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.

Ranking the Best Spicebomb Fragrances

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Spicebomb is the signature men’s line from Viktor & Rolf, the counterpart to the vast array of Flowerbomb releases on the women’s side of things. Since the release of Spicebomb EDT, the designer has steadily released different flankers to capitalize on that initial popularity.

But, now that we have so many options to choose from by V&R, which are the best? I am  going to use this page to keep a running tab on my favorites by ranking and to link my full reviews, as I release them.

Ranking My Favorite Spicebomb Colognes

Note: I’ll update the list once I’ve gotten to try out the new Metallic Musk flanker release.

The Top Spot

Spicebomb Extreme– This one is still the best Spicebomb in terms of how it smells. However, it might not be the best pick for everyone.

Extreme is very much a colder weather sort of fragrance and it can really be a massive tobacco and vanilla scent at times. So, if that’s not your thing you might want to go for something like Night Vision instead.

Extreme opens with that heavy tobacco, sweet vanilla, some lavender, and a touch of spice. Again, it’s not overly spicy, in comparison. Instead it’s smooth, warm, and sweet.

This fragrance is mainly about the tobacco note, more than any spices, which seem to just play backup. Tobacco, vanilla, spices, and saffron/lavender. Has this sweetish, somewhat gourmand quality.

Spicebomb Extreme has great performance and is well worth checking out. Spicebomb Extreme review

Original Appeal

Spicebomb EDT– Currently, the original is basically neck and neck to me with Night Vision EDP. I could easily swap these two on the list.

Spicebomb opens with that spice going strong already and a pretty noticeable mix of grapefruit and bergamot.

Beyond that, pink pepper comes through with the cinnamon blend in a pretty even split at first. Feels like a 60/40 split to me, but cinnamon will increasingly take over.

As it develops, that sharp spice blast settles down and gets smoothed out by the heart notes emerging. I get plenty of saffron and vetiver, which gives Spicebomb more maturity compared to that youthfully energetic opening.

Leather slips in very lightly during the middle, adding to the smoothness and character of this cologne.

The performance isn’t quite as good as it used to be, but still a useful scent to have in the rotation. Spicebomb review

Cool Vision

Spicebomb Night Vision EDP– Night Vision EDP is one that I liked wearing a lot, but it was never a complete love. Far and away better than the EDT version, though. Just a better balance and mix.

Nightvision EDP kicks off woodier and with cooler spiciness than the original or others in this line. I get some lemon essence and red pepper up top that gives it familiarity to the EDT, though this one isn’t as sweet to my nose.

The spices here seem to be a black and red pepper blend. But the clary sage note is what really jumps out to me after the opening starts to fade. It’s fresh and cool but also gets smoothed out by the woody base notes.

The wood is fir, but this is fir balsam, giving it that benzoin-like smell.

From here, it’s pretty straightforward. The spiciness fades and it becomes more about aromatic freshness, which lets some of the sweetness peek back through. Night Vision EDP review

The performance is pretty good, not great. The scent is good, not great. But, it gives you a cooler sort of fresh spice versus the more in your face spiciness of the original. Night Vision eau de parfum review

A Sweeter Spice

Spicebomb Infrared EDT– I bought a bottle of Infrared when it came out. I wear it on occasion, but not that often anymore. The red berry and tobacco mix with cinnamon is really bold and can be quite sweet.

I don’t think the eau de parfum really improved anything over this initial Infrared release. They’re about the same in terms of how much I enjoy them or if I want a leather note (the EDP).

Apparently this one has been discontinued. So, if you want to try Infrared EDT, you’ll probably have to find it online before the remaining stocks gets too expensive. Infrared EDT review

Second Infrared

Spicebomb Infrared EDP– Again, not really any better than the EDT, in my opinion. Some may prefer this, but to me they’re about the same in terms of my enjoyment wearing each of these.

This is a bit fresher and feels smoother in the dry down with its leather note. The leather is blended well and isn’t completely taking over the composition. It’s good, but I don’t need a bottle, since I already have EDT.

In the grand scheme of things, it’s near the bottom of the list for me, while still being a pretty good cologne overall.

More Leather

Spicebomb Dark Leather– Well, if you like leather but don’t want to go with the Infrared option, Viktor & Rolf came out with Spicebomb Dark Leather.

I’ve only tried this once, so, I don’t have a complete review on it. But, for now, this is where I’m putting this Spicebomb on the list. I like it, but wasn’t something that really grabbed my attention.

I remember it having a peppery start, with more of a softer cinnamon accompanying the leather and tobacco notes. Still, this one is more leather heavy than Infrared EDP, some nice spice mixture.  Yet, it didn’t seem all that powerful in terms of performance.

