Invictus vs. Invictus Legend Cologne Comparison

by

Paco Rabanne has released a new flanker fragrance to the Invictus lineup. Naturally, we will want to know how it compares to the original, which is better in the match up between: Invictus vs. Invictus Legend. Does Legend meet expectations or does it pale in comparison to the original release from the brand? Which lasts longer? Smells better? Is the best buy?

Tale of the Tape

Invictus

Notes include: grapefruit, sea notes, mandarin orange, bay leaf, jasmine

Read my review

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne Invictus Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce

Invictus Legend

Notes include: grapefruit, amber, geranium, metal, mead accord, guaiac wood, laurel, sea salt, bay leaf

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne Invictus Legend eau de parfum for men 3.4 Fl Oz

Read my Review: Invictus Legend

Opening

The original Invictus opens up with its citrus notes, ambergris, and bay leaf. The aroma this produces, has often been described as, grape bubble gum. That’s fairly accurate and underneath this is a bit of the sea notes, giving Invictus a light aquatic feel.

Invictus Legend also starts off with a strong citrus, yet, it feels more tropical in its presentation than grape bubblegum. The grapefruit and lemon is joined by a heavier dose of the aquatic notes and amber, with the bay leaf barely registering.

Yes, these two do smell similar, but are still quite distinct. The opening of Invictus is really enjoyable and the sweetness has grown on me over time. However, I think that I enjoy the start of Legend, a bit more. The citrus is more intense and you get some fresh spiciness later on. The amber is also, more noticeable.

Edge: Legend

Projection

Invictus has always felt like a strong cologne, at first, and then moves into something that is moderate. Does Legend surpass it? Yes. Legend has a more powerful sillage, at the top, and remains stronger throughout the rest of the wear. It’s not the most powerful fragrance out there, but it does pack a punch early on.

Edge: Legend

Longevity

With Invictus EDT, I have continually gotten 6-7 hour of wear, on my skin. It’s not insanely good, by any means, but definitely respectable. Meanwhile, Invictus Legend goes a bit further. With its greater power, Legend can last for somewhere in the 8-10 hour range, which is quite good.

Edge: Legend

Versatility

To me, there isn’t much separation here, as the ingredients are so similar that the uses will overlap. Both are great in the warm weather, but Legend does have more of a summertime feel. Both can go daytime or into the nightlife, without issue. Not seeing a winner, in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

The original Invictus has never been my favorite scent. I used to be mostly indifferent toward it, and now, I do like it more. The opening is still the most enjoyable part to me and the performance is good enough. I understand why it is so popular and has gotten so many fans.

However, I have already enjoyed Invictus Intense more than the original, and now I will add Invictus Legend to that list. Legend is like a more citrus/marine version of Intense, sort of like a summer addition, and does everything better than Invictus EDT.

The performance and sillage is greater. The citrus notes give it a tropical edge, while the amber is deeper and more intense.

I have to say, it feels more balanced and energetic than the original. For those reasons, I have to give Invictus Legend, the win here.

Winner: Invictus Legend

Acqua di Gio vs Azzaro Chrome Cologne Comparison

by

For this men’s fragrance comparison, we are going to be taking a closer look at two insanely popular fragrance from the 1990s, Azzaro Chrome vs. Acqua di Gio. Which of these citrus aquatic scents, is the better wear? Which lasts longer? Which should you buy? I have worn, tested, and reviewed each and will break them down by category before declaring an ultimate winner.

Tale of the Tape: Chrome vs. AdG

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 

Azzaro Chrome

Click here to try: Men’s Chrome by Azzaro Eau de Toilette Spray – 3.4 oz.

Notes include: neroli, lemon, bergamot, rosemary, pineapple, musk, woods, and jasmine

Read my review: Chrome Review

Opening

Acqua di Gio opens up with a nice citrus blend of tangerine and bergamot. These two top notes are joined by marine notes of an ocean quality, and then, floral notes of neroli and jasmine.

