Baccarat Rouge 540 vs. Burberry Her

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Baccarat Rouge is a super popular fragrance that seems to keep growing in status. The catch is, it is also wildly expensive for most people. Thus, there have been many cheaper scents or similar smelling perfumes that have been released, that people want to try out.

One of them, Burberry Her, just happens to have been created by Francis Kurkdjian and has a somewhat similar profile to his best seller. How does it stack up to BR 540? Which lasts longer? Can it actually compete?

Tale of the Tape: BR 540 vs. Burberry Her

Baccarat Rouge 540

Notes include: saffron, ambergris, cedar, fir resin, jasmine

Click here to try: Buy from Saks

Burberry Her

Notes include: strawberry, citrus, raspberry, cherry, blueberry, wood, musk, amber, jasmine

Click here to try: Burberry Her Eau De Parfum Spray

Read my review: Burberry Her EDP

Opening

Burberry Her EDP starts off with a strong use of its citrus and berry notes. The fruitiness is powerful in the early stages. Strawberry is the strongest note of the lot, with some additional raspberry and brightness of the citrus notes.

It can be sharp and sour versus being sugary sweet or anything. The floral notes aren’t all that strong, but there is a decent amount of jasmine at times.

Baccarat Rouge 540 kicks things off with the saffron and jasmine note sharing the stage. It’s clean, sweet, and presents a lemony tinge to it from the hedione (jasmine).

Sitting under that, is the amber and wood notes giving this a invigorating and resinous quality early on…which will become greater as it develops.

Which is better? While I do like the fruitiness of Burberry Her, is does begin to wear on me. It’s a good start, but I prefer that of 540.

Edge: BR 540

Projection

In terms of how far they project at their peak, it’s actually pretty even. They both start out strong, but not insanely overwhelming, and then settle into something much more moderate.

I’d say that Baccarat Rouge has a longer run at the top of its strength. Then, it is also projects itself to a greater degree in the dry down. By no means, is it way more powerful than Her, but it does have a slight edge.

Edge: BR 540

Longevity

BR 540 has a wide range of hours for how long it lasts. Sometimes, it’s 8 hours, and other times it’s 12. Split the difference and it can last a consistent 10 hours, on my skin. It’s got a great long lasting wear.

Burberry Her will go up to 8 hours. So, at its peak, it can hit the baseline of what I get with Baccarat Rouge. The Burberry isn’t a bad performer at all, it will hit that 7-8 hour mark regularly.

But, between the two, the Maison Kurkdjian perfume easily takes this category.

Edge: BR 540

Versatility

Seasonally, Burberry Her can work better in the heat than BR 540. So, that’s one area that it can have an advantage. Though, Baccarat Rouge is also great during the rest of the year, so not too big of a deal.

I will say that Her is a much more youthful fragrance, that can have a teenager perfume vibe. Not completely childish or anything, but it does skew younger.

BR 540 does have better versatility, since it can pretty much be worn anywhere and fit in just fine. While the sweet-tart fruitiness of the Burberry might not always be appropriate.

Edge: BR 540

Overall Scent

Overall, this isn’t really much of a contest, and it will be a clean sweep for Baccarat Rouge. Really, it should absolutely be the outcome based on the price of this perfume.

I like Burberry Her for its differences, but it also becomes grating. The opening strawberry and citrus is fun and uplifting, but it gets old after a while. Very sweet/sharp with musky woods in the base.

Her gets a lot of play due to its similarities to BR 540. It’s nice, not a must have. A teenager or younger woman can absolutely get use out of the Burberry and find it plenty enjoyable. If affordability is a major factor, you may very well want to go with Burberry Her.

But, I’d probably just get something else in that price range, instead of just trying have a sort of smell alike of Baccarat Rouge. Burberry Her isn’t even the best Br 540 clone, anyway.

For BR Rouge, it’s an easy win. The fragrance is well ahead of the Burberry by every metric. If you can afford a full bottle, go with that. Actually, Extrait is the best BR 540 version.

