Sunset Fantasy by Britney Spears

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I’ve gotten a few samples from the Britney Spears line of ladies’ perfumes and so I’ve been trying them out recently. One of these fragrances is a 2017 release from Britney, called, Sunset Fantasy. This is yet another flanker from the Fantasy part of the brand.

So, with that in mind, how does Sunset Fantasy smell? How does it perform? Is it worth a try? Please continue below for my full wear review.

What does Sunset Fantasy Smell Like?

Notes include: ruby grapefruit, Italian mandarin, pink lady apple, peach, orange blossom, raspberry leaves, sandalwood, amber, steamed milk froth accord

Click here to try: Britney Spears Sunset Fantasy EDT Spray, 3.3 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

Sunset Fantasy opens up with some zesty citrus notes as the main fruity attraction while being supported by peach and apple. It’s very bright, clean, and has that fructose sweetness to it. Coming into this review, I was expecting something bright and sweet, and Sunset delivers.

At the top, I mainly detect the mandarin note, more than anything else. I have to say, that it feels way more tropical than I would expect, even though it doesn’t have any pineapple or passion fruit-like ingredients.

The immediate opening, is much more like you would expect from a fruity beach perfume.

15 minutes or so into the wear, the peach note emerges as the leader, and it is joined by the steamed milk froth accord. Just think of this as ‘cream’ because that’s what it smells like.

Creamy peach with citrus, then orange blossom and sandalwood, playing the background and serving as the base. It’s all super juicy and creamy, again, it doesn’t have boozy notes but it has a tropical drink vibe…maybe just a puree?

Sunset Fantasy has a playful aroma, what I guess you could call, flirty. As it dries down it gets smoother, warmer, and creamier. The amber note is light but it does give it a hint of spice.

Ultimately though, it is all about the abundance of fruit notes, put together like a cocktail and the beautiful aroma that they give off. The secondary creaminess, gives Sunset a wonderful aroma, that you’d usually get with a heavier winter scent.

This lighter version is a great gourmand fragrance for when the temperatures rise.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, this Britney fragrance is pretty moderate in its sillage. It’s not weak, but not ever a bomb either. This is one you can wear comfortably and not feel as though you’re choking out a room.

I found the longevity to be decent on my skin, somewhere around 6 hours before becoming a skin scent. Either way, it’s affordable enough to reapply, and not worry about having to drop serious coin to replace a bottle.

Seasonally, summertime. This is summer all the way. There aren’t marine notes, but you get a beachy vibe, or at least it conjures up images of sitting by a hotel pool. Sunset Fantasy has that tropical scent, creaminess like lotion, etc.

It’s a good casual scent for these months of the year and I would actually really like smelling this on a woman, so I’d say it’s date friendly. It also doesn’t feel like a complete teenager perfume, older women could pull this off, but it does have more of a youthful feeling to it.

Some of the other offerings from this line can really skew more towards younger teens, but this definitely doesn’t go that far.

Nonetheless, I would keep the application to casual events, daytime wear outdoors, or late night summer gatherings.

Overall Impression of Britney Spears Sunset Fantasy

Overall, do I like Sunset Fantasy? Yes, I do. Britney Spears actually has a lot of nice perfumes for the price and this is definitely an enjoyable example of that. If you don’t like hyper fruity fragrances, then, this is one to skip.

Update: Sunset Fantasy has been discontinued, since this original posting.

However, if you want a delicious go to scent during the warmer days of the year, this is one to try out. It’s not a pure fruity summertime scent, with aquatic elements, like many others in this category.

Instead, you get a creaminess from the trio of sandalwood/vanilla/cream, which surprisingly doesn’t feel heavy in the humid weather.

I enjoyed having this one on, during my review. Again, the price is low versus what you get in terms of performance and aroma. This can be a great value play, for the right person.

Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger

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Tommy Hilfiger was a major force in 1990s fashion and his line of fragrances for men and women have enjoyed great popularity even since that time. Hilfiger is a lifestyle brand which tries to celebrate the American spirit and caters to the tastes of classic Americana.

Tommy Hilfiger cologne is a perfect example of this brand association with the United States and as we will see in the notes of this fragrance one that brings together familiar elements to produce a nice casual scent.

What does Tommy Cologne Smell Like?

tommy

Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger notes: citrus, cranberry, mint, lavender, cactus, amber and cinnamon apple pie

Click here to try: Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger for Men – 3.4 oz EDC Spray

My Full Wear Review

I first got a bottle of Tommy Hilfiger cologne as a Christmas gift from a relative, many years back. From there it found its way into my rotation as a daytime fragrance for going to school and work.

I think that is probably the best use for this fragrance, not necessarily one designed for the nightlife but is a good choice for days during the spring and summer.

Tommy opens up with an intense blast of the fruit notes: grapefruit, apple, and cranberry with a healthy dose of mint popping through. At first, it is really fresh and crisp, but later it will turn more into an apple pie accord with warm cinnamon and amber.

It is a really interesting blend of tart cranberry, cool mint, and that crisp watery apple note. Tommy is an upbeat and very positive feeling fragrance, everything about it brings back memories of the late 1990s, when this scent was everywhere.

Being that it is comprised of fruity notes, Tommy does have a really sweet smell to it, one that is more citrusy than candy sweet. Before it gets more to the apple pie stage, Tommy is really green and smooth with lavender and what I assume to be the cactus note.

I think that this fragrance has always had balance with the bright citrus to not going too far in the warmth of the pie accord, because it is a completely chilled scent at times, too.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The projection always started out pretty heavy, but it just feels like a solid moderate wear, after an hour or so. People will be able to smell it, but I never choked out a room even with the vintage bottles.

Tommy Hilfiger cologne lasted a full work day in my experience and never overpowers the people around you. It is a rather ambient fragrance that is youthful and warming in its presentation. Hours 6-8 aren’t very strong, but it does stick around.

The price has come down a lot, but at one time this was a sought after designer scent, and it actually does give good performance.

Tommy was always a pretty versatile fragrance. Mostly for guys in their teens or twenties, but could be worn to work or school or casually or even on a date. Not a nightlife scent, but wearable during the daytime, seemingly year round.

Overall Impressions of Tommy

Is Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger worth a buy? I’d say, yes. If you aren’t looking to spend a lot of money on a fragrance and are looking for a casual or everyday wearer than I would recommend giving Tommy Hilfiger a shot.

It’s not much of a mature fragrance, but it isn’t completely childish, by any means. This stuff has been a best seller for over 20 years, at this point, and there is good reason for that.

I don’t know how often I’d wear this nowadays, but I do get that feeling of nostalgia smelling it, and I used to wear this very often in my late teens.

If you’re older or want a more mature cologne, go elsewhere. But, if this sounds like it fits your current age range or style, it is worthwhile. Good smell, nice performance, and well-liked.

Tuscan Leather vs Oud Wood Comparison

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For today’s head to head cologne comparison, we have two Tom Ford fragrances: Tuscan Leather vs. Oud Wood. Which of these popular fragrances from the brand smells the best? Which gives the best performance? Is there a clear winner when deciding between the two?

Tale of the Tape

Tuscan Leather

Notes include: leather, suede, raspberry, jasmine, olibanum, saffron, amber

Click here to try: Tom Ford Tuscan Leather Eau De Parfume Spray for Men, 1.7 Ounce

Read my original Review: Tuscan 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

Tuscan Leather opens up with leather, saffron, and a touch of raspberry. The leather is very rich and smooth, paired to great effect with the saffron. Plus, the raspberry note isn’t to intrusive, but plays the background sweetly.

Meanwhile, Oud Wood, starts off with oud and cardamom. Also, there is a pepper quality at the beginning of the wear. The rosewood, sandalwood, and eventually vetiver come along after a few minutes and really amp up the woodsy quality of this fragrance.

