Ultra Male vs Layton Cologne Comparison

For this entry in the men’s fragrance competitions, we are going to be taking a closer look at two absolute powerhouse colognes from France: Ultra Male vs. Layton. Which smells better? The Jean Paul Gaultier or the Parfums de Marly? I have already reviewed each (linked below) and will break down each by different categories, before ultimately declaring a winner.

Tale of the Tape

Ultra Male

Notes include: vanilla, pear, amber, woods, cinnamon, cumin, sage, lavender, mint

Click here to try: Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male for Men Intense Spray, Eau de Toilette, 4.2 Ounce

Read my original Review: Ultra Male

Layton

Notes include: green apple, vanilla, sandalwood, cardamom, lavender, pepper, orange, patchouli, and more

Click here to try: Parfums de Marly Parfums de Marly Layton – 4.2 Ounce edp spray

My Review: Layton

Opening

Layton opens with a crisp fruit blend of bergamot citrus and green apple. Underneath of this is sandalwood and vanilla, which adds a creamy sweet layer, which offsets some of that tart fruitiness.

Ultra Male starts off with opens up with a candy-like sweetness with a warm spice. It is lead by notes of pear, mint, vanilla, and cinnamon. It doesn’t have the same powdery aroma of the original Le Male.

Which smells better? I really do like Ultra Male a lot, in fact, I have a giant bottle of it. However, I like the opening of Layton a bit more. The green apple note is pretty realistic and the way that it pairs with the vanilla is great.

Edge: Layton

Projection

For many colognes that go up against it, they cannot compete with the strong sillage of Ultra Male. However, Layton is one of the fragrances, which absolutely can. Now, does either outdo, the other? Not really, at least to my nose. I can spray both on a shirt, across the room, and pick up each clearly. No real edge.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Ultra Male has always gotten me a consistent 8-9 hours of wear. Layton outdoes it and can go 10+ hours. I’m not sure how much over, as I never kept track, but this is an all day wear.

Edge: Layton

Versatility

Layton is the type of scent that can pretty much be worn year round without problem. It can go casual, more dressed up, or be used for romantic evenings. It’s a very versatile cologne. The Jean Paul Gaultier fragrance, is a cold weather wear. It can venture into a moderate climate, but avoid the warmer days. If you go light with it, it can be worn around just fine, but it is more of a nightlife scent.

Edge: Layton

Overall Scent

I’m a pretty big fan of Ultra Male, it was what I wore during the winter a lot, back in 2018. It’s warm with a spicy freshness, and a big, bold attitude. It’s got a certain sexiness to it and is honestly a great wear for younger guys in the nightlife.

Layton, is just a bit better. I like the smell more and its performance is a cut above Ultra Male. It’s blend of sweet fruit notes is great, then, the light spicy of cardamom and pepper kicks in to give the fragrance more depth. It’s a scent that leans masculine, but it honestly fairly unisex. Also, the versatility is a selling point.

The only other consideration, would be the price. Layton is much more expensive than a bottle of Ultra Male, so consider that, when deciding between the two. All else being equal, Layton takes this competition for Parfums de Marly.

Winner: Layton

Best Men's Colognes

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.