12 Best Smelling Summer Colognes 2021

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Summer is very nearly upon us here in the Northern Hemisphere. That means it’s time to break out all of those fragrances that shine, when the heat index goes higher. By this time, I’m usually tired of the heavy winter wears and want something more dynamic. There are plenty of great options, but I decided on 12 colognes that each offer different things to enjoy in the warmer months.

What are the best summer fragrances for men?

The All Around for Hot Weather

GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Profondo for Men Eau De Parfum Spray 4.2 Ounces, blue– I do enjoy AdG Profumo even more than Profondo, but this is the one that I’ll go with more on the hottest days of the year. Both can work, but this is great in the hotter climate.

The opening feels like its a blue-ish green sort of smell. Citrus from the bergamot and lighter mandarin, a deep marine aroma, the usual herbal AdG notes, and a resinous note of lentisk. Very smooth, not salty, and has a slight creaminess at times.

Profondo is an easy reach, gives a good performance, and can be worn in a wide variety of situations during the summer. Definitely a safe bet and one with mass appeal. AdG Profondo Review

Citrus and Fig

Acqua Di Parma Blue Mediterraneo Fico Di Amalfi Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 5 Ounce– Acqua di Parma has a whole host of fragrances which are great in the summertime. Fico di Amalfi, is my personal favorite, though.

This Blue Mediterraneo scent opens with grapefruit and bergamot. Then, the totally underrated fig note comes in, and the aroma has a sweet and attractive profile.

The grapefruit and lemon are strongest at the top, but it leans more grapefruit, than the other perfumes on this list. Once the citrus settles down, it plays very well off of the fig, and light cedar base.

I don’t always like fig in fragrances, but this has to be one of the best examples of how to do it right. Fico di Amalfi is a very unisex and a magnificent summer perfume.

Something Different from the Jardin 

Hermes Le Jardin De Monsieur Li Eau de Toilette, 3.3 Fluid Ounce– One could also go with another Hermes fragrance, Un Jardin en Mediterranee, but that is pretty close to Fico di Amalfi with how it smells.

Le Jardin de Monsieur Li is an underrated addition to this line of fragrances. Unique, light, and deceptively simple…but very good. It opens with a sweet and bright kumquat note, with a watery heart that feels like sitting next to a garden pond.

There is a light and fresh mint adding its cool spice throughout, but this one becomes greener and more of an herbal scent as it dries down. Not crazy good performance, I can squeeze 6 hours of wear, with this.

However, it does give you something different than the usual aquatics and other beachy fare. One of the best of Hermes. My Full Review

Refreshing Louis Vuitton Cologne

Afternoon Swim– This fragrance is summertime the whole way. Not super complex, but attractive and has a very refreshing energy. Afternoon Swim is a citrus-laden cologne, so, if that’s not your thing it won’t be for you.

Does remind me a lot of Dior Homme Cologne (or an Acqua di Parma scent, like Bergamotto di Calabria, only with a dominant orange note), with some exceptions. First, Dior Cologne has more of an iced lemonade profile. Second, this has somewhat of an aquatic vibe.

There is a saltiness here (ambergris), that is very slight, but it does catch my attention. The ginger note is also quite awesome. Performance is pretty good for this style of fragrance, just don’t expect a marathon. Afternoon Swim Full Review

The Chanel for This Season

Chanel Allure Homme Edition Blanche– I really overlooked this Chanel fragrance for too long. That was my bad, because it’s actually great. You could also go with one of the Allure Sport scents (or Bleu), but this is my go to for this year.

A delicious blend of lemon, bergamot, tonka bean, and vanilla (among other notes). Allure Edition Blanche gives you a delightful lemon note with a creamy finish. But, it isn’t the usual heavy gourmand of winter, and this can be an absolute gem in the summer months.

I’ll post my review of this one soon, but I want to spend some more time with it beforehand.

Another Easy to Wear Option

Legend Spirit- This isn’t my personal favorite, but I did like this release from Montblanc. Plus, it’s another good option for guys who want something that smells good, and isn’t too niche.

