Bvlgari Man by Bvlgari

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Since I’m doing a whole slew of new cologne reviews on the site , I figured I’d take some time and do one on a Bvlgari fragrance. In this post, I’m going to be taking a closer look at Bvlgari Man. It’s a woodsy/green type of fragrance which I tend to either love or hate.

What are some of the notes in Bvlgari Man? How does it smell? How does it perform? Is it worth a buy? Please read on for my full review of this cologne.

What does Bvlgari Man Smell Like?

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Notes include: Lotus, bergamot, vetiver, honey, violet, woods, musk

Try Blvgari Man: Bvlgari Man Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 5 Ounce

My Full Review

With a name like Man, you expect this Bvlgari scent to be something masculine and confident, and on that accord this cologne delivers. The opening is very refined and fresh.

I’m not completely blown away by it but it certainly smells very good as well as being quite crisp and clean.

Update: Coming back to this scent years later, I really do enjoy the opening act more so, than I had.

There is a light floral mix of lotus and violet leaf, with just a touch of pear and citrus. Even in the beginning, I am picking up more vetiver and wood. It is woody, warm, with thickness provided by the honey. 

Man does have a slight smokiness to it maybe from the vetiver? But then there is also a warm, woodsy, sweetness to it provided by the honey and musk. The impression it leaves is of a somewhat sweet grassy floral, with lots of wood.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

However, like some of my other favorites, this one does have longevity and projection issues. It isn’t a big time in your face scent to begin with but it could’ve at least made up for it with some longevity.

It doesn’t last nearly as long as I’d like, and it falls quickly into a skin scent. If you spray more than you usually would, it can be serviceable. I can only seem to must 3-4 hours total, though. It doesn’t hit the same level as Man in Black or other offerings. 

What this scent does right is provide an appealing if sort of generic aroma which would probably work very well in an office type environment.

I would say late 20s through 30s would be best served by wearing this. I want to say, I truly do enjoy this cologne, when it settles in Man becomes so damn good.

So, casual or business wear for this. It is attractive enough to pull complements, though, I wouldn’t really categorize it as a ‘sexy’ cologne. Very attractive, with its own style. 

Overall Impression of Bvlgari Man

Overall, would I rate this a buy? It’s fantastic for what it is, it just doesn’t last. It’s really a shame because I could envision me wearing this as a casual fragrance on a regular basis if it just projected itself better and lasted longer.

I might have suggested going with Bvlgari Man Extreme, but that seems to be a completely different fragrance. The more time that I’ve spent wearing Bvlgari Man, the greater appreciation that I have for this scent.

It’s unique and honestly has moments of utter greatness. The performance just sucks. 

I have a mini bottle, that I still throw on from time to time. Usually, it’s just before heading to the store or around my house. Really, because it’ll fade in most scenarios, before any real use is gotten out it. 

Update: This has been long since discontinued.

Man Ice by Jimmy Choo

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I’ve been working my way through all of the offerings from Jimmy Choo’s fragrance line over the past six months. I’m getting pretty close to being done with the current men’s releases, but knew that I still had the topic of today’s review, to go.

Jimmy Choo Man Ice, is another flanker using the Man moniker. It was released in 2017. How does it smell? What’s the performance like? Is it even worth a try?

What does Jimmy Choo Man Ice Smell Like?

Notes include: lemon, cedar, vetiver, lime, grapefruit, mandarin, musk

Click here to try: JIMMY CHOO Man Ice Eau De Toilette, Citrus Aromatic Woody, 3.3 Fl Oz 

My Full Review

Before we get into my personal review of Man Ice, let’s see what Jimmy Choo says about it: Man Ice is a dangerously seductive and sophisticated scent designed for the contemporary man. Created with lime top notes and an underlying musky base, the fragrance evokes a flirtatious sweetness with a rich and woody depth. Finished in a sophisticated design, Man Ice is the ultimate day to night

Jimmy Choo Man Ice starts off with a giant burst of citrus. I know, they say lime, but I pick up a lot of lemon. I’d say it’s probably 60% lemon, to my nose, over lime or mandarin. Nevertheless, this fragrance is a cold lemonade-like citrus drink in fragrance form.

So, pretty much Dior Homme Cologne? Well, yes, it does start off as a near identical fragrance to that one. They do diverge at some point, but the start is very similar.

That’s a good thing, because I do enjoy how that Dior fragrance smells. It’s longevity is a problem, but it’s a fun summer cologne.

Again, there is a divergence, sometime during the first hour. Man Ice, becomes a bit less of the lemonade sort of smell, and takes on a woodier complexion.

