Original Vetiver by Creed

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Another day, another review. This time, I’ve been trying out a sample vial of Original Vetiver by Creed. Creed has some nice fragrances for guys, but I’ve also been disappointed or underwhelmed by some of their releases, that I thought were really bland. Sure, I can still appreciated the quality craftsmanship of each scent, but at that price if it doesn’t smell good…what the hell is the point? Does Original Vetiver fall into the same trap?

What does Original Vetiver Smell Like?

Notes include: vetiver, ginger, bergamot, sandalwood, musk, iris, ambergris, mandarin

Click here to try: Creed Creed Original Vetiver Men Millesime Spray, 4 Ounce

My Full Review of Original Vetiver

Obviously, the main attraction here is the vetiver note. However, upon the initial opening the citrus pair of bergamot and mandarin are very prevalent and work well with the soft spicy undertones of the ginger.

While I do enjoy vetiver in many different colognes, I was unsure about how I would feel about it being a dominant force in a fragrance, but I have to say that Creed did a great job at making it work.

Original Vetiver has a ‘green’ quality to it, that is almost reminiscent of a mint note. While there is not actual mint in this scent to my knowledge, Vetiver, does create that illusion at times when I’m smelling it on my skin.

Ultimately, the citrus and the minty illusion fall by the wayside and the vetiver takes center stage and never releases its grip. It’s such an utterly clean and invigorating scent, that seems to give you a slight energy boost when inhaled.

It’s quite a classic composition in this sense, once it’s settled, Original Vetiver is a fairly linear scent. That’s fine by me, as the soapiness of the fragrance, is crisp and masculine.

I enjoy how it subtly lingers throughout the day but I will say that it strikes me as an ‘old time’ fragrance, like something that was worn by men decades ago, which may limit its appeal with some guys.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s not overly strong but I never felt it to be weak, either. You’ll know that Original Vetiver is there, though, it isn’t going to overwhelm. It’s on the upper end of moderate, in my mind.

This fragrance has very good longevity and I get a full day’s wear out of it. Most all, Creed scents will give you this type of performance, as they are typically so well crafted. At least 8 hours, is pretty standard with this one, and can go over 10.

Seasonally, I would wear this at any time except for the height of summer. It doesn’t strike me as having a summery vibe and I’m not particularly convinced that it would perform well with heat and high humidity.

Original Vetiver is also a business or business casual kind of fragrance. Not something that would be worn out to a club or perhaps not even a date (but it won’t totally be out of place in that instance).

Overall Impressions of Original Vetiver

Overall, would I recommend Original Vetiver? Yes, provided you’re a fan of vetiver, want a ‘classic’ clean/soapy fragrance, and prefer subtlety over extreme power.

Original Vetiver is very attractive on the whole with a green and masculine aroma that could find a place as a daily wear for a lot of guys.

The performance here is good and this is an example of a great vetiver cologne. Yes, it is on the expensive side of things, but it is worth it for those who want a classic kind of cologne.

Personally, it’s not something that I’d want to wear all of the time. But, as far as vetiver focused scents go, this has been among my favorites for a while now. I will say, the price has been getting pretty crazy for what you get in return. So, Original Vetiver is probably a try out before you buy fragrance nowadays.

1 Million vs 1 Million Lucky Paco Rabanne Comparison

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There apparently was a 1 Million flanker fragrance release, that I was not aware of, and that is: Lucky. I reviewed it the other day and enjoy it, but how does it stand when compared to the original 1 Million by Paco Rabanne? In this post, I am going to do another comparison to see which one I would choose and why.

Tale of the Tape: Lucky vs 1 Million

1 Million

Notes include: grapefruit, blood orange, rose, mint, cinnamon, amber, leather, patchouli, and more

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne 1 Million Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

Read my original review: 1 Million Cologne Review

1 Million Lucky

Notes include: hazelnut, cedar, green plum, patchouli, grapefruit, amber, and more

Click here to try: 1 Million Lucky by Paco Rabanne Eau de Toilette Spray 100ml

Read my original review: 1 Million Lucky

Opening

The opening of 1 Million is very famous and familiar to many people by this point. It has an ultra sugary sweet aroma that is likened to grape bubble gum. When you pay closer attention you can pick up cinnamon, rose, and the leather notes.

