Cologne Reviews

Armani Code Eau de Parfum Pour Homme

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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 

Click here to try: Code EDP

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.

Code Parfum by Giorgio Armani

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Code is the still and long-running series from Giorgio Armani. In 2022, the designer came out with Code Parfum for men to continue on the name. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth a shot?

What does Code Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, sage, iris, tonka bean, cedar

Click here to try: Code Parfum by Armani

My Full Review

So, this is going to be a one wear review, at least until I update it in the future, after longer testing. I tried this out with 5 sprays from a tester bottle in a department store.

Here’s how Armani describes it: ARMANI CODE PARFUM rewrites the code of a timeless masculine fragrance – infusing the powerful and seductive signature Tonka Bean with fresh notes of iris, sage, and bergamot, to create a woody aromatic blend that is long-lasting and uniquely distinctive. ARMANI CODE PARFUM speaks to a man who rewrites the codes of masculinity – a new seduction that is charismatic, a confidence that is refined, and a self-expression that is authentic.

From the first spray of Code Parfum, I am reminded a lot of Luna Rossa Ocean. Sage, bergamot, and iris are all major players early on with both of these colognes. It’s as if you took the main idea of Ocean and combined it with elements of the original Code.

Parfum lacks the suede and caramel, but also includes the tonka bean note. So, it’s not as smooth as Ocean, nor does it have that ‘blue’ aroma. But, I think that this one has a great colder freshness.

The bergamot is awesome here. Sparkling, enough juiciness, and it actually lasts throughout the wear, on my skin. The citrus note tends to disappear, as it does in the Prada cologne. But, with this one you get a nice run.

The iris note, is sort of two fold. You get the sunny aldehyde version and then, the rich orris butter. The aldehydes give this one a colder feeling throughout. Sage and aldehydes together. Yes, the iris has a faint powdery smell, but honestly isn’t that heavy with it. This one actually leans more towards a light soapy/cream aroma.

The tonka bean here is much weaker than it is in Code EDP, for example. Which was heavy on that and vanilla, to the point of distraction. Still nice, just wasn’t great. Here, I like the light sweetness and smoothness that it adds to the mix.

The tonka bean does play more of a role in the dry down, as the bergamot fades somewhat. Yet, the end is headed up by the tonka bean and iris. With the bergamot and a bit of cedar playing support.

Clean, simple, and effortless to wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Parfum has an above average amount of projection and will probably leave a trail for around 2 hours, with proper sprays. For me, during this test run it felt like it radiated off of my skin well enough.

It’s not a heavy scent or a club beast, so that’s not what I’d expect.

Longevity here was in the 7-8 hour range. Maybe it’s capable of a little more, but I wouldn’t count on it, outside of heavy spraying.

Seasonally, I wouldn’t mind wearing this anytime outside of the summer. The freshness allows it to definitely venture outside of the winter months, also. Ideally, I’d like wearing this best here in autumn or the early spring.

This is a daily wear cologne. Super safe for the office. Attractive and not going to blow out the room. Code Parfum has plenty of versatility. It can be worn more formally, casually, or even on a date if need be.

Overall Impressions of Code Parfum

Overall, do I like Code Parfum? I do. Code Absolu is still my favorite from the series currently. But, I think this is better than the EDP and the modern version of the EDT.

Update: Coming back to this one a few years later, this one is great. It might be more enjoyable to me than Absolu, at least at times. Plus, they don’t make that one anymore, so I’d go with Parfum.

I was a fan of Luna Rossa Ocean’s opening act, so I really enjoy the similarities here. This one, is better over the duration of the wear, and doesn’t turn into a super boring cologne. Simple, yeah, but the aroma is very nice and kept my attention.

You’re still going to get plenty of the vibe of the original EDT, just in a fresher and cleaner form. It’s updated and modern, from an older formula which has been degraded over time.

Performance isn’t amazing, but it seems to be able to hit a standard work day. Versatile enough for multiple seasons, office or even night life.

