versace eros

Versace Eros vs Eros Flame Comparison

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Versace Eros has been one of the most popular men’s fragrances of this decade. It really was only a matter of time before Versace, released a flanker fragrance of it, and did so with the late 2018 release of Eros Flame.

Obviously, I had to get a bottle of Eros Flame to try it out, and also to do a head to head with the original. Which of them smells better? Does Flame have great performance, like the original? Does it come close to or actually surpass Eros?

Tale of the Tape: Eros vs. Flame

Versace Eros

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 review: Versace Eros

Eros Flame

Notes include: lemon, tangerine, chinotto accord, black pepper, wild mountain rosemary, pepperwood, geranium, rose, cedar, patchouli, vetiver, oak moss, sandalwood, tonka bean, and vanilla

Click here to try: Versace Eros Flame 100ml 3.4Oz Eau de Parfume For Men

My review: Eros Flame

Opening

Versace Eros opens up with a zesty note of lemon that is paired with juicy green apple and a refreshing mint note. It is quite intense and fresh, later to be joined by vanilla, tonka bean, and a bit of vetiver.

The combination of these notes, gives Eros a slight, chocolate-like undertone.

Update: With modern bottles of Eros, I do get more of the lemon note in the mix, than I previously had. It kind of throws the balance off. It’s not as good to me. So, it’s a lot closer to a tie nowadays, versus being a clear cut favorite.

Eros Flame has a very similar opening to the original. However, there are distinct differences. Noticeably, the mint and green apple notes are not there.

Instead, the lemon is joined by tangerine, a chinotto accord, and black pepper for the spice. It also has the vanilla and tonka bean.

Which is better? While I really do like the addition of the tangerine in Eros Flame, as I think that it smells great, I still prefer the original and that awesome mint note.

How it plays off of the lemon and apple, was always intriguing to my nose.

Edge: Eros

Projection

Eros has become very well known for its sillage over the years. It’s always been a fragrance that you could spray a couple of times and be set.

Does Flame match up to that? It does actually.

The first time I sprayed in on my skin, I definitely noticed how strong it could be, and its ability to project was great. I really don’t notice a difference between them.

Update: Newer bottles of Eros don’t seem to have the same power. Flame now has the better performance. That power really came through with the initial Flame bottles. I don’t believe it has lost a step, as of this update.

Edge: Flame

Longevity

Again, these two share so much of that same fragrance DNA, that their performance is near identical for me.

I can get into the double digit total in hours of wear with either of these fragrances. Performance is not an issue for Flame.

Update: Longevity is also not quite as good with newer Eros bottles. So, Flame has a bigger lead here.

Edge: Flame

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are mainly colder weather scents. Springtime is viable for either but I would avoid the high heat and humidity of the summer months.

These are mostly nightlife or casual fragrances, but not bad in more formal settings, if you go light. This is another category, in which they occupy the same space, as to be expected.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

OK, so, are these two the same exact fragrance? No, not really. The distinctions become more pronounced during the dry down periods of each. Yes, the opening for both are quite similar, with only the aforementioned alterations.

Eros Flame is actually a nice change of pace. The dry down of Flame is much more woody with a combo of cedar and sandalwood. Also, rosemary is a prominent part of the composition of Flame.

There is still a ton of overlap in the base notes, but the amount used of each changes. I think that the cedar and geranium are more heavily used in Flame, than in the original.

Plus, there is a very slight rose note, that peaks through at times in Flame; I find it to be a cool touch.

What you get ultimately with Flame? The citrus top led by tangerine with tonka bean and vanilla. This sits on top of a base of cedar, geranium, rosemary, and sandalwood. It reminds you of the original, but still separate enough.

Which is better? I’m still riding with the original most of the time, if I had to pick between the two. I own bottles of each of them and have been going heavy with Flame, as of late, for review purposes. In the future, I will probably alternate between them, when I want to go with an Eros scent.

Update: Yeah, I’ll stick with Eros before Flame. Even with somewhat of a reformulation and weakening of the original it is still better. Flame has great performance, but after the initial citrus burst, it tends to give me a headache. I really started to never want to wear it.

If you liked the original, you’ll probably be into Flame as well. If you hate Eros, this one isn’t going to win you over.

Do you need a bottle of each? Probably not.

I don’t believe Flame does anything to surpass the original, but is a solid addition to the line, that can give you a bit of a different feel.

Winner: Versace Eros

Versace Eros vs Eros Parfum Comparison

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Eros is one of the best-selling fragrances in the world. Eros EDT started things off and the line has now spawned three additional iterations, such as today’s competitor, Eros Parfum. Since both of these are closely related in terms of everything, how do they actually compare and contrast. Which fragrance lasts longer? Which smells better?