There is a very slight crisp apple note in there. Weak, but it’s there. Mostly, it is cedar, vetiver, and musk. Vetiver comes in strong, during the middle of the wear. Then, musk and cedar round out the base.

What I’m left with is a frozen lemony scent, with hints of musk, and a woodsy base. That’s pretty much it. Not very complicated.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s not too powerful. You’ll get good sillage for the first 30 minutes or so. After that, it’s a pretty light to moderate cologne. The citrus notes, do project well right after you spray it on. The lemon/lime hit and it’ll definitely be noticeable.

With the longevity, it seems to hang around in the 4-6 hour range, depending on the day. It’s winter now, technically, but it’s quite warm outside. If I’m in and out of the house, it’ll usually be closer to 4 hours. If I’m inside, it’s a six hour wear.

Seasonally, this is a summertime cologne. I had to test it out here in winter, but save this for the warmest days of the year, that’s when it’ll fit best. A cold citrus drink with woody undertones? Summer.

It can be worn to the office, casually, semi-formally. Stick to the daytime, pretty much. I guess it could be a night wear, on certain occasions, but generally not.

It’s attractive and pleasant. Less sexy, but people will enjoy that familiar citrus aroma. I enjoy smelling it on my skin, just like I did with Dior Cologne.

Overall Impression of Jimmy Choo Man Ice

Overall, do I like Jimmy Choo Man Ice? I do. It’s a pretty targeted fragrance. It has it’s place and role, does it well, and isn’t meant to be all-encompassing.

If you want a nice change of pace in the summer months or live in a tropical setting, you could do a lot worse than this. Citrus, ice, musk, and dry woods. Simple yet effective.

I’m not crazy about it, but for the right price, I could see me wearing this more. I am a fan of lime notes, and I don’t get many opportunities to wear them, but Man Ice will be one of them.

Like other citrus focused fragrances, it’s not going to be a beast performer. Though, its a blast while it sticks around.

It is also usually much cheaper than Dior Cologne of Allure Homme Sport Cologne, both of which have a lot of overlap with this one.

Live Irresistible Delicieuse by Givenchy

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I’ve got a few more perfumes to get through, with my last batch of sample fragrances. Our subject for today, is one of them, and a flanker fragrance to Live Irresistible which I covered a few weeks back. Live Irresistible Delicieuse was released back in 2017, and I guess, kind of flew under the radar. But what does it smell like? How does it perform? Is it worth a try?

What does Live Irresistible Delicieuse Smell Like?

Notes include: cherry, vanilla, caramel, almond, orange blossom, rose, orris

My Full Review

Before I get into my review of this perfume, let’s see how Givenchy describes it: Your motto: Life is a playground. Your perfume: A new floral delicacy, as sassy as it is sweet. Your mood: Happy & Irresistible.

Right off the bat, Delicieuse is noticeably a much sweeter and less floral fragrance, than the original Live Irresistible. Actually, the two don’t really resemble one another, at all. One was a spicy floral, and this is, much more of a gourmand with floral elements.

The opening act hits my nose with a strong cherry presence, with a baked goods quality, along with some light rose. It’s warm, sweet, and indeed delicious.

As it moves further along, Live Irresistible Delicieuse, starts to take on more of the caramel and almond notes. I really enjoy almond, in fragrances, and I think it helps to balance things out here. It takes it away from just being a pure cherry scent.

The caramel hangs around, only for a little bit. It’s not super strong, nor does it have a really salty quality to it. But, I can pick it up for a little while. Then, the vanilla swoops in to take its place.

Ultimately what I’m left with is, a cherry pastry with bits of rose, vanilla, and almond floating around. It’s light and attractive. Not all that deep, but it does a good job for what it is.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s not all that powerful. I’d call it a moderate. With 3 or 4 sprays, I could pick it up distinctly, on my skin but it wasn’t ever overwhelming. Later, it will turn into a much lighter affair.

On my skin, I got about 7 hours of wear, from Delicieuse. Not amazing, but its solid enough for most purposes. This isn’t a beast on any fronts, but can do a good job all around.

Seasonally, this is a autumn or winter fragrance, all the way. It’s sweetness, would be a liability in the heat. It’s a little too thick, for such weather. Not that it’s heavy, just the notes would tend to melt.

I’d call this a daily wear or casual fragrance. It’s attractive and fairly low key. One that will draw complements, but isn’t particularly sexy, in any real way.

Overall Impressions of Live Irresistible Delicieuse

Do I like this perfume? I do. It’s not spectacular, but it’s nice, and better than its predecessor. The cherry note, is probably my favorite aspect, and I do enjoy the opening act quite a lot. When it blends with the almond, is the highlight of the wear.