If you aren’t familiar with how this fragrance smells, get a hold of a sample, and test it out. There are plenty of people who won’t enjoy Baccarat Rouge, despite its popularity.

Winner: BR 540

Chanel Gabrielle vs. Chance EDP

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Chanel has a ton of best selling fragrances under its banner from the more mass market to the high end and niche. Two particular perfumes in the more well-known side of their lineup are Chance and the more recent Gabrielle release.

These scents often get compared to one another, as they can be the final two choices for those looking to get into Chanel perfumes. In this post, I want to compare and contrast Chance and Gabrielle eau de parfums, and declare an ultimate winner for the better buy between them.

Tale of the Tape: Chanel Chance vs. Gabrielle EDP

Gabrielle

Notes include: jasmine, ylang-ylang, orange blossom, tuberose, musk, citrus, pear

Click here to try: Chanel Gabrielle For Women Eau De Parfume Spray 3.4 Ounces

Read my review: Gabrielle EDP

Chanel Chance Eau de Parfum

Notes include: jasmine, iris, pink pepper, white musk, vanilla, patchouli

Click here to try: Chance EDP from Chanel

Read my review: Chance EDP

Opening

Chance EDP opens up with a blended mix of its notes. It’s slightly fruity but has added pink pepper, musk, vanilla, and jasmine. Pink pepper and jasmine are the strongest two notes, initially. Eventually, iris will join the jasmine note, but the floral notes do tend to fade as we progress.

When the iris comes in, that’s when the vanilla will be at its peak, giving this a slightly powdery and creamy scent.

With Gabrielle, it features a sparkling pear and citrus mix with floral notes of ylang-ylang and orange flower. The first time I tested this out, it was a confusing mess. After that, it became more favorable to my nose.

I think the fruity top and the initial floral notes are the worst part of Gabrielle. I like when the jasmine and tuberose come in later on.

Just based on the opening acts of each, I prefer that of Chance over Gabrielle. Gabrielle improves as it dries down, but that opening is just okay to me.

Edge: Chance

Projection

Chance EDP has a strong sillage and a nice ability to project off of the skin. It’s not a complete bomb, but I think that it makes it safely into the strong camp. from 4-7 feet it’s going to be noticeable for a majority of the wear.

Gabrielle EDP has a much more moderate sillage, in comparison. By no means a weak perfume, it just can’t hit the same level as its counterpart.

Edge: Chance

Longevity

Neither of these fragrances gives a bad performance. Chance eau de parfum will last for 8-10 hours, on my skin. Very good and not that far off from being an elite long lasting scent.

Gabrielle, on the other hand, will last for 7-7.5 hours. Solid and it will be useful for plenty of occasions. Though, it doesn’t hit the same level of performance as the other Chanel.

This is a clear win for Chance.

Edge: Chance

Versatility

Seasonally, these are fairly equal. Springtime is best for Gabrielle, but Chance also works well then also. I’d say Chance is the better of the two in the wintertime, giving it a bit of an edge.

Both are great daily wear options. Mostly for casual and semi-formal occasions. That being said, Chance EDP can venture into more formal situations, when compared to Gabrielle EDP.

Neither is particularly sexy or a nightlife wear. Just attractive fragrance which can cover a lot of bases. Though, Chance has a very marginal edge.

Edge: Chance

Overall Scent

I do like both of these fragrances and each has plenty of features that recommend wearing them. For Gabrielle, once its opening phase has past and the floral notes emerge, you get quite a captivating experience.

The jasmine and tuberose coming in and joining the ylang-ylang and orange blossom is the highlight of the scent. I have mixed feelings about the opening pear, citrus, and pink pepper. To me, that’s the weakest aspect.

It’s got a clean floral/musky profile and solid performance all around. Gabrielle eau de parfum is not a bad perfume at all.

