Boss Bottled Night by Hugo Boss

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I’ve done some Hugo Boss cologne reviews recently and even have few samples of this brand’s other scents on the way, so, I thought that it’d be a good idea before reviewing those to do one on Bottled Night.

I had already included this in my best Hugo Boss fragrances for guys but never got around to writing up a review of this scent.

I generally like most of the stuff that they put out (except Energise…) and have been wearing Hugo Red a lot this summer, so I’m a mood now to tackle Bottled Night. As usual, I’ll cover the scent’s smell, how it performs, when it can be worn, and whether or not it is worth a buy.

What does Boss Bottled Night Smell Like?

Notes include: African violet, birch leaves, musk, lavender, amarello wood

Click here to try: Boss Bottled Night by Hugo Boss for Men – 3.3 Ounce EDT Spray

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Boss Bottled Night is somewhat of a surprise, in that, when looking at the container and the name you’d think you would be getting something quite dark and mysterious.

However, what you find is a very clean scent powered by the lavender note and with a beautiful hint of floral provided by the African Violet. Add musk and you get an underlying warmth to go along with a masculine woodsy note.

Upon the opening, I really do pick up a lot of the violet. I must say, that violet isn’t one of my favorite floral notes, but it does work well within this composition.

The birch note is super dry, with a very slight smokiness to it, at times.

As we move forward, the lavender emerges more fully, and is joined by a light musk note. This is about as much development, as you’re going to get from Bottled Night. It’s a mix of lavender and violet, with dry woods, and some musky touches.

One of the things that I really appreciate about Bottled Night is how unique it feels. Like, it is pretty simple and straightforward in how it plays out, but it really doesn’t smell like anything else I can think of in the world of cologne. It is a soft scent yet has a very nice ability to project itself.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

As I said, the sillage is pretty good here. Again, not a heavy fragrance by any means, but people will be able to pick it up on you with in a decent radius. At least for the first few hours of wear.

Longevity wise, it is in the realm of average, which is weird since it does a good job of projecting. Six hours seems to be the demarcation point for Boss Bottled Night, after that it tends to fade.

It is a versatile fragrance, I really can’t pin it down for a season, as I could see it working for multiple weather situations. It’s a fragrance that could go from the office to a night out on the town without much problem.

Yes, it is called bottled night, but it isn’t really one that would stand out as being ‘too much’ for daytime use. Really, never has struck me as a particularly dark or nightlife exclusive cologne. It has a clean, well put together aroma, for guys with a more stylish or mature air about them.

Overall Impression of Boss Bottled Night

Overall, would I recommend it? Yes, it is definitely a very nice cologne and it unique smell only adds to its appeal. It isn’t very complex, clean/floral/musk, so you definitely know what you’re getting within a few minutes of wear.

I’m not that much into violet as a note, so this will never be my favorite. Though, I can appreciate it for what it is.

Boss Bottled Night does everything at least pretty well and is quite sexy for what it is. If you want something clean, simple, at a good price, then this should work out for you. If you don’t like violet or lavender that much, then avoid Bottled Night.

The performance is decent, in my experience, but not amazing. I think this will appeal to a certain percentage of guys, but doesn’t necessarily have that super wide universal x-factor.

Best Smelling Perfumes for Her Under $20

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Running this website, over the years, I have really come to know how expensive fragrances can get. Actually spending money for a quality perfume isn’t bad, but when you shell out cash, and get a dud…it’s not too fun. However, you don’t always have to break the bank to get a great smelling scent. In fact, there are solid options at a variety of price points. In this post, I am going to present some selections for women, that cost under $20. 

 

What are the Best Perfumes for Women for under $20?

Seeing as I’ve already done a list for the best cheap perfumes. I am going to avoid any overlap with that post and stick to newer picks. However, that post has some more choices, as well as some that go up to the $30 range. 

Always Popular Avon

Avon Far Away Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 1.7 Fluid Ounce– Far Away has been popular for decades now and as such has probably undergone at least some reformulations. This Revlon cheapie, is a perfume highlighted by jasmine and freesia, that is surrounded by peach and vanilla.

Later, you get smooth sandalwood and a nice amber wrapped around it all. Warm, a very pretty scent, and can often be had for $10 or less. 

Hot & Cold

Revlon Fire & Ice Perfume for Women, 1.7 Fl. Oz., womens fragrance– Fire & Ice as the name suggests, plays warm notes off of cool ones, to create a captivating and pleasant experience.

It chills things out with both orange blossom and the fruit itself and then a warm amber and an oriental incense to provide the heat.

