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Phantom has quickly become a best seller in the men’s fragrance world. Which means, that it is going to be compared to other scents in that realm, before a lot of guys actually make a purchase. One such alternative option, is the now decade-plus old Versace Eros EDT. Which one of these fragrances smells better? Lasts longer? Is the winner between them?
Tale of the Tape: Eros EDT vs. Paco Rabanne Phantom
Versace Eros EDT
Notes of Eros: mint, green apple, tonka bean, madagascar vanilla, vetiver, Italian lemon
Shop Amazon for: Versace Eros Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce
My Full Review: Eros
Phantom
Notes include: lemon, lemon zest, lavender, patchouli, vetiver, apple, smoke, and more
Click here to try: Phantom by Paco Rabanne
My Full Review: Phantom
Opening
So, Eros and it’s opening has changed to my nose over the years. Back in the day, the original was a balanced mix of mint, vanilla, lemon, and apple. Creamy and warm, sweet and enveloping.
While it hasn’t lost it entirely, to me, the newer batches have a higher weighting towards lemon in the mix. It’s still nice enough, I guess, but Eros EDT doesn’t have that same magic it once did.
With Phantom, I actually kind of like the start. Phantom kicks things off with apple and lemon notes, creating a juiciness that is quite nice. The aroma is semi-tropical and sweet, with the way it ties together. Under that, is lavender and vanilla, further pushing the aromatic creaminess.
That juicy citrus fruit opening will be pushed out by a drier and earthy aroma. The juiciness fades, and patchouli will have its time to shine, with an herbal sort of spice coming together. It dirties it up, and yes, there is a touch of smoke.
Which is better? I do like the use in Phantom of the lighter apple and lemon, with the sweetness and somewhat tropical appeal. However, I still do prefer Eros.
If we were comparing the 2012 batches to Phantom, it’s an easy win for Eros in the opening act. Nowadays, it’s still a victory, just not a complete blow out.
Edge: Eros
Projection
Eros is still a strong, heavy, and far reaching fragrance…just not to the same extent as in the past. It’s lost a step, but a limited Eros is bolder than most average colognes on the market by a wide mark.
Phantom kind of stays true to its name, in terms of how it projects early on. It initially seems like it’s going to be fairly massive, but then will moderate quite a bit in quick succession.
It will then, stick closer to the skin, to create a nice scent bubble. Not too crazy, but a big start from Phantom. Then, it’s basically middle of the road.
Edge: Eros
Longevity
When testing out Phantom, I was able to get somewhere in the 6 to 7 hour range of wear, on my skin. It’s pretty good, but for an EDP not ideal. It could’ve been boosted up a bit more.
Meanwhile, older bottles of Eros used to last and last. Easily getting past the double digit hour mark. Now? It still is capable of 10 hours. Not much beyond that, anymore, and more likely in the 8-ish hour range.
I think the projecting ability took more of a hit versus the longevity and this is still an easy win for Eros.
Edge: Eros
Versatility
Seasonally, both are at their best in the autumn and winter months. Phantom can probably extend a bit further into the springtime than Eros. I wouldn’t wear either in the summer, especially with high humidity.
I suppose each could be a daily wear for younger guys. For anyone older than their mid-20s, these would be more of a casual or laid back type of wear, not for the office.
I think Eros has an edge as a nightlife or romantic wear fragrance. I think it’s the sexier scent and one that will likely get more attention while wearing.
Phantom comes close, in this category with its extended weather usage. But, I think Eros still comes out ahead.
Edge: Eros
Overall Scent
Overall, which of these fragrances do I prefer? Eros. Personally, I don’t much get the hype about Phantom. It’s kind of strange, has it’s moments, and then is basically run of the mill thereafter.
I don’t completely dislike it. The lemon peel and apple note up top, when blended with everything is nice. Later, it’s completely average to me. The performance is okay. The smell is just okay. That’s it, across the board.
Eros has been around the block for a long time now. It used to be a complete love for me. Now, I do like it, I’m just not quite as high on this blue bottled beast.
It’s still a better fragrance than Phantom will ever be. I’d rather buy a bottle of the Versace every time versus the silver robot.
Winner: Eros
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User Review
( votes)Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.