dior

Fahrenheit Cologne by Dior

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Fahrenheit Cologne wasn’t a fragrance that I was really on the lookout for, since it’s been discontinued. But, when I had a chance to get a decant of it, I grabbed it anyway. I’m a huge Dior fan, but Fahrenheit was never something that I was personally all that into. How does this one do? What does it smell like? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Fahrenheit Cologne Smell Like?

Notes include: mandarin, bergamot, lemon, violet, vetiver, nutmeg, cedar, caraway

My Full Review

Cologne opens up with a bold mix of the citrus notes and a pronounced and quite green violet note.

Right away, you can tell that this is related to the original Fahrenheit, but without the gasoline aroma, less grassy, and no leather.

The bergamot and lemon are the strongest of the citrus notes to me. The bergamot, especially early on is noticeable.

Violet is joined by the vetiver note, further creating a dry and fresh sort of smell. I would say that the caraway is also adding a green sort of vibe to this fragrance. A bit of that sweetish herbal spice, but this one is very violet leaf dominant.

As it dries down, that will change somewhat. Yes, the violet remains during the entirety. However, cedar and vetiver give this the fresh woodsy finish that sits very nicely underneath the citrus notes (that are now geared toward the lemon).

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Fahrenheit Cologne does open up with some power, but it’s not a massive projector or heavy scent, on the whole.

You’ll get good projection and a scent trail for an hour or so. But, it will come in much closer to the skin, as we get into the middle act. But, it’s above average in totality when compared to other fragrances out there.

The longevity is pretty middle of the road, however. I get 5-6 hours, on skin. It’s not the worst among this sort of citrus-led fragrance, but it isn’t among the elites either. How long it actually lasts, is worst aspect of this fragrance.

Even then, it’s still okay.

Seasonally, this one is built for the spring and summer months. It absolutely shines in the warm weather and wearing outdoors was a very nice experience. Mostly during the daytime, maybe also for something casual during the summer evenings.

This could be a daily wear for men during the warmer parts of the year. It’s fresh and has a fairly attractive aroma, but nothing that would be termed ‘sexy’ by most people.

Overall Impressions of Fahrenheit Cologne

Overall, do I like Fahrenheit Cologne? Yes, it’s enjoyable, but not amazing. Easier to wear than the original and gives you a nice option for spring and summer, if this fits your style.

I do like the citrus focus with Cologne, while I’m not a huge violet leaf fan, I don’t find it bothersome at all to wear with this Dior fragrance. That violet leaf dominates, but the caraway does help to give it a bit more balance in the early stages.

The performance is average to maybe slightly above average, so keep that in mind. The sillage is good enough, the longevity is less so. Fahrenheit Cologne’s performance doesn’t necessarily hinder someone from making a purchase of it though.

If you like the Fahrenheit series, this is a nice one to pick up. Similar to the original, but gives you a lighter and fresher option for the spring and summertime.

Since this one has been discontinued recently, if you want it, you should probably strike soon. Though, if the price is too high, I don’t think it’s really worth tracking down. It’s solid, nothing special, unless you’re a fan of the rest of them.

Dior Homme vs. Homme Sport (New Editions)

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Dior Homme is a long running line from the designer, with all of the accompanying flanker fragrances. However, the brand also revamps the scents every so often, and also completely changes them…as they did in 2020. So, it’s time for a new comparison post between the latest iterations of Dior Homme vs Dior Homme Sport. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Dior Homme vs. Sport

Dior Homme (2020)

Notes include: bergamot, elemi, pink pepper, Haitian vetiver, Atlas cedar, musk, patchouli, cashmere, Iso E Super

Click here to try: Dior Homme at Macy’s

My Full Review: Dior Homme (2020)

Dior Homme Sport (2021)

Notes include: bergamot, aldehydes, lemon, elemi, pink pepper, wood, amber, olibanum

My Full Review: Dior Homme Sport

Opening

Dior EDT kicks off with a use of bergamot. The citrus is actually pretty toned down, even in comparison to Sport. It’s a cold and fresh start, with vetiver, pink pepper, and patchouli. It’s almost minty in how it comes across, at times.

Also, some slight resin from the elemi note. Dior Homme is a bit spicy, not overly so, and it will have more of a sweet woodsy quality as we roll along.

With Sport, you get a greater use of citrus. The lemon, bergamot, and orange notes really come through. The pink pepper note is the same here as in Dior Homme.

Elemi, olibanum, and the aldehydes are what really separate these two scents from one another. Less pronounced early on, but Sport has more of that resinous aroma, a bit smoky, but actually smells waxy to me.

The aldehydes give Sport a fresh laundered clothing sort of aroma.

Which is better? It’s tough, as I like the first part of Sport when it has its citrus out. Though, as that fades quickly, so does my enjoyment.

