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Stronger With You vs Versace Eros Comparison

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Versace Eros has been one of the most popular fragrances on the market, during this decade, and it appears it will stay that way for a while. However, Emporio Armani’s Stronger With You has come on strong, in its own right.

These two colognes have lots of similarities, but which one smells the best? Which lasts longer? Which is the superior fragrance?

Note: I have updated this page where necessary, years after I originally posted this.

Tale of the Tape: Eros vs. Stronger with You

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

Stronger With You

Notes include: vanilla, mint, cardamom, chesnut, amber, pink pepper, sage, violet leaf

Click here to try: Emporio Armani Stronger With You for Men Eau de Toilette Spray, 1.7 oz

Read my full review: Stronger with You

Opening

Eros kicks off with a trio of notes, being: apple, lemon, and mint. The newer bottles of this seem to be stronger on the lemon, and it seems that the vanilla/tonka bean doesn’t come on as strong.

Nonetheless, Eros is a mix of warmth, cool spice, and sharp citrus. It is bold and makes a strong statement, right away.

Update: This latest travel sprayer of Eros is better balanced than it has been in a few years, it’s no longer a heavy lemon opening for me.

Meanwhile, Stronger with You, also has mint; however, it is overshadowed by a stronger warm spicy duo of cardamom and pink pepper. It’s fresh and spicy up top, with vanilla coming in a bit later like Eros, to smooth things out and sweeten.

Which is better? To be honest, the opening act of Stronger with you isn’t all that impressive to my nose. It is much better later on, but up top it’s mostly a cardamom bomb.

Not necessarily a bad thing, but there are better examples and SWY comes across as being sort of messy.

Eros smells more lemony to me, in recent batches, but I still like the crisp energy associated with it.

Edge: Eros

Projection

Stronger with You does have quite a large sillage. It isn’t one which will require more than a few sprays. I was surprised at how well it projected, and while it’s not obscenely powerful, it does a very good job.

Eros is still a powerhouse. I am of the belief, that the newer bottles aren’t as strong as they once were. Still up there, just not as much so. For instance, the latest little sample that I got, doesn’t hit the same heights as Eros Flame nor an older bottle of Eros that I had.

To me, there isn’t a real winner in this category. I’d say, as it stands now, these two are pretty equal.

Update: This is still pretty much a tie, I might give a slight edge to Stronger, as it seems to sustain the strength for a longer period of time.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Both of these fragrances perform extremely well. Stronger with You lasted 9 hours, on my skin. Eros, still goes above 10 hours for me.

Not really a big deal, as both last an entire workday, but Eros has a slight edge.

Update: Newer editions of Eros have taken a step back in terms of performance, in my experience. As such this category is flipping to the Emporio Armani scent.

Edge: SWY

Versatility

Both are built to perform better in colder weather, both are better for younger men, and both fit more for casual situations. Think nightlife, rather than, the office. For this category, these two colognes pretty much fit the same bill.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Stronger with You is a good cologne. I enjoyed my experience wearing it. At first, I thought that I wasn’t going to like it, but that changed with the dry down.

It became a great vanilla scented fragrance, with cardamom, some nuttiness, and later hints of herbal notes/woods. The performance is outstanding and I have no major qualms with this scent.

I still like Eros better. I think that it’s lost a step, but the sweet creaminess of tonka bean and vanilla, still gets me. Playing off the mint, apple, and lemon is awesome.

It’s bold and the performance is still somewhat there.

This is a pretty close race, though, Eros still has the upper hand here. I will say, I don’t think you can go wrong with either of these scents, so long as you wear them in the right climate or setting.

Update: I probably still would lean Eros. But, since this original posting, I’d pick SWY Intensely, Absolutely, and Eros Parfum (in that order) before either of these two.

If it’s only between the EDT’s, it’s closer to a toss up for me nowadays. Some of you might actually prefer that stronger vanilla and nuttiness of Stronger with You to what Eros offers. 

Winner: 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?

Note: I’ve been updating this page since 2018. Documenting the changes with each and my changes in preference.

