By Designer

11 Best Valentino Perfumes for Her

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Valentino is a name in the fashion world which is synonymous with elegance, class, grace, and looks that are completely classic. Of course, the perfume line from Valentino tries to embody the image which the name tends to invoke in women from around the world, and in most cases, succeeds completely.

For this post, I have selected eleven scents which I feel are the best from the designer. Some of these may be discontinued, but still available online at various stores. But, I’ve updated it recently with newer picks, as well.

Also, check out: Sexiest Women’s Perfumes, Top Kenzo Scents, Our Homepage

Favorite Smelling Valentino Perfumes

Best Winter Scent

Valentina Myrrh Assoluto– Myrrh is an underused note in the perfume world and even when it is included; it can be poorly done. Myrrh Assoluto is a definite exception, as this is a fantastic fragrance.

It’s warm, with sweet vanilla, and hints of rich leather peaking in throughout the wear. It is bold and enveloping, like a wrapped blanket around your body. This type of fragrance is going to be a cold weather scent, so, avoid if you’re in a tropical location.

Sort of a unique offering from Valentino, though, it has an amazing darkness to it and is overall very beautiful.

Soft Daily Wear

Valentino Rock ‘n Rose by Valentino For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 1.6-Ounces – As the name suggests, the heart of this fragrance is its rose note. It combines with other florals and sweeter smells to create a memorable, light, and highly feminine perfume that is unique in its own right.

It opens up with a mix of sweetness and a somewhat sharp aroma, provided by black currant. As it dries down, it can take on a bit of creaminess and feels powdery at time. Sandalwood and gardenia are flanking the namesake rose.

Best Born in Roma

Donna Born in Roma– So, the best of the Donna Born in Roma series is the original (at least thus far). Yellow Dream is second, in my mind.

Initially, this one has a good deal of tartness between the black currant and bergamot notes, but this will gradually become sweeter, without feeling sugary. The citrus seems like it is stronger than the currant on first spray. Pink pepper also gives it some warm spice, before it transitions.

Really, vanilla and smooth cashmeran wood will eventually emerge to lead Born in Roma. But, jasmine dominates the middle and gives this a nice floral heart pairing with the vanilla. Sweet, easy to wear, and softer than it may initially seem.

The woody and vanilla dry down is fairly simple, but highly enjoyable for a popular designer fragrance.

Dreaming Roma

Born in Roma Yellow Dream– Updating this page, I’m not sure if this one is still my second favorite in the Donna Born in Roma series or not. However, it is still near the top.

It starts with a lemon note up top, which surprisingly isn’t too sharp or intense in that opening act. Underneath that, is a soft rose, which shares the beginning of the wear with that lemon and the two work very well together.

As we move forward, it’s a musky rose fragrance with a light hint of that initial lemon. It’s somewhat sweet and it feels like there might be another unlisted floral note in here also, that is supporting the rose.

This one is very simple and a nice clean daily wear. It might be too pricey for what you get, but I think it’s nice overall.

Golden Roma

Born in Roma The Gold– I could’ve also went with Born in Roma Intense, but I think this one is a bit different enough from the others, that it deserves spot on the list.

This one is a gardenia based fragrance with that ‘solar’ sort of smell they put in perfumes and a creaminess added by a coconut. To me, the coconut note isn’t too heavy, but more blended into the rather simple bright white floral mix.

So, that top is going to be slightly juicy and tropical with a mandarin orange and that coconut, but that will start to fade and this will be more dominated by the gardenia.

This also gets compared to Alien Goddess by Mugler. However, I think that Born in Roma Intense is closer to the mark there.

Very pretty, somewhat has that fluffy aroma at times (ala Cloud), but this one is an easy to reach for perfume if you enjoy gardenia.

Unisex Leather Option

Valentino Donna Noir Absolu– Donna Noir Absolu has overlaps with the men’s version of this, but is unisex at the same time. A blast of peppery spice in the opening, settles down into a smooth leathery joy.

On top of that leather is a sweet/tart fruitiness and just a hint of booze, at least early on. The further along you get, the drier that the perfume becomes, with an incense smokiness permeating the fragrance. Not super heavy, not too sweet, just a well-blended and great smelling perfume.

