Acqua di Gio Absolu vs Dylan Blue Comparison

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In today’s comparison, we have a head to head match up between a Versace fragrance and one by Giorgio Armani: Dylan Blue vs. Acqua di Gio Absolu. Now, both of these men’s colognes have become fairly popular over the past few years, but which stands out the most? Which has the better performance? Versatility? Which one simply smells the best?

Tale of the Tape: AdG Absolu vs. Dylan Blue

Dylan Blue

Notes include: black pepper, violet leaf, grapefruit, bergamot, tonka bean, ambrox, fig leaf

Click here to try: VERSACE Pour Homme Sealed Dylan Blue Eau de Toilette, 3.4 Ounce

Read my full review: Dylan Blue

Acqua di Gio Absolu

Notes include: patchouli, marine notes, labdanum, tonka bean, wood, bergamot, grapefruit, lavender, rosemary, apple, pear

Click here to try: Acqua di Giò Absolu Eau de Parfum Spray 4.2 fl oz Men

Read my full review here: Acqua di Gio Absolu

Opening

AdG Absolu opens with the citrus notes of bergamot and grapefruit, apple, wood, sea water, and tonka bean. It’s very fresh and aquatic with the woody notes providing a solid base for the other notes to play off of. It then, develops a warm and resinous smell due to the labadanum.

Meanwhile, Dylan Blue also starts off with the bergamot and grapefruit citrus combination. It’s also aquatic but opts for a black pepper note to spice the composition up some. More citrus than aquatic and with a does of ambroxan.

Which is better? I like complexity of AdG Absolu and how it develops, hitting many different notes, and doing it all very well. Dylan Blue isn’t bad, but kind of simple and very similar to so many other colognes.

Edge: Absolu

Projection

The sillage of both of these scents starts out pretty strong for the first hour. Then, both of them settle down into something that is much more moderate. After wearing both multiple times, I really don’t notice a distinct difference between how powerful and how much each projects.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Dylan Blue has consistently gotten me 5-6 hours of wear on my skin. No matter how many times I’ve worn it, it’s the same results. Meanwhile, AdG Absolu will go for about 8 hours. Neither is an insane length of time, but the Armani takes this category.

Edge: Absolu

Versatility

One thing that both of these fragrances excel at is in how versatile they are. Yes, they are both best in spring and summertime, but can easily make the transition to the rest of the year without issue.

They can be worn casually or for evenings out or at work. There isn’t an advantage in this for either one.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I do like Dylan Blue, I even have a little mini bottle that I use from time to time, and it has grown on me more with passing time. The citrus and ambroxan notes are enjoyable, the fig leaf is a nice added touch, and overall its quite fresh and pleasant to wear.

However, it can also be kind of boring and a bit linear. There is some overlap with AdG Absolu, but Dylan Blue is ultimately simpler, and doesn’t have quite as good as smell.

Absolu, not only has similarities between itself and Dylan Blue, but also with Invictus Aqua. The thing is, it is superior in both aroma and performance to both. It takes a citrus and aquatic base and adds resinous and earth qualities to it.

The patchouli lends itself perfectly, not being too heavy, while there is a delightful amber permeating the whole things. It’s not my favorite fragrance by any stretch, but it does what it does, at a high level. It’s a solid choice for guys in their 20s.

I will say, that Absolu has more of a marine aroma than does Dylan Blue, and usually costs more. So, if those factor in, you might consider going with the Versace.

Winner: Acqua di Gio Absolu

Eau de Lacoste Pour Femme by Lacoste

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In today’s review, we have an entry from the Lacoste women’s line: Eau de Lacoste Pour Femme. This one was released back in 2013. How does this perfume stack up? As usual, I am going to go through its ingredients, when it should be worn, what it smells like, and if it is even worth a try.

What does Eau de Lacoste Pour Femme Smell Like?

Notes include: jasmine, pineapple, vanilla, orange, vetiver, sandalwood, orange blossom, and bergamot

Click here to try: Lacoste Eau de Lacoste perfume for Women Eau De Parfum 3.0 fl.oz

My Full Review

The opening of Eau de Lacoste Pour Femme features mainly the pineapple note and the jasmine. There is also a hint of the mandarin orange and bergamot, but it isn’t all that strong.

