Match #9 kicks off the first full round of my 40-fragrance tournament, and we're starting with a heavyweight matchup: Burberry Hero Parfum versus Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Elixir. Not exactly a summertime pairing, but with gray skies and steady rain today, it felt like the perfect time to compare them. Burberry Hero Parfum (2024, created by Aurélien Guichard) is the fragrance that started my collecting journey. It's all about wood—cedar, amyris, cypriol, and incense—and it has a warm, confident character that I never seem to tire of. Le Male Elixir (2023, created by Quentin Bisch) goes in a completely different direction. It's a rich blend of lavender, mint, vanilla, honey, tonka bean, and tobacco that somehow manages to be both sweet and sophisticated. This one really came down to mood, because I'd happily wear either on a date with my fiancée. Today, though, I'm giving the edge to Le Male Elixir. It feels just a little more complex and keeps revealing new facets as the day goes on. Burberry Hero Parfum certainly made it a battle, but Le Male Elixir advances to the next round.

Wanted to start the week with something different, I started with Creed Aventus and it lasted more than pasts wears, so that’s a plus.

Whilst it's near impossible too get more than 3 days of heat in a calender year in these parts. Ireland is currently undergoing yet another heatwave 😂😂😂 My collection is mainly built around winter fragrances which I love, but I do have a few good ones that work in high heat. Problem now is, they are getting more attention that usual and I find myself looking for more options. My question is, what's your go to high heat fragrance?