Newer bottles feel warmer and even spicier than I recall, the original batches. Maybe, it’s a trick of my memory?

1 Million Lucky opens with fresh woods and fruits such as plum. Warm wood covered by amber and a rich hazelnut. It’s sweet and cream without much of any spice to it.

Which one do I prefer? I mean, there is some similarity between them. However, I like the heightened cedar element within Lucky, so I’ll give it the nod.

That’s saying something, because I really do like wearing the original 1 Million. However, the opening act, isn’t my favorite aspect of that fragrance. The newcomer has an edge, with its uniqueness.

Edge: Lucky

Projection

The original 1 Million has huge sillage and for a while it seemed like Lucky would match it. However, while Lucky can start out strong, it never reaches the same highs as 1 Million does. Nor does it have the consistency.

This is even with 1 Million, not having the same crazy projecting power, that it used to. Don’t get me wrong, it still has monster sillage, just a step below its origins. Nevertheless, it can still outplay Lucky.

Update: Nowadays, it’s closer to even. I’d still put the original ahead of what I get with Lucky, based on the back half of the wear, it seems to stick around better.

Edge: 1 Million

Longevity

Lucky is a 6-8 hour fragrance for me. 1 Million lasts seemingly forever. The original has the edge here without a doubt. I always get 10+ hours of wear from it.

I’ve heard that other folks don’t get the same staying power with 1 Million, but it’s still a performer for me. Anyways, it does have significantly better performance that 1 Million Lucky.

Update: With my newer bottle of 1 Million, it’s around 8 hours of wear. So, it hits the upper end of what I got with Lucky. Still a slight edge with 1 Million, for consistency, but this is a lot more even than what it was.

Edge: 1 Million

Versatility

Is Lucky a versatile fragrance? Yes, I think that this is the aspect where it has the original definitely beat. Since it is much more understated, Lucky can be worn during your everyday life, while also still serving as a club scent.

The original 1 Million could be kind of loud for everyday wear. I’ve personally done it, but it is really a nightlife scent, at its heart. I actually like wearing it casually, like buying smaller bottles, and just hanging out with 1 Million on.

Both colognes, are mainly for younger guys. Lucky, in particular, has a very youthful vibe. It might be the better bet for a teenager.

Edge: Lucky

Overall Scent

I’m tempted to go with the newer scent, as the original 1 Million has been being used by a ton of people for about 20 years now. However, I can’t say that I definitely like Lucky better than the older Paco Rabanne fragrance.

It does smell good, has an overlap with the original. The plum, hazelnut, and woody base were interesting additions but I still think the original is better. Even if, I don’t wear it all that often anymore.

Lucky is a good scent and I’ll probably wear my mini bottle some over the next month. I don’t want to say it’s bad, but I’m putting it at number 3 in terms of 1 Million and it’s spin offs. Prive is my number 1, still.

The original 1 Million, will always bring about fond memories for me, and is one I enjoy coming back to. It’s not the nostalgia clouding my mind, though. It actually is the better scent here.

However, for some guys (especially the younger crowd), Lucky can be a great fragrance for them to pick up. The honey and plum notes and nuttiness is still rather unique and has a certain amount of charm to it.

Winner: 1 Million

Gucci Guilty vs. Acqua di Gio

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In this edition of the head to head men’s fragrances match up, we have two popular choices from Italian designers, Acqua di Gio vs. Gucci Guilty. Which of these scents ultimately smells the best? Performs better? Is the top buy? I have worn each around, reviewed them (linked below), and now will compare each in a variety of categories to select the best.

