Le Baiser Du Dragon EDP by Cartier

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Part of the recent sample haul that I received, included several women’s perfumes. One of these is Le Baiser Du Dragon by Cartier. Apparently, this translates to the Kiss of the Dragon, which seems like an odd name until you catch a whiff of this scent. So, how does it smell? How does the dragon perform? Is it worth a purchase?

What does Le Baiser du Dragon EDP Smell Like?

Notes include: vetiver, patchouli, iris, musk, almond, benzoin, neroli, orange, and more

Click here to Try: Le Baiser Du Dragon By Cartier For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.3 Ounces

My Full Review

The opening of this stuff…wow…this is unique. What an absolute powerhouse of a perfume, right after the very first spray. A mixture of sweet, smoky, boozy, and patchouli combine to create a fiery and oriental aroma. All of this sits atop of a woody vetiver, which only adds layers to its complexity.

I really like the way that Le Baiser Du Dragon straddles the fence between an overwhelming spicy oriental scent and a sweeter/gourmand floral. I’d say it leans more towards the former at times, but, it never feels like it’s running away and becoming too much.

This one has a retro sort of feel to it. Like a scent from the 1980s or thereabout. It’s powerful and confident upfront and eventually more of the earthy and floral notes emerge. It’s fairly sweet for a while, but it always retains a warmth and a certain thickness to it.

The sweetness fades a lot during the tail end of the wear. I get a lot of iris, benzoin, patchouli, and vetiver in the mix. Before that you will pick up the caramel, chocolate, and remaining almond nuttiness.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s very strong for the first 30 minutes or so. Then, it becomes more of a strong moderate. Dragon is not a complete bomb, but you could over-spray this one, and probably won’t need more than 3.

The longevity is also quite good and with this EDP version, one should expect 7+ hours of wear. In many cases, you’ll be able to get a full workday out of this Cartier. However, I wouldn’t expect it to go for 10 hours or more on the skin without reapplication.

To me, this is a big time fall/winter scent. I cannot imagine it being worn in the summertime, but then, that’s not what it’s built for.

I would say that Le Baiser Du Dragon is more of a casual/office kind of scent. I’m not sure that I find it ‘sexy’ but I do think that it’s quite attractive and intriguing. So, in a sense, it is quite versatile within a certain climate.

Overall Impressions of Le Baiser du Dragon

Overall, do I like this perfume? Yes, quite a bit. I think that it’s a very interesting scent with its own unique aroma, that has some similar fragrance comparisons, but nothing really exactly like it. It’s a very nice blend of sweet gourmand and smoky oriental spices. Then it dries down into a more woodsy and powdery floral.

Part of it reminds me of Opium Pour Homme by YSL, yet it also takes on that syrupy warmth and flavor.

The performance isn’t top notch, but works well for the purposes of most people. I really like the first act of this fragrance. It comes out of the gate bold and at it’s most interesting, living up to the Kiss of the Dragon name.

Eau de Lacoste L.12.12. Rouge vs Blanc Cologne Comparison

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In this cologne comparison, I want to take a closer look at two options from Lacoste’s L.12.12. line of men’s fragrances, Blanc and Rouge.  Which one of these scents, Red or White, is the better buy in terms of overall smell, performance, and function.

I have linked out to each of my original reviews of these colognes below and present my thoughts on each further in detail in those posts. For this, I break it down into different categories and assign whether one has the edge over the other.

Tale of the Tape: Lacoste Blanc vs. Rouge

L.12.12 Blanc

lacoste l.12.12 white

Notes include: cardamom, grapefruit, ylang-ylang, cedar, rosemary, suede, tuberose, leather

Click here to try: Lacoste Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Blanc Eau de Toilette for Men, 3.3 fl. oz.

Read my original review: L.12.12 White

L.12.12 Rouge

FullSizeRender (26)

Notes include: ginger, mango, black pepper, mandarin liqueur, cardamom, red roiboos tea

Click here to try: Lacoste Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Rouge Eau de Toilette for Men, 3.3 fl. oz.

Read my original review: Lacoste Red Review

Opening

The openings of both of these colognes are really good. Lacoste Red has an interesting mango note for that summery vibe, while White starts with an energetic grapefruit/floral/woodsy mix.

Blanc has the grapefruit citrus with a fresh woody cedar note. This is joined by the suede/leather smoothness and some warm cardamom and herbal rosemary. It’s got the floral elements, though, it comes across as earthy.

Rouge starts off with that nice mango, some mandarin liqueur, and a unique tea note. I like the uniqueness of this blend, especially early on in the wear.

I have to say, neither one is head or shoulders above the other during the opening, so I’ll say it’s a push for this category. They both start out quite well.

Edge: Push

Projection

Neither is a beast throughout the entire process but they do both project pretty well at the start. I’d say White is the brighter and more noticeable of the two and it tends to have better longevity in terms of projection, as well.