Which do I prefer? Tuscan Leather. Oud Wood is good, but I really love the leather note in Tuscan, and the raspberry is quite well done.

Edge: Tuscan Leather

Projection

Tuscan Leather starts off strong and then becomes moderate for the duration of the wear. Oud Wood starts off moderate and ends with a whimper.

I cannot say that either of these has fantastic sillage, but at least Tuscan Leather gives you something worthwhile.

Edge: Tuscan Leather

Longevity

The new formulations of Tuscan Leather don’t seem as long-lasting as the once were, but it still lasts around 7-8 hours, on my skin. With Oud Wood? I get about 4-5 and that’s it. Meh.

For what Oud Wood costs, that’s pretty terrible. A $15 bottle of Nautica cologne will last longer, in most cases.

Edge: Tuscan Leather

Versatility

Both of these scents are suited for colder weather. Both can be worn formally or during business hours. Both lean more masculine, but Tuscan Leather is the one that can be more aptly described as unisex. Also, it has a sexier vibe, and can be put on to great effect in the nightlife arena. This category is closer than the others.

Edge: Tuscan Leather

Overall Scent

For me, this is a clean sweep. Tuscan Leather just strikes me as the more appealing fragrance. Admittedly, I do enjoy leather scents over oud, but even when you break down the performance of each; a weak Tuscan Leather still outshines Oud Wood.

I don’t hate Oud Wood. I think that it has its moments, but it can also be pretty sour at times. Overall, I think it’s a nice scent, just one that under performs at such a high price.

Tuscan Leather still has solid performance and a very pleasant aroma throughout. It is very well blended, hyper-smooth, and has an intriguing darkness to the composition. I enjoy it’s warm amber and hints of floral notes such as jasmine that come through during the dry down.

I’m reaching for Tuscan Leather before Oud Wood. Not a massive fan of either, but this is an easy call.

Winner: Tuscan Leather

Versace Eau Fraiche vs. Pour Homme

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Versace has a whole host of popular fragrances for men to choose from. They definitely have a distinct and usually quite a bold style. Two of the more popular options for the summer months are Versace Pour Homme and Eau Fraiche. In this post, I am going to give my run down of the differences and how they compare head to head, before declaring a winner. 

Tale of the Tape: Versace Pour Homme vs. Eau Fraiche

Versace Man Eau Fraiche 

Notes include: Lemon, Rosewood, Carambola, Cedar leaves, Tarragon, Sage, Musk, Amber, Sycamore

My original review

Click here to try: Versace Man Eau Fraiche By Gianni Versace For Men Edt Spray 3.4 Oz

Versace Pour Homme

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Notes include: bergamot, bitter orange leaves, geranium, sage, oud wood, mineral amber, tonka bean, musk, neroli

Click here to try: Versace Pour Homme Eau De Toilette Natural Spray 3.4 fl. oz.

Read my Review: Versace Pour Homme

Opening

Eau Fraiche is a total summer fragrance with a cool disposition. It opens up with a frozen citrus accord, led by lemon, and flanked by a wonderful starfruit note. The underlying rosemary gives it some dynamism with its herbal spice and then a super fresh cedar base.

Pour Homme also kicks things off with citrus. Instead of being chilled, it is bright and very clean, with grapefruit, neroli, and bitter orange leaf. I don’t think that this scent really ramps up until its later dry down period.

Between these two, I think that I prefer the opening of Eau Fraiche due to the starfruit note. They are both good and it’s not a clear cut winner, just a preference.

Edge: Eau Fraiche

Sillage

Upon initial spraying, they both have about the same strength and ability to project themselves. They are well above average, but neither is overwhelming. I think that the both ultimately get to the moderate stage, but Eau Fraiche settles quicker on my skin. 