Valentino Jasmine Blend

Valentino Valentina Eau de Parfum Spray, 2.7 Ounce– Citrus notes blended with vanilla, sweet floral ingredients, and woodsy notes like cedar. It has a refined air of elegance to it along with something that is strikingly natural.

Jasmine is the main floral note here, at times it is supported by strawberry, and later a fairly large bit of truffle. The fruity notes, don’t really seem all that strong, and it has more earthiness than a super fruity vibe.

In the end, jasmine and tuberose, with cedar and truffle, and a bit of strawberry remaining. Very inviting and surprisingly wonderful fragrance for daily wear.

Light Scent for Spring/Summer

New by Valentino Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 1.70 Ounce – This is another very classy and sensual scent by Valentino. Like the others it contains some delightful floral notes including, mimosa, orange blossom, violet leaves, vanilla orchid, and pear blossom.

A very versatile perfume that can be a star performer for the right lady. Pomelo and orange flower give it a citrus fruit character, especially up top. It provides a bit of juiciness to the composition, sitting underneath a bouquet of flowers.

The floral notes that stick out are the mimosa, orange blossom, and heliotrope. There is a powdery finish and Valentino EDP also delivers a solid performance with an upbeat personality.

Frangipani and Pear

Donna Acqua by Valentino– This flanker fragrance to the original Donna, has enjoyed some popularity over the past few years, becoming one of the best selling Valentino perfumes (though, I think Born in Roma gets more attention). It also, happens to be one of the most attractive.

It is led by frangipani, with a sweet nuttiness sitting underneath from the almond note. However, I think that the main support is the pear note, whose crisp juiciness provides much of the ‘Acqua’ feeling that is present.

Light, fairly sheer, with a dose of creaminess from sandalwood and frangipani. There is a jasmine note, also, that comes through more after a few hours.

Discontinued but Great

Valentino V Absolu By Valentino For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 1.6 Ounces – Great perfume, if you can still score a bottle of it. It is an interplay between sweet and spicy, the sweet eventually wins out and a beautiful and warm dry down makes this an absolute winner.

V Absolu has plenty of creaminess from the frangipani, sandalwood, and delicious vanilla. There is a woodiness and some fig, especially upon the initial spray. Again, it’s been discontinued, but it’s good enough to keep a spot on the list.

Simple, Easy to Wear, Very Nice

Valentino Voce Viva 3.4 oz / 100 ml EDP Women Spray– This one seems to have gotten some critical reviews since its release, maybe because it’s not super original? However, I think it’s actually a pleasant and attractive fragrance.

It opens up with orange blossom, a general citrus aroma, and vanilla. It’s bright, sweet, and creamy. You’ll also get some ginger, and later, a gardenia note. It will be a citrus floral fragrance for the opening act.

Then, it will shift to be a floral, vanilla, and mossy scent. Vanilla and gardenia, with a clean and dry aroma coming up from the base. All in all, a perfume with a lovely profile. Not super unique, but it does distinguish itself and gives you a great performance.

Voce Viva is extremely versatile and one that can be worn pretty much anywhere in the spring and summer months. My full review

9 Best Smelling Marc Jacobs Perfumes

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Marc Jacobs line of fragrances have many options that are always in the mix of the top sellers. These perfumes aren’t cheap but aren’t breathtakingly expensive either, so you can find some gems to fit your style at a moderate price point.

For this, list I have selected nine fragrances by Marc Jacobs that can be considered the best. Where, I have done a full review on the perfume, I have linked to it. I will also update this, as needed, over the ensuing months or years.

What are the Best Marc Jacobs Perfumes for Women?

Best Seller

Marc Jacobs Daisy by Marc Jacobs 3.4oz 100ml EDT Spray– The most popular fragrance by Marc Jacobs. A feminine and playful floral perfume with notes of violet, vanilla, grapefruit, gardenia, jasmine, and musk.

