Lacoste Essential for Men

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When I think of Lacoste, I think of crisp and clean both in terms of the scents that they produce, as well as the clothing the make. The company with the famous little gator logo, is towards the higher end of things but not towards the more extreme price points of Creed and other design houses. Lacoste is sort of a high end moderate in that regard.

In this post, I want to take a closer look at Lacoste Essential and help determine whether or not it is a fragrance which should be considered for purchase. Also, check out my Best Lacoste Colognes post for further options.

What does Lacoste Essential Smell Like?

Notes include: sandalwood, citrus, black currant, black pepper, cassia, rose, tomato leaf

Click here to try: Lacosté Essential for Men 4.2 oz EDT Spray

lacoste essential

My Full Review

Lacoste Essential opens with a sweet, green, and slightly synthetic scent that is quite pleasant. It’s kind of hard to detect exactly which note is the most prominent, as they all sort of melt together into a fresh but indistinguishable scent.

The citrus notes, bergamot, and tangerine, do leave an impression on me but nothing is all that dominate in this mix.

What I think makes Essential unique from other mass marketed colognes is the inclusion of cassia and tomato leaf that gives it a sweetly green mix. I really like it when tomato leaf is included in scents, as I feel it doesn’t get used often enough, and presents something different and pleasant.

Also, since the citrus isn’t overwhelming it gives these other notes (along with peppery spice) a bit of a chance to present themselves once it dries down.

This fragrance isn’t rich, heavy, or all that complex. It is fresh, clean, and has a soapy quality found in other scents such as Eternity. This is a good thing in many respects, as the simplicity seems to make it hold up well during these warmer months of the year.

It is light and perfect as a daily cologne during the spring/summer. It does have a freshness and herbal spice quality to it, that gives it, that masculine edge. Still, it all comes together as being clean, and not ‘in your face’ with the power.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Now, projection wise it isn’t a beast, but it isn’t totally weak either. It’s pretty much, right dab in the middle of the strength spectrum. The first few hours are going to be decently powered, before it settles into being a lighter type of fragrance.

Lacoste Essential, also, isn’t an amazing long-lasting performer. I get 6 hours on average of solid wear and maybe more, depending on the circumstances.

The most is usually around 7.5-8 hours, in some lower humidity circumstances. I find that if the humidity is running high, I’m going to get about 6 hours of wear from this one.

Seasonally, as I’ve already said, spring and summer. If you live in a warmer or tropical climate, it will have a year round availability. Again, I like to wear it as a casual scent or something for semi-formal or office situations.

Is it a date night fragrance? Not really. I wouldn’t call it a ‘sexy’ cologne, but it will draw some complements, so it wouldn’t be out of place really. Essential is not a club beast or something for when you really want to stand out in the crowd.

Overall Impressions of Lacoste Essential for Men

Is Essential worth a buy? That depends. It is an above average scent and if you need a casual, daily wear fragrance during the warmer months, this might be your go to.

However, if you’ve got that covered, you could definitely skip it since you aren’t missing out on anything amazing. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very nice scent, but it won’t blow anyone away.

I like the tomato leaf and citrus. It does have a rather unique profile, but still isn’t crazy good. I do enjoy wearing Essential and for the right price, wouldn’t be opposed to having a bottle.

Essential is very fresh with a blend of woods and herbal notes, in the dry down. Nice spice and it is very versatile. Better than many scents, but not elite.

10 Best Smelling Chocolate Scented Perfumes

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Chocolate is a favorite aroma of so many people around the world. It is no wonder, that this note is included in a lot of different fragrances. Yet, it is often not the lead note, and usually just comes in for a bit of support. In this post, I want to explore some options for women, who are looking for a chocolate scented perfume. I gathered up 10 names, which I feel, can fit the bill well. 

What are the Best Chocolate Perfumes for Women?

Citrus & Chocolate

Symphonium by Xerjoff– Kicking things off here, we have a higher end perfume with a great chocolate heart, Symphonium.