The entirety of the beginning? I think I’ll go with Dior Homme. Less citrus, but the overall woody fresh blend is great.

Edge: Dior Homme

Projection

I came into testing both of these with the expectation that Dior Homme would have the better performance. Actually, it turns out that they’re both pretty equal. I don’t really notice a difference between them.

The sillage of each is pretty moderate, but has some sneaky power. You might not notice the notes all of the time, and then, it’ll hit you hours into the wear. Neither is a beast, but quite solid.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Again, the longevity was about the same for each. I get between 6.5-8 hours of wear, on my skin with both Dior Homme and Sport.

It was a pleasant surprise that Sport had this sort of comparable staying power to its predecessor. However, it doesn’t surpass it.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are extremely versatile in their uses. They can pretty much fit in year round, even if I’d stay away from the far ends of the hot and cold spectrum. Both are great as daily wears, inoffensive, and have a certain mass appeal.

Though, I do think that Dior Homme EDT has the upper hand here. I’d say that it can more easily be a nightlife scent, even if that’s not its specialty. It’s much more fresh and dynamic, versus the clean persona of Sport.

So, it’s not a huge difference, but Homme has the slight edge.

Edge: Homme

Overall Scent

Overall, this competition really isn’t as close as it would seem, at least to me. Being that the old Dior Homme 2011 was my daily wear for a long time, I was skeptical of the entirely new direction Dior took with the line.

Though, I turned out to be pleasantly surprised with Dior Homme 2020. No, it’s not as good, but I do like it and think that it’s a solid pick up.

Dior Homme EDT has a very nice use of the vetiver and cedar notes. It’s fresh, earthy, spicy, and even sweet. Very well balanced and reminds me of being somewhat like the old Guerlain Homme, that I used to have a bottle of.

Meanwhile, I like the opening 20-30 minutes of Sport. After that? It’s my least favorite of the Dior Homme line, even the old 2017 version which previously held that distinction.

It’s not a off-putting smell. It’s just not exciting at all and I don’t particularly enjoy wearing it. The resin turns waxy, the aldehydes are just okay, and it has a lemony wood finish that doesn’t compare to Dior Homme.

If you do like the smell, the performance is there. There is also some overlap with EDT, just the distinctions definitely don’t improve the formula.

Winner: Dior Homme EDT

Fahrenheit Parfum by Dior

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Fahrenheit was a late 1980s hit for Dior and has been a part of their lineup ever since. Naturally, they have come out with waves of flankers and special editions. In 2014, the design house released, Fahrenheit Parfum. I got a hold of a decant of this fragrance a while ago and have been testing it out, taking notes. How does it smell? How long does it last? Is it worth a try?

What does Fahrenheit Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: violet leaf, rum, suede, vanilla, cumin, orange, licorice, and more

My Full Review

Parfum opens up sweet, smooth, and fresh. It’s strange how you get the booziness of the rum, but the spice doesn’t hit you like it does in something like Bvlgari’s Man in Black.

Instead, you get a light orange and licorice sweetness combining with the warmth of the rum note. Yet, it isn’t at all cloying. Suede and violet leaf keep things light and with a leather like refinement.

The violet leaf compared to the original Fahrenheit is toned down. You do still get some greenish qualities early, no gasoline smell, but a light aquatic feel to Fahrenheit Parfum.

This is a fairly big departure from the original Dior release, so, don’t expect to smell something similar in this flanker. There is some overlap, but a lot of that will be in the background.

On me, that sweetness subsides in about 10 minutes. The top citrus note does have a bit of a sparkle to it. The style of this fragrance actually reminds me of Armani Code Absolu, just not nearly as thick, and with a fresher aroma.

The next phase is a rummy vanilla scent with the suede and violet leaf sitting underneath that. I do get some licorice and very light spice, but a lot of the top is basically gone. At this stage, it also seems to acquire a bit of a fizziness.

The final dry down is a dark vanilla suede and violet leaf blend. Those are the notes that I can still pick up. It’s very smooth, not really all that sweet, and well-balanced.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is above average, on the whole, and starts off fairly strong. Though, Fahrenheit Parfum doesn’t project all that hugely, especially after the first wave begins to wear off.

The opening act? Sure, it’ll give you 5-7 feet worth of projection or thereabouts. But, it moves in much closer.

On my skin, it lasts somewhere in the 8.5-9.5 hour range. Kind of depended, when I was testing it out. Not really something that hits double digits for me, but came as close as you can get.

Still, the performance really isn’t disappointing and quite good, if you’re into how this one smells.

Seasonally, obviously with the notes, this is best in autumn and winter. The thing is, Parfum isn’t all that heavy or super cloying. It can venture into the springtime (early part), since it does have the freshness from the violet leaf and citrus.

I wouldn’t go too hot with the temperatures while wearing this, but it’d be fine for a good chunk of the year.