Very sweet and elegant. It opens up with a water floral bouquet, consisting mainly of the violet, but joined by gardenia and jasmine. You also get that bit of citrus a the top, supplied by the grapefruit note, which adds a nice touch away from just being a straight floral fragrance.

The dry down gets musky/powdery and the perfume has good performance, in the 7 hour range, on the skin. It’s a best-seller for a reason, it’s quite lovely. Daisy Full Review

Fresh Fruity Floral

Marc Jacobs Daisy Women’s Eau de Parfum Spray, Dream Forever, 1.7 Ounce– Daisy Dream brought you wisteria and jasmine, but Dream Forever, amps up the fruity notes, that flank those florals. The result is a more attractive and balanced aroma versus the original.

Dream Forever kicks off with a pairing of blackberry and pear, mostly. The blackberry strikes the nose as quite sour at first, but I think the sharpness of the grapefruit, is behind most of that. Nevertheless, this scent settles down and becomes a great fruity/floral perfume.

Dream Forever gets sweeter, with a fresh finish, and a light almost aquatic aroma. The sillage isn’t overly powerful, but Dream Forever hangs around quite nicely.

Best Decadence Scent

Marc Jacobs Decadence Eau So Decadent- This is the best of the Decadence line for me, even if none of the others are all that great, in my opinion. However, Eau So Decadent is a very nice daily wear sort of fragrance.

You get a fruity top blend, which aids the overall floral aroma. Blackcurrant and raspberry, give this perfume a somewhat sour berry smell. Meanwhile, pear is the real star of the show. The floral notes are lily of the valley, magnolia, and jasmine.

In the end, this fragrance is made up of: lily, magnolia, pear, and amber. It’s very versatile, a bit green, has enough sweetness to keep it interesting, with a solid performance. Eau So Decadent Full Review

Classic Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs Dot Eau De Parfum Spray for Women- More fruity than floral and built for the spring and summer months. Dot is soft, vibrant, and youthful. Dot features notes of red berries, dragon fruit, jasmine, honeysuckle, coconut, and more.

It isn’t a powerhouse perfume, but will give you 6-7 hours of solid wear, and can be worn in a variety of situations. Dot is clean and has a juicy and somewhat tropical aroma. It opens up with a punch of the red berries, dragon fruit, and delicious coconut water.

The fruits, definitely dominate the composition, but the flowers do build strength as it dries down. I personally detect jasmine and the honeysuckle, as the two most prominent floral notes.  Dot Full Review

Best Summer Perfume

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Eau de Toilette Spray-125ml/4.25 oz.– A fruitier take on the original Daisy with raspberry and pear notes. Much more intense and brighter than the original as well. You get fresh and sweet fruits, that are less juicy, and more tempered by the floral notes, such as violet.

This one is a simple and straightforward wear, with more earthy and floral elements emerging after the opening. The sillage isn’t huge, but Eau So Fresh, is a fantastic option for daily wear during the warmer months of the year.

Under the Radar Fragrance

Marc Jacobs Honey Eau de Parfum Spray for Women– Soft blend of really sweet fruits and honey. It’s not a totally loud or in your face perfume, rather, one that is subtle and good for the teenage/college set.

When one of the main notes is fruit punch, you should know what to expect, especially when you add in orange and the title ingredient. As it dries down, further, you do get more of a creamy/musky scent, which is clean and does take on a honey smelling aroma. Fresh and dynamic.

Top Spicy Floral Scent

Marc Jacobs Lola By Marc Jacobs for Women Eau De Parfum Spray- A rose based floral with some notes such as pear and grapefruit to give it an air of fruit. Pink pepper provides some spice and warmth. Mainly, you get a good amount of rose, with some peony, and an underlying blend of sweetness and pink pepper.

An underrated scent, that is very simple in its presentation. It might be discontinued at this point, but you can still find bottles.

So, there you have the full list, as of now. Each of these fragrances does represent a different style and will provide an option for just about anybody who is looking for a Marc Jacobs scent to wear.

C’est Parfait

Marc Jacobs Perfect Women 3.3 oz EDP Spray– Perfect is a newer addition to the line and currently one of the most popular from Marc Jacobs. It’s also a very nice fragrance.

