212 by Carolina Herrera

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In today’s review post, I want to take a closer look at a reasonably priced fragrance for men, 212 by Carolina Herrera. I want to give an overview of its ingredients, my impressions of it, how it performs, and rate whether or not that I think it is worth a buy. Also, check out my post in the best Carolina Herrera colognes for men for more options that might suit your tastes better.

What does 212 by Carolina Herrera Smell Like?

Notes include: grapefruit, sandalwood, bergamot, ginger, green notes, musk, spices, violet

Click here to try: 212 By Carolina Herrera For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces

My Review

The opening of 212 is a rather unique blend of green notes, ginger, and grapefruit. This gives is a sort of grassy/floral scent at the start, which isn’t my favorite but it is moderate and short lived enough that it doesn’t distract from the overall scent which is very pleasant.

While this cologne is for men, it strikes me more as a unisex fragrance with enough musk and spice to make it lean slightly masculine.

It has quite a bit of citrus after the beginning, a commonplace bright and clean aroma, with ginger and pepper sitting underneath the grapefruit. I can’t pinpoint what other fragrance that 212 smells like, but it has a pretty generic scent, so to speak.

When wearing it, it’s like I’ve been here before, just with another scent. Then, 212 gets more interesting.

The dry down period is where 212 really begins to shine. The floral/green note is present during the whole way and the citrus scent from the grapefruit and bergamot takes on a support role.

Ginger is a strong element to this fragrance and gathers some of it warmth and spice from the musk. It’s a very clean scent overall. I pick up on those notes, herbal elements, and sandalwood.

However, one note that really come through for my nose is violet, like the actual flower and not violet leaf that is usually used. The floral element in 212 has a well-established place in the dry down, among the other grassy/outdoorsy smells that are present. I like this part, much more than the typical start.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

212 is a moderate fragrance in terms of projection. At first, it comes on pretty strong (in terms of projection) but quiets down later in the wear.

Also, it longevity is average, not bad but really not an all-day longevity champ either. I can get 5-7 hours out of this one, on my skin. This doesn’t hit the same level as some of the other Herrera colognes, that can be absolute beasts.

It is a versatile cologne that can be worn on any occasion but it is a better where for the warmer months of spring and summer.

212 for Men is a pleasant sort of cologne. You can wear it casually, to school or work, or any other situation in which you need something that doesn’t require much thought.

Overall Impressions of 212 Men

Is 212 worth a buy? Yes, it is a moderate, non-offensive scent that is affordable enough to be a value purchase. Carolina Herrera, has a whole line of great scents for men. I personally like CH or 212 VIP better than this one, but 212 for men is still a great pick for many guys.

It’s longevity isn’t the best nor is it very original, but it smells good enough and has decent performance. 212 is a good starter fragrance or one that you can go to whenever and not really have to worry about it.

Ultra Male vs Armani Code Profumo Comparison

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In today’s head to head match up, we have two fragrances that are both popular, and two of which that I personally enjoy a lot: Ultra Male vs. Code Profumo. Which of these men’s colognes actually smells the best? The Jean Paul Gaultier or the Armani? Which has better sillage? Longevity? Ultimately, which of these scents is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape

Ultra Male

Notes include: vanilla, pear, amber, woods, cinnamon, cumin, sage, lavender, mint

Click here to try: Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male for Men Intense Spray, Eau de Toilette, 4.2 Ounce

Read my original Review: Ultra Male

Armani Code Profumo

Notes include: leather, amber, tonka bean, cardamom, lavender, and nutmeg

Click here to try: Giorgio Armani Code Profumo EDP Spray for Men, 3.7 Ounce

Read my full review: Code Profumo Review

Opening

Code Profumo begins with a very warm and rich blend of amber and tonka bean. It is joined by a slightly juicy citrus and cardamom and nutmeg, which interestingly takes on the aroma of a soft drink, such as cream soda. It’s not exactly, but it does have that kind of vibe.

Ultra Male has a sweet candy-like opening. It is pear, mint, cinnamon, and vanilla. The cinnamon gives this JPG fragrance, a spicy blast in the heart of that sweet outer shell.

Between the two? Hmm, it’s a tough choice, but I think Profumo has the better start. The amber and tonka bean really has a great appeal to it. I’m an Ultra Male fan, but the Armani gets the nod in this category.

Edge: Code Profumo

Projection

Code Profumo has a strong sillage. It is by no means weak and other people will definitely be able to pick up on it. Ultra Male is huge, in this regard. I can spray it on a shirt and smell it from the other side of my living room. I never need to apply much of the stuff, to make it take over. It’s a beast.

