Match #8 wraps up the play-in round of my 40-fragrance tournament. From here on, the field is down to 32 fragrances in the main bracket and 8 in the loser's bracket. This final play-in featured #27 seed Prada Luna Rossa Ocean Eau de Parfum against #38 seed Gucci Guilty. These were two of the first bottles I ever bought, so there's a bit of history with both. Gucci Guilty (2011, created by Jacques Huclier) is an easygoing blend of lavender, lemon, orange blossom, cedar, and patchouli that I've always enjoyed wearing. But Prada Luna Rossa Ocean Eau de Parfum (2023, created by Anne Flipo and Carlos Benaïm) is something special to me. Its mix of grapefruit, incense, vanilla, and oak gives it a smooth, modern character that I really enjoy—but it's also tied to one of my favorite memories. It was the fragrance I was wearing when I first met my now-fiancée in Hong Kong, and she still tells me whenever she catches someone wearing it around the city. I almost feel bad for Gucci Guilty because this matchup never really had a chance. Ocean wins without hesitation and moves into the main draw, while Guilty heads to the loser's bracket.

Well today I added Prada Luna rossa ocean to my collection and I’m immediately wearing that today. It’s slightly citrus but has a woody spice that I love. The projection is fantastic. It’s not a blue fragrance at all even though it’s called ocean. It’s more woody leaning sweet but it seems like it will work even as a summer fragrance. I wasn’t planning on purchasing any designer fragrances for a while as I was focusing on niche but I just loved this one so much that I couldn’t resist.

Match #7 in my 40-fragrance tournament was one of the closest so far: #30 seed Burberry Touch against #35 seed Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme. Burberry Touch has a soft, classic feel that reminds me a little of a barbershop fragrance, with violet leaf, musk, pepper, and smooth woods. It’s understated, comfortable, and performs better on my skin than Light Blue. Light Blue Pour Homme goes in a brighter direction, built around grapefruit, bergamot, orange, pepper, and clean woods. It’s lighter and more casual, but that crisp citrus profile appeals to me just a little more. I’d happily keep both on my shelf, and Touch probably wins on performance. But this tournament is ultimately about which scent I’d rather wear, and today that was Light Blue. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme advances by the narrowest of margins, while Burberry Touch drops into the loser's bracket.

I bought this a few months ago and hadn't had a chance to wear it in a while. Its a sunny day here and about 85 degrees as a high so this seemed like a nice choice. This is such a nice musky fresh scent with some fruity notes and a bit of citrus that reminds you that it is a nice warm weather scent. Projection - On the opening is good, but it settles into a very nice scent bubble for me or those I want to draw into my personal space (My Wife) 😎. Longevity - I tend to get a good hours before I start thinking about a respray. Sillage - This isn't too bad, it doesn't announce itself when you walk by but those that know, know.

I’ve finally made the leap and added my very first niche. Xerjoff erba gold. It is a strong summer scent. Fruity and projects really well.