However, it gets compared to the rest of the Chanel line, and its weaknesses are more apparent. Heck, Gabrielle Essence is better than the original. Chance EDP is also the greater perfume.

Jasmine and pink pepper overlap between these scents, but Chance really sets itself apart with the vanilla note. Then, iris comes in. Then, patchouli and musk. There’s way more development and depth with this Chanel than Gabrielle.

Add to that, the performance is better overall, and it feels a bit more versatile, and it becomes a decided win for Chance Eau de Parfum. I don’t think it’s miles better than Gabrielle, but the difference is noticeable.

Winner: Chanel Chance

Allure Homme Edition Blanche by Chanel

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Allure Homme has spawned a number of flankers, including the Sport series. Edition Blanche is another flanker of this popular Chanel name and has had a few variations of its formula over the years. In this post, I want to take a closer look at the current eau de parfum version, and share my thoughts on this scent.

What does Allure Homme Edition Blanche EDP Smell Like?

Notes include: Sicilian lemon, bergamot, vanilla, vetiver, sandalwood

Click here to try: Allure Homme Edition Blanche by Chanel

My Full Review

Let’s see how Chanel describes it: A composition with a new, modern character. A true creative statement. A fresh, Oriental fragrance that strikes a perfect balance between elegance and uniqueness.

I’ve already reviewed the older and no longer produced EDT version of Blanche. Obviously, the two are going to be very similar to one another, but there are indeed differences.

In this one, the lemon is stronger early on. It doesn’t have the same harshness or spiciness, since the pink pepper note isn’t present. It’s got that dry quality coming up from the base notes, but you get more of the lemon and vanilla combo early.

Lemon and bergamot lead the way with their bright and sharp citrus smell. The vanilla starts to add it sweet creaminess and Edition Blanche does start to have its lemon cake phase. Maybe some kind of cream-sicle. Either way it’s an awesome gourmand.

There’s really only two phases with this Chanel cologne. First, that citrus and vanilla start. Then, the sandalwood and vetiver. The citrus will fade away and it becomes more of a fresh, dry, and creamy fragrance.

The dry down is quite light. The woods show up earlier in this newer version and play a more dominant role. It’s vanilla, sandalwood, and some vetiver for the rest of the way.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is light to moderate. At it’s peak, it is noticeable, but not going to fill the room. It projects in the 3-5 foot range from the skin. Most of the wear it is going to be much closer to the skin, as Blanche is not a beast with its performance.

The longevity is around 5 hours with normal sprays and I can get it to around 6 hours if I double up. Performance is the real weakness of Allure Edition Blanche. Even though it is an eau de parfum, the extra concentration doesn’t do much to give this one more power.

That’s something you need to be aware of before getting this fragrance, so you aren’t completely shocked.

Seasonally, this is a spring and summer wear all the way. The lightness, the citrus, and that vanilla finish are great when it’s warm out.

Edition Blanche is pretty versatile within that time of the year. It’s low key enough for work, can be worn semi-formally, or even casually. It’s more of an attractive or delicious smelling fragrance versus being something sexy for the nightlife.

Overall Impressions of Allure Homme Edition Blanche

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Yes, I do. Based on the aroma alone, Allure Homme Edition Blanche is among my favorite Chanel colognes. That lemon and vanilla sweet creaminess is fantastic and I really enjoy the dessert-like quality to it. Especially, in a summer scent.

At the price point, I do wish that it had better performance. That would go a long way toward recommending it more. 4-6 hours is okay. It would be good enough if the sillage were stronger, but with a lighter projection, it’s meh.

Also, I prefer the similar smelling perfume, Uden by Xerjoff to this Chanel. It is even pricier, but surpasses Blanche in scent and performance.

All in all, I recommend trying this fragrance out. It won’t be for everybody, and for those that enjoy it, this EDP may not be one you want to spend the cash on. Sharp, sweet, creamy, and dry woody. Simple and lovely.

