5 Best YSL Black Opium Perfumes

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Black Opium is still one of the best selling ladies’ fragrances on the planet right now. Due to that fact, it has spawned a bunch of flanker fragrances trading off of the success of that name. This always raises the question as to which is the best Black Opium? In this post, I want to present my top 5 picks to vie for this title.

What are the Best Smelling Black Opium Perfumes (Ranked)?

The New Best

Black Opium Le Parfum– Coming back to update this list a few years later, I now think of Le Parfum as being the best of this series. 

This one is a very vanilla based version of the Black Opium style. Early, it is lighter on the pear and green mandarin, while also having a good dose of cinnamon to go with its various vanilla notes.

Much smoother and a cleaner presentation versus the original EDP. The coffee here doesn’t feel like roasted beans. Rather, it is like a cinnamon and vanilla coffee drink, especially early. The coffee though, isn’t too powerful in the mix, however.

Warm, sweet, and somewhat spicy. A well above average sillage and can last in the 8-9 hour range, making it also one of the best performers in the group. Le Parfum Review

Green

Black Opium Illicit Green– While the original Black Opium has better performance than this, I like the smell of Illicit Green more so. It reminds me most of Neon, from the series, but Green smells better.

It’s lighter and cleaner in the opening act with green mandarin, pear, and fig. You can very much tell that this is a Black Opium perfume, but has a bit of a different take, in order to make it distinct enough.

I get more coffee than vanilla in this one. But, that’ll be joined by fig, orange blossom, and patchouli in the dry down. Less of that initial freshness. Though, I still enjoy it. Performance is okay, just not great. Illicit Green Review

The Original

Yves Saint Laurent Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, Black Opium, 3 Ounce– I was never a huge fan of the original Black Opium EDP. However, it is still among the best of this line, overall.

I do think that Neon, listed below, smells marginally better. Though, EDP has much superior performance.

If you haven’t tried this one by now, the opening act can be kind of a mess. White flowers, vanilla, and cedar are kind of just thrown at you.

But, it does get better as things move forward. When the coffee and vanilla fully take over, with some pink pepper thrown in…this is really very nice.

The performance really separates this one from the other flankers. 8+ hours of wear on the skin, easily, and often hitting 10+. It is also stronger with its sillage.

Again, you may find that the others smell better for you than the original, but this brings the total package. Black Opium EDP Review

Best Smelling, Decent Performance

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Neon EDP 2.5 oz 75 ml Women NEW– If the coffee and vanilla are too much for you in the original EDP, Neon could be an option, as those notes aren’t nearly as strong.

This one opens up with a nice mix of dragon fruit and mandarin essence. It is energetic and a bit tropical and just not as heavy of an experience as EDP. For the beginning of the wear, it is the fruit notes with a stronger orange blossom and jasmine coming through.

The next phase, is quite a bit like the original. Slightly different weightings of the notes, with a very similar smell. It isn’t a completely weak scent, it spends much of the wear as pretty moderate, and will last for close to 7 hours. 

If this one, were just a bit stronger, it’d be another spot higher for sure. Still, it’s a good fragrance. Black Opium Neon Review

 

 

Most Unique

Black Opium Intense– Based on the name, you might think that this would be an amped up version of EDP…but it’s not. It’s actually much softer, but with 7-8 hours of wear.

What it does have going for it, is a unique blend that utilizes blue absinthe and licorice. It’s smooth with that licorice aroma being prominent throughout. This is all sitting on the coffee and vanilla, which is a different sort of smell, yet kind of familiar during the dry down.

Is the uniqueness amazing? To me, no. It’s pretty good, but even switching things up like this didn’t move it to the top of the list. Black Opium Intense Review

Shelter Island by Bond No. 9

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Shelter Island is one of the summer fragrance entries from Bond No. 9 New York. One, which goes more into the aquatic camp, with its use of seaweed. It was released in 2014.

I bought a sample of this a while ago, for testing and to see how I actually got along with a that marine note, that I generally dislike. How does Shelter Island smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Shelter Island by Bond No. 9 Smell Like?

Notes include: lemon, black pepper, seaweed, lily, oud, musk, sandalwood, amber, myrrh

Click here to try: Shelter Island

shelter bond review

My Full Review

Here’s how Bond describes it: quietly daring, sparkling-clean, unisex, rife with nonchalant beach-time exotica.