Tale of the Tape: AdG vs. Gucci Guilty

Acqua di Gio

Notes include: bergamot, tangerine, neroli, jasmine, rosemary, patchouli, rock rose, hyacinth, persimmon, marine notes

Click here to try: Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces

Read my review: Acqua di Gio 

Gucci Guilty

Notes include: lemon, orange blossom, lavender, patchouli, cedar, pink pepper, neroli

Click here to try: Guilty By Gucci EDT spray for Men, 3 Ounce

Read my original review: Gucci Guilty

Opening

Gucci Guilty starts off with a strong blast of citrus from the lemon note, that is flanked by warm amber, and calming lavender. It smooth and fresh with a bit of spice lurking underneath the surface. Guilty has a floral tinge from the orange blossom and neroli, with a cedar base. Very nice.

Acqua di Gio opens up with a blend of citrus notes of bergamot and tangerine. These notes are accompanied by marine notes, which gives this fragrance its aquatic aroma, and some jasmine undertones.

As it moves along, it will develop more of its aquatic elements and slight smokiness. Guilty stays with its bright and warm disposition. I have always loved that sea breeze accord and the way that it plays off of the citrus.

Which do I prefer? I actually like the way that Gucci Guilty starts off, better than, Acqua di Gio. The lemon note is great, it’s soaked in amber, with a nice lavender coming through. It’s simple and effective.

Yes, AdG has a lot going for it, and this is a close contest. But, that start from Guilty has something special about it to me. Not a massive edge, but the Gucci takes this one.

Edge: Guilty

Projection

At the start, both of these fragrances have pretty similar sillage, that could be characterized as in the moderate range. You notice it, but not overpower a room.

Guilty, however, lightens up quicker than does the Armani. It becomes more light and airy, a few hours in.

If we were talking about the original formulations of each, AdG would take this one pretty easily. Even in there latest states, the edge for Acqua is pretty apparent.

Edge: Acqua di Gio

Longevity

Wearing Gucci Guilty, I only seem to ever get 5-6 hours of wear, from it. Pretty average, not spectacular. Acqua di Gio is somewhat better, clocking in at 6-7 hours, on my skin. Not a massive difference, but it’s noticeable.

AdG used to be even better, than its current incarnation. Nonetheless, it can still outdo the original Gucci Guilty, with its performance.

Edge: Acqua di Gio

Versatility

Each of these fragrances, is extremely versatile in its uses. Both mainly fit in during the spring/summer months, but can easily be worn year round without problem.

Neither is a formal fragrance, but they’re also not only for teenagers. They can appeal to a very wide audience, which explains the massive sales success of each over the decades.

They are also both safe to wear to class or the office, casually, or even out on a date. There’s not really an edge in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

This is a pretty close call between these competitors. I really like Acqua di Gio and it is a classic, at this point in time. It’s got a great citrus marine profile, with supporting floral and wood notes. It also has better performance than does Gucci Guilty.

I like how Guilty smells. I prefer how it starts out, with the great lemon, floral, and amber notes. It’s very simple and straightforward, but that orange blossom and lavender, plays very well off of the citrus. Clean and bright.

However, I still think the Acqua di Gio is the better fragrance. The dry down period of Acqua di Gio and the better performance, gives it the edge, in my opinion. Is it miles better?

No, but it is the more interesting fragrance. Guilty is a pretty basic scent. It is unique in how it presents itself, but not much depth there. I think that I’d pick Guilty Black and probably Intense over it, but not the original Guilty.

Even then, that’s not a sure thing, as I really do like AdG and it can still be a signature daily wear for a lot of people.

Winner: Acqua di Gio

Fahrenheit by Christian Dior

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Christian Dior has released a number of fantastic fragrances for both men and women over the years. Among  them, is the appropriately named, Fahrenheit.

This scent was released by the design house in 1988 and still retains its reputation as one of the most unique as well as one of the best smelling colognes of the market (for some people).

