Burberry Hero EDP vs. Parfum

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I wanted to close out my comparisons of the current fragrances offered from Burberry’s Hero line of men’s colognes with the EDP and Parfum versions. I’ve spent some time testing both of these out and now I want to break down what the differences and advantages of each of them are.

How do they smell? Which lasts longer? Which Hero fragrance is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Hero EDP vs. Parfum

Burberry Hero EDP

Notes include: pine needles, cedar, incense, benzoin, amber, olibanum

Click here to try: Burberry Hero EDP from Macy’s

My Full Review: Hero EDP

Hero Parfum

Notes include: cedar, amyris, cypriol oil

Click here to try: Hero Parfum by Burberry

Opening

The opening of Hero EDP is fresh, smokier, and surprisingly still has a sweetness to it. It stems from the olibanum, in this addition, which can give off a level of fruitiness to the aroma. Apparently, the grapefruit, found in the EDT version has been stripped out of it.

EDP has plenty of resinous amber influences here. The early stages are more of a fuzzy impression and resinous, with the olibanum and benzoin notes. Then, it becomes a cleaner, warmer, and more straightforward amber.

With Hero Parfum, there’s going to be a lot of cedar in the mix. This one is earthier, woodsy, with a pine/balsamic aroma from the amyris note up top.

The pine is similar to Hero EDP, but this fragrance has a different smell to my nose, than that one.

Warm, fresh/spice, dry, and woodsy character. To me, has an aroma that’s a lot like  Santal 33, but with cedar as the main attraction instead of sandalwood. No, it doesn’t have papyrus or anything like that, just really has a similar style.

Hero Parfum is darker and starts to take on a sweeter and more resinous smell, as we move along.

Which is better? I’m not super impressed by how either of them start off. Though, the eau de parfum doesn’t have an opening act that I really enjoy. Parfum is better here, but it’s not spectacular either.

Edge: Parfum

Projection

The strange thing when I tested EDT and EDP together, is that, the eau de parfum didn’t seem to have any more power to it. Neither are weak, the EDP just couldn’t muster anything beyond the moderate to above average projection.

Parfum is an improvement over both of the previous editions. Hero Parfum isn’t a particularly heavy scent, but it does project itself well, while not being a complete beast with its strength.

Strong, before diminishing to something that still above average, hours into the wear. Obviously, it loses steam further along into it, but it’s a slow burn.

Edge: Parfum

Longevity

The eau de parfum lasted between 8 and 9.5 hours for me, each time that I’ve worn it. Not bad at all and pretty good versus many other designer scents out there.

The EDP doesn’t last nearly as long as Parfum. Which, will last on my skin for 10 hours at least, and seemingly well beyond that. I’m still not sure exactly when it quits, but the performance is great with this newer Hero fragrance.

Easy win.

Edge: Parfum

Versatility

I don’t think there’s much of a difference here. Both are autumn and winter fragrances, with plenty of overlap.

Hero EDP might be better as a nightlife wear. While Parfum, has more of a mature profile with its woodiness. Neither is all that formal or anything. Stylish and nice to wear.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Burberry fragrances is better?

When I heard about Hero eau de parfum, I thought it might be a better version of the original EDT. But, when I tested it out, I didn’t enjoy it as much.

It’s got a good dry down. I like the mix of amber, cedar, smokiness, and the darker vibe that it puts out. The opening is weak and there’s nothing too compelling with EDP. It’s a decent enough scent, doesn’t smell bad, but doesn’t captivate me.

I will say, EDP might be more of a crowd pleaser than Parfum (though, EDT is the most versatile and pleasant), and could be a better choice for some guys.

Hero Parfum, on the other hand, is a better fragrance. I still like Hero EDT, the best, but this would be my second choice thus far in the series.

It’s not for everyone, but it is the more interesting fragrance. Fresh, earthy, and has a lot of cedar in the mix. I even get some slight powdery notes coming in, at times.

But, if you like the scent, you get great performance

At the higher price, I would try to test Hero Parfum out before you buy it, just to see if the scent works for you.

Winner: Parfum

By the Fireplace vs Angels’ Share

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By the Fireplace by Maison Margiela and Angels’ Share by Kilian are two of the most popular unisex perfumes out there. As we are entering the colder months of the year in the northern hemisphere, I wanted to compare these two winter staples.