Is it the best thing around? No. The second half is pretty basic and there’s no real surprises in store while wearing it. Delicieuse is a pretty perfume with good intangibles. It’s worth a try, if you’re looking for a cherry based scent, and can pick up a bottle for a decent price.

360 Red by Perry Ellis

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It is important to note that not all worthwhile fragrances are super expensive or even moderately priced. Sure, the cheaper scents tend to use more synthetic ingredients and are generally less complex and more linear but that doesn’t preclude some from smelling quite good.

Today, I want to review one such cologne, 360 Red by Perry Ellis. In this post, I want to give my impressions of it and see just what makes it a potential buy. Also see: 360 Red vs Nautica Voyage

What does 360 Red by Perry Ellis Smell Like?

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Notes include: bergamot, cinnamon, lime, orange, lavender, spices

Click here to try: 360° Red by Perry Ellis for Men, 6.8 Ounce

My Full Review

360 Red gets a lot of attention for being in the opinion of some, an Acqua Di Gio clone.  I definitely notice the similarities between these two scents but I think 360 Red’s citrus notes are stronger and more defined than they are in Acqua Di Gio. It’s only right that they smell similar judging by the overlapping of some of each cologne’s notes.

However, I don’t want to get bogged down in comparison with an Armani fragrance when 360 Red presents an interesting fragrance at a fraction of the cost.

The opening is a pretty intense burst of mostly lemon and lime notes which exudes freshness right from the start. Now, it can be kind of overpowering at first but 360 Red settles down nicely and develops much more character as it wears on.

This one actually has a whole host of citrus based notes, from lime to orange, and bergamot. It’s going to be very citrus heavy throughout, with a spicy edge to it.

With the citrus in the opening, are an accord of spice, led by cinnamon. Cinnamon and some clove, are mainly what you’re going to pick up, on the skin. There is supposedly nutmeg in there too, but I can’t pick it out, if that’s the case. It is indeed quite close to AdG, but without the oceanic influences.

As it settles down, the spicier notes begin to flourish more. Again, this isn’t an overwhelming spice, rather, something that is smooth (sort of peppery) and envelops a definite warmth. This is definitely an attractive fragrance and one with just a hint of cinnamon to give a unique distinction.

Much later in the wear, I get touches of lavender, and a woodsy base. It’s fresh and pretty dry later on, though, it doesn’t dominate the composition. 360 Red is still all about the citrus and spice notes. However, it is a nice change of pace, to develop things further.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Longevity wise, this one is a performer. Seriously, for the price, it’s pretty much all of a full work day scent in most circumstances. Projection is moderate to very good. It’s not a heavy or overwhelming scent but you’ll notice it on you for sure.

Could you overspray this? Sure, but normal application isn’t going to choke out a room. I would expect anywhere from 6-9 hours of wear, depending on the climate, and circumstances of when you’re wearing it.

Versatility wise, this is going to lean more towards younger men. It’s not a complete teenage scent, but most older guys can opt for something better. 360 Red operates best in the warmer months, definitely a good daily wear candidate for late spring and summer.

It has a certain level of attractiveness. It smells good, but not necessarily sexy. A younger man, could wear this on an evening out no problem, though.

Casual, school, office, and potentially evening for the right occasion. So, you do get a wide berth of uses, with Red. That’s great news for something, at this price point, where colognes are usually extremely limited in use and performance.

Overall Impression of 360 Red

Do I think 360 Red is worth a purchase? Yes, it is a great value pick and if you like Acqua Di Gio or similar scents, you might as well save some money and get this and a bottle of something else for the same price.

Honestly, the original AdG probably isn’t even worth buying nowadays (at retail prices, discounted, sure), since we have so many other options. This or Just Me for Men, can replace the Armani scent. Also, Acqua di Gio Profumo, is a better fragrance overall.

With 360 Red, I really dig the citrus strength of the opening, and the cinnamon note. It’s a bit sweet, spicy, and you have enough woody notes to keep it interesting. 360 Red has freshness and a drier base, than does Acqua di Gio, in lieu of sea notes.

All in all, this Perry Ellis cologne is a great pick up, for guys who want something cheap with a mass appeal.

7 Best Smelling Tropical Colognes

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Whether you actually live in the tropics or just want a fragrance, that can bring about the feeling that you do, there aren’t always that many colognes which can deliver. Yes, there are fruity scents.

Some, with aquatic elements. But, not many that can bring a tropical character, all tied together. In this post, I want to present some options which can fit the bill, while smelling completely awesome.

What are the Best Tropical Fragrances for Men?

