Korrigan EDP by Lubin

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Months ago, I received a bunch of niche fragrance samples from some higher end and/or more obscure designers. I hadn’t tested any of them out, but looked through the lot of them the other day, to see what I had exactly. Many of the options, seem to harp on the same notes of rose, oud, and saffron…in almost the same exact compositions.

Then, I saw Korrigan by Lubin Paris, and reading the notes made me absolutely want to try this one out. I came in with no expectations, but how does this one smell? How does it perform? Is it worth a high price tag?

What does Korrigan EDP Smell Like?

Notes include: juniper berry, saffron, cognac, lavender, ambrette, whisky distillate, cedar, oud, leather, vetiver, musks

Click here to try: Lubin Paris Korrigan Eau De Parfum 100ml

My Full Review

So, I was really excited to try Korrigan out, once I saw the boozy notes that were included within the composition. Even with the rather weird description on the back of the sample card,

“In the Armorican countryside frolic the Korrigans at night. They come to harvest juniper berries and wild beechnuts. Then, in dark caves, the distill barley into spellbinding spirits, spicing them with saffron, musking them with ambrette, scenting them with lavender. During the solstice festivals, they all drink their elixirs out of leather pouches, causing bodies and souls to capsize.” The hell?

The opening of Korrigan features plenty of cognac and whisky. It is interesting that the boozy notes came through much more, when sprayed on a shirt, versus my skin. It was still apparent on my skin, but not to the same extent.

I also pick up on juniper berry and a metallic sort of saffron note. This fragrance has that warm alcoholic aroma but is super smooth and sweet.

While this fragrance doesn’t smell like anything else that I’ve come across, the juniper and lavender, do bring about thoughts of Luna Rossa Sport. It’s a familiar scent that is tucked away, in the heart of Korrigan, but all of the booze, leather, and sweet ambrette conceal it.

After the initial wave of the alcoholic notes pass, the lavender and leather really start to come through.

It’s calming and smooth. The leather is nice and rich, but there is a vanilla/nut quality that is in this fragrance. The strange description says beechnuts, but that’s not listed in the notes. I’m guessing there is some of that in their and it is mixing with the scent of the ambrette.

At this point, mostly what I get from Korrigan is leather, lavender, nuttiness, and saffron. The juniper/booze still hangs around, but the fragrance definitely shifts.

Finally, Korrigan dries down with a salty caramel note. Again, it must be the way the notes are playing off of one another, because it’s not listed. The leather and saffron surround the caramel-like smell, with a faded whiskey note gently hanging in the air.

The Lubin scent now feels much drier and woodier than it had previously, but those notes still aren’t too heavy.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, the sillage of this one is never all that powerful. Upon spraying, it can be loud and project itself, with its boozy warmth. However, it settles quickly, and is pretty moderate for the rest of the wear.

While it isn’t super powerful, the longevity is actually quite good, on my skin. It sticks around somewhere in the 7-9 hour range, depending on the day. Not insane, but very useful.

Seasonally, colder weather. Autumn and winter wear, all the way. Korrigan is listed as a unisex, while the start is pretty masculine, it does soften up into a true unisex fragrance. It can be worn casually, formally, or even out on a date.

Probably best for mid-20s and up. It’s a warm and cozy scent, but totally has a sexiness to it. It can be quite enthralling to experience. Not that everyone is going to love it, but it does have a unique vibe, and an intriguing one.

Overall Impressions of Korrigan EDP

Overall do I like this perfume? I really do. This one really caught my attention and had me wanting to wear it more often. Now, it wouldn’t be an everyday wear or something, that I’d always be in the mood for.

However, Korrigan is one that I would love to spray on during the winter months, and have it envelop me in a warm cloud. For a niche scent, this fragrance will enjoy a fairly wide appeal, but not a best-seller status.

I would recommend giving this a go, if the ingredients sound interesting to you. It’s really great, in my opinion.

Acqua di Gio vs Absolu Cologne Comparison

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For this entry into the men’s fragrance comparisons, I want to do one between the always popular, Acqua di Gio vs. Acqua di Gio Absolu. Absolu is one of its more recent flanker colognes, released by Giorgio Armani. However, does the newer scent, outdo the original? Or does it pale in comparison? Which smells best? Lasts longer? Is the better option?

