L’Homme Ideal Platine Prive by Guerlain

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L’Homme Ideal Platine Prive was released by Guerlain in 2023, as a part of its long-running L’Homme Ideal line of fragrances. I was excited to try this fragrance out, as it was said to be very similar to Ideal Cologne. How does this one compare? What does Platine Prive smell like? Is it worth a try?

What does Ideal Platine Prive Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, grapefruit, almond, vetiver, musk, neroli

My Full Wear Review

So, Ideal Platine Prive is essentially a reworking/re-release of Ideal Cologne, that Guerlain discontinued years ago. It was actually my favorite of the series and I was excited to get ahold of this one.

The only difference are the orange and pink pepper seem to have been eliminated. Neither of which were all that prominent in the Cologne version.

The opening starts off with a blast of the grapefruit and bergamot. They’re almost equally weighted, maybe a slight edge to the grapefruit on my skin.

Those notes are juicy, but they play off a dryness in this fragrance, from the vetiver mainly. The neroli is the third most noticeable note behind the two citrus fruits. A bit of spice, which contrasts with the almond bitterness and creaminess which is already popping through.

It’s fresh, spicy, cold, dry, and a tad green in the early stages.

The initial wave of citrus will quiet down and Platine Prive really starts to go into its almond and vetiver heavy phase. The neroli and mostly the bergamot hang around too. Creamy, clean, and that bitter touch of neroli stands out more with the almond note.

From here, it really feels like Ideal Cologne. Maybe a bit smoother than the original. Though, any differences I’m picking up on, are all based on my memory of the older release.

Fresh, with some zest, like a cool drink. Still, this Guerlain does have that underlying dryness to it. Almond and citrus/musk with vetiver is the dry down. The vetiver will settle and share a lot of its duties with the musk note.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage is somewhat above average, but it’s not a heavy scent nor a massive projector. It’ll give you a scent trail for a few hours with normal sprays, but then, it’ll sit closer to the skin. It’s definitely still around and you’ll catch whiffs of it throughout the day.

Platine Prive can hit 8 hours or a bit more of wear on skin. More than likely it will fall in the 7-8 hour range. That’s what I’ve mostly been getting out of this cologne.

Seasonally, this is one for spring and summertime. It’s actually really great to wear outside on a mildly warm day. It’s not super powerful, but Ideal Platine Prive does hang around in the air surrounding you well enough to be enjoyed on a stroll.

I wore this to the park a few times and got a pleasant little scent bubble for myself. I could wear this almost anywhere during the spring and summer months. It’s pleasant, likeable, and isn’t going to offend.

Not crazy formal or a nightclub beast, but I’d wear it out at night, depending on the location. Platine Prive can certainly fit in a wide variety of places.

Overall Impressions of Ideal Platine Prive

Overall, do I like L’Homme Ideal Platine Prive? Yes, of course. I think it’s great. I’m glad that Guerlain basically put a very slight remix on my favorite of the Ideal line, that had been gone for so long.

The citrus and almond with vetiver and musk isn’t too complex, but it is a wonderful scent. The almond isn’t overpowering, quite balanced between bitter and creamy.

The performance is solid for this sort of spring and summer scent. If you liked the original Cologne version, you’ll certainly like this one too.

That being said, it isn’t available outside of Guerlain (at least in the US). I had to buy a decant of this Guerlain off of eBay, just to test it out. So, don’t expect to find it widely available at department stores, like some of the other Ideal releases.

It is worth getting, if you can. Personally, I’m not planning on getting a bottle as I have plenty of summer scents, including the somewhat similar Dior Homme Cologne that I recently bought.

If that weren’t the case, I’d be getting myself a bottle of Ideal Platine Prive.

Guilty Elixir de Parfum Pour Homme by Gucci

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Guilty Elixir Pour Homme was released by the brand in 2023. I picked up samples of it late last year to test it out and see if it lived up to its early hype. It sort of took the line in a new direction versus what you get with others in the series.

How does Elixir smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Guilty Elixir Pour Homme Smell Like?

Notes include: vanilla, orange blossom, nutmeg, ambrofix, pimento seeds, orris butter, benzoin, patchouli, osmanthus

Click here to try: Guilty Elixir

My Full Review

The opening of this Guilty fragrance is spicy, warm, balsamic, with the iris and vanilla notes already making themselves known. Interestingly, on my skin at least, the benzoin note really comes up from the base at this stage.

