7 Fragrances Similar to Acqua di Gio

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Acqua di Gio has been one of the best selling men’s fragrances, since its release back in the 1990s. That’s decades spent near the top, with men of all ages buying, and enjoying this cologne. However, sometimes buying the real thing can get expensive, and we need a cheaper alternative that can clone what we dig about a scent.

As such, in this post, I am going to put forth some options for guys who want an Acqua di Gio sort of smell at a more affordable price.

Favorite Alternative Colognes Similar to Acqua di Gio

Inspired Creation

Aquatic Lime by Dossier– The first entry is going to be from Dossier, who give their take on the AdG formula, with Aquatic Lime.

Now, this is an ‘inspired by’ cologne, and tries to mimic what you get with the Armani. It does a good job at doing so, also. This and the Dua are one’s to go with, if you want a fragrance that smells like Acqua, to a near one for one match.

The others, are designer colognes that are very similar to the style of our target.

Bergamot, lime, and watermelon are the top notes here. Not exactly the same, as AdG doesn’t have a watermelon note, but it’s not much of a factor. Also, classic Acqua di Gio had a greater floral array.

Nonetheless, this is a great option for a cheaper price.

Dua Original

Acqua di Dua– The Dossier option above, nails the smell of most modern formulations of Acqua di Gio, but this Dua comes close to perfecting the scent of the original AdG formula from the 1990s.

Clean aquatic notes, with a great lime burst up top, greater depth of floral notes (nice jasmine), and even the woodsy base notes.

With Dua’s fragrance oils, it can take some time to macerate, but it is worth it. The smell gets better and better after a few months. Still great, early on, but I’ve had a bunch of scents from this brand and the improvement is usually phenomenal. 

This seems to run $5-10 more usually than the Dossier, but it might be a better option for those who want a more of the floral influence.

Best Cheapie 

360° Red by Perry Ellis for Men, 3.4 Ounce– The closest designer scent to the smell of AdG, 360 Red is the best bet for someone looking for a really near vibe, at a very low price. Lemon and lime open up the first part of 360 Red, which are somewhat synthetic, but still very enjoyable.

It dries down with a fresh cinnamon/peppery spice, which isn’t too overpowering but does have the mimicking of the Armani cologne.

Some folks prefer this to Acqua di Gio, and honestly, it isn’t too much of a stretch. You get really good performance, a close approximation of the smell, and it’s way cheaper. 360 Red Review

A Bit of Profumo and Essenza

Bentley for Men Silverlake– Silverlake gets a lot of comparisons to Acqua di Gio, which is accurate to my nose. Which edition of that scent is it closest to? Kind of a mix of multiple editions. Also, it sort of stands on its own too.

It’s fresher and cooler than most AdG entries and none of the same aquatic notes. I can see, Essenza (based on memories) somewhat, but not quite (I think that’s been overplayed). The original AdG? Maybe. Less floral jasmine and juiciness overall.

Then, there is the Profumo overlap.

Anyway, as a stand alone fragrance Bentley Silverlake this is more greenish fresh than anything blue-ish aquatic. Though, that is there to an extent. Mint and violet leaf play well off of the citrus top, consisting of lemon essence.

It’s cleaner and has a soapy-like quality to it. The performance is pretty darn good at this price point and it’s one that is easy to wear in a variety of situations. Although, it isn’t always that much cheaper than the Armani’s, if at all.

A Bit Spicier, Less Floral 

ARMAF Homme Eau De Tolette Spray for Men, Blue, 3.4 oz– I’m adding Armaf Blue to the list, because it does a really good job at mostly smelling like the aroma of AdG, for a very inexpensive price. 

This one is smoother than 360, it has more of an herbal spice and less of the cinnamon of that one. However, 360 Red probably lasts a little longer.

Armaf Blue starts off with some really nice citrus notes and the neroli top. The opening act is quite a bit like what we’re after. What this one lacks is that sea breeze quality found in the Armani. Also, while it has the jasmine note, it isn’t very strong.

In the latest batches of Acqua di Gio that I’ve tried, the jasmine is prevalent for a good portion of the wear, but it isn’t here. Nonetheless, this is a nice pick up for around 30 bucks.

Slightly Different, but Very Similar

Just Me by Paris Hilton for Men – 3.4 Ounce EDT Spray– Yep, a Paris Hilton fragrance. Don’t get dismayed by the name attached, this stuff is seriously good, at this price point. Not only does it perform well and last long, it also bears a striking resemblance to our AdG.

