Creed Aventus vs Imperial Millesime Comparison

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Deciding which fragrance to buy can be tricky sometimes, as there are a multitude of factors from which to consider. This can become especially true when the colognes that you are considering cost in the triple digits to buy.

It is one thing to purchase a crummy scent that was $20 for the bottle versus one which was $175+. Creed is a luxury boutique brand known for its high quality ingredients and beautifully crafted scents.

In this post, I want to do a bit of a comparison between two options from Creed, Aventus vs Imperial Millesime and break down which will be the better option for most people and highlight the pros and cons of each.

Tale of the Tape: Aventus vs. Imperial Millesime

 

Creed Aventus 

creed aventus

Notes of Creed Aventus: 

Top: Blackcurrant,Italian bergamot, French apples and pineapple

Middle: Rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, and patchouli

Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla.

Click here to read my original Aventus Review

Click here to get Aventus: Aventus by Creed

Creed Imperial Millesime

Notes include: Lemon, Iris, Green Bergamot, Mandarin

My original review of Imperial

Click here to try Imperial Millesime: Creed Imperial

Opening 

The opening of Aventus can be a pretty harsh citrus to deal with. I don’t really like the opening of Aventus and if all I’d have to go by was the first 15 minutes or so, I’d think that this fragrance wasn’t worth wearing. The pineapple, blackcurrant, and the dryness of birch can be a bit much at first.

However, the fragrance settles down into something much more enjoyable and fresh. The next wave has less of the pineapple, more birch/oak moss, and some sweetness provided by a light vanilla and French apple. 

Meanwhile, the opening of Imperial is much smoother, with a wonderful melon type of scent that blends with sea salt to create something quite pleasant.

The melon-like smell is like a blend of a standard melon and a bit of watermelon. This is paired with a salty aquatic note, which is why I suppose it comes across smelling that way. It’s actually lemon and mandarin orange, as the notes, and not any watermelon. 

Anyway, Imperial Millesime is juicy, musky, and very bright in the opening stages. Which scent is better? To me, I greatly prefer the start to Imperial, more than I ever have Aventus. 

Edge: Imperial Millesime

Projection

Neither one of these fragrances is slipping in quality when it comes to projection. Aventus never really requires more than two sprays while Imperial is no slouch either. Aventus is the stronger of the two and I’d say it projects more than Imperial does.

So, both start strong, but Aventus reaches the higher heights of sillage and keeps at it for longer. 

Edge: Aventus

Longevity

Wearing both of these colognes, I haven’t noticed a difference in terms of how long they last. I usually get 7-10 hours of solid performance out of each. Mostly, Aventus will go 8 or 9 hours on my skin, a bit less when it’s hot out.

Imperial is usually around 7 or 8 hours, but can last better in the heat than can Aventus. It can also reach that 10 hour mark, on occasion, like Aventus. No clear winner, in my experience. 

Edge: Push

Versatility

Creed Aventus is best worn in the spring and autumn, in my opinion. I don’t think that it holds up well in the heat, but early summer isn’t bad. On the other hand, Imperial Millesime is great for summertime wear as well as the warmer months of spring.

However, Aventus can be pulled off rather well in the winter months, to whereas Imperial would seem out of place in the cold weather.

As far as, on what occasion each of these scents could be worn, I’d say that they could arguably be worn anywhere for any event. I wouldn’t really call Imperial a date night type of cologne though and even if I’d wear other scents besides Aventus on a night out, it could be done well. 

I much prefer Imperial, as a daytime wear, in more casual situations. Overall, I’d say Aventus has the greater versatility. 

Edge: Aventus

 

 

Overall Scent

Aventus develops into something that is woodsy/masculine/leathery and the citrus notes become undertones as the fragrances wears on. Meanwhile, Imperial has that unique fruity quality blended with salt notes that just reminds me of the summer and the ocean.

I actually like Imperial better in terms of its smell, BUT I think that most men would be better served by Aventus out of the two.

I say this simply because of its greater versatility of being worn. Imperial Millesime is a great signature type of scent, but I feel that it does have its limitations.

Aventus fits in better, during more situations and climates. Imperial is rather straightforward, but has a really delightful salty melon aroma. Aventus is deeper with greater nuance.

These two are pretty neck and neck, in my book, but most would go with Aventus.  I have grown sort of tired of the formula, as there have been endless Creed Aventus ‘dupes’ coming to market over the years.

Winner: Aventus (for most guys)

Best Smelling Honeysuckle Scented Perfumes

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Honeysuckle is a pretty commonly used note in many female fragrances. It’s not the most popular flower in perfumes, but it is consistently added in scents, as an additional white flower when needed. However, it doesn’t always get the shine that it deserves, nor does it too often get featured as a main attraction in the world of fragrance.

