10 Long Lasting Colognes for Men 2019

by

There are plenty of great smelling colognes for men out there on the market. However, some of those fantastic perfumes don’t seem to last very long at all and evaporate from one’s skin within a few hours.

I mean, it’s great to have a really sexy or fresh fragrance, but what’s ultimately the point if it’s completely gone or simply a skin scent by the time you’re out of the house?

So, with that in mind I have put together an updated list for 2019 of colognes that last all day and can also have great sillage. These colognes are longevity champs and will include a those also with versatile uses; from the office to a night out at the bars.

 

Best Smelling Men’s Perfumes that are Long Lasting

 

1 Million FOR MEN by Paco Rabanne – 3.4 oz EDT Spray– The original 1 Million is now utterly legendary and a constant best seller, after what, 20+ years? One of the main reasons, this sweet club beast has garnered so much attention, is how long it lasts. When you talk about all day wears, 1 Million is one that immediately comes to mind in the world of men’s perfumes.

It’s loud, it’s in your face with a sweet, smooth, and often imitated profile with notes ranging from cinnamon to rose to leather to citrus. It’s layered and has a great vibe about it. One of its flankers, 1 Million Prive, smells better in my opinion but doesn’t have the same extreme longevity…it does have great performance also, just not to the same level. So, if you want something a bit more refined check out Prive. My 1 Million Review

 

Sauvage by Dior Eau de Parfum Spray 60ml– The EDP version of Sauvage, is much better than the original EDT release, in my opinion. Not only does it smell better, it’s sexier, and lasts longer than its predecessor. This one starts out with a strong ambroxan note which tones down the bergamot and pepper, which were so harsh in the EDT.

Sauvage EDP is super smooth thereafter, with lavender and vanilla, notes giving it a calm and sweeter demeanor. Then, there is the layer of spice which adds nutmeg and star anise to the Sichuan pepper. It’s got that juicy bergamot lurking in there, with some sharp moments, but ultimately very clean. The sillage in this fragrance is huge on my skin and the wear lasts for over 10 hours. This version really made me appreciate the Sauvage name, a lot more. Sauvage EDP Review

 

212 Vip by Carolina Herrera Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– A boozy club scent, that lasts all night? Yep, that’s 212 VIP from Carolina Herrera. Vodka is a main ingredient, especially towards the top of the wear, with tonka bean, vanilla, and pepper kicking in. It also has frozen mint and lime, bringing spice and citrus juiciness. It’s smooth and very boozy at first, but dries down with an alluring spice and sexiness. This stuff is an absolute beast with the sillage and longevity. I have a full bottle and I only break it out on certain occasions and keep the sprays limited. Is 212 VIP for everyone? No way, but for certain guys, this stuff is just plain awesome. 212 VIP Review

Prada L’homme Intense Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– This flanker to the original Prada L’Homme opens up with that powdery iris note, amber, and rich leather. Intense is a mature and clean fragrance with a smooth warmth provided from the main players, as well as, notes like the tonka bean. The solid woody outdoorsy base, adds another dimension to this cologne, with the emergence of sandalwood and patchouli. The sillage on this one is moderate to strong, but the longevity is great, and Intense is a classy fragrance for work or the night life. Prada L’Homme Intense Review

 

Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male Eau de Toilette Intense 40ml Spray– The original Le Male had really good performance and is still very popular. However, with the release of its flanker fragrance Ultra Male, Jean Paul Gaultier kicked up the intensity even further. Ultra Male is sexy and has a spicy and candy-like sweet aroma, that not only projects well, but also goes far into those cold weather evenings of wintertime. It opens up with pear, vanilla, cinnamon, and mint notes, which of course add to the spicy sweetness of this cologne. It has a bold start with the projection, but becomes more moderate. Ultra Male performs best in cooler weather and really isn’t suitable for warmer days. Ultra Male Review

 

Versace Eros Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce– Versace Eros is one of the most popular scents on the market and has been so since its introduction in 2012. Sure, it a monster in terms of its sillage, but that’s just a part of the experience that is this cologne. It’s sweet, crisp, masculine, and bold. With notes like mint, apple, vanilla, and tonka bean…it’s no wonder why this stuff lures so many folks in. It can keep going and going, throughout an entire evening, or daytime depending on one’s application.

