Le Beau EDT vs. Paradise Garden

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Le Beau is an increasingly popular series, which is continually spawning new flanker colognes to add to the lineup. Le Beau EDT is the original release, which has been somewhat recently overshadowed by scents like, Le Beau Paradise Garden.

But, which of these fragrances is actually better?

In this post, I want to do a comparison between each of these JPG perfumes, after I’ve worn and tested each out many times. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better Gaultier fragrance to buy?

Tale of the Tape: Le Beau vs Paradise Garden by JPG

Le Beau EDT

Notes include: bergamot, coconut wood, tonka bean

Click here to try: Le Beau by JPG

Le Beau Paradise Garden

Notes include: mint, ginger, fig, coconut water, salt, tonka bean, sandalwood

Click here to try: Paradise Garden

Read my full review: Le Beau Paradise Garden

Opening

Le Beau EDT starts off with its citrus and coconut wood blended together. It’s got a fresh and blue sort of tone to it, in the opening. Pretty simple up top.

To me, this one really gets going once the tonka bean note has ramped up and the bergamot has settled. That’s when the creaminess of the fragrance unfolds.

Paradise Garden opens with a mix sweetness, freshness, minty spice, and an aquatic undertone to it all.

It’s a greener aroma from the fig note asserting itself, that pairs well with that coconut, and I get a good deal of the ginger note coming through early on. The fig is sweet and green

Paradise has a coconut water note. Though, there is still some creaminess in the blend. All supported by sandalwood, fig, and tonka bean, which adds that creamy touch further. I get more of the sandalwood in the dry down.

The start of Le Beau EDT is my least favorite part of that cologne. It gets better, but I’m not too sold on the blue citrus aroma that I get with it. Paradise Garden has more depth and smells better.

Edge: Paradise 

Projection

Paradise isn’t a super heavy fragrance, it’s not a completely light scent, and has some body to it.

Though, it does have really good projection for what kind of cologne this is. It’s a lighter moderate sillage for spring and summertime. 

It hangs around in that lightness quite well. I never don’t notice this one, when I have it on, at least until it finally fades.

Edge: Paradise

Longevity

Paradise Garden will go for 8 or so hours. For me, while I’ve worn this Gaultier cologne, I haven’t yet had it reach the 9 hour mark. It’s quite good, but not a spectacular performer.

Le Beau EDT is more middle of the road with its performance, at least for me. I can get up to 6.5 hours of wear from this Gaultier cologne. Doesn’t seem to go beyond that.

It’s a pretty distinct advantage for Garden, here.

Edge: Paradise

Versatility

Each of these works best in the spring and summertime. I wouldn’t be wearing them in the winter. But, if the temperatures are moderate to hot, they can be used without issue.

Both of these are more casual daytime wears. Not formal or something that you’d wear to the office. They do tend to skew younger, as well. Though, for when you’d wear each of these, they fit fine for all ages.

I do think the smoother dry down of Le Beau fits in better as a daily wear. The coconut and minty tropical intensity that Paradise Garden gives off, might not be the best in every situation. 

As such, I’ll give the slight edge to Le Beau EDT.

Edge: Le Beau

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these fragrances do I enjoy more?

With, Le Beau EDT, I find it to be a likeable cologne. As a daily wear for younger guys, it works well. The opening act isn’t great, but that dry down is pretty nice with the tonka bean and wood coming through more.

As a daily wear option, it might be a better bet for some guys.

However, if I have to answer which one smells better overall? It’s Le Beau Paradise Garden, for me. Sure, it’s tropical vibe might make it somewhat more limited or not something some percentage of guys will want to wear, but it is a unique and attractive cologne.

Note: You might also consider picking up the Dua Brand’s cheaper ‘inspired by’ take on Paradise called: Garden Tales. Just grab a bottle of Le Beau to go with it too.

The performance is without a doubt better and almost everything about the blend is preferable when compared to Le Beau EDT.

A pretty easy win for the green juice.

Winner: Paradise Garden

4 Perfumes Similar to Vanilla Sex

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Vanilla Sex is a release which has really caught on for the brand since its release. Not too complicated of a perfume, but one that has a rather unique feel within a space of vanilla scents, that is extremely well covered.