It opens up with a nice grapefruit note, cardamom, and an aquatic accord. Watery and fresh with a bright opening act, while sitting on a dry woody/musky base.

Spirit is the usual citrus aquatic with a bit of its own personality thrown in. Mainly, coming from the pink pepper and woody notes. The performance isn’t great, but it can be a worthwhile go for the right price. Legend Spirit Full Review

A Unisex Beachy Floral

Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Yes, this one does lean a bit more toward being a traditional feminine, but it can absolutely work for anybody. The original Soleil Blanc is great, but this lighter version, is one that I’ve been digging as of late.

The citrus here is amped up, but you still get that creamy floral sunscreen feel, and the excellent coconut note sitting underneath it all. This one does come across as floral as the original, which is why it is probably the better choice for men.

Warm, sweet, with a semi-tropical feeling coming through. Won’t be on everyone’s list, but an interesting one to check out from Tom Ford.

Light Blue Flanker

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Sun Edt Spray 4.2 Oz Men, 4.2 Oz– Alright, I’m going to put Light Blue Sun as my pick for this summer. I have yet to try Light Blue Forever, but I’ve read positive things about it…I’ll update, when I get a chance to give it a go. It could be a great option.

Sun is a great balance between the original Light Blue and Eau Intense. I do enjoy the Intense version, as well, but some folks don’t like it. This is a compromise, but a really good one.

Grapefruit, coconut, and ginger along with that famous Light Blue DNA? Yep and I’m going to get plenty of use from my bottle this summer. Light Blue Sun Review

Oceanic Aqva

BVLGARI Aqva Atlantiqve Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3 Ounce– Aqva Atlantiqve is probably the best of this line from Bvlgari, some of the others aren’t that great, but this is very good. This comes across sort of like an oceanic version of Versace’s Dylan Blue.

The two are most alike at the start, when the citrus is strongest. The sea notes are there, but it isn’t overly salty, and there is of course the ambergris. Atlantiqve does a great job at evoking the depths of the ocean, while still bringing the pleasant citrus notes.

Cold Citrus and Ginger

Y Eau Fraiche– Y Eau Fraiche opens up crisp and cool, with plenty of that familiar Y aroma. Ginger, mint, and lemon really start the show. It’s cold like a drink by the pool, on a summer’s day.

The ginger and mint move aside, and then, the geranium and cedar finish things off. It’s got a finish that is closer to Y EDT and a similar style to the aforementioned Afternoon Swim.

If you’re a fan of the Y series by YSL, this is you’re option for summer. If you’re not, then, I’d stay away from this. Y Eau Fraiche Review

My Prada Pick

Prada Luna Rossa Eau Sport Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 2.5 Ounce– I had already loved wearing the Luna Rossa fragrances, before I tried this one. However, this quickly became one of my favorites and the one I’ll wear for summer 2021.

To me, Luna Rossa Eau Sport is a lot like the former formulation of Dior Sport. Just instead of iris, you get a lavender note. Lavender with fresh citrus, that is super clean, and not too complicated.

Very refined and super easy to wear for casual to more formal occasions. Love this stuff. Luna Rossa Eau Sport Review

Into the Deep Blue

Polo Deep Blue Parfum by Ralph Lauren Parfum 1.36 oz Men– Deep Blue was released by Polo in 2020. I honestly, didn’t expect very much from it, since it’s like the 5th flanker in this series. Nonetheless, Deep Blue surprised me and it is probably my favorite out of all of them.

It features a mango note and a deep ocean accord, along with some other citrus up top. Actually, it feels somewhat related to AdG Profondo, yet remains distinctly a Polo Blue scent.

The next wave brings in the sage, cypress, and ambroxan. It’s got a dry spiciness wrapped up in that ambroxan finish. The performance here is solid in the 7-9 hour range, on my skin. It’s a versatile crowd pleaser, with an aquatic heart, that smells great in the heat. Polo Deep Blue Review

Fleurs D’Oranger by Serge Lutens

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I do have some samples of Serge Lutens fragrances lying around that I need to do write ups on. One of them, is today’s entry: Fluers d’Oranger. This is a floral fragrance highlighted by the use of orange blossom. How does it smell? Does it last a long time? Is it worth a purchase? Please continue below for my full take after testing it out.