It does have a slightly different smell, with a different blend of citrus notes, and the inclusion of blueberry at the top (which is great).

Just Me has a smokier base, with its incense, than does Acqua di Gio. Also, the amber note feels more pronounced, and it has a ‘greener’ smell at times (which I think is from the lotus). Plus, it is a bit sweeter.

Nonetheless, it provides everything that AdG does, for a fraction of the price. Maybe even a bit better.

 

Blue Alternative to Profondo and Profumo

Polo Blue EDP– The EDP version of Polo Blue has really reminded me of Acqua di Gio Profumo (or Parfum) in the opening act. Lots of Eternity Aqua comparisons. Add to that, it does have a resemblance to Profondo with its woodier and earthier dry down.

So, it’s not exactly like anything, but it is in the same ballpark as all of them. If you like the AdG series, you’ll probably enjoy this version of Polo Blue.

The sharp bergamot, spices, and oceanic notes. Sage and basil are pretty prominent up top. Later, the suede will emerge and make it closer to the original Polo Blue EDT.

Might be too expensive at some stores, to serve as a replacement. I prefer the AdG colognes. But, if you can get a good price, I think this is a nice fragrance to have on hand. Polo Blue EDP review

polo blue edp

 

11 Best Smelling Christian Dior Colognes

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Christian Dior is an iconic fashion brand that has been going strong from way back in the 20th century. We have already completed a list of the best ladies Dior perfumes and now it is time to present a top offerings from Dior list for men as well. Dior fragrances are usually very elegant, complex, seductive, and masculine.

Quite frankly, I consider it to be among the top of my favorite designer lists along with names like YSL. For this list, I have selected eleven scents for guys which all offer something different for the different personalities.

Note that Dior isn’t a brand that comes out with endless flankers for their men’s line each year (compared to others). Sure, some come out here and there, but the offerings tend to stay relatively the same for a while.

Favorite Dior Men’s Fragrances

Best Dior for Summer

Christian Dior Cologne Spray for Men, Dior Homme, 4.2 Ounce– Dior Homme Sport 2012, was my previous pick, but that’s been reformulated twice now. So, here on this update, I’m giving the nod to Dior Homme Cologne.

Dior Homme Cologne is a very simple scent, that is perfect for the warmer months of the year. It also shares a lot of overlap with Allure Homme Sport Cologne by Chanel. But, I think the Dior is slightly better.

Bergamot citrus, grapefruit blossom, and musk. Very juicy, cold, with a light floral aspect and musky base. Almost sort of a lemonade-like aroma, for parts of the wear.

Very well put together and fresh to wear around in the summertime. Decent performance, just not a complete beast. As far as I can tell, the newer update of this, is simply a new bottle design and nothing changed about the fragrance itself. Dior Homme Cologne Review

Intense Aroma

Christian Dior Dior Men Intense Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Outside of Sauvage, this is probably the next most popular Dior fragrance for men.

Dior Homme Intense is still around as of this year and didn’t get the complete overhaul that Dior Homme did (see further down on the list).

So, if you want the older formula of the Homme series, this is the easiest to find.

However, this is a fantastic fragrance that can have a spot, in any man’s rotation. The opening act is still among my favorites ever.

Smooth lavender, cedar, vetiver, along with pear and the signature iris note. It’s warm, seductive, woodsy, with an ambrette note that gives it a chocolatey sort of aroma. For a lot of people, this is the best Dior scent in the lineup.  Dior Homme Intense Review

Classic Dior Scent

Eau Sauvage By Christian Dior For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Oz.
A classic fragrance which dates back to the mid-1960s. Eau Sauvage is crisp, fresh, and fruit yet still retains an aura of total masculinity.

Eau Sauvage uses lemon and bergamot top notes with dry and spice herbal ones sitting underneath.

Bright, spicy, clean citrus with an old school style. There have been new variants released by Dior recently, which have a more modern approach to the original scent (like Parfum, below). So, perhaps that would be a better choice for some guys.

eau sauvage

Newer Better Eau Sauvage

Eau Sauvage Parfum– This one is harder to come by than the original Eau Sauvage. However, this 2017 update to another older flanker, is one of the best from Dior. Again though, bottles are scarce.

I had a travel sprayer full of this stuff last year, along with other entries in the Eau Sauvage series. But, this was my favorite.