On this page, I want to keep track of other fragrances that I find which either smell similar to or have a close style to or are cheaper alternatives to this popular Tom Ford fragrance.

Fragrances that Smell Like Vanilla Sex by Tom Ford

Vanilla Closeness

Intimate with Vanilla by Dua Brand– Very clever with the wordplay on the Vanilla Sex moniker, but Intimate is the ‘inspired by’ take on this Tom Ford perfume from The Dua Brand.

If you want an option that tries to match what you get with our target fragrance, this release from Dua should be as good as any. I’ve bought over a dozen scents from them and they really do come close to the mark each time.

Vanilla, tonka bean, bitter almond, sandalwood, and the rest are here. I haven’t tried this one out personally, as of now, but the reviews are overwhelmingly positive.  So, it makes the cut.

Another Inspirational Vanilla

Gourmand Vanilla by Dossier– For those who want something that is trying to be as close to smelling like the Tom Ford as it can, Gourmand Vanilla is another option.

I’ve also had good experience with Dossier’s perfumes, the pricing is good and they seem to come close to the designer fragrances, most of the time.

You might want to just see which one is cheaper on any given day. But, here’s a backup choice instead of the Dua.

Tahitian Vanilla

Vanille de Tahiti- This one from Perris isn’t the same as Vanilla Sex, but it is another vanilla perfume with a somewhat similar style and some overlaps.

Vanille de Tahiti has a fairly short-lived stage, in which it has a dirtier and earthy kind of aroma on top of the main vanilla note. Champaca and ylang-ylang. That will clear out and the champaca smells a lot like orange flower.

A floral and tropical kind of fragrance, that becomes dry and more powdery instead of creamy with its vanilla finish. Sandalwood and amber round things out.

I quite enjoyed wearing my sample vial of Vanille de Tahiti. The opening few minutes almost put me off of it, but it gets way better thereafter. This is one that if you like the Tom Ford perfume, you’ll probably like this one too, even if it’s not an exact match.

Deeper Hypnosis

Hypnotic Poison– Another one that’s not the same and probably the most distinct from Vanilla Sex on the list, but has plenty of overlap. Mainly, the vanilla and almond notes being prominent in the mix.

This is also a more complex scent, so, there are more facets to it than in Vanilla.

I get a more noticeable almond here with the Dior than in the Tom Ford, which is much more vanilla centered. The fruity notes also separate it with both apricot and plum making an appearance. The floral heart is also more of a factor, thanks to jasmine, and a sweetish tuberose.

Again, not going to be a near duplicate of the same aroma, but one that should have plenty of fans that are into wearing the Tom Ford scent too. Nice performance and one that’s been popular for a long time.

Uomo Born in Roma vs Coral Fantasy

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Born in Roma is a series from Valentino which has enjoy pretty massive success for the brand, in both the men’s and women’s side of things.

Uomo Born in Roma has now spawned a bunch of flanker colognes and the number seems to be growing each year. One of the more popular options, is Coral Fantasy.

In this post, I want to compare these two scents. Which one smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better fragrance to buy?

Tale of the Tape: Uomo Born in Roma vs Coral Fantasy

Born in Roma

Notes include: ginger, salt, mineral notes, sage, vetiver, violet leaf 

Click here to try: Valentino Uomo Born In Roma EDT 3.4 oz / 100 ml Men’s Spray 

My review: Born in Roma

Born in Roma Coral Fantasy

Notes include: red apple, tobacco, patchouli, sage, geranium

Click here to try: Uomo Coral Fantasy

Read my review: Coral

roma coral fantasy review

Opening

The opening of Born in Roma is sweet with a strong mineral note, and an aquatic sort of feel thanks to a salt and violet leaf combination. It really does remind me of a blend of Invictus and Invictus Aqua, at this point.

The ginger is light, but it adds a nice freshness to the mix and as this one dry down it will become cleaner and soapier, with less resemblance to those Paco Rabanne fragrances.

