Guerlain L’Homme Ideal EDT vs. EDP

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Guerlain Ideal has become a very popular line for the French brand over the past near decade. I’ve like aspects of all the releases that I’ve come across and think that they are definitely worthwhile colognes to try. Albeit, I do personally feel they’re a bit overrated.

Nonetheless, two of the more sought out options are L’Homme Ideal EDT and the eau de parfum. In this post, I want to compare them head to head, before declaring an ultimate winner in the contest.

Tale of the Tape: L’Homme Ideal EDT vs. EDP

Ideal EDT

Notes include: grapefruit, bergamot, orange, almond, musk, pink pepper, musk, neroli

Click here to try: Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Cologne EDT Spray for Men, 3.3 Ounce

Read my review: Ideal EDT

Ideal EDP

Notes include: cherry, almond, lavender, vanilla, incense, rose, rosemary, leather, tonka bean, and more

Click here to try: L’Homme Ideal EDP at Selfridges (ships from UK)

Read my full review: Ideal EDP

Opening

The original Ideal EDT opens up with its blend of almond and woody spice coming through. It’s nutty and has its fresh citrus notes coming through along with the smoothness of the leather.

Nutty with a citrus and leathery finish.

Meanwhile, Ideal EDP goes with a natural cherry and almond blend. The opening features some spiciness, but it is overall smooth just like the EDT. Leather, vanilla, and other warmer hints are coming through from the base.

The opening is very much like Ideal L’Intense, just with the spices/smokiness toned way down and a much sweeter scent in comparison.

Which is better? For me, it is actually pretty close. I like the way EDT starts and kind of prefer it to EDP, even though I enjoy the cherry note.

Edge: EDT

Projection

Sillage wise, both of these fragrances hit the moderate band on my skin. You might think the higher eau de parfum concentration might give it a higher boost, but that hasn’t ever seemed to be the case.

Wearing them, I don’t particularly notice a difference with how well they project, or when I happen to spray each on clothing. No clear winner here.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Both of these have pretty nice longevity, even if they are the best projecting fragrances out there. With L’Homme Ideal EDT, I can get 4-6.5 hours from it depending on the day.

EDP is a bit better, in this regard. I will usually get 8 hours and it can last on my skin for up to 9.5, under the right conditions.

EDP actually takes this category fairly easily. Ideal EDT, just doesn’t have that level of perfomance.

Edge: EDP

Versatility

Seasonally, these two colognes pretty much hit opposite ends. With Ideal EDT, it is a complete spring and summertime wear. It’s an awesome warmer weather wear.

EDP is all about the autumn and winter. On a crisp winter evening, it is fantastic.

Neither really serves as an all-around one size fits all fragrance. EDT does strike me as a bit more casual and better suited for the daytime. EDP feels like it could venture better into more formal situations, light enough for office wear, and can be a nighttime gem.

Edge: EDP

Overall Scent

Overall, I enjoy wearing both of these scents. There actually isn’t a wide gap at all between them, in my experience and which I’d prefer to wear.

I love the citrus and almond blend of the original EDT. It fits so well in the summer months and while not a complete beast, it has good enough performance. The dry down is fresh and pleasant.

But, I think that the EDP is a touch ahead of the EDT. The cherry not up top, with the leather refinement, and subtle depth of the overall composition brings more to the table than the EDT. You get improved performance and some more versatile wearing options.

Again, not a massive win, but a win nonetheless. I actually think I prefer the discontinued Ideal Cologne to both of them.

One more factor that I’d like to mention is the availability in the US. Ideal EDP isn’t sold here anymore, outside of places like eBay. As such, you’ll probably have to order from the UK. That means, you might be paying $30+ for shipping costs.

Is Ideal EDP, worth that amount? Ehhh, maybe not. Unless you really want a bottle, I would just consider buying the much more affordable EDT. EDP is the better fragrance, but can be a pain to acquire.

Winner: Ideal EDP

Zest in Havana by Dua Brands

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I was pouring through all of the many fragrance options on the Dua Brands website and found many candidates, that I wanted to try out. One particular mash up fragrance caught my attention, Zest in Havana, which combines Dua’s two scents that were inspired by two popular Mugler colognes: Ultra Zest and Pure Havane. So, I bought it and have been putting the scent through its paces. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is Zest in Havana worth a try?

What does Zest in Havana Smell Like?

Notes include: orange, tobacco, vanilla, tonka bean, mint, ginger, coffee, styrax, honey, cacao, black pepper, labdanum, amber, and more

Click here to try: Zest in Havana by Dua Brands

My Full Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see how Dua describes this scent: Zest in Havana is the brightest day you can imagine in the city of Havana. It is equivalent to smoking a fine cigar poolside in Havana while enjoying a citrus cocktail and a decadent dessert drenched in honey. 