One issue here, might be the pricing. As a Parfum version, the higher concentration is going to sell for a higher price. So, you might want to test it out before blind buying.

It’s probably not going to offend anyone, just you may want something different for the same price point. I don’t think the price is anything outlandish, however. Perhaps a bit elevated.

I was tempted to grab a full bottle for myself. I enjoyed wearing Code Parfum. As of now, it’s sort of borderline. Not something I definitely want, but may end up with at some point.

The One Gentleman by D&G

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The One line has spawned a ton of different fragrances over the years. I have gone through and reviewed all of them except for today’s entry, The One Gentleman. This is actually an older release which came out back in 2010. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth a try?

What does The One Gentleman Smell Like?

Notes include: cardamom, vanilla, pepper, lavender, watercress, patchouli

Click here to try: The One Gentleman

My Full Review

The One Gentlemen starts off with a burst of the same cardamom note found in the rest of the ‘The One’ series of colognes. It’s pronounced flanked by a peppery spice and the underlying familiarity of vanilla.

There’s something a bit different about this opening though. I think it is the inclusion of the watercress note. A bit of a fresh herbal smell, not something I come across routinely, and not exactly sure if I like it or not in this mix.

That watercress aroma will tone down as we move along and basically have no influence thereafter.

After this initial phase passes, the lavender note comes in, to join the cardamom in being the main event. With the lavender, the vanilla note feels a bit powdery less of a creaminess here, and the pepper still commands some attention.

Patchouli sort of takes over for the watercress, giving this a greener/earthy influence. As it wears on, this is less spicy more of a classic creamy vanilla and the lavender note which stays strong throughout.

Gentleman really does turn into a lavender heavy fragrance the deeper you get into its development. It’s all pretty fresh and somewhat sweet, with a unique take on The One name.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatilty

Sillage wise, it’s above average, but its initial punch doesn’t last super long. About an hour plus of decent scent trail creation and projection off of the skin. After that, The One Gentleman is going to be closer to the skin, but with a few feet of projection.

After 4 hours, it’s basically a skin scent.

The longevity is okay. I get somewhere in the 5-6.5 hour range with this Dolce & Gabbana fragrance. It doesn’t go beyond that high end and can also quit a bit before it hits the five hour mark.

Pretty average to somewhat above average, sort of depends on the day for me.

Seasonally, I like this best in the autumn or winter. I’d avoid the high heat of summer, but it isn’t too cloying in a more moderate spring-like setting.

It does have a pretty great amount of versatility. It could be a daily wear, good for younger guys, and even venture into the nightlife. It’s not the most well put together cologne, so, I don’t think it lives up to the ‘Gentleman’ moniker. 

It’s not anything that’s going to jump out as being overbearing or cheap, but I don’t think it has much appeal as a formal sort of fragrance.

 

 

Overall Impressions of The One Gentleman

Overall, do I like this cologne? I don’t hate it, but it really doesn’t appeal much to me either. This is a scent that I thought I’d enjoy more based on the notes, but it doesn’t hit the mark. 

The vanilla and the cardamom are highlights of the experience. When it turns more into a lavender bomb, Gentleman sort of loses me. It’s fine, just nothing really impressive here. Gentleman ranks in the back half of The One colognes, in my opinion.

The performance is fair. Not a powerhouse and not something that’s going to last all day, while not being utterly useless either. 

For a lot of guys, this is going to be a pass, as there isn’t a distinct reason to own it. Some seem to like this one, but for most it’s just decent. If you can find it at a huge discount, then, why not? Otherwise, why?

Nautica Voyage vs Voyage N-83 Cologne Comparison

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Now, that I have completed reviews for both Nautica Voyage and its N-83 flanker fragrance, I thought that I’d do a comparison post and lay out which cologne I think is better and why. Nautica specializes in aquatic themed scents and especially one’s that are great for the warmer weather months. In this post, I want to take a look at each cologne and determine which is the better candidate for purchase for most men and how each scent performs as a daily wear.