Coral Fantasy opens up with a crisp and juicy red apple note, which is mainly paired with cardamom and some other spices playing a lesser supporting role.

Sage and some citrus bergamot round things out at the top. Later, we get a freshness with geranium, lavender clean, and tobacco.

Which is better?

I like Coral Fantasy more at the opening. The apple is nice and it has a more unique aroma than what I get from the original which apes the Invictus line a bit too much.

Edge: Coral Fantasy

Projection

Born in Roma EDT actually starts things off pretty strong. I can detect it from up to 8 feet away, when I spray it on a t-shirt and walk away. That’s with a few sprays.

After that, it settles into something that is more moderate, but it’s not a weak scent at all.

Coral Fantasy is a much more moderate scent, on the whole. It doesn’t reach the same heights as EDT, but has a solid enough start.

Much of the wear for me, was as a skin scent.

Edge: Born in Roma 

Longevity

With Born in Roma, I’ve gotten between 7-8.5 hours on skin, during my testing of this colognes. It’s pretty solid with what it delivers, but nothing that elite and it never came close to double digit hours in my experience.

Coral Fantasy seems to fall in that 6-7 hour range. Maybe a little longer, but I still think it’s a step down from Roma EDT.

They’re not too far off from one another, but EDT takes this category.

Edge: Born in Roma

Versatility

Roma EDT feels more like a spring and summertime fragrance to me. But, really anytime it’s moderate to warmer outside, it should be good.

Coral Fantasy is better in autumn and winter, but still quite nice in the more temperate days. I wouldn’t venture into the summer with this one.

Each of these skews younger with it’s target demographic. Especially the early stages, I do think that Coral Fantasy is the more versatile scent with its age range in the back half of the wear. Feels well put together.

Also, I think it fits in slightly better in a wider range of scenarios.

Edge: Coral Fantasy

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two Born in Roma colognes do I actually enjoy more?

With Born in Roma EDT, I think that the dry down is better than how it opens, but I still not completely sold on what I get with this fragrance. It’s fine.

Though, I have to say that violet leaf and mineral notes are not my personal favorite ingredients to smell. So, others may enjoy this one a lot more than me. The performance is better and this a pretty good cologne all around.

With Born in Roma Coral Fantasy, I was excited to try it, back when it came out. The apple opening is good and I thought that the overall experience would be great.

Turned out to be pretty good with good enough performance. I do slightly prefer how it smells versus the original Born in Roma EDT, but it’s not by much.

I’d personally go with Coral Fantasy because I actually get something at least somewhat different with its entire presentation, even if I don’t think that this Valentino is ultimately an amazing fragrance.

Winner: Coral Fantasy

5 Colognes Similar to Le Male Le Parfum

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Le Male Le Parfum has quickly become the most popular or at least seemingly most talked about flanker from the long-running Le Male by JPG lineup.

I’ve actually warmed up to this fragrance, after not particularly enjoying the first bottle that I bought. Turned out to be a bad batch, that lacked a lot of the cardamom spice. Which, is a large part of this cologne’s appeal.

But, what fragrances are similar to Le Parfum in smell? What are some cheaper alternatives. On this page, I will keep a running account of the options.

Fragrances that Smell Like Le Male Le Parfum

Inspiring Parfum

Error 404 Attar by the Dua Brand– For those who are looking for a cheaper alternative that is ‘inspired by’ the JPG fragrance, Dua has that covered with Error 404 Attar.

I’m going to start out the list with a few options that are directly attempting to smell like our target fragrance. I haven’t tried either of them out, but I’ve owned over a dozen fragrances from Dua, and they do a great job at recreating a very similar scent.

The Imagine fragrance that I bought from them, which was inspired by the popular LV fragrance, was really good.

The Error 404 series is all based on the JPG Le Male line.

The Cheapie

Glacier Le Noir Alhambra– I’ll add it to the list, since it’s like $20 per bottle. Alhambra has their versions of most popular fragrance formulas, some are better than others.

I haven’t tried this one out, the reviews are mostly positive, but there are also a contingent of people who weren’t too happy with this.

But, if you’re solely fixated on the price alone, you might be willing to go for something that is somewhat similar. Personally, I’ve had better experiences with Dua’s releases, so I’d go that way first.

