YSL Myslf vs. Dior Sauvage EDP

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Myslf has become a popular fragrance from YSL in the relatively short time since its release. This is of course a short time when compared to the massive decade-long success of Dior’s Sauvage lineup.

Now that they are competitors, these two colognes will often be the final two scents that guys are deciding between which to get for themselves. I want to compare the two and give my own opinion on the better options, after having tested and worn each of them.

Now, since Myslf was released as an eau de parfum, I’m going to be comparing it with Dior Sauvage EDP, instead of the original EDT formulation.

Tale of the tape: YSL Myslf vs. Dior Sauvage EDP

Myslf

Notes include: bergamot, orange blossom, woods, patchouli, ambrofix

Click here to try: Myslf by YSL

My Full Review: Myslf 

Dior Sauvage EDP

Notes include: nutmeg, bergamot, ambroxan, vanilla absolute, lavender, Sichuan pepper, anise

Click here to try: Sauvage by Dior Eau de Parfum Spray 100ml

Read my original review: Sauvage EDP

Opening

Sauvage EDP starts things off with its ambroxan note, a smoky vanilla, and lavender. It’s warm, clean, and has a lot less of the lavender than the original Sauvage.

The bergamot, up top is lighter, and then you get spicy pepper later on in the wear.

But, that Sichuan pepper will share duties with both anise and nutmeg, which allows it to come across less harsh and more balanced than EDT.

I never expected to be too much of a fan of this opening, with the ambroxan. But, this formula really nails the weighting of all of the ingredients extremely well.

Myslf begins with bergamot and orange blossom, as it’s main combination.. It’s fresh and it also has a bit of a creaminess to how it smells, mostly due to the orange blossom note.

But, the very opening stage is a bergamot centered fragrance. That will change later on, but for the start it’s a fresh citrusy cologne.

If I were comparing Myslf to the EDT version of Sauvage, I’d give the YSL a pretty easy victory in this category.

However, the EDP is better. It has more complexity than the original and really sets a great tone early on. It’s a pretty close match, I do like the bergamot in the YSL cologne, but I’m going to go with Sauvage.

Edge: Sauvage EDP

Projection

Myslf for the first hour is actually fairly strong. Not a heavy fragrance, but it will create a substantial enough scent trail in your wake.

After that, it’s more of an intimate scent surrounding you. I’d say it sticks in that 1-3 foot range off of the skin, but it’s still noticeable.

Sauvage EDP is a beast. It will project itself much further and has a heavier feeling than you’re going to get with the YSL. Now, that might not be a great thing, depending on your tastes. However, it will provide some power.

Plus, after a few hours it will moderate, while still maintaining a high level of performance. It’s an easy win for the Dior scent in this category.

Edge: Sauvage EDP

Longevity

Myslf is an okay performer in terms of how long it lasts, it’s just not great. Every time that I’ve tested out the YSL fragrance, I’ve gotten around 6-7 hours worth of wear out of it.

With Sauvage eau de parfum, it will go for over ten hours on my skin. I’m not sure exactly when it quits, but it’s a much better performer than is Myslf EDP. Actually, any of the Sauvage entries seem to have a better longevity than the YSL.

An easy win for Dior.

Edge: Sauvage

Versatility

I think that this is where Myslf EDP has a distinct edge versus Sauvage EDP. And that’s not taking away from the versatility of the Dior, which is still quite good.

Myslf is just such an inoffensive and easy to wear fragrance, that it can fit in pretty much anywhere during any time of year. It’s an easy on to just spray on as an everyday wear, but is attractive enough to hit the nightlife, even if that’s not it’s main function.

Sauvage is less of a formal wear and something that works better in the autumn and winter months, the eau de parfum formula at least.

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these fragrances is the better buy? Again, since I’m comparing the two eau de parfum releases, I have a fairly distinct winner for most guys.

It’s going to be Sauvage EDP. If this were between Sauvage EDT and Myslf, the YSL would win easily, since I’m not too big of a fan of the original Sauvage. The eau de parfum really improved things, in my mind.

I think that it is the more interesting of the two fragrances. It has more depth and a greater variety of aromas to enjoy throughout. Beyond that, the performance of the Dior is much better.