Eros opens with the apple note and some citrus assistance provided by Italian lemon. The driving force in the composition is the mint note, which gives it that familiar cooled spice edge, to help offset some of the overwhelming sweetness. This is a autumn/wintertime fragrance with insanely good projection and longevity in the double digit hours sphere. Look, simply put, Eros is popular for a reason. Yes, it’s sexy. Yes, it gets complements. Versace Eros Review

Christian Dior Dior Homme Intense Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 1.7 Ounce– The opening minutes of Dior Homme Intense, are probably my favorite ever from any cologne. While I do, very slightly prefer wearing the original Dior Homme, I think this one has a bit more sex appeal. Note: Dior Homme and Intense are pretty much a 1A and 1B ranking, that depends on my mood. Plus, I’ll often wear both at the same time.

Cedar and vetiver notes lead the way to be paired with a powdery iris floral. Then, a cacao note comes along to give Dior Intense, a gourmand sensibility. It’s almost like powdered chocolate, in my mind, at one point during the wear. The name suggests it will be loud but it’s not overly so and the longevity of this fragrance is absolutely great.

With this Dior cologne, I can pretty easily hit double digit hours in wear and still maintain solid sillage throughout. Dior Intense is classy, refined, while still maintaining its attractiveness. Versatile enough for office or date night wear.  Dior Intense Full Review

 

 

 

PARFUMS de MARLY Herod, 4.2 fl. oz.– A great luxury fragrance from the French brand, Parfums de Marly. Herod is a sweet and spicy blend of tobacco, cinnamon, black pepper, and vanilla among other notes. This is a super rich and attract men’s cologne with a captivating resinous aroma with a somewhat smoky air. Herod is a gentlemen’s fragrance that can be worn in the office, at a formal event, or out on the town for the evening. The sillage isn’t super loud, like 1 Million, but you’ll know that it’s there and still chugging along without fail.

Prada Luna Rossa CARBON for Men Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 ounce– Luna Rossa Carbon starts off with a pretty strong opening but then becomes much more of a moderate fragrance. However, while it’s sillage isn’t extreme, Carbon’s longevity is. This Prada flanker scent will hit 10+ hours of wear without much trouble. It is good as an everyday scent, with a very similar profile to Sauvage, and features lavender as its main note. Also, here are: ambroxan, pepper, bergamot, and patchouli. Luna Rossa Carbon Full Review

 

 

 

 

 

Giorgio Armani Code Absolu for Men Eau De Parfum Spray, 2 Oz– Finally, rounding out the list is a newer release. Not only is this a follow up flanker to the classic best-seller Armani Code, it is also one of the best colognes on the market currently. Code Absolu is a beautiful blend, which opens up with notes of: rum, nutmeg, suede, and tonka bean. Also, very light fruit notes in the background.

As it moves along, the composition becomes smoother and sweeter, after its freshly spiced opening act. Add to the fact, that Code Absolu is by no means weak, and lasts for well over 10 hours on my skin…and you’ve got a winner. Best in the cooler months of the year, but it’s a stud, during this time. Code Absolu Review

 

6 Best Smelling Honey Scented Colognes

by

Honey is a scent that doesn’t get used too much in men’s fragrances, but it is an ingredient, most of us are familiar with from childhood. That being the case, many of us sometimes want that sort of familiarity, and seek out a honeyed cologne. But where to start?

Not to worry, in this post, I want to give you six options for men’s perfumes that smell like honey. Honey will be prominent, if not the main draw, in each. Though, of course, there will be other notes mixed in.

What are the Top Honey Scented Fragrances for Men?