This cologne has many admirers as well as detractors who detest its smell. Fahrenheit can be rather pricey for many people but it is one fragrance that will definitely help a man stand out. In this post, I want to give my review of Fahrenheit and take a closer look at what makes it so either or.

What does Fahrenheit by Dior Smell Like?

rp_fahrenheit-300x300.jpg

Notes include: honeysuckle, leather, nutmeg, violet leaf, vetiver, cedar, mandarin, jasmine, tonka bean, patchouli, sandalwood and balsam.

Click here to try: Fahrenheit By Christian Dior For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 6.8 Oz.

My Full Review of Fahrenheit

The opening of Fahrenheit is notorious. One common critique of this cologne is that its opening smells like a petroleum product (gasoline, kerosene, take your pick). It does settle down a bit after that but the description of the scent is pretty dead on.

The violet and the honeysuckle can tend to cause that reaction. The leather is also present but not yet at its strongest point.

It is interesting how all of the notes, sort of combine to give off that aroma, out of all the potential things that a cologne could smell like. There is an accord of white floral notes, along with dry woods, and hint of citrus.

When brought together, it’s like a perfect storm of competing notes, and that gasoline smell is the product of that.

Fahrenheit is also quite a strong cologne and as such needs to be used lightly in order for it to be enjoyable. As I said, it does settle down  but can often be too much for some guys to handle from their fragrance.

The best part of Fahrenheit, to me, is the sweet and leathery notes that emerge which is quite remarkable.

The leather is probably the most noticeable note in this one but also the violet leaf. This, is either a good or bad thing, depending on your tastes.

Fahrenheit is quite a masculine scent that does give off a really manly vibe to it, which limits its versatility somewhat. It’s definitely too strong for every occasion.

As it dries down, I get some spice within a composition that is heavily weighted toward leather and violet leaf. Yes, there are some sweet white floral notes, such as jasmine in there.

However, this Dior cologne is laden with leather and that violet leaf. Everything else is a role player and pretty much blends together, for me.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, the sillage of Fahrenheit still packs a punch, even after reformulations and whatnot. It is strong and doesn’t require many sprays to be effective.

It does mellow out, still quite noticeable, but fairly moderate for the rest of the way.

It is such a different scent, I wore this the day after I wore my usual Dior Homme, and they are opposites in the vibe they give off.

The longevity is also top notch, it lasted all day on my skin.

The fact that this used to be stronger back in the day, is pretty hilarious. Is it the strongest men’s perfume, I’ve come across? No, but it is a tier or two below, and that’s after it’s lost a step or two. The performance is still great and it will hit double digit hours of wear.

Update: The last batch that I tried seemed to get around 8 hours of wear. Not sure if that was an aberration or what.

Seasonally, I’d put Fahrenheit as anything other than the middle of the summer. Colder to moderate temperatures. Even though, this has been a popular designer fragrance since the late 1980s, it is still pretty niche in many ways.

Does it have versatility? For the right guy, yes. It can go casual or office wear, but really feels like a t-shirt and/or motorcycle jacket fragrance. It’s really not a universally appealing cologne.

I can wear it, but it isn’t something that I am dying to reach for. There are plenty of guys, who have raving about the stuff for over 3 decades now. So, it has its base.

Overall Impressions of Fahrenheit

Most people seem to either love or hate this scent from Christian Dior. It honestly doesn’t smell bad to me and I quite like it at times, but Fahrenheit just doesn’t fit my style, at all.

However, this does have the potential to be many people’s favorite cologne. When I wear it, it doesn’t bring me a lot of enjoyment, it’s more of a curiosity as someone who goes through a lot of different scents for this site.

Like, ‘Wow. That’s something totally different’, and it actually is from everything that is released nowadays. Fahrenheit is one that you need to try out before committing to fully, but it will be an absolute gem for some percentage of guys.

A lot of people seem to like Fahrenheit Parfum more than this original. I would agree with that, but even that didn’t quite meet expectations. I liked it, just never loved it. And you can always try to track down other Fahrenheit flankers like, Cologne.