I’m actually reminded a bit of Body Kouros by YSL in the undertones of Elixir, at this early stage.

The spices here are nutmeg, and for me, the more prominent pimento. Same sort of spice found in K by D&G and Xeryus Rouge.

After this initial burst, it does become more floral. I was expecting to get more of the orange blossom note before the iris came fully into play.

Actually, the osmanthus comes through more for me. It’s much less of the fruity smelling type, actually it gives a suede/leather scent to Guilty Elixir.

The spice tones down, this Gucci cologne is fully in its floral, powdery, vanilla phase. Less warm, smooth, fresh, with a touch of fuzziness. Here’s where I do pick up some more of the orange blossom, since the nutmeg and pimento have toned down.

Guilty Elixir isn’t fully a ‘baby powder’ type of fragrance. Orris butter, vanilla, and orange blossom do lend a creaminess here and this cologne does have more of a sweetness to it for a good portion of the wear.

The dry down is pretty simple. Orris, vanilla, the ‘Ambrofix’ amber note, some leftover benzoin and patchouli. Mainly, it’s the vanilla and ambrofix.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This isn’t a heavy fragrance, it’s substantial, while having a definite light feeling to it. Guilty Elixir, does however, project quite far and creates a great scent bubble around you.

Not a massive reach, but well above average with just how far it will jump off of the skin. With a normal amount of spraying, I don’t think this Gucci disappoints.

Elixir performs well in terms of its longevity. I get somewhere in the 8-9.5 hour range, each time that I’ve sprayed in on.

It might be capable of more than that for some people, but it’s not elite status. Still better than others in the series, though.

Seasonally, I’d say this one can go autumn to pretty deep into springtime (depending on where you live). It’s not a scent for the hot weather, but Elixir can hold up on a reasonably warm day. Though, I’d mostly wear it when it’s chilly to moderate outside.

It’s very versatile outside of that. Not really a nightclub beast or necessarily one for romantic wear and not completely formal. But, as a daily wear and just about any other situation Guilty Elixir Pour Homme can fit in.

Overall Impressions of Guilty Elixir

Overall, do I like it? Sure, it’s different from the rest of the Guilty Pour Homme series, but it also doesn’t strike me as incredible. Likeable, for me. Other people might love this, especially if you are a fan of scents like Reflection.

I came back to this one after having the sample for a few months and forgetting about it. I’m a bit more positive on it than the first time, but I still don’t think it’s incredible. The opening act is my favorite part and the rest of it isn’t too exciting to my nose.

There’s no inherent weaknesses with Elixir. Performance is good across the board, its pleasant, and one that you can get plenty of use out of.

Since this is a higher price point than others in the Guilty series, I would try to test it out, to see if this one actually appeals to you.

The softer floral, powdery, vanilla scent isn’t going to be for everyone. This one is actually pretty unisex and if you want something more masculine, look elsewhere.

Absolu Aventus by Creed

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Absolu Aventus is a limited edition of the best selling name by Creed, which was released in 2023. As of now, the brand really limited the number of bottles that came out, and I’m not sure what the status will be for the future.

I did however, purchase a sample for quite a bit of money, in order to test it out and see how it actually smells, performs, and if it’s worth trying to get a hold of.

What does Absolu Aventus Smell Like?

Notes include: citron, bergamot, blackcurrant, vetiver, grapefruit, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, pink pepper, patchouli

Click here to try: Absolu Aventus

My Full Review

The differences between Absolu and the original Aventus will be quite apparent in the opening act. The pineapple and birch are noticeably missing.

Absolu Aventus is a smoother blend in comparison with bergamot still in the lead spot, but flanked with citron, grapefruit, and the same blackcurrant. It does still have a somewhat sharp bite to it, but it doesn’t hit in the same way.

This to me, is a welcome change of pace, as the opening has always been my least favorite aspect of Aventus.

The spices here are mainly the cinnamon and cardamom notes. Ginger is present, but never becomes a major factor in the mix for me.