That being said, I do like Myslf as a daily wear scent. While it is popular, not everyone already wears it like they do with Sauvage (the best selling fragrance on the planet).

So, if you want something more unique or that’s a better low key kind of daily wear that still smells good, you will probably want to go with the YSL scent.

Otherwise, just going off which of the two I think is better, it’s Sauvage EDP. I could enjoy wearing either, but I do have a preference for it versus Myslf EDP.

Winner: Sauvage EDP

Pegasus Exclusif by Parfums de Marly

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Pegasus Exclusif is a follow up to the popular fragrance Pegasus by PdM. It was released back in 2020, but I recently received a sample of this stuff with another order, so I thought I’d test it out and post a full review on the site.

How does Exclusif smell? Does it hold up or exceed the original Pegasus? Is it worth a try?

Pegasus

Notes include: cardamom, heliotrope, almond, pink pepper, vanilla, bergamot, lavender, geranium, jasmine, guaiac wood, sandalwood, amber

Click here to try: Pegasus Exclusif on Amazon

My Full Review

I was never too much of a fan of the original Pegasus, so I wasn’t expecting much from this edition of the scent.

However, the opening of Exclusif, is a much better balance of notes than its predecessor. This one doesn’t feel like a bomb of almond and vanilla. Instead, there is a tad more of the bergamot citrus, a better spice from pink pepper, and the soft heliotrope.

I’m still getting some of that almond and vanilla, but I also don’t get the same sort of chemical overhang that I do with the original (maybe it’s just me who got that smell).

After 10 minutes or so, the pink pepper and bergamot have faded substantially. Cardamom steps up and I get more of the influence of the middle notes. Yes, almond and vanilla are here for the duration, still not completely dominating anything.

It’s softer with a dry freshness to it. On my skin, I pick up lavender and geranium jockeying for influence at different times during this wear. I do like when the geranium hits its heaviest, really adding a colder aromatic vibe to the blend.

The main difference between Pegasus Exclusif and the original, is the guaiac wood. The sandalwood probably also has a stronger influence here than in the original. However, the warmth and smokiness that is unleashed here by the guaiac is a really great addition.

The dry down is much the same. It’s woodier for sure, but we still get the vanilla and some almond that’s left. It’s an ambery wood finish with those two other notes adding support at the tail end.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

I don’t think Exclusif is that much more powerful than the original, if at all. It’s difficult to tell since I don’t have a vial of Pegasus currently. But, Exclusif also opens up with a pretty strong and far reaching blast.

Then, it will settle down into something that is noticeable, but fairly moderate in how it presents. On the whole, Pegasus Exclusif is above average with its sillage, and probably about equal with the original.

Also with this edition, I get double digit hours of wear from it. Again, I don’t think there’s much of a difference and those last handful of hours aren’t particularly strong. Though, Exclusif definitely is there.

Seasonally, Exclusif is still built for colder weather. Stick to autumn through early springtime with this one.

It’s more of a going out type of scent versus a daily wear. But, I’d still find a way to make this more of a daily wear type, if I had a bottle. It’s got an attractive aroma and the smokiness isn’t too powerful as to be useless at the office or something like that.

It can be worn casually or dressed up. The seasonality can limit it somewhat, but Pegasus Exclusif works well in a wide variety of situations you’d find yourself in.

Overall Impressions of Exclusif

Overall, do I like Pegasus Exclusif? Yes, I do think it’s better than the original. With that one, it was always a scent that I thought was ‘okay’. Exclusif isn’t a complete love for me, but I did enjoy wearing it.

The balance here is better. I’m not just blasted by a wall of almond and vanilla early on. The increase of the woodiness is a fantastic change of focus. This one feels more wearable and just more likeable than the first fragrance.

The longevity and performance don’t seem any different to me. Though, that wasn’t anything that I had a complaint about with Pegasus, since it’s a good performer already.

Basically, if you liked the original, you will get much of the same here. However, there is enough change presented with Exclusif to make it a better and more well-rounded cologne.

It’s not a fragrance that I’m personally going to run out and buy, but it’s one that I wouldn’t mind having a bottle of. Which, I couldn’t say about the first Pegasus. Exclusif is one of the better Parfums de Marly scents, just not among my absolute favorites.