Which of these lasts longer? Smells better? Is ultimately the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: By the Fireplace vs. Angels’ Share

Angels Share

Notes include: cognac, tonka bean, oak wood, cinnamon, praline, vanilla, sandalwood

Click here to try: Angels’ Share at Sephora

Read my review: Angels’ Share by Kilian

By the Fireplace

Notes include: pink pepper, orange blossom, cloves, guaiac wood, chestnut, juniper, Peru balsam, vanilla, cashmeran

Click here to try: By the Fireplace

Opening

Angels’ Share starts of with its signature cognac, oak, and its tonka bean note. The cognac has an apple-like sweetness to it, which is fantastic.

The sweetness is enhanced by the inclusion of vanilla and praline. Which all plays well off of the spicy punch of the cinnamon note.

By the Fireplace, also goes spicy and sweet. The spice is more prominent early on, with the pink pepper and clove really punching through.

But, what separates it from Angels’ Share is the smokiness. The sweet roasted chestnut,  guaiac wood and juniper really come through. The Margiela fragrance certainly lives up to its name and theme.

Which is better?

These two are pretty close in the opening act. However, I personally like the booziness of the Kilian perfume more than Fireplace.

Edge: Angels’ Share

Projection

By the Fireplace does have a somewhat heavy feeling initially and a pretty far reach, along with that. For the first hour at least, it’s a strong-ish fragrance. After that, it’s pretty moderate the rest of the way.

Angels’ Share might hit a little bit more of a peak than does Fireplace. It also seems to have a slower decline with how it projects versus Fireplace. 

I do think the roasted chestnut and woods of the Margiela perfume, have a denser quality than Angels’ Share, though.

Edge: Angels’ Share

Longevity

With Angels’ Share, I get 9-13 hours of wear on my skin. It’s not a complete powerhouse throughout, but I for sure get a good and long time with this Kilian perfume whenever I wear it.

By the Fireplace is somewhere in the 7-9 hour range. Usually for me, it’s like seven or eight hours, but it can go a bit above that on occasion. 

This is a pretty easy win for the Kilian perfume.

Edge: Angels’ Share

Versatility

Seasonally, both are autumn and winter wears, all the way. They really do each shine in the colder weather.

Both are true unisex scents. 

An issue of each can be when to wear them. One is boozy and the other is smoky. Not what you might want to smell like at work. That being said, I think Angels’ Share would be fine in that environment, as it does have a sweeter and less-alcohol based aroma for much of the wear.

Either is fine for casual or going out at night. Pretty close contest, maybe not too much difference, but I’ll lean Angels’ Share.

Edge: Angels’ Share

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these fragrances do I prefer over the other? It’s actually a very tough call for me, as I own both, and really love both of them. As such, even when I pick one here, it is only a slight preference.

I like By the Fireplace a lot. Even if I don’t want to wear it all of the time. It’s usually one that I’ll wear at night during winter. Maybe not always going out, but just relaxing around the house.

It does everything well, the sweetness and smokiness are really pleasant. That being said, I think more people would enjoy the smell of Angels’ Share, as smoky perfumes aren’t everyone’s favorite.

I love wearing Angels’ Share. I tried the sample and almost immediately bought a full bottle of it, a few years back. It and Oajan are my two main sweet and spicy wears, when the temperature starts to drop.

So, Angels’ Share is my pick in this competition.

One thing that could potentially sway it for some, is the price differential. Angels’ Share is significantly more expensive than is By the Fireplace.

Again, while it’s a close call between them, if the budget was tight I would just get the Margiela fragrance and skip Angels’ Share.

Winner: Angels’ Share

Oud Wood vs Aventus Comparison

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Oud Wood by Tom Ford and Creed’s Aventus, are two of the more popular fragrances of the past decade, especially at this higher price point. Both of them, have their own distinct style from the other, yet plenty of people are interested in purchasing one or the other.

As I have tested and worn both of these perfumes, I’m going to use this page to serve as my comparison between them. How does each smell? How long do they last? Which is ultimately the better fragrance?

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

Creed Aventus

Top: Blackcurrant, Italian bergamot, French apples and pineapple

Middle: Rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, and patchouli

Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla

Click here to try Aventus: Creed Aventus Creed 4 OZ Millesime Spray For Men

My original Review: Creed Aventus

Opening

Oud Wood starts off with a strong blast of the oud note and cardamom. Underneath that, is a peppery sort of spice. It’s warm and dry, with sandalwood and rosewood, already being prominent at the base. It’s a very spicy and woody, sort of aroma up top.

