Spicebomb vs. Spicebomb Extreme Comparison

by

Spicebomb is a long-time favorite of fragrance fans. It always delivered a great experience and a nice masculine smell. As such, anytime a flanker is released, people will love to give it a go to see if Viktor & Rolf have improved upon the formula. Spicebomb Extreme is once such flanker cologne that the brand has released. How does it smell? Which is better? Which lasts longer?

Tale of the Tape: Spicebomb vs. Spicebomb Extreme

Spicebomb Extreme

Notes include: tobacco, cumin, cinnamon, saffron, vanilla, bourbon

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme Eau De Parfum Spray 50ml/1.7oz

Read my Full Review: Spicebomb Extreme

spicebomb extreme edp

Spicebomb

Notes include: cinnamon, saffron, bergamot, pink pepper, pimento berries, white leather, tobacco, grapefruit, vetiver

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3.04 Ounce

Read my review: Spicebomb EDT

Opening

Spicebomb starts out as the name implies, with its spices out in full force. However, there is also a light citrus blend up top of grapefruit and bergamot. It’s more noticeable after the initial spray, but it does stick around for a while.

The cinnamon is the leader, a bit of pink pepper, and some underlying saffron,. After a few minutes, you will start to pick up hints of the tobacco and leather.

Spicebomb Extreme actually starts out much sweeter. The tobacco is the main attraction here, with vanilla and lavender. The spice is there, but secondary, and led by the same cinnamon and the additional cumin.

Which do I like better between the two? It’s awfully close in my opinion. However, I think I like the sweet/spice blend of Extreme somewhat more than the spicier original. Both are really great, though, I’ll give the edge to the flanker.

Edge: Extreme

Projection

As I recall, older bottles of Spicebomb used to have pretty heavy sillage. You could spray and the projection was really good, though, short of being elite. Now, it’s more moderate. Though, I still get a nice wear from this latest batch. Any rumors of its full decline have been greatly exaggerated.

Spicebomb Extreme is the stronger and better projecting of the two. It also is more consistent in its power for a longer duration. Extreme also isn’t the elite of the elite, with its sillage, but it doesn’t disappoint.

Edge: Extreme

Longevity

This latest sample of Spicebomb will go for 6-7 hours on my skin. The last hour or two, it’s pretty much a skin scent. The performance isn’t bad, just not as good as it used to be. Still very usable.

Spicebomb Extreme can go anywhere from 10-13 hours, depending on the day, skin, and climate conditions. It really is an awesome performing scent, especially for a more mainstream designer cologne.

Extreme takes this one, easily.

Edge: Extreme

Versatility

Both scents do have plenty of similarities. Seasonally, I’d stick to the autumn and winter for both of them.

For either, I’d generally wear both casually or for a night out versus any sort of a formal event. I don’t really see much of a distinction between them, in terms of how versatile each is.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Despite how the categories have shaken out thus far, this is actually a tough call for me, as I really like each of these Viktor & Rolf fragrances.

The original Spicebomb is always an enjoyable wear. It has a lot of overlap with another favorite of mine, Man in Black, so it’s an easy one to love. Yes, newer bottles have lost a step, but it’s really not as dire in my experience, as some have said.

The longevity is still pretty good and it can project itself moderately well. It’s just not an absolute beast.

Spicebomb Extreme is a beast. The performance is among the best, in terms of how long it will last on my skin. It also develops differently, with a greater emphasis on tobacco and sweetness, versus just being a spicy monster.

In terms of smell, I might give a slight edge to Extreme. Though, it’s close.

Performance is an easy win for Extreme, also. So, it’s going to be the overall winner here. But, bottles of Spicebomb can be found for much cheaper, if that’s a big factor for you…go with Spicebomb.

If the cost doesn’t matter, Spicebomb Extreme is the better bet.