It kicks off with a mix of rhubarb and strawberries, giving it an initial fruitiness that pairs well with the underlying greenish aroma. 

That is a sweet and tart beginning to the perfume, which will then give way to daffodil and almond milk. The sweet tart will fade away and daffodil, musk, cashmeran will dominate this one.

Clean, floral, and woody. A very balanced aroma on the whole. The performance is solid with 7-8 hours of performance and Perfect provides a sunny and upbeat experience for the warmer months. Perfect Review

Another Perfect

Perfect Elixir– Updating things here, I think I like this one a bit more than the original EDP and for sure more than Perfect Intense. 

This one is warmer, thicker, and somewhat resinous in comparison to the EDP. This does still have the fruitiness, but it adds a plum note to the rhubarb, instead of that strawberry.

Yet, it’s still not a super heavy perfume even with the honey note. The dry down utilizes more orange blossom and that resinous mix of amber notes and the plum note seems to hang around for a long time, also. 

If you liked the Perfect line or this one sounds interesting to you, Perfect Elixir is worth checking out.

9 Best Smelling Serge Lutens Perfumes

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There are a ton of fragrances that have been released by Serge Lutens. Also, they are mostly all listed as unisex, even when the perfumes lean more feminine or masculine depending on the individual fragrance.

So, for this list I have selected nine scents which I feel are the best of the bunch. Naturally, I had to leave off some very good contenders but there is a good mix here.

Favorite Smelling Serge Lutens Fragrances

orange blossom perfume

Great Sandalwood Scent 

Serge Lutens Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, Santal Majuscule, 1.7 Ounce– Simple and rather straightforward affair. Santal Majuscule has a certain darkness to it underneath the rich sandalwood with the bitter sweetness of unprocessed cacao.

Not for everyone, but a very interesting scent, indeed. Santal Majuscule is a Serge Lutens scent which gives you a very dry element, that gets paired expertly with creamy and sweeter notes. You get a mix of bitter, then sweet, then creamy, and always warmly delicious.

Best for Winter

Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 50 Ml– If warm amber-y fragrance are your thing, then, Ambre Sultan by Serge Lutens is an affordable choice versus some of the higher end specialty scents out there.

It has enough spice to make it stand out, mostly of the herbal variety, with a smooth resinous amber note. Great.

Ambre Sultan kicks off things with that beautiful amber note, with its resinous qualities in full effect, and the opening spicy kick. It’s quite exotic, yet familiar, with smoky hints of incense and myrrh.

This is a great options for colder weather, for those who like a solid performing, Oriental perfume. An awesome niche fragrance for those who love amber and spice. Ambre Sultan Review

Best Selling Serge Lutens Scent

Serge Lutens Chergui Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 1.7 Ounce– Probably the most popular Serge Lutens fragrance and somewhat reminds me of Pure Havane.

Though, this one is more feminine and sweet than is that Thierry Mugler scent, Chergui is an ultra smooth and well blended perfume that lightens up one’s mood.

It does differ from other tobacco scents and the like with its use of both iris and hay. Yes, hay, in all of its dry glory. The iris gives Chergui a powdery finish, which can be a good or bad thing, depending on your feelings towards the rest of the composition.

Sure, it’s popular, but Chergui is still kind of an odd duck. Sort of like some perfumes, but all its own, and way more niche than it would initially seem.

Add some Cacao

Ecrin de Fumee– This is an interesting blend and has some definite appeal as a smoky blend. That’s how it opens up with its smoky notes taking center stage, before being pushed to the edges by rum and spices.

It’s also quite woody early on and solidifies into that as it dries down. In between? Rum, sweet tobacco, and a semi-sweet cacao note. It’s warm and pleasant in the mid, the tobacco and smokiness isn’t too overbearing, and the rum is awesome while it sticks around.

Now, the effect these notes have is like that of a humidor, as the translated name of Encrin de Fumee might suggest. 

This one does have a certain mass appeal in its notes, while being unique and having a slightly more challenging wear than the average designer tobacco fragrance.