The original Aventus’ opening, is honestly not my favorite. It does get much better, but to my nose, it strikes me as being quite sharp with the pineapple and bergamot. Plus, it has a dry woodiness.

Together, it takes on a somewhat kitchen cleaner, type of scent. The pineapple, bergamot, and birch are just a lot to deal with, at the beginning.

I like what Aventus becomes, but the initial burst, I tend to lean more towards the Tom Ford perfume. It’s something different, incorporates the oud note in a very palatable way, and is a bit better to my nose.

Edge: Oud Wood

Projection

Out of the Oud Wood lineup, the Intense version was the one with massive projection. The original? It’s pretty moderate for much of the wear, but has a decently strong start. The back half of the wear is pretty light on my skin.

Aventus is strong with how it projects. It’s near the upper tier, in my experience, but lands just shy of some of the other massive scent bombs out there.

Nonetheless, it’s not disappointing. It’s very noticeable, leaves a nice scent trail without being suffocating, and then moderates as it dries down.

Pretty easy win for the Creed perfume.

Edge: Aventus

Longevity

I’ve never been able to get a long-lasting performance out of Oud Wood. On me, it’s a 4-5 hour fragrance. Yeah, it’s not a good performer, in my experience. Perhaps other people get more from it?

Aventus does well. It’s not elite, but has always been a 7-9 hour wear for me, on skin. That’s about what you’d need for most purposes and I’m not too upset that it doesn’t go beyond that.

Yet, Creed Aventus takes this category too.

Edge: Aventus

Versatility

Oud Wood is much more of an autumn and winter wear. Aventus can work in pretty much any season.

Though, I prefer it on days when the climate is moderate. At the extremes of heat and cold, it is less enjoyable for me.

Both of these fragrances can work in the office, as a daily wear, dressed up, or just casual. That being said, I think Aventus is the more well-rounded of these, as it can be better for nightlife and even dates.

Edge: Aventus

Overall Scent

Overall, which do I prefer?

With Oud Wood, I do like the opening act of the fragrance. To me, the latter stages aren’t that great and I never have gotten good performance from this scent. Oud Wood Intense was the better of those two releases.

For the price, it’s not providing much value. Also, there are people who simply won’t like wearing oud as a note, even if this is a pretty tame introduction to it.

Aventus is the better fragrance. The opening has never really been that great to me, but I like the depth and complexity that it develops. It actually is a really great cologne and has the advantage across the board when compared with the Tom Ford.

If you’re going to spend the money, get the one that can cover most occasions that you can throw at it, and actually delivers with the longevity.

Winner: Creed Aventus

Bad Boy vs. Bad Boy Extreme

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Bad Boy has become a highly successful series for the Carolina Herrera brand. The original EDT has now led to the creation of a host of other scents, which will probably lead to many more beyond the current crop.

Bad Boy Extreme is one of the offerings that has stemmed from the original and become a new popular cologne, in its own right. But, how does Extreme compare to EDT? Which one smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Bad Boy vs. Extreme

Bad Boy

Notes include: white pepper, cocoa, sage, tonka bean, vetiver, pink pepper, grapefruit, and amber

Click here to try: Carolina Herrera Bad Boy EDT Eau de Toilette 3.4oz / 100ml For Men, Black

Read my review: Bad Boy EDT

Bad Boy Extreme

Notes include: cacao, bergamot, patchouli, tonka bean, clary sage, plum, vetiver, incense, davana, labdanum

Click here to try: Bad Boy Extreme

Opening

The opening of Bad Boy EDT, can hit differently, depending on how far away I am from where I sprayed the cologne.

Up close, it smells like honeycomb that is dripping in amber and combined with a few pepper notes.

From afar, I really pick up the sweeter and creamier aspects of this scent. Namely, the cocoa and tonka bean.

Bad Boy Extreme starts off with sweet and warm spicy mix, also. The ginger is particularly present on my skin, as is the cacao early. Along with these two, the sage is the next most noticeable and some tart aroma coming from a light plum note.

It’s at its most aromatic, in the early stages. Later, it will still be spicy and sweet, but the profile will have changed. Namely, the ginger evaporates and the sweetness is more about the cacao and tonka bean, much like the original.

