Homme versus the thicker Eau Extreme. It’s a nice change of pace.

The citrus here is great. Along with the light spicy beginning and fantastic woody/vanilla/amber dry down, this is an easy one to wear.

As a whole, this was a fantastic release from Chanel and one well worth checking out. It’s laid back, but well put together, and still smells great after all these years.

allure sport review

Grand Soir by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

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Grand Soir is another of the most popular fragrances from the Maison Francis Kurkdjian line of scents. It is a well-known and loved amber perfume that tops many people’s wish lists. But, how does it actually stack up. I grabbed samples of this scent to test it out and put it through its paces. How does it smell? Is it long lasting? Is it worth a try?

What does Grand Soir Smell Like?

Notes include: amber, vanilla, tonka bean, benzoin, labdanum

Click here to try: Grand Soir from Saks

My Full Review

Grand Soir opens up with its amber note in charge and quite powerful. It’s a very smooth amber note, with a nice spice adding to its overall appeal. Personally, I can pick up a slight smokiness in there at times, also.

Beyond that, there is a bit of vanilla early on and the sort of medicinal smelling benzoin creeping in as well. It’s super warm and enveloping and I do like that spiciness.

As it moves along, you will get more of the same, just with less of the spice. Then, the tonka bean comes in to join the vanilla. It actually comes off powdery at times and also creamy for other parts. Interesting.

It becomes very rich and has a full-bodied presence. Though, it will become lighter as it moves along. Also, the perfume is pretty linear for most of the wear. It’s an amber and vanilla show. It’s creamy buttery smooth and sweet, but that’s pretty much what I get here.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage of Grand Soir starts off strong and it can project itself pretty far. But, it does really lighten up, and will hang 2-3 feet from the skin for much of the wear. But, when you first apply it, you will get a heavy dose of the fragrance.

The good news is, that even in its lighter state, Grand Soir will hang around for a long time. Well into the double digit hours, so, expect 12+ hours of wear depending on the climate and circumstance you’re wearing it in.

The longevity is fantastic with this one.

Seasonally, you’re probably going to have to stick to autumn and winter with this Francis Kurkdjian scent. Maybe, further into the year, if you have particularly cold springs. Though, don’t expect this to be a summertime favorite.

While it is a unisex fragrance, it kind of does lean more masculine. Not a crazy ‘manly’ sort of perfume, but it could be something to take into account, if you’re looking for something traditionally feminine. That being said, it’s not too much of an issue, as I don’t think it’s all that masculine…just leans that way.

Overall Impressions of Grand Soir

Overall, do I like Grand Soir? I do. It’s a very nice fragrance, but not one that I want to necessarily own a bottle of.

The smell itself is great, especially if you’re into amber perfumes. It’s soft, warm, and has a fantastic resinous quality to it. This is a fine example of how to use amber in a scent.

Early on, you get some spice. Then, comes the powdery and creamy parts of the wear. But, overall it’s a pretty linear experience. Frankly, I get bored with it after a while and it’s not my favorite.

The performance is really good, particularly in how long it lasts. It isn’t a sillage bomb, if you’re expecting that. But for the high price, it certainly backs it up.

There’s nothing really too much to complain about here. I get why people really enjoy it, but it’s not something that I want to wear all that much.

This is one scent that has become popular, but it isn’t one that you should blind buy. Not only because of the price, but also because the aroma, may really not be what you’re looking for. If you want to experience Grand Soir, I’d get a sample before committing, unless you are a bonafide amber-lover.

Very Good Girl by Carolina Herrera

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Good Girl has been a big hit for Carolina Herrera, and so, of course a ton of flanker editions have been spun off from the original. In 2021, the brand released, Very Good Girl. Which, has been one of the most popular of the lot.

I got a sample of this perfume with a Macy’s fragrance order and have been testing it out. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is Very Good Girl worth a try?

What does Very Good Girl Smell Like?

Notes include: litchi, rose, red currant, vetiver, vanilla

Click here to try: Very Good Girl 30 ml Eau de Parfum, 1 fl oz

My Full Review

Here’s how Herrera describe it: Fun, fabulous and fearless, Very Good Girl is a bold new interpretation of the iconic Good Girl scent. Evolving Carolina Herrera’s vision of the duality of the modern woman, this irresistible fragrance will walk straight into your heart with its seductive rose scent and red-hot design.

Very Good Girl opens up with litchi, as the main attraction. Quite sweet and loud, with red currant, giving an added tartness to the aroma.  The red currant is much weaker than the litchi from the get go and will soon be replaced by the strengthening rose note.

After the initial blast, this one does get a more powdery aroma. Not overwhelming so on me, but the litchi and rose do have that effect. That’s a good thing, as much of the tartness up top will subside and it will be more of a fruity sweetness.

As it moves along, you will get more of the vanilla note and a general freshness to the scent. It’s not a thick or heavy feeling, rather, lighter and pleasant, which gives Very Good Girl some great versatility in its uses.

This is a pretty straightforward blend. The changes over time, are more towards the rose and the fresh feeling. Nonetheless, the rose and litchi are in control the entire time. Vanilla comes and goes and you will pick up the additional vetiver note.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Very Good Girl starts off with a nice bit of power, but it isn’t too extreme. Call it the upper edge of what could be considered moderate. From there, the sillage will become lighter and fairly average after the first hour or so. Solid, but not monstrous.

On my skin, Very Good Girl lasted in the 7-plus hour range during testing. It did manage to hit 8 hours, but most of the time, it will be around 7. Pretty good, but you shouldn’t expect a marathon length of performance.

Seasonally, is where you do get plenty of performance, as Very Good Girl can fit in pretty much year round. Probably best around the average temperatures, but cold and warmer weather, can do just fine.

I like it more when it’s somewhat chilly outside, more so than in warmer weather. I’d just stay away from the extremes with this fragrance.

This is more of casual, daily wear, or nightlife scent. It can fit the role of pretty much anything except for super dressy or formal affairs.

It is subtle enough for most daytime applications, but also has enough personality for the night. It’s likeable, attractive, somewhat sexy. Very Good Girl gets the job done, it’s just not the most seductive thing out there.

 

Overall Impressions of Very Good Girl

Overall, do I like this fragrance? I like it. However, I don’t like Very Good Girl as much as other similar scents (hello, Angel Nova) and the original Good Girl is a bit better too. It’s nice enough, has good performance, and is versatile.

But, it’s not an amazing perfume.

The tart sweetness of the litchi and red currant is a pretty big punch early on. The litchi might be the note which makes or breaks your own interest in this scent, as it is rather prominent.

The rose is fine, I like it better during the dry down than when it is paired with the heavier fruitiness.

The dry down is a nice pinkish rose, fruit, some vanilla creaminess, and a light fresh feeling. Honestly, it’s a good perfume, but it never screams that it is a must have.

It is worth giving a try, if it sounds like your style. It’s still somewhat a perfume like Good Girl. Very Good Girl has its strengths, but as a whole, is a slightly above average scent.