Eau Sauvage Parfum kicks things off with citron, bergamot, and a resinous aroma to it. Bright, juicy, with a cold and refreshing feeling. The woods from the base already come up early on and add to the experience.

Jasmine, lavender, and vetiver play a larger role as we move the the dry down and the citrus will be more of a background player. If you can get some of this at a reasonable price, Parfum is for sure worth checking out. Eau Sauvage Parfum Review

Top Unisex Pick

Ambre Nuit Eau de Parfum– From the La Privee collection, but you could also give the nod to Fève Délicieuse. Ambre Nuit is the slightly better and wider appealing of the two, in my opinion.

Ambre Nuit features rose, amber, and pink pepper. It settles down as a lightly spiced scent, with a somewhat powdery aroma. The rose here isn’t super powerful and it never veers into coming across as a woman’s fragrance. Quite unisex indeed.

The scent itself actually does give a rather powerful performance, while the composition itself isn’t too complex.

The La Privee bottles are usually much more expensive than the standard bottles of Dior fragrances. The scents are more niche and some of them are well worth a shot.

1980s Powerhouse

Fahrenheit By Christian Dior For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 6.8 Oz.
This fragrance is one that most people will either love or hate. It can be too intense for some people to handle but for the right guy, this becomes a signature scent.

Violet and honeysuckle open Fahrenheit and give off what has been described for decades now, as a gasoline like aroma.

I’d say it’s pretty accurate in my testing of this one.  It does settle down to have an emergent leather accord with the violet, which is much more pleasant than how many will find that petrol start.

There have been many flanker releases of this over the years, some are still available and take this formula in different directions. Some more bold, some lighter for summer, etc.

Fahrenheit Parfum has a really awesome opening half, but I’m less enthusiastic about the dry down. Still, it’s probably the best, that are still fairly available.

People who tried this in the 1980s, say it’s not nearly as strong as it once was, but it can still pack a punch. Reformulations happen with older scents, this one hasn’t been completely diminished, though. Notes include: honeysuckle, balsam, and sandalwood. Read my Fahrenheit review here!

fahrenheit

My Personal Go To

Dior Homme By Christian Dior For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces– Light, fresh, elegant, and classy. Dior Homme is a modern classic and the scent that I wear on most days, when I’m not testing others for reviews. Dior Homme is light with floral notes like iris, on top of a woodsy base. Then, there is the sweet and raw cacao ingredient, which is lovely.

When it dries down, that’s when this one really shines for me. The leather note and how it interacts with the powdery iris and soothing lavender. It can have a makeup bag-like aroma, at times, which some folks don’t like.

For men, it’s not like that but for a short time, and never feels feminine. Iris can hit your nose, differently, on occasion.

I absolutely love this stuff, the first time I tried a sample, I went out and bought the biggest bottle that they had.

It is quite dry and fresh with an awesome balance between the wood notes and the floral. Semi-sweet, with a classy vibe, that is also very versatile and gets me plenty of complements. Dior Homme Full Review

This is another one Dior has updated for 2020. The newer version doesn’t have the same style as this one, but does share some overlapping notes. Mainly, the difference is the lack of iris and cacao. That can be a good or bad thing depending on who you are. It really is a completely different fragrance.

See below, as the newer version was good enough to make the list.

The New Dior Homme

Dior Homme at Macy’s– As I wrote above, the newer 2020 version of Dior Homme is a distinct fragrance from its predecessor. Not as good, in my opinion, but is still very well worth a try.

This one kicks off with a light bergamot citrus, pink pepper, and vetiver coming through early on. It’s a bit spicy, with some resinous qualities underneath, but is mostly fresh and clean.

The vetiver will have its run near the top, but the other woodsy/earthy notes will begin to have more of a role to play. Iso E Super, cedar, and cashmere wood. It becomes less spicy, more of a woody musk, with a certain amount of sweetness to it.

Again, not my favorite of the list. But, this one is very easy to wear, versatile, and has a pretty good performance as well. Dior Homme 2020 Review

Most Unique Dior Cologne

Dune By Christian Dior For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces
An underrated cologne, Dune has an oriental and woodsy profile. It is fresh, sexy, and earthy with notes of mandarin, moss, sage, basil, and cedar wood. Airy and masculine sandalwood and fig leaf, lead the way for this late 1990s release.

Can be quite green and herbal at times with the sage and basil mix, but never heavy. A unique find that is very different from most of what you’ll find on the market.