Which is better?

I like how both of these start off. To me, Extreme brings a bit more dynamism to the table, and I enjoy how the ginger note helps to kick things off.

Edge: Extreme

Projection

Bad Boy EDT is moderate with its projection, but it feels substantial and can leave a nice scent trail in one’s wake. Nothing amazing, but I think it does a fair job.

With Extreme, it’s not a completely massive scent. However, it does essentially live up to its name. The projection is really good and it pretty easily surpasses the original Bad Boy with its performance.

Edge: Extreme

Longevity

The original Bad Boy from Carolina Herrera will usually last for about seven hours on my skin before it gives out. Again, this isn’t a complete powerhouse of a scent. Bad Boy EDT has moderate strength and ability to stick around.

Extreme blows the original Bad Boy out of the water.

On my skin, it will last for over 10 hours without issue. I don’t think it goes too much beyond that, but Bad Boy Extreme comfortably hits the double digit mark.

Edge: Extreme

Versatility

There is still a lot of overlap with both of these fragrances. So, for this category, I don’t think there’s too much distinction.

Each of them, is good in the autumn and winter months. Can venture into springtime, but I’d avoid the heat.

Extreme strikes me as a better choice for the nightlife, with its boldness, but the original is also a fine choice for that.

Not really seeing an edge here for either.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two Herrera fragrances do I prefer?

I’m not too big of a fan of the Bad Boy line. However, these are two of the better releases, in my opinion.

Bad Boy EDT is a nice enough wear. I like the honeycomb, the creaminess, and mix of sweet and spice that it provides.

Though, I think Bad Boy Extreme does a lot of the same things but better. While also, having some differences in terms of its notes and the performance that it provides.

Having worn both of them plenty of times, Bad Boy Extreme seems to separate itself from the pack. I think it’s better than both EDT and Cobalt (which are pretty interchangeable to me).

Cacao, tonka bean, labdanum along with periods where vetiver, sage, and ginger get there time to shine. It’s sweet, woody, spicy, with an amber dry down. It is powerful and will also last a long time.

EDT is decent with the performance, but doesn’t come close to the power of Extreme.

If I had to get one of these colognes from Carolina Herrera, I’d go with Extreme. I’m not in love with wearing it, but it is the best that they’ve come out with thus far.

Winner: Bad Boy Extreme

8 Best Smelling Salvatore Ferragamo Fragrances

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Salvatore Ferragamo is an Italian design brand that has a bunch of well-selling and appreciated men’s fragrances, without getting the same recognition it seems, as the bigger brands.

However, that doesn’t mean that they don’t produce quality, because the company does. Ferragamo scents are not only interesting but generally have good performance and not too steep of a price tag.

In this post, I wanted to select eight colognes from the lineup, which could be considered to be the best smelling of the bunch. Each one brings something different to the table and there should be a choice to fit any man’s style.

What are the Top Ferragamo Fragances for Him?

Most Popular/Best Seller

Salvatore Ferragamo F Ferragamo Black By Salvatore Ferragamo For Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4-Ounce / 100 Ml– Ferragamo Black is one of the most popular, if not the most popular men’s fragrance of this line. This is probably because of its similarities to La Nuit by YSL, which yeah, it does somewhat smell like that awesome fragrance but not entirely.

Between them, I’d probably go with this versus the YSL fragrance, as that has gotten really weak in the newer batches. This one costs less and gets you a pretty close approximation.

It features a very prominent lavender note, which is paired with crisp apple from the opening, this is a familiar aroma in a lot of men’s scents. Later, the smooth creamy tonka bean emerges with a sharp black pepper note, to give it a nice masculine edge.

Best Summertime Cologne

Salvatore Ferragamo Acqua Essenziale Blu Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– Blu starts out with a blast of bright citrus notes, that reminds one of many other popular men’s fragrances on the market.

However, I think that Acqua Essenziale Blu, really separates itself from the pack during the dry down and becomes something quite unique.

It is light and fresh, plus, it has the ability to last all day. It has a fairly close profile to Bleu de Chanel, but without as much citrus, and a more aquatic character. They’re in a similar family of scents, but not a fragrance that smells exactly the same.