What Smells Better Nautica Voyage or N-83?

Nautica Voyage Tale of the Tape

Notes include: apple, musk, cedar, green leaf, amber, mimosa

NAUTICA-VOYAGE

Read my original review here

Try Nautica Voyage: Nautica Voyage By Nautica For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 oz

Nautica Voyage N-83 Tale of the Tape

Notes include: cardamom, petitgrain, mint, lavender, sandalwood, nutmeg, sea notes

Read my original review here

Opening

The difference in the opening between Voyage and N-83 is a matter of the sea notes contained in N-83 and how it has less of a fruity quality. N-83 is much more oceanic/salty than Voyage, which while semi-aquatic, is highlighted by apple/citrus notes that seem rather juicy.

If you want an actual aquatic, then N-83 is a potential play. Outside of that, I’d give the opening act to the original Nautica Voyage.

It does have a greenish and refreshing quality thanks to the mint. A classic clean, with the lavender note. But, it doesn’t have anything that is all that intriguing. Nice enough, though.

Voyage is just much more noticeable and pleasant. From the start, you get that crisp and watery apple note, with added sweetness. Then, the unique addition of mimosa, cedar, and musk really set Voyage apart.

Greenish, floral, musky, but refreshing. Voyage is usually interesting, despite not being among my favorite fragrances to wear.

Really, it’s quite amazing how such an inexpensive fragrance like Voyage, has set itself apart from almost anything else on the market. Nothing smells exactly like it and even its flankers, don’t strike the same chord.

Edge: Voyage

Projection

N-83 has a tendency to be rather on the weak side, it isn’t completely a fade away in five minutes cologne but it isn’t strong either, and it has a limited range.

Voyage isn’t super powerful but it is noticeable and projects pretty well. I’ve noticed that a lot of the Nautica flankers don’t match up to even the decent sillage of Nautica Voyage. Which is a shame, because some of the better smelling ones could be nice cheapies.

N-83 isn’t one of the worst offenders, but doesn’t match what Voyage provides. It’s going to be sticking rather close to one’s skin for much of the duration.

Edge: Voyage

Longevity

Again, Voyage takes the cake. N-83 has a tendency to fade and turn completely into a skin scent. Voyage holds up and performs well on a summer day. If it’s between the two, Voyage wins.

With Voyage, I max out with 7 hours. It will usually fall into the 5-7 hour range. N-83 can be in the 3-6 hour range, on my skin. That’s what I’ve found it capable of with more testing.

Usually, it’s closer to the lower end. If it could hit that higher end with a bit more power, it could be a much more useful scent. Really, I’d expect 83 to reliably hit 4, and maybe you get an extra boost.

Edge: Voyage

Versatility

Both of these are great casual fragrances that can be worn to work, school, or wherever. I wouldn’t put either as a date night cologne really, though Voyage would get the edge.

Actually, N-83 is less intrusive, so it might actually serve as a slightly better office cologne. However, since Voyage isn’t a beast, it would be perfectly fine. As far as cheapies go, both have a good deal of use. No, neither are super high end in quality, but they can be useful.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

N-83 is a good scent don’t get me wrong, it just pretty linear and not anything all that special. It has a nice and clean scent that is oceanic/soapy/smooth, especially from the lavender note.

Voyage is an aquatic that has a great citrus aroma and has been a long time favorite and best seller. For the price, Voyage, is a great addition to anyone’s collection, while N-83 probably isn’t even one of the best Nautica colognes.

Voyage seems to be Nautica’s high water mark. It’s a fragrance that they can’t seem to outdo. Even when they use its name, the flanker never really holds up to a comparison. It’s usually outright disappointing. Honestly, both of these are cheap enough, that you could just get both for some variety. If only one, it’s gotta be Voyage.