What does Fleurs D’Oranger Smell Like?

Notes include: orange blossom, musk, jasmine, cumin, tuberose, hibiscus, rose, and more

Click here to try: Serge Lutens Fleurs D’oranger Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 1.7 Ounce

orange blossom perfume

My Full Review

Fleurs D’oranger is listed as a unisex fragrance but this one definitely strikes me as feminine. It opens with orange blossom, a spicy musk, and jasmine as the main notes that I detect. Very floral, like white flowers and cut stems, on a sunny spring day.

This perfume is quite bright and has an expensive soapy quality to it. I think there might be citrus fruit itself here (not just flowers), but it is never a ‘juicy’ aroma, Fleurs D’oranger is dry and has an outdoor garden vibe from this bouquet of floral notes.

As it dries down, I distinctly begin to pick up on the tuberose note, and it retains it’s animal like spice an warmth. Further along, the orange blossom seems to take center stage and never really relinquishes its hold on the composition.

I think that the cumin and musk combo give it a middle eastern sort of spice and that is what complements the orange blossom for the rest of the wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s strong but not obscenely so. In fact, it dials back into more of a moderate, after a little while wearing it. After about 40-60 minutes, it has settled into a fairly moderate scent.

It does however, have very good longevity, 8-9 hours is what it usually lasted on my skin while testing the perfume out. It’s a solid performer, just not absolutely elite.

Again, I’d call this more of a women’s perfume than unisex, but if you’re a man who likes white florals…you could wear this one. Fleurs d’Oranger is a spring/summer kind of wear. I like it as a casual to business wear fragrance.

It is pretty and well put together but not sexy to my nose. It feels adult oriented and not something that would suit most teenage girls. This Serge Lutens scent is mature but not ‘old lady’.

 

 

Overall Impressions of Fleurs d’Oranger

Overall, do I like Fleurs d’Oranger? I like it, just not for me. It’s way too feminine and floral for my tastes. However, for those in the market for an orange blossom perfume, this one from Serge Lutens is near perfect.

For a more masculine orange blossom, I’d wear L’Homme Parfum Intense by YSL, which gives me amber and citrus notes to pair with the floral. Fleurs d’Oranger does deliver on it’s floral promise and as a bouquet type of perfume it executes very well.

6 Perfumes Similar to Jimmy Choo Fever

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Jimmy Choo Fever is a poplar fragrance for women. It came out back in 2018 and has garnered many ardent fans ever since. However, you can get tired of smelling the same exact thing or want something cheaper, that can fit the same bill. In this post, I want to put forth 6 perfume options that can provide a similar smell to Fever by Jimmy Choo.

What Fragrances Smell Similar to Fever by Jimmy Choo?

I have yet to come across an exact match for Fever. However, there are plenty out there that have a similar style and/or an overlap in notes, to produce something that smells quite alike.

Similar Smelling Scent

Black Opıum By Yvеs Sαınt Lαurent for Women Eau De Parfum Spray 3 OZ. / 90 ml.– Again, Fever and Black Opium aren’t going to be the same note for note, but they do have a ton of overlap.

The notes they share? Coffee, vanilla, orange blossom, and jasmine. The YSL fragrance has almond instead of hazelnut.

The main differences are going to be between the top fruit notes and the warmer heart/base. Black Opium has plenty of patchouli, a nice pink pepper, and benzoin.

You’ve probably smelled this before, as it is a popular perfume. Warm, sweet, with a bit of a powdery quality and overall good performance. Read my full Black Opium Review

Discontinued, but a Close Parallel

Amor Amor Forbidden Kiss– This one is a bit harder to find nowadays, but it would be a nice alternative fragrance to our Jimmy Choo target.

Amor Amor Forbidden Kiss was a nice sweet blend, a bit fruitier than Fever, but still had that solid coffee and pink pepper warmth. Somewhat different but a close style to what we’re looking for, this had a solid amount of peony as part of the floral accord.

