Ultra Male vs Versace Eros Cologne Comparison

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Versace Eros has been a wildly popular scent over the last 5 or so years. Meanwhile, Ultra Male has proven to be a great flanker to Gaultier’s Le Male. The question still remains, however, is Eros better than Ultra Male? How does each perform? What are the differences? Is one worth a purchase over the other?

Tale of the Tape: Ultra Male vs. Eros

Versace Eros

Notes of Eros: mint, green apple, tonka bean, madagascar vanilla, vetiver, Italian lemon

Click here to try: Versace Eros Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 6.7 Fluid Ounce

My original Versace Eros Review

Ultra Male

Notes include: vanilla, pear, amber, woods, cinnamon, cumin, sage, lavender, mint

Click here to try: Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male for Men Intense Spray, Eau de Toilette, 4.2 Ounce

Opening

In either case, you’re getting a sweet scent. Ultra Male features a sugary vanilla and pear combination, that is reminiscent of the original Le Male, but heightened and more refined. Ultra Male feels lighter than Eros and has a much more spicy kick to it.

Eros is a beast from the start. It’s a thick sort of enveloping gourmand fragrance. Yes, it too is sweet, but has a bold fruit and almost chocolate-like aroma at times.

I honestly can’t say that I consistently enjoy one of these opening sprays over the other. It really depends on what kind of mood I’m in that day. Plus, there is overlap between the ingredients of the two.

Edge: Push

Projection

Eros is a monster. It is a very loud and bold cologne. It can overwhelm at times and probably should be used lightly. When I wore this more often, I would usually only do one spray, maybe two if I was doing the night life thing.

Ultra Male is very good in this regard, better than its original namesake. However, it doesn’t have the same loudness and smell you across the room ability as Eros (which many might prefer).

Edge: Eros

Longevity

Again, a situation where Ultra Male is very good but Eros is better. I get 8 or 9 hours out of Ultra Male, which is no slouch. Eros does give me a few extra hours of wear it seems.

Neither one is going to quit on you, in the middle of the day. So, while Eros has the edge, it’s not too big of a deal.

Update: Newer bottles of Eros, seems to have lost a few hours of wear and power. Now, these two seem to be about equal. Ultra Male doesn’t have newer bottles, since it was discontinued, so it’s the same.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Both of these scents are great in cold weather and in the night life scene. However, I’m going to say that Ultra Male has more versatility for a couple of reasons. First, it is less overwhelming than Eros, which makes it a better choice for casual wear.

Secondly, while neither one shines in warmer weather, Ultra Male holds up better when temperatures rise. Though, it’s still not good in the high heat of summer.

Edge: Ultra Male

Overall Scent

This is a really tough comparison for me to choose a winner, as I enjoy both of these scents. Both utilize vanilla and mint, which gives them a similar profile, but the differences are still many.

The tonka bean note in Eros is really nice in my opinion, especially during the dry down period. Then again, I love the fresh pear/vanilla combo in Ultra Male, and I’m also wearing this fragrance as I’m typing this post.

I haven’t had a bottle of Eros in a couple of years, but would do so again. It does have a fresh ‘green’ vibe, that separates it from Ultra Male, also. Eros has been such a successful scent, that it has spawned imitators, or at least colognes that take elements from it such as: La Nuit de L’Homme Eau Electrique.

It’s kind of a toss up to me, but if you just go by sales, it seems more people preferred Eros. Hell, JPG has discontinued Ultra Male, last I heard. So, I will say that most guys would probably prefer Eros head to head. If you were a big fan of Le Male,  Ultra Male will be right up your alley.

In the end, I’ll give the nod to Eros…slightly.

Winner: Eros

Invictus vs Invictus Intense Cologne Comparison

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Invictus by Paco Rabanne has been a fragrance that has sold very well. Naturally, they have had to release a few flanker fragrances in order to capitalize on that success. One such entry is Invictus Intense. Now, between these two colognes which one smells better? How do they perform head to head? Which one is the better buy? Read below for my full take on these two scents.