Opium Pour Homme EDP by YSL

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Opium Pour Homme eau de parfum was released back in 1995. I haven’t come across a bottle of this concentration in many years, even after owning multiple bottles of the EDT version. I saw a bottle for sale on eBay while scrolling through fragrances, and immediately bought it.

Now, this is a discontinued cologne, but I want to do a full review of it anyway. How does this vintage scent hold up? Does it still last long? Is it worth a try?

Opium Pour Homme Eau de Parfum Overview

Notes include: star anise, black currant, Sichuan pepper, vanilla, ginger, balsam, cedar

My Full Review

Luckily, I managed to buy a bottle of Opium EDP both in its original box and sealed in the plastic wrap. This purchase and my buy of Kouros Fraicheur, both came, as they originally shipped.

I looked up the batch code for this bottle and it’s from 1997, during the Sanofi Beaute era of YSL Parfums. Actually having the box, made it easier to narrow down.

Based on the bottle alone, it would’ve been a 1995-1999 (maybe 2000, depending on when the change to the markings took place after the sale to PPR) guess as to when this scent was bottled.

It’s a 50mL (1.6 oz) bottle that can be refilled (or at least could’ve been).

Anyway, Opium EDP opens up with a blast of spice and the blackcurrant note, giving it a slight fruitiness. The blackcurrant in this old bottle isn’t all that great anymore. A bit sour, sort of like how the top citrus notes play out in my bottle of L’Homme Haute Concentration.

Still, not terrible, for how long its been shelved.

This does have the same balsam presence, as I notice in the EDT version, but here it is sitting under much more spice. The anise note is strong and is backed by a powerful blast of Sichuan pepper.

Quite warm, medicinal, spicy, and you can say that this has more relation to the opening of Opium EDT for Women.

For me, the pepper dies down first. That’s when I can notice the bit of ginger peaking through.  Opium becomes smoother, with an emergence of the vanilla, and great balsamic influence.

What’s interesting here, is the eau de parfum has a powdery aspect to it that I find is lacking in the edt version. Not a ton, but it’s there.

The back half of this is fresher, sweeter, with an ambery finish. Less of a powerful punch and more of a simple and well put together scent. Comparing it to the EDT, I get more cedar in the dry down, which was probably the weakest part of the lower concentration cologne.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The opening act is pretty strong here. You get a nice reach and scent trail going with this Saint Laurent fragrance.

I’d call the sillage strong. Well above average at first. Then, it will settle into something that is more moderate and has sort of an airy feel to it, rather than being a dense cloud .

It lasts over 10 hours for me, but it’s not a powerful 10 hours. More like it’s just sort of around, during the back half of the wear, after a much more substantial start. Honestly, not too much more powerful than the bottles of Opium EDT that I wore many years ago.

Spicier yes, just not a massive amount of difference in the performance.

Seasonally, this is autumn and winter all the way. It really shines in the colder weather, so it seems I won’t get much use of this one for at least a few more months.

I like to have Opium EDT on in the daytime, but with the greater depth and intensity, EDP can fit in either night or day.

It’s different from most of what’s out there today. Opium EDP isn’t going appeal to most of the younger set. There is a refinement here, still with appeal for plenty of people, just not something that’s going to be a daily wear for most.

It’s darker and does have an attractive or sexy aroma. Very masculine.

Overall Impressions of Opium Pour Homme EDP

Overall, do I like Opium EDP. Yes, it’s one that I’ve always appreciated and I do greatly prefer this version to the eau de toilette.

That ramped up spiciness really sells it for me. The anise here is potent, with an added warmth of spice from pepper and ginger notes. The ‘medicinal’ kind of aroma that this YSL fragrance can have, may not be for everyone.

It’s still a modern cologne, much more approachable than those that came before it, despite being released about 30 years ago. Still, it is different from much of the mainstream offerings today, especially from YSL itself.

Is it worth getting? For some people, yes. My bottle was just over $100. Though, I’ve seen other Opium EDP bottles going for way more than that. To me, approaching $200 is a tad too much, unless you’re a collector.

The EDT is much more available, but the last batches of that aren’t as good as they once were. My current bottle of that, is pretty mid, especially the performance.