Tale of the Tape

Acqua di Gio

Notes include: bergamot, tangerine, neroli, jasmine, rosemary, patchouli, rock rose, hyacinth, persimmon, marine notes

Click here to try: Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces

Read my review: Acqua di Gio 

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

Acqua di Gio opens up with that now classic tangerine and bergamot pairing, to go along with a sea breeze note, and late jasmine undertones. Clean and fresh aquatic with enough energy to play off of the citrus notes.

Absolu puts together grapefruit and bergamot, as the citrus notes here. It of course has a strong marine note, but also includes apple, and a very noticeable tonka bean. All of this on top of a woody base.

Which is better? While Absolu gets credit for being more complex and interesting, I don’t think that it smells better than the original, at the start. It’s very nice, but the simplicity of AdG, has a lot of appeal.

Edge: AdG

Projection

In terms of sillage, both of the scents end up as the same kind of moderate projecting fragrance. However, for the first two hours of the wear, Absolu feels stronger to me. It’s not a big difference, but was noticeable.

Edge: Absolu

Longevity

The original Acqua di Gio, seems to always give me the same consistent 6-7 hours of wear, before it evaporates. Absolu? It gets me to the 8 hour mark, which isn’t dramatically better, but is a notch above.

Edge: Absolu

Versatility

These colognes obviously are going to share a lot of overlap. When they should be worn is definitely, one of those shared areas. Each is mostly a spring/summer wear, that can be worn year round, if need be. They can fit in a wide variety of situations and are attractive enough to be worn on dates, for younger guys. No real advantage here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Absolu is a nice fragrance. I like the citrus and marine notes, that mimic the original, but the addition of amber, wood, and tonka bean give it a sweeter and earthier profile. It also has slightly better performance than the original.

However, I still prefer the overall smell of Acqua di Gio versus Absolu. Yes, I’ve smelled it a million times, but it’s just a better wear for me. The blend of citrus notes and floral, sitting in an aquatic environment, is still great over 20 years later.

AdG Profumo, is actually the best of these Armani colognes, in my opinion. Second, is the original, and that’s not much better than Absolu. It is a little bit better, though. Absolu is still a solid wear and worthy of consideration, it gets compared to Invictus Aqua, but gets the nod versus that one.

Winner: Acqua di Gio

Mont Blanc Legend vs. Individuel Cologne Comparison

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For this men’s cologne comparison, I want to take a close look at two entries from Mont Blanc’s collection of scents, Individuel vs. Legend. Which one of these popular perfumes, has the better smell? Which lasts longer? I will compare them in the usual categories and have included my full review of each linked below. Then, I will declare which one I think is actually the top fragrance.

Tale of the Tape

Mont Blanc Legend

Notes include: Bergamot, Pineapple Leaf, Sandalwood, Apple, rose, oak moss, lemon verbena, geranium, lavender,  And Tonka Bean

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Legend Eau de Toilette 3.3 fl.oz.

Read my review: Mont Blanc Legend

Individuel

Notes include: Cinnamon, oakmoss, vanilla, mint, bergamot, lavender, sandalwood, violet, and more

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Individuel Eau de Toilette, 2.5 fl. oz.

Read my review: Mont Blanc Individuel

Opening

Individuel is led by notes of cinnamon, vanila, and sandalwood. It is sweet, creamy, and a slightly spiced woody aroma that reminds me a lot of Original Santal or a toned down, Joop!

What separates it from those two fragrances, is the bergamot, juniper, and raspberry notes. That gives Individuel a fruitier aroma than those other two.

Legend starts off with fruit notes of pineapple, apple, and bergamot. They are very clean with a nice crisp scent. Then, you get a layer of both tonka bean and lavender.

Which is better? I like the opening of Legend, it is attractive and easy to wear. However, Individuel has that warm sweetness, that is very easy to enjoy. It’s like a more affordable Original Santal, especially at the start, and that’s a scent I like a lot.