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.

Update 2: Here in 2024, Eros EDT is back to smelling more like it used to. Eros Flame is less citrusy than before, I’m getting more rose along with the chinotto. It’s nice. Almost made me flip this category to Flame.

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.

Update 2: Flame is now somewhat weaker than before. Still has the advantage, however.

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.

Update 2: Eros Flame still has the advantage. Neither hits double digits in terms of hours worn, for me anymore.

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.

Probably not going to be a daily wear for a professional, but either could do so for a younger guy.

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 and  chinotto, it tends to give me a headache. I really started to never want to wear it.

Update 2: I like what I’m getting out of the modern Eros Flame, in terms of aroma. Feels more balanced and doesn’t have such an overwhelming dry down like my original bottle had. If Eros EDT, was still to strong with the lemon, I might have changed this to Flame. But, I’m still going with the original Eros.

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

Eros Energy by Versace

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Eros Energy is the latest edition to the now long-running Eros for men series by Versace. I’ve been waiting to try this one for months, after there being some delays in its US release, post-announcement.

I bought a full bottle and have been testing it out to see what Energy brings to the table. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is this Eros worth a try?

Eros Energy Overview

Notes include: bergamot, grapefruit, lime, lemon, green mandarin, orange, blackcurrant, musk, amber, moss, patchouli, and pink pepper

Click here to try: Versace Eros Energy

eros energy box

My Video Review of Eros Energy

Here’s my initial YouTube review. The full written review continues below and will be updated over time. But, if you want to watch a video instead:

My Full Review

Here’s how Versace describes it: a unique fragrance with powerful silage and a long-lasting presence. Love, energy, and desire are at the core of the creation, inspired by the breathtaking beauty of the Mediterranean coast. 

Eros Energy is very much a citrus based fragrance. There’s a whole lot of those fruits involved here: lime, green mandarin, orange, lemon, grapefruit, and bergamot. Oh, and, the tart blackcurrant berry.

For me, Energy presents its aromas in waves. First, we get a mix of mostly: lemon, grapefruit, bergamot. Then: lime, orange, and even some blackcurrant.

When it settles? More of a lemon/bergamot/grapefruit/orange grouping.

Is it just citrus? No, there is a faint spiciness coming from the pink pepper note. I do get some patchouli in there as well, but that’s more after an hour or so.

The main attraction other than the citrus, is the musk note. It’s the most prominent, along with the amber, which seems to be present in almost all of the Eros fragrances now.

Energy isn’t a super complicated fragrance. The dry down is a lighter citrus and musk blend. The musk will grow more dominant the further along that you get. The patchouli and moss, add a slight woodsy air to the mix, but it’s mostly going to be about that musk and amber.

Very fresh and engaging, just not a very deep fragrance compared to others in the series.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Energy does bring a strong start. That initial 30-60 minutes, Eros Energy is something that projects itself well, while not being a heavy fragrance. It doesn’t have the same sort of density as the others like Eros Parfum.

After that, the reach will start to fade quite dramatically. On the whole, it’s pretty middle of the road, but the second half of the wear is very much a skin scent.

Longevity-wise, Eros Energy does stick around somewhere between 5-7 hours, on my skin. About what I expect from a citrus heavy summertime cologne like this.

Is it as long lasting as the previous Eros fragrances? Nope. But, that’s what I expected with this release.

Also, those last few hours of wear, Energy is basically a skin scent. You do get a bold start and it hangs around noticeably for 3-ish hours, but it is not a powerhouse sort of fragrance.

Seasonally, this one is a spring and summertime wear. Energy holds up well in the heat and humidity, during my testing of it.

The late release did take away from its use case for this year, since it comes alive in the heat. But, it should be just fine to wear on a more moderate day, as well.

This isn’t a formal sort of wear or a romantic wear. It’s casual, while being well put together. Energy doesn’t feel juvenile, but there are better options for the office.