The pineapple doesn’t strike me as too sharp in this composition, more of just a juice, mixed with that familiar aroma of jasmine. It’s quite light and pretty, with a non-candied sweetness.

Further along, I don’t really get any more of the orange note, but there is orange blossom floral in there. Also, sandalwood and vanilla merge, and give this Lacoste a heart. At this point, it is less fruity than it had been, and much more woody/floral.

This is a simple and linear scent that doesn’t really develop much at all. What I get for most of the wear is: pineapple, jasmine, vanilla, sandalwood with some musky sort of undertones. Within an hour or so, you’ll pretty much know what you’re going to get from Eau de Lacoste.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projections wise, the sillage on this one is pretty light and airy. It’s not a completely weak scent, but it’s definitely not a powerhouse. It’s a subtle perfume, that won’t blow the doors off of anything.

The longevity isn’t amazing, but it is a pretty consistent strength throughout. It’ll go into the 5-7 hour range and still maintain that lighter sillage. Most Lacoste fragrances aren’t marathon performers and neither is this one.

Seasonally, spring through summer. It’s bright with the pineapple and citrus along with the floral notes. It’s safe to wear at the office, casually, or as a sort of sporty kind of fragrance. It is pleasant and attractive, but not sexy. This isn’t one that is going to be a nightlife or date night wear.

Overall Impressions of Lacoste Pour Femme

Overall, is Eau de Lacoste Pour Femme a good fragrance? Good? Yes. Simple? Yes. It’s a nice scent, that can be worn in a variety of situations, but it won’t be one that stands out. It is a scent that is very clean and feminine.

If you want a low key, everyday wear, this might be a perfume to consider. However, you’re going to have to like the smell of pineapple and jasmine, for this one to ‘work’ for you.

Versace Eros vs Creed Aventus Comparison

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Wow. I honestly can’t believe I haven’t done this comparison before. These are two of the most popular men’s fragrances on the market and have very loyal fan bases. Personally, I like both of them, but which one would I pick if pressed? Which smells better? Which scent has the best performance? Versatility? Continue below for my full take between Versace Eros vs Creed Aventus.

Tale of the Tape: Eros vs 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 try Aventus: Aventus For Men 4.0 oz EDP Spray By Creed

Click here to read my original Aventus Review

Versace Eros

Notes of Eros: mint, green apple, tonka bean, madagascar vanilla, vetiver, Italian lemon

Click here to try: Versace Eros Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 6.7 Fluid Ounce

My original Versace Eros Review

Opening

While I think the overall head to head matchup is a tough choice, the opening for me, is a no brainer. I pretty much hate how Aventus starts off. I’ve worn it so many times, that I’ve become numb to the opening, but it’s always struck me as a really harsh citrus/wood mix. Luckily, it gets way better.

Eros, on the other hand, is a monster from the start. The mint, the tonka/vanilla mix, and the fruit notes all combine to make a wonderfully bold gourmand aroma. Versace Eros has an exceedingly rich warmth and delicious scent.

Update: Gahhhh, Eros has more lemon in the opening than it used to in the first bottles. I still like it more, but it doesn’t captivate me in the same way.

Edge: Eros

Projection

Aventus is a very good fragrance in terms of sillage. It’s strong and noticeable and doesn’t disappoint. However, Eros is a loud scent. On my skin, it is a complete bomb, and that’s one of the things I have liked about it. Head to head, Eros is stronger and has a bigger radius.

Update: Nowadays, I’d say Aventus has the edge. Eros doesn’t seem to have that same strength in the latest batches I’ve tried. Still good, but now Aventus is better.

Edge: Aventus

Longevity

Again, that loudness by Eros is sustained, as it easily pulls 10+ hours of work. Aventus is really consistent, I pretty much always get 7-8 hours from it, with an occasional 9. Both of these fragrances do a fantastic job of performing, just Eros goes a bit further.

Update: Eros is still a bit better for me, but not the same powerhouse. Closer to 8-9 hours.