Edge: Individuel

Projection

Both of these fragrances are pretty moderate. The sillage is good, but not huge, for either. No real clear winner for this category.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Individuel lasts for about 6-8 hours, on my skin. That’s a solid amount of time and will work for most purposes. With Legend, I get 5-6 hours, and that is pretty consistent. Individuel isn’t an insanely long lasting cologne, but it wins this round.

Edge: Individuel

Versatility

Both of these colognes are casual, work, and daytime wears mostly. You can wear them out for an evening, but they aren’t really ‘sexy’ or club beasts, by any stretch. However, Legend can fit in more year round, in all climates.

Meanwhile, Individuel, is better in cooler weather and can venture into springtime. Not that good in the heat.

Edge: Legend

Overall Scent

Mont Blanc Legend to me, is a simple and pleasant fragrance, that is very versatile with a clean and non-offensive aroma. It’s really popular because it has that great citrus, tonka bean, and lavender scent with some woodiness in the base to add depth.

Individuel, is the slightly better option, in my mind. It has that Original Santal-like blend but with an added raspberry note, which keeps it sweet and quite fresh. It’s not an amazing fragrance, but I’ve always enjoyed it a bit more than wearing Legend.

Matter of fact, Legend Night, is the best Mont Blanc cologne and what I wear consistently.

I like this sweet warm smell with hints of cinnamon and sandalwood, that is in Individuel. Plus, it will give me a few extra hours of wear. It’s a close contest, but I know which I give the win to.

Winner: Individuel

Versace Man Eau Fraiche vs Nautica Voyage

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For this fragrance comparison, I want to take a closer look at two best-selling men’s fragrances on the market, Nautica Voyage vs. Versace Man Eau Fraiche. Which of these colognes smells the best? The Versace summertime winner? Or can the inexpensive scent take the win? I will compare each in a number or categories, declare a winner, and have linked to my original reviews below.

Tale of the Tape

Nautica Voyage

Notes include: apple, musk, cedar, lotus, amber, mimosa, and oak moss

Click here to try: Nautica Voyage Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 oz

Read my original review: Nautica Voyage Review

Versace Man Eau Fraiche

Notes include: Lemon, Rosewood, Carambola, Cedar leaves, Tarragon, Sage, Musk, Amber, Sycamore

Click here to try: Versace Man Eau Fraiche By Gianni Versace For Men Edt Spray 3.4 Oz

Read my review: Man Eau Fraiche

Opening

Nautica Voyage opens with a cooled and crisp air about it and this is joined by a watery note. It has a floral and musky start with mimosa leading the way, but also a nice juicy green apple. It’s green and the musk kind of feels too strong, but it’s a decent start, just not my favorite aspect.

Versace Man Eau Fraiche hits with a blast of citrus notes, particularly the lemon, with a fairly unique inclusion of carambola. Beyond that, the fragrance includes tarragon and sage, for a bit of an herbal spice to it. It’s very clean and bright.

Which has the better start? I greatly prefer the way that Eau Fraiche begins. The lemon, bergamot, and starfruit together is great. I’m not too big of a fan of how Voyage opens, it’s okay, but never draws me in.

Edge: Eau Fraiche

Projection

Both of these fragrances fall squarely in the moderate camp. Then, they do move into a lighter and airy sort of freshness for the rest of the wear. There’s no clear advantage.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Voyage is a good performer for its price point, lasting on my skin, for 5-7 hours. Not amazing, but for under $20, it’s great. Eau Fraiche is a 6-7 hour performer for me. A little more consistent, maybe, but not a real advantage.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Voyage can work year round, but it is better in the warmer months, of the year. It’s a casual scent, that can fit into some work environments, but skews younger. Seasonally, the Versace fits the same role. It is more of an attractive scent and has more maturity.

If you had to wear one for a date, I’d go with Eau Fraiche. A refined fragrance and takes this category.

Edge: Eau Fraiche

Overall Scent

Nautica Voyage is a really great option for guys who want something inexpensive and mostly casual. I like it more as it wears on, the base notes are smoother, and I don’t get as heavy of a musk and mimosa note.