In this post, I want to take a closer look at seven perfumes for her, which utilize honeysuckle as a main ingredient. Some will be more pure honeysuckle scents, while others will just have a prominent honeysuckle in its composition.

What are the Best Smelling Honeysuckle Perfumes?

Top Inexpensive Pure Honeysuckle Perfume

Demeter Cologne Spray, Honeysuckle, 3.4 oz.– Demeter’s take on a pure honeysuckle fragrance and it does it quite well. It has a very natural smelling version of the flower and does so for not much money. This isn’t a complex or layered scent, just a straight honeysuckle extravaganza.

The longevity on Demeter scents could be better, but at this price point, it isn’t much trouble to re-apply at all. In either case, this one is a perfect option for those who want the honeysuckle aroma without additional notes competing for attention.

Best Overall Honeysuckle Fragrance

AERIN Beauty Mediterranean Honeysuckle Eau de Parfum 50 ml by AERIN – A beautiful blend of citrus notes to go along with our floral star. Bergramot, orange, and grapefruit open up the fragrance with a bright and zesty scent.

The honeysuckle sits underneath at first, before emerging later on, and fully presenting itself.  A clean and juicy summertime perfume, with an upbeat personality, and a fantastic smell.

The opening citrus can be sharp for a little while, but I think that Mediterranean Honeysuckle, has a really great finish that is airy and clean.

Most Unique Perfume

Jo Malone Honeysuckle & Davana Cologne Spray Perfume – (1.0 oz / 30ml)– A bolder honeysuckle based fragrance, but one that has a unique aroma, with a dry mossy base note.

It isn’t as sweet as some of the others on the list, but has a greenish feeling, and the honeysuckle is paired with rose to create a beautiful floral mix.

Again, this one is a floral with green outdoorsy elements, but is still quite a great honeysuckle scent. Just a different type. I like this Jo Malone entry, as it does bring such a nice change of pace, with a fantastic woodsy type of base.

Other Great Options with this Note

Marc Jacobs Dot Eau de Parfum Spray, 1 Ounce– Dot by Marc Jacobs is more weighted toward the tropical fruit top notes, than the floral ones. Though, as it dries down the floral notes start to shine, and you get honeysuckle with orange blossom within the composition.

Also within there, you get a hint of creamy vanilla and coconut, with a musky wood base. It is a clean, juicy, and fairly light fragrance which smells quite delicious. Dot EDP Review

BURBERRY London Eau De Parfum for Women, 1 Fl. oz.– Burberry London opens up with a blend of rose and honeysuckle, along with a nice tangerine note. A bit later, jasmine comes in and takes over, much of the initial role that the rose played and pairs with our honeysuckle.

This isn’t a pure honeysuckle, but one which features plenty of it, among other well blended notes. London is a great floral perfume with a slight powdery aroma and underlying fresh green notes. It is still very popular and will last 8 hours or more on the skin. London for Women Review

ESTEE LAUDER Modern Muse Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Ounce– Modern Muse EDP is another bouquet sort of fragrance, and not distinctly a honeysuckle one. However, honeysuckle is prevalent throughout, and at times is the most powerful floral note.

Jasmine is the lead flower, along with tuberose, and the latter and honeysuckle will share the stage with the jasmine.

Modern Muse opens with a light mandarin orange note, has moderate sillage, and lasts in the 6-7 hour range. It is a very nice daily wear candidate and enjoyable overall. Modern Muse EDP Review

Mary Kay Eau de Toilette – Sparkling Honeysuckle– Honeysuckle with a pear opening and a dry down which brings on freesia, as another floral aroma. Sparkling Honeysuckle is a pretty simple fragrance, with a sweeter scent than others featured here.

However, bringing together the pear and honeysuckle was a great idea. The dry down has a light woody base, which adds more depth. Good for spring/summer. This is usually available at a really inexpensive price point, also. Sparkling is a nice, pleasant, and very wearable use of this note.

5 Best Jessica Simpson Perfumes

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Jessica Simpson is not only a famous pop and reality show star, she has also become a branded best seller in the world of fashion. One component of this line is fragrances. The line of Jessica Simpson perfumes are very feminine and also very affordable. For this post, I have selected five of what I consider to be the best smelling scents in this collection.

What are the Best Perfumes by Jessica Simpson?

Most Popular Scent

Fancy by Jessica Simpson 100ml 3.4oz EDP Spray– Fancy was one of the first celebrity fragrances to have a similar smell to Viva La Juicy, but others quickly followed suit. Nonetheless, this is a fantastic option for those who want a sweet scent along those lines for cheap.

However, Fancy isn’t a fruity bomb, it features a delicious almond note, and can have a dry powdery aroma during the wear.  It’s sweet and the berry/almond notes in the beginning, create a distinction between it, and Viva La Juicy. This is when it’s at its fruitiest, apricot and pear, are also present.