Zest in Havana opens with the citrus notes of tangerine and blood orange out in full effect. Very juicy and indeed bright as they note. Early on, I notice a mixture of notes flanking the citrus, before the main thrust of the fragrance is revealed.

I pick up more of the mint than ginger, as far as the spices go. Also, some touches of black pepper and cinnamon. Really, I get coffee in a surprising amount from the get go. That will for sure tone down, but the initial blast does have a nice coffee flourish.

Early on it feels lighter and fresher than the eventual warmer and thicker body the Zest in Havana will eventually develop. You’re definitely get the Ultra Zest portion early on, very much like the Mugler cologne, but with a bit of its own twist.

As I get further into the wear, the coffee and spices begin to fall away. The next phase is about vanilla, tobacco, and amber. The combination of vanilla and tonka bean give it a fairly creamy tone, but the citrus notes keep it lively and not straying too far into being another cold weather exclusive.

The final phase is mainly tobacco and amber. The vanilla falls back to the number three spot as far as weighting. The fourth is basically a blend of everything that’s left, including: labdanum, tonka bean, coffee, cacao.

The citrus is essentially gone, in any detectable level. There does feel like there may be some leftover fruity sweetness, but it’s not completely apparent.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, Zest in Havana opens up with a strong punch. That citrus blend really projects itself well early on. Add to that the spicy freshness and it project itself around 8 feet, with a few sprays. Now, it will settle into something on the lower end of what can be considered strong…but it does bring it.

With the longevity, it just keeps going and going. On skin, it has easily lasted 12+ hours on me without issue. I’m not sure just how long it goes, because I will usually shower within that time frame, but this Extrait de Parfum has no problems in the performance department.

Seasonally, this is interesting. The original Mugler colognes that Zest in Havana is based on, are kind of opposites. Pure Havane is an autumn and winter wear. While Ultra Zest, could venture into the summer as a refreshing citrus blend.

For Zest in Havana? I’m not sure it’ll be one to go to in the high heat of summer. Since it is currently winter, I cannot test it out to see if that’s the case. However, I’d say autumn through springtime for sure.

It’s fairly versatile and its mash up aroma is pretty unique versus what you get in other singular fragrances. It’s more of a casual daytime wear, with the ability to go semi-formal on the right occasion.

It is safe for work, at least once it has settled. The vanilla, tobacco, amber, warmer stage is pretty attractive…but you might want to wait for it to dry down after the initial spray.

Overall Impressions of Zest in Havana

Overall, do I like this Dua Brand fragrance? Yes, I like it. However, I didn’t love it, as much as I thought. I probably should have bought their plain Zest bottle instead of this blended combo.

It’s enjoyable in its own right, but I cannot say that I liked it better than either of the Mugler fragrances on their own. The blend works well enough, but it doesn’t strike me as spectacular. It’s worth a try if you like either Pure Havane or Ultra Zest.

I do really dig that opening citrus with the coffee undertones and mint/ginger mix. It’s pretty great. The dry down is a lot of Pure Havane and it’s nice, but I was hoping I’d get a longer lasting bit of Zest.

It’s a nice long-lasting scent, that I will continue to wear over the coming months. I’ll come back and update this page, if it starts to speak to me more. As of now, it’s cool, just not a must wear for me.

La Nuit de l’Homme vs The One EDT

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La Nuit de L’homme from Yves Saint Laurent and The One by D&G have both been best sellers for over a decade now. They often can get compared to one another since they do have some overlap in notes, while actually being pretty distinctly different fragrances with how they smell. But, while also sharing a similar use case. So, which of these men’s fragrances is better?

Tale of the Tape: La Nuit vs. The One EDT

La Nuit

Notes include: cardamom, bergamot, vetiver, lavender, cedar

Try it out: Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L’homme Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3-Ounce

Read my review: La Nuit de l’Homme

The One by D&G

Notes include: grapefruit, ginger, basil, coriander, amber, tobacco, orange blossom, and more

Click here to try: THE ONE By DOLCE & GABBANA; EDT SPRAY 5 Ounce

Opening

La Nuit opens up with lots of cardamom and a citrus bergamot note, in the beginning. It is fresh, warm, and has that light addition of bergamot. Then, the lavender really begins to come into its own, sometime thereafter. It is a really captivating start, that gives you a nice bit of spice before settling down.

It does later become a bit more powdery and fresh, but above is what I get from the opener.

