5 Colognes that Smell Like Mont Blanc Legend

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Mont Blanc Legend is seemingly always a best selling fragrance, with fans who swear by it. To me, it’s always been just fine, and I actually prefer Legend Night over it. Anyhow, due to its popularity, guys are always looking for similar scents or even cheaper alternatives to save some money. In this post, I wanted to give a list of five men’s fragrances, that smell similar Mont Blanc Legend. Now, there may be some others out there, but these are the closest options that I’ve come across.

What Men’s Fragrances Smell Similar to Mont Blanc Legend?

The Famous Comparison

Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce By Abercrombie & Fitch Cologne Spray 6.7 Oz– To me, the classic formulation of Fierce, was better than Legend. Now, it doesn’t have the same essence that it did back in the 2000s, but it can still be a good buy at the right price.

Fierce starts of with clean lemon and orange, that is paired with the dry woodsy notes. Next up, is a spicy sage, with a base of fir, vetiver, musk, and oak moss.

This is the closest approximation of Legend, out of the three options. It can also cost more than Legend, so, it might not be one for somebody looking for a ‘cheap’ alternative. Fierce Full Review

A More Aquatic Version

Kenneth Cole Mankind Ultimate, 3.4 Fl oz– Mankind Ultimate isn’t exactly the same as Legend, but it does share a lot of similarities. The opening of this fragrance, has an aquatic element with cucumber, and reminds me somewhat of Eternity Aqua.

This one does become more like Fierce and Legend, as it dries down, but it smells a bit sweeter than either of them. It has an aquatic citrus, vetiver, and sandalwood. It’s aroma has an underlying dryness to offset some of that initial aquatic aroma. Mankind Ultimate Review

Different, but Better

Mercedes-Benz Man–  Mercedes-Benz Man strikes me as a better fragrance than Legend. It’s different, for sure, but shares a lot of overlap with the Mont Blanc scent. Not only that, as of now, this one can be had in the $30-40 range.

You get the oakmoss and cedar freshness, along with a top note of a crisp and watery slice of pear. The spice comes across as quite light, with less of a bite, than some of the other listed colognes.

However, the performance is quite good, better than what I’ve gotten with the modern formulations of Fierce and probably a slight edge versus Legend.

A Similar Cheap Cologne

PLAYBOY New York Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce Playboy– If you want to go down market and find a cheapie, New York is the closest you’ll find. Is this a 1:1, comparison to  Legend?

No, it isn’t, but it does produce a similar smell for $10-12. The quality isn’t as good, but this is still one of the best Playboy colognes, that they’ve made.

It utilizes apple, vanilla, vetiver, and vinyl. That vinyl note is quite interesting and at least gives New York, something to distinguish itself.

The performance is good for the price and lasted 5-6 hours on my skin, when I’ve worn it. Playboy New York Review

The Better Cheapie

Frank Olivier Sunrise Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 2.5 Ounce– Sunrise is a better down market option than New York, even if it is closer to a Fierce style, but not even exactly that.

It’s less woody and not as dry as Fierce, but has a good lavender note, and a nice bergamot up front. Again, you’re not getting the same level of quality or the same aroma. However, it’s a good deal for the price and the performance is actually pretty solid.

There you have it, five similar men’s colognes to Legend. I will update this list, as needed, when I find other potential alternatives to this fragrance. For now though, this list will do and can definitely yield a solid comparable scent to the Mont Blanc.

Wonderlust by Michael Kors

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Wonderlust is probably the most popular Michael Kors fragrance with the public right now. I’ve had a sample sprayer sitting in a box for many months now, for me to revisit and finally post a full review. Well, that day has come to review this 2016 release. How does this one smell? Does it last long? Is Wonderlust worth a buy?

What does Wonderlust Smell Like?

Notes include: almond milk, sandalwood, dimanthus, bergamot, pink pepper, heliotrope

Click here to try: WONDERLUST by Michael Kors 3.4 Ounce / 100 ml Eau de Parfum (EDP) Women Perfume Spray

My Full Review

Discover a place filled with wonder, where endless adventure awaits. Almond milk dianthus sandalwood from Sri Lanka.

Up top with Wonderlust, I get the creamy almond milk, along with a nice citrus spritz. This gives Wonderlust a somewhat tropical feeling, with a bit of jasmine peaking through. However, the citrus moment is pretty short lived and that’s when this scent is at its sweetest.