The Cypriot oil and ambroxan note is what distinguishes it the most from others. In conjunction with one another, there’s a fresh, oceanic, and oily aroma that comes off of Blu. If you want an easy to wear and good performing summer cologne, this is a nice choice.

Best Overall Ferragamo Fragrance

Salvatore Ferragamo Uomo Eau de Toilette, 3.4 Ounce– Uomo is a great change of pace fragrance from the other entries on the list. It is built for cooler weather and it’s enveloping warmth and sweetness, is so utterly attractive.

While it’s not feminine, it does have that delicious gourmand aroma, headed by a tiramisu…which is just quite interesting to put in a cologne.

Uomo also has great sillage and longevity, so it has no problem making it through the day. It is just such a balanced fragrance and manages to be sweet and gourmand without becoming girly. Even that, is offset by a peppery spice and warm coffee note. Highly underrated juice.

It can fall apart in the warmer months, so, it won’t be one that you can go to anytime. But, within its more narrow application, Ferragamo Uomo has a strong case for being the top pick.

Fresh Fragrance for Men

Subtil Pour Homme by Salvatore Ferragamo 3.4oz 100ml EDT Spray– Subtil is actually a subtle everyday wear sort of men’s fragrance. It’s low key blend of orange and spices like ginger and nutmeg, allow it to be fresh without overpowering, and a nice go to scent on a spring/summer day.

Subtil has some aquatic elements but doesn’t ever stray too far into that category. It’s really clean and has a sunny demeanor. The floral notes are quite prominent throughout the wear, comes across as quite mild, with the lotus giving it that watery feeling.

Not the most amazing fragrance, but it is good for daily wear, when you want to smell nice and not stand out in a bad way.


Woodsy and Masculine

Salvatore Ferragamo By Salvatore Ferragamo For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces– Ferragamo Pour Homme takes a different tact from the rest of these scents. It’s got a very fresh spice to it with a citrus fruit top. Notes such as fig and cedar give this one a woody base, that is deep and masculine.

As it moves along, it features a very ‘green’ woodsy smell that is rich with leather, vetiver and rose notes. Well performing with a certain dry wood element but the fruit notes really gives this one balance.

The fig really is great in Ferragamo Pour Homme and the highlight of this scent, to me. Feels pretty crispy to my nose, with the cedar note. Really nice option for guys who want a clean outdoorsy cologne.

Fresh Leather

Intense Leather– I do still want to try Spicy Leather, which is supposed to also be really nice from Ferragamo, but I’ll put Intense Leather on here for the time being.

This entry from the ‘Leather’ line, is very enjoyable with some fruity notes up top and a great earthy base from which to project the headline ingredient. It’s a slight orange, but mainly a crisp red apple, kind of bringing the same vibe as Coral Fantasy.

Intense Leather is fresh and clean with a colder approach, not too much ‘dirtiness’ from its earthy base, but with a great touch of iris. Nonetheless, a fruity infused leather, at its core. Pretty unique and a very well done leather fragrance.

A Brighter Leather

Bright Leather by Ferragamo– Bright Leather is another one that really brings something interesting to the table.

Here, we get a spicier take on the leather accord. But, first we get a fruity opening with grapefruit , orange, and bergamot.

Basil and rosemary have a big role to play and follow the varied citrus opening act. It’s got a bit of a sweetness to it, as well, in the early stages.

That fresh, greenish/herbal aroma pairs well with the leather and citrus. As it moves along, this becomes cleaner with the leather, cedar, and musk notes. Not as potently fresh, though, Bright Leather doesn’t go completely flat either.

I like it. Bright Leather isn’t too harsh, has a good balance between its different facets, and performs well without being a complete beast.

Another Fresh Summer Option

Salvatore Ferragamo F Free Time Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– The aforementioned Blu is probably the better of the two, but Free Time is also another great inexpensive summer wear.

It opens with a burst of lemon and a nice amount of ginger. Clean, bright, with a dose of cool spice throughout. The one thing it lacks versus Blu Essenziale is the same level of performance. Ginger is a note that tends to be light and fade fairly quickly in a lot of colognes.

This is a lighter scent, without the same staying power. It’s okay, for what it is, but don’t expect a marathon wear. This has a drier finish with vetiver and cedar in the base. Great fresh and slightly spicy aroma to offset the bright citrus top.

Simple and easy to wear, when it gets hot outside. A worthwhile pick up, if you can find it at a cheap price.