Vetiver was the biggest shock to me early. I wasn’t expecting it to come through as much as it did. I actually get more of it than I ever do from the ginger. Between this and the patchouli, you’re going to get some earthiness wafting up from the base.

Nothing crazy, but enough freshness and woodsy/grassy aroma to make up for some of what is missing from the original. Somewhat smoky, but really not to the same extent at all.

Basically, this one is citrus, spice (cinnamon and an emergent pink pepper), and the vetiver/patchouli mix in the base. Clean and pleasant. Unique enough from the original Aventus, but doesn’t stray too far away.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

During my initial wear, I was quite pleased with this because it had the same bold opening as Aventus. Plenty of projection and it definitely had scent trail potential, albeit in with a less heavy feeling than its predecessor.

But, after only a few hours into it, Absolu Aventus became a skin scent. I tried it multiple times with the same result. Disappointing.

For me, this Creed lasts the same length of time as Aventus. I get 8-9 hours out of it. Again, not to the same strength, and 4-5 of those hours, Absolu is going to be hovering just off of the skin. Nothing much more than that.

Seasonally, I think that Absolu is at its best in the autumn through spring. With the deeper use of citrus, I thought it might be summer coming into testing. Nope. This fragrance is surprisingly great when it’s cool and crisp outside.

As far as when you can where it, just think any time that you wear the original. It retains that super versatile and signature scent aspect.

Overall Impressions of Absolu Aventus

Overall, do I like Absolu Aventus? Yes, it’s very much like the original Aventus, only with some changes at the edges to make this fragrance somewhat distinct.

I do enjoy those additions. The cinnamon might be my favorite part of this newer formula. The citron in this citrus heavy mix is also pleasant. In terms of how it smells, Absolu is a nice release.

My main issues with it are the performance and the price tag for what it is. Over $500 per bottle. I can explain away the latter as it being as limited edition or something for collectors.

Fine. I’m not in the market for an Aventus fragrance, so, it doesn’t really concern me. Definitely feels like a cash grab, though.

The nosedive that it seems to do after a few hours, with how it projects is my main gripe. It feels like it’s going to be an equal to the original and then it just turns into a skin scent for me.

With all of that in mind, I don’t think this is going to be worth tracking down for most people. If you love Aventus, sure you might want a different take on it. For the rest of you, you might want to go with a different Creed cologne or just pick up one of the other Aventus scents.

There’s nothing here that’s way different, just a bit of an alternative take on the popular smell of Creed Aventus.

10 Best Smelling Bath and Body Works Scents

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Bath & Body Works has a ton of fragrances that are available for cheap, but also smell great. Yes, sometimes, they can be fairly predictable. However, B&BW definitely provides some absolute gems in the lower cost space. These can come in the form of lotions, mists, perfumes, or shower gels.

With such an extensive line, I wanted to present some of their scents that I feel smell the best, and have a good deal of popularity (with some underrated perfumes in the mix as well).

What are the Top Bath and Body Works Fragrances?

Newer Gem

Tropidelic– This one actually comes in an eau de parfum version, as well as the usual body mist. I haven’t tested the perfume out, but I have smelled the mist, and it deserves a spot on this list.

Tropical and light with a misty/aquatic aroma to it. That seems to be short-lived or at least not very prevalent when I tested it. Passion flower, ylang-ylang, and a burst of bright energy to help uplift you.

Not going to be super complex but you get a sweet, vaguely fruity blend sitting underneath, a wonderful floral mix. 

Tropidelic is light, fun, and easy to wear. Probably best for the spring and summer months.

 

Creamy Citrus Woods

Bath & Body Works, Ultra Shea Body Cream, Body Lotion, Shower Gel, Twilight Woods Bundle (3-Pack)– Twilight Woods is one of the most popular scent releases from Bath & Body Works. It opens up with a citrus and berry blend, mainly focused on orange.

Then, it works its way into being a creamy/woody blend, with floral notes swirling around the base.

The fruit top is nice, but once you get down to the vanilla and woody dry down, this fragrance is just beautiful. There’s also an amber and a touch of coconut/apricot, up top.

Bright Starfruit with Almond

A Thousand Wishes Body Set – Shower Gel, Body Lotion & Fragrance Mist– A bit sweet with a sparkling quality, A Thousand Wishes is a unique, and ultimately delicious fragrance. Starfruit is very present within this, which is a fruit note, that I wholly enjoy. 