It works insanely well in the spring and summer months, but not like the usual aquatic fare. It’s getting harder to come by, but Dune Pour Homme is still absolutely brilliant, if you happen to fall under its spell. Dune Pour Homme

dune m

Top Sauvage Pick

Sauvage Elixir at Macy’s– Sauvage Elixir is a new release for 2021 and immediately got the edge above the eau de parfum as the best of the Sauvage line. It smells really nice and is a monster, in terms of its performance.

Lavender is still the main attraction here. However, Elixir is pretty different from the others in most of its notes, while still holding onto that spice, citrus, and woods DNA.

To me, the best part of Elixir comes from its newer spice accord, mainly the cinnamon and nutmeg notes. I never liked the Sichuan pepper very much in the original, but this newer mix is awesome with what it delivers.

Yes, it’s more expensive, but it lasts all day and actually brings a new interpretation to the line. The concentration here is really amped up, so, you’re going to have to pony up the cash for a smaller bottle. If you want something closer to the original Sauvage, go with the EDP (below).  Sauvage Elixir Review

Runner-Up Sauvage Fragrance

Sauvage by Dior Eau de Parfum Spray 100ml– I’m not a massive fan of Sauvage EDT. The original is fine, but I was never too into it, and it’s been copied to death by now.

However, Dior released the EDP version of Sauvage and changed up the composition. Everything that I disliked, went away. Not only that, they improved upon the performance and what worked well in the original release.

The result? A better performer, that is sexy, and gets complements.

The ambroxan led opening is smoother and the citric harshness is gone. It feels more refined, clean, and more pleasant to wear. It is joined by a dark and somewhat smoky vanilla note and a much quieter lavender, which add to the clean creaminess of Sauvage EDP.

The Sichuan pepper is also toned down and joined by lighter spices like anise and nutmeg. Has really great versatility and works well in different weather and climate conditions.

I really dig this variant versus the original EDT. It’s also still better than the more recent, Parfum version, which is now third in terms of Sauvage releases. Dior Sauvage EDP Review

10 Fragrances Similar to Angel

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Thierry Mugler’s Angel is now, has been for a long time, and seemingly always will be a popular fragrance. It’s weird because, such a best selling perfume, isn’t well liked but a large number of people. Many think that it can be too much, while others swear by it. However, the polarization, isn’t that extreme.

There are still a ton of fans of this perfume, but may want to wear something else. Or maybe they’d like a cheaper scent with an aroma like that of Angel, to save some cash. Well, in this post, I want to present 10 perfumes which smell like this Thierry Mugler creation. And, substitutions for some of the flanker perfumes of the Angel line.

Perfume Alternatives that are Similar to Mugler’s Angel

Inspired Inexpensive Option 

Gourmand Patchouli by Dossier– One of the options for those who want a cheaper perfume ‘inspired by’ Mugler’s Angel is this entry from Dossier.

Gourmand Patchouli and their other creations really do hit the mark in terms of smelling close to the original designer perfume. With most of the one’s that I have tested, they seem to get it at least 85% of the way there.

With the notes, you’re obviously going to get the strong patchouli, notes like caramel and honey, along with the fruits and florals. For the current (as of writing) price of $29, this is pretty much going to give you what you need if you want a very similar alternative to Angel.

Sweeter with More Powder

BOND No 9 Nuits De Noho, 3.4 Ounce– A complex and seductive scent that can add a great deal of sophistication to a woman’s style. Nuits de Noho opens with a pineapple and vanilla mix that sits in the middle of a patchouli wrapping.

It’s gourmand and has a sweet, baked goods sort of quality to the aroma. The patchouli and musk are pretty strong for the first 15 minutes or so before, this Bond No. 9 perfume settles itself into something sweeter and gentler.

To me, the floral notes like jasmine, are powdery and green but mostly stay in the background to only come out a brief whiffs.  Nuits de Noho Full Review

nuits

Angel Elixir Alternative

Fairy Potion by Dua– The Angel line has of course produced a ton of flankers over the years. One, which was released in 2023 is Angel Elixir. The Dua Brand has released their interpretation of this newer scent and I’m adding it to the list.

Now, if you want something like the original Angel, the flanker (or this inspired take) doesn’t have much to do with it. Actually, I agree that it has a lot of overlap with Donna Born in Roma and its flankers.

It’s creamy with vanilla and sandalwood notes supporting a great jasmine note. Sweetish, but not the whole way through, and it does have a rather synthetic amber note.