Breaking the Code

Code EDP by Armani– The vanilla in Code eau de parfum makes it smell the most like our target out of the Amani Code lineup. But, I think Code Parfum is the better fragrance.

Still neither of them are exactly like Le Parfum with how they smell, but are similar enough that people should like these a lot, if they’re into the Gaultier cologne.

This is close in the opening to Luna Rossa Sport, with its use of lavender and tonka bean. So, you’re swapping out the iris in Le Parfum, but you’re getting a creamy/powdery infusion from that tonka bean note.

Sweeter and smoother versus the spicier Le Male Le Parfum.

Suede and wood will also be there, but the vanilla is going to be the main focus and everything else is in support. Just one that can give you a different aroma with a close enough style.

A Possible Alternative

Guilty Elixir by Gucci- Another option that doesn’t smell the same, but has similarities. Now, I do have to say, I didn’t think this one was all that great and prefer Le Male Le Parfum to it.

However, there seems to be a large contingent of people online who really love this.

It too starts off as a spicy fragrance with a blend of vanilla and iris. Here, it is more of an orris butter, a richer take on the more powdery iris in the JPG.

It does get powdery, has a fuzziness from benzoin, and an amber base. Mostly, the dry down is that vanilla and iris with those notes sitting underneath.

Plenty of overlap, even if, ultimately these two are distinct fragrances. Elixir review

More Extreme

Gentleman Society Extreme by Givenchy– If you want a more complex (and to me better) use of iris and vanilla Society Extreme is a great release from Givenchy, that I’ve been wearing for months now.

You get a spicy top, this time it’s: peppermint, sage, and nutmeg. Plus, a coffee note which really sets this one apart to me and the whole presentation much better than the original Gentleman Society.

Again, this isn’t one to go with if you want an exact copy of the JPG cologne, but it’s got a similar style and structure as to what we’re looking for. Nice performance and around the same price as the Gaultier (might even be cheaper at times). Society Extreme Review

9 Best Leather Scented Colognes for Men

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Leather is a common note in men’s fragrances which helps to give it a masculine air that is both smooth and crisp. Not everyone is a fan of this kind of scent but when it is done well, the result can be incredibly amazing.

In this post, I want to explore some options for guys who enjoy a good leather note being featured prominently in their colognes. This is by no means an exhaustive list but one which can definitely help point one in the right direction searching for the best leather fragrance.

Favorite Smelling Leather Colognes for Men

The Classic Tom Ford

Tom Ford Tuscan Leather Eau De Parfume Spray for Men, 1.7 Ounce
I’ll start things off with this higher priced option from Tom Ford. This one is bold, heavy, and quite leathery in its presentation.

This one isn’t for everybody, but for those who enjoy leather notes in their fragrances, Tuscan Leather (review here) shines, with amazing performance and longevity.

Tuscan Leather grows darker, warmer, and deeper with amber and a bit of smokiness. Overall, this is a fabulous fragrance, with a great smell and performance.

Vanilla Infusion

Vanille Leather by BDK– This one has a lot of facets and the leather note shares the space with a rich and creamy vanilla note.

Still, the leather accord playing off of that vanilla and a somewhat buttery yet powdery orris note actually works extremely well.

It’s not too sweet, has a smokiness, and a floral heart with some prominent orange blossom and slight tuberose, at times. This is very much a unisex scent, so, if you want a pure motor cycle jacket leather, this isn’t it.

The performance is also very good, not going to choke out a room, but Vanille Leather will stick around for longer than a typical work day. 

 

 

Absolu Boss

Boss Bottled Absolu by Hugo Boss– Boss Bottled Absolu is one that was released by the brand in 2024 and it’s really established itself as a favorite already, both for the general public and fans of this note.

Here we get leather joined by incense, some early sweetness, and a nice blend of spice and woods. That davana, gives it the sweetness, maybe with some other unlisted note.

But, myrrh and incense together create a warm balsamic, resinous, and smoky accord here in Boss Bottled Absolu. Sort of earthy and blended beyond just being a pure leather cologne, but one well worth checking out.