Shelter Island opens fresh and bright with a spiciness via the black pepper. The lemon is a light spritzing on top of the marine accord that features seaweed.

The aquatic aspect isn’t overpowering here. Sure, it’s dominant, but balanced out by its surrounding notes. I’m glad I didn’t get a massive seaweed note, that makes you smell like some sort of marine life.

The lily will come in with its waxy aroma, which pairs with the emergence of the resinous myrrh and amber notes in the base. These three, really seem to keep the seaweed in check, and don’t allow this to be just a salty oceanic fragrance.

The lemon and black pepper basically fade completely. This is an aquatic and beachy oud-floral in the middle. Starting to get musky and taking on a bit of a sun tan lotion scent. At this point, it’s more like sitting by the shore than being in the water itself.

That will continue, as this becomes woodier and muskier in the dry down.

Still somewhat aquatic, with a mix of the woodsy notes, a musky aroma, and that amber and myrrh still a bit detectable.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This Bond fragrance opens up with plenty of initial punch. It’ll leave a slight scent trail and project well enough off of the skin. It’s definitely above average in the first hour or so.

Thereafter, Shelter will be much more moderate, before lightening up in the back half of the wear.

While it isn’t a massively projecting nor heavy sitting fragrance, Shelter Island does a good job at sticking around. On my skin, I can still detect it up to about 9 hours. Which is plenty for what most people are going to use this scent for.

Seasonally, this is a spring and summer wear. Mainly, for the warmest days. A good change of pace from the pure citrus perfumes which usually inhabit those months. A solid marine and wood aquatic for something different.

This is a unisex fragrance, maybe leaning slightly masculine, in the early stages. But, that will balance out, as you move further into the wear.

It’s a niche and fairly casual fragrance for daytime wear. Shelter Island isn’t going to be one that you’re very likely to wear for dates, nightlife, or formal occasions. For those outdoor summer events, it can be a fine choice.

Overall Impressions of Shelter Island

Overall, do I like Shelter Island? It’s pretty good. I never thought that I’d be the target audience for this Bond No. 9, once I saw the seaweed and oud notes together.

However, I was sort of surprised that I wasn’t indifferent towards Shelter Island, and that it had its enjoyable moments for me.

The seaweed, really came through here. It’s front and center, but doesn’t overpower everything else. Very fresh and marine done right, where so many other scents with this note have fallen flat.

The longevity is also great, especially for a summertime scent. Sure, it’s not a massive beast of a fragrance, but this one doesn’t quit early on you either.

The downside? Well, the price for the largest bottle, is currently $300 as of writing. As such, Shelter Island probably isn’t a perfume that most are going to want to buy on a whim.

If you want a beachy aquatic with sun tan lotion vibes, this Bond does a good job at hitting the mark. Find a way to get a sample of this stuff, if that sounds like something you’re after.

10 Best Smelling Diptyque Fragrances

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Diptyque is a French design house that is know for it’s amazing niche fragrances as well as the great candles that they produce. They have such a wide variety of ladies’ perfumes and unisex scents that it can be quite difficult to know where to start.

For this post, I wanted to present 10 options, of some of the best options.

Plus, I wanted to have some variety of scents, so that almost anyone could find something that fits their personal taste. In the end, I narrowed it down to the following list below.

Favorite Diptyque Perfumes for Men and Women

Best Smelling Overall Perfume

Diptyque Eau Duelle Eau De Parfum– Spice meets vanilla with an underlying herbal tea note.  Smooth and warm with less sweetness than many other vanilla scented parfums. Eau Duelle is unisex.

The vanilla is initially paired with labdanum and an ambroxan note. Vanilla creamy/sweetness, paired with a warm and slightly salty amber. The spices up top are also quite noticeable.

Later, the spices subside somewhat, and there is a fairly woody base. The base has a smoky quality, like an aged barrel. It all comes together as warm and swimming in a sea of rich vanilla.

Notes include: vanilla, tea, labdanum, ambroxan, pink pepper, cardamom

  • Who should wear it? Men or Women
  • When to wear? Autumn or Winter
  • When to Avoid? Hot weather or tropical climates

Best Diptyque for Summer and Top Seller

Diptyque Philosykos 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray– One of the unisex entries on the list, Philosykos, brings on the fig note in a big and very nice way. There is an underlying woodsy and coconut essence but the leafy sort of fig notes are the unique and enjoyable star here.