It’s nice with the sea notes and the citrus. I like the addition of the jasmine, in particular, and the spices which gradually arise during the wear. Having come back to this fragrance after a long absence, the citrus and jasmine really struck me as being fantastic.

Chrome opens with lemon and pineapple, which is a sharper pairing, than is found in AdG. It too, has jasmine and neroli, in the beginning.

Do the two smell similar? Ehh, there are somewhat related but, AdG has a spicier and less sharp profile. Chrome is bright with a vaguely aquatic aroma lurking in there, with more of a soapy/woody scent.

Which is better? It’s really close, as I enjoy both of these colognes and how they start. Ultimately, I think I prefer Acqua di Gio’s opening act, a bit more. The oceanic sea breeze, with the tangerine and bergamot, is what I think gives it a slight edge.

Edge: Acqua di Gio

Projection

Chrome can strike me as pretty bold, right at the start, but later settles down into a moderate. It’s a pretty similar experience with Acqua di Gio, which is also, fairly moderate. I really don’t see much separation with the current sillage of each.

Older editions may have had a marked difference. Nowadays, they’re basically equals.

Edge: Push

Longevity

With Acqua di Gio, I get about 6-7 hours of wear, on my skin. It’s respectable, but not amazing. Azzaro Chrome will get me 7-8 hours of wear. It’s not a huge difference, but Chrome is better with how long it lasts.

Update: Trying AdG some more, it seems to be a 5-7 hour range. A few times, I don’t think it reached the six hour mark.

Edge: Chrome

Versatility

Both of these colognes are great in the warmer months of the year. They really do smell fantastic, when the temperatures rise, but can go year round without issue. Both are good for casual wear, daily office wear, or even to school for younger men.

Neither is much of a nighttime fragrance exclusively, but can venture into that world. Again, there’s not much separation, and they occupy the same niche essentially.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Each of these fragrances, has been a best seller since the 1990s, and there’s good reason for that.

Chrome is a great daily wear cologne, that has a lot of fans, and it does get plenty of complements. It is fresh, upbeat, with aquatic and woody undertones.

It has a soapy clean smell with a unique metallic edge. It’s really easy to just grab and spray on, without much though, and has good performance.

However, if I’m just going on smell alone, I’d give the edge to Acqua di Gio. It is more interesting to me. I like the spiciness, the floral undertones, the oceanic influence, and those awesome citrus notes. It would be my choice, if each were priced the same.

I will say, that you can usually get Chrome for a cheaper price (sometimes, it’s reversed). If that were the major deciding factor, I’d buy that over the Armani cologne. Nonetheless, AdG is the winner of this match up for me. They are extremely close and it’s not a clear cut choice.

Winner: Acqua di Gio

Angel Men Pure Havane by Thierry Mugler

by

It’s been a while since I’ve done a review of a Thierry Mugler cologne on the site. The last time being, B*Men, which I actually grew to enjoy quite a bit after my initial mixed reaction. I recently received another sample with one of my cologne orders, and it’s one of the flanker fragrances of the Angel Men (A*Men) series, Pure Havane.

While I’ve smelled this cologne before, I was wanting to give Pure Havane a longer try, and see exactly how it smells, performs, and whether or not it is worth a purchase. In this post, I will share my thoughts of my experience with this fragrance and try to flesh out a bit as to what this tobacco based juice is all about.

What Does Pure Havane Smell Like?

Notes include: tobacco leaves, honeyed tobacco, patchouli, and bitter cocoa

Click here to try: Thierry Mugler Eau de Toilette Spray, Angel Men Pure Havane, 3.4 Ounce

A*Men Pure Havane

The opening of Pure Havane is quite simple. Imagine a fine Cuban cigar dipped in honey and then rolled in a pile of sugar…that’s what this smells exactly like. It’s a very warm, sweet, and slightly sticky sort of smell that is actually quite beautiful and enthralling.