It’s much more fruity and sugary than the below option, but there is enough floral notes in this perfume, to keep it interesting. The dry down has plenty of amber and freesia, with a creamy almond note to tie things together. 

Cherry Blossom Fruity Floral

Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Set – Shower Gel 10 oz, Fragrance Mist– Obviously, the star of the show here, is going to be the Japanese Cherry Blossom. Yes, you’re going to get a floral blend with musky and woodsy notes.

But also, a nice blend of fruit to get paired with that cherry aroma, mainly pear and apple. 

This one is somewhat soft and understated, though it has a woody and slightly peppery freshness, throughout the wear. It leans much more fruity/floral, while being a completely enjoyable and attractive fragrance.

Tropical Champagne

CHAMPAGNE TOAST Fine Fragrance Mist 8 Fluid Ounce (2019 Edition)– I love a good champagne note, though, it doesn’t get utilized all that often. In Champagne Toast, you get that effervescent feeling, paired with sweet fruits and citrus. 

It’s sugary sweet, almost tropical in nature at times, but ultimately has that great champagne note dominating the composition.

This isn’t a very popular fragrance from B&BW, but I thought it was really attractive, when I smelled it a while back. 

Cool Mint and Chocolatey 

Twisted Peppermint Fine Fragrance Mist, 8 Fl Oz– Twisted Peppermint is a personal favorite of mine. I wear the lotion, during the wintertime, and it’s simply great. 

Twisted Peppermint is a holiday release, that features peppermint, sugared snow, and balsam. It starts out with an extremely fresh and cool peppermint, much like a candy cane. Sweet with a balsamic undertone.

The lotion version, has shea butter and coconut oil, which gives the scent a somewhat chocolaty finish. 

Strawberry Patchouli Floral

Bath & Body Works Mad About You Fine Fragrance Mist, 8 Ounce- Mad About You has a strong strawberry opening act, that kicks things off with a sweet and juicy aroma.

Then, you will get a good bit of patchouli, and a light peony hitting throughout.

Really nice smell. Plenty of berry goodness, with a musk/patchouli support for it. Not just another pure fruity fragrance. 

Dark Resinous Berry

Signature Collection ~ “Dark Kiss” ~ Gift Bag ~ Shower Gel, Ultra Shea Body Cream & Body Lotion– Yes, Dark Kiss is indeed, a ‘dark’ sort of fragrance. It opens up with a berry note that is surrounded by a warm amber note, and a light smokiness. 

It becomes quite rich, somewhat floral, and resinous. The dark berry is a great change of pace, from some of the other offerings on the list.

Dark Kiss is interesting, not super complex, but an overall lovely perfume. 

Sugary Tropics

Pink Pineapple Sunrise– Pink Tropical Sunrise gives you another option in the tropical category, other than Tropidelic.

This one, is for those who want a fruitier blend with a sweet sugary afterglow. This one really hits with a bold use of sweetness. The pineapple feels fresh, juicy, and lively. There is also a less prominent nectarine note in here.

The sugar itself is more noticeable in what could be termed the dry down, as much as you actually get one from a body spray. But, the main focus is absolutely going to be the pineapple note and it’s really wonderful for what this scent is.

Warm Amber, Juicy Fruit

IN THE STARS Gift Set – New Fragrance– In the Stars is a rather simple scent, but one that comes together quite wonderfully.

It kicks things off with a nice juicy/bubbly tangerine, that quickly gets paired up with amber, some light musk, and a woody base.

It dries down with a warm and creamy smoothness, consisting mostly of amber, but still retaining that nice citrus top note.

It gets called a near dupe of Cloud by Ariana Grande. But, it doesn’t have the lavender note, nor the complexity of that perfume. Still, I like this one as a cheapie.

Dior Homme Intense (2011) by Christian Dior

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Seeing as I just reviewed Dior Homme, I of course had to do one for its flanker fragrance, Dior Homme Intense. Don’t worry, I’ll do a comparison post of these two in the near future. Until then, I want to focus singularly on Intense as a stand alone scent.