This Xerjoff scent utilizes orange, vanilla, and the warmth of cardamom to surround and amplify our target note. But, while it seems like it would be one big sweet bash, there is also a significant amount of oud giving it a further density and smokiness.

So, it’s a chocolatey perfume with fresh orange, spiciness, and an underlying oud base. Later, it gets creamier and more edible with how it comes across.

Might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this is a unique blend that should have fans among those who love chocolate.

 

 

Dark Chocolate Blend

Kilian Black Phantom- Memento Mori Perfume Refillable Spray 1.7 fl. oz– Black Phantom is a sweet gourmand early on, which really shines when its cold out. You get boozy slightly spiced rum, chocolate caramel, and coffee. Yep, it’s going to be warm and delicious.

Upon opening the chocolate note really comes through, along with almond, some of the rum and a sugary sweetness. As it moves along Black Phantom becomes a blend of chocolate, caramel, and coffee. The chocolate is darker and the scent is less sweet overall, during the latter stages. 

A very nice dark chocolate, with nutty elements, and a warm embracing coffee note. This can be worn by anyone, without issue. 

Slight Spice with Chocolate Sweetness

Jo Malone Blue Agave & Cacao Cologne for Women 1 oz Cologne Spray–Blue Agave & Cacao takes spicy cinnamon melds it with vanilla and chocolate sweetness. Under that is an additional citrus accord, giving the entire profile a yummy appeal.

The opening gives you a blend of the chocolate note with warm cardamom spice and the cinnamon. The spice isn’t too intense, but does add to the gourmand flavoring of this perfume, it’s a sweet spicy mix.

Under that there is a bit of vetiver, with orchid, lily, and the blue agave. Awesome and unique.

Pure Cacao Perfume

Cacao Dreams 55 ML (Alexandria Fragrances)– This is a pretty straightforward perfume, but delivers exactly what many will be looking for, nearly pure chocolate. Yes, there is some additional notes, like vanilla and a hint of orange.

However, they are background players to the chocolatey goodness found in Cacao Dreams. Not too heavy or synthetic smelling, with pretty good performance. 

White Chocolate with Powdery Finish

Britney Spears Fantasy the Naughty Remix Eau De Parfum Spray, 1.7 Ounce– You could also go with the original Fantasy, but this one brings something a bit different to the table, with how it uses its white chocolate note. Plus, the base notes are less sweet and it feels a bit darker.

It is joined by the sweetness of cupcake frosting, with powdery, and spicy elements. The orris root, is fairly strong, and brings a solid dose of powder. As such, this version won’t be for everyone, but it can be a great pick up for the right type of woman. 

It’s getting harder to come by, as it was discontinued, though well worth wearing if you can get a good price.

Chocolate and Hazelnut Cream

THIERRY MUGLER Angel Muse Eau de Parfum for Women, 1.7 Ounce– This Angel fragrance, gives you cacao, with hazelnut cream for the sweeter part of the scent. With that, comes a healthy hit of patchouli.

Angel Muse is long-lasting with a creamy middle act, due to the tonka bean. This isn’t a pure chocolate scent, but it is a very nice example of using the ingredient, in conjunction with others.

The patchouli and woody notes, do give it that bakery-like aroma. Again, not a straight up chocolate blast, just a great blend. Angel Muse Review

Chocolate Bakery

MONTALE Chocolate Greedy Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 fl. oz.– Chocolate Greedy gives you a lovely chocolate aroma, that is supported by vanilla, and a hint of coffee. The coffee is mostly around, at the start, but gets overtaken by a bitter orange.

Honestly, not personally a fan of the bitter orange note, but it ultimately isn’t too much of a distraction. As it dries down, it takes on more of a scent of chocolate baked goods, with its warmth. 

Very good performance here. The aroma goes from baked goods to a creamier feel during the middle act. Not super sweet or sugary.