The opening act is green with a watery sort of smell from the fruit. The fig leaf is there and a very light coconut scent. Between the actual fig and coconut, Philosykos, takes on a fairly milky quality. That milkiness is paired with the leafy green aroma.

Later, you get to the woody base, of cedar and fig tree wood. It is less ‘green’ here, more towards the sweet end of the aroma. Yet, it is never overly sweet or fruity. Well balanced and natural.

Notes include: coconut, fig leaf, fig, cedar

  • Who should wear it? Men or Women
  • When to wear? Spring or Summer, mostly.
  • When to Avoid? If you don’t like fig or coconut

Top Springtime Wear

Diptyque – Eau Rose Eau de Toilette – 100 ml– As the name suggests, rose is the main attraction in this one. However, don’t expect a complete floral bomb because it is joined by fruity notes including black currant.

A beautiful rose note, with a sweet and carefree vibe that won’t overwhelm, but is inherently pretty.

Eau Rose kicks things off, with its fruity notes. A tart black current and a nice juicy litchi. Very clean and bright, at this point. Then, the rose comes in with some jasmine, to take away much of the fruitiness.

However, it will remain for the rest of the way. As it moves even deeper into the wear, Eau Rose, takes on a refreshing and earthy/woodsy aroma. Mainly from the cedar.

It’s very balanced between being a pure rose perfume, having a nice juicy fruitiness, and some clean woods underneath.

Notes include: litchi, rose, jasmine, cedar

  • Who should wear it? Women
  • When to wear? Year round, but mainly springtime
  • When to Avoid? You don’t like rose

Best Smelling Woody Perfume

Diptyque Tam Dao Eau De Parfum– Another more of a pure bred sandalwood scent. This one is definitely a woodsy/forest type of scent with other notes such as cedar and cypress. Has a very dry and soft aroma.

Tam Dao opens with more of the cypress note, before the dry down transitions to having the santal be the leader of the pack. Lots of wood notes with some amber and slight spices.

This is the choice for those who want a woodsy fragrance, way beyond just what the sandalwood provides. The cypress and cedar, are also joined by rosewood. So, this one can get quite dry and forest-like.

That can be a selling point for some folks, while others would want to stay away. Nonetheless, I think this is the type of fragrance, that could easily win someone over to trying out a deeply woody scent.

Notes include: sandalwood, cypress, rosewood, cedar

  • Who should wear it? Men or Women
  • When to wear? Year round
  • When to Avoid? If you’re not a fan of wood fragrances

Tuberose Bouquet

Diptyque Do Son Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 2.5 Ounce– A scent for the floral lovers out there. Do Son features notes such as tuberose, iris, rose, and orange flower. More of a fresh and natural kind of fragrance.

Specifically, Do Son, is for those who are looking for a tuberose perfume. That is the most dominant of the floral notes inside of this one.

It’s a very realistic rendition of tuberose, with some nice pink pepper, and greenish notes flanking this scent.

Later, it becomes creamier, and there is a healthy dose of musk in the base of this perfume.

Notes include: pink pepper, tuberose, musk, iris, orange flower

  • Who should wear it? Women
  • When to wear? Spring and Summer
  • When to Avoid? You don’t like greenish or realistic floral perfumes

One for Patchouli Lovers

 

Tempo Eau de Parfum– This is an odd one, but a fragrance that deserves a spot on the list. Tempo offers up a fresh green opening, with bitter herbal facets. Then, you get an earthy patchouli with a powdery finish from the violet.

The citrus bergamot top gives it enough of a bright and light touch, in the early stages. Though, it isn’t an overwhelming factor. Spices from some sage and the pink pepper, to break up some of that patchouli dominance.

Yet, the patchouli is what to expect. It’s really quality here. Tempo gives you a long lasting aroma with plenty of potency. So, not too many sprays are required.

Notes include: patchouli, violet leaf, mate, sage

  • Who should wear it? Men or Women (more for men)
  • When to wear? Autumn through Spring
  • When to Avoid? Hot weather with humidity

Most Unique Scent

Diptyque 34 Eau De Toilette 50ml– Quite a complex scent that is almost wholly unique. 34 Saint Germain is woody and spicy but there is also fruity notes that pop up during wear and add a layer of sweetness. Very well-blended and an overall winner.