Overall Impressions of Eros Energy

Overall, do I like Eros Energy? I like aspects of it. Overall, though, it’s pretty mid. After spending a week or so wearing it, it’s almost certainly my least favorite of the Versace Eros series.

The citrus opening, while it is intense, did grow on me. I did start enjoying wearing Energy during that first hour, especially while walking around outside.

In these late summer temperatures, Energy works quite well.

The back half? It’s fine. Musky amber with some citrus. Nothing too exciting or anything that I completely love with it.

Energy has overlap with fragrances such as: Dior Homme Cologne, Aventus Cologne, or maybe Dior Sport 2017. I’m not sure that it’s better than any of those scents, as a citrus heavy entry into the market.

It’s not necessarily worse, but I don’t know what it really provides that I cannot get elsewhere.

I’d recommend that you try it before you buy. I will be wearing Eros Energy sometimes, but I’m also glad that I purchased the smaller bottle, in order to do this review.

Eros Parfum vs. Eros Energy

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Eros has been a massive hit series for Versace in the past decade-plus. In 2024, the brand has released the newest part of the line, Eros Energy. I bought a full bottle of it to test out recently and now want to compare the fragrance to the other Eros scents.

In this post, I will compare and contrast Eros Energy with Eros Parfum. How does each smell? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Eros Parfum vs. Eros Energy

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

My Full Review: Eros Parfum

Eros Energy

Notes include: bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, orange blackcurrant, musk, amber, moss

Click here to try: Versace Eros Energy

Read my review: Energy

Opening

Eros Parfum opens up fresh versus other Eros releases. The citrus notes aren’t as intense and add a sparkling quality to the blend, instead of a sharp lemon up front.

Lemon, mandarin, and the litsea cubeba (sort of a lemon verbena) split fairly equally in terms of how strong each of them feels in the mix. The amber and resinous notes are also much from the start, than other Eros scents.

Not just the amber from the original, but also benzoin and elemi, as well. The resin or medicinal sort of smell isn’t huge in the opening, but there. Sort of a fuzzy type of smell. Black pepper and sage really come through to my nose.

This doesn’t have the same level green apple here, as Eros EDT for instance. The apple is the ‘pomarose’ note.

Mint, gives way to  a stronger geranium influence and the general aromatic freshness of notes like clary sage and pepper.

Eros Energy, meanwhile, begins with a whole lot of citrus. For me, it comes in waves. First, we get a mix of mostly: lemon, grapefruit, bergamot. Then: lime, orange, and even some blackcurrant.

Very juicy, fresh, and tart with how it comes across. Some light spiciness is there, but it’s faint.

It’s almost like a more diverse version of Dior Homme Cologne. The musk is there too, but Eros Energy also has an amber and woodiness, which will become more noticeable later on.

There is plenty of overlap in terms of notes here, but the two Eros fragrances come across completely differently.

Which do I prefer? Eros Parfum. I tend to like how it starts more often than I seemingly do so far with the citrus overload of Energy.

Edge: Parfum

Projection

Eros Parfum is definitely a strong fragrance throughout its wear. It’s not a complete beast, with a normal amount of sprays. However, it is very noticeable, leaves a scent trail, and projects pretty far off of the skin.

Energy has a nice strong start. It’s not a heavy scent, but that citrus opening is sharp, and can definitely reach across a room with a good amount of spraying.

Once it settles, it’s a moderate scent for a few hours. Then, it’ll be much more intimate. Eros Energy never reaches the peak of Parfum nor the steady performance over the course of the wear.

Edge: Parfum

Longevity

Eros Parfum can last for 10 hours, on my skin. Sometimes, it’ll be 8 or 9 hours, but I’ve gotten ten out of it multiple times.

Testing out Eros Energy, it seems to go between 5 and 7 hours, on skin. Those last few hours aren’t anything more than a bit of the remaining musk and amber notes.

Not a great performer. The weakest of the Eros series, with its performance, and the one with the least in common with the other entries.

Edge: Parfum

Versatility

With Parfum, it’s still an autumn and winter wear, like the other Eros scents. Though, warmer temperatures seem to work well.