Edge: Ultra Male

Longevity

Interestingly, Code Profumo can usually get me 10 hours or more of wear. It’s a fantastic performer on my skin. Ultra Male is too, but it usually gets 8-9 hours. It can also, hit the 10+ mark, just not with the same consistency.

Edge: Profumo

Versatility

Okay, these are both cold weather fragrances. That is kind of a limited niche, but there are so many amazing winter colognes, that it is kind of necessity to have one. That being said, for these two, I like to wear them out at night to a bar, dinner, night club, lounge, or whatever.

Profumo has much more ability to be worn at the office, and it is the more mature scent. Ultra Male is pretty much a nightlife scent for me and skews more toward younger guys. Code Profumo is more versatile.

Edge: Profumo

Overall Scent

I wear both of these colognes. I like them both a whole lot. As such, it’s not really an easy call to make. I’ve always really like how bold Ultra Male was, how improved over the original Le Male it was, and just that whole unique and playful vibe.

Some people don’t like it’s sweet and spiciness mix or the fact that it can be limited to when it can be worn. Fair enough.

Code Profumo is a wonderful fragrance, some people don’t like its sweet creamy profile either. However, the tonka, amber, and leather really do give it a sexy and masculine aroma.

It can be worn dressed up or at the office and is more mature than Ultra Male is. For that, I think I’ll give it the go ahead for the win in this match up.

I would, however, consider what type of fragrance I actually want before making a choice. Look at those ingredients, which ones sound more appealing to you? Both of these give great performances, so, that won’t be an issue.

Winner: Code Profumo

Eau de Lacoste L.12.12. White

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This is my second review of Lacoste’s L.12.12 cologne series. I already covered Rouge and my thoughts on it: here. This time around, I am covering Eau de Lacoste Blanc (White), and testing out this floral/woody cologne for men. As usual, I am going to overview how it smells, performs, when it should be worn, and whether or not this casual fragrance is worth a buy.

What does Lacoste Blanc Perfume for Men Smell Like?

lacoste l.12.12 white

Notes include: cardamom, grapefruit, ylang-ylang, cedar, rosemary, suede, tuberose, leather

Click here to try: Lacoste Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Blanc Eau de Toilette for Men, 3.3 fl. oz.

My Full Review

With the opening of Lacoste Blanc, I am immediately reminded of daytime in the spring. It’s a very clean floral and woody opening, with the main note of grapefruit taking charge.

I detect the cedar note but it seems to be smoothed out and tempered by the suede/leather combo, which is surprisingly quite mild. This fragrance definitely starts out with a bang, as it both projects well and also brings a lot of energy. Blanc is very upbeat and bright.

The is a slight herbal spice to this, light rosemary, and some cardamom. However, it never makes all that much of an appearance for me. Cedar and leather? Yes, the others? Not so much.

The floral notes aren’t really the ‘girly’ kind of scent, more earthy, and get hidden some by the citrus of the grapefruit. The interplay between these two is quite nice. It’s tuberose, which is hardly ever used in a men’s fragrance, and ylang-ylang.

There is also a layer of sweetness in this cologne that doesn’t take over but lends itself well. It feels like everything about this fragrance is just blended the right way. The grapefruit is mainly responsible for it, especially when it gets paired together with the ylang-ylang note.

What I’m ultimately left with a very wonderful blend of citrus and cedar. It’s fresh and uplifting. Though, this does go in more of a unique direction, with those floral notes. It comes together as being super clean and a delight to have on.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The projection on this one starts out fairly strong, but begins to weaken pretty quickly. It does transform more into a floral/woodsy cologne during the dry down period but that is again, brief.

The longevity on this one really isn’t all that great, it’s better than L.12.12. Rouge, but still taps out to the 4-6 hour range and more towards the low end.

This is a warm weather fragrance that is great for office, casual, or even some dating type environments. It’s appropriate for any age group, but has more of a youthful sort of vibe.

I wouldn’t be wearing this during the winter or autumn, but it is great when the weather starts to improve.

Overall Impression of L.12.12 White

Overall, I think that L.12.12. White is a very good cologne and an interesting floral based scent for men. I do prefer it, to the Red version from Lacoste (which I also like), and think that it can be a really good casual choice for guys.

I wish the longevity was a little bit better but aside from that Blanc is a quality cologne that is fresh, clean, and energetic. Coming back to this scent, years after my initial review, I can say that this is the best of the L.12.12 lineup, from my perspective.

