Acqua di Gio vs Sauvage Cologne Comparison

In this post, I am going to do a head to head comparison of two of the most popular men’s releases of the past 20 years: Acqua di Gio vs. Sauvage EDT. Which is better, the Dior or the Armani cologne? Which has better performance? Which is a better buy? I am going to break down this comparison into different categories and declare an ultimate winner. Also, I have linked my original reviews of each below.

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Tale of the Tape: AdG vs Sauvage EDT

Sauvage EDT

Notes include: Bergamot, Ambroxan, Sichuan Pepper, lavender, pink pepper, and more

Click here to try: Sauvage by Chrisitan Dior Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce

Read my review: Sauvage EDT Review

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Acqua di Gio

Notes include: bergamot, tangerine, neroli, jasmine, rosemary, patchouli, rock rose, hyacinth, persimmon, marine notes

Click here to try: Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces

Read my review: Acqua di Gio 

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Opening

The opening of Sauvage is a blast of Sichuan pepper and some pretty sharp bergamot. Add to that, a layer of lavender. It can be quite intense during the opening act. The ambroxan is noticeable at the start, but gets stronger as it moves forward.

The bergamot and pepper does pack a punch upon initial spraying. To me, it becomes much more tolerable later on.

Meanwhile, Acqua di Gio, starts with plenty of juicy citrus from bergamot and tangerine among other notes. Plus, it has an oceanic breeziness about it, from the inclusion of the marine notes.

There are floral notes throughout AdG’s wear, but jasmine is the most noticeable one at the start and softens the composition. The jasmine and the sea notes have always played wonderfully off of the juicy citrus top.

In the last sample of Acqua di Gio I had, the jasmine really stood out and made for an enjoyable experience.

Which do I prefer? I’m not a big fan of the Sauvage EDT’s opening, it kind of bothers my nose, but it gets better. I do enjoy the citrus opening of Acqua di Gio and its now classic aquatic sensibility.

So, Acqua di Gio can still bring it after all these years.

Edge: AdG

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Projection

Sauvage opens up pretty strong and maintains that for quite a while, but ultimately settles into a moderate sillage cologne.

Acqua di Gio is moderate throughout, it never gets to the same level as the Dior, though. AdG isn’t weak, just a decent performer.

Update: Newer Acqua di Gio bottles are moderate and then become softer, as it moves along. The performance isn’t the same. Not terrible, just no longer what it was. Sauvage has the clear edge.

Edge: Sauvage

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Longevity

Suavage EDT can last anywhere from 6-9 hours on my skin and it seems to depend on the humidity, that particular day. It’s solid, but not spectacular for me. AdG is a 6-7 hour wear, solid, but usually not to the same extent as Sauvage.

Update: Sauvage is mostly in the 7+ hour range, it will usually exceed the six hour floor. Acqua di Gio, is more in the 4-6 hour range, nowadays.

Edge: Sauvage

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Versatility

Both of these scents are very versatile in their applications. They are good casually and can always be worn dressed up. Both have mass appeal and sexiness. I’ve gotten complements wearing each of these colognes before.

Updating this post, I do think AdG is more versatile. I think it can fit into formal environments a bit better, even if it’s not a completely dressy fragrance.

Edge: AdG

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Overall Scent

These are obviously two of the most popular men’s fragrances on the market. Update: Sauvage is currently the best selling scent in the world. It’s everywhere

Sauvage EDT is a good fragrance, it’s never been my favorite, but I could enjoy wearing it. It uses bergamot, pepper, and ambroxan in conjunction quite well and kicked off a trend.

The dry down is better than the opening act, in my opinion. Once the initial sharpness and spice is toned down, it really begins to shine more. Later releases in the series, did a much better job with the balance.

The performance is still better than Acqua di Gio, but I don’t think the actual scent is.

Acqua di Gio, has been a mega hit for Armani, and it started a trend of similar fragrances after it was released. I loved the citrus aquatic nature of this scent and the woody base.

The jasmine, sea notes, and blend of citrus with a lime and orange aroma is still great. The performance has gone down hill over the years. But, bottles are pretty affordable and the actual aroma is still awesome.

It is very fresh and pleasing to wear. Which is better? I prefer Acqua di Gio, I’d still rather wear it over Sauvage EDT, almost any day of the week.

If we were talking about the vintage Armani formulation, Acqua di Gio would win hands down. As it is, I still give it the win.

Keeping that in mind, I would choose AdG Profumo ahead of it. I’d also pick Sauvage EDP over either of the comparison scents or heck even, Luna Rossa Carbon would get the nod. There are so many, ‘if you like Sauvage try’ colognes out there, that there are seemingly endless alternatives.

Winner: Acqua di Gio