Tale of the Tape: Invictus vs. Intense

Invictus

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

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

Read my original review

Invictus Intense

Notes include: orange blossom, black pepper, malt accord, wood, black amber, ambergris

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne Invictus Intense Eau De Toilette Spray 100ml/3.4oz

My Invictus Intense Review

Opening

The main difference between the original and Intense, is that, Intense has much less sweetness; especially at the start. The citrus notes that the original put out in full force has been transmuted into something darker, warmer, and a bit salty.

Don’t get me wrong, the sweet/citrus vibe is still there in Intense but it is far less prevalent. The original Invictus is sweet and fresh at the start with those underlying oceanic notes.

I like the opening of the original much more than I used to. The mandarin orange and grapefruit notes are my favorite aspect of it.

I feel like Invictus Intense has a lot more going on from the start and is just more pleasant to my nose. The amber and the whiskey-like aroma from the malt accord is really great and gives you a much more unique take on the Invictus name.

Edge: Intense

Projection

This should be a clear winning category for Invictus Intense, but despite the name, I’m not sure that it is much better than the original Invictus in this regard.

Neither of these colognes are weak and both lean towards the stronger side of things. Intense might be slightly better.

I think that Intense opens up with a greater sillage than does the original, but ultimately, the end up about the same.

Edge: Push (maybe slight lean Intense)

Longevity

With the original Invictus, I would get 6-7 solid hours of wear. With Intense, it jumps to 7-8 hours, with a few more as a skin scent.

Intense is a good performer, still not absolute beast mode, unless you spray ungodly amounts but very good at what it does. I think that opening act with Intense is a bit deceptive, making it seem like it’s more of a powerhouse than it actually develops to be.

Edge: Intense

Versatility

Invictus and Intense are both best served as nightlife, romantic, or casual scents. So, in that sense it’s equal. However, Intense seems to be able to transition to all of the seasons fairly well, while Invictus always strikes me as a spring/summer scent. Intense wouldn’t feel out of place in the colder months of the year.

Edge: Intense

Overall Scent

At this point, I have to go with Invictus Intense. It’s just better, more refined, and more interesting. I like the original Invictus but I was never in love with it.

The darker amber and toned down sweetness give Intense more balance and the orange blossom adds a floral touch without the heavier citrus of the original.

That being said, the booziness of Intense may be off putting to some folks. If I were a younger guy, I might choose the original or Legend over Intense.

I’ll go with Intense between these two and go with 1 Million Prive from Paco Rabanne over both of them.

Winner: Invictus Intense

James Bond 007 Cologne Review

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This is going to be my third scent review from the James Bond line of fragrances for men. Eon Productions used the famed name of the fictional spy character to create an array of affordable colognes under the James Bond banner. Is 007 a good fragrance? What does it smell like? Is it worth a purchase?

What does 007 Cologne Smells Like?

Notes include: apple. bergamot, rose, sandalwood, lavender, cardamom, coumarin

Click here to try: James Bond 007 Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 1 Fluid Ounce

My Full Wear Review

The opening of 007 features an apple note but it doesn’t strike me as the usual crisp affair. Instead, it is partnered up with a bergamot note, to create a bright citrus-laden mixture.

What I notice beyond that, mostly consists of lavender. 007 has this calming fresh air about it and is joined by a smooth and light dash of sandalwood.

As it moves along, you are mostly going to get an increase in the lavender and sandalwood, at the expense of the fruit notes. It’s a bit woody but still mostly that watery sweetness presented by the apple and bergamot. Overall, it is fresh and pleasant to wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The problem with this James Bond 007 cologne lies in its performance. While the fact that it is a soft projecting scent, isn’t a problem, the longevity was an issue for me. If it was just light and long lasting, this would be a steal.

I got maybe 2 hours of use from it, while applying a good deal of it. There wasn’t seemingly enough time for it to fully develop and present all of the notes within. I mean, I don’t really expect fragrances at this price range to last long, but this is pretty darn poor.

Wear wise, this is a casual everyday type of scent. You know, assuming it lasts on your skin. It doesn’t strike me as specific to any one season or weather condition.

Overall Impressions of Bond 007 Fragrance

Would I recommend James Bond 007 cologne? I really do like the smell. It’s not amazing but for the price it was really nice. Simple and linear but nice. The good news is that it is cheap, so, the performance issues aren’t too much of a burden. For $10 a bottle? Not the worst deal out there.