Fancy dries down with some light floral touches from gardenia, but mainly, takes on a warm vanilla/caramel mix. Very warm, pleasant, and fun to wear. This is absolutely among her best scents.

Best New Release

Jessica Simpson Fancy Forever Eau De Parfum Spray 3.4 oz– There haven’t been too many new releases from this line over the past 5 years or so. However, Fancy Forever is definitely worth a try and a better scent than Fiend, which is also another newer perfume.

Sweet and full of tonka bean, Forever blends that note with vanilla and some light fruity touches up top. It is powdery and musky, in the latter stages of the wear. For the fruity notes, I mostly pick up apricot but there is some litchi in there, as well.

Solid performance and easy to wear. Good inexpensive option for those who love a vanilla and tonka bean combination.

Underrated Jessica Simpson Fragrance

Jessica Simpson Fancy Love by Jessica Simpson for Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.4-Ounce– A romantic perfume from Jessica Simpson full of unique and exotic notes including blush champagne, lotus blossom, goji leaf, and amber.

This one is still surprisingly underrated, especially considering the value you get for the price. It doesn’t seem to get the same level of attention, as others from this line.

Nonetheless, Fancy Love is a great and attractive wear, with very good versatility. Champagne, citrus, and peach blossom open things up for an exciting and fruity start. Then, the creaminess comes in fully with the floral notes, and a warm/salty amber. Really pretty stuff.

Top Springtime Wear

Jessica Simpson Vintage Bloom Women Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce– A fresh and clean floral scent with notes of lime zest, peony, raspberry blossom, sandalwood, and musk. A soft perfume that is bright and vibrant like a spring day.

Vintage Bloom really kicks off with the citrus notes up top, paired with a light raspberry blossom. Peony, will come to be the stronger aroma, during the dry down. However, for much of the wear, it will be flanked by plenty of citrus.

Vintage Bloom is probably ideal for those who want something to wear in the warm weather, that is upbeat, and has a unique vibe. It is very pretty, with more of a floral/musk feel in the latter stage. It is that great blend of fruit notes, which truly set it apart. Wonderful.

Crisp Pear and Apple

Jessica Simpson I Fancy You Women Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Fruity, smooth, soft, and floral. Notes include fuji apple, pear, sandalwood, musk, lily of the valley, and tuberose. This is a lighter perfume but still beautiful.

I Fancy You is a crisp fruity/floral fragrance. Pear and apple together, do create that watery sort of aroma. Those together with musk, bring on a sensation of freshness and lightness.

The floral notes here, are lily of the valley and hyacinth, with the latter being the more noticeable. Clean and simple, with a very subtle woody touch, sitting at the base.

9 Best Smelling Bay Rum Colognes

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Bay Rum is a classic scent for men. Most of the use, however, lies in the past. For many, it brings about thoughts of their grandfathers or some pirate sailing around the Caribbean. Despite any of that, it’s still a type of fragrance with many fans and others who’d like to give it a try. In this post, i’d like to present you some options to get the bay leaf experience in either aftershave or cologne form.

What are the Best Bay Rum Colognes and Aftershaves for Men?

St. Johns Bay Rum– St. John’s is a powerful example of bay rum and one that is heavily weighted towards the spicy notes. Seriously, this stuff is a clove and cinnamon experience in a bottle.

The bay leaf and rum won’t be taking over, but, this is an exhilarating aftershave for guys who want the spice bomb treatment.

Pinaud Virgin Island Bay Rum– Pinaud is a very inexpensive option for guys looking for this kind of scent. The rum here is strong, but surprisingly good for the price point. Plenty of spice and booze with Virgin Island bay rum, but less of the leaf.

This one can be used as either an aftershave or cologne. Bold and masculine, with a cinnamon rum kind of aroma.

Royall Bay Rhum– Royall Bay Rhum fits in the aftershave category, more than the cologne end of things, as it doesn’t have a huge longevity. That being said, the smell itself, is that classic sort of fragrance that we’re looking for.

This one leans heavy on the bay leaf, with less clove and spices than the other, but it does include a really great mint boost.

C.O. Bigelow Bay Rum– A nice and affordable bay rum, with a big hit of clove, for those who are a fan of that ingredient. It’s spicy and bold up top, with a light citrus finish.

It does settle down somewhat, from its intense introduction, and you will get more of the bay leaf and booze soaked smell.

Yes, a clove bomb at first, but it will balance out and provides a fantastic example of a bay rum scent.

Havana by Aramis– Havana is a fragrance that has a bay rum feel, while taking things in a slightly different direction. As its name would suggest, you’re going to get a tobacco note in spades, with this one. It’s less smoky and more of a cured tobacco.