The One, meanwhile, gives me a bit less noticeable citrus (grapefruit) versus the bergamot in Nuit. Also, the cardamom feels less intense early on, and I get more of a blend with the ginger and light basil note.

The One is warm and has an amazing amber note with hints of the orange blossom giving it a floral touch. Personally, I prefer orange blossom to lavender.

Which is better? I’ve always loved how The One starts off. I enjoy La Nuit also, but with my personal bottle, my favorite part has been the dry down recently.

Edge: The One

Projection

Neither one of these has a monster projection. The sillage of La Nuit is fairly middle of the road for a few hours and then becomes light and finally a skin scent.

The One starts off nicely but really quickly fades, on my skin. It may have better performance for others, but the D&G has never really mustered much of anything for me.

Edge: La Nuit

Longevity

La Nuit used to get 6-8 hours of wear for me. The 2021 batch that I bought is more along the lines of 4-5…6 if I really spray the hell out of it. It’s for sure lost a step.

Again, The One has always had terrible performance on my skin. I might get 2 hours out of it, if I go heavy. With normal sprays, 1.

It may react differently for you, but I wouldn’t expect it to be better than the YSL, even at its peak.

Edge: La Nuit

Versatility

Both The One and La Nuit are best worn in fall/winter, but can venture into more mild temperatures, without issue.

Their versatility as popular signature scents is one of the greatest strengths that these colognes both share. Both lean more towards being nighttime wears, but honestly, neither is out of place in the daytime either.

I don’t really see much of a distinction in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Between these two fragrances, which do I prefer?

If we’re going just based on smell alone, I like The One EDT better. It’s got a warmth, lightness, and sweet almost boozy quality about it that I’ve always loved. The downside, is that it just doesn’t work on my skin for whatever reason.

But, if it does work on yours…you should probably go with that.

However, based on smell and performance in conjunction, La Nuit wins this round. It’s not a superstar with how it lasts, but it smells really great and isn’t that far behind the Dolce cologne in terms of enjoyment.

You’re going to be getting plenty of the spicy cardamom, a general freshness, and light powdery finish. So, The One may be more appealing, if that doesn’t sound all that great to you.

Winner: La Nuit

Cloud by Ariana Grande

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Cloud from Ariana Grande has become a super popular fragrance over the past few years, due both to the singer’s own fame and the perfume’s resemblance to Baccarat Rouge 540. I’ve had various decanted samples of this in the recent past, but picked up a new one to give the scent a fresh try and a full review of its own. How does it smell? How long does it last? Does it really live up to the hype?

What does Cloud by Ariana Grande Smell Like?

Notes include: pear, lavender, bergamot, praline, whipped cream, vanilla orchid, coconut, musk, wood

Click here to try: Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum Spray, clear, 3.4 oz

My Full Review

Cloud starts things off with a sweetness and lively brightness, getting its lead from the prominent pear note, in the early stages. It is also joined by the lavender and bergamot citrus. The latter, isn’t too strong to my nose, at least.

I get a bit of the citrus, which adds a bit more sparkle to that pear juiciness. The lavender here, has a certain roughness which takes some of the softer and fluffier qualities of this perfume.

After 20-30 minutes, I begin to get more of the heart and base notes coming through. The musk will be stronger in the dry down, but it is also noticeable from close to the onset.

Praline and the whipped cream notes really help to bring home the Cloud moniker to the scent. Sweet and fluffy, with the coconut giving it a clean yet milky aroma.

The further on that I get from the initial spray, the perfume does become more airy, less like a thick cloud and more like fine overhang.

There is a bit of a plasticky aroma within this composition. It’s not too bad for me personally, but I know others really tend to smell that with Cloud. Just something to keep in mind.

The dry down becomes a musky lavender scent with a little woodiness and a hodgepodge of whatever sweet notes are still kicking around.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage of Cloud starts off strong. It isn’t a massive bomb of a fragrance, but the projection will hit that 6-8 feet mark, before moving closer in. Thereafter, it is a moderate perfume, but I’d for sure call it above average in totality.

In terms of how long it lasts, I generally get 5-6 hours from Cloud, on my skin. Usually, it leans more towards the six hour mark. Not an amazing marathon runner type of a perfume, but Cloud is solid enough.

Seasonally, it’s much nicer in the autumn and winter. Though, Cloud isn’t a strictly cold weather wear, but I’d probably avoid the high heat. For most places, you could easily wear this Ariana scent in the springtime.

Also, it’s not completely a teenager fragrance. Yes, teens can wear it, but it isn’t so bubblegum sweet that older women couldn’t have a bottle as well. Heck, with the lavender, it can even be somewhat unisex…definitely leans feminine.

