Chrome Aqua by Azzaro

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Azzaro has been churning out flankers to its mega-hit Chrome for decades now. In 2019, they released Chrome Aqua to the market, to go after that aquatic cologne segment. I recently grabbed a sample of this and didn’t know anything about it beforehand. How does it smell? When should Chrome Aqua be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does Chrome Aqua Smell Like?

Notes include: grapefruit, basil, vetiver, violet leaf, sea notes

Click here to try: Azzaro Chrome Aqua Eau de Toilette – Cologne for Men

My Full Review

The opening act of Chrome Aqua is a lot more ‘green’ than I was expecting. Now, it is quite fresh and the sea notes are there, but it’s not the blue aquatic that I thought I was getting. But, I did go in blind to trying this out.

Initially, I get a big dose of basil, bright grapefruit, and a cooling vetiver aroma. There might be some mint in here also or it could just be the basil and vetiver interacting…I’m not sure. However, do expect a bit of minty-like spice in the composition.

The further along in the wear that I get, the less and less of an aquatic it becomes. Which it never really hit that pure aquatic status. The dry down sees the basil note getting weaker and the violet leaf/vetiver combination taking root.

Finally, almost everything else is gone and I’m left with the impression of a fresh woody type of cologne. It’s really hard to distinguish the individual notes

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, Chrome Aqua starts off with a nice burst and I thought that it would be a borderline strong fragrance, as it projected well from my skin. That initial power, dissipates pretty fast and it devolves into a moderate, and finally skin scent.

It’s pretty average for the first few hours and then it’s a skin scent. Disappointing.

The longevity isn’t much better. On my skin, it will go 5-6 hours in total. Yep, most of that is going to hug the skin closely. This one isn’t a monster or even a overachieving performer.

My Overall Impressions of Chrome Aqua

Do I like this scent? I do like the way it smells. Basil gets underused in fragrances and this makes me think of the old L’Homme Libre. That had a very close vibe to what you’re getting with Chrome Aqua.

I like the freshness here. The basil and vetiver are really nice together. I do wish that it actually was more aquatic than it ends up being. A lot of what marine qualities it has, seems to just come from the violet leaf note.

Nonetheless, the dark marine aroma that it has for a period is solid and I enjoyed wearing the scent, as a whole.

The main gripe with this one is the performance. It opens up with a nice sillage, but the strength and ability to project just falls apart, rather quickly. Also, the cologne seems to last 5-6 hours at the most. Much of that, as a skin scent.

That mediocre performance is really what hampers this Azzaro from really being worthwhile. It’s fine, but doesn’t give you enough reason to want to own it.

Seasonally, Chrome Aqua is a spring and summer wear. It’s appropriate for any age and can fit in a variety of situations. More of a daytime wear versus a nightlife cologne. Though, since it isn’t overpowering or too niche, you can find plenty of opportunity to spray this one on.

What Fragrances are Similar to Chrome Aqua?

Acqua di Gio Profumo has a similar style to this one. There is some overlap in the actual aroma. Like, if you stripped away the incense from Profumo and toned down the marine notes. This one isn’t nearly as ‘aquatic’ of a scent, despite the name.

Profumo also has much better performance. Plus, I think it smells better.

The Most Wanted by Azzaro

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The Wanted line has been a big hit for Azzaro, which kind of needed something other than just more Chrome flankers. It’s garnered plenty of fans over recent years, which means that we should be getting more issues like The Most Wanted. This one was released in 2021 from the brand. Is it any good? Does it last long? Is it worth a buy?

What does The Most Wanted Smell Like?

notes include: caramel, cardamom, amberwood

Click here to try: Azzaro The Most Wanted Eau de Parfum Intense | Cologne for Men 1.7 fl oz

My Full Review

Wow. My initial impressions of The Most Wanted is that this is the best of the series. I was pretty indifferent to the original Wanted and liked Wanted by Night, but this is really nice.