Although, it isn’t listed in the notes, I also detect a hint of vanilla which provides an extra creamy smoothness. Now, if this doesn’t sound like your kind of thing, look elsewhere. However, if you like rich and masculine scents, then Pure Havane is a masterpiece of fragrance.

The tobacco note in this is dominant but it is a rather different experience than something such as Burberry London, the tobacco in Pure Havane is a much lighter and sweeter smelling variety.

As it wears on, the honey note lessens and the vanilla scent gets pushed more into the foreground. Also, the cocoa note emerges and smells like a chocolate powder to me, it must be the way it blends with the honey and vanilla.

There’s a bit of earth spice here, from patchouli, but it mostly stays in the background. The dry down of Pure Havane is all about the rich tobacco and thick honey, with all of the other sweet notes, orbiting these two. Not too much development from this fragrance, but it’s very good in its contained style.

Sillage, Longevity, Versatility

Projection wise, A*Men Pure Havane is really good. It isn’t overwhelming, but it is on the strong side of things. It doesn’t require that many sprays to be effective, which is a relief with so many weak colognes out there.

The reach does decline during the wear, but the first hours are pretty potent.

It also has really good longevity, this is an all-day kind of scent. However, be aware that it is much more of a skin scent after 5-6 hours but with reasonable application it should still be noticeable.

Pure Havane is for cold weather. If you live in a climate that is hot year round, you probably shouldn’t bother with this at all. I fear it would become a complete mess in the heat, yet, it is so beautiful in the cold weather.

I would say you could wear this to pretty much whatever event you would want to and it seems perfectly acceptable for school and work. Plus, this is a sexy type of cologne. Great for dates or just wanting to get closer. Pure Havane is a very comfy sort of scent.

Overall Impression of Pure Havane

Overall, is Pure Havane a buy? Yep, while it’s limited to colder weather, it is still a fantastic scent and performer. This A*Men flanker is a layered gourmand fragrance with tobacco taking center stage in its profile.

Not everyone enjoys this kind of cologne, so if you’re more into fruity, dry woods, or aquatics then this probably isn’t going to be a good selection.

On the other hand, if you like sweet winter scents (that aren’t sickly sweet) and rich tobacco blends then Pure Havane is an excellent choice.

I think that the opening can be overwhelming or messy at times, but, this one does settle down and get better as it moves along. Not a super mature scent, but it can work well for guys through their 20s and 30s, with exceptions.

The A*Men line has produced some awesome colognes, over the years, and this is among the best.

Update: All of these ‘Pure’ fragrances got discontinued by Mugler.

J’adore in Joy by Christian Dior

by

It’s been a while since I’ve done a ladies’ perfume review, for a Christian Dior scent, so why not start now? Today’s entry is a 2017 release, a flanker fragrance to the J’adore line called, J’adore in Joy. What does this scent smell like? How does it perform? Is this a worthy addition to the best-selling J’adore name?

What does J’adore in Joy Smell Like?

Notes include: peach, ylang-ylang, jasmine, fleur de sel, neroli, tuberose

Click here to try: Dior J’adore In Joy Eau De Toilette Spray for Women, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Review

Before we get into my thoughts on this perfume, let’s see what the brand has to say about it: A solar floral with a unique fruity and salty trail. Essence of ylang-ylang from Madagascar, transformed in Grasse, and jasmine sambac are brightened with a refreshing Fleur de Sel note and bursting with juicy peach.

J’adore in Joy opens up with a salt note that gets paired with the ylang-ylang. The peach will be more prominent later on, but at first I get a salty flower blend with an underlying fruity sweetness.

It’s a rather unique aroma, that I haven’t really come across before in a perfume. Yes, I’ve had other salty fragrance, but those were oceanic in their character. This Dior perfume, is not that at all.

A few minute in, the floral combination is of jasmine and ylang-ylang, still salty. These notes together, give off a scent that is similar to a musk. However, the peach is growing in strength, but never comes across like you’d usually associate this ingredient.