Best Cheapie Alternative

Sofia Vergara Love Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.4 Fluid Ounce, multi color– If you want a cheaper Fever, it might not actually exist, but Love by Sofia Vergara can step into a similar role.

It’s actually quite a bit like Black Opium, but not exactly that either. Sort of in between the YSL and Jimmy Choo. The opening act features a sweeter and fruitier profile, with passionfruit and apple notes peaking through.

Orange blossom, floral notes, and coffee with a dose of vanilla are the similarities. Performance isn’t amazing and it is definitely the sweetest of the bunch, but it’s an option.

Caramel Sweetness

Bon Bon by Viktor & Rolf Eau De Parfum Spray 3.04 oz– Bonbon by Viktor & Rolf is an interesting alternative, because you do get some overlap, but it is a distinct experience.

Bonbon features a prominent caramel note, with a nice squeeze of citrus, and warm amber permeating. It’s not the same with the coffee and vanilla. This one is warm and slightly salty with a creaminess at the base. The start is juicy with orange and peach.

Structurally and style wise, this is a close relative to Jimmy Choo Fever, just not the same.

Another Inexpensive Choice

Britney Spears Prerogative by Britney Spears Eau De Parfum Spray (Tester) 3.4 oz (Women)– This is another inexpensive option and I will say that it lands closer to being like Black Opium.

Though, it is warm and sweet with the coffee and floral notes. Though, it is a spicier take with a more pronounced woody base.

The opening act is fruitier than Black Opium and strikes closer to Fever than that other scent. However, this one doesn’t have the creamy vanilla or powdery aroma that you’ll find in the Jimmy Choo. The dry down is all about the woods and spice.

Not an amazing fragrance, but can be solid, at this price point.

One from Dior

Dior Poison Girl Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 1.6 Fl. Oz-  A similar structure and style, not a one for one match. Poison Girl kicks things off with a Damascus rose, bitter orange, tonka bean, and vanilla.

Then, the almond note comes in to give this fragrance a nice nuttiness, instead of the hazelnut and coffee in Fever. As it moves along, Poison Girl becomes a drier and smoother type of wear, and a very good experience.

Performance here is great, lasting 8-11 hours, on my skin. Those who enjoy Fever, might consider giving this one a go. Poison Girl Review.

Prada L’Homme vs. Luna Rossa Cologne Comparison

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For this edition of my running cologne comparisons, we have a contest between two popular Prada scents for men, L’Homme vs. Luna Rossa. Which of these fragrances smells the best? Which has more versatility? Better sillage? Overall, which is the better buy? Scroll down for my full breakdown and links to my original reviews of each.

Tale of the Tape: L’Homme vs. Luna Rossa

Luna Rossa

Notes include:  lavender, sage, spearmint, ambrette, ambroxan, and bitter orange

Click here to try: Prada Luna Rossa Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce

My Review: Luna Rossa Review

Prada L’Homme

Notes include: iris, amber, geranium, patchouli, neroli, violet, pepper, cedar

Click here to try: Prada L’Homme Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

My review: Prada L’Homme

Opening

Luna Rossa opens up with a nice bitter orange citrus note, lavender, and a refreshing spearmint. It’s very simple, bright, and up beat. The spearmint note is key to the composition and how it plays off of the orange, to keep it interesting.

L’Homme, opens up with a fresh iris note, and other powdery floral ingredients. It’s got violet and neroli, which are surrounded by a warm amber. It’s slightly sweet and has a solid base of cedar, pepper, and patchouli.

Which is better? Both are pretty straightforward fragrances, and as much as I like the citrus top from Luna Rossa, I think that L’Homme just smells better. It’s cleaner and more refined.

Edge: L’Homme

Projection

Luna Rossa is a light to moderate fragrance, but it does feel quite airy, and definitely not a beast or heavy type of cologne. Meanwhile, L’Homme is more solidly in the moderate camp than is its competitor. It will be moderate for about 2/3 of the wear and then is a much lighter scent.