Thierry Mugler Eau de Toilette Spray, Angel Men Pure Havane, 3.4 Ounce– Pure Havane is an amazing mixture of masculine sweetness featuring notes of tobacco leaf, honey, amber, and bitter cocoa.

Havane is like a fine cigar dipped in honey and sugar with a helping of chocolate. Completely warm and gourmand and awesome. One of the top choices for winter and of the Mugler line.

The sweetness in Pure Havane is something that I’m not always in the mood for, but it is undeniably great, when the mood strikes me. The honey and tobacco notes really are outstanding.

It’s just one of those colognes that can hit the senses just right and have you wanting to smell your skin throughout the day.

The longevity of Pure Havane is decent but not insane, by any measure. However, when it’s cold and there’s low humidity, this one does tend to stay on the skin and perform quite well. This is a pretty unique and somewhat niche scent, that still enjoys a more universal appeal. Pure Havane by Thierry Mugler Review

Parfums de Marly Oajan Edp Spray, 4.2 Ounce– Oajan is a very rich and dark kind of scent. Immediately, one’s nose is hit by a combination of tonka bean, cinnamon, and benzoin. It’s smooth and sweet with a bit of spice and a profile that reminds me a bit of 1 Million Prive. It starts off heavy, but calms down, and lasts all day. Oajan is a great cold weather fragrance. Read my Full Review

Kilian Back To Black Travel Set– This is probably the most popular of the Kilian fragrances, it also happens to be, one of the best. Honey and tobacco, are major players here, with a cherry note that is quite present at the top. It’s unique, with a dark sweetness, about it. Back to Black is mostly a sweet fruity tobacco fragrance, with notes like saffron and almond, peaking through at times during the wear. Really great performance, not too loud, but an all day wear. The honey and tobacco combo is of course, similar to Pure Havane, but this has a completely different smell with its other notes.

Animale By Animale Parfums For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces– Animale is warm and has some spice, but the top is populated by a delicious pineapple, paired with our honey note. Pineapple and honey? Yes, it works.

As it dries down, you get tobacco and sandalwood, with less of the pineapple and spice. It ends up as warm and sweet, thanks to vanilla, honey, and amber.

Not as tobacco heavy, as Back to Black or Pure Havane. It’s been around for over 25 years, at this point. Very affordable.

Lapidus pour Homme – Eau de Toilette 3.4 fl oz by Ted Lapidus– Lapidus is another affordable fragrance, dating back to the 1980s. The honey in this is prominent, but is more a part of the larger whole, than a dominant standout.

You get floral notes such as rose and lavender, pineapple, and dry woods/patchouli. At times it is fresh, then honey/fruity, and dark with a slight spice.

Finally, the wood notes like rosewood and pine. This isn’t a fragrance for everyone, it is bold, and a completely masculine vintage.

I guess I could throw Kouros by YSL, on this list, as these are fairly similar. But, I get more honey from the Lapidus.

Man by Bvlgari for Men, Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Blvgari Man has a smokiness up top, fresh vetiver, and woods joining the honey. This is a clean masculine scent, that I really enjoyed when I tried it out.

I do have to mention, that the performance on my skin, wasn’t good. Blvgari didn’t last very long, but when it did, this was great juice. Maybe you’ll have better luck. Bvlgari Man Review

Valentino Uomo vs. Versace Eros

by

In this comparison post, I wanted to do one between two fragrances, that I really enjoy personally: Versace Eros vs. Valentino Uomo EDT. Which one of these men’s colognes smells better? Which has the better performance? Ultimately, which is the best buy? I have worn and reviewed each and will break down the competitors by category, before declaring a winner.

Tale of the Tape

Versace Eros

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

Shop Amazon for: Versace Eros Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

My review: Versace Eros

Valentino Uomo

Notes include: myrtle, bergamot, leather, coffee, cedar, gianduja cream

Click here to try: Valentino Uomo FOR MEN by Valentino – 3.4 oz EDT Spray

My review: Uomo EDT

Opening

Eros opens up with mint, apple, and lemon. The lemon is bright and has that great citrus aroma which plays off of the crisp apple and cool spiciness of mint. It has a sweetness to it and a deep, wonderful scent.