Another Night

Spicebomb Night Vision EDT– Night Vision EDT is my least favorite. The eau de parfum is much better, if you want this same sort of style, and every other cologne on the list is better if you don’t.

With this one, I tend to really notice the sage and geranium notes. For whatever reason, those two are really heightened on my skin.

The opening is some light grapefruit, spice, and tonka bean along with the aforementioned notes. The scent has some high points, but is fairly forgettable overall. Also, the performance isn’t great, I only get around 5 hours of wear from Night Vision EDT.

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.

Best Smelling Elie Saab Perfumes for Women

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Elie Saab isn’t a mega brand when compared to some of the biggest sellers in fragrance. However, it has had a lot of success and launched plenty of great scents over the past decade or so. In this post, I wanted to introduce five ladies’ perfumes that could be considered the best of the line thus far, and have something for each kind of style.

What are the Best Perfumes by Elie Saab?

Popular Elie Saab Fragrances

GIRL OF NOW EDP 90ML– Girl of Now changes the pace of many women’s fragrances by not going for something that is purely floral or fruity. Instead, it opts for notes such as pistachio, almond, and tonka bean to head things up.

It’s an all-day wear that is sweet and still retains the underlying femininity. The opening is quite fruity and nutty, with highlights of pistachio and the pear. Now, the almond is present throughout, but it will grow in strength as the wear moves forward.

Girl of Now becomes very smooth and retains its sweetness. The fruity notes, loses strength during the duration of its life, but becomes replaced by a great tonka bean and the light floral touch of orange blossom.

Best Spring/Summer Wear

Elie Saab Le Parfum L’Eau Couture FOR WOMEN by Elie Saab – 3.0 oz EDT Spray– Like Girl of Now, L’eau Couture utilizes the almond note.

However, this one becomes much more of a floral and less of the sweetness of the first entry. It is light and refreshing and a good choice for a casual perfume.

You also don’t get the pistachio here, nor the tonka bean. That is instead replaced by a creamy vanilla note.

Le Parfum L’eau Coture takes the almond and orange blossom of Girl of Now; making these notes the absolute building blocks of this perfume. 

This one is still somewhat sweet, but towards the middle of the dry down, you get more of a jasmine and orange blossom combination. It comes across a floral and somewhat green smelling finish to the scent.

Orange Blossom Floral Fragrance

Elie Saab Le Parfum Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 3 Ounce– An original perfume from the Elie Saab line that has spawned a ton of flankers of itself. Le Parfum is a very feminine floral highlighted by jasmine and orange blossom. Quite the springtime, traditional floral perfume.

Elie Saab Le Parfum kicks off with a large dose of the orange blossom, that is then paired with, honey and patchouli. It’s of course sweet and floral, with a rose note beginning to creep into the picture.

However, the rose never quite catches on completely. Instead, you get jasmine and orange blossom occupying the top. Underneath that, is: patchouli, honey, and a cedar base. Great sillage, with 7-9 hour range of wear. Le Parfum Review

 

Bold Elie Saab Fragrance

Elie Saab Nuit Noor Eau Parfum Spray– Bold and darker entry to the list.  With notes of pepper, wood, honey, patchouli, rose, and more. Nuit Noor is dark, woody, with a spicy sweetness that is never linear and has a full personality to develop.

The spice in Elie Saab Nuit Noor consist of peppers and patchouli, mostly. The pepper is most noticeable in the opening, but gradually fades in favor of the earthiness of patchouli.

This one will get sweeter and woodier, as it moves along, but maintains its warming embrace. Honey soaked wood, seems to be the basis of the aroma at times, dotted with floral notes and spice.

best saab perfumes

The Other Girl of Now

Girl of Now Forever– While the original Girl of Now, uses nutty notes, Forever focuses more on the fruity side of things.

Black currant, raspberry, and citrus. The almond note is still there, but it is a bit player in this perfume. The sweet and tart blend is energetic and also has a certain sexiness about it.

These notes are flanked by rose and orange blossom, which are even less prevalent than the almond.

This is probably a bit below the original in terms of how I rate it. Though, awfully close and better than Shine, which was okay.

What you get is a fun juicy fruit fragrance with hints of vanilla and almond, with a muskiness in the dry down. Solid performance. Great for the spring and summer months, but not an immature or super sugary mess.  Girl of Now Forever Review

Winter Suede and Vanilla

Cuir Bourbon– A very nice scent for those who enjoy a smooth and rich vanilla during a colder day/evening. The vanilla is paired with suede to create an understated yet refined aroma.