J’adore in Joy has a cool, relaxed vibe, while also feeling like being in the sunshine. The fragrance is almost completely linear on my skin, but I still find it to be intriguing.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

It’s not too loud of a perfume. I can spray it on a shirt, put it about 3-5 feet away, and detect it. Outside of that, it’s won’t make it past that after 30 minutes or so. Not a bad thing, just don’t expect a complete beast with this one.

The longevity is also solid. I could get 6-8 hours from this one. Not spectacular, but worthwhile for this sort of fragrance.

Seasonally, I guess it’s better in warmer weather, but it doesn’t feel out of place in the winter. I feel like this one should be worn outdoors, or it at least, puts out that vibe.

However, you could obviously wear this to the office, semi-formally to formal, or just around casually. It is an elegant perfume, just not a stuffy one. Clean and refined, not a party time fragrance.

Overall Impression of J’adore In Joy

Do I like this perfume? Somewhat. I’m not crazy about it, but it does get points for being interesting, and not smelling bad.

The salt note is a nice addition, to a usual formula. With the floral notes, it can come across like musk, but I do get a distinct saltiness. Ylang-ylang, jasmine, peach, and salt. If that sounds nice, this will be something that you’ll want to try.

Personally, I don’t find it to be great. Overall, it is a good perfume. Pleasant enough and well put together.

Decadence Eau So Decadent by Marc Jacobs

by

Moving right along through my most recent perfume samples, I have an entry from Marc Jacobs’ line of Decadence fragrances, Eau So Decadent. This flanker to the original has been out for a while now, but how does it actually smell? Is the performance any good? Is this scent worth a try?

What does Decadence Eau So Decadent Smell Like?

Notes include: lily of the valley, raspberry, black currant, pear, amber, magnolia, ivy, jasmine

Click here to try: Marc Jacobs Decadence Eau So Decadent L 3.4 EDT SPRNEW

My Full Review

Eau So Decadent kicks off with its fruit blend of notes, along with a light touch of jasmine and magnolia, underneath. The main ingredient here, is the pear, which gives its usual light juiciness to the composition.

Raspberry and black currant aren’t heavy additions to the mix, but they do allow Eau So Decadent to have a sort of sour berry smell, for at least part of the time.

The next phase of this Marc Jacobs perfume for me, is more floral and greenish, yet still being under the control of the pear note. Ivy, magnolia, and to a lesser extent the jasmine, surround the pear note while the other fruits fade somewhat.

The biggest change comes with the lily of the valley, which amps up the floral/garden type of aroma. It comes across as being quite clean and attractive. It’s still sweet at this stage, but Eau So Decadent, is moving more away from that.

Finally, I am left with pear, lily, magnolia, and amber. The amber note really broke late, on my skin. Maybe I just couldn’t notice it underneath everything else, early on, but it really became a major player.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here, is light to moderate. It will project itself out from the skin about 4-5 feet, for a few hours, and then be more of a skin scent. This isn’t a huge or ‘fill up the room’ type of perfume, more of a light and clean, daily wear.

How long does it last? In the 6-8 hour range. The end of that range, it will be an airy skin scent. Very solid performance, but not elite, by any stretch.

This one will be a go-to in the spring and summer months. Pretty much moderate to warmer climates. It would feel out of place in the winter, but I don’t see why you couldn’t wear it, otherwise.

When should this be worn? This is a daily wear. It is safe for the office, casual, or even more formal events. It’s an attractive scent, but doesn’t have that nightlife vibe, or as a date night sort of perfume.

Overall Impression of Decadence Eau So Decadent

Do I like Decadence Eau So Decadent, overall? I do. I think this could be a good option for those who want a safe and versatile bet, for daily wear. Also, those who enjoyed the original Decadence, will like this. This is a bit sweeter and fruitier

Is it a special fragrance? Not really, it’s a good scent, though. Eau So Decadent is an affordable option for women, who want a fruity floral, with a bit of style. Maybe stay away, if you’re not into pear or lily of the valley. I enjoy this for what it is, give it a try.