Parfum cannot be a summertime fragrance like Energy can, though. It works well in the heat, not so much for the colder months. I think it’d be too ‘screechy’ and sharp in a cold environment.

Parfum’s smoothness and toned down use of the amber, really help it to have a more mature profile than others in the series. Especially, when compared the the more casual Energy.

Parfum would fit in better for the nightlife, dates, or even the office. Neither is an office scent for most guys.

Parfum can’t do the heat to the same extent, but it can do everything else better than Eros Energy.

Edge: Parfum

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these editions of Eros for men by Versace, do I prefer?

Eros Energy is okay. I’m not enthralled with it so far, but I don’t hate it either. It’s definitely different with it’s lighter and summer friendly formula, which I do personally like such fragrances.

However, while it’s a good example of this type of summertime wear, there are better options out there.

Parfum is probably my favorite Versace Eros fragrance, as of now. It’s got a lot of the good qualities of the old bottles of the EDT, while giving you something with a bit more refinement.

It’s not far and away better than Eros EDP, EDT, or even Flame. However, it’s the one I’d go with, if I were in the market.

Between these two, I would rather wear Eros Parfum. Energy has the spring and summer advantage, but that’s about it. Parfum is a better smelling scent and has much better performance, in comparison.

Winner: Eros Parfum

9 Fragrances Similar to Versace Eros for Men

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Versace Eros has been an absolute best seller in the fragrance world, since its release in 2012. It’s still insanely popular to this day. As such, there are plenty of people who are looking for scents, which mimic or come close to what it smells like.

Either because they don’t enjoy one aspect of the cologne or are looking for a cheaper alternative. In this post, I am going to give nine options for men, looking for something that comes close to the aroma of Eros.

Obviously, there are variants of Eros now: EDT, EDP, Parfum, and Flame. I’ll note which of them each selection is closest to as needed. As a default, I’m referring to Eros EDT.

Favorite Scents Like Versace Eros

The Dua Throwback

Greatness by The Dua Brand– I haven’t yet tried this one from Dua, but it’s on my list. Update: I bought a bottle, here’s my review) Greatness is the brand’s impression of the 2012 version of Versace Eros. I really hope that the reviews are correct and this one strikes close to the old bottles of Eros I had in that era.

To me, the older bottles had more balance in the notes, more power, and was just top notch all around. Nowadays, I enjoy Eros much less than my initial love for the scent.

As far as alternatives go, this would be my number one to try, if you want to recreate the Eros aroma and power. I’ve had other bottles from this brand, which have all been very close matches to the designer originals.

Update 2: It did get better, as the months rolled on. Much closer now to the original Eros, than when I initially bought it. So, it can take some time to macerate.

Another Impression Option

Ambery Mint by Dossier- Dossier is another brand that creates impressions or alternative options to popular designer wears. Ambery Mint is their version of Eros. The advantage versus both the Versace and Dua, it’s cheaper.

The price with Ambery Mint is currently $29 (as of this update). So, it’s a steep discount and Dossier is another brand that I’ve had great experiences with.

You get all of the same notes as Eros with this version. The aroma is usually 90% + what you’d get with the designer, but with some slight differences.

If you want the cheapest of a high quality impression of Eros, the Dossier is probably for you.

The Third Impression

Lust by Alt Fragrances– Lust is another inspired take on the Eros sort of style. It’s actually pretty close and also hits for around $30 as of now, like the Dossier above.

It has a nice balance, maybe a bit more spice than its Versace inspiration, early on in the wear. But, after that it comes pretty close to what you’d want. Again, a lot of the inspired by scents don’t have the same depth nor the one to one match in how each note is weighted.

The performance while good, is also a notch below the Versace. Though, at the price point, you could always just add a tad more when you want to wear Lust. The citrus notes are strikingly similar with this one compared to Eros EDT.

Just a Squeeze

Mint Squeeze by Oakcha– Adding a fourth inspired take to the list. Mint Squeeze is Oakcha’s rendition of the Eros EDT formula.

