My SOTD H24 Herbs Vives is said to be “polarizing” by the “influencers” due to its sharp, green, metallic opening in contrast to “crowd-pleasers” that allegedly no one could dislike. This is false. Plenty of us dislike (even abhor) duplicative designer cash-grabs flooding the Macy’s counters. In short, we disfavor (e.g.) diabetic bombs and “fresh out the shower” bluebells. If you wear these, please don’t take offense; I’m merely making a point. The point: every frag has its detractors. When Ash hawks the latest Dubai dandy with “No one will dislike it,” he’s talking out his ash. He needs to get out of his basement more. All fragrances have fans and enemies. All fragrances are “polarizing.” Therefore, “polarizing” is a useless fragrance category.

Match #10 in my 40-fragrance tournament is a true clash of styles: #16 seed Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum versus #17 seed Chanel Platinum Égoïste. A modern blue powerhouse against one of the great barbershop classics. These matchups aren't getting any easier. Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum (2018, created by François Demachy) combines bergamot, Sichuan pepper, lavender, star anise, nutmeg, and a smooth vanilla base into a fragrance that's bold, versatile, and incredibly easy to wear. Chanel Platinum Égoïste (1993, created by Jacques Polge) is all refined confidence, blending rosemary, lavender, geranium, vetiver, and oakmoss into one of the most elegant masculine fragrances ever made. The truth is, both of these will have a place in my collection for years to come. But today, Sauvage gets the nod. It doesn't hurt that my fiancée practically purred the first time I wore it, so it earns a few bonus points for that. It's tough to see Platinum Égoïste drop into the loser's bracket this early, but that's what happens when two outstanding fragrances meet in the opening round.

Decided to go with TF Grey Vetiver EDP on a warm summer day at the office. Crisp citrus and clean vetiver just make this a top notch scent. Just wish the performance was better. Oversprayed to get some longevity. Great nonetheless.