Winner: Spicebomb Extreme

Soleil Neige vs. Soleil Blanc Perfume Comparison

by

Soleil Blanc’s success as a fragrance has now spawned a series of ‘Soleil’ perfumes from Tom Ford. One of them, Soleil Neige, is supposed to duplicate the impression of sun against fallen snow. Both of these scents are popular, but which is the one that smells better? Which has the best performance? Which is the greater Tom Ford fragrance?

Tale of the Tape: Soleil Blanc vs Soleil Neige

Soleil Blanc

Notes include: coconut, bergamot, pink pepper, ylang ylang, cardamom, pistachio, jasmine, tonka bean, amber, benzoin, tuberose

Click here to try: Tom Ford Private Blend Soleil Blanc Eau De Parfum Spray for Unisex 3.4 Oz / 100ml

Read my review: Soleil Blanc

Soleil Neige

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

Read my review: Soleil Neige

Opening

Soleil Blanc kicks off with bergamot and coconut as the top notes, which give it a beachy tropical feeling. But, that is overtaken by the floral notes led by tuberose and the spice from notes like cardamom.

Blanc is a somewhat spicy tropical floral at first, that will become much creamier as the wear moves along.

Meanwhile, Soleil Neige gives you that snowy impression as the name suggests. It also starts off with citrus, this time blended with a very nice jasmine note. It smells warm/creamy up close, but colder and powdery the more that I move away from it.

It’s an interesting dynamic and the jasmine is flanked by an orange blossom note.

Which is better? I like Blanc. However, Neige has the better start, in my opinion. I love the citrus top and how you do get that cooling and fresh sensation from the scent.

Edge: Neige

Projection

Soleil Blanc doesn’t have huge sillage, it’s more of a moderate. But, it is very consistent on my skin for the duration of the wear. Not a beast, but solid.

Neige starts out fairly moderate, but quickly becomes more of a light and airy kind of perfume. It doesn’t have that same consistency as Blanc. Nor do I think that it reaches the same level at its absolute peak.

Edge: Blanc

Longevity

I get really great performance out of Blanc, as it always lasts for more than 10 hours on my skin. It doesn’t have that insane projecting ability, but it gives you your money’s worth by sticking around.

Soleil Neige is an airy kind of fragrance, but it does keep around for about 7 hours. Yes, most of that will be very close to the skin, but it’s still there.

This is an easy win for Blanc, though.

Edge: Blanc

Versatility

Seasonally, both work great in the spring and summer months. But, I think Neige works better year round versus Blanc.

Neige is also more of a unisex scent. They technically both are, just more men would be comfortable wearing Neige versus Blanc. Blanc is a much stronger floral.

Blanc is a more mature scent. It can work better in more environments. Is more appropriate in an office environment, etc. Neither is super formal, but Soleil Blanc does a better job at coming close.

It’s better strength could also allow Blanc to be a better nightlife or romantic wear option. Again, wouldn’t say that it’s main focus would be those occasions.

I’m not sure which one has the edge here, it’ll mostly come down to you as an individual.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I like the way that both of these fragrances smell. They each are worthwhile to try out from the Tom Ford collection.

Soleil Neige is an interesting and mostly unique sort of fragrance. The aldehydes, citrus, and jasmine create a nice contrast of cold and warm. Plus, powder and creaminess. It early on has a lime blossom sort of aroma, then, takes on a vanilla creaminess later in the wear.

The main issue, is that, the performance isn’t great. It’s not completely worthless, but it is a lighter fragrance.

Soleil Blanc starts off as tropical and somewhat spicy. However, the spice becomes a background player and you get a nice suntan lotion-like floral perfume. It has enjoyable tropical elements and gets better as it wears on.

As a man, Neige fits more in line with my style. However, Blanc is the better scent overall. It has much better performance and will probably appeal to more people.

In terms of smell, they are pretty close. Overall, Soleil Blanc just gives you more.

Winner: Soleil Blanc

Chrome Aqua by Azzaro

by

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

by

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

by

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.