I find the original Eros (2012) beyond horrible! From top to bottom, it smells obnoxious and of poor quality. Its green apple and mint top smells more reminiscent of bubblegum than anything natural. But as it develops, it somehow gets worse. Versace doubles down on the sweetness and cliches, as vanilla and tonka first, and then ambery woods pulverize everything in sight. Some say it’s the modern-day Le Male, but in my book, Le Male is far superior to Eros. Eros smells more like the perfume poster child for everything wrong with current masculine perfumery.
I encounter it far too often for my liking in the wild. The Queensland State Government recently introduced 50-cent flat fares across the mass transit network. So, I’ve been catching ferries and buses more often than usual. I smell this Versace scent everywhere on public transport. It seems one of the go-to scents for young 20-30-something guys in Brisbane. It’s not exclusively a clubbing fragrance, either. On one bus ride, a well-dressed guy in a suit, presumably going to an office job, had seemingly emptied a whole can of Eros onto his person. The scent was all-pervading, even after he had exited the bus. I feel sorry for his co-workers and the bus driver, who probably has to deal with obnoxious folk like that every day.
Despite my disdain, Eros seems to have been a roaring success, spawning many flankers and now their latest, Eros Energy. I didn’t want to try it, but the striking yellow bottle stood out like a beacon, and surely, it couldn’t be any worse than the original. Indeed, it’s far better, bearing little resemblance to its predecessor. Some compare it to Aventus Cologne and Mancera Cedrat Boise. But it’s infinitely better than those scents, too.
Eros Energy begins with a delightful citrus accord of grapefruit, lime, blood orange, and lemon. It’s one of the juiciest, pulpiest, zingiest, and most realistic citrus accords I’ve experienced in a mainstream fragrance. Yes, I’d even go so far as to say it’s energising. Last year, I spoke about fantasy florals, sad in the knowledge that sunflowers had no fragrance. The opening of Eros Energy could be the scent of sunflowers – bright and life-affirming.
Alas, citruses fade quickly. However, Jordi Fernández squeezes every last piece of juice out of the citrus notes in this particular accord. It lasts for a good hour or two. At this point, the smoothness of the takeoff starts to recede, and the ride becomes slightly bumpy and turbulent as we reach our ultimate destination, which is pretty close to the deodorant aisle of your local supermarket. Indeed, it smells quite familiar, but at least in Eros Energy, the woody, mossy base doesn’t smell overly harsh or chemically. And on balance, the smoothness of the opening accord does a good job convincing me that I travelled in business class for at least some of my journey.
I tried Eros Energy the same day I sampled the latest Dior Homme Parfum, and the Versace won the battle. I guess that shows you how far Dior has fallen. In truth, I think Eros Energy would have beaten most things on the shelf that day. It will not go down in history as one of the greats, but it might be worth a spray if you see it in your travels. Drink the water while you can.
Do you share my disdain for Versace Eros?
Note: All photos are my own. Fragrance tested in-store.
You know how these things go, Daniel. Some people are more connected to the perceived popularity of a perfume like Eros Energy than the fragrance itself. Then they subject everyone to the perfumes effect by bathing in it, hoping we’ll like it too. But as we both know, no two noses are alike. I love Cuir mauresque, and most other people just can’t stand it. This is the primary reason I reserve this particular Serge Lutens for a select crowd or a day at home. What do I think of Eros Energy? Boring, short-lived, and just trying too hard to be Aventus.
Absolutely, Flaconneur. It’s the bathing in the scent that I don’t enjoy. I apply similar discretion to you, some perfumes are best sampled at home. And one or two sprays are enough, especially in public. Perhaps with Eros it’s hard to judge as two or three sprays seemingly fill a room. I enjoyed Eros Energy, but yes it arrives with an air of familiarity. I’d much rather smell Energy in the air than the original Eros, though.
That’s a great deal on public transport! Too bad it’s pervaded with bad perfume, though. I don’t know either of these, although I may have smelled it on people without knowing what it was.
Yes, it’s a brilliant deal. Hopefully it can be sustained. It certainly has increased usage across the system. It’s quite likely you’ve smelled it before, it’s a popular fragrance.
Great post, i am curious about the new Eros!
Thank you, Tetê. Let me know what you make of it.
I do enjoy a good citrus. It’s a shame Eros Energy doesn’t fade after what reads like a lovely opening & mid section.
I don’t believe I’ve come across Eros in the wild & I certainly haven’t at home.
What flower is the first photo of? Great shot & gorgeous bloom
Me too, Alityke. And yes, it’s a shame it doesn’t sustain its vibrancy. Thank you! I believe the flower is called a Cosmos. I found the flower at the Botanic Gardens here in Brisbane.
The popularity of the OG Eros is understandable. Sorry to hear about your public transport perils. I tried this one fairly recently and it’s rather good. Love your pics.
Thanks very much, Rich. Yes, as far as male designer fragrances are concerned it’s a decent offering. It’s certainly superior to the original.