Blanc is the only one that truly delivers a great smell and has at least decent performance. This line from Lacoste, really had plenty of mediocre and unmemorable scents.

This is a bright spot. Smells quite good, average performance, and a good pick up if you can get it cheap.

6 Best Smelling Adidas Colognes for Men

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Adidas has had a long and prosperous run as an athletic apparel company. However, it has also been in the fragrance game to one extent or another for decades, as well.

In fact, some Adidas fragrances were among the first colognes that I wore on a regular basis as a teenager. They are also extremely inexpensive and full bottles can be had at under $20 and even for less than $10.

Obviously, this makes it a good route for younger guys to try out without having to break the bank. In this post, I have selected six from the Adidas line that I feel are the best of the bunch, and have linked each to its Amazon page for more info.

What are the Best Adidas Colognes for Men?

Best Smelling Cologne

Adidas Dare Eau-De-Toilette Natural Spray by Adidas, 1 Fluid Ounce– A sneaky good blend of lime and apple at the start with a undertone of vanilla.

Then, a smooth rum note kicks in and is paired with leather to create something that is unique while still being inexpensive. Really good fragrance.

Like most inexpensive fragrances, Adidas Dare isn’t all that complicated, but this never smells ‘cheap’. Is it a luxury scent? No. However, the apple and citrus pairing is great. Plus, a undercurrent of rum, vanilla, and leather? I’m sold.

Most Popular Adidas

Adidas Victory League Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– Sweet and slightly spicy. It reminds me a bit of Ultra Male and Boss Bottled and Tommy Hilfiger, like a blend of those three.

So, an apple/pear blend with vanilla and a cinnamon kick. It’s another good casual option from Adidas. Somewhat related to Adidas Dare, though, Victory League isn’t as much about the fruit. Vanilla has much more strength in this one, than in the other Adidas scent.

If you want a cheapie, along the lines of the aforementioned designer scents, Victory League is a very solid pickup.

Underrated Scent

Adidas Deep Energy by Adidas For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4-Ounces– Was one of the Adidas fragrances that I received in a 3 bottle gift pack, many years ago. It’s an athletic or sporty kind of aquatic citrus. It works well in the summer months and I used this as a gym cologne for a long stretch of time.

Updating here in 2020, this has been discontinued, and I haven’t seen any cheap bottles floating around. What’s funny is, The One Sport by D&G, smells very similar to Deep Energy. I wouldn’t pay more than $20 for either, but this did front run the designer cologne by a decade. Deep Energy Full Review

Classic Sporty Scent

Adidas Moves By Adidas For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 1.0 Oz / 30 Ml– The first Adidas cologne that I ever had, back in high school. It’s definitely geared toward younger guys. It’s a very fresh and clean scent but I was never really sure what the specific notes were.

Turns out it features tomato leaf, pepper, pineapple, and apple among others. I think I wore this for most of 9th and 10th grade, so it brings back some memories.

The juice inside is blue and it does have a ‘blue-ish’ vibe, to the aroma. Sort of aquatic, but that is due to the crisp fruity notes involved. Tomato leaf, is a severely underrated note, and somehow Adidas Moves is one of the few colognes to use it.  Adidas Moves Full Review

Simple and Clean Fresh

Adidas Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, Pure Game, 3.4 Fluid Ounce– A citrus and woody cologne that is pretty linear, but surprisingly good in it simplicity. The basil note gives it a bit of spice along with that familiar oud aroma.

Pure Game does have a very nice blend of citrus and spice notes. Basil and pepper, that gets smoothed out by the woody base. Hints of sandalwood and cypress, with a vague smoky quality. Yes, it’s simple and linear, but it does have some depth to its personality. This is a really good buy, for this cheap price point.

Warm Sweetness

Adidas Extreme Power Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce– A sweet tonka bean laden scent with opening citrus notes and a great warmth throughout. There is also a coffee note that I think goes really well with the tonka bean and they are two of my favorite notes in men’s fragrances.

At this price point, Extreme Power is a great buy, but you’ll need to use more sprays for longevity’s sake. This does have similarities to Pure Game, but the notes are kind of flipped, with the strength. This is less woody and spicy, more sweet and warm.

7 Best Smelling Estee Lauder Perfumes

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Estee Lauder is an absolutely authoritative name in the world of beauty and cosmetics. The company’s products have been around for decades and still appeal to women from each successive generation.

For this list, I have selected seven  of the scents from its line of perfumes, which I feel are the best of the best. I have updated this post to include a new entry, take off an older one that got too reformulated, and expand a bit on each scent.

What are the Best Smelling Estee Lauder Perfumes?