This is a well put together scent that has a maturity about it, is attractive, and is very wearable. I like it more for nighttime engagements, but it wouldn’t be out of place to wear during the day. Maybe go easy at work or something like that, since it does have a rum note prominently featured.

Overall Impressions of Fahrenheit Parfum

Overall, do I like Fahrenheit Parfum? I do. It’s more enjoyable for me, than is the original Fahrenheit.

However, it’s still not a complete love for me. I almost blind bought a full bottle, but I’m kind of glad I didn’t and got a decant first. I like it, while not being super enthusiastic about wearing it.

The opening is interesting and that’s when I feel Parfum is at its peak. The blend of rum, citrus, suede, spice, and violet leaf is very well done. It’s such a great mix of different notes and is stitched together beautifully.

After that? Fahrenheit Parfum smells good, it’s just not all that exciting. It feels much flatter than how it started out and I’m not too into any longer. I said that I was reminded of Code Absolu and I’d rather have a bottle of that versus Fahrenheit Parfum.

The performance and everything is solid. No worries there. Fahrenheit Parfum is a scent that is well worth a try from Dior, but with the price and limited availability, may not be worth a blind buy.

Very good, but doesn’t cross the great barrier.

Dior Homme EDT (2020) by Dior

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Dior Homme is a series which has been well-loved in its multiple iterations during the past two decades. Well, Dior once again reformulated the fragrance in 2020, moving away from the iris based scent. The 2011 version was my daily wear for a long stretch of time and I’ve been really slow at giving this newer edition a try. How does it smell? Is it actually worth a shot?

What does Dior Homme (2020) Smell Like? 

Notes include: bergamot, elemi, pink pepper, Haitian vetiver, Atlas cedar, musk, patchouli, cashmere, Iso E Super

Click here to try: Dior Homme at Macy’s

dior homme edt review

My Full Review

Here’s how Dior describes it: The virility of Atlas Cedar embraces the enveloping warmth of Haitian vetiver with a caress of spices. An intensely woody yet luminous signature that leaves a sensual trail.

Dior Homme does open up with the same slight citrus quality as its predecessors. Now, completely different fragrances, but that bergamot is still here. It just doesn’t punch you in the face like other citrus openings.

Actually, what this one actually reminds me of is the old Guerlain Homme, that I used to wear 6 or 7 years ago. That one was boozy/sweet with its mojito accord, but the underneath that, it is very similar to the start of this new Dior.

They share the bergamot, vetiver, and cedar notes. Plus, an overall freshness with some spice. Here it’s pink pepper and patchouli, rather than mint and geranium.

Aside from that light citrus top, pink pepper and vetiver are pretty strong for me early on. I get much more of that Haitian vetiver than I do the cedar in this early stage, but that will change as we move forward. 

The spice isn’t overwhelming at all here. It’s more of just a touch, along with a bit of resinous warmth from that elemi note. Another scent that seems to be a distant cousin to this is Allure Homme Sport Cologne…which is almost a dead ringer for Dior Homme Cologne.

That cologne version of the popular Chanel has a cedar finish and that same elemi resinous warmth.

As this rolls along, it’s less of that fresh spice and the woods have a sweeter quality. Cedar and the Iso E Super influence really start to show. A light general musk and some smooth cashmere wood also join the fray. 

This Iso E Super seems to add a general woody/earthy quality that leans more towards the patchouli side of the spectrum. It’s very clean when it’s all brought together. I like the cedar note a lot in this blend. 

The final dry down of this fairly simple fragrance, is more of a sweet musky aroma with touches of the remaining woods. Really easy to wear and is quite clean.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here isn’t amazing, but it is a fragrance that leaves a trail and has a nice ability to project itself from the skin. Just not a beast at all, however.

Dior Homme is pretty moderate. You’ll probably stop noticing it, before others around you do. Since it isn’t a heavy scent with one note that really sticks out, you can sometimes think that it is gone, and then it’ll re-emerge. 

The longevity here seems to be in the 6.5-8 hour range, on skin. Not great, but very serviceable for most purposes. There’s a decent chance that you’ll make it a full work day, but you may need to reapply, if you’re getting drinks afterward. 

The strength of this scent, lies in its versatility. I mean, it wouldn’t be my winter fragrance, but it could probably still work decently there. In the height of summer, I’d also probably go with something else. Though, it did do an okay job in the heat during testing.

It’s mass appealing, safe for work, and has a masculine aroma without being overbearing. It can be worn almost anywhere and be fine. Unless you want a nightclub beast, Dior Homme should have you pretty much covered.

As a daily wear office cologne, Dior Homme is definitely one to reach for.

The age range should be everyone. It’s modern and fresh. Dynamic enough for younger guys, while not being childish or tacky. Plus, a classy confidence for the professional type. 