Chocolate Cake with Fruity Syrup

Comptoir Sud Pacifique AMOUR DE CACAO EDT,1 fl. oz.– Quite similar to Chocolate Greedy above, but has a better array of fruit notes. The orange here is just standard orange and not bitter. Also, you get a starfruit ingredient, which is bright and inviting.

Beyond that, the cacao and vanilla mix, up pretty much in the same way. Get this if you want slightly more fruit, included, with less powdery finish. If you want a syrupy layer of fruit notes, on top of your chocolate cake…get this one instead of Greedy.

 

Earthy, Spicy, and Floral

Paco Rabanne Black Xs By Paco Rabanne For Women. Eau De Toilette Spray 2.7-Ounces
Very fresh and sexy scent with floral and gourmand notes such as cacao and vanilla. It’s somewhat sweet, but Black XS is also is centered by a hint of spice and a woody/earthy middle.

It opens up with the tart cranberry and patchouli, before it is brought together by our cacao note and some rose. However, as it moves along, Black XS does indeed get darker.

The rose note dissipates and the cranberry begins to get superseded by the other ingredients. The final product is cacao, vanilla, patchouli, pink pepper, and some musk..   Black XS Review

Sweet and Cozy Cocoa

Prada Candy Night by Prada Eau De Parfum Spray 2.7 oz Women– The flanker fragrance to the original Prada Candy, Night steps up the sweetness, with the addition of cacao. Candy Night is warm with undertones of its caramel note, and the musk, found at the base.

The chocolate note comes across, as somewhat dry, and powdery (a little bit like cocoa powder drink mix). However, there is a nice juicy orange note up top, which prevents it from being totally dried out. It ends up being a nice, cozy performer.

5 Best Smelling Lemon Scented Colognes

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Lemon is a note that gets used often in fragrances, but it really isn’t the main focus, in many of those scents. It can be a great note, provided it is actually utilized properly. Other times, it just comes across as too tart. In this post, I want to highlight five cologne options for men that strongly feature lemon, not necessarily just a pure lemon squeeze.

What are the best smelling Lemon Colognes for Men?

Lemon and Vanilla

Chanel Allure Homme Edition Blanche– Allure Edition Blanche is absolutely one of my favorite lemon scented fragrance. Honestly, I think that the discontinued EDT Eau Concentree is the better version of this, but the EDP is still great.

Lemon, tonka bean, and vanilla. With a great pure citrus opening, that finishes with a delicious creamy finish. It smells like a lemon cake of some sort, but it’s not heavy and actually is one to wear during the summer months.

The sillage isn’t huge and the overall performance isn’t amazing, but passable. Nonetheless, this scent smells fantastic.

Spicy Lemon and Cocoa

Guerlain L’instant Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3 Ounce – L’Instant Guerlain is an interesting use of a lemon note. It kicks off with that and a spicy star anise, as the opening act. Then, it is herbal and dry, and finally sweet with the introduction of the cocoa note.

It’s got a somewhat floral heart of mostly jasmine with some hibiscus. However, most of the main thrust of this cologne is about lemon, cocoa, and sandalwood. It’s something different from most other scents out there and a great use of our target ingredient. L’Instant Guerlain EDT Review

instant guerlain pour homme

Chanel Blend of Citrus

Bleu De Chaneⅼ Eau De Parfum Pour Homme Spray 1.7 Fl. OZ. / 50ML.– I tend to go back and forth between Bleu EDP and the Parfum version. But, if you’re looking for lemon, this is the best of the line.

Now, it’s not pure lemon and is blended with grapefruit and bergamot. The thing is, the citrus notes smell terrific with one another and the lemon plays a major part of that. Underneath that, are the fresh notes of mint, ginger, and pink pepper.

Finally, the dry down of citrus, amber, and incense. It’s clean, attractive, and Bleu de Chanel EDP has nice performance with 8+ hours of wear. Bleu EDP Review

Best Seller for Winter

Versace Eros for Men 6.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray– Eros has always had a strong lemon note. In newer bottles, this seems to be even truer than it once was. It is paired with the mint note up top, plenty of tonka bean and vanilla to boot.