Polo Black by Ralph Lauren for Men – 4.2 Ounce EDT Spray– Moderate and masculine scent that works well for the day or nighttime. Wonderful fragrance that is pleasing yet subtle. An interesting mango note is joined by a blend of sage and patchouli, which gives Polo Black a woody and spicy undertone.

The top of the order include some more citrus notes like lemon and tangerine. Highly popular scent, with that mango and citrus giving it a great disposition, for what we’re looking for in this category.

This is definitely one of my favorites from Ralph Lauren and is definitely among the brand’s best. Even though, this is termed ‘Black’, there really isn’t anything dark about it. It’s a masculine fruit-laden scent, that does a great job of drawing complements. Polo Black Full Review

polo black

Tommy Bahama St. Kitts Eau De Cologne Spray for Him, 3.4 Ounce– Keeps up with the aquatic theme of the Set Sail line but takes on fruitier notes. Star Fruit and citrus are the opening stars to go along with a nice salty sea water note and the underlying masculinity of cedar.

You get orange, bergamot, and the star fruit notes. This sits on an aquatic accord, with a salty aroma. Very light woods give St. Kitts a bit more substance, but overall, its a very simple and refreshing wear for the warmer climates. Sweet, fruity, with a tropical chill permeating the entire composition.

CK Eternity Now MEN Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 OZ. – This is quickly becoming one of my favorite fragrances to throw on casually. Especially, when it’s warm out, and I want a tropical vibe. Eternity Now has a gorgeous opening act, that is simply captivating.

It kicks off with our target note and star fruit. This combination is fantastic and the star fruit is the strongest up top. There is some light spice from ginger and anise, before it dries down into a creamy fragrance with additional vanilla and tonka bean.

Ultimately, it’s mostly a coconut/vanilla blend with some cedar and lingering star fruit. The star fruit and coconut blend, is enough to provide the tropical influence, but the entire wear is great. I get about 6-7 hours of wear from this, plenty of complements, and the price is very affordable now. Eternity Now Review

Creed Millesime Imperial Spray, 4.0 fl. oz.– Creed Imperial has a lemon and sea salt opening blend, which actually gives off a melon, sort of aroma. It is very fresh and salty, with the fruit ingredients being dominant throughout. However, as it moves along, more of the oceanic influence comes in, along with musk, and a light iris note.

The melon and the salty sea accord, give this a simple, yet attractive island sort of smell. Luxurious and a joy to wear.

This one is a great summer wear, as it just feels bright, dynamic, and like a day at the shore. This is truly one of the best daytime wears, when you want something that can stand up to the humidity. The sillage isn’t heavy, but I’ve always gotten 7 hours of wear out of Imperial Millesime. This is my favorite one to wear in the warmer months. My original review.

Versace Man Eau Fraiche By Gianni Versace For Men Edt Spray 3.4 Oz– Eau Fraiche is a cleaner citrus take on the original Versace Man. This one is more of a springtime or summer scent for gentleman.

Eau Fraiche opens up with a crisp, cold, and refreshing lemon note and starfruit. It’s got an icy quality to it at first, which is really interesting, and great to spray on during the summer heat.

Then, Versace Man Eau Fraiche, warms up a bit. It becomes much woodier than just a straight citrus bomb and I think that’s when the fragrance really comes into its own. It’s all very light, clean, and super attractive.

The longevity is pretty good, I’ve gotten a little bit more than 6 hours of wear out of it, but this is a fantastic option for warmer climates or just as a strictly summertime wear. Notes include: Lemon, Rosewood, Carambola, Cedar leaves, Tarragon, Sage, Musk, Amber, Sycamore wood.  Versace Man Eau Fraiche Full Review

Paris Hilton Man By Paris Hilton For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Fl Oz– Paris Hilton for Men comes with a large helping of mango. That’s going to be the dominant note, but it has a great crispness to it, brought to you by the cucumber and ‘mountain air’ accord.

This is another great cheapie from this line, which actually brings some interesting scents, to the market. It’s overall a sweet fragrance, which lends itself to our list, but it also features some woods and spicy sage.

Mainly the cucumber and mango, is what makes it work for the tropical feel, but it is a year round kind of wear. That cucumber note is sometimes used to give a fragrance, an aquatic feel, without the aquatic ingredients.

Moonlight in Heaven by Kilian for unisex – 1.7 Ounce edp spray– Moonlight in Heaven is a great little scent from By Kilian. It kicks off with citrus, coconut, and mango. These ingredients together are fantastic, delivering a juicy, warm weather scent.

Very clean with a dry down featuring vetiver and rice. Yep, rice. Tied together with the coconut and citrus, it can take on a somewhat creamy smell. By Kilian is another one, that’s on the really pricey end of things, but this is a great example of what the brand can bring to the table.