Great, long-lasting performance, with enough power while not being obnoxious about it. 

 

Smooth, Dry Leather

John Varvatos FOR MEN by John Varvatos – 2.5 oz EDT Spray– Adding this one to the mix, as another affordable cologne option for those who are looking for our target note. 

Fresh leather with a bit of fruit thrown in such as dates and lime, at the beginning . Smooth, fresh, and inviting.

The leather is put together with a warm and enveloping amber note, which sits on top of a woody base.

Very nice development over the life of this cologne. At times, it is sweet, then it becomes dry, and finally a crispy spice. A great go to scent for daily wear.

varvatos

 

The Moon Above

The Moon by Frederic Malle– Just to get it out of the way, this both hyper expensive, and fairly niche as to its target audience. Like $500+ for a small bottle, expensive.

Moving on to the fragrance itself, this is a rose and oud tinged leather perfume. Usually, something that I personally don’t enjoy very much. In this blend? The oud is tame and the rose is more of a hint.

Now, the dry down is wear that beautiful leather note comes out in its full glory. Before you get there, you have a berry based fruity accord, the raspberry note being the most prominent. It’s fruity, it’s floral, woody, and then dries down into that leather centered scent.

For some, this will be their favorite from this entire list, and one that they want to save up for. If you can try it, do so. Though, you also may not vibe with it at all. 

 

 

Red Prive

Habit Rouge Rouge Prive by Guerlain– This Guerlain cologne is tougher to find nowadays, but this edition of Habit Rouge is a really good leather fragrance.

(If you can’t find this one, you can try these Guerlain’s also: Ideal Parfum and Ideal L’Intense)

What sets this one apart is the use of a bergamot citrus note that is the main pairing with our target ingredient.  Very juicy and sour up top.

Ginger and patchouli add to the mix early on, while the middle act has powdery hints from the floral notes.

The back end? Leather, the remaining bergamot, and some vanilla coming through as well. Personally, this one gets somewhat annoying to wear after a number of hours, but that opening act really is great. Rouge Prive review

 

My Favorite Tom Ford Leather Fragrance

Ombré Leather Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.7-oz.–Ombre Leather is unisex scent but leans more masculine, in my mind. This fragrance is very dry and warm, with leather being the main star.

I still prefer this one to the newer editions like Ombre Parfum.

However, it is joined by amber and moss, that play the background. The description by the marketing department at Tom Ford, describe this one, as taking a lot of cues from the arid landscape of the western United States.

Jasmine is another important part of Ombre Leather and it is shockingly good when put together with the leather in this fragrance. The leather is rich and very smooth, it really reminds me of a supple leather jacket.

The dry down period is mostly about the jasmine and leather notes, being at the forefront. Smooth, sweet, lightly floral, and with that subtle amber note hovering in the background. Ombre Leather review

Grassy Floral Leather 

Fahrenheit By Christian Dior For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 6.8 Oz.
A classic from the 1980s that has as many fans as it does people who dislike it, it seems. Leather plays a major role in this manly scent.

Leather is prominent here, along with violet leaf, which brings about the famous ‘gasoline’ smell. Well, with honeysuckle and the violet leaf, being so heavy in the opening that’s what you get with this composition.

Nonetheless, it does settle down thereafter, and you get a floral accord consisting mostly of jasmine. This one still packs a punch, but isn’t the exact same, as it was back 30+ years ago. Another dry, grassy, and interesting use of leather. My Fahrenheit Review

rp_fahrenheit-300x3001-300x300.jpg

Sweet with Saffron

Parfums de Marly Godolphin Men’s Edp Spray, 4.2 Ounce–Godolphin is a very enjoyable fragrance to my nose.  It opens with a blend of herbal notes and a hint of fruit. I mainly get a sense of saffron poking through.

However, the main note that comes into play is a smooth and beautiful leather that mixes with a woody base.

The leather note with the saffron is remarkably great. I was surprised when trying Godolphin out, how much I actually dug the scent. It’s invigorating to smell and has a layer of floral notes which allows the scent to have complexity and balance. Godolpin Review