Woody? Yep. Spicy? Yes. Bay Leaf? Some, but not a huge amount. Not really as boozy as it is herbal and woody. Dry and masculine in the dry down stage, with a deep fir note and classic oak moss aroma.

Havana straddles the line in two types of scent categories, but does a very good job of it.

Island Life by Tommy Bahama– Not as much of a boozy fragrance than the other offerings on the list, no bay leaf, but this does still manage to fit the bill in many ways.

Island Life is a tropical offering, with plenty of nutmeg spice, an oceanic/island vibe, and a fresh and clean cedar base note.

A nice scent, if you can still get a hold of a bottle, as it has been discontinued for a while. I figured that I may as well include it on this list, for those who are interested.

Man In Black- This cologne from Bvlgari isn’t a bay rum, really, as it doesn’t have a bay leaf note. However, it brings the spices and rum, in spades. It’s one of my favorites to put on in the autumn and winter months and it does a good job at getting close to what we’re looking for.

Add to the booze, tobacco, leather, and woods with a mix of spices including cinnamon.  This is a winner, and one I suspect many guys looking for bay rum, will enjoy. It has more depth and feels darker than typical bay rum.  Man in Black Review

Bentley for Men Intense– As far as colognes go, this is a really close example of that bay rum sort of aroma. It checks all of the boxes: rum, bay leaf, spices. Add to that, a nice leather note and woody base.

The opening of Bentley Intense is quite rum soaked with a plenty of cinnamon, bay leaf, and pepper. As it dries down, this one becomes smoother, with the boozy rum and leather pairing up. You still get the spices and bay leaf, but they are more reserved in the latter stages.

Agua Brava– This is kind of borderline, but close enough to bay rum, that I thought that I should include it on the list. Agua Brava is a classic scent from Antonio Puig, that doesn’t have the rum, but gives you plenty of spice and a woody base.

Pine and bay leaf combine to give you a masculine aroma, in the base, but you get a nice citrus and spice kick off up top. Again, not an exact match, but definitely shares many characteristics of what we’re in the hunt for.

5 Perfumes Similar to Estee Lauder Knowing

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Knowing has been around for over 30 years, at this point, and still remains fairly popular. Now, it’s not a best seller anymore, but there are die hard fans that swear by it. Not only that, it gains new converts, as bottles are readily available. But, what if you want something similar to Knowing? Are there any cheaper comparable smells to this Estee Lauder fragrance? What are some good alternatives to try out?

What are Similar Scents to Knowing by Estee Lauder?

Paloma Picasso – Paloma Picasso is a really close alternative to Knowing. They are around the same price, so, it’s probably not going to be a cheaper buy in all cases. This one is a bit warmer, has a deeper/darker feel to it, than what we’re aiming for.

Nonetheless, it can lighten up somewhat, as it moves along. It gives you a carnation, coriander, and citrus opening act. Followed by a musky, and at times, rough middle act. Later, it feels woodier, cleaner, and somewhat herbal. Very interesting scent, that can absolutely pack a punch.

Animale for Women– Like a sweeter mix of Knowing and Paloma Picasso, from above. This one will give you a bigger dose of honey with some light fruits in the background. Rose, carnation, and ylang ylang are the main floral ingredients…but rose is more pronounced in this perfume.

Animale is a powerful scent, as well. Despite the name though, I don’t think the current versions have as much of that musky/civet aroma, as the other options listed here. It becomes a tamer floral with green woodsy cleanliness, provided by that oak moss.

Diva by Ungaro– A throwback to the early 1980s that is probably best worn by a mature woman. It is fairly inexpensive with nice woodsy notes and some florals.

A lot of the scents on this list came out in the same decade, as there isn’t too big of a market anymore for newer versions of these sorts of scents, it seems.

Diva kicks off with light citrus and spices, that are paired with mostly rose and honey. This is closer to Animale, in terms of smell, but with heightened rose. The rest of it? Like, a more powdery version of Knowing. Yep, the sillage here is also huge.

La Perla– La Perla can be a pretty sharp scent, with a lot of patchouli, in the opening stages. It settles into something that is quite woody, somewhat smoky, with an underlying sweetness to it. It’s a chypre perfume, though, not exactly like Knowing.

It is very similar in its composition, probably lighter in sillage, but with a greater spicy punch. Pepper, patchouli, and coriander will do that.

 

 

La Panthere Legere by Cartier– Legere isn’t an exact one to one of Knowing, nor as close as the others. However, it is in the same realm, and uses many of the same notes. Legere opens up with more fruit than does our Estee Lauder target perfume.

The oak moss note and muskiness, with overlapping floral ingredients, is where they share lots of commonalities. This one turns cleaner and soapier towards the end of the wear. Gardenia and tiare flower are the main floral notes here and create a further distinction. La Panthere Legere Review