Burberry for Men by Burberry

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Burberry is a highly popular British design house which includes on its roster of fragrances, many top sellers in both the male and female markets. While the company offers mass-market designer scents, most of their products retain a sense of elegance and refinement, for which the brand is known for.

In this post, I want to take a closer look at the company’s namesake cologne, Burberry for Men eau de toilette, and examine whether or not it delivers value for the average guy seeking a great cologne. Check out my Best Burberry Colognes post!

What does Burberry for Men Smell Like?

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Notes include: mint, lavender, sandalwood, jasmine, bergamot, musk, vanilla, cedar, and amber.

Click here to try: BURBERRY Men’s Classic Eau de Toilette

My Full Review

Burberry for Men is casual cologne for the gentleman. This fragrance is not loud or obnoxious, rather, it exudes a refined subtlety that is perfect for everyday wear.

This flagship cologne from Burberry has a spicy and woodsy scent to it, like Burberry London, but it offers up smoother citrusy note (bergamot) which really sets the two apart (another smooth Burberry choice is Brit).

The opening is fresh with a mint/cedar/amber blend that is fine mix of a cool spice with warmth provided by the amber. It is quite attractive in how understated yet utterly alluring it can be. Also, that bergamot note is there to play off of the mint in a light pseudo-mojito vibe.

The spice on this one is also understated, especially as Burberry for Men begins to dry down, at that point it begins to take on the woodsy or earthy notes and settles into a fragrance with a lot of masculine charm. There lots of cedar and sandalwood, with lavender calming things.

This newer bottle that I purchased in 2018, is quite dry and smooth, after about an hour or so. There are herbal/floral elements dancing around in the background, but I mostly get the mint, cedar, lavender, and sandalwood, as the main core of it.

Sillage and Longevity

I would say that it probably rates as slightly above average in terms of its how long it lasts on the skin, it will last a full workday, won’t quit early but don’t expect it to pull overtime either. 7-8 hours seems about right, on my skin.

Projection wise it is a pretty moderate fragrance. It doesn’t take over but it gets the job done quite well.  (Also see: Burberry for Men vs Burberry Brit Comparison)

Versatility

Seasonally, I find that it can work year round, for the most part. I usually avoid wearing it in the high heat of summer, but I might if it is a more moderate day. Mostly, I like it in autumn through springtime, but don’t wear it too often in winter, as I have so many other options for that period of time.

Update: I’ve gone through my entire bottle and I mostly used Burberry for Men in the first half of autumn and then some in spring.

What I really enjoy about this fragrance is its smoothness. There are too many colognes that can be way too harsh and take over any room a man steps into.

Burberry, is like a good utility player, it is versatile to wear to both work and out for a night on the town and is wholly pleasant, even if it isn’t necessarily a in your face standout.

I’ve worn Burberry for Men on dates and it felt like it was in the right place. I could wear it casually or when close to a woman, that’s what makes this such a solid addition to any man’s collection.

Though, I will say that this will mostly be something that younger guys go for. This Burberry fragrance is a good one for high school and college aged guys, while not feeling completely cheap or being relegated to just that demographic.

Overall Impressions of Burberry for Men

All in all, Burberry for men is a fresh and smooth everyday scent, that won’t jump out as something wholly unique or spectacularly in your face. It is a fragrance which stays in the background of one’s life and earns its keep by adding a bit of class to it.

The more I’ve worn Burberry for Men, the more that I’ve come to appreciate it. It seems to alternate with Brit and London as my favorite scent to wear from this brand. Though, I’d put it as my third choice, as of late.

It all kind of depends on my mood that day, as they all seem to fit in just fine during the fall and winter months. You can usually find a bottle at a good price nowadays and I’m using the little 1.7 oz one that I bought, on a regular basis. Still dig it.

It’s unique, stylish, and different from most of the offerings that have come out in the last decade. Burberry for Men doesn’t feel dated at all. It’s a nice value play and one that I can return to time and time again.