Now, I haven’t tried Fairy Potion as of yet, but Dua does a nice job with their inspirations (I’ve owned like a dozen or more). So, if you’re in the market for something cheaper than Angel Elixir, here you go.

Toned Down Patchouli

Molinard Nirmala Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 2.5 Ounce– Another fragrance that smells like and has some differences from our target. Nonetheless, the sweet fruits, vanilla, and warmth is all there.

Chocolate is missing and definitely not the same sort of patchouli bomb as Angel. The rest of it? Pretty much a dead ringer. It’s got a nice sweet/tart smell and not as heavy. 

Under $10 Inspiration

Spirit Of Heaven | Parfum De Toilette | Spray for Women | 1.85 oz– If you’re looking for the ultra cheap perfume that smells close, this one can fit the bill. Spirit of Heaven is available for less than $10 and cuts quite a strikingly similar aroma to the Thierry Mugler.

It opens up with fruits, warmth, and spice. Then, dries down with the patchouli, vanilla, and chocolate notes. Surprisingly not a weak version, Spirit of Heaven actually packs a similar punch, with its sillage and how long it lasts. 

Discontinued But Quite Similar

Lalique Nilang for Women Perfume 3.3 oz Eau de Parfum Spray– Just to be clear, the Nilang released in 2011 smells very similar to Angel. The other one, not so much. This isn’t widely available anymore, but you can still grab bottles.

The structure is very close, but the fruit notes are different here. You get plenty of melon and peach, in this perfume. 

Nilang is lighter, sweeter, with a floral base of lotus and freesia. This adds a slight watery component to the scent. This one is not an exact match with Angel, but is within the same ball park.

Like Angel Nova

Very Good Girl by Carolina Herrera– Now, Very Good Girl is a perfume that shares a lot with the flanker fragrance, Angel Nova. I personally, think that Nova is the better scent, but I’m adding this for those who want to try an alternative.

Red currant joins litchi early on to produce a bold, tart, and sweet opening of fruity notes. There’s not too long of a time with that opening, as the red rose note starts to move in. Actually, things start to take a powdery directions.

I do like the freshness and balance with the sweetness and the vanilla. However, this is mostly about the rose and litchi notes. Nice performance, but not outstanding. In the event that you find this for significantly cheaper than Nova, it might be worth a shot. Very Good Girl review

Fruitier and More Gourmand

Bond No 9 Ladies I Love New York Holidays Edp Spray Unisex 3.4 Oz– This is close to Nuits de Noho, as well as, Angel. Holidays is a very delectable perfume, which smells like a bakery. This always smelled very warm and sweet to my nose, back when I had the sample.

Not nearly the same level of power, or spice, nor patchouli. I liked the fruitiness in Holidays, apricot and pomegranate, which played extremely well off of praline. It’s not a one for one match, but gives you a similar experience, with some tweaks to the formula.

This one also has great performance, lasting over 9 hours and sometimes longer, depending on the day. 

Similar Notes, Different Direction

Calvin Klein euphoria Eau de Parfum Rollerball, 0.33 Fl Oz– So, Euphoria doesn’t smell like Angel. This is one that I wanted to throw in, because of its similar vibe. It does have some interesting overlap, but takes things in a different direction.

The pomegranate is very juicy/tart and edible with the inclusion of great floral notes and the well-blended addition of patchouli. Fruity/floral with spice and a solid base of rich mahogany.

As it dries down, Euphoria becomes darker and sexy, with the pomegranate taking on less of a role.

Inexpensive and Similar Option

Wish by Chopard Eau De Parfum spray 2.5 oz– With Wish, you get a cheaper, and altered sort of version of Angel. This fragrance isn’t as heavy and actually has a much cleaner fragrance. It’s pretty sweet, with notes such as: vanilla, honey, caramel, coconut, strawberry.

That sweetness is paired with a slightly smoky creaminess and some underlying floral notes. Very interesting take on this sort of perfume.

Again, not identical, but gives you great value for the price and a decent approximation of Angel. 

12 Best Tobacco Scented Colognes for Men

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Tobacco has a long history as a cash crop in the United States, mostly for use in smoking products. However, while the smell of cigarettes can be really repulsive, the essence of the tobacco itself can be amazing when it is included in a fragrance.

Tobacco usually gives of an air of masculinity, warmth, and smoothness. In this post, I want to present to you twelve cologne options with prominent tobacco notes in their composition.