Cardamom is in the lead off of the bat. There is a nice spiciness to it, but nothing close to the cinnamon note found in Night. The spice is actually offset by a sweetness the permeates the fragrance.

Up top, it actually has a fruity aroma. This is from the specific cardamom blend that they used, that comes off like an impression of  lemon (think the original Wanted…except way toned down). The sweetness is smooth and candy-like. Sort of like that vibe you get from 1 Million.

The spiciness here is fresh and warm, but not an overwhelming or enveloping gourmand scent. The base has a slight smokiness from bourbon vanilla, but mostly the freshness of vetiver. The Most Wanted definitely has a green-ish aspect in the composition.

Ultimately, what I get from the rest of the wear is a sweet and spicy caramel with balsamic and fresh highlights. The Most Wanted isn’t a super complex fragrance, but it has plenty of interesting combinations of aromas, within its relatively simple composition.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

In terms of its projection, this has the ability to emanate off of the skin well. I wouldn’t call it an absolute beast, but it is definitely strong and could be over-sprayed. That being said, you get your money’s worth with the Sillage of Most Wanted.

On my skin, this lasted right around 9 hours. Again, it’s well above the average fragrance out there, but not an elite marathon type of scent. I have no complaints with how long it lasts.

Seasonally, this is probably best in autumn through springtime. Though, you might be able to use as a nightlife scent in the summer, if it’s cool enough. Avoid the hottest days.

It does skew younger, but not a teenagers scent. It’s just not what you would really consider a mature fragrance. It could be a daily wear from casual to semi-formal occasions. I would mainly use it for nightlife and romantic wear, as The Most Wanted does put off that sexy vibe.

Overall Impressions of The Most Wanted

Do I like this one? Absolutely. I was really surprised how well Azzaro did with this one. Again, I was never enthused with the original Wanted. So, they’ve only gotten progressively better with each successive release from the series.

The cardamom and caramel are great together. It isn’t a stuffy or have that overbearing thickness that heavier sillage gourmands tend to. This still gives you great performance, but enough versatility to use outside of the dead of winter.

If you liked the rest of the Wanted line, this is probably going to be a must try for you. Or if you want a nice sweet and spicy blend with mass appeal, this is a great bet. I might have to grab myself a full bottle.

What Fragrances Smell Like The Most Wanted?

I do get the comparisons to Stronger with You by Armani. To me, that one is heavier on the vanilla and has a more complex profile. Obviously, the cardamom overlap is huge, the vanilla and hazelnut sweetness, and similar style.

I do like The Most Wanted more so. It’s fresher, spicier, and easy to wear in my opinion. I do like the Armani and think it could be a nice alternative.

Pure XS Night, if you want something spicier (other than Wanted by Night). The ginseng and ginger opening is bold, but it has the caramel/vanilla notes for the sweetness…just not nearly as sweet.

Soleil Neige by Tom Ford

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Soleil Neige is a part of the Soleil line of fragrances from Tom Ford. Released in 2019, it presents a different take on the solar theme, using the impression of snow to create a new scent. I picked up a sample of this one recently and have been testing it out. How does Soleil Neige smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does Soleil Neige Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, benzoin, jasmine, orange blossom, lemon, and musk

Click here to try: TOM FORD Private Blend Soleil Neige Eau De Parfum 1.7 oz / 50 ml Spray

My Full Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see how Tom Ford describes it: FRESH BERGAMOT, SUMPTUOUS PALE BLOOMS AND THE WARMTH OF SKIN-GRIPPING MUSK EVOKE A SOJOURN TO AN ALPINE GETAWAY, WHERE WINTER ESCAPADES PLAY OUT UNDER AN IRIDESCENT SKY. A PERFUME THAT MIMICS THE SERENE SHIMMER OF SUN ON SNOW, AND THE COOL REFLECTION OF WINTER SUN BRIGHTENING WITH GLACIAL LIGHT. 