Luna Rossa Sport by Prada

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This is the first time that I have gotten to a Prada fragrance on this site.  No particular reason for that but I really wanted to write about this fragrance because it caught my attention. When I saw the name, I must admit that I thought it would be a different type of fragrance profile…you know, something ‘sporty’ or outdoorsy but it was something else all together.

Luckily, it wasn’t a disappointment to smell this Luna Rossa flanker, and whatever my expectations were; they went out the window. With that in mind, please continue reading below for my full take and breakdown of Luna Rossa Sport.

What does Luna Rossa Sport Smell Like?

Notes include: Vanilla, juniper berry, ginger, lavender, and tonka bean

Shop on Amazon: Prada Luna Rossa SPORT Eau de Toilette Spray 3.4 oz

My Full Review

The first thing that I really noticed about this scent was how sweet and clean it was. I really dug the opening of the tonka bean with just an underlying hint of vanilla, which really begins to emerge later.

It’s got an aromatic powdery scent to it, but unlike something such as Joop!, it isn’t accompanied by a heavier spice. It’s a sweeter and more airy scent like Kouros Body (again without the spice) or Eros by Versace (without the heaviness).

Ultimately, it reminds me most of Armani Code Profumo, in how it presents itself, and the two notes it has in common. While the opening is delicious and reminiscent of other fragrances, I think its unique qualities emerge with time.

Beyond the vanilla and tonka bean in the opening, there is also a nice juniper, and a clean ginger spice. These two really contribute to the fresh and mild spicy profile.

This does create a dynamic feeling to this edition of the Luna Rossa line, that the original just didn’t have, with its bright citrus and lavender paring.

The one thing that is very familiar about Luna Rossa Sport, is its use of the lavender note that is prevalent throughout the series. I don’t feel like it’s as heavy as it is in Luna Rossa Carbon, for example, and seems much more subdued by the tonka bean note.

It’s utterly refreshing with a bit of a crisp bite lying underneath, which I guess is the ginger note, at play.

Versatility

Again, this isn’t a sporty scent in the usual sense of the word, I would categorize it as a sexy and versatile fragrance. You could definitely wear this out on a date or to the office or school.

It has an ability to be worn by all ages, but probably best for mid-20s and up. It’s a well put together, ‘sport’ fragrance, and doesn’t have a cheapie youthful aroma.

I actually like it the best during the colder months of the year, it hangs so well in the crisp night air of both autumn and winter. I’d give it a go in the springtime, but summer around here is much to humid.

Luna Rossa Sport is pretty linear and what you get at about 10-15 minutes in, is what you should expect from the cologne thereafter.

Sillage and Longevity

The projection is decent. I don’t find it to have as much sillage as Carbon but around the same amount as the original Luna Rossa. Sport has more depth than the original and can therefore seem heavier than it actually is.

That tonka bean and vanilla creaminess/smoothness can make it have thicker aroma, but the sillage isn’t as powerful as it might lead you to believe.

It’ll be noticeable around 8 feet from the skin, at first, before moving in closer to the 3-4 foot range. That initial burst, is pretty short lived, while being a pretty high peak.

The longevity is more stable, and I can pull 6-7 hours from this one, without a problem. This fragrance, isn’t an absolute workhorse. Though, it does give a solid enough performance to be useful

Overall Impressions of Luna Rossa Sport

Overall, do I like Luna Rossa Sport? Yes, it is quite an underrated fragrance in my mind. I think it gets overlooked because it is so simple and there are so many other Luna Rossa variants out there now, that Sport can get lost in the shuffle.

It is more of a subtle fragrance, that isn’t weak, but doesn’t overpower either. Sport features a crispy freshness and a rush of aromatic clean. I dig it and have absolutely loved wearing it around as of late.

The juniper and tonka bean pairing, isn’t always something that I’m in the mood for. Some days, it can feel annoying. Nonetheless, it really does have an appeal, which keeps bringing me back to this scent.

The whole Luna Rossa line has been great. Eau Sport is another one that really gets no love, but should be checked out.