Favorite Tobacco Scents for Men

Luxury Tobacco Fragrance

PARFUMS de MARLY Herod, 4.2 fl. oz.–A luxury and pretty high end priced scent from French house, Parfums de Marly. The tobacco note found in Herod, is utterly amazing. Playing off of that are spices and a sweet vanilla note.

So, like Man in Black, we have cinnamon spice but also a dark pepper note. It’s spicy but smooth and there is a smoky aroma provided by incense, which permeates that composition. It dries down into a rich and resinous cologne, that is captivating and sexy.

Herod has a maturity and classiness to it and could fit into office wear much better than a fragrance, like Eros. Still, this one can garner the complements and has all day longevity. This is one of the sexiest men’s colognes, in my opinion.

Spicy, Coffee, Tobacco

Magenta Tanzanite by Armani– This one is unisex and some would say it leans feminine. To me, sure, but only slightly. However, this does have an interesting and deep use of the tobacco note, that its worth checking out for anyone.

Magenta Tanzanite kicks things off with a mass of spice. Early, it’s mainly about the cardamom, then that will shift more towards cinnamon. But, you also get a fresh ginger in there for even more.

Vanilla, myrrh, tonka bean, and coffee notes give this an interesting sweetness. It’s got elements similar to Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford (listed below) but this Armani absolutely does its own thing with more spice, a different tobacco scent, and that coffee note that really presents itself in the mid.

Note: The Dua Brand has their own inspired version of this called Purple Stone of Return, in case Armani discontinues Magenta.

Hookah Smoke

Smoking Hot by Kilian–  This is a newer entry to the list, that I’ve only gotten to try once, but I think it deserves a place on the list. Even if, it might not be for everyone.

Smoking Hot lives up to the name, giving you a definite smoky aroma, to go with the sweetish tobacco note. Apple and cinnamon are also present through much of the wear. Yes, some slight similarities with the Kilian Liquors perfumes (Angels’ and Apple Brandy). Not too many, though.

Yet, it’s sweetness never reaches the absolute levels of those two. Smooth and has a scent that hangs very nicely in the air around you. Later, some vanilla and light moss notes peak through, also.

Kind of too pricey for this one to really become a mainstream hit. However, for some people, this is going to be a great bet for their signature tobacco perfume.

Mass Appealing Option with Great Performance

Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme Eau De Parfum Spray 50ml/1.7oz– While the name Spicebomb does carry a certain connotation as to exactly how it should smell, Spicebomb Extreme is actually a great tobacco rich fragrance for men.

This is a smoother and warmer fragrance, rather than a completely spicy cologne. It opens with our tobacco note, lavender, and rich vanilla. The cumin and cinnamon notes are there, but greatly toned down versus the original.

Not only does Extreme smell great, it actually lives up to the latter part of its name, in terms of performance. It is indeed extreme, with a strong sillage and seemingly never-ending longevity. It’s honestly, one of the longest lasting scents that I’ve reviewed. Spicebomb Extreme Review

spicebomb extreme edp

Well-Known Designer Tobacco

TOM FORD Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum 50 ML(1.7 OZ)– A high performing giant in the world of fragrance. Tobacco Vanille is obviously highlighted by those two notes, but it’s excellent blend of sweetness and spiciness is what really sets it apart.

Expensive? Yes, but it delivers an experience that is all its own. This is masculine, refined, and a fragrance that really shines in the winter time. This Tom Ford beauty is dark and has a certain thickness to it. The tobacco note is great, like lightly smoked pipe tobacco/

This is another one, like Sublime Vanille, that features an absolutely divine vanilla note. It’s very realistic and smells utterly perfect to my nose. Add to the two main notes, you get a lovely cacao, fruits, and creamy tonka bean.

The scent is also quite dry and doesn’t have a ‘juicy’ fruit sensation. Overall, it is super sweet and spicy, while being a performance scent that will last and project for ages. Tobacco Vanille Review

Dark, Spicy, and Woody

BURBERRY London for Men Eau de Toilette, 3.3 fl. oz
A fresh and spicy blend of woodsy notes and tobacco. Probably the most masculine of the popular Burberry scents and one which is fantastic in the autumn.

Burberry London starts off with that sweet and warm tobacco note and is paired with cinnamon for that spiced kick.