The opening of Soleil Neige does indeed have a cold and snowy like vibe to it. I get the sun shining off of the snow sensation from this and it’s pretty neat.

The top notes are the citrus blend and mix of floral notes, led by jasmine. At first the jasmine, rose, and white florals have a bit of that Soleil Blanc creaminess to it. However, that does shift to having a powdery snowy quality for much of the wear.

When I smell my skin up close, Neige has that buttery creamy aroma, but further away it smells more like a cold citrus perfume. It’s a nice change up going from warm to cold for the duration of the wear.

As it moves further along, the dominant notes become the jasmine and orange blossom. Underneath that, the benzoin and a light vanilla also begin to really come through. Benzoin is a great addition to the base of this scent and prevents it from becoming just another basic floral perfume.

It seems to have more of the powdery quality floating around for the rest of the wear, rather than creaminess. But, it isn’t completely dominant and actually the resinous labdanum/benzoin combination is still steering the ship.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Soleil Neige is a lighter fragrance overall. However, with that being said, it isn’t completely weak. It’s got an airiness to it that will sneak up on you hours after spraying. It’s not something that I constantly pick up on, but just walking around I do catch a whiff of it.

Subtle, not a complete beast, but it isn’t a skin scent for me for the duration. Nonetheless, sillage is not its strength.

As a skin scent, it sticks around for around 7 hours in total. Again, not great. Though, it wasn’t a complete waste, I do wish that it had a little bit more power at this price point. That’s my real complaint, for the price, I do want more out of my fragrance.

Seasonally, it can actually work year round. I know it has the snow in the name, but its balance between cold and warmth allows it to venture into the spring and summer months also. Climate wise, it is very versatile.

It’s a unisex fragrance, that leans feminine, but nothing too girly. You can wear Neige casually or out and about. It has a somewhat youthful scent and probably isn’t going to be a formal wear for most people.

My Overall Impressions of Soleil Neige

Overall, do I like Soleil Neige? I do. This is a very nice and borderline great release from Tom Ford. There are periods when I’m wearing this perfume and it strikes me as being amazing. It’s coldness contrasting with a feeling of bright sunny aromas.

The aldehydes and the citrus notes, come across like an bright lime blossom. Beyond that, there is an underlying creaminess, especially when pressing your nose close to it. However, it also has a powdered quality that’s very enjoyable.

Based on the fragrance alone, I think that Soleil Neige is worth a try. It’s a fairly safe blind buy, but some people may want more from the performance or expect a groundbreaking scent at this price point.

It’s probably a good idea to test it out before committing to a full bottle. Though, I doubt the disappointment would be huge if you did.

What Perfumes Smell Like Soleil Neige?

I cannot think of anything that is an exactly the same. One fragrance that comes to mind is, Anyway by Juliette Has a Gun. The lime, neroli, and musk give it a similar vibe, just as a thinner and more summery sort of perfume. However, Soleil Neige is better, has more depth, and much better performance.

If you want this perfume, you’ll probably have to go with the real thing.

Acqua di Gio Profondo vs Profondo Lights

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Acqua di Gio continues to spawn off flankers, 25 years after the original was released. The latest is the Profondo side of things, with the awesome original, and 2021’s Profondo Lights.

Being a big fan of AdG Profondo, I was excited to be able to try out Lights and see if I had another one to enjoy. Which of these fragrances is better? Which lasts longer? Which should you buy?

Tale of the Tape: AdG Profondo vs. Profondo Lights

Acqua di Gio Profondo

Notes include: mandarin, bergamot, lavender, marine notes, rosemary, cypress, lentisk, patchouli, musk

Click here to try: GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Profondo for Men Eau De Parfum Spray 4.2 Ounces, blue

Read my Review: AdG Profondo

Profondo Lights

Notes include: cardamom, mandarin, patchouli, cedar, marine accord, vetiver, lavender, cypress, rosemary

Read my full review: Profondo Lights

Opening

Acqua di Gio Profondo starts off with its citrus notes in the lead, bergamot and mandarin orange. The bergamot is the more dominant of the two ingredients. It’s a good deal amount like the original AdG. However, it doesn’t have the same floral focus, is more marine, and has a resinous quality.