Eros is and has been a best seller for many years now. To me, the newer bottles don’t seem to have the same power, but this is still a plenty strong cologne. More for the autumn and winter months, as it will melt in the heat.

If you want a bold lemon gourmand sort of scent, Versace Eros can still fit the bill. Versace Eros Review

Guilty Lemon

Gucci Guilty Intense Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3 Ounce– Guilty Intense is my second favorite from the Guilty line (behind Black), but the best one with a solid lemon note. Now, the original Guilty has the strongest use of lemon, it’s just as good of a fragrance.

Underneath the citrus, is a great floral heart with lavender, orange blossom, and neroli. All of this sits on top of a lot of amber. It isn’t a super complex scent, but Guilty Intense is a beautiful and versatile fragrance to wear.

It’s got pretty good sillage and it lasts for 7-8 hours, on my skin. Gucci Guilty Intense Review

The Scent of Peace for Him by Bond No. 9

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Today’s review is of another Bond No. 9 fragrance and this time, it’s one from the men’s line, The Scent of Peace for Him. Now, there are a few different Scent of Peace fragrances out there. One for women, one unisex, and this one intended for the male audience.

In this post, I’m going to cover all of the specifics about this scent and how it performs, so read below for my complete impressions.

What does the Scent of Peace for Him Smell Like?

Notes include: cedar, bergamot, pineapple, vetiver, currant, juniper berries

Click here to try: Bond No. 9 The Scent Of Peace Eau De Parfum Spray for Him, 3.3 Fluid Ounce

My Full Review

The opening of The Scent of Peace for him packs quite a punch. It draws a lot of comparisons with Creed Aventus and while they do have some overlap, they really aren’t that similar in my opinion.

The juniper berry note gives The Scent of Peace a juicy fresh fruit scent to go along with the bergamot and pineapple. Whereas, Creed Aventus opens up more like Pine-Sol, and then gets better as it goes along. It’s cold and bright, right off of the bat. It has that similar clean dryness to Aventus.

This Bond No.9 fragrance has a strong use of cedar, which allows for the woody aroma to sit underneath the initial fruits and then take over mores as the top fruit notes settle a bit. It’s honestly, a pretty linear fragrance after the first half hour or so.

What does it ultimately smell like? Well, if you get a close sniff, you can detect separation between the ingredients and the cedar and pineapple do have a certain nice appeal. However, it becomes more muddled as you get further away from where you sprayed, and it starts to smell more like a detergent.

I’m not sure which brand of laundry detergent, I used to use, but there is one the smells exactly like The Scent of Peace for Him. That smell isn’t bad, and especially not when, it’s become faint on clothing that’s been washed.

The thing is, The Scent of Peace at a distance, smells quite a bit like detergent in concentrate form. It’s that sharp pineapple, cedar dryness, and juniper which brings out that smell. But, while there are cheap colognes like Nautica Blue, which have this same issue; it isn’t too awful in this Bond No. 9.

Upon close inspection, I enjoy the musk/vetiver combo and the very nice use of the bergamot note. It just becomes difficult to enjoy when you have on the one hand a bright and lively fragrance and on the other hand, an in your face detergent.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, this stuff is really strong. Like, two sprays is enormous, and it clouds your surroundings. That’s not always a bad thing, but it can be too much here. So, it will get top marks from me in terms of its sillage. It lives up to the price tag, with the performance.

Also, the longevity is pretty incredible. I’ve taken soap and water, to where I sprayed it on my arm hours earlier, and I could still smell The Scent of Peace for Him…the next day. Crazy. After wearing this a few times, easily in the double digit hours club, without question. Outstanding.

As far as its seasonality, this just strikes me as a summertime cologne. It feels too strong to be suitable for enclosed spaces such as an office, but might work as a casual outdoorsy fragrance during the warmer months of the year.