 

Smoky Semi-Sweet Vanilla

Serge Lutens Un Bois Vanille Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 1.7 Ounce– As the French name suggests, this is a woody vanilla scent. Not candy-like sweetness, rather, it is smoky woods with an addition of a coconut note.

Un Bois Vanille is another very popular fragrance from the brand. It has honey touches with other notes like licorice.

Still, the sweetness is ultimately tame, and it is another one with plenty of smokiness. Smoky seems to be an element important to many Serge Lutens fragrances.

Top Woody Perfume by Lutens

Serge Lutens Fille En Aiguilles Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 1.6 Ounce– Wow. What a unique scent it’s full bodied and woodsy with pine note being the main player.

It has a dry sort of aroma to it but don’t think, ‘pine car freshener’, as the sweetness of the non-juicy fruits, brings an added layer of depth and intrigue.

I really don’t know what to compare this to, but it’s awesome. Fille en Aiguilles kicks off with a mix of the pine (which will get stronger), fruits, and a spiciness from among other things, bay leaf. Strange brew, right?

Later, the pine takes over fully and you get an underlying smokiness from the incense and other woods. Unique and niche fragrance, but can be a fun one during the colder months.

Unique Spicy Woods for Her

Serge Lutens Feminite du Bois Unisex, 1.7 Ounce– Woods with cinnamon and plum is mostly what I detect. The spice adds warmth but it isn’t overly heavy in the composition.

It’s another one that isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but there are plenty out there who will think it is divine. The cinnamon and clove, can put folks off, but I think it’s one worth sticking to.

Later, it has a light touch of the plum and other fruit, blended with the very present cedar note. Smooth and wood, at times feeling quite a bit herbal. Feminite du Bois is much more of a ladies’ perfume, not really keeping up with the unisex offerings.

A Strange Yet Compelling Scent

Jeux de Peau– Wheat, coconut, milk, licorice, and apricot. These are some of the notes found in Jeux de Peau. So, it’s obviously not going to be to everyone’s liking.

Yet, this Serge Lutens perfume is actually rather well done. Very unique, maybe not something that you’d want to reach for everyday, but surprisingly solid perfume.

The fruitiness from the coconut and apricot isn’t too heavy. Instead early on, you’re going to get more of a wheat note with some milky tones and just a touch of sweetness from those top notes.

Eventually, it will dry down into a warmer toasted wheat note with an amber base and a milky coconut playing a supporting role. I actually started to like this one, after thinking there’s no way that I’d enjoy Jeux de Peau. My review

 

Lovely, Intense Amber

SERGE LUTENS LA COUCHE DU DIABLE by Serge Lutens, EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY 3.4 OZ– Diable does have somewhat of a similar profile to Fille en Aiguilles, but you don’t get the pine for the wood notes, and the amber is much stronger in La Couche du Diable. 

This one is very rich and warm, with a distinct amber thickness. The other notes in the composition sort of act like dots in a sea of amber, but you do get fresh wood, a bit of juicy tangerine, and cinnamon spice. 

The opening is where you’ll get the most of the citrus note, which is great with the labdanum. As it moves forward, you get periods of spice and then much more of a rich woody freshness. Really interesting fragrance, though, probably not for everyone. 

10 Best Mugler Perfumes for Women

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French fashion designer Thierry Mugler has had long success producing a haute couture line of clothing and lifestyle items. Perhaps his most successful and most popular contribution to the world of fashion is his fragrance line. Two of his perfumes, Alien and Angel, are seemingly always among the top sellers for women.

Why? They are well-made with unique notes and they of course also smell great. For this list, I want to present to you the best smelling fragrances from the Thierry Mugler line and the top variants of the Alien and Angel names.

Note: This brand goes through a lot of flankers, some perfumes may be discontinued between updates. But, you can usually find them at discounters.

What are the Best Mugler Perfumes?

Best Seller

Thierry Mugler Alien Refillable Eau de Parfum Spray, 3 Ounce– Alien is an interesting fragrance for women, as the name itself suggests, there is something exotic. foreign, or even other worldly about this scent. Floral and woody notes blend together and top it off with a kick of spice.