It’s not too salty of a marine accord, rather it gives an aquatic impression, versus being a oceanic  scent.

Profondo Lights goes in a different direction initially. I’ve said that Profondo is a blue fragrance with green-ish qualities, well, Lights reverses that.

It opens up with a bright use of the mandarin, a heavy bit of cardamom, and cypress coming through as the main bout of woody freshness. All of this is sitting on top of the marine accord.

Which is better? I prefer the opening of Profondo versus Profondo Lights. The initial few minutes of Lights, really doesn’t work well on me. It actually reminds me of having a less harsh apple cider vinegar aroma.

That does change and it gets better, but that alone doesn’t let it get to the same level of enjoyment as Profondo.

Edge: Profondo

Projection

Profondo starts out in the stronger sillage camp, but settles fairly quickly into the moderate. It’s got decent projection but isn’t ever super powerful.

Profondo Lights starts out as a moderate, never has the same strength, and sits much closer to the skin for a majority of the wear. Not completely weak, but fairly average overall.

I was actually kind of surprised, since they have such similar formulas, but Lights never hits the same level as the original Profondo.

Edge: Profondo

Longevity

AdG Profondo gives me a consistent 7-8 hours of wear. Admittedly, it’s not amazingly long lasting, but that’s a workday’s worth of wear. It’s solid.

Profondo Lights is again, a step behind. This stuff is gone from my skin in 5-6 hours. Not a complete waste, but it’s outdone by its competitor and Profumo.

Edge: Profondo

Versatility

I don’t really feel that there is much of a difference between these two, in terms of when they can be worn. Seasonally, I’d stick to spring and summer for both. Beyond that, they’re both fine in casual to semi-formal situations.

Easily can be daily wear sorts of fragrances for the right guy. At least, during the warmer parts of the year.

This one is an even split for me, no real advantage to either fragrance.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

This is an easy win for the original Profondo. Lights tries to go in a new direction, does some things well, but ultimately doesn’t really provide too much that is interesting to me.

Profondo Lights opening act is pretty bad. I don’t know if it’s just something with how it works on me, but I actively dislike the start. The blend of the mandarin, cardamom, and cypress just feels off to me.

Although, I like the latter stages, when it settles down…it’s never a love. It becomes more like Profondo, but Lights has a greener and more marine depth to it. One problem that I have with it, is that is has an underlying bitterness to the scent, that I don’t enjoy.

Overall, Profondo Lights isn’t a bad cologne. It ends up being okay, but that’s about it. The performance doesn’t do it any favors either.

Meanwhile, I am a big fan of Acqua di Gio Profondo. Along with Profumo, it is a favorite of mine from the series. It’s smooth, blue, with a great citrus opening and it’s a fragrance that I have loved wearing during the summer.

This isn’t a contest for me, I’d rather wear Profondo over Lights every time. The cardamom doesn’t add much for me and actually throws off the composition, in my opinion, and I’m someone who likes a good cardamom note. Here, it’s all just mehhh.

Update: Profondo Lights is now discontinued. To me, it’s still not worth tracking down and paying a high price for.  So, now, Profondo really is the clear winner.

Winner: Profondo

212 VIP Party Fever for Men by Carolina Herrera

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212 VIP was one of my every once in a while, nighttime favorites. It was a scent that I had to be in the mood for, but it was a fun cologne to wear, when the opportunity arose. It’s flankers have been mostly decent, but I think that Party Fever was my favorite.

I recently bought a decant from eBay, as I hadn’t tried it in a few years and wanted to do a full review before it disappeared forever from the secondary market. This is my write up.