Edge: L’Homme

Longevity

Both scents fit in the 6-7 hour range of wear. L’Homme is stronger and has better sillage, but doesn’t last any longer than Luna Rossa.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Again, this category is a draw. Both of these fragrances is very versatile and can be worn year round in pretty much any scenario. Really a strength of both.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I really like both of these Prada scents and the performance is so close to one another, it really becomes a simple preference of which smell you prefer. Luna Rossa is a great simple blend of citrus, lavender, and mint.

You do get a little bit of amber, beyond that, but it’s a fairly linear experience from start to finish. Super clean and a nice light daily wear sort of cologne.

L’Homme, smells better to my nose. Yes, it is one of those floral based colognes, and could honestly be unisex.

However, the underlying pepper, patchouli, and cedar lend some masculinity to the aroma and blend really well with the prominent iris note. If you don’t like iris, you probably won’t like this. If you want citrus, go with Luna Rossa.

For me, I’d rather wear L’Homme over the original Luna Rossa in most scenarios. For that and the slightly better sillage, it gets the nod.

Winner: L’Homme

Voyage Sport vs Nautica Blue Comparison

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Nautica is one of the more popular brands for guys to score cheaper colognes that do offer a good smell and performance. Not all of there offerings actually achieve this outcome, but they are still worth a try usually.

Nautica Blue is one of the most popular options, behind Nautica Voyage, which has spawned yet another flanker fragrance: Voyage Sport. So, the question begs, which cologne smells better, Blue vs. Voyage Sport?

Tale of the Tape: Blue vs. Voyage Sport

Nautica Blue

Notes include: Musk, cedar, bergamot, sandalwood, peach, pineapple, water lily, jasmine

Click here to try: Nautica Blue Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 fluid ounce

Read my review: Nautica Blue 

Voyage Sport

Notes include: sea spray accord, citrus zest, coriander, palm leaves, green peppercorn, apple, Brazil wood, vetiver

Click here to try: NAUTICA Voyage Sport Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

Read my review: Voyage Sport

Opening

Nautica Blue opens up with a very sharp and sort of detergent-like aroma of bergamot and pineapple. These fruity notes are flanked by cedar and musk, which only lends itself to that laundry sort of scent. After that initial sharp wave, the cedar and sandalwood become more of a factor, and the initial intensity backs off a bit.

Voyage Sport, is a mess for the first few minutes, and it becomes quite difficult to tell exactly what is happening in the composition. Then, it sorts itself out, and I get a nice citrus zest and some coriander. These notes are surrounded by a sea spray accord, which provides a slight oceanic vibe.

Which of these has the better opening? Honestly, I don’t particularly enjoy how either kicks things off, but Voyage Sport seems better after those first two minutes and the new bottles of Blue seem really sharp.

Edge: Voyage Sport

Projection

Blue starts out as a moderate and the sillage stays at that level for 2-3 hours before becoming much lighter. Voyage Sport doesn’t really project at all, it’s slightly above a skin scent, and doesn’t have any real power.

Edge: Blue

Longevity

Blue projects itself better and can last up to 5 hours on my skin. Voyage sport will go anywhere from 2-4 and doesn’t seem very consistent in which it does.

Edge: Blue

Versatility

Both of these colognes, fulfill the same niche. They are inexpensive, geared toward younger guys, work best in warm weather, and are casual. Inexpensive starter colognes or quick ways to freshen up.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I can freely admit, that neither of these fragrances is a favorite of mine, nor are they all that great. However, in this price range neither is wholly terrible.

Voyage Sport has moments, where it is a nice wear, but it falls flat overall. I’m not crazy about how it starts and that initial spiciness, but when it dries down, there is more of a fruity/oceanic aroma that I like.

The problem is, this part is so short lived as to be near worthless. If it could muster anything, it’d probably be my pick.

Blue can be harsh at times, but it at least has passable performance. After the opening, it does feel much cleaner, soapy, and aquatic. After that it is linear, with bits of jasmine joining the pineapple and bergamot.

Yes, it smell synthetic, but it isn’t bad. Between these two? I’d go with Nautica Blue, as Voyage Sport just feels like a lazy effort from the brand.

Winner: Nautica Blue