Mostly going to be a casual daily wear. It’s light enough to be in an office or something like that, but isn’t very formal. More of a daytime fragrance, rather than a club beast. I’d call it clean/pretty before anything all that attractive or sexy.

Overall Impressions of Cloud

Overall, do I like Cloud? It’s fine. There’s aspects of it that I enjoy, but on the whole it’s just decent. Not my favorite from the Ariana Grande line and I prefer the Intense version. Though, definitely not a bad perfume by any stretch of the imagination.

I’m not too sure what the fuss it all about with this, based on the fragrance alone. It’s not as good as either of the Baccarat Rouge fragrance, but it is pretty inexpensive. In terms of relative cheapies, it can serve the purposes of a lot of people out there, so it can be a worthwhile perfume to have.

Is it a must have? Not particularly. It smells pretty good, the performance is pretty okay, and it has some mass market appeal. As a man, I don’t find it to be super sexy or anything like that, just somewhat attractive.

It does everything at least decently, but nothing quite reaches the level of outstanding.

Update: Since this was published, there’s also been Cloud Intense and Pink. I like both of those a bit more, even if they’re not wildly different.

1 Million Prive vs Invictus Cologne Comparison

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Today, we have another cologne comparison post, and it’s a versus battle between two Paco Rabanne scents. The competitors are: 1 Million Prive vs. Invictus. Prive is of course, the flanker fragrance to the now classic 1 Million, while Invictus has enjoyed huge success since its release, in its own right. The question is however, which cologne is the better choice? Which smells best? Which gives greater performance? Is there a clear winner?

Tale of the Tape: Prive vs. Invictus

1 Million Prive

Notes include: tonka bean, apple, cinnamon, myrrh, mandarin orange, tobacco

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne 1 Million Prive Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce

Read my original review: 1 Million Prive Cologne 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

Invictus opens with a citrusy candy-like aroma of a blend of orange and grapefruit notes. This is joined by an aquatic element, that gives it a summertime vibe. Invictus strikes me as something for college aged males and maintains that youthful aroma throughout.

Meanwhile, 1 Million Prive, is darker than both its original counterpart and Invictus. It’s sweet but warm and spicy. I’ve likened the smell of Prive’s opening few minutes to that of cinnamon applesauce. Now, it’s not an absolute lock stock comparison, but I think it fits.

Between the two, Prive, is just so much better and more interesting in my opinion. It’s both masculine and seductive. Plus, it could still be worn by younger guys.

Edge: Prive

Projection

Both of these scents are fairly strong. 1 Million Prive is the stronger of the two and the one that maintains its sillage throughout the wear. In my experience with Invictus, after a few hours, it becomes much quieter and doesn’t have the same impact that it once did.

Edge: Prive

Longevity

Neither of these scents is weak sauce in terms of performance. Yet, there is once again, a clear winner. 1 Million Prive consistently gives me 9-10 hours of wear. Meanwhile, I get 6-7 usually when wearing Invictus.

I think it is the citrus notes that cause it to under perform its Paco Rabanne mate. Prive doesn’t go to the extremes that the original 1 Million did, back in the day, but it’s still a great performer.

Edge: Prive

Versatility

I thought that this might be the category that Invictus takes one, based on the fact that it can be worn in any weather situation, while Prive isn’t great in the highest temperatures.

The problem is, I think that Prive has much more use in a wider variety of social situations. It is more mature and can be worn with a suit, while at the same time, being a damn good club scent.

Invictus can seem to immature for some older guys and would sometimes feel out of place as well. So, I’ll give a very slight edge to Prive in this category.

Edge: Prive

Overall Scent

It’s a clean sweep for 1 Million Prive. Understand that: I’m not even an Invictus ‘hater’. Heck, I’m wearing Invictus Intense right now. It’s just that I happen to think that 1 Million Prive is now the best Paco Rabanne cologne.

Yes, it’s better than both the original and Invictus…and the other flankers.

Update: 1 Million Prive has been discontinued. It’s pretty difficult to find bottles too, at least for a reasonable price.

None of this is to say that Invictus is bad. Again, it has its charms and use. For me, it’s not even a contest, as to which I would rather wear if I had absolutely had to choose. Especially, if your older than say around 25 or so, 1 Million Prive will just come across as the more refined cologne.

I enjoy both at times, but it is just far more often 1 Million Prive. Invictus could still be a good bet for younger guys, but Legend would probably be even better than it. The original Invictus has kind of been cut out of consideration, with at least two of its flankers being a better fragrance.

Winner: Prive