It becomes drier and woodier, with that same semi-aquatic feeling throughout. To me, it’s not an amazing cologne, just an over-performing cheap cologne.

Versace Eau Fraiche is a very good summertime scent. I really love the fruit notes in this one, it dries down with an amber and woody base, that also is quite nice. It’s just a better constructed fragrance than is Voyage. It smells better and is a step above the Nautica in quality.

This contest isn’t very close for me, as I’d rather wear Eau Fraiche a vast majority of the time, if I had to pick.

Winner: Eau Fraiche

Y Le Parfum by YSL

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Y Le Parfum is the latest release from the Y line of men’s fragrances here in 2021. It follows four other scents that YSL has put out over the past few years under this banner. I got a decanted sample of this stuff recently and have been testing out over the past few days. How does it smell? How long does it last? When should it be worn? Is it even worth a try?

What does Y Le Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: apple, grapefruit, ginger, aldehydes, lavender, sage, geranium, patchouli, tonka bean, and cedar

Click here to try: Y Le Parfum

My Full Review

The opening act of Le Parfum is pretty similar in many ways to both Y EDP and EDT. You get the apple and ginger combination up top, along with the sage and geranium already peaking through.

The difference is, Le Parfum isn’t nearly as bold, has more of a sweetness, while being greenish and somewhat dark. Yes, you do still get the citrus/fruity notes, it’s grapefruit here. Though, the addition of the aldehydes, gives this one a bright/sweet/slightly fresh aroma.

I’m not too enthused with the opening, but it’s still pretty nice overall.

Once I get past this initial phase, I really begin to enjoy Y Le Parfum. It becomes softer, with hints of sage still providing an edge, but with an attractive sweetness.

It’s sort of comparable to Legend Night or Versace Eros, at this stage. Apple, tonka bean, lavender, cedar, and geranium are running the show. A somewhat dark sweetness with a fresh woody base. It just doesn’t have the same density to my nose, as those others.

The final stage is lavender, tonka bean, and a mix of the remaining fruity and woody notes. There are plenty of other scents which have done this pairing, though, it’s really great here. I couldn’t stop smelling the amount that I applied to my wrist.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

After having used Y EDP for a while, I was expecting Le Parfum to have somewhere close to a similar sillage, it doesn’t. It is fairly noticeable at the start but hangs quite close to the skin for the rest of the wear.

I’d rate it as a moderate fragrance and not one that is going to take over a room. My favorite part of the wear, just happens to be when Y Le Parfum is at its weakest point.

Also, the longevity here isn’t great. I get 6-6.5 hours of wear from this one. Maybe it’s gotten to 7 a few times. Not horrendous, but for the price and the previous entries in this series, it’s disappointing.

Only slightly better than Eau Fraiche, which at least has the excuse of being a lighter summer wear. This just doesn’t have the YSL Y EDP performance level.

Even applying the fragrance to an old t-shirt didn’t yield much better results.

Seasonally, Le Parfum is a versatile cologne. I’d stay away from the extreme highs or lows in temperatures, but it wouldn’t feel out of place in autumn, spring, or the moderate days of the other two seasons.

This Y scent has a more mature and subtle profile than the others in the series. It doesn’t have that bold ‘punch you in the face’ power of EDP and it has a complexity that the others don’t. Suitable for many age ranges and occasions.

Overall Impressions of Y Le Parfum

Overall, do I like Y Le Parfum? Yes, particularly the dry down period. The opening isn’t amazing to me, as it feels like a muted EDP, but it distinguishes itself in the second act.

The problem for me is, I already own EDP and this doesn’t do enough in terms of performance, to separate itself.

The opening is the strongest point and it feels like a lesser than EDP. By the time it takes on that sweet and enjoyable dry down, the fragrance is pretty weak.

As of right now, this is my second favorite Y scent, after EDP. Some aspects of it, I actually like better, but it doesn’t take the top spot in its totality.

However, Le Parfum might be a good solution for those who think that EDP is too loud. It has gotten less likeable for me over time, though. Le Parfum doesn’t seem like a great deal, based on its starting price.

Though, once you can grab discounted bottles, it’s worth a try. Very nice fragrance, just not top tier, in my eyes.