The next phase, is the true introduction of the dianthus, which adds a slight spice to the mix, and the almond is still persisting for the duration. It’s not a floral note that I’m too familiar with, but it stands out for a time, and I enjoy how it works in the composition.

For a while, that sweet/spice of dianthus meets a might powdery heliotrope, and the sandalwood emerges from the base. This middle phase is probably my favorite part of the wear, since it’s actually sticking around for more than that opening semi-tropical act.

Finally, it moves into being mostly about almond and sandalwood alone. Though, there is some remaining powdery qualities. It’s warm, creamy, and has an attractive coziness to the aroma. That’s what it ends up being for the rest of the wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This Michael Kors perfume is fairly moderate in terms of sillage. It will project in the 4-6 range, for much of the wear. It’s not a beast, but it isn’t so light as to go unnoticed.

On my skin, I get right around 8 hours. Very good, just not elite. How long it lasts is the stronger portion of its performance, it just isn’t going to choke out a room with its presence.

Seasonally, Wonderlust is very balanced. It has elements of a summer perfume, but it’s creaminess lends itself well to colder weather, also. It’s not a heavy fragrance, so it has really great seasonal versatility.

I do kind of like it a bit more, when it is a bit below average temperatures. A slight chill, makes this one really pop.

Beyond that, it can be a completely appropriate daily wear fragrance. Go casual or even a bit more formal. I wouldn’t call Wonderlust a nightlife scent, but it does have enough attractiveness, to not be totally boring either.

It’s basically one that you can have in your rotation to handle the heavy lifting. Then, break out something else on special occasions or when you want to really grab attention.

Overall Impressions of Wonderlust

Overall, do I like this scent? I do. I think that it smells very good and does everything well. Wonderlust is a versatile fragrance, with some unique aspects and undergoes enough development to be interesting.

It’s already a popular perfume, thanks to its ease of wear, and ability to be a versatile go to on a daily basis. It might not be the highlight of your fragrance collection, but it can certainly be an anchor.

I do wish that there was a longer experience with the bergamot note, in the beginning, but other than that I don’t have any real complaints.

Since it’s release, this one has spawned a bunch more from the series. Though, I still think that this one is a really nice jumping off point, at the right price.

Sun Song by Louis Vuitton

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Sun Song was one of the Les Parfums Louis Vuitton releases, with bottles designed by Alex Israel, that they brought out back in 2019. I’m still working my way through reviews of the Louis Vuitton decants that I have and figured I’d finish out this series. What does Sun Song Smell Like? How long does it last? Is it worth a buy?

What does Sun Song Smell Like?

Notes include: orange blossom, lemon, bergamot, neroli, jasmine, musk

My Full Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see how Louis Vuitton describes this fragrance: An ode to the orange blossom to brighten summer. The euphoria of those first beautiful days. Feeling the warmth of sunlight on the skin.

I really don’t like the opening act of Sun Song. The citrus is too sharp and the orange blossom (which I generally like) feels overwhelming. I imagine that plenty of folks will be turned off by that start, but it does get better.

Once it does settle down, this fragrance does greatly resemble Sole di Positano by Tom Ford. The citrus notes there are way better. The main differences are that the Tom Ford has some herbal spiciness early on and Sun Song gets somewhat musky.

As soon as I get past that harsh opening, I do begin to enjoy Sun Song much more. The floral notes start to balance out, while still being led by the orange blossom. Neroli is very present and there’s also a touch of jasmine.

The citrus falls into the background and the musk in the base rises, but never overtakes the strength of either orange blossom or neroli.

At this point, you’re getting exactly what you get for the rest of the wear. A smooth floral with citrus and musky highlights. Not too complicated, but very attractive.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sun Song is pretty strong on my skin. Especially, in the early stages of the wear. Overall, it’s a moderately projecting perfume, probably towards the upper end of that range. Quite a bit like its comp, Sole di Positano.

On skin, this Louis Vuitton will go for 7-8 hours. The last 90 minutes or so, stayed really close to the skin. I’ve also sprayed it on a t-shirt and it just goes and goes. Nice performance for this style of perfume.

Seasonally, Sun Song is made for the spring and summer months. Once it settles, it is a pretty fragrance and fairly delightful to catch whiffs of throughout the day.