It’s sweet and loud and a perfume that really shines in the wintertime. Alien is led by jasmine as the floral, surrounded by warm amber, and with a woody base. This fragrance lets itself be known, can overwhelm some, but others swear by its power and cannot do without this Mugler creation.

This is the most popular Mugler fragrance, along with Angel, so it’s likely the one that you already know. While it has become widely used, Alien is still a very good fragrance, and has its place on this list without question.

If Alien is too much for you, you could also try the much more tolerable Alien Fusion. It’s too similar for me to give it, it’s own entry on the list, but Fusion is excellent.

alien

Classic Powerhouse

Thierry Mugler Angel Eau De Parfum Spray, 1.7 Ounce– A strong, daytime fragrance that has been one of the best selling perfumes for quite a long while. Angel is fresh and intriguing.

However, it does bring the power, and the longevity is incredible. The opening is sweet with coconut, a dark chocolate, and fruit notes (mainly melon).

It dries down with a lot of patchouli. Very gourmand in the beginning, a highly famous scent. Not really one for those who want something light or need a perfume for a warmer climate.

The aroma has become very familiar, but it’s still a great wear in the right situation. Notes include: vanilla, sandalwood, and patchouli,  fresh citrus, melons, peaches, and plums. 

angel

Top Newer Release

Aura EDT– This is another interesting fragrance from Mugler, that won’t have universal appeal, but is still a really good scent. There is an EDT and EDP version. I actually liked the EDT version better for a long while, but testing out the EDP again for the site…I’ve come to prefer it.

Aura is not only unique but it performs very well, also. The EDP opens with orange blossom, a dewy forest aroma, and plenty of rhubarb. Yes, this one is different and surprisingly awesome.

It comes across as a bit minty, green fresh, with orange blossom and vanilla. It can fit in during a variety of seasons, and is one that is weird enough to stand apart. Aura EDP Review

A Top Goddess

Alien Goddess Intense– Ok, the Alien Goddess series has been a focus for Mugler over the past few years. To me, Goddess Intense still has the top spot out of the bunch.

I should say that it isn’t far and away better than the original or Supra Florale, in terms of how much I like each. So, preference is really going to play a role when choosing from these perfumes.

This one is heavier, with a bigger dose of vanilla to pair up top with a coconut note and a light spritzing of bergamot. The first two notes will be the main attractions with Goddess Intense, alongside, jasmine.

Vanilla, jasmine, and benzoin will be more of the tail end of the wear, as the coconut fades. Really good performance and a deeper version of the original. Alien Goddess Intense review

Pina ColAngel

Angel Phantasm– This is a warm and beachy version of the familiar Angel DNA. What did Mugler add? A helping of coconut, that is especially prevalent early on in the mix.

The effect is that Phantasm puts out the energy of tanning on the shore while sipping a pina colada. Yet, it still does have the patchouli note which becomes more prominent in the dry down.

Also, joining is a light pineapple note in the early stages and a tiare flower in the mid, to help further sell the tropical kind of vibe. Still, it’s actually kind of dark with how it presents at times. Maybe that’s representing the black bottle? Nice performance.

 

Summertime Wear

Angel Sunessence by Thierry Mugler Light Eau-de-toilette Spray for Women, 1.70-Ounce– A bright and sweet smelling fruity patchouli perfume, which settles down beautifully, with a bit of time. Bergamot and red berries give, this Angel a different and less intense feel than the original.

It can start out somewhat tart, but it doesn’t ever have a super heavy sillage to it. There is a great honey note and blackberry, which begins to emerge later in the dry down. Still, a great performance, just not as loud as Angel.

angel sunessence

Most Unique Mugler

Womanity by Thierry Mugler for Women, Eau de Parfum Refillable Spray, 2.7 Ounce– A wholly feminine and utterly unique fragrance from Thierry Mugler. Womanity has its sweet and woodsy moments which creates something almost unforgettable. 

You probably gotta love fig, to truly appreciate this one, because it is full of the stuff from wood to fruit.