Add a layer of unscented lotion to your skin and then spraying the cologne on top of that, will probably give it some added life.

I like the initial start and I would like that to last longer, it really could have made the fragrance. Sandalwood and lavender is nice, but I like that apple and bergamot, it had some great energy to it.

Best Incense Scented Perfumes for Women

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Incense is such a familiar part of culture from across the globe, that for many people, it has become synonymous with comfort and spirituality. Beyond all of that good stuff, it can also be infused into fragrance to create that warm smokiness , that adds just a bit of an edge to a perfume. For this post, I have selected seven fragrances that have an incense element to them. Some will be more than others, but I wanted to get many options for differing tastes.

Incense Perfumes: What are the Top Smelling Fragrances?

Woody Resinous Incense

Full Incense by Montale– This one goes exactly as the name describes. It’s pretty much a linear fragrance with not too much depth. However, the resinous quality, woods, and the familiar smell of incense makes this one fantastic.

Full Incense does have a sweeter quality, not as smoky (it still is), as some might like. Fresh cedar with greenish aromas peaking through during the duration of the wear.

Great Guerlain

Guerlain Shalimar Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 3 Ounce– An absolute classic fragrance. Again, this is one that isn’t a ‘pure’ incense perfume, though it is prominently featured. An absolute classic of a scent.

Shalimar is an exotic blend of vanilla, citrus, rose, jasmine, leather, and musk. It’s got a nice bit of citrus, that floats around in the smokiness of incense, and plays well off of the leather note.

The citrus is pretty strong up front, but then the smoky, vanilla, and leather trio will move in and push the fruits aside.

At times, you will get more of a powdery feel from Shalimar, then, the smoky and warmth with sweet vanilla. It’s been around forever, still appreciated, and still a great performer. There have been many flankers of Shalimar, that have been released over the years, but I have to give the original its due.

Citrus, Rose, and Incense

INCENSE ROSE 1.7 OZ. BY ANDY TAUER by Andy Tauer– Quite a dark perfume with the warmth of incense and sweetness of rose. But first there is the mandarin note which brings the citrus front and center. Very unique and performs well.

Incense Rose can be somewhat difficult to find, at least at a good price. Nonetheless, the opening act is less about the incense and more about the citrus and rose. That phase gives this perfume an attractive and bright aroma.

Later, the smokiness and spice will come through much more. Light spices, rose, and the incense note that we’re looking for.

Smoky Sweetness

Tom Ford Black Orchid By Tom Ford For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.4-Ounces– Black Orchid is a complex blend that features a wonderful incense note which only increases the wonderful mysteriousness of this fragrance. Unisex scent that is dark and sweetened by chocolate and vanilla notes.

Dark, rich, and spicy. A loud and sensual gourmand fragrance featuring notes of black truffle, black orchid, plum, and patchouli. Bold and sexy wear that can sometimes be polarizing.

Black Orchid is not only a top level fragrance with its sillage, but it seemingly lasts forever. Yes, Tom Ford fragrances are priced on the higher end, but you get every penny’s worth with this perfume’s performance.

It’s sweet, it’s dark and dry, it’s smoky, and then powdered. Black Orchid is complex and deep, with plenty of personality.

Woody Incense

Giorgio Armani Prive Bois D’Encens Eau De Parfum Spray 100ml/3.4oz– A dry and more earthy take on incense. This Armani formulation is a pretty simple and straightforward one but it is still unique, if familiar at times.  This one is probably one of the most ‘pure’ on this list.

Dark, woody, resinous, with hints of spice and sweetness. All of which is wrapped up in a light incense haze. The pepper can be strong at first, but it will settle to a more gentle form within the composition.

This came out well over a decade ago, so, bottles are tougher to come by. Worth a try, at a decent price.

Cathedral Myrrh

Incense Avignon– This one was a part of Comme des Garcons series of incense inspired scents. Avignon is the classic Catholic church aroma of frankincense and myrrh.

It’s pretty tough to come by a bottle these days, but could be a go to for those looking for that old Cathedral scent. This one is quite a bit like Montale’s Pure Incense, except with the additional myrrh being a bit heavier in this one.