34 Saint Germain opens up with its warm and spiced fruits, including that familiar black currant.

It can be quite sharp, spicy, and somewhat herbal from the start. Nonetheless, this one will balance out as it wears on, just hang in there.

The next phase, becomes more floral, yet a resinous spice still remains from notes such as cardamom and cinnamon. There is an iris and rose note, which gives this a clean powdery aroma.

Dry, warm, spicy, with great fruity highlights. This will probably be one, you’d want to try out before committing to a full bottle, but could become a signature scent for the right person.

Notes include: fig leaf, iris, clove, black currant, cinnamon, rose, and more

  • Who should wear it? Men or Women
  • When to wear? Autumn or Winter
  • When to Avoid? Hot weather or tropical climates. 

Green, Outdoorsy, Rose

L’Ombre Dans L’Eau Eau de Toilette spray 50 ml by Diptyque– A fresh leafy green floral with rose notes and fruit supplied by black currant. Very subdued, one of a kind, and highly attractive.

The black currant here is similar to what it smells like, in 34 Saint Germain, with some added citrus to liven up the composition. Yet, the fruits here aren’t ever that powerful.

Sure, they’re present, but they never seem to have the spotlight to themselves (the black currant does add its tart sharpness to things).

L’Ombre Dan L’eau, starts off with a dewy green aroma, the subtlety of the fruits, and an overall outdoorsy feeling.

As it dries down more, the fragrance has an herbal and leaf disposition, with a very light rose peeking through the heart of everything. It’s certainly an odd scent, but it totally works. Don’t know why it does, but it does.

Notes include: rose, black currant, musk, cassis

  • Who should wear it? Women
  • When to wear? Year round, basically
  • When to Avoid? You want something more mainstream

Best New Diptyque Release

Eau Rihla EDP–  This is one of their more recent releases, that I need to spend more time with, but is deserving a spot on the list.

Here’s how Diptyque describes Eau Rihla. “Conceived as the chronicle of a long journey, the perfume features a leather that changes throughout its composition.”

It kicks off with the pink pepper note, leather, and raspberry. The raspberry is very noticeable in this composition, but the opening act has a harsher quality to it. I think the dry down is where this one really comes into its own. 

Iris, cedar, leather, and raspberry. It’s a bit powdery, has some light fruity sweetness, smooth almost suede-like leather, and fresh woods. There is a bit of a creaminess from vanilla and periods where the saffron is featured. 

  • Who should wear it? Unisex
  • When to wear? Autumn through early Spring
  • When to Avoid? You don’t want a leathery scent

Another Newer Entry

Orpheon EDP by Diptyque– Fresh and clean with a juniper and peppery sort of top. Citrus is involved early on, as well, but short-lived.

Orpheon comes across in a multitude of ways. It always has a powdery dry down, but sometimes, the juniper and cedar come through a lot more and change of the tone of the scent.

The woodiness here can make it feel more masculine. However, I think that it is a well-balanced perfume with the powder and jasmine heart controlling things.

Quite lovely, with a good performance, and one that can be easily enjoyed by most.

  • Who should wear it? Unisex
  • When to wear? Autumn through Spring
  • When to Avoid? Height of Summer. You hate powdery scents.

Sauvage Elixir vs. Spicebomb Extreme

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Two fragrances which have become massively popular for the colder months are Spicebomb Extreme and Sauvage Elixir. Both the Dior and Viktor & Rolf colognes are flankers to their super successful original namesakes.

The question is, which of these scents is better? Which lasts longer? Which cologne should you buy?

Tale of the Tape: Spicebomb Extreme vs. Sauvage Elixir

Sauvage Elixir

Notes include: grapefruit, wood, lavender, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, patchouli, vetiver

Click here to try: Sauvage Elixir at Macy’s

Read my review: Sauvage Elixir

Spicebomb Extreme

Notes include: tobacco, cumin, cinnamon, saffron, vanilla, bourbon

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme Eau De Parfum Spray 50ml/1.7oz

Read my Full Review: Spicebomb Extreme

spicebomb extreme edp

Opening

The spice in Spicebomb Extreme is actually kind of toned down versus what you get with the original. Yes, cumin and cinnamon are still players here, just not massive with it.

Instead, the early stages are really going to be dominated by vanilla, tobacco, and lavender notes. Smooth and warm, led by the tobacco, with a further freshness supplied by saffron peaking up through the middle.