Valentino Uomo opens up with a slightly sour bergamot note, myrtle, and gianduja cream. The latter smells like hazelnut.

Which is better? I really love Eros and how it begins, but, Uomo is one of the best smelling opening acts that I’ve ever come across. The trio work so perfectly together. It is sweet, creamy, sour, and just plain captivating.

Edge: Uomo

Projection

Uomo EDT starts off with some definite power, but within an hour, it turns into a much more moderate fragrance. Eros on the other hand, is loud and bold. The sillage can be noticed from across a room, with only  a few sprays, and clearly wins this category.

Edge: Eros

Longevity

Uomo seems to get me about 7 hours, each time, on my skin. Eros, is again better. When I wear it, it will go on for over 10 hours, without issue.

Edge: Eros

Versatility

Both are best served to be worn in the colder months of the year, but can venture into the springtime. I’d avoid the heat, with either fragrance. Eros is a more youthful scent and one better suited to being worn out at night or casually. Uomo can go casual and I’d wear it at night (even if it’s not a club beast). However, I think that it has more versatility in its ability to be worn, formally or at the office. It is a more mature fragrance, but younger guys can still enjoy it.

Edge: Uomo

Overall Scent

Eros is a very popular fragrance and one that I have enjoyed since its release back in 2012. Yes, it is sort of brash at times, but it smells great and has excellent performance.

The mint and lemon are wonderful and that’s before you really get into the vanilla and vetiver, later on. It is a great choice for many guys and probably what many folks might prefer wearing.

However, is it better than Valentino Uomo? I don’t think that I can say that it is. The opening of Uomo is utterly amazing and captured my attention right away.

Then, during the dry down it starts to resemble Dior Homme, which has been one of my regular wears for a long while.

However, they aren’t exactly the same, either. Uomo has a rich leather note, sour bergamot, hazelnut aroma, and a great coffee ingredient. When brought together, it is really awesome.

The start is my favorite aspect, but it is still great later on, as well. It doesn’t have the same performance as Eros, but I do think that it has a slightly better smell and more style.

Winner: Uomo

Ultra Male vs Layton Cologne Comparison

by

For this entry in the men’s fragrance competitions, we are going to be taking a closer look at two absolute powerhouse colognes from France: Ultra Male vs. Layton. Which smells better? The Jean Paul Gaultier or the Parfums de Marly? I have already reviewed each (linked below) and will break down each by different categories, before ultimately declaring a winner.

Tale of the Tape

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

Read my original Review: Ultra Male

Layton

Notes include: green apple, vanilla, sandalwood, cardamom, lavender, pepper, orange, patchouli, and more

Click here to try: Parfums de Marly Parfums de Marly Layton – 4.2 Ounce edp spray

My Review: Layton

Opening

Layton opens with a crisp fruit blend of bergamot citrus and green apple. Underneath of this is sandalwood and vanilla, which adds a creamy sweet layer, which offsets some of that tart fruitiness.

Ultra Male starts off with opens up with a candy-like sweetness with a warm spice. It is lead by notes of pear, mint, vanilla, and cinnamon. It doesn’t have the same powdery aroma of the original Le Male.

Which smells better? I really do like Ultra Male a lot, in fact, I have a giant bottle of it. However, I like the opening of Layton a bit more. The green apple note is pretty realistic and the way that it pairs with the vanilla is great.

Edge: Layton

Projection

For many colognes that go up against it, they cannot compete with the strong sillage of Ultra Male. However, Layton is one of the fragrances, which absolutely can.

Now, does either outdo, the other? Not really, at least to my nose. I can spray both on a shirt, across the room, and pick up each clearly. No real edge.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Ultra Male has always gotten me a consistent 8-9 hours of wear. Layton outdoes it and can go 10+ hours. I’m not sure how much over, as I never kept track, but this is an all day wear.

