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7 Best Iris Colognes for Men (2023) Full Review

Iris.

It makes classy and sophisticated fragrances.

This review will describe the seven best Iris colognes for men’s smell, performance, and anything else you need to know. As a floral, Iris may seem feminine. However, these seven only amplify the qualities of a true gentleman.

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#7 – Creed Green Irish Tweed

A recurring theme of Green Irish Tweed is the green tinge that lasts for the entire wear. The first 15-20 minutes are heavy on the greenness, almost to the degree of mossy. I attribute this mainly to lemon verbena and violet leaf still looking for balance. 

After this period is over, the greenness settles very nicely. This is the elegant and masculine aroma you were waiting for. There is an addition of citrus-based accords that pair perfectly with the greens. Yet, never does this become overpowering.

The scent only gets better as the dry-down develops. Signature Creed Ambergris is the most prominent. Followed by warm sandalwood, a touch of Iris, and lingering greenness. I know it’s a vague descriptor, but the base smells gentlemanly and sophisticated. 

As for wear, Green Irish Tweed can be worn for all occasions. It works for nearly all seasons but struggles during the colder times of the year. It lasts seven to eight hours on the skin with moderate, gentlemanly projection.

#6 – Dior Bois d’Argent

The first spray is mostly honey. It is airy yet never too sweet. I think of it as charming and sensual. Next is a dry iris background and a fresh tinge. The Iris in here never gets lipsticky like the 2011 Dior Homme.

The top notes melt in the middle with a blended mix of woody accords. Most of the time, I can pick out sandalwood, but it’s still never prominent. The woody accords will subtly sit in the background for the rest of the wear.

Dry vanilla and amber accompany the dry-down. They mix with the sweet honey that has carried over. At this point, the scent gets warmer and sweeter, adding creamy faucets. All while still retaining the subtle woody base.

Bois D’Argent lasts six to seven hours on the skin with intimate projection. Right from the start, it pushes out a foot and keeps this light ambiance for most of the wear.

 This is great for all seasons. You’ll have to apply slightly heavier on the coldest days of winter and lighter on the hottest days of summer. As for occasions, this is best for formal occasions.

#5 – Chanel 1957 EDP

The opening is bright and sparkling citrus. It is paired with a soft and creamy iris. Initially, it isn’t soapy, but as it develops, it will gradually gain the soapy powderiness iris fragrances are well-known for. The best part about the powder is the intensity without becoming overwhelming.

The base has light additions of white florals. They aren’t prominent but break up the monotony of the powder and keep the fragrance fresh and clean. Softwood and a decent dose of musk sneak their way into the background.

Musk will grow to equal parts as the powdery accords in the base. This is what you’ll smell for the rest of the wear.

This lasts seven to eight hours with moderate to light projection. It pushes out two to three feet for the first two to three hours. After this period, it recedes but maintains a one-foot ambiance for the rest of the wear. This is all-season and occasion wear.

#4 – Amouage Reflection Man

The opening is strong and aromatic. The sharpness comes from a blend of herbaceous greens, pepper, and a mix of florals. Almost exclusively jasmine and powdery iris. I won’t lie; the first 10 minutes can be slightly off-putting. Not that it smells bad, but rather, it may be unexpected.

After this period, the sharpness fades, allowing the florals to gain more strength. Neroli comes on quite strong and amplifies the white florals. While still retaining the powderiness of Iris. Usually, Neroli would have a citric nature, but here, it is all about the floralness and layer of depth.

The top notes carry into the base, blending with equal parts creamy sandalwood and tonka bean. From here on out, the scent is pure joy. The fragrance was fantastic in the mid, but now it is breathtaking.

Reflection Man lasts ten hours on the skin and pushes out multiple feet for the first half of the wear. It never becomes a skin scent. The versatility is just as good; it is wearable in all seasons. But has to be applied more heavily in the winter. The same can be said for occasions; it works for all. 

#3 – Givenchy Gentleman EDT Intense

The Iris dominates from the beginning. It is rich and dark rather than soapy and powdery, commonly found in Prada colognes. This gives the fragrance a very classy and sophisticated feel. In the background is a fleeting hit of bergamot. It livens up the opening, and within a few minutes, it is gone.

Into the mid, a hefty dose of green aromatics lingers in. Much of this is from the prominent cypress accord with a woody accent. Over time, the cypress note will become more prominent than the Iris note, which will linger in the background for the rest of the wear.

There is a degree of freshness and spiciness in the mid, but no note donates it specifically. Cardamom is the only spiced note here, but the spices are so subtle that they could be an authentic bergamot or cypress accent.

In the dry down, it is an equal balance between light and dark. A fresh and sweet vein carries Iris into the base. The scent has mostly stayed the same except for the addition of warm cedar that amplifies the woodiness of the fragrance.

Gentleman EDT Intense lasts seven to eight hours on the skin with gentlemanly projection. It pushes out two to three feet for most of the wear. This is all-season and occasion wear except for the hottest days of summer. 

#2 – Prada L’Homme EDT

Upon the first spray, it is very clean with a sharp tone. In the first 30 seconds, there is no specific note that I can pick out. After this, it starts to get fresher and has an orange tinge. This is mainly from the neroli and pepper mix in the top notes.

A few minutes in, it transitions from Neroli to Iris and Violet. The violet is the most prominent to my nose and has a slightly soft and sweet aroma. Iris is in the background, contributing a powdery nuance. I still smell the fresh spice of black pepper, but it is the least prevalent of all notes.

15 – 20 minutes into the wear. The spices from the opening have faded, and a woody tone fills the void. At this point, Iris and violet are present in equal parts. I smell a prominent powdery accent from the Iris. While the violet still has a soft and sweet tone.

Most of the rest of the wear is all about the notes mentioned before. However, after 4-5 hours, the woodiness starts to gain strength. Pushing the fresh, powdery florals to the background.

The rest of the wear is almost exclusively warm and smooth cedar. The fresh accent still lingers but is not comparable in strength to the dominant cedar note.

This lasts eight to ten hours on the skin, with a one-foot projection for the first two to three hours. After this period, it sits close to the skin. L’Homme is all occasion wear and all-season except the coldest days of winter.

#1 – Valentino Uomo Intense EDP

Upon the first spray is a quick blast of tangy mandarin freshness. Now, it is present but not necessary. It almost immediately gets overpowered by the dominant Iris. The opening is all about the Iris with a lipstick vibe.

Clary sage does add a crisp, herbaceous boost to the opening. Yet, it’s mild because the Iris is so strong. It’s the type of Iris found in 2011 Dior Homme Intense rather than Prada Colognes.

As the scent progresses from the mid to the dry-down, vanilla creeps in. It adds sweetness and warmth but never comes across as sugary. Not long after, leather fuses with vanilla, and the two are inseparable for the rest of the wear.

As the Uomo Intense finishes, it is heavy, warm, and rich. All of these qualities amount to its ability to be so classy and sophisticated.

Uomo Intense lasts eight to ten hours on the skin with gentlemanly projection. It pushes out two to three feet for a large amount of wear. The intensity weakens near the end. This is all-season wear except for the hottest days of summer. As for occasions, it is all.

Final Words

Is it worth having Iris colognes? Definitely, Prada L’Homme was my first fragrance. Before I purchased it, I was eerily of the Iris note. Any floral in a fragrance has a bad stigma as “feminine.”

However, after Prada L’Homme and all other fragrances on this list, I’ve made Iris fragrances a focal point of my collection as they are extremely wearable, classy, and sophisticated.

No matter which fragrance you choose on this list, it is great. I recommend having at least one.

After you try an Iris cologne, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

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