This cologne is dry and earthy at times with the oak moss and calming lavender note. However, the main attractions are the tobacco, leather, and cinnamon. The whole composition is dark and very rich.

The sillage of London is pretty moderate, but you’ll definitely notice you’re wearing it. Longevity is solid and it is quite versatile in its application. I always received complements with this one back in the day.  Read my full London Review

london

Old School Scent

Tabarome By Creed For Men. Eau De Parfum Spray 4.0 Oz
An expensive blend of ginger and tobacco, which is refined and classy. It opens with an air of freshness and some citrus top notes, bergamot and tangerine.

Though, those two fade into the background rather quickly, and you then really start to get the spicy ginger and a rich floral tobacco note. Yes, this isn’t the pipe tobacco more like the flower on the plant blended with a hint of the cured kind.

It is a very well blended fragrance led by those two aforementioned notes. Also, there is the standard Creed ambergris, and smooth masculine leather.

Tabarome is a classic old-school men’s fragrance. It isn’t heavy handed, instead it is understated, and straight to the point.  Creed Tabarome Review

tabarome

Sweet Honey, Fruit, Tobacco

Tobacolor by Dior– This is a unisex wear from Dior’s La Collection Privee. Tobacolor is a very sweet, warm, smoky, and rich perfume. It’s going to be different from a lot of the other entries on the list, fruitier, but still with great smokiness and our target note.

It is led by notes of plum and peach up top. Warm, ambery, thick with honey, almost like a jam.  The sweetness and smoky aspects here can pack quite a punch, early on, but Tobacolor will settle down…while retaining that essence.

As it dries down, the aroma actually does get drier. Dried fruits, cured tobacco, some spice, that smoke, and all wrapped up in the amber note. The performance delivers and that sillage stays pretty darn strong, even after the big open.

Tobacco Red

Red Tobacco by Mancera– This is another one that is on the pricier side of things. But for some, Red Tobacco is worth it.

The opening is spicy, sweet, yet dry. For me, much of the tobacco is going to come through in the dry down. Cinnamon and saffron tend to come out early, along with some vanilla and fruitiness.

This dry warmth will become smoother after that somewhat rough start, as you get more vanilla, amber, and the tobacco note itself. Yet, the spiciness will remain somewhat throughout the wear. At that point, its a spiced tobacco with vanilla and some dry woods/patchouli.

A bold fragrance with a dense and intense presentation.

Clean Green Tobacco Scent

Dreamer By Versace 3.4 oz Eau De Toilette Spray for Men– You can now get a hold of a full bottle of The Dreamer for right at $30, which is a great price, for this Versace fragrance. It was released in the 1990s and so the price has been reduced, but don’t let that fool you, Dreamer is still a fantastic men’s cologne.

Update: This one has been reformulated. It still has tobacco, but it’s going to be a different experience versus what I wrote here, about the original version.

It opens up with extremely smooth, fresh, and green aroma led by the tobacco note. This isn’t a dark tobacco or smoked tobacco, rather, it is the scent of the flower itself. This is paired with that usual calming lavender note which adds a clean sensation to so many fragrances out there.

The opening feels more powdery than the cologne that you get during the dry down period. Yet, The Dreamer retains its sweet tobacco profile, and only gets better as it moves along.

Finally, you get the woody notes of fir and cedar. This is blended with vetiver and the slight herbal spice of clary sage. It’s masculine, deep, and has a cool dryness about it. This Versace is an absolute winner and one that I love wearing a cooler days of the year. Nice performance with a soft and non-offensive sillage.

Sweet Tobacco and Honey

Thierry Mugler Eau de Toilette Spray, Angel Men Pure Havane, 3.4 Ounce
A gourmand take on tobacco featuring notes of vanilla and honey. It opens like a Cuban cigar that’s been drenched in honey and then dipped in sugar. Very sweet in the start, so just be aware of what you’re getting into.

It’s very rich, warm, and smooth. This is a lighter and sweeter type of tobacco, not at all dark.

These ingredients are later joined by a cocoa note, which smells to me like a chocolate powder. It’s a stronger sort of fragrance with decent longevity. Overall,

Pure Havane is a gourmand tobacco scent with a warm profile. Pure Havane is also versatile, sexy, and built for cold weather. Read my full Review: Pure Havane

havane

Smooth and Leathery

John Varvatos Vintage Eau de Toilette Spray, 4.2 fl. oz.
Smooth, fresh, and a completely classic use of tobacco and leather. The tobacco in Vintage is smokier than probably any of the others on the list.