This is one that I have yet to try out, but I’m adding it to the list for now, in case someone wants to give it a go. Oakcha does have a good reputation and this should be an easy cologne to mimic.

It’s price is also about $30 (as of posting).

The Other Eros

Versace Eros Flame for men EDP spray, 3.4 Ounce, Red– Let’s start out the list, with Eros Flame, a flanker fragrance of the original released in 2018. Obviously, this one shares plenty of DNA with its predecessor, but takes things in a different direction.

Flame also opens up with a bright lemon citrus note, but is joined by tangerine, instead of the apple found in the original. Flame has a warmer and woodsier profile, with strong notes of rosemary.

Plus, black pepper taking over for the mint note. I have done a full comparison, between these two colognes, but I do prefer Eros over Flame still.

This one never fully clicked for me. I bought it as soon as it came out, liked parts of Flame, but overall thought it was just fine. Others seem to have this as their favorite Eros release. So, I’ll add it to this list. My Eros Flame Review

The Closest Designer Scent

English Laundry Oxford Bleu Eau de Parfum, 3.4 fl. oz.– Probably the closest thing to a of Eros match, on the market. Similar ingredients yield a similar smell, but still not exact. Oxford Bleu opens up with the same lemon, mint, and apple.

However, the lemon isn’t nearly as strong as in Eros. Beyond that, the tonka bean is ramped up here, and mint is calmed down.

It’s like a quieter cousin of Eros, rather than, a twin brother. Nonetheless, this is a really nice cologne, but don’t expect the same level of performance.

1981 Similarities

Guess 1981 Los Angeles, 3.4 Oz– Guess 1981 has a lot of similarities with its style in comparison to Eros EDT and EDP. It sort of leans more towards the latter.

It starts off with bergamot and plum, a bit sweet and tart. Then, an aromatic blend of ginger and pepper. So, the tartness is in the form of plum instead of lemon, and the bergamot citrus has more of a slightly sour aroma.

It’s fresh and cold at first with a pretty big dose of mint outshining the spices and geranium note. As it dries down, it will feel herbal and warm with an amber base. This is when it really starts to have its Eros-like qualities. Not exact, but still a nice alternative.

It retains its fresh spices, gains woodiness (vetiver and sandalwood), loses much of the fruity sweetness, then comes with an attractive powdery finish.

Creamy Citrus and Floral

Mandarina Duck Black Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– This is the original Mandarina Duck Black, I have the Extreme version, which I think is the better fragrance. However, it’s been discontinued and becoming harder to come by.

The good news, is that, both Duck Black’s are very similar to one another and do give you a related experience to Eros. Duck Black has a citrus opening act with a warmer profile than does the Versace. Pepper is in place of the mint and the other fresh spices.

Here, you get tangerine and grapefruit. The similarities come with the vanilla and tonka bean notes, which gives you a sweet and creamy balance of notes. Yet, this one can be used in the warmer months of the year.

You will get more floral notes with this cologne. Tiare and orange flower.


A Great Alternative

MONTBLANC Legend Night Eau De Parfum, 3.3 Fl Oz– Legend Night is still an underappreciated men’s fragrance, but does share many similarities with the subject of this post.

Legend Night is most like Eros, at the beginning, when it features the vanilla, mint, and candied apple trio.

Update: This seems to be limited as to which stores carry it now, but isn’t officially discontinued, I don’t think (as of this update). You can still get cheaper bottles online.

Don’t expect the same level of citrus, though, but there is still a nice bergamot top note. As it dries down, it becomes a warm and ‘green’ fragrance, with added sage and cardamom.

This is the least similar of the three options, but does occupy the same branch of the fragrance world, as Eros. They have overlapping ingredients and styles, but end up as fairly distinct scents. I do love this stuff and have a full bottle. Legend Night Review

There’s my list of potential Eros alternatives for men, for now. I will come back and update this list, as needed, if any other cheaper options show up on the market. For now, these are your best bets for an Eros-like experience, but if you want the real thing…just get the original.