Apparently, this was discontinued much later than I thought it was. Not sure exactly when, but I think it was still for sale in a few places around Europe not too long ago. Though, it’s done for good, as of now.

Opium EDP is a scent that I love adding to my collection. In a sea of men’s fragrances, which seem to copy one another, it’s nice to be able to wear something that’s completely different every so often.

14 Fragrances that Smell Similar to Black Opium

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YSL’s Black Opium has been a mega-hit for the brand. So, much so it has spawned a ton of flanker fragrances under the same banner and scents that wish to closely copy its style.

But, sometimes you want something cheaper, something that comes close to, or something with a similar vibe to the popular perfume. This is my page where I keep track of similar fragrances to Black Opium that I come across.

Also, I have added perfumes that are similar to the Black Opium flankers, such as: Illicit Green, Le Parfum, Intense, Extreme, Neon, Nuit Blanche, etc. 

Key Takeaways

Here’s a short list of some of the best options that are close to or inspired by Black Opium. I go into much greater detail below on these and many others.

What Perfumes Smell Similar to Black Opium by YSL?

black opium dupe perfume

Inspired Option 1

Ambery Vanilla by Dossier– If you’re in the market for an inexpensive aroma similar to that of the original Black Opium, this is the one to get. 

As of writing, bottles are only $29 versus what you pay retail for the actual YSL scent. This one is sweet with the same focus on vanilla, maybe to a greater degree versus Black Opium. Nonetheless, it is an inspired by aroma for much cheaper.

Dossier perfumes have good performance in terms of sillage and longevity. Ambery Vanilla is an easy go to on this list.

Inspired Option 2

London Destination by Alexandria– Another ‘inspired’ take on the Black Opium style. I haven’t tried London Destination, but have had some positive experiences with some of the other Alexandria fragrances.

It has the same vanilla, coffee, jasmine, pear, pink pepper, licorice, etc. So, so long as it is blended well (based on the reviews, it is), this one should give you a very close impression of the YSL perfume.

It’s very reasonably priced and well below the cost of the original Black Opium.

Illicit Green Similarities

Taboo Green Opium– While not a complete match of the original Black Opium, this one from The Dua Brand mimics the newer and highly popular Illicit Green flanker of our target.

Still, that version is still very close to what the original provides. It does have added fig tree and fruit notes. Plus, a lively pear top. So, very worthwhile to check out, if you are a Black Opium fan.

I haven’t tried this particular Dua Brand fragrance, but they usually strike a very close resemblance to the original. I’ve had their inspired by versions of Aventus and Lost Cherry, among others, and wasn’t disappointed.

The Only

The Only One by D&G– This Dolce & Gabbana fragrance isn’t a one to one match. In fact, it’s one that has a similar style, while doing its own thing in comparison. But, if you like Black Opium you ay enjoy or even prefer The Only One.

This one is much less spicy and floral. Caramel comes in to join the coffee and vanilla notes, which is where this draws the most comparisons with the YSL perfume. Actually, it kind of favors Black Opium Le Parfum more so than the original, out of any of them.

Pear is also a commonality, but we get a floral blend of iris and violet here, giving The Only One a powdery finish that remains soft and sweet. Pretty and delicious. Again, not going to be the same, but they overlap quite a bit.

Super Cheapie

Touch of Woman by La Rive– Close to the spirit of Black Opium, but not an exact match. For under $20? It might be worth it to some.

The vanilla thickness and floral notes are pretty similar. Touch of woman lacks the coffee, spicy depth, and bitter almond note of the YSL best seller. The floral notes emerge earlier and have less of a balance than what you get with Black Opium.

The performance is okay. It starts strong and can stick around for 4-5 hours, on the skin. Is it worth it? Maybe. I’ll include it on the list for those who want a dirt cheap option, that’s at least a perfume with an average quality. 

Black Opium Extreme Kindred Spirit

Addict Noir by Fragrenza– Fragrenza is another brand that I’ve tried out recently, with good success. They also make ‘inspired’ versions of designer scents. I particularly liked their Better Peach perfume, which smells like the Tom Ford version.

They don’t have the original Black Opium in the lineup as of now, but they do have their versions of Black Opium Extreme, called Addict Noir.