With Sauvage Elixir, you get a lot of spice. In the Dior it’s: cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In the top, there is a lighter grapefruit versus the EDT version’s heavier use of citrus.

The next phase will have more of the lavender and some sweetness from licorice and amber. Sauvage Elixir is spicy, woody, with enough sweetness to change it up. Lots going on in the mix.

Which is better? It’s a tight race between them. Though, I think that I slightly prefer the opening of Spicebomb Extreme versus the loud spicy affair that is Elixir.

Edge: Spicebomb Extreme

Projection

Spicebomb Extreme starts out strong, maintains its level for a long time, but spends much of the rest of the wear at something that could be considered moderate.

Elixir, starts off stronger. It also stays very powerful for a longer time, and pretty easily takes this category against a Spicebomb fragrance that is no slouch itself.

Edge: Elixir

Longevity

Both of these colognes have been utterly awesome for me, with their performance.

Spicebomb Extreme goes at least 10 hours and can go as high as 12-13, depending on the climate of the day, etc.

Elixir routinely hit 12 hours for me. I’m not sure where it drops off at, as I will shower in that time frame, but it’s more than enough for anyone.

So, while both do have a long lasting duration of wear, Sauvage Elixir can take it a bit further.

Edge: Elixir

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are mainly for autumn and winter. I would avoid both during the hottest summer months, especially.

Also, I’d much prefer to wear both in casual or nightlife scenarios, versus the office. They are more mature as flankers than each of their original predecessors. Though, neither is really all that formal.

Well put together, yes. But, not tuxedo level formality.

I don’t really see much distance between them here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two colognes do I think is better? I really enjoy both of these, so, it’s not easy to have to choose between them.

With Elixir, you get a significantly altered version of the Sauvage formula. A focus on some different spices and the inclusion of a great licorice note, which somehow doesn’t get massively annoying with that unique aroma.

There are plenty of colognes similar to Sauvage EDT, but Elixir really sets itself apart, while remaining somewhat true to the idea of the series.

The performance is awesome. One of the best mainstream designer fragrances out there right now, in terms of its sillage and how long it stays around.

To me, though, I’d rather have Spicebomb Extreme. You take a bit of a step back with the performance, while still being excellent. The fragrance itself, smells better to me versus the Sauvage.

The vanilla and tobacco are awesome together. I like the spices, they are softer, but the round things out. Plus, the saffron helps to keep it from getting boring.

Not a huge margin between them, Extreme smells better and has long been a cold weather gem.

Winner: Spicebomb Extreme

8 Best Smelling Carolina Herrera Colognes for Men

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Carolina Herrera makes some fantastic scents for both men and women. While these fragrances are pretty popular, the men’s scents haven’t been overused and too common like something such as Acqua Di Gio or 1 Million.

Herrera has a whole line of colognes which are both unique and smell really good. Plus, they aren’t terribly expensive, probably in the upper moderate price range.

For this list, I have selected 8 scents which I feel are the best of the lot. I have update the list, to expand upon things a bit, and to revamp this page. I will add any additional scents from this designer that I find, as I see fit.

Favorite Carolina Herrera Fragrances for Men

Best Overall Herrera Perfume for Him

Carolina Herrera CH Eau De Toilette Spray – 100ml/3.4oz,(Packaging may vary)– This might be the best of the bunch, depending on one’s tastes. It features notes of grapefruit, bergamot, nutmeg, jasmine, violet, leather, and amber.

It is a sweet sugary scent with a leather note and vanilla, which gives it an extra smoothness. The dry down is very nice. It can be a bit too strong for my nose, at the start, but it settles down quite well.

The sugary element dissipates somewhat and CH Men becomes more dominated by the leather, woods, and light spices.

Again, the sugar is my least favorite part of CH Men, but even that isn’t ever a completely unpleasant experience. When it hits the right blended amount with the leather, it becomes fantastic.

ch

To the Extreme

Bad Boy Extreme– This edition is now my favorite of the Bad Boy line. EDT and Cobalt are next and basically neck and neck for me.

Bad Boy Extreme starts off with a blast of ginger and cacao. You will get the similarities from others in the series, but this one just does everything better.

Sage and plum are underneath those two lead notes in the opening act. Not too massive but a nice touch.