Beyond that, is a salty caviar note…which yeah, I said this one was unique. It is another strong scent from Mugler, however, this one, is going to be much more niche in terms of how many folks will enjoy it. 

Fresh with a woody, marine dry down. Very hit or miss with people, but I appreciate the brand taking chances and putting this on the market.

womanity

 

 

Light and Sweet

Thierry Mugler Angel Innocent Eau de Parfum Spray, 2.6 Ounce– Subtle, light, and airy. This perfume lives up to the Innocent moniker with notes of pure mandarin, honey,  almond, exotic fruits,  rich musk, and amber.

It’s citrus notes lead the top, but is flanked by berries, and a semi-tart black currant. It’s sweet and nutty and an overall beautiful wear. 

Kind of a departure for Mugler, when they are known for bold scents. Innocent takes the opposite tact and does it well. I think that this has been discontinued, but bottles are still around online.

angel innocent

The Explosive Angel

Angel Nova– I’m adding Nova to the list after trying it in 2021. Now, from the jump, it’s probably not a fragrance that everyone will enjoy. 

The raspberry and litchi notes are juicy and bold. To my nose, it also seemed like there was mango in the mix as well. Up top, it is all about these juicy fruit notes. However, it will get drier, floral, and a bit spicy.

The Damask rose is the leader in the final stages. The tropical aroma is nearly gone and Nova has an earthy quality to it. Rose, benzoin, and a earthy/dirtiness. I really dug it. Angel Nova Review

Fun, Tropical Option

Angel Iced Star– Angel Iced Star isn’t a super complicated fragrance, but it is one that is enjoyable, with a somewhat pina colada-like aroma. The pineapple note is the lead here, but there is also a good deal of coconut in the mix.

Then, there is the patchouli and vanilla notes, giving this one a full sweet and tropical gourmand profile. It’s delicious and a really nice option for standing out in the warmer months.

The pineapple kicks things off with a great juiciness, before it is more evenly split with the vanilla and coconut. This is just a fun and youthful sort of perfume, not serious or anything at all formal.

10 Best Smelling Armani Perfumes for Her

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Giorgio Armani has been a powerhouse in the fashion world for decades now. It’s fragrance line has smash hits on both the men’s and the women’s side of the equation and it’s really no surprise as they produce some great and universally appealing perfumes.

On the ladies’ side of things, Armani has a whole variety of scents to fit with different styles and even seasons of the year to capture a certain mood or attitude.

What are the Best Armani Perfumes for Her?

Best for Summer

Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gioia Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce
An aquatic citrus infused fragrance that really shines during the warmer months of the year. Notes include: lemon, sugar, mint, cedar, and jasmine.

Acqua di Gioia is a pretty straightforward fragrance with a crisp and aquatic aroma led by lemon citrus.

Then, there is the cooling sensation of a spicy green mint note, which gives Gioia a refreshing summery air about it. The fragrance gets some added floral depth with light jasmine, which starts to come through a few minutes in.

An extremely good choice for those who want a daily wear for warm weather and like a citrus perfume that isn’t overbearing.

Woody and Sweet

Giorgio Armani Si Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Ounce
Sensual and complex perfume that has a sweet, woodsy, and mysterious vibe to it. Very well balanced and striking. It opens with a blend of vanilla, black currant, and rose.

Si is sweet and candy-like, at this stage, with rose leading the way.

Then, patchouli comes in, to add an earthy spice underneath the now dominant black currant note. Finally, you get powdery floral and woody dry down.

Si has a moderate sillage, nice performance, and smells great. This is a fragrance that hits so many chords and is versatile, as well.  Si Full Review

An Armani Prive

Rouge Malachite– A selection from Les Terres Precieuses collection of the more upscale Armani Prive line. Rouge Malachite is an interesting white floral fragrance, that is led by its tuberose.

However, you also get a fresh sage top, benzoin and amber in the base, along with other floral notes like jasmine. It’s sweet, with spiciness up top, and then more of an ambery/benzoin finish and touches of being creamy.

It is a strong floral fragrance, but has a surprising amount of depth, which should keep one catching new facets of its aroma. Again, this is an expensive one, so you might want to find a sample before committing to a full bottle.