Extreme is a flanker which goes with a greater use of the coffee note and cacao. The vanilla note is still around, just not as prominent as you get with the original. So, if that sounds interesting, this is probably the best option. 

Black Flower

Fleur Noire by ALT Fragrances– Here’s another very popular inspired by option, this time from ALT Fragrances. They usually do a great job at capturing the spirit of the perfumes which inspired their creation. 

Pear, pink pepper, and orange blossom take the top of the scent pyramid. And the rest of the notes follow suit with creating a style that is similar to Black Opium. 

Now, I haven’t tried this one. So, whether or not they nailed the vibe or not isn’t something that I can comment on in this update. But, many of the reviews think they did, and having tried other perfumes from ALT I can imagine they’re not too far off.

Another Midnight Inspiration

Midnight Nymph by Oakcha– Oakcha is a brand that has been rolling out a lot of inspired takes on famous niche and designer fragrances lately. 

Midnight Nymph is their version of the Black Opium DNA. This one tries to mimic the aroma that you get with the original Black Opium release rather than one of the flanker scents.

I haven’t tried it out, as of yet. But, with positive reviews and a good price point, I figured that I should include it with this latest update to the list.

Simpler Opium Le Parfum

Vanilla 28 by Kayali- This Kayali entry most favors what Black Opium Le Parfum smells like. It’s different and much more of a stripped down version, but has a similar effect.

Tonka bean and brown sugar are very present early on, matching the sweetness that Le Parfum can have at its opening stage. No cinnamon or pear here, however.

But, Vanilla 28 like Le Parfum, has: vanilla, amber, vanilla orchid, and jasmine notes. Also, the weighting of the floral notes in each, is actually quite light. 

A simplified Kayali perfume that can be a potential alternative or layering fragrance for those who are into the Le Parfum style. Vanilla 28 Review

The Britney Option

Prerogative by Britney Spears– This Britney perfume isn’t a 1 to 1 match, just a fun perfume with a similar vibe. I actually like the Rave version of Prerogative better, but the original is closer to Black Opium in terms of smell. 

Prerogative doesn’t have the super strong vanilla, nor the same use of florals. It goes for a blend of spicy and sweet, however, with a bolder coffee and a delicious fruity top.  Also, it’s not as heavy or cloying, as the YSL can be, especially later in the wear with it nice use of woods.

Again, not a beat for beat resemblance of Black, but we get a lot of the same sort of likeable aspects at a fraction of the price.

Zara Very Close

Gardenia by Zara– Gardenia is another option for a similar scent to that of the original Black Opium. It is more sheer, with a heavier use of the orange blossom note and other florals, but Gardenia pretty much captures what we’re looking for.

I’d still go with the Dossier over this one, it’s usually a better deal, and smells closer to the actual YSL scent. However, this can also be a good pick if you want something lighter without the same levels of coffee and vanilla.

 Sillage not as strong, not as heavy, but the longevity is still quite good. 

A Similar Dior

Christian Dior Poison Girl Women’s Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Poison Girl isn’t a the same, but it has a similar style to Black Opium. Actually, it reminds me a bit of our target and La Petite Robe Noire Couture, while still doing its own thing.

It uses plenty of tonka bean and vanilla, with a bitter orange top for the fruit note. Damask rose is the floral here, which gives it some distinction from the YSL. The citrus here is also weighted heavier than what Black Opium has too.

This has great performance and a pretty strong sillage. On my skin, this would go from 8-11 hours, when I was testing Poison Girl. Read my review

Forbidden Similarities

Amor Amor Forbidden Kiss– A warm and energetic fragrance which predates Black Opium, but has a fruitier and less spicy smell versus the YSL. Grapefruit, coffee, pink pepper, and peony help to make up the Forbidden Kiss composition.

It’s warmer and good for the winter months, without the same overwhelming cloud that our target perfume can have, at times. 

The coffee and pink pepper notes, really make Forbidden Kiss what it is, and the coffee is a much larger factor here in this scent. Sweeter and fruitier than Black Opium, but one that some may prefer. It’s discontinued now, but bottles are still available, as of publishing. 

amoramorfor

Intense Alternative

Douce Insomnie by L’atelier Parfums– This fragrance isn’t much like the original Black Opium, rather, it favors the Intense version. Black Opium Intense did have quite a distinct feel from others in the series, it wasn’t my favorite, but it was different.