Tale of the Tape; Eros vs Eros Parfum

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

Eros Parfum

Notes include: lemon, mandarin, black pepper, elemi, tonka bean, Madagascar vanilla, litsea cubeba, pomarose, geranium, lavender, clary sage, benzoin, cashmeran, patchouli, vetiver

Click here to try: Eros Parfum

Read my full review: Parfum

Opening

So, with the newer bottles of Eros EDT, I get a stronger opening of the lemon note versus what it was in the past. To me, it used to have more of a balance between the vanilla, mint, green apple, and that lemon.

Sweet, fresh, rich, and bold. Now, it’s quite citrusy on my skin and has a sharpness to it, that just doesn’t have that same vibe.

Eros Parfum actually opens up being more fresh than citrus. Yes, the citrus does pop at the top and its sparkling quality is nice. But, it’s actually more muted in the blend.

The usual lemon, mandarin, and that verbena-like litsea cubeba. Pepper and sage are more apparent, as is the base of amber and resinous notes like, benzoin and elemi.

Sage is the leader, geranium is stronger in this composition, and I get very little of the mint note.

Which is better? As it stands currently, I prefer what Parfum has to offer versus what I’m getting from the original EDT. It’s different, but familiar, and utilizes the fresh notes very well.

Edge: Eros Parfum

Projection

Both are strong. Neither are powerful, anymore. You’ll get a nice scent trail with either of these.

The projection reaches a tiny bit further with the Parfum version. Older Eros EDT, would outdo both of these. The performance has taken a step back, but these are still good performers for mainstream designer fragrances.

Edge: Parfum

Longevity

Eros EDT used to routinely get me 10+ hours, with the older bottles. Now, it is basically hitting 8 hours and can on occasion, still be detected at the 10 hour mark.

With Eros Parfum, the longevity seems to be 8.5-10+ hours. Mostly towards the upper end of that range. One time that I wore it, Parfum did fade at the 8.5 hour mark.

So, while the longevity now overlaps. Parfum is a more consistent performer for me, than is EDT.

Edge: Parfum

Versatility

As far as use cases go, these are obviously going to be very similar. Both are mainly used in the colder months of the year. An advantage that Parfum has, is that it can extend its usefulness further into the springtime than EDT.

Neither is a summertime wear, but Eros Parfum just keeps it together better when it gets warmer out.

Secondly, I think that Parfum is the smoothest and most refined of the Eros line. It’s got more maturity than any of them and can be worn by older men, as well as younger guys.

These are the main differences to me and Parfum takes this category.

Edge: Parfum

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two fragrances do I prefer? It’s tough, because I would prefer older bottles of Eros EDT to Parfum. However, even comparing what I can buy right now, I only slightly prefer Parfum to the current incarnation of EDT.

EDT is still fine. I don’t want to make it seem like it’s terrible, it isn’t. Actually, all of the main Eros variants are about the same in terms of how each smells. But, I do think that Parfum is currently the best of them.

I like the freshness that Parfum has, while keeping it smooth in the latter stages. The vanilla and amber are very nice here, getting paired with a prominent vetiver note. The amber is the most tolerable in the series, to my nose. Whereas, EDP gets annoying after a while.

Beyond that, the performance and versatility of Eros Parfum are also better. Even if its not by too much, I still give it a definite edge, and it’s the winner of this contest.

Winner: Eros Parfum

Phantom vs. Versace Eros Comparison

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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

phantom cologne review

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 

Eros Flame by Versace

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I have been waiting for many months to get my hands on a bottle of this new Versace release, Eros Flame. I heard about it, saw that it was released in Europe, and couldn’t find any info as to when it was coming to the US. It was a few months in between its European release and when I could actually purchase a bottle for myself, but finally the day came and I ordered it immediately.

I am a fan of the original, so, I was pretty excited to try out the new Eros in the sharp looking red bottle. Does it meet expectations? What does Flame actually smell like? Can it match the performance of the original? Is it even worth a purchase?

What Does Eros Flame Smell Like?

Notes include: lemon, tangerine, chinotto accord, black pepper, wild mountain rosemary, pepperwood, geranium, rose, cedar, patchouli, vetiver, oak moss, sandalwood, tonka bean, and vanilla

Click here to try: Versace Eros Flame 100ml 3.4Oz Eau de Parfume For Men

My Full Wear Review

Eros Flame opens in a similar manner to the original Versace Eros, but has enough differences to be a distinct fragrance. You can definitely tell that the two share a common DNA. The main overlap that I noticed immediately, was in the use of citrus in the top notes.

The lemon note is prominent in both, at the start, and is exactly the same. However, in Eros Flame it is joined by a tangerine note, that will eventually take over the composition from its citrus compatriot.

The tangerine/lemon combo is very bright and juicy at the top. It brings to mind not only the original Eros, but also, Ultra Zest by Thierry Mugler in its orange citrus use. This is especially the case, when the emergent vanilla and tonka bean bring about that smooth creamy aroma.