The suede when paired with saffron, comes across as more of a rich leather. The vanilla dominates, but it is warm and not a super sweet version of the note, as it is tempered by the underlying musky base.

This is a great option for the autumn and winter months, with solid performance, and a delightful aroma.

Sweet Myrrh 

Elixir by Elie Saab– This one is a nice option that I think will be a good fit for some women, but might come off as too sweet for others. It’s also a heavier and syrupy aroma. 

Elixir has a rather strong use of neroli early on and it’s iris note will emerge more in the middle as it develops. Not too much powder emphasis in this perfume (more lipstick), just a pleasant sweet floral that develops into a somewhat more smoky and a tad resinous finish.

The base notes are led by myrrh as the focus, along with amber and benzoin. So, plenty of amber-like or adjacent notes to enjoy here. Super unique? Not really. Though, it’s a nice enough fragrance to warrant checking out.

 

 

Le Male Elixir Absolu Vs SWY Intensely

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Le Male Elixir Absolu follows on the heels of the very popular Elixir, as a part of the best-selling Le Male series from Jean Paul Gaultier. It’s entry as a bold and somewhat sweet cologne, is naturally going to draw plenty of comparisons with the other usual cold weather choices.

Stronger with You Intensely by Emporio Armani, is one of those usual choices. But, which of these men’s fragrances is actually better? Which lasts longer

Tale of the Tape: SWY Intensely vs. Elixir Absolu

Stronger With You Intensely

Notes include: pink pepper, cinnamon, toffee, lavender, sage, suede, amber, violet, vetiver

Click here to try: Intensely

My Full Review: Stronger with You Intensely

Le Male Elixir Absolu

Notes include: lavender, tonka bean, plum

Click here to try: Le Male Elixir Absolu

Read my review: Elixir Absolu

Opening

Stronger With You Intensely opens with spice as well, though it’s warmer here and doesn’t linger as long as in the original. Pink pepper really takes the spotlight, with cinnamon and sage rounding out the blend.

I notice the sweetness in Intensely shows up earlier. That toffee accord mixing with cinnamon and caramel really gives Intensely a more energetic personality.

Elixir Absolu opens differently yet familiarly compared to the original JPG Le Male Elixir. It drops the cooling mint note. Instead, you get plenty of lavender with some warmer spice and the new addition of sweet plum.

The plum actually isn’t too heavy at the start for me. It’s much less tart and sweeter than I expected it would be.

I’m not sure what the spice is here. It kind of smells like cumin mixed with a touch of cinnamon. The plum can carry a bit of spicy character too, but I’m personally getting cumin.

Lavender is the main focus with Le Male Elixir Absolu. What’s interesting is I get the sense of iris floating around in this mix. Haven’t seen anything from Gaultier mentioning this though.

Which is better? 

The opening for sure goes to the Stronger with You. While I like Absolu overall as a fragrance, the opening act is kind of messy and probably its worst part.

Edge: Intensely

Projection

This is a pretty close call. Both of these fragrances are quite powerful, have a large projection and a heavier dense feeling at times while wearing them.

I might give the edge to Elixir Absolu, as I think that it might have a slightly farther reach with how it projects. But, they’re about the same in my experience.

Edge: Push

Longevity

I get 11-12 hours with SWY Intensely. It’s a really great performer for a designer fragrance.

Does Absolu go beyond that? No, but it gets somewhat close, at least closer than many other colognes would. With the Gaultier, I get 9-10.5 hours of total wear from it. Still really good, just doesn’t hit the same level.

So, the Armani has the definite edge in longevity, with about equal projecting power.

Edge: Intensely

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are best worn autumn through early to mid-spring. Elixir Absolu isn’t as thick or cloying as the original Elixir can be, but it’s not exactly light either.

Within that, though, I think that SWY Intensely is the better option for date night or some other nightlife event versus Absolu. Neither is a formal sort of fragrance, but I think that the Armani can fit in better on a day to day basis.

Not a massive difference, but Intensely has the edge.

Edge: Intensely

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two fragrance do I prefer?

Le Male Elixir Absolu has quickly become one of my favorites from JPG. The opening act is a bit rough, but the dry down is quite good and something that I have enjoyed wearing.

I started wearing it almost exclusively versus the original Le Male Elixir. It’s smooth, sweet, and the lavender with a touch of plum is great. The performance is also great.

However, in comparison to Stronger with You Intensely, I don’t the Absolu is as good. The Armani is more versatile, is more consistent, has a bit better performance, and I think smells slightly more appealing than the Gaultier cologne.

Intensely is the best from the SWY series, in my opinion, and is also going to be the better choice for most men here.

Winner: Stronger with You Intensely