Winner: Voyage

Stronger With You Leather by Emporio Armani

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Stronger With You Leather is the last of the decants I bought of this series. Now, there still currently are two more that I need to review, but this is the fifth full review that I’ve gotten to. Leather was released back in 2020 by Emporio Armani. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Stronger with You Leather Smell Like?

Notes include: leather, elemi, spices, chestnut, vanilla, sage, lavender, oud, guaiac wood

My Full Review

SWY Leather opens up with an interesting take on the Stronger with You line. I mean, from the jump you can tell that it is apart of the series, but it lacks a lot of the hallmarks of entries like, Intensely.

The sweetness is taken way down, to where it’s basically only the vanilla note. Yes, it still has sweetness, just not from multiple sources. This one does feel nuttier to me in the opening act, with that signature chestnut out in full. But, one thing I do notice is that the spice mix is weaker here too.

Sure, some generic spice and a bit of sage wafting up from the heart. However, it doesn’t really bring that strong kick.

Now, the leather here is potent and you get plenty of it. Though, from the elemi to the guaiac wood, there is a real resinous aroma that surrounds the leather note from the start.

So, at the opening this one comes across as more of a blend of chestnut, leather, and vanilla. With the other notes providing a basic level of support.

Out of the entire series of fragrances, Leather is the closest to Absolutely, in terms of smell. Again though, even the lavender note is weaker here versus the others.

The dry down here is basically a takeover of vanilla and leather. On my skin, the chestnut sticks around, but is less prominent and the third strongest note.

The resinous smell has faded, oud is a bit stronger than the remaining guaiac wood. But, really neither is massive. It’s not really all that spicy or sweet. Just warm, vanilla, with a very nice leathery finish.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, I think this one has some sneaky power. The others do have pretty huge projections and leave scent trails in your wake. But, the sweetness and spice of the Stronger With You lineup, really makes them seem bigger.

Here, I think you get a lot of ability to project. Though, it doesn’t punch you in the face in the same way as a bold spice or sweeter scent can. Nonetheless, I can spray this on clothing in my house and pick up the scent from far off.

The longevity here is fantastic. Double digit hours and it goes beyond, most of the others too. 12-ish hours, maybe a bit more depending on the day.

Now, this does become softer than its initial strong stillage, but this Emporio Armani cologne really sticks around for a long time. Awesome.

The original Stronger EDT felt way too youthful to me, at times. Frankly, I wouldn’t want to wear it at my age. That being said, Leather feels much more appropriate for guys in their 30s and up.

Not to say that is the only group that can wear it, but it does have a nice refinement that some of the others like EDT and Freeze do not.

Seasonally, this is an autumn and winter scent entirely. I wouldn’t be wearing this out in the heat. Not that it’s too heavy, just the notes are conducive to that environment.

If you don’t go too heavy with it, Leather is a fairly safe fragrance during daytime activities. Personally, I’d want to reserve it for the nightlife. It is warm and does have a sexiness to its scent that simply works.

Overall Impressions of SWY Leather

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Yes, it is probably my second favorite of the Stronger with You lineup. The top three go back and forth, but as of now it’s: 1. Intensely  2. Leather  3. Absolutely.

This one offers something a bit different. You get the basic DNA, but without the same level of sweetness and spice. More of the spice remains, but even that is pretty weak in comparison. Instead, that title note, takes a bigger slice of the aroma.

I like the mix of chestnut and the leather note. The underlying vanilla and oud/guaiac wood are also nice. I’m not super thrilled with the resinous aspect, but it doesn’t distract me all that much.

The performance here is still great, like most of the rest of the Stronger With You scents.

This is probably pretty safe for a blind buy. You’re going to have to like leather (but it is well-blended and not just a leather bomb), obviously, and this does have more of a mature vibe than some of the others that have been put out. Nonetheless, this is a worthwhile fragrance to try out.

This does seem to be in pretty limited supply, as of posting. At least in the US. So, the price is probably going to be elevated versus others in the SWY series.