How does it smell? How does it perform? When should it be worn? Is it worth a buy? Update: I am revising and updating this post, as I’ve gotten more experience with it, and the original Dior Homme.

What does Dior Homme Intense Smell Like?

Notes include: pear, iris, vetiver, ambrette, lavender, cedar

Click here to try: Christian Dior Dior Men Intense Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Review

The opening of Dior Homme Intense hits with a blast of lavender, cedar, and vetiver. It’s a smooth woody affair that pairs with the ambrette to create a warm woods feeling. The iris emerges for me, after about a minute of wear and gives off that familiar powdery floral aroma.

The lavender is in many ways the leader, but what I guess is the ambrette, gives this fragrance its warmth and adds to the cacao sort of aroma. Cedar and vetiver solidify the base. The latter two notes, will have a greater impact later on, but I can detect them from the start.

Honestly, I think that my favorite part is the opening 10-15 minutes with this fragrance. It’s just so layered and wonderful. To me, the opening beats out Dior Homme. That’s saying something, considering Dior Homme has become a staple in my rotation.

I’ve noted in subsequent comparisons between the two, that I enjoy Dior Homme more, overall. That being said, I will combine this two, and it’s essentially a 1A vs 1B scenario.

One of the main differences with Intense, is the lack of the leather note, when compared to the original. This is woodier, with a sweeter warmth.

The iris is still dominant, later on, but tempered when compared with Dior Homme. The lavender here, plays a pretty big role in how the iris gets to develop.

As it settles down, it draws more toward the powdery end of things, and there is definitely the cacao note that is found in the original Dior Homme lurking in this mixture.

It actually dries down into a rich, chocolate (somewhat vanilla) powder, gourmand and that’s how Intense separates itself from Dior Homme.

I get a fresh and semi-sweet fragrance, once it’s fully developed. This is all sitting on a dry base of cedar and vetiver. Powdery, clean, classy, and surprisingly seductive.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The projection on Dior Homme Intense is quite good. It’s not nearly as loud as something like 1 Million but it definitely earns the intense moniker.

The longevity is excellent. Dior Homme Intense is an all day wear and then some. That’s one thing, that I really appreciate about this cologne.

On my skin, I can hit that 9-11 hour range of solid wear. Yes, towards the end of that set, it is much more of a skin scent. However, the performance is very good overall.

For wear, it’s a late fall and winter wear in my book. It has a really warm, sweet gourmand fragrance and just sits perfectly in the colder air.

I stay away from the two Dior Homme’s in summertime. Maybe, if I’m going to be indoors, during the evening. But, it has to be air conditioned, and low humidity.

In terms of versatility, it is another classy and dressed up kind of scent. Hell, I’ll wear it with t-shirt and jeans, but it exudes sophistication and is best represented when dressed to the nines.

I like Dior Homme Intense best for evening wear and romantic wear. It does a great job at filling that role.

It is a masculine fragrance, but not in a rough, or overbearing sort of way. This is a man who is well put together, not weak, but not boorish either.

I have gotten plenty of complements, wearing Dior Homme Intense. Several drivers, when I’ve headed out to the bars, have commented on how much they like it. Also, women, once I arrive in whatever nightlife venue respond really positively toward this scent.

Now, I do wear Dior Homme, over this usually. But, I do often combine the two, for greater effect. Maybe two sprays of Dior Homme for one spray of Intense. It brings out enough strength, blends well, while giving you some highlights of each of the colognes.

Overall Impression of Dior Homme Intense

Overall, would I recommend Dior Homme Intense? Yes, indeed I would. I enjoy wearing it and like it’s different take on the original Dior Homme.

You can totally have both of them, as they are different enough, to create their own experiences and have a slightly different personality, so to speak.

I absolutely love the opening act of this fragrance. It’s about as perfect, as I can imagine a scent to be, or that I have come across in all the hundreds of tests that I’ve done. It’s fantastic.

The performance overall is outstanding and there’s no overwhelming negative, that I can tell from, all of my time spent with this cologne. Dior Intense has achieved classic status, in my book.

Update: Intense is now the remaining Dior Homme with this formulation (outside of the scarce Dior Homme Parfum). The brand revamped the Dior Homme lineup, producing: Dior Homme 2020 review and the Sport variant. As such, DHI would be my number one pick from this line.