Classic Peony and Rose

Pleasures By Estee Lauder For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.4 Ounces -A classic floral perfume that is soft, pleasant, and never overpowering. Pleasures features dewy outdoorsy notes which provide a green aroma, combined with, floral notes led by lily of the valley and lilac.

Then, as it dries down this Estee Lauder perfume, begins to have more influence from the peony and rose notes within. Those are just the two main floral aromas, found in the heart, but it really is an array of differing petals.

This is a great performer, which will last all day, and is safe enough to wear at the office or casually. Quite fresh with enough floral sweetness to be very attractive, but not obnoxious.  Notes include: roses, violets, lilies, woody notes, peonies.

Best Seller

Beautiful Belle by Estee lauder eau de parfum spray 3.4oz/100ml, 3.4 Fl Oz– Beautiful Belle is a very nice floral fragrance with a juicy lychee note up top. This has become one of the best sellers for Estee Lauder over the past few years.

It’s not your typical bouquet or greenish floral mix, as there is a smooth suede and sweet gourmand note of marzipan in the base.

Beautiful Belle is a lighter fragrance and the floral notes are dominated by gardenia and tuberose. Rose, orange flower and mimosa play a supporting role. This is an easy to wear fragrance with nice performance and can venture out into spring and the milder days of summer.

One Tropical Option

Beyond Paradise By Estee Lauder For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 1.7 Ounces–  Beyond Paradise is a bright and youthful floral fragrance that is best worn on warmer days. It is more of a tropical floral fragrance with citrus and berry to balance things out and create a deeper exotic feeling.

White floral notes with some fruity influence throughout and a bit of underlying spice. As it moves along, the flowers such as lily, honeysuckle, and gardenia dominate and the fruits fade to the background.

Hyacinth eventually comes to stand above the rest, but really hangs around for the entirety of the life of the perfume. It initially, gets placed in the opening with a bunch of citrus notes. Nonetheless, the is a group effort among the floral notes, and the result is great.

Best Summertime Fragrance

Estee Lauder ‘Bronze Goddess’ Eau Fraîche SkinScent 3.4 Oz / 100 ml New In Box– Bronze Goddess is one that has been around for a while and occasionally gets reformulated. Nonetheless, the perfume gives you a beachy and somewhat tropical vibe during the wear.

Up top, you have citrus note and a light ginger note giving it spice. Underneath that is coconut and vanilla, that provides the creamy and somewhat lotion-like vibe. Jasmine and frangipani petals make up the floral heart of the scent and complement that summertime feel.

The link above is the Eau Fraiche version. It’s got more of the floral notes being dominant and is a lighter scent. The EDP is creamier with the heavier use of coconut and vanilla.

Top Winter Scent

Sensuous by Estee Lauder for Women – 3.4 Ounce EDP Spray–As its name suggests, Sensuous is sexier and more alluring perfume than the previous two entries. It is still not a heavy scent, but one that is really intriguing to experience with its notes of amber, black pepper, sandalwood, magnolia, and ghost lily.

The sandalwood note dominates and is joined by other wood notes in the base. This is then brought together with enveloping amber and thick, sweet honey. Add to that a peppery spice in its heart and floral undertones, and you’ve got a well-balanced gem.

Jasmine Led, Floral Dominant

ESTEE LAUDER Modern Muse Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Ounce– Modern Muse opens up with jasmine and a light mandarin orange note. This is a floral fragrance and the jasmine is the main ingredient, but which flower accompanies it, changes throughout the wear.

Sometimes, it is tuberose, others honeysuckle, and lily. Musk and amber sit gently at the base and create a warm embrace of the flowery aroma. Ultimately, the lily and jasmine win out as the final two floral notes. With musk and patchouli, also hanging around in a diminished state.

It is moderate in its sillage, with bits of vanilla or patchouli peaking through, and a pleasing scent that is good to wear on a daily basis. Good springtime wear, but versatile for most of the rest of the year. White floral with light musk, for the most part. Modern Muse Review

Mature Woodsy Floral

Knowing By Estee Lauder For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 2.5 oz– This one has more of a woodsy profile to it but still brings in the floral notes like jasmine, rose, and sandalwood. Up top? It’s mimosa, in spades. Has an intensity that is best suited for the colder months. This one has been around forever, a mature scent.

Lots of oakmoss, leather, and other seemingly dark feeling notes. Yet, Knowing comes through with enough sweetness to avoid becoming too dour and a wonderful rosy heart. It’s ultimately very deep complex, but you get a very clean and sophisticated, classic scent.