It’s not particularly sexy or nightlife worthy, just a fresh and clean sort of scent. Again, I really don’t think that it has the same appeal or aroma as Aventus. It is versatile as a daytime fragrance, but that’s what I’d keep it as.

Overall Scent of The Scent of Peace

Overall, would I recommend The Scent of Peace for Him? It’s not for me, but it’s nice enough. I don’t hate it and the performance is pretty insane. However, it just strikes me in the same vein as Sauvage and Dylan Blue, these bright citrusy colognes with woody undertones.

They’re decent but aren’t impressive overall. Plus, I think I prefer those two colognes to this Bond No. 9 and they are both much cheaper. It’s okay, but that’s about it. The Aventus comparisons, are pretty overdone, as they really aren’t that similar.

Yes, they are somewhat alike, but not complete clones by any stretch.

Si by Giorgio Armani

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I’m still pouring through my Macy’s perfume samples and I’m about to order even more samples of other fragrances online soon. But until then, I am going to finish going through the 10+ perfumes and colognes that I have laying around the house, and do some reviews. Today’s entry is a popular women’s scent by Giorgio Armani, Si.

In this post, I want to explore how it smells, performs, and whether or not I think that it is worth a buy.

What does Armani Si EDP Smell Like?

Notes include: rose, vanilla, freesia, black currant, patchouli, amber, woods

Click here to try: Giorgio Armani Si Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Review

The opening blast of Si is a mix of the rose, black currant, and vanilla note. This creates a sweet and fruity aroma that is more akin to a synthetic or candy-like peach than anything else. The black currant does have some of its usual sharpness, however, it gets toned down a lot by the other notes.

The rose is the most noticeable of the three for my nose, and you can also detect the patchouli background, which intensifies as it wears on.

The fruity/patchouli vibe reminds me of the men’s fragrance, Black XS, except it’s a peach smell instead of a lemon. Which is great, because that cologne is super sharp, up top.

After a few minutes, the black currant becomes the main player, in my mind. The juicy berry fragrance is super sweet yet also beautiful and inviting. I kept wanting to smell this delicious aroma again and again.

Si is more of a soft fragrance, so even with three sprays, it never felt as if it was going to overwhelm and choke me out. However, it’s not so weak that you have to use a whole bottle for it to be effective.

After and hour or two, Si dries down into something that is more floral, woody, and powdery. It moves away from the complete sweetness but keeps the warm and slightly spicy scent of patchouli and amber.

Si is a green floral scent at this point and remains so with support of the vanilla and black currant. The berry smell, doesn’t hang around much, which may or may not be a good thing. I like the scent, so, I wanted it to stick throughout.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Si, isn’t that strong. However, that shouldn’t be mistaken for weakness because this one does actually perform quite well, it just isn’t an overpowering monster. This is a good thing for such a casual scent.

Longevity seems to be in the 6-7 hour range, which is really solid but not anything crazy. After trying it a few times, it seems to hit that amount of time consistently. So, pretty middling overall.

Si does have some versatility, it is safe enough to wear to work or school, but attractive enough to wear on a date. I would definitely enjoy smelling this scent on a woman. This Armani does basically fit the bill, as a ‘one size fits all’ kind of perfume. For most climates, it can be worn to a wide variety of different events.

It also feels like it would work best being worn in cold to moderate temperatures. In the heat? Not so much. But pretty much any other time of the year except the height of summer. I think the rose and vanilla, have a tendency to melt in the heat and humidity.

So, a tropical climate, probably wouldn’t be ideal outside of some limited weather conditions.

Overall Impression of Si

Overall, is Si worth a purchase? Yes. This is a really great perfume from Armani. It’s juicy sweet and floral and the patchouli serves the fragrance. That’s important as patchouli can often swoop in and dominate the other notes.

Si is also mature enough not to be confused with a teenager’s fragrance but chic enough not to move into grandma territory. This is an interesting and well-balanced scent which will appeal to a wide variety of women.