Though, it’s not enough to give Pour Homme the definite win. It’s a tie here.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Neither of these fragrances are great with how long they last. They are both decent. Is there a clear winner? To me, Eau Fraiche can get me an extra hour versus Pour Homme.

Eau Fraiche lasts 6-7 hours and Pour Homme will get 5-6. Not a huge edge, but Eau Fraiche takes it.

 

 

Edge: Eau Fraiche

Versatility

I don’t see much distinction here. Each sort of is a summertime fragrance that can venture into the rest of the year. Though, that’s better served for people who live in a climate that is hotter and more humid year round.

Casual to office to semi-formal for both of these.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

This is a tough one to call. Both are from the same brand, have a similar style, and performance. I like the dry down of Versace Pour Homme, when the tonka bean note comes out. It feels much smoother and less of a sharp citrus aroma. 

The downside? It has a musky/soapy quality. I can get a better smell from Chanel’s Allure Homme Sport. Plus, it doesn’t have great performance.

Really, I find Eau Fraiche to be a better wear all around. I’m never in the mood to wear either all of the time, but having had both, I can definitely say that I’ve reached for Eau Fraiche during the summer more often.

I like both, but Eau Fraiche is my pick.

Winner: Eau Fraiche

Journey Man by Amouage

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I found some more samples that other day, that I had stashed away some time ago. Among these scents, was a few Amouage vials that I purchased around 4 years back. I never got to posting my reviews of these scents, so I figured that I’d get to work on writing. Today’s entry is the 2014 release, Journey Man. How does it smell? Perform? Is it worth a try?

What does Journey Man Smell Like?

Notes include: cardamom, bergamot, Sichuan pepper, tobacco, leather, incense, juniper berries, and more

Click here to try: AMOUAGE Journey Man’s Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Fl Oz

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Journey Man brings my nose a blast of the Sichuan pepper, incense, and bergamot. These are the main notes for the first few minutes. Flanked by dry tobacco, cardamom, and leather.

It’s quite spicy and smoky at first. Though, as it moves further along it will become much smoother and less harsh. The bergamot is bright and adds some initial juiciness, which develops into a very dry scent. 

After that initial couple of minutes, I really get a dry aroma of tobacco, with a cured smokiness. It’s a spiced warmth and freshness provided by cardamom and the emerging juniper berry. Juniper becomes more noticeable to me, as the scent develops on my skin. It is never the main focus, but I can pick up its smell throughout.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, Journey Man is quite powerful, much like the other Amouage fragrances. Though, this isn’t the biggest beast. It’s still in the upper echelons of projection, just not the elite of the elite. Nonetheless, it won’t disappoint with its power.

With the longevity, it hangs around on my skin for over 10 hours. Not sure the exact number, as I’ve always showered before it fades, but it’s a workhorse scent. 

Seasonally, Journey is best for the colder months, but is fine in more moderate temperatures. I wouldn’t wear during the summertime. However, it works autumn through early spring. 

 

This is a very traditionally masculine fragrance. It’ll most skew toward older guys. Not at all the typical teenager fragrance or what is usually on the best sellers list nowadays. It can be very bold and feel quite harsh, at times.

Mostly for semi-formal to formal wear. Go light with it at the office. Can be a nightlife fragrance, but it’s not a ‘club’ cologne. More niche, than popular.

My Overall Impressions of Journey Men

Do I like this fragrance? Somewhat. It really isn’t my style, so I’m not going to give it really high marks, but I also don’t want to disparage it.

The fragrance is okay, but not super attractive. It reminds me of a mix between one of the PdM fragrances (Shagya? Maybe?) and Noir Anthracite by Tom Ford.

It’s more enjoyable than either of those, but doesn’t really do it for me. If this is the type of fragrance that you like, it will at least perform extremely well for you. Whether or not that’s worth the $300 or so for a bottle, that’s your call.

I’d rather pick up multiple bottles of other scent. I’ll pass on Journey, but I don’t hate it.