Then, there is a great orchid note. All around upbeat and fairly cozy scent that is inexpensive while managing to be delightful.

Tropical Fruity Floral

Mambo by Liz Claiborne for Women, Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.4-Ounce– Mambo uses mango, citrus, and orange blossom to create a fresh and intriguing tropical perfume. It’s a bit crisp, sweet, and fresh with a touch of ginger.

Then, some more floral notes come through including hibiscus and ylang ylang. However, it still is more of a fruity fragrance, and the floral never fully takes over. For $15-20 range, this is a really nice scent, that can serve as a warm weather daily wear.  

One of Beyonce’s Best

Beyonce Beyonce Midnight Heat Women Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Midnight Heat is one of the most popular fragrances from Beyonce. It has a sweet and somewhat tart plum in the opening, with a juicy starfruit pairing with it.

Those two are the main attractions, but as it dries down more of the orchid, and earthy patchouli make themselves known. It has a tropical fruit edge, with mostly floral undertones. 

midnight heat

Sweet White Floral

Antonio Banderas Her Golden Secret EDT Spray for Women, 2.7 Ounce– Her Golden Secret starts off with a fresh and somewhat sweet mix of the fruit notes, along with orange blossom. You get citrus notes and peach, up top, with the orange blossom taking over more and more as it moves along.

Within the first hour of wear, this Antonio Banderas perfume, begins to shift into a white floral with vanilla and citrus undertones. It’s when the gardenia note, really starts popping up. Nice solid performance and is a versatile, great smelling fragrance.

 

Feminine Gardenia

Kim Kardashian for Women By Kardashian Edp Spray, 3.4 Ounce– This is a fragrance for floral loves, as it is highlighted by gardenia and tuberose. Kim Kardashian for Women, is a very pretty, upbeat, and feminine fragrance. It mostly the white floral notes with a creamy and slightly woody undertone.

At times, you will experience a creamy sandalwood or a bit of musk, but mostly you will get a great floral-based fragrance for really cheap. Beyond the gardenia and tuberose, there is orange blossom, and a good deal of jasmine.

This fragrance is actually beautiful and gives the wearer a long-lasting performance. Definitely a bang for your buck.  

Flowerbomb Alternative

One Direction Between Us Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 1.7 Ounce– Yes, this is a scent from the band One Direction, but it’s actually a great scent that is reminiscent of Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf. Between us features jasmine, nutmeg, and patchouli.

This is paired with sweet amber and vanilla, that envelopes the other notes, during the drydown. Not too heavy of a spice, but it works well with that jasmine.

Floral Musky and Woody

Avon Rare Pearls Eau De Parfum Spray 1.7 Fl. Oz.– Rare Pearls is a spicy and honeyed floral fragrance with a great plum opening, a lot of magnolia, and that thick sweet honey note. The top of the perfume has a pretty intense pepper note, but that calms down a lot, as it wears on.

This one is more of a mature perfume, with a classic composition, and musky undertones during the dry down. It smooth and woody, at the base, with that familiar plum aroma floating around during the wear. Very warm and interesting floral.

Attractive and Seductive

Guess Seductive by Guess 2.5 oz 75 ml EDT Spray– The Guess Seductive line is great for both the men’s and the women’s. The ladies’ version opens up with pear, citrus, and jasmine.

It’s not too sweet but quite pretty at the start, before the vanilla, jasmine, and orange blossom gain strength during the dry down. Finally, you get a musky woods, at the base sitting underneath a creamy vanilla aroma. 

Oud Wood vs Ombre Leather Comparison

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In this edition of the head to head fragrance comparisons, we have two entries from the Tom Ford line up, Oud Wood vs. Ombre Leather 18. Which of these two popular scents smells the best?

As always, I am going to break down these competitors into categories, determine which has the edge, and is the ultimate winner between them. I’ve linked my original review of each below, for further reading.

Tale of the Tape: Ombre Leather vs Oud Wood

Ombre Leather

Notes include: leather, moss, jasmine, amber, patchouli and cardamom

Click here to try: Ombré Leather Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.7-oz.

My review: Ombre Leather

Oud Wood

Notes include: rosewood, sandalwood, oud, vanilla, tonka bean, amber, cardamom, and vetiver

Click here to try: Tom Ford Private Blend Oud Wood Eau De Parfum Spray – 50ml/1.7oz

Read my original review: Oud Wood

Opening

Oud Wood opens up with that oud note and cardamom. It also has a peppery spice to it from the jump, that settles as it moves along. Beyond that, there is heavy wood notes from the rosewood and sandalwood.