Classic Clean

Emporio Armani By Giorgio Armani For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.4 Ounces
A feminine fragrance with vanilla and sandalwood sitting at the top of the composition.

Emporio Armani is warm with a powdery scent and citrus notes coming through the aroma, ever so gently.

It is a clean classic sort of scent that has solid longevity and an attractive smell, while being safe to wear in daily situations. I’m going to keep this one on the list, even though it is becoming more difficult to find, as of late.

Your Way?

My Way by Giorgio Armani– My Way is a newer entry to the list, but a really nice easy to wear floral perfume, that enjoys mass appeal. Tuberose and jasmine are the two main floral ingredients, however, they will emerge fully later on in the wear.

First, it has a sweeter and fairly citrus profile with orange blossom and bergamot. That lasts into the first hour or so, before the tuberose really starts to come through.

My Way is fairly fresh with a really pleasant fruity opening act. The performance is solid, but not insane in terms of its sillage or staying power.

The Other Armani Si

Giorgio Armani Si Fiori Eau de Parfum Spray, 50 ml– This might be the best of the Si series. Although, I actually do like the original and Passione, as well. But, I think I may be in the minority.

It opens up with a bright citrus and currant blend, that is supported by floral notes and an underlying patchouli note. Yet, Si Fiori doesn’t go into full on heavy gourmand category, and is very wearable in warm weather (just not the hottest days).

The real star of the show is going to be the vanilla note. The fruity notes take a back seat to the floral notes (I get rose, but neroli is also there), and then, the vanilla comes in full swing. It actually does have an overall freshness to it that is great.

Creamy, sweet, nice performance and enough of that Si DNA to be enjoyable…but also a different take.

Parfum Way

My Way Parfum– Obviously, this is going to have at least some overlap with the original perfume in this series. However, My Way Parfum really is a distinct perfume that stands on its own.

Iris and tuberose take their turns in the mix. The opening does have the sparkling quality from the bergamot citrus up top. It has that bubble gum like tuberose aroma at times, powdery aspects from the iris, and muskier aroma in the dry down.

Definitely darker, heavier, and more intense versus the original My Way. I don’t think that this will be the best bet for everyone, but some people will absolutely love Parfum.

Most Popular/Best Seller

Armani Code By Giorgio Armani For Women. Eau De Parfume Spray 2.5 oz
Sweet, warm, and spicy take on the Code name. Citrus, honey, vanilla, and jasmine. Sexy and sophisticated scent, that is versatile enough to be worn on a night out on the town, as well as during the day.

Code has a creaminess provided by the jasmine and orange blossom notes, while maintaining a vanilla and musk combination. Code for Women is the type of scent that envelops the wearer in a cozy cloud of warmth and captivates those around her.

The opening has a good deal of citrus with some additional ginger freshness/bite. It gets smoother, as it moves along, but always stays attractive and bold.

Aquatic for Warmer Weather

Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani for women Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounces
Simple, fresh, and straightforward aquatic and floral scent that screams to be used in the summertime. This one dates back to the 1990s and has a light and clean dry down period, with peony and lily of the valley.

The opening is interesting, because it uses a vodka note, which you really don’t see often in fragrances (especially for women). It is interesting because this women’s version doesn’t have the same level of citrus and salty sea air as the men’s.

Acqua di Gio isn’t really oceanic, as it is more like a refreshingly cold drink, with watery elements. Great freshness and an interesting depth for a warmer weather fragrance.

Another Summer

My Way Ylang- This one is a tropical take on the My Way formula. Does have some similarities to Fame (but better) and better than the Parfum version of that Rabanne scent.

Anyway, Ylang is a softer and lighter summertime blend of My Way. Opening with coconut and mango, to go along with the usual bergamot note.

Yes, one difference is the inclusion of the ylang-ylang as a floral highlight, but it is still sharing the stage with the tuberose in the middle. Plus, there’s still the presence of orange blossom throughout.

This is juicy and bright up top. Quite sweet, but doesn’t get bogged down and has a nice fresh element to its aroma.