Gucci Guilty vs. Acqua di Gio

In this edition of the head to head men’s fragrances match up, we have two popular choices from Italian designers, Acqua di Gio vs. Gucci Guilty. Which of these scents ultimately smells the best? Performs better? Is the top buy? I have worn each around, reviewed them (linked below), and now will compare each in a variety of categories to select the best.

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Tale of the Tape: AdG vs. Gucci Guilty

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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Gucci Guilty

Notes include: lemon, orange blossom, lavender, patchouli, cedar, pink pepper, neroli

Click here to try: Guilty By Gucci EDT spray for Men, 3 Ounce

Read my original review: Gucci Guilty

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Opening

Gucci Guilty starts off with a strong blast of citrus from the lemon note, that is flanked by warm amber, and calming lavender. It smooth and fresh with a bit of spice lurking underneath the surface. Guilty has a floral tinge from the orange blossom and neroli, with a cedar base. Very nice.

Acqua di Gio opens up with a blend of citrus notes of bergamot and tangerine. These notes are accompanied by marine notes, which gives this fragrance its aquatic aroma, and some jasmine undertones.

As it moves along, it will develop more of its aquatic elements and slight smokiness. Guilty stays with its bright and warm disposition. I have always loved that sea breeze accord and the way that it plays off of the citrus.

Which do I prefer? I actually like the way that Gucci Guilty starts off, better than, Acqua di Gio. The lemon note is great, it’s soaked in amber, with a nice lavender coming through. It’s simple and effective.

Yes, AdG has a lot going for it, and this is a close contest. But, that start from Guilty has something special about it to me. Not a massive edge, but the Gucci takes this one.

Edge: Guilty

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Projection

At the start, both of these fragrances have pretty similar sillage, that could be characterized as in the moderate range. You notice it, but not overpower a room.

Guilty, however, lightens up quicker than does the Armani. It becomes more light and airy, a few hours in.

If we were talking about the original formulations of each, AdG would take this one pretty easily. Even in there latest states, the edge for Acqua is pretty apparent.

Edge: Acqua di Gio

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Longevity

Wearing Gucci Guilty, I only seem to ever get 5-6 hours of wear, from it. Pretty average, not spectacular. Acqua di Gio is somewhat better, clocking in at 6-7 hours, on my skin. Not a massive difference, but it’s noticeable.

AdG used to be even better, than its current incarnation. Nonetheless, it can still outdo the original Gucci Guilty, with its performance.

Edge: Acqua di Gio

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Versatility

Each of these fragrances, is extremely versatile in its uses. Both mainly fit in during the spring/summer months, but can easily be worn year round without problem.

Neither is a formal fragrance, but they’re also not only for teenagers. They can appeal to a very wide audience, which explains the massive sales success of each over the decades.

They are also both safe to wear to class or the office, casually, or even out on a date. There’s not really an edge in this category.

Edge: Push

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Overall Scent

This is a pretty close call between these competitors. I really like Acqua di Gio and it is a classic, at this point in time. It’s got a great citrus marine profile, with supporting floral and wood notes. It also has better performance than does Gucci Guilty.

I like how Guilty smells. I prefer how it starts out, with the great lemon, floral, and amber notes. It’s very simple and straightforward, but that orange blossom and lavender, plays very well off of the citrus. Clean and bright.

However, I still think the Acqua di Gio is the better fragrance. The dry down period of Acqua di Gio and the better performance, gives it the edge, in my opinion. Is it miles better?

No, but it is the more interesting fragrance. Guilty is a pretty basic scent. It is unique in how it presents itself, but not much depth there. I think that I’d pick Guilty Black and probably Intense over it, but not the original Guilty.

Even then, that’s not a sure thing, as I really do like AdG and it can still be a signature daily wear for a lot of people.

Winner: Acqua di Gio