Sun Song is a unisex fragrance. I will say the opening, is closer to a traditional ladies’ perfume, but it comes back more toward the center of things. As a man, you’re just going to have to enjoy wearing citrus/floral scents.

Within the context of spring and summer, this is a fragrance that can pretty much be worn anywhere. It’s classy enough for more formal occasions, while not being too stuffy to wear casually.

Overall Impressions of Sun Song

Do I like this fragrance? I do like it, except for the start. Once it dries down, the citrus notes lighten up and the orange blossom, neroli, and jasmine blend for a nice balanced aroma.

Also, the performance is solid and it isn’t going to just drop off after a few hours of wear.

But, the price point is the major hold up. Sole di Positano is the better fragrance. It smells better overall and is available at a better price.

This isn’t a bad fragrance from Louis Vuitton, but I think that the others in this series like, Cactus Garden or Afternoon Swim are more interesting and better.

9 Best Smelling Lavender Scented Colognes for Men

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Lavender is one of the most heavily used notes in men’s colognes, women’s perfumes, household air fresheners, and more. It has a familiar scent, plus a smooth and calming influence. In short, it’s a staple note, with a versatile use within the world of fragrance. So, when looking for a lavender based cologne, we have plenty of options.

With that in mind, which are the best lavender scented fragrances for guys? In this post, I am going to present 9 options, where lavender is the main attraction. Some on the list, will be more of a pure use of the note, while others it will be the main player within a total composition.

What are the Top Smelling Lavender Fragrances for Men?

Spice, Amber, and Lavender

Jo Malone Amber And Lavender Cologne Spray, 3.4 Ounce– As the name suggests, this Jo Malone fragrance, is a blend of amber and lavender notes. However, it also has a blend of herbal spices, which gives this scent a fuller body and greater depth.

Amber and Lavender is highly clean and fresh with a sharp and beautiful opening sequence. The title notes are obviously the stars here, and it is indeed, more of the lavender.

However, you also get a very solid mint note and clove, with an earthy patchouli. A very interesting use of this note, in conjunction with others.

Luna Rossa Lavender

Prada Luna Rossa CARBON for Men Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 ounce– Luna Rossa Carbon isn’t solely a lavender fragrance, but it does feature a pretty heavy lavender note throughout the wear.

From the start, one gets a mix of citrus and lavender, that is bright and intense with a peppery kick. This is one of the best options on the list, for a mainstream popular scent, that uses our target note.

This is all surrounded by the grip of a warm amber note, with a metallic underpinning. This often gets compared to Dior’s Sauvage, which it is indeed close to, but with a toned down ambroxan note and beefed up lavender. Luna Rossa Carbon Full Review

Dry and Cool

Geo F. Trumper Lavender Water Cologne, 100ml– Talk about an old school fragrance, Lavender Water dates back to 1898, and is still in production due to its simple use of lavender in its formula.

It is an interesting blend of lavender and the cool spice of mint. Also, it has a very dry character with the blending of lavender and oak moss. Smooth, masculine, and outdoorsy. This has more mint than the Jo Malone entry above, but not the same level of spiciness.

Violet Led, But Lavender Supported

Hugo Boss BOTTLED NIGHT Eau de Toilette, 3.3 Fl Oz– Boss Bottled Night is a popular men’s floral cologne with notes of lavender and violet. For something with the name ‘Night’, it isn’t a very dark fragrance, more light and smooth.

This Hugo Boss scent features a woody heart to complement that lavender led aroma. This one differs, as the lavender definitely shares power with the violet, and for much of the opening act is outshined by it. Nonetheless, I want to present it as an option. My Full Boss Bottled Night Review

Harder to Find, Old School Blend

CARON PARIS Pour Un Homme De Caron Eau de Toilette Spray, 2.5 fl. oz.– Another scent that dates way back, but at least in the 20th century this time. Caron Pour Homme is a linear and rather simple fragrance with vanilla and musk accompanying the lavender.

It has a creamy powdered aroma with that usual slightly spicy musk note that pairs very well with the vanilla. Smooth and soft.