Edge: White

Longevity

So, neither of these are all that great with longevity. Right around 4-5 hours but Red seems to do less than that sometimes, which sucks. White has the edge while still not being a great performer itself.

Edge: White

Versatility

Both scents are pleasant and casual wears for the warmer months of the year. They don’t have the projection or longevity to be a ‘club/nightlife’ cologne. You could use either one for a date but they aren’t particularly sexy. Just fresh and clean for casual situations.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I think that White smells better and is the better performer. I like Red and wouldn’t mind wearing it, if the longevity were better. L.12.12. White just has more energy and a great smell. It too suffers a bit with longevity but it’s passable.

I think that Blanc is a good cologne for springtime and it definitely has the edge between the two in my book.

Winner: White 

Acqua Di Bergamotto by Zegna

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Marching right through my sample vial cologne reviews, I have one today from Zegna, called Acqua di Bergamotto. It sort of fits right into some of the more recent fragrances I’ve posted about, mainly from Acqua di Parma, as it features the same bergamot and citrus-laden profile that those other Italian scents do. How does Acqua di Bergamotto smell? How does it perform? Is it even worth trying out?

What does Acqua di Bergamotto Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, vetiver, neroli, other citrus notes, aquatic notes

Click here to try: Ermenegildo Zegna Acqua Di Bergamotto Edt Spray 1.7 Oz

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Acqua di Bergamotto is of course highlighted by the titular bergamot note. However, it doesn’t have that same sharp lime-intensity of another bergamot fragrance I’ve recently reviewed here, Bergamotto di Calabria.

This Zegna scent has a more subdued and floral/herbal layer to it. The cologne is clean with an aroma like fine lemon soap.

This cologne is very simple and straightforward in its presentation. It does also have a hint of an aquatic/oceanic note to it, sort of a sea salt, but it’s not all that noticeable.

What you are going to get, is that upbeat and quite pleasant bergamot smell with some floral undertones. The start is fresh with a bit of sweetness, then, it becomes soapy floral with some aquatics aspects. Sort of like the style of Cool Water, not the same smell, but that structure.

Acqua di Bergamotto isn’t all that complex and the development is quite subtle. Sometimes, you might not even notice the changes.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Acqua di Bergamotto is fairly soft. This is one you could basically goes nuts with the sprays on your skin and it wouldn’t make too much of a difference. It’s that soft. It’s kind of a bummer with many of these citrus scents, just how weak they end up being.

Some people have longevity issues with this cologne, but I found that two sprays lasted 5+ hours on my skin. It’s not ever going to be great, but it was passable in my testing of it.

I would call this an office/casual type of scent. It is clean and won’t offend anyone, but it doesn’t completely strike me as something ‘sexy’ or one for the nightlife. I also really like it as a warm weather scent, it fits in nicely with the mood, and the natural surroundings of the spring/summer.

Not bold enough for the club scene. You could wear it to work or something else along those lines, as it’s not going to blow out a room.

Overall Impressions of Acqua di Bergamotto

Overall, would I recommend Acqua di Bergamotto? Yes, if you’re in the market for a clean, everyday wear, citrus fragrance. This is a nice and simple scent that is beautiful and won’t overpower a room.

It has that classic soapy quality to its profile and is refreshing to wear. Now, it doesn’t have the best longevity, but for the right price that shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Which, it usually does sell for pretty cheap.

If you’re looking for something darker or bolder, I would skip over this one because subtlety is its hallmark. Know what to expect, going in, and this can be a good cologne to pick up.

Update: From what I can tell, this one has been discontinued for a long while now. 

Azzaro Chrome vs Azzaro Pour Homme Comparison

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In today’s cologne comparison, we have a head to head match up between two very popular fragrances from Azzaro: Chrome and Azzaro Pour Homme. As usual, I am going to break down each scent and compare them based on different metrics and ultimately pick a winner as to which of these two colognes smells the best and is the better purchase option.

Tale of the Tape: Azzaro Pour Homme vs Chrome

Azzaro Chrome

Men’s Chrome by Azzaro Eau de Toilette Spray – 3.4 oz.

Notes include: ylang ylang, lemon, pineapple, musk, woods, and jasmine

My Full Review: Azzaro Chrome 

Azzaro Pour Homme

Notes include: oakmoss, amber, musk, cedar, juniper berries, lavender, lemon, anise, and more

Click here to try Azzaro Pour Homme: Azzaro By Azzaro For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 6.8 oz

My full Review: Azzaro Pour Homme Review

Opening

Azzaro Pour Homme opens up with an extremely fresh aroma consisting of very dry woodsy notes with an underlying spice. The spice isn’t too intense and the main notes that I gather from the start are oak moss, anise, and cedar. It’s dry and cool with a smoothly calming lavender note.

Chrome has an upbeat and refreshing opening of fruit notes, including pineapple and lemon. Paired with that is a floral combination of ylang ylang and jasmine on top of some earthy woods.