There are fruity notes underneath, but it is a very masculine scent that uses plenty of woods (like the fir note).

Tonka bean helps to smooth it out some, as does the nicely added suede. However, there is also patchouli and dry oak moss. Varvatos Vintage has an outdoorsy edge and is better suited for the older gentleman.

Still, it only projects moderately, so even with all of this manliness, you aren’t going to choke out a room with it. This really is a gorgeous fragrance. I just wish that Varvatos colognes lasted longer, so, be sure to find a cheap bottle.

4 Perfumes Similar to Love Spell by Victoria’s Secret

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Ahhh, Love Spell. I really don’t know how many times, I’ve come across a girl wearing this fragrance, particularly back in high school. It’s been fairly ubiquitous for a few decades now, and as such, has gained a large following.

Some of whom, are now seeking potential alternatives or comparable cheaper options to this smell. But, what perfumes smell similar to Love Spell?

Fragrances which Smell Similar to Love Spell

A Britney Perfume 

Britney Spears Midnight Fantasy Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.3-Fluid Ounce– A sweet blend of fruit and floral notes that will please the senses to no end. Midnight Fantasy is a different take on the sweetness offered by the original Fantasy but one which really stands out.

Notes include: Framboise, Black Cherry, Musk, Night Blooming Orchid, Vanilla, Plum, Freesia, Amber, Iris.

Plum and black cherry add a tart fruitiness to the Fantasy name. It’s clean and slightly dark with a creamy vanilla note circulating throughout. Sweet yet powdery with the iris note providing the main thrust of the floral accord.

Midnight Fantasy gives you cherry and plum, instead of cherry blossom and peach, as with Love Spell. Nonetheless, the effect is very similar due to how they blend, and the floral notes included.

Midnight Fantasy is an all around solid option from Britney Spears to replace or get a similar experience, as the Victoria’s Secret spray. Not as peachy, as the VS spray can tend to be for some people.

midnight

A Closely Styled Perfume

Selena Gomez Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Selena Gomez’s fragrance hits the right demographic and similar tone to Love Spell. It’s not exactly the same smell, but definitely in the same ball park.

This one opens up with an array of fruits including the same peach note as our Victoria’s Secret target. It is joined by citrus notes and pineapple. This perfume is juicy and sweet, with a bit more of a tropical vibe, but not entirely.

A bit further along, the berry notes come in to pair up with the peach and pineapple. It also gets more of a gourmand influence, with vanilla and chocolate.

Most of the wear, is extremely fruit laden, with a completely youthful vibe. A solid alternative option. Again, more of the vanilla/chocolate dry down which separates it from the more linear experience of the VS spray.

Similar but High End

Creed Spring Flower by Creed for Women Millesime Spray, 2.5 Ounce– Alright, this one isn’t an exact one to one. It’s a higher end designer scent, but it does have lots of overlap, as a fruity floral to Love Spell.

Peach, apple, jasmine, and musk are the shared commonalities. This is a much more developed and grown up version, of what we’re looking for.

Notes include jasmine, peach, apple, musk, melon, rose, ambergris.  Spring Flower is an uplifting fruity scent with bright, floral undertones.

Melon, peach and apple are paired for a crisp and juicy sweet start to the wear.  Then, the rose and jasmine note usher in its flowery namesake, which is quite pretty.

Along with the typical Creed ambergris note, Spring Flower has a musky dry down that is fairly potent.

The flower aspect is more prominent further along in the life cycle, with jasmine and musk being the highlights at that point. Meanwhile, the fruit notes have become more subdued.

Spring Flower isn’t really a heavy fragrance, more light to moderate. However, it provides good longevity, and versatility. It can definitely become a signature every day wear.

spring-flower-75ml-creed

The Closest Fantasy

Sexiest Fantasies Love Struck by Parfums De Coeur Fragrance Body Spray 7.35 oz – If you’re looking for a straight comparable to Love Spell, this is as close as you’re going to get…and it’s pretty darn close.

Sexiest Fantasies Love Struck gives you both the peach and cherry blossom notes, without as much of the floral base. There is a slight muskiness to it.

On the plus side, it’s affordable, and gives you an intense juicy fruit smell. The peach comes with a huge impact, from the first spray.

Later on, the cherry blossom is more noticeable, along with the musk. The scent becomes much more balanced. This is almost a carbon copy of Love Spell, hence the name.

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