What does 212 VIP Party Fever Smell Like?

Notes included: citrus, apple, tonka bean, vetiver, cannabis, juniper, ginger, geranium, and more

My Full Review

Party Fever opens up with apple, ginger, citrus, and cannabis as the most prominent notes. Honestly, if though it is rather distinct from the original, I do get that very familiar 212 VIP smell…just without the booziness.

It’s lightly spiced, fresh, and aromatic. I really like the apple note up top with just a touch of citrus in the mix. It does still have a similar effervescent quality to it like the original does. Not the same, gin and vodka blend, but it is uplifting.

After that, the cannabis and geranium become the stars of the show for a while. The base notes come of from the base to give it a woody/herbal type of aroma with that apple note still lingering around.

Yet, it retains its smoothness and a bit of sweetness throughout. The tonka bean does a very good job at moderating Party Fever and keeping it from being too much about the middle act.

For the rest of the wear, I get a fresh mix of cannabis, cedar, geranium blended with that impression of the original 212 VIP.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, it’s above average and actually pretty strong initially. It doesn’t come on as strong as the original and never captures that same monstrous projection. However, it doesn’t have that same enveloping thickness, and still does a very nice job.

Longevity for Party Fever is nice, but not amazing. 6-7 hours is what it seems to be capable of on my skin.  That’s not too bad and pretty much what you’ll need for most nightlife situations. Not a complete club beast, but it gets the job done.

Seasonally, I could wear this out during the entire year without issue. Mainly, I plan on using this for nights out during this summer and I could’ve done the same in spring to great effect. That’s when it is at its best.

Party Fever for Men is much more versatile than 212 VIP. The original was really limited to nightlife, as it was so loud and boozy. Party Fever, while being a younger man’s fragrance, can be worn in other casual situations more easily.

Obviously, this isn’t a suit and tie style of scent, but it isn’t entire niche in its use case.

Overall Impressions of 212 VIP Party Fever

Overall, do I like 212 VIP Party Fever? I do enjoy it. It’s a more wearable version of 212 VIP with hints of other fragrances and a few surprises of its own.

The performance is solid, it’s not as beastly as the original was, and the smell is attractive. I like that it’s not too heavy and can be worn in the spring and summertime. I’m going to be wearing this off and on, until my mini sprayer is finished.

Naturally, since it’s been discontinued, bottles have been harder to come by. Is it worth the higher price? For under $100, maybe. If you really like this style of cologne, then you might be able to justify it on your individual needs.

For the mass of people? It’s not a must have. It’s a very good fragrance and a nice wear, but not a must have at any price. If you can still find it for cheap somewhere, it’s worth picking up. Even though, I like this and lost my bottle of 212 VIP, I don’t think I’ll be scooping up one of the last packages of Party Fever.

What fragrances smell like 212 VIP Party Fever?

212 VIP– The 212 VIP DNA is very noticeable in its flanker fragrance. This one is louder, heavier, and more of a club beast. At least, the bottle I had from 2015 was, not sure if it’s been reformulated or not since. It’s not going to give you the same versatility or warmer weather wear, but it can be a good alternative to Party Fever.

La Nuit de L’Homme Eau Electrique– Apple, citrus, geranium, and the base notes almost all overlap between Party Fever and Eau Electrique. However, Electrique is heavier on the tonka bean and vanilla, which gives more thickness and is more suited for colder weather.

Invictus– In terms of the actual smell, Invictus and Party Fever are two pretty distinct fragrances. However, there’s something about their styles, that makes me compare the two. Youthful, sweet aromatic colognes. If you like one, you’ll probably like the other. I prefer Party Fever, though.

Bad Boy Le Parfum– Yes, the cannabis note. No, it’s not the same, but it shares part of the same vibe. Also: citrus, vetiver, and geranium. Bad Boy Le Parfum is spicier and drier than what you get from Party Fever, but presents a nice alternative with a lot less of the fruitiness. My Review