If you like the smell, the performance is great. So, it won’t disappoint, if you fall in this particular niche.

Joop! vs. 1 Million Fragrance Comparison

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In this edition of the head to head men’s fragrances match up, I want to do a comparison of two nightlife colognes, from different eras. The late 80s beast, Joop! Homme vs. 1 Million, which has been a champ over the past decade-plus. Which of these scents smells better? Which lasts longer? Has better sillage? Is the better buy overall?

Tale of the Tape

1 Million

Notes include: Mint, Grapefruit, Rose, Patchouli, Amber, Cinnamon, White woods, Blond leather, Blood orange, Spice notes

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne 1 Million By Paco Rabanne For Men Edt Spray, 3.4 Ounce

Read my review: 1 Million

Joop! Homme

Notes include: orange blossom, vanilla, cinnamon, mandarin, amber, cedar, jasmine, bergamot, lily, heliotrope, tonka bean, patchouli, and sandalwood

Click here to try:  Joop Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 4.2 Fluid Ounce

Read my review: Joop!

Opening

1 Million is pretty notorious for its bold opening act (as well as the rest of it). It jumps out at you with a blend of blood orange, grapefruit, mint, rose, and smooth leather.

It’s got some spicy elements with the mint and cinnamon, but overall it is warm and sweet, with an amber coating. Mainly, the cinnamon will stick out. More of a warm spice than the colder freshness.

Joop! Pour Homme is also bold, from the start. It goes toward the spicier end of things, with plenty of cinnamon and patchouli, leading things off.

Those are the dominant notes, with amber, some light citrus, and floral notes peaking in from underneath.

Here the spice is more intense than it is in the Paco Rabanne. Joop! has a thicker near syrupy aroma, at times.

Which is better? I prefer how 1 Million starts versus Joop. It has a better aroma, that is sweeter, and more complex. I do like the spice of Joop, but it can also be too much for some people.

Edge: 1 Million

Projection

The sillage of both of these scents is pretty legendary. But which takes the crown? In my experience, it is 1 Million.

The current variations of Joop are still very powerful, but may have lost a step versus the vintage. Either way, I think the Paco Rabanne, has always been a bit ahead.

Update: 1 Million is still strong. However, it’s not as strong as it once was, and that peak is shorter lived. I’m flipping this category to Joop!

Edge: Joop!

Longevity

Joop can for between 7-9 hours, on my skin, depending on the climate of the day. Meanwhile, 1 Million again is a beast, and has gotten me 10+ hours on a regular basis always.

Update: Newer bottles of 1 Million will last arond 8 hours. As such, there’s no longer an advantage here. Let’s change it to a tie.

Edge: Push

Versatility

1 Million and Joop are both best for colder weather and nightlife. Both being loud and sort of monstrous in their sillage, aren’t that great of choices for business environments.

Having said that, I think that 1 Million is slightly better, in warmer conditions than is Joop. Plus, it tends to be more universally appealing and accepted than it’s competitor.

Joop can be very polarizing for people. It’s not for the faint of heart and there’s a ton of people who don’t like it.

Edge: 1 Million

Overall Scent

Alright, this was a pretty easy win for 1 Million. However, I will say that I do actually like Joop! Homme. I know, it can be one that makes people fall into a love/hate relationship, but it does still have its moments of brilliance.

It’ll just never be a ‘safe’ choice. I’ve gotten both extremely positive and negative reactions while wearing it (mostly the early stage spice, hits folks noses hard). It dates back to another era, but can still be a great cheapie, in certain situations.

1 Million is just better smelling and while it doesn’t perform the same, it’s still quite good for an EDT. Add to that, its mass appeal, and you have why it’s been a best seller for a long time now.

It is a superior fragrance to Joop! Homme and I would rather wear it versus that, in almost every scenario, even with my soft spot for Joop.

Winner: 1 Million