Edge: Eros

Versatility

While I dig Eros, it isn’t the most versatile scent out there. It’s boldness isn’t always appreciated as an office or school wear.  Can be great for the nightlife, though. Also, it’s much more of a cold weather scent. I never really like how it would wear during the summer months.

Aventus, is pretty much an all-around safe bet. It can be worn dressed up, casually, at the office, out on the town. It really delivers some value, in how many ways it can be used.

Edge: Aventus

 

 

Overall Scent

Update: I used to prefer Eros. However, it isn’t the same to me, as it used to be. Aventus is still the same and I’ve taken enough of a break from it to appreciate it once again.

I really like Aventus, and I appreciate everything about it (outside of that opening). It’s so well crafted and definitely has a great appeal.

I’ve worn it a whole lot, to the point that I’m sick of it. So, I’m not as high on it as I once was. Plus, there are endless streams of fragrances trying to be an equivalent to Aventus, and the aroma has gotten played out to an extent.

Sure, Eros can be limited in its uses, but I love that vanilla/apple/mint/tonka bean blend. It’s bold and sexy and delicious. While it’s tough to go against Aventus, this loud ass cologne has enjoyed insane popularity for a reason over these past years.

Also, if I were given $200 to buy fragrances and had to buy one of the two, I’d choose Eros plus other colognes; rather than just a single bottle of Aventus.

Versace Eros is a much better value play, as you can pretty much find bottles for around $40.

Neither of these colognes is my favorite, at the moment, but with the newer bottles of each Aventus would now get the nod.

Winner: Aventus

A*Men Pure Havane Vs. Pure Malt Cologne Comparison

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Today’s installment of my ever-running series of cologne comparisons will be between two scents from the Angel Men line by Thierry Mugler, Pure Havane and Pure Malt. These are two popular and well respected fragrances, as A*Men flankers. In This post, I want to explore the openings of both, how each smells, how it performs, and which of these two colognes is a better buy overall?

Tale of the Tape: Pure Malt vs. Pure Havane

Pure Havane 

A*Men Pure Havane

Notes include: tobacco leaves, honeyed tobacco, patchouli, and bitter cocoa

Click here to try: Thierry Mugler Eau de Toilette Spray, Angel Men Pure Havane, 3.4 Ounce

Read my original review: Pure Havane Review

Pure Malt 

angel men pure malt review

Notes include: bergamot, patchouli, vanilla, cedar, amber, fruits, coffee bean, musk

Click here to try: Angel Men Pure Malt by Thierry Mugler Eau De Toilette Spray (Limited Edition) for Men, 3.40 Ounce

Read my original review: Pure Malt Cologne Review

Opening

The opening of both of these scents is really quite fantastic, in my opinion. This is going to be a tough comparison, as neither of these scents is bad or an under performer, and it will mostly come down to personal preference.

Pure Havane opens up as a brighter and sweeter fragrance than does Pure Malt. Havane is a warm and sensual tobacco note blended with sugar, honey, and a bit of vanilla.

Malt on the other hand gives you that darker and heavier malt aroma with smokey and fruity undertones. It’s a blend of the fruits, whiskey, vanilla, and some patchouli to roughen things up slightly. Later, it will get smoother and creamier with woody base notes, but up top its a delightful whiskey soaked scent.

Which is better? To be honest, I’m really digging the boozy scent of Pure Malt right now, and I’m going to give it a very slight nod. I really like the sugary tobacco of Havane, but Malt is above it. I’ve come back to wearing each, and each time, Malt seems to draw me in a bit more.

Edge: Pure Malt

Projection

I don’t really notice a difference in the projection strength between these two. They are both pretty powerful, in terms of sillage, but not obscenely so. Plenty strong starters, that moderate, as they dry down but never get weak until deep into the wear.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Both of these colognes are very solid performers, just not beast mode. However, Havane becomes more of a skin scent after 5-6 hours. I usually get an extra hour or two out of Pure Malt.

Update: with Pure Malt, it’s pretty much 7 hours of wear each time. That’s been consistent over the years.

