Men's Fragrances with Sexy Mass Appeal, Part 4 - The One by Dolce & Gabbana (For Men)

[freakyzeaky]

Continuing on from the last three takes, in this theme of mass appeal, I am going to review a cologne that is easy yet sophisticated, highly popular, crazy compliment getting, and very sexy, the modern classic, The One by Dolce & Gabbana.

NOTES

Top Notes

Grapefruit,
Coriander,
Basil

Heart Notes

Cardamon,
Ginger,
Orange Blossom

Base Notes

Cedar Wood,
Ambergris,
Tobacco

The base notes are really the defining factor here, as this is a cedar wood and tobacco dominated fragrance with hints of citrus and spice.

INFORMATION/BACKGROUND

Before we continue with the review, it must be noted that there is an Eau De Toilet and an Eau De Parfum version of this fragrance. The fragrance comes in three main sizes:

EDT

1.6oz ~$67USD

3.3oz ~$86USD

5oz ~$115USD

EDP

1.6oz ~$72USD

3.3oz ~$92USD

5oz ~$127USD

These prices were taken directly from Macy's website (current as of this writing). The 5oz bottles were supposedly on sale, but it seems more in line with the prices of the other sizes.

Grey market websites such as www.fragrancenet.com have this fragrance for a drastically lower price. You can find both the EDT and the EDP for almost half the price as retail stores.

The EDT has been repeatedly claimed by those in the fragrance community to be outdone by the EDP. The EDP has slightly longer longevity, more depth, and is richer in composition. For that reason, I would suggest paying the little bit extra for the EDP. This review, however, is going to be using the EDT as a reference, and the scent is almost exactly the same (but there are some nuances which I will discuss).

The scent was launched in 2008 and the fragrance was created by perfumer Olivier Polge. The EDP was released in 2015, also by Olivier Polge.

As shown on the Dolce & Gabbana website, Kit Harington is the "ambassador" of this fragrance, just as Brad Pitt is the face of Chanel's No. 5.

The presentation has been described as "classy" and "timeless". The most striking feature of the bottle is the cap; a grainy metallic rectangular cap that comes all the way out to the edge of the bottle. The glass appears thick and is clear, revealing the amber colored juice inside. The main difference in presentation between the EDT and EDP (as shown in the image above), is that the EDP glass has a gradient that goes from black at the bottom to clear at the top, and juice also has a darker amber appearance.

SCENT/SITUATION

What I get at the beginning from this fragrance is a big boozy accord. Almost like a citron rum or a vanilla flavored vodka. That immediately gives way to all of the top notes and the heart notes in unison, which ends up coming off like a light orange citrus with a bit of fresh herbs and spicy ginger. It isn't a bright and fresh sort of citrus though. It is rather complex, more dark and alluring, like a handsome stranger hanging out in a secluded corner at a bar, savoring his drink.

Or perhaps savoring something else...

The base notes take over rather quickly and the fragrance settles into an amber tobacco. It is so seductive and masculine. The cedarwood is there in full effect giving it a sweet musty aroma. The spices are pervasive but are well blended to provide a warmth that playfully arouses the senses. This combination of ambergris, leathery tobacco and cardamon continues all the way until the fragrance completely fades.

There is a creaminess too. I conjure images of dripping honeysuckle, of aromatic orange oil being slowly rubbed over teakwood, of black peppercorn berries just being cracked, a shot of vodka warming up the chest, of pure hungry desire.

This frag is great for any season, year round. The performance lends itself better to summer, but the scent smells like a colder weather fragrance, specifically fall.

This scent is one of the most versatile you can wear, hence why it is a part of this series. Close encounters are where this will shine, in other words, dates, casual, work, formal attire, but not at a crowded nightclub, bar, or concert. Any age group could wear this, but I believe it best suited for men aged 21+.

The EDP is said to be deeper, the amber richer, and the performance slightly improved. Some describe the EDT as being sharper, but this would be typical of EDTs in general when compared to EDPs.

PERFORMANCE

This is a huge weak point, especially for the EDT. The longevity is about 2 - 5 hours, but it is said that the EDP can last up to 8 hours or more depending on the wearer. The projection is only about at arm's length. I am thinking that if the performance was too strong however this could end up being too spicy and cloying. Perhaps its close range is a plus, especially for the mature man who doesn't want to be loud, but rather, subtle and seductive.

RESOURCES

EDT

https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Dolce-Gabbana/The-One-for-Men-2056.html

http://www.basenotes.net/ID26122674.html

EDP

https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Dolce-Gabbana/The-One-for-Men-Eau-de-Parfum-31909.html

http://www.basenotes.net/ID26147634.html

VIDEOS

Redolessence EDT Review

Redolessence EDP Review

Dracdoc EDT Review

Dracdoc EDP Review

THOUGHTS/REVIEW

This is the "woody oriental" to define all other woody orientals. It is a sure-fire compliment getter and the ladies absolutely love it. Out of all the "mass appealing" fragrances I have gone over and will go over, this is probably the sexiest. It has all the elements; the amber, the cardamon, the citrus (done extremely well), and cedar which are all notes that are easy to like. It is signature scent worthy.

10/10 without a question. The main problem here is that this fragrance is wildly popular. If you want to be unique, this is not the fragrance for you, but then again, most of these "mass appealing" fragrances aren't going to be. This is a fragrance that you can be rest assured other people will thoroughly enjoy smelling this on you.

This is a no regrets blind buy. I highly recommend it and it should be a part of any fragrance collectors collection.

A woozy womb
Dope so good, a silky smooth perfume...

[Anonymous]

The One is one of my favorite male scents.
The One and Acqua Di Gio just make me weak. 😍

[freakyzeaky]

You should check out Acqua Di Gio Profumo. It is just like the original, citrusy, musky, spicy, but it also has incense added to it that gives it a darker more mature vibe.

[freakyzeaky]

I think I may do my next take on it. ^_^

[Opinion Owner]

Thanks! I'll look into it. Might see about it for a Christmas gift. 😊