Armani Code Eau de Parfum Pour Homme

Armani Code keeps spinning off more and more flankers. Surprisingly, it took until 2021 for Armani to put out an eau de parfum version. Well, here it is. I was sent a mini bottle of this new fragrance when I bought a bottle of AdG Profumo recently. How does Code EDP smell?  How long does it last? When should it be worn? Is it worth a buy?

What does Armani Code EDP Smell Like?

Notes include: lavender, tonka bean, cedar, lemon, vanilla, suede 

My Full Wear Review

I would describe the opening of Code EDP as follows: take the citrus from the original Code and replace the leather with suede. Then, blend with Luna Rossa Sport by Prada and you have exactly what I smell here.

Most of the DNA at the start is a dead ringer for the Prada cologne. Lavender and tonka bean are dominant at first. Later, things will develop and I get a more vanilla based version of Armani Code.

The opening citrus isn’t that pronounced. It is more of the classic formulation of Code. The newer bottles of the EDT version, seem to have a slightly amped up citrus accord versus what it used to be. That’s good, I like that this one is going the older route.

Even though, lemon and bergamot are notes that can be absolutely enjoyable.

After 20-30 minutes, EDP becomes more distinctly a Code fragrance and less like the Prada.  The suede really starts to come through, joined by fresh cedar, and the tonka/lavender both take a step back.

Again, the final dry down is about that vanilla note. It takes over and gives me a refined and smooth aroma, greatly reminiscent of Code EDT, yet, with a slight distinction.

This is kind of where Code EDP loses me, the vanilla is so heightened, and it gets annoying with the level of suede and tonka bean that is in this formula.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is pretty moderate. EDP doesn’t have the beast strength of either Absolu or Profumo. But, it does project itself better than the modern EDT and probably the classic, at least by my recollection.

The eau de parfum isn’t weak, you get a nice scent trail for a few hours, but it just doesn’t ever create a giant cloud of fragrances.

It lasts on my skin for 7-8 hours and doesn’t go beyond that. The performance here is above average, but nowhere near hitting elite status. Not really a problem for me, as I tend to get tired of this scent, but it at least goes a standard workday.

Seasonally, Code eau de parfum can venture into much of springtime, unlike the heavier versions of this line. Though, it is still mostly an autumn or winter wear. It just won’t completely melt when things get a little warmer.

However, I absolutely prefer it when it is cold versus the springtime. It just smells at its best when it is colder outside.

Outside of that, it has great versatility. Can be an evening wear or office wear. Also, it has enough modern style for younger men to wear it, while still being well put together for older men.

It’s classy and refined. Code EDP doesn’t scream for attention, but it will probably receive positive attention anyway.

Overall Impressions of Code EDP

Do I like this fragrance? Yes, I do. I would take this as a replacement for the original EDT. I happen to be a fan of Luna Rossa Sport, so, I enjoyed the similarities.

I don’t think that this is as good as Absolu or Profumo, but it is a less intense and more wearable version. Guys who want something that can perform, while still being fairly low key, will be well served to take a look at EDP.

I actually also like the newer Code Parfum more than this one. It’d probably be my pick outside of Absolu.

Just don’t expect anything too unique here. It’s a step up in terms of smell and performance versus what you get with Code EDT. Has a few different touches and is smoother. One negative, is the absence of the spices here, particularly the star anise. However, that’s not too big of a deal.

This one just wears on me, personally. So, it’s ultimately not one that I want to own.

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.