Between the two I like the vibrant citrus feeling that Chrome gives off, Azzaro is more earthy/woodsy, and while well done it doesn’t strike me as all that interesting.

Edge: Chrome

Projection

Neither of these scents really dominates in terms of their sillage. Azzaro Pour Homme is fairly moderate and steady throughout the wear.

Chrome may seem more intense at first, but I chalk that up to the citrus notes being sharp. No real winner here.

Edge: Push

Longevity

I get great longevity from both of these scents. This is another category where there really isn’t much of a difference. However, I think that Azzaro Pour Homme usually gives me an extra hour or more of performance.

Edge: Pour Homme (slightly)

Versatility

Seasonally, Chrome is more for the warmer weather while Pour Homme is better for colder temperatures. However, Chrome can be worn year round (it just has more of a summer vibe), while Azzaro Pour Homme doesn’t hold up as well in hot weather.

I would also say that Azzaro Pour Homme is better at being used for dressed up occasions than is Chrome. It’s more low key, masculine, and doesn’t have that same intense citrus that can be out of place. On the other hand, Chrome is more of a casual cologne.

One could honestly have pretty much all bases covered with just these two scent, assuming he enjoyed how they both smelled.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Between the two, I’d rather wear Chrome. It’s just much more my style than is Pour Homme. I don’t dislike Pour Homme, it has a very masculine, old school, soapy/clean aroma. Also, it is well blended and offers more complexity than the straightforward Chrome.

It really boils down to what kind of fragrance you prefer because these two perform pretty much neck and neck.

Chrome is a hyper-clean fruit laden fragrance with a metallic edge and a drydown with a floral/woods accord.

Azzaro Pour Homme is much more earthy, creamy, and like a classic soap. It is refined but never too proper.

Me? I like the first one better. In it’s simplicity, Chrome really delivers an affordable performer for everyday wear.

Winner: Chrome

Mont Blanc Legend Spirit vs. Invictus

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In this head to head men’s fragrance match up, I am going to be taking a closer look at the ever popular Invictus vs. Legend Spirit, a flanker scent release by Mont Blanc. Which of these men’s colognes, smells the best? Lasts the longest? Is the better buy overall? I have revisited each in the past week, to gather my thoughts and impressions of these colognes, and will break them down by category.

Tale of the Tape: Spirit vs Invictus

Legend Spirit

Notes include: grapefruit, pink pepper, bergamot, musk, aquatic accord, lavender, cardamom, oak moss, wood

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Legend Spirit Eau de Toilette, 3.3 Fl Oz

Read my review: Legend Spirit

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

Opening

Invictus opens up with bay leaf, ambergris, and citrus notes. It is sweet and fruity, with an aquatic aroma, and smells a bit like grape-flavored bubblegum. The dry down becomes more of an aquatic/amber/jasmine laden scent, but I have grown to really appreciate the top notes here. To me, the citrus in the opening, is my favorite part of the scent.

Legend Spirit also opens up with citrus and an aquatic accord, but is joined by the warmth/spice of pink pepper and cardamom. It is really nice and clean, quite pleasant, with a different feel from the original Legend.

Which is better? I think Legend Spirit is an improvement on the original and quite good. However, when wearing both scents around again last week, I found myself much more drawn to the opening of Invictus. I was never that big of a fan, but I’ve come around to like it, and it’s better than the Mont Blanc.

Edge: Invictus

Projection

The sillage of Invictus is pretty strong at first and can absolutely be bold from the jump. Though, it does calm down into more of a moderate on my skin. Meanwhile, Legend Spirit is fairly moderate, and never achieves the same power as the Paco Rabanne.

Edge: Invictus

Longevity

Legend Spirit is good for 5-6 hours, not that great, but not terrible. Invictus gives me 6-7 hours on my skin, but others can get it to go longer. I’d say it has the advantage.

For me, all of the Invictus line lasts longer than the Legend lineup, save Legend Night.

Edge: Invictus

Versatility

Both fragrances are extremely versatile in their uses. They are warmer weather fragrances, but can fit in, year round. Both can go from casual to work or out at night. Invictus is better for night clubs, but Legend Spirit is probably more mature. There isn’t much separation in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

When it comes down to it which scent smells the best? I like Legend Spirit. It is a great mix of aquatic, dry spice, and citrus blended together with some of that Legend DNA. The performance is decent and it is a clean and fresh blend, that is a bit more complex than the original, and does some very nice things.

Invictus is the better to the two, however. I’ve never been a huge fan of this cologne, but I am liking it more than I used to. That opening is sweet and attractive, it’s a great choice for younger guys, and this fragrance seems to get complements.

Plus, the sillage and longevity is better overall. Is it head and shoulders above? No, but I’d reach for Invictus more often than Legend Spirit.

Winner: Invictus