Versace says that the citrus pairing is a part of a chinotto accord, which is a carbonated soft drink in Italy. I’m not familiar with this at all, so I can’t really speak on what that supposed to smell like.

Now, there are of course, differences at the beginning even with all of the shared commonalities. The green apple from the original is gone and replaced by that tangerine. Also, the cool refreshing mint, has been replaced by a warm black pepper note instead.

The pepper here isn’t crazy spicy and probably not as strong as the mint is in the original. It does add a different element to the composition of Flame and really is the signal that this cologne is changing into something quite different from its predecessor.

On the whole, I really enjoy the opening act. The citrus and vanilla/tonka bean is familiar and there is a certain effervescent quality to the whole thing.

As it dries down, Flame takes on a lot of outdoorsy/woodsy elements, and even during this stage it share some with the original. Cedar, vetiver, oak moss and geranium are all here from the original.

The strength of each has changed particularly the cedar note but the geranium feels a tad more prevalent in Flame. One thing that is different is the rosemary, which I pick up a lot on, maybe an hour or so into the wear.

Flame has a woody and dry earthy base, like Eros, but it is much stronger in the newer version. Rosemary, cedar, some sandalwood, and a very slight hint of rose at times.

All of this sits underneath a top of tangerine, vanilla, tonka bean, and some light black pepper. It is noticeably different from Eros and especially the complete lack of mint here.

The dry down, isn’t my favorite part of Flame. Since wearing this, I really love the opening act, but seem to have to be in the right mood to truly enjoy the latter stages of it.

How Long Does it Last? How Strong is the Sillage?

Projection wise, Eros Flame is really strong on my skin. I definitely get that famous Eros sillage out of this flanker, and two sprays is fairly bold, I can pick it up when sprayed on an old t-shirt across the room. It does calm down, as it dries down, because that lemon top note fades.

However, it provides a solidly strong projection for the entire wear. This isn’t one that I need to spray, very much at all. It gets noticed by others, even with a lighter application, in my experience.

Update: The more time I spent with Flame the more I realized the sillage was crazy. One of the strongest mainstream designer scents that I’ve come across. I think that it actually outdid the initial batches of Eros EDT. I could spray this one something far away in another room and catch whiffs of it. Not sure if newer bottles maintained this power, but geez it was loud…

Longevity is also very good, I hit double digit hours with it each time, that I put it on. Versace didn’t screw this one up, in terms of performance.

Update: I have been using my bottle for months now and the longevity is insane on my skin. I can hit 13-15 hours, at times. It just keeps going.

Versatility. When Should You Wear Eros Flame?

Seasonally, it doesn’t differ in my opinion, from the original. It is best in the colder months of autumn and winter, but can extend its wear into the spring. I think that the absence of amber, could let it perform a little better in the heat, but it’s not a summertime fragrance for me.

Eros Flame has good versatility. If you go super light, it can be an office scent…though, I wouldn’t use it for that purpose. But, it’s best as a casual wear, and especially as a nightlife one.

For some guys, they would choose this as a daily wear and it could certainly serve that purpose, as well.

It still has that Eros vigorous youthfulness, but never feels like something only a teenager can wear. It is attractive and has a level of sexiness about it. Obviously, I think it’s less sexy in the later stages, but I’m sure others will disagree.

Overall Impression of Flame

Overall, do I like Versace Eros Flame? I do. I bought a full bottle of this stuff as a complete blind buy and still plan on wearing it, after testing it out. That’s a good sign, I at least didn’t throw away money.

Update: The more that I wore it, the less I enjoyed Flame. I like the opening citrus, but the later dry down, gets on my nerves. Seriously, that dry down just grated on me. Something about it, that I’ve also found with the newer batches of Eros EDT…just to the extreme with this one.

The vanilla and tonka bean started to have less of an influence, in those latter stages. Also, once the citrus had mostly burned off, I just felt it less.

I ended up getting rid of my bottle, after not using it much at all past those initial 5-6 months. Even during that phase, it was sparsely worn. So, it sat on my shelf for over 2 years. The red bottle did look fantastic, however.

I know that this is some people’s favorite Eros. To me, it’s the worst. Opening hour or so is attractive and after that…meh. 

If you enjoyed the original Eros, you’ll more than likely be into Flame. If you didn’t like Eros, it probably won’t change your mind.

I don’t think that Flame surpasses the original, it has a lot of similarities, but offers more woodiness and enough differences to keep it interesting for me. Flame is a great balance of sweetness with dry woods and a peppery spice.

The citrus is similar at the beginning to Eros, but changes, and is a consistent aspect of the cologne. It is worth a try and should enjoy plenty of popularity in the near future.