Complex High End Option

AMOUAGE Epic Woman’s Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 fl. oz.– Typical Amouage, a very loud and long lasting scent with the oriental flavor. This one feature caraway and rose, which creates a floral based incense perfume.

The opening act has a huge amount of spice, mainly from that caraway note and cinnamon. There is also a bit of fruity sweetness, floating around, but the incense note in the dry down is great.

It settles down into a smoky, lighter spiced, sweet vanilla and warm amber blend. Oh, and a big dash of oud, to really give it that woody smoke.

6 Colognes that Smell Like Alcohol (Liquor)

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Fragrances that smell like alcoholic beverages aren’t always appropriate to wear, so they can often be overlooked. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t great colognes which use boozy notes, as a part of their overall composition. In this post, I am going to give you my six favorites of this type, using different types of alcohol.

What are the Best Smelling Boozy (Alcohol) Scented Fragrances?

Vodka Mixed Scent

212 Vip by Carolina Herrera Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– This is a bold and intense fragrance full of booziness and has a unique aroma. 212 VIP has notes of vodka, amber, lime caviar, mint, pepper, and ginger among others.

Not a cologne for everyone, it has a limited use case, as it is mostly for going out or very casual situations. It opens with that smooth vodka and tonka bean, paired with the spice of black pepper. Mainly, this one is about vodka, but there’s also gin.

From there, 212 VIP, you get sweet vanilla, amber, the tonka bean, and ginger (which lightens the spice provided by pepper). There is also a dash of lime, apple, and mint which aids the feeling of it being a boozy mixed drink.

This one is quite alcoholic in its presentation, again not everyone will dig it, but is a really great example of that type of scent. I love wearing this, on the right evening. Read my full review.

212 VIP Herrera

Dark Rum and Spice

Bvlgari Man in Black Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– 

This is my favorite fragrance by Bvlgari. This one brings you an amazing spiced rum aroma with a dark and enveloping scent. Has really gotten me complements, when I’ve worn Man in Black in the past.

Another one that is built for the colder months. It’s got leather, cinnamon, tonka bean, and oud. Boozy, spicy, with a slight smoky undertone. Sharp spice at first, then, smooth and warm. Quite masculine, with decent performance. Man in Black Full Review

Whiskey, Fruity, Smoky 

Angel Men Pure Malt by Thierry Mugler Eau De Toilette Spray (Limited Edition) for Men, 3.40 Ounce– Pure Malt is like a fruity cask of whiskey. This is an amazing scent to wear in the wintertime, as the fruit blend and the boozy quality absolutely shines in the chilly air. 

It gets smokier as it moves along, but still plenty of sweetness underneath from vanilla and the opening notes. Later, it will feel a bit creamier and woody. Strong, but not overpowering with nice longevity. One of my favorite colognes from Mugler. Pure Malt Full Review

pure

A Different Take on Boozy

Kilian Apple Brandy 17 ml / 0.57 fl–  Apple Brandy is exactly as boozy as you’d expect it to be. Like a liquor soaked cask, with an apple aroma at the top, and vanilla sweetness in its heart. A sweet, warming cologne, for those colder days and nights of wintertime.

The opening is pretty juicy, then it’s a boozy sweetness, and finally it’s a liquored woody base. Very delicious, probably not one for everybody, but great nonetheless.

 

Gourmand Rum

Kilian Black Phantom- Memento Mori Perfume Refillable Spray 1.7 fl. oz– Another rum based fragrance, more sweet and unisex than Man in Black. The rum here isn’t heavily spiced and it’s paired with smooth coffee, caramel, and chocolate. Comes together as deliciously sweet.

When it dries down it’s more like a coffee aroma, with some rum poured into it. Not super heavy, but you get a long lasting scent that provides enough rum to get that liquor feeling, without it completely taking over the composition.

 

Bold Whiskey

Invictus Intense– Invictus Intense is a flanker to the original Invictus. It’s bold and has a sweet opening, soaked in amber, and a malt accord. Fresh with bay leaf and a sweet orange blossom note.

Dark, amber laden and a nice dose of whiskey to liven things up. It dries down with its woody notes, marine accord, and amber. The malt is strongest in the first half of the wear, but it’s still one of the better options for a good price.