Classic Modernity from Chanel

Platinum Egoiste by Chanel, 1.7 oz 50 ml EAU DE TOILETTE SPRAY MEN NEW– Fresh citrus, spices, and lavender combine to create an amazing scent from Chanel that conjures up classic shaving cream aromas. Platinum Egoiste is a much more modern take on the barbershop scent, while retaining its masculine bonafides.

Super clean and sexy with supplemental floral notes and sandalwood pairing with the lavender. A great, adult scent, which has an air of refinement. Very dry during the later stages, but soapy elements, and a great herbal spice from sage and rosemary.

Lavender and Sandalwood 

Calvin Klein ETERNITY for Men Eau de Toilette, 1 fl. oz.– The ever popular men’s fragrance from the early 1990s, Eternity, features a soapy sort of lavender, with bright citrus notes and some fresh green spiciness.

The sandalwood note gives Eternity a solid woody heart with some additional herbal scents to flesh out the composition. This Calvin Klein cologne, is pretty much a classic, at this point.

The lavender eventually breaks out to essentially be the last standing note, but on top of a base of sandalwood. Citrus and herbal notes give it the finish of spice and fruit. Full Eternity Review

Lavender Clean with Some Spice

RIVE GAUCHE for Men By YVES SAINT LAURENT, Eau De Toilette Spray, 4.2 Ounces– Spicy with a soapy and clean presentation. This has similarities to Egoiste Platinum, but with a much different structuring of the ingredients.

Rive Gauche is a class YSL scent, that is highly masculine, balanced, and versatile. It’s creamy aroma is perfect dressed up or even in more casual situations. Yes, it’s even got that attractive vibe, to draw in the ladies.

Sweet Creamy Lavender

Prada Luna Rossa SPORT Eau de Toilette Spray 3.4 oz– Lavender with sweet vanilla and a creamy tonka bean note. Highly fresh with a ginger spice lurking around. Luna Rossa Sport is probably my favorite cologne from the Luna Rossa lineup.

I get good performance and something that is versatile enough to be worn in nearly any situation. The lavender is less pronounced than in Luna Rossa Carbon, so, I’d lean toward that one to get my lavender fix. This is a great wear, however. Luna Rossa Sport Review

Santal Royal by Guerlain

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When getting myself some new samples to go through, I saw some from Guerlain, and decided that I should pick up these fragrances that I hadn’t experienced before. One of these colognes, is Santal Royal. Obviously, it is going to be much more of a niche, sandalwood based scent. Is it worth a try?

What does Santal Royal Smell Like?

Notes include: sandalwood, oud, leather, rose, amber, cinnamon, musk

Click here to try: Guerlain ‘Santal Royal’ Eau de Parfum Spray 4.2oz/125ml

My Review

The opening of Santal Royal is much more about the oud and leather than the sandalwood with a touch of cinnamon spice. While it’s there, the sandalwood isn’t the main attraction, and much more of a supporting player…at least at the beginning.

The Guerlain fragrance has a warm air and a rose note that is joined by a sweet fruit note. It’s almost a fermented sort of fruit smell. Santal Royal is very rich and thick at times, which I guess adds to it’s ‘royal demeanor’.

As it dries down, Santal Royal becomes drier and woodier than it had been previously. The leather and sandalwood emerge much more and form a triumvirate with the oud note. I’m glad because oud and rose can be a bit too much for my nose, so, I’m glad that this one balanced things out.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Santal Royal is strong. This is a sillage beast and it really doesn’t require many sprays to be effective and I think too many would be a hindrance to enjoying this fragrance.

Longevity, is absolutely great also, it doesn’t crap out at any time during the wear and will last all day long. I’ve gotten at least 9 hours of wear with this one, each try during testing.

I would put this as an autumn/winter cologne. It is not at all a summertime scent and I can’t imagine wearing this in the heat. It is unisex to an extent, though, much more suited to the masculine end of things.

Santal Royal could be worn dressed up or for an evening on the town. It is mature but not old man smelling. One could wear it to the office, if you went light with the sprays.

Overall Impressions of Santal Royal

Overall, do I recommend Santal Royal by Guerlain? Yes, provided you fall into this niche of oud/sandalwood lovers. This isn’t something that everyone could wear or even enjoy, it’s much more unique (but very much like others in this niche) and complex, than an average best selling cologne.

You get a lot of oud, sandalwood, leather, and rose with some other notes giving their best support. For some, that’ll sound appealing. For others, not so much.