 

 

Overall Impressions of Dior Homme EDT (2020)

Overall, do I like the 2020 version of Dior Homme? I really do. It’s not as good as Intense or the 2011 version, in my mind, but has a very great and simplistic aroma that I find attractive.

The old Dior Homme with the iris, leather, and cacao notes had a uniqueness and depth that this one doesn’t. But, this will probably have more mass appeal, without that famous iris note.

I am getting a complete Guerlain vibe from this cologne, though. It’s a better scent than Guerlain Homme, which was kind of quirky with its mojito influence. But, this has that same vetiver and cedar almost to a tee. 

This isn’t super powerful, but the longevity is good enough for most purposes. Beyond that, Dior Homme EDT, is extremely versatile, safe to wear for all ages, and exudes the usual Dior class. 

This is for sure worthy of a buy. Just understand that this is a fragrance that is more low key and understated. Dior Homme doesn’t beg for attention, but it will still attract it.

Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming by Dior

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So, today, we have another entry from Christian Dior and the Miss Dior lineup: Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming. This flanker was released in 2016 and instantly became a popular name in the fragrance game. Does it actually live up to its popularity? How does it smell? What are the ingredients? Does Absolutely Blooming perform well? Please continue below for my full wear take and review.

What does Absolutely Blooming Smell Like?

Notes include: rose, peony, musk, pink pepper, black currant, and red berries

Click here to try: Christian Dior Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming Women’s Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Review

Before we get started on the review, let’s see what Dior says about Absolutely Blooming: Delectable red berry notes embroidered on a fresh peony accord and exalted by a profusion of rose petals from Grasse. The intensity of a delicious floral.

The opening of Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming starts off with raspberry and pomegranate notes, to go along with the white musk. It’s sweet and bright with a slightly musky undertone. The berry notes smell quite juicy and delicious and the sillage from the start is strong.

After 5-10 minutes, the floral notes really start to emerge, with the peony being the most noticeable early and then the rose coming up more later on in the wear.

Beyond that, there is also a black currant note that is quite sharp/sour, and adds to the fruitiness but takes it in a different direction.

Black currant can be kind of hit or miss for me, but I don’t mind it within this particular composition. There is some overlap between this Dior perfume and Si by Armani. Here, the sharpness of the fruit is tempered somewhat by the rose and peony, and isn’t allowed to run wild.

Finally, what I ultimately get from this perfume, is a feminine and fresh blend of rose, some peony, light musk, and a jockeying between the fruit notes. It’s got a juicy aroma throughout much of it but feels much more floral the closer my nose gets to the skin.

The fruitiness towards the end is more of an impression of sweetness, rather than the distinct juiciness or tartness of any of the individual notes in the mix. Absolutely Blooming goes from more of a fruity/floral to a floral with some fruit.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Absolutely Blooming actually has pretty darn strong sillage. Now, it tones down somewhat as time goes on, but at first it’s a strong fragrance. No performance problems with this one.

This can leave a nice scent trail, as you exit a room. Plus, the projection can be in the 5-7 foot range, off of the skin. Not a complete monster that will overwhelm, but I found the performance to be great on me.

Also, it lasts all day, and can hit double digit in the number of hours it will stay on one’s skin. For what you can often get with these sorts of fragrances, that is a fantastic level of performance. Not the elite of the elite, but one notch below.

I’m not sure of the exact total number of hours, but I’d say it’s probably 11-12, in my experience. It just works extremely well.

Seasonally, this is for the warmer months, of the year. Probably more spring than summer. However, I don’t think it’s bad here in winter time, it just feels a bit out of place. Anywhere from a mild climate to hot days, would be appropriate.

If this does happen to come across as sharper on your skin, the cold and crisp air of winter might make it more of a problem. But, the whole vibe of the fragrance feels better suited to the sun-drenched days of spring into summer.

This is fine for casual wear, work (just go easy), a night out, or romantic wear. It is very attractive and probably a bit sexier than the other Miss Dior offerings, at least in my mind.

Less of the pure floral mix or soapiness that those can tend to have. Maybe not the most overtly sexual or beastly perfume, but there’s just something attractive about it.

Absolutely Blooming does have a very versatile use case and can easily become a daily wear fragrance, for those that enjoy it.

Overall Impressions of Absolutely Blooming 

Overall, do I like Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming? Yes, I do. It is a great fruity floral mix with juicy berries and is grounded by a nice mix of rose and peony. It is playful, upbeat, and beautiful.

This perfume gives great performance and has a unique aroma while being familiar to the Miss Dior line of scents. I really have no complaints about this one and it conjures up positive feelings when I smell it.

Some, may not like the fruit notes here, but for most it seems to be a perfect blend. It simply does everything well, without any real glaring flaws about it.

If you want a stronger balance of floral notes, you should probably consider another scent. Otherwise, this is a great one and one of the top Dior releases.