Plus, a nice dry vetiver. It’s nice, spicy, and has a very woody base. So, you get a nice punch before this one moves fully into what its name suggests is on its way.

Ombre Leather opens with leather, jasmine, moss, and saffron. It’s a very dark and dry with supple leathery warmth and a certain earthy quality to it all. To me, it does capture that desert-like mood that they used in the advertising.

It reminds me a lot of Godolphin, at the start, but ultimately is different from that scent.

Ombre, of course has that standout leather note, but there’s actually depth to it and I like that the brand didn’t just add a fruity note to it. The jasmine and saffron create a really interesting dynamic here.

Which is better? I like Oud Wood and its interesting opening, but I really enjoy Ombre Leather more. The saffron and leather combo is superb, always catches my attention.

Edge: Ombre Leather

Projection

Ombre Leather starts off strong on my skin and then becomes a moderate scent after a few hours of wear. The sillage is pretty strong, overall.

Ombre projects itself well, while not being overbearingly heavy, there is that mossy freshness sitting underneath the main notes.

Oud Wood is really moderate at first and then becomes quite weak. The Intense version of this was stronger and heavier, but this original sits much closer to the skin and doesn’t bog you down.

Which, might be a good thing for you, but I wouldn’t expect it to have a massive projection unless you go crazy with the sprays.

Edge: Ombre Leather

Longevity

Neither of these scents are elite in terms of how long they will last. I get 6-8 hours of wear from Ombre Leather.

Meanwhile, Oud Wood is pretty pitiful at 4-5 hours.

So, neither of these are among the best performers that Tom Ford has to offer. Oud Wood has always been disappointing to me, each time that I’ve tried it out. Ombre, is serviceable, but definitely not among the elite.

Edge: Ombre Leather

Versatility

I don’t particular see an edge in this category. Both of these fragrances are suited best for autumn and winter. They can be worn casually or dressed up (but favor dressed up), can work well in an office environment, or for a night out.

Neither is really a club beast at all and Ombre Leather is probably a bit sexier and can be more unisex…but not a definitive edge.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I’m not a huge fan of the oud note, but I do enjoy the smell of Oud Wood much more than others, which use that ingredient. They didn’t go overboard with it and create some nearly unwearable fragrance for most people.

It’s nice, it has a great woody base, but can be a bit sour on my skin sometimes. The performance is one of my biggest gripes about this scent, especially at Tom Ford prices.

On the other hand, I really enjoy Ombre Leather. The warm and dry composition, with its rich leather note is awesome, and one of my favorites from this designer.

Add to that, it has better performance than does Oud Wood, and it’s a pretty clear winner in my mind. Ombre is leathery, earthy, with nice floral touches of jasmine and is a pleasure to wear. (Get it here: Ombre Leather)

Winner: Ombre Leather 

Philips Norelco 3100 Electric Shaver Review

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I had no plans of purchasing an electric razor, any time soon. I’ve used a manual blade and shaving cream for my entire life, before this, but this method had been wearing on me. I just happened to have a 40% off coupon on any item from CVS, and while walking around the store, saw the electric shavers.

I did some quick calculations, and figured it was worth a shot to save money on shaving, if I could get an initial 40% discount and it lasted for even less than a year.

I ended up picking out the Philips Norelco 3100 Shaver from the Series 3000 of razors. It seemed to meet the most requirements, while still being at a good price point (I paid $33), and promised to be a comfortable solution to using a manual razor.

Is it? In this post, I’m going to share my experiences with the Norelco 3100, answer some common questions, and whether or not this was actually a worthwhile purchase.

Philips Norelco 3100 Shaver Review

Features and What the 3100 Comes With

The main selling points for me with this razor, were:

  • The cord and cordless feature
  • This had the upgraded ComfortCut Blades versus the cheaper models
  • The price. Not a super expensive unit, but had enough features to make it worthwhile.
  • Time savings and saving on future shaving expenses.

If I could get a good shave with this Norelco model, I would be super happy, with only shelling out $33. So, this model comes with a protective cap for the blades, the actual shaver, and the charging cord. There aren’t a bunch of accessories, that come with the 3100.

The 3100 features 3 individual floating shaving heads, which flex and move in four directions. This allows it to contour to one’s face and get a smooth shave. The ComfortCut Blade System has rounded shaving heads to help keep it comfortable while getting close. It really has been a extremely comfortable shaver to use and I don’t get cut or pinched.

Beyond that, there is an LED display which indicates the battery charge. It even tells you when you should replace the blades, with a symbol.

Does it Cut as Close as a Manual Blade?