It becomes sweeter with tonka bean and the cacao in the dry down. However, you will still have woody and fresher notes like vetiver, sage, patchouli, and ginger throughout.

Also, the performance is much better than you get with EDT. As of now, this is the Bad Boy cologne to buy.

Top Nightlife Pick

212 Vip by Carolina Herrera Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– I’ve had to update the list to include this gem. 212 VIP is a fantastic cologne for the colder months of the year, especially the nightlife.

It’s got notes of vodka, amber, lime caviar, mint, pepper, and ginger among others.

This one isn’t for everyone and has a limited use, basically just nights out, but is a monster in terms of sillage and length of performance. It opens with that smooth vodka and tonka bean, paired with the spice of black pepper.

From there, 212 VIP, you get sweet vanilla, amber, the tonka bean, and ginger (which lightens the spice provided by pepper). There is also a dash of lime, apple, and mint which aids the feeling of it being a boozy mixed drink.

This one is quite alcoholic in its presentation, again not everyone will dig it, but is a really great example of that type of scent. I love wearing this, on the right evening. Read my full review.

212 VIP Herrera

Most Under the Radar

Chic By Carolina Herrera For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces– A sweet fragrance which is highlighted by lemon and melon notes (at the top), as well as, cinnamon which gives it a bit more body. Chic is a beautiful cologne that isn’t too heavy but it quite seductive.

After its initial citrus and melon combo, the warmer notes begin to take over. The cinnamon is paired with black pepper, which is joined by amber, tonka bean, cardamom, and sandalwood.

The final stages are about the watermelon, warm spice, and the fresh woody base. This is still an underrated fragrance.

Chic isn’t too complicated, but does give a you a rather unique and versatile experience. It can be worn in summer or winter. Though, I’d say it’s better in warmer climates.

chic

Most Popular Cologne

212 By Carolina Herrera For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces– A fresh and borderline unisex fragrance with notes of mandarin, grapefruit, woods, and sandalwood. The greener notes in here really shine and it has a bit of spice to it, up front.

Later, it becomes spicier with a greenish herbal quality, and the citrus top notes act as a counterbalance. Good in warm weather. 212 is still fresh with elements of sweetness, coming in and out, of the composition.

The grapefruit is really well done here and much more enjoyable than in other similar colognes.

This has undergone reformulations, so, I’m unsure of how the current bottles perform. It at least, used to be pretty good, in that regard. My 212 Full Review

212

Classic Style Fragrance

CAROLINA HERRERA Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 6.75 Ounce– The namesake of the fragrance line, Herrera is a blend of tobacco, citrus, amber, and musk notes. The tobacco gives it a warm masculine scent which is highlighted by a spicy undertone.

This is a long lasting and well-projecting cologne for guys who like something that is refined and manly. The tobacco doesn’t seem as green and uncured as in something like Versace Dreamer.

Yet, you do get a good blend of the semi-sweet tobacco, with herbal spice, and some nice citrus touches.

Note: I am referring to the original formulation, this is another one, I’ll have to revisit. I hear, it is quite different now.

herrera

Great for Cold Weather

212 Sexy by Carolina Herrera For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4-Ounces– A smooth and seductive scent from Carolina Herrera. 212 Sexy is a cologne that has a fantastic vanilla note that is fresh and sweet and somewhat similar to Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier.

However, it is woodier than, the JPG fragrance and not as sweet. It’s a softer cologne, with a nice powdered sandalwood dry down, which sits underneath that vanilla lead. Very easy to wear and attractive.

There is also less of a lavender influence in this one, with a great use of other floral notes. Not as much of a powdery cologne, but 212 Sexy is a great example of a very wearable and appealing vanilla scent.  Awesome sweetness.

212s

The First Bad Boy

Carolina Herrera Bad Boy EDT Eau de Toilette 3.4oz / 100ml For Men, Black– It’s actually a close call between the original Bad Boy and the newer Le Parfum, as to which is the better scent.

Update: Add Cobalt to the mix. For me, they’re almost interchangeable, but I think that I still prefer the original versus the newer flankers.

Le Parfum is interesting and has a better performance, but I like what the original has to offer. It can be sweet and somewhat creamy, while also coming across at times like a peppery honeycomb.

The cocoa and tonka bean notes, really lend to the warm and sexy sweetness of this fragrance. Bad Boy has a solid performance and lasts for 7 hours, on my skin. Bad Boy Review