Edge: Pure Malt

Versatility

These two are cold weather scents and work obviously well in casual situations. Havane, though, does have more of a use in romantic wear it seems. Neither is a ‘club’ scent but Pure Malt hasn’t gotten as warm of a reception from women in my experience as Havane does…it doesn’t effect me wearing it, but it’s something to consider.

Edge: Pure Havane

Overall Scent

To me, the real decision is between whether you prefer a tobacco note or a boozier type of scent. Havane is sweet in a sugary way, masculine, and rich. It really is a great cologne.

Pure Malt gets it sweetness from fruit notes, has a spicier/smoky profile, and is much more like a fine whiskey. It ends up with its malty aroma, vanilla, cedar, and tonka bean. Less boozy, towards the end, but very clean and woodsy.

I love both of these colognes and think that Mugler knocked it out of the park with them.

Pure Malt is just a bit better in terms of performance, and I really have enjoyed wearing, it over the past few days. Your results may vary, but I know which one I’m picking.

Update: A few years after this initial post, and I still will go with Pure Malt, most of the time. Pure Havane is a nice fragrance to put on, every so often, Malt has more depth and an interesting profile.

Winner: Pure Malt

Body by Burberry

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So, it’s time for me to post another women’s perfume review. I got a few more ladies’ fragrance samples in my latest batch and so I thought that I’d write up my impressions of these scents to impart it to my female audience.

Today’s review is going to cover, Burberry Body, a floral/fruity scent that was released in 2011.

In this post, I want to cover how it smells and develops, how it performs, when it should be worn, and whether or not it is worth a purchase. Also see: Body vs London Perfume Comparison

What does Burberry Body Smell Like?

burberry body

Notes include: peach, musk, rose, sandalwood, amber, iris, vanilla

Click here to try: BURBERRY Body for Women Eau de Parfum, 2.0 oz

My Full Review

The opening blast of Body is headed by the peach note, with rose and a warm musk providing supporting roles. Initially, it is creamy and fruity but after 10 minutes or so the rose and the iris bring on a very floral profile.

The peach definitely dominates the top of the order. However, it is joined by what is apparently wormwood. I’m not too familiar with the aroma, so, it can be pretty hard to describe it. Nonetheless, I don’t find it to be distracting or anything terrible.

Rose, musk, and woods do start to peak in after that opening. Again, the first phase after that is mostly floral to my nose. Then, it switches to being something woodier and somewhat musky. The sandalwood is the most apparent wood note, that my nose picks up in the composition.

Body is quite smooth and mellowed out by the sandalwood and vanilla notes that creep in the background. In the dry down phase, you get a rose/peach blend with a warm and slightly spicy musk.

In the end, it is the rose with some peach, woody notes, and a spiciness. Still, has a light and cleaner type of vibe. Not a heavy scent at all, but rather, one that will feel like a natural extension of your skin.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Burberry Body is pretty strong. The sillage won’t fill up an entire room (unless you overdo it) but you’ll definitely know it is there. In its entirety, I’d say that this one has above average power, just not elite.

It also has very good longevity, I sprayed it on my wrist for an initial test, and it was still chugging along during the evening. I finally just had to scrub it off with soap and water because I was tired of smelling like a girl haha.

Coming back to it on another day, it seemed to approach the double digit hour mark, without any issue.

Body is an everyday wear, that would be good for casual occasions. I wouldn’t classify it as a sexy or date night perfume, though, I do find it attractive and wouldn’t mind smelling it on a girl I was dating. So, office wear, casual, semi-formal, etc.

It seems like it would work best during fall or early spring when the weather isn’t too hot. The wood, vanilla, and musky base might very well melt in the high heat or humidity. Though, in the cooler weather it turns out quite nicely, and you get the full aromas of each note.

Overall Impression of Burberry Body

Overall, would I recommend Burberry Body? Yes, it is a very nice casual perfume for women. If you don’t like roses or peach in your fragrances, I’d probably skip this one if I were you.

It’s more floral/woody than fruity. So, if that isn’t you, go with another option. Body won’t blow you away but it gets the job done.

I like the peach top and the later creamy blend of sandalwood/vanilla. It is an interesting and well-rounded perfume, kind of dry later on, but the rose and peach stick around for the long run.

Update: Body has been discontinued for a long while.