Short answer: No.

Long answer: They actually say in the product manual, that you need to give it three weeks of use at least, and the shave gets closer and closer. The skin and your beard need to adapt to the shaving system. The first shave is close, but it does get better with some time. It sounds dumb, but it is actually true.

Is it the same as a blade? Not exactly. However, you can get it pretty close to that, once you’ve used it for a little while and figured out how to use it properly. For a daily shaver, it’s really good. Not perfect, but gets the job done, to a level close to approximating a blade.

It isn’t as absolutely close shaving as with using a manual blade or straight edge. That’s also, not really the point, as this is more about comfort and convenience. The Norelco 3100 is way more comfortable and less of a hassle than having to lather up and go through the whole process of using a blade.

Also, bear in mind, that they have their more expensive shavers which supposedly go even closer. This one will probably work for most guys purposes, however.

Does the 3100 Pinch or Pull the Hair while Shaving?

It hasn’t for me. The first time using it, I had about 4 days worth of facial hair growth (I grow a pretty thick beard), and had no issues. With a manual blade, certain areas of my face would’ve for sure, given a good old painful pull. However, the Norelco 3100, was super smooth and comfortable. This was a huge selling point for me, after using manual blades, my whole life.

Does it Have a Pop Up Trimmer?

This model does. Really helpful with the sideburns or mustache. Update: After having this for a year-plus, the pop up trimmer isn’t all that great. It doesn’t cut particularly well and can be difficult to angle right. Not terrible, but not nearly what I was hoping for.

Can You Use it with Shave Oil, Foam, or Gel?

Yes, you can. I don’t personally and don’t really see a reason to. If you do, you should probably clean it every use, so it doesn’t get clogged with gunk.

Can You Use it Plugged In?

Yes. You can use it both with or without the cord. That’s one of the reasons, I purchased this unit versus the others, as those were strictly cordless. The 3100 can do either.

Can You Use it in The Shower?

No. This model doesn’t have the wet feature. It’s a dry shaver. There are other Philips Norelco shavers, that can.

Is the Norelco 3100 Shaver Good for Teenagers?

This would have been amazing to have when I was that age. I remember the first time that I had to shave, it was with a disposable BIC leg razor. Then, I had crummy single blade plastic razors, for a long while after. This dry shaver, is much easier to use, and with less irritation.

When I was a teenager, the manual shaving was tough on my skin, just trying to keep the blades clean and not encourage more acne. Lots of razor burn, while figuring out how to properly shave.

Also, most guys that age don’t yet need to shave on a daily basis, so this is a really quick way to keep them well groomed without the hassle. Make things easier, and they’re more likely to do it, in general.

Can You Use It for Other Areas of the Body?

It’s designed for the face and neck. Technically, you probably could use it for other body parts, but it really isn’t the best option. It’s well worth getting an actual body hair trimmer, instead of trying to use the 3100, for an unintended purpose. It’d be much easier.

It would take ages to trim large swaths of the body.

How Long Is the Battery Life?

On an 8 hour charge, you can get over 45 minutes of use. Plenty of time to shave, as it only takes a few minutes, each time you shave.

Is It Easy to Clean?

Yes, it is pretty simple. You unplug it and turn it off. You pop open the chamber, that collects the hair, and rinse it out with hot tap water. You also run the water over the blades.

In the manual for the 3100, it also details, an ‘extra-thorough’ cleaning method. I guess, do that every once in a while. I do the basic rinse after every use, just to keep it clean, anyway.

Does it Come with a Stand?

No, it doesn’t. It charges with a power cord that plugs into the wall, but it doesn’t have a stand. You can get a case for it, but that’s a separate purchase.

Does it Trim to Different Lengths?

No, it doesn’t adjust for different lengths. It is designed to deliver a close shave, not for maintaining a stubble look.

What Replacement Blades does the 3100 Use?

SH30 Philips Norelco shaver heads only. They say you should replace them once a year. There’s actually a warning light on the 3100 that will indicate when it is time to replace. How often you replace, will be based on your own shaving patterns, but they say once per year. Replacement blades aren’t too pricey, either.

Update: I’ve had to replace the blades once. The warning light came on and the replacements were easy to install. Right around a year after purchase, give or take.

Overall, is it Worth a Purchase?

For me? Absolutely. I’m so happy with this shaver and that I don’t have to use manual blades anymore. I noticed that I was shaving less often with my old blades, just because I was tired of doing it, for the past few decades.

Once I had fewer requirements for work, I would go days without shaving, a lot of the time. Even though, I like my clean shaven look, much better.