Douce Insomnie has a very similar profile to that, minus the licorice and absinthe notes. Which, for me is a great thing, and this L’atelier scent is much better in my opinion.

Cappuccino is the main note here, rather than straight coffee. However, you also get the powdery floral notes (heliotrope and iris), vanilla, and a great sandalwood base. 

So, think, sweet creamy coffee notes with soft powder and without the bitterness that Black Opium Intense had.

Tuscan Leather vs Ombre Leather Comparison

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In this head to head comparison, we are going to take a look at two of the Tom Ford leather laden scents, Tuscan Leather vs. Ombre Leather 18. Ombre Leather was released in 2018 and is a variant of a 2016 release with the same name. Which of these unisex fragrances smells best? Which has the better performance? Which is a better buy overall?

Tale of the Tape: Tuscan vs. Ombre Leather

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

My original Review: Tuscan Leather

Ombre Leather

Notes include: leather, moss, jasmine, amber, patchouli and cardamom

Click here to try: Ombré Leather Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.7-oz.

My review: Ombre Leather

Opening

Tuscan Leather opens up with a fantastic and rich leather note plus saffron. It reminds me a lot of Godolphin by Parfums de Marly. Also, Tuscan features a smooth and familiar black suede note and a bit of juicy raspberry to change things up a bit.

Update: Coming back to this one, years later. That raspberry note feels really potent this time around. It’s sweeter and really different. It almost makes me want to change my opinion on the openings here, but still would go with Ombre.

Ombre Leather, is actually closer to Godolphin than is Tuscan Leather. It shares notes of jasmine, leather, moss, and amber with that fragrance. The leather is just like that in Tuscan and better than the Parfums de Marly fragrance.

It is a dark, dry, warm, and supple scent. Much more like a leather jacket and earthier than is Tuscan Leather.

Which do a I prefer? I think that Ombre is the more interesting opening, it doesn’t have that hint of raspberry, but it does have a dry rugged quality that isn’t found in Tuscan Leather. I just like that opening better.

Edge: Ombre

Projection

Both fragrances start out strong and then move into a more moderate scent. However, Ombre Leather, reaches a higher peak in its sillage before moving into the moderate and feels more intense when I have it on than does Tuscan Leather.

Neither of these is a sillage bomb. However, they do both have a good amount of power, and Ombre is the better of them.

Edge: Ombre

Longevity

With the latest batch of Tuscan Leather that I tried, I got about 8-9 hours of wear from it. While Ombre Leather has a bit better sillage, it lasts on my skin from 6-8 hours, and doesn’t quite keep up with its predecessor.

Tuscan is marginally better, but it definitely has the edge on my skin.

I’ve seen some people say that they get a really long wear out of Tuscan Leather, at least more than I do. It seems to be the consensus that it is the longer-lasting perfume from Tom Ford.

Edge: Tuscan Leather

Versatility

Both of these scents are mostly for the autumn and winter months. Both can be unisex. Both can be worn casually or dressed up without problem. I don’t see a real edge in this category. They pretty much assume the same role.

The leather foundation pretty much sets things up that way. They are pretty similar fragrances in a lot of ways.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I will start off by saying, that I enjoy both of these scents a lot. They are fantastic examples of leather used in fragrances, both have good performance, and smell great. They have a whole lot in common.

However, I am going to give the edge to Ombre Leather 18, over Tuscan Leather. For me, the newer scent has more going on and isn’t a linear as Tuscan Leather. Yes, they both start close to what Godolphin smells like, but Ombre Leather,

Ombre has a light addition of warm amber, dry moss, and earthy/slightly spicy patchouli. Add to that, a wonderful dry down in which jasmine gets paired with the leather to add a floral element to an already great fragrance.

Tuscan is great, but Ombre Leather has won me over versus that scent, and I’m going to give it the win in the head to head match up.

Update: I still like Ombre Leather more than Tuscan years later. I also personally prefer it to the later Ombre Leather Parfum release. That’s a good one, if you are a fan of violet leaf, as a note. I’m not too keen on it, but some other people like the Parfum version more

Winner: Ombre Leather