Edge: Layton

Versatility

Layton is the type of scent that can pretty much be worn year round without problem. It can go casual, more dressed up, or be used for romantic evenings. It’s a very versatile cologne. The Jean Paul Gaultier fragrance, is a cold weather wear.

It can venture into a moderate climate, but avoid the warmer days. If you go light with it, it can be worn around just fine, but it is more of a nightlife scent.

Edge: Layton

Overall Scent

I’m a pretty big fan of Ultra Male, it was what I wore during the winter a lot, back in 2018. It’s warm with a spicy freshness, and a big, bold attitude. It’s got a certain sexiness to it and is honestly a great wear for younger guys in the nightlife.

Layton, is just a bit better. I like the smell more and its performance is a cut above Ultra Male. It’s blend of sweet fruit notes is great, then, the light spicy of cardamom and pepper kicks in to give the fragrance more depth. It’s a scent that leans masculine, but it honestly fairly unisex. Also, the versatility is a selling point.

The only other consideration, would be the price. Layton is much more expensive than a bottle of Ultra Male, so consider that, when deciding between the two. All else being equal, Layton takes this competition for Parfums de Marly.

Winner: Layton

Versace Eros vs Pure XS Cologne Comparison

by

Today, I want to take a closer look at two popular cold weather scents, that have carved out a spot in the nightlife: Versace Eros vs. Pure XS. Which of these men’s colognes smells the best? Versace or Paco Rabanne? Is the best selling Eros a better overall fragrance and buy, than the newer Pure XS? As usual, I will compare and contrast the two in a variety of categories, before declaring an ultimate winner.

Tale of the Tape

Versace Eros

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

Shop Amazon for: Versace Eros Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

My review: Versace Eros

Pure XS

Notes: ginger, vanilla, myrrh, thyme, sugar, leather, musk, liquor, cinnamon, cedar, and grapefruit

Click here to try: PACO RABANNE Pure Xs Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce

My review: Pure XS

Opening

Pure XS opens up with a boozy and sugar-infused ginger note. It is super fresh, with cinnamon and citrus, adding varying depth to this cologne. It is a great blend of booze, spice, warmth, and sweetness.

Eros opens with a bright lemon, crisp green apple, and cool mint note. It is at times sharp, then juicy, and then has a sweetly warm undertone when the other notes kick in.

Which is better? It’s tough, as I really like how both of these fragrances start out. I think I’ll go with Eros, on this one, as it is a smell that I want to revisit often and more so than the Paco Rabanne.

Edge: Eros

Projection

Pure XS has a moderate sillage and it actually gets light through the wear. I was disappointed, when initially trying it.

However, I found it could get a boost by double spraying the same spot, which doesn’t always work with all colognes.

Luckily, it does for Pure XS, and you get to enjoy the benefits. Eros, is simply stronger. It’s always been known for its loud sillage and Pure XS doesn’t match it.

Edge: Eros 

Longevity

With normal sprays of Pure XS, I get 7 hours. Double spraying? Gets me about 9. It still falls short of the double digits of Versace Eros.

Edge: Eros

Versatility

These scents sort of occupy the same category. Both are mainly for cold weather, can venture into spring, but not great in the heat. They work casually and have a sexy vibe that can shine in the nightlife. Also, the both hit that 20-30s demographic of men.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Pure XS has really come on strong for me, since I’ve been over-spraying to get better performance. I really enjoy how this fragrance smells. It’s loaded with ginger, vanilla, and myrrh.

There’s spice and sugary sweetness, to go along with boozy warmth, which fits right in on a cold winter night. If you can get a bottle, at a good price, it is well worth checking out.

However, I don’t like it as much as Eros. The Versace fragrance is a best seller for a reason and it outperforms this challenger, in every respect.

Both smell great, but I have kept coming back to Eros over the years, and probably will do so for a long time. Pure XS is really nice, but it’s not Eros.

Winner: Eros