With the Norelco 3100, it’s really simple, fast, and comfortable. The shave is smooth and close enough, for a daily routine. 3 minutes or so to shave, with no real prep? Sign me up.

It doesn’t have a bunch of extra features and you can’t use it in the shower. I’m sure there are much better options at higher price points, if you want a shaver that does more.

It doesn’t strike me as a massive difference, and at this price point, this shaver does a great job. The fact that I don’t have to buy new blades or shaving cream, all of the time, is outstanding. It’ll pay for itself within months. Plus, when well maintained, the unit should last for years. Just get replacement blades, once per year.

If you want that super close shave you can get with a blade, you’ll need to use a blade, there’s really no getting around that. Heck, I may still break out the manual blade, for certain occasions. If you’re just a guy like me, who wants a very good shave, quickly and painlessly each day; the Philips Norelco 3100 is well worth a try.

5 Best Smelling Incense Scented Colognes

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The smokey incense note is actually found in many men’s fragrances. However, it isn’t often featured all that prominently. Mostly, it gets used with a light touch, to add a bit more depth to a composition. Though, when it is used correctly, incense can be a great note. In this post, I want to give some options for men who want a nice smelling incensed scented cologne. I ended up with five selections, which should be enough, to get one started.

What are the Top Incense Colognes for Men?

Sweet, Spicy Winter Wear

Yves Saint Laurent Body Kouros for Men, Eau De Toilette, 3.3 Fluid Ounce
Great casual cologne which is a favorite of mine in the winter months. It blends eucalyptus, incense, and woods for a candy sweet fragrance with a bit of spice.

Kouros Body, is a very unique fragrance, that was released by YSL back in 2000. Really, there’s nothing else that smells quite like it, due to the ingredients it used.

The main note is bezoin that is paired with a smokey incense note and a somewhat medicinal eucalyptus. It is very smooth, with an enveloping warmth, and a light spice within the sweetness powered by sage. It is very simple and super fresh.

The sillage was always pretty moderate, but it has a solid wear time. However, when women got close to me while I was wearing this, it usually got me complements. Not too many guys wear this and I was glad to stand out. I reviewed Kouros Body here

rp_KO14M-234x300.jpg

Dark Incense Aquatic

Giorgio Armani Aqua di Gio Profumo, 4.2 Fluid Ounce– A flanker from the original and best-selling Acqua di Gio, AdG Profumo, exceeds the original in my opinion. It is a dark aquatic fragrance with an attractive spice and smoky undertones provided by the incense note.

Profumo starts out with bergamot and deep sea aquatic notes. The composition screams out summertime spent on the coast and is more refined and masculine than its predecessor.

Great salty marine elements with sage and rosemary, giving it all extra heft. Awesome. Acqua di Gio Profumo Review

Smooth, Leather, and Incense

Givenchy Gentlemen Only Intense Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.3 Ounce– Gentlemen Only Intense has a limited usability, being a nighttime wear, and not having the greatest longevity. However, it does have a very nice aroma, and incense note involved quite a lot.

It opens up smooth, warm, and sweet with note of leather, amber, and tonka bean. The smoky incense combines with this sweet and smooth triumvirate, to create a dark and rather unique scent.

You can usually find this for a good price, nowadays. I do wish it had better performance, but it does smell great. Gentlemen Only Intense Review

gentlemen only intense

A Bleu Option

Bleu De Chaneⅼ Eau De Parfum Pour Homme Spray 1.7 Fl. OZ. / 50ML.– You could also go with the EDT version of Bleu here, as well. However, I like the EDP, better overall. It opens up with citrus and spices (grapefruit, mint, ginger, and pink pepper), and then, later shifts into something warmer.

It will be a citrus, amber, and incense blend. Further along, the woodsy notes of cedar and sandalwood, really emerge from the base.

This is a fantastic cologne, not a pure bred example of incense, but there is definitely enough here to qualify. Great performance. Bleu de Chanel EDP Review

Dark Then Floral

Valentino Uomo Noir Absolu For Men Eau de Parfum 3.4 Oz– Uomo Noir Absolu kicks things off with spices of cinnamon and pepper. It also has the iris note, which is in all of the Valentino Uomo fragrances. Noir starts off quite dark and spicy, becomes somewhat sweeter, with a powdered iris.

Later on, is when the incense note comes out as a huge part of this fragrance. It is paired with sandalwood and Uomo Noir takes on more of an oriental blend of aromas.

The performance here is really good, I got 8-10 hours, during testing. An excellent choice for cold weather. Uomo Noir Full Review