acqua di gio

Acqua di Gio Absolu by Giorgio Armani

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In today’s review, I have another release from Giorgio Armani, and one that is a flanker fragrance to the best-seller Acqua di Gio called: Acqua di Gio Absolu. It was released back in 2018 and has flown under the radar, compared to some of the others in the series.

I am going to explore, what it smells like, how it performs, when it should be worn, and if it is actually worth a try. Please continue below for my full take on Absolu.

What does Acqua di Gio Absolu Smell Like?

Notes include: patchouli, marine notes, labdanum, tonka bean, wood, bergamot, grapefruit, lavender, rosemary, apple, pear

Click here to try: Acqua di Giò Absolu Eau de Parfum Spray 4.2 fl oz Men

My Full Wear Review

Upon the opening smell, Absolu immediately smells familiar to me, and has quite a bit of overlap with Invictus Aqua. Namely, the share the woody notes, marine aspects, and grapefruit.

It’s mostly at the beginning that they smell alike and this Armani fragrance is much better in my opinion. Aqua can have this stinky dry down of the sea notes, but the Armani doesn’t.

Anyway, AdG Absolu, opens with the citrus notes, some pear/apple, wood, sea water, and tonka bean. It’s a very fresh aquatic, but is grounded with the woody notes, and doesn’t get too far into just being a citrus water fragrance; like so many others.

A few minutes in, Absolu begins to take on a resinous smell, thanks to the labdanum. There is also a hint of patchouli which brings in some earthy spice into the mix. The patchouli isn’t super heavy or anything, but it does play its part within the composition beautifully.

This is older than AdG Profondo as a release, but that resin, woods, and marine aroma have significant overlap between the two. Profondo is just a better scent overall.

Absolu really has that ambery sort of smell throughout, I know the labdanum is playing a big part of that, but I wonder if one of the wood notes is amber wood? I haven’t seen it listed, but I do think so. It is a harsher aroma versus the more naturalistic amber notes out there.

Another interesting aspect of this cologne is the herbal undertones that peak through during the wear. It doesn’t seem to be consistently there, but I catch distinct rosemary, at times and it plays off really nice in this aquatic fragrance.

Ultimately, what I get with AdG Absolu is a citrusy marine cologne with a woody base that is covered in amber resin. Then tonka bean and light spices peppered in.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, the sillage starts out fairly powerful, but settles down into something that is more moderate but steady. You won’t need more than a few sprays for this stuff to do its magic. For an (semi) aquatic kind of cologne, it does have great power versus many others of this ilk.

Longevity is also quite good, but not amazing. 8 or so hours is what I get out of it on my skin, it can go a bit longer, depending on the climate that day. Update: Testing it out further, it can go up to 9, but that’s rare. Expect 7-8.

The versatility for Absolu is perhaps its biggest selling point. While it seems like it’d be one strictly for the summertime, it can actually fit in during any time of the year. So, guys who are looking for an all purpose scent, should give this one consideration.

It is also versatile in terms of when it can be worn. It can go casual or for something to wear at the office or out for an evening on the town.

It’s not really a mature scent, but not one that would only appeal to teenagers or college guys. I’m not sure that I’d wear this one on a formal occasion, but it would fit for everything else, no problem. Skews younger, but a cologne that can get a lot of use for that demographic.

Overall Impressions of AdG Absolu

Overall, do I like Acqua di Gio Absolu? Yes, I do. I get the similarities with something like Invictus Aqua, but it’s so much better than that, and doesn’t have the same level of synthetic smelling ingredients. I

t’s a very nice all-around cologne and one that should enjoy more popularity than it does.

It’s closest comparisons are that Invictus, Profondo, the original AdG, and I guess Absolu Instinct (but I haven’t tried that out).

Is it my favorite scent? Nope, but it is one that I could see myself wearing sometimes, even if it’s not really my style of cologne. Armani did a great job with this one and men in their 20s will probably really like wearing Absolu.

However, I’d would rather wear almost any other of the Acqua di Gio line (outside of Profondo Lights). Profumo, EDT, and Profondo are all better. As such, I don’t have a need to grab a full bottle.

I’d recommend any of those before this. Unless you really love this style of cologne, get something else. But, if you have one of those already and want something a little more unique, Absolu can be a very nice pick up.

Acqua di Gio Profondo by Giorgio Armani

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Acqua di Gio has been a best seller for about 25 years or so. It has made Armani a ton of money, so, they’re going to keep reusing the name and tweaking the formula with new flankers for as long as they can. In 2020, they introduced Profondo to the lineup. Is this entry in the dark blue bottle worth it? How does it smell? Does it last a long time? Is it better than the other AdG fragrances?

What does Acqua di Gio Profondo Smell Like?

Notes include: mandarin, bergamot, lavender, marine notes, rosemary, cypress, lentisk, patchouli, musk

Click here to try: GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Profondo for Men Eau De Parfum Spray 4.2 Ounces, blue

My Full Wear Review

Before getting into my personal review, let’s see how Armani describes it: Like taking a plunge into the deep blue sea, senses are awakened by green mandarin and bergamot while an ultramarine, nearly icy hue is conveyed by Acqua di Giò’s iconic marine notes. As the bubbles of oxygen rise to the top, the rosemary, lavender, cypress and lentisk absolute blend at its heart. Exuding a masculine character of depth and intensity, notes of woody patchouli and enveloping musk finally fuse with the saline accent of a mineral ambery accord at the base.

Upon initially spraying Profondo on my skin, I got a blue-green impression. Aquatic, but not as dark as AdG Profumo. With more woodiness and depth than the original Acqua di Gio. 

It kicks things off with the usual citrus notes being present, more of the bergamot versus the mandarin orange. Very marine without the incense of Profumo and less of the rosemary of the original. 

What is here, underneath the similar DNA is a sweetness and woody resin. This must be the lentisk note, as described on Wikipedia: “The plant is evergreen, from 1 to 5 m high, with a strong smell of resin, growing in dry and rocky areas in Mediterranean Europe.”

I will say, that as it dries down it becomes more of a true blue sort of aroma. I get that mineral note that is so prevalent in Profumo and also a smooth, almost creamy smell coming through. Less salty and more of a Light Blue aquatic type of marine accord. I guess, the impression of water, rather than a full on oceanic note.

Armani wanted this to have a deeper sea vibe and they accomplished it. The latter stages of the fragrance are extremely well blended. Woody with nuanced notes peaking in at different times during the wear.

There isn’t a tonka bean note listed, but there kind of seems like there is one lurking in here. I think that it’s just the way that the remaining lavender is interacting with the other ingredients, though.

I like this. Fresh and a deep blue finish, that does feel different enough from the other Acqua di Gio scents.

 

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This isn’t a heavy sort of fragrance. It’s light, but not weak. Meaning, it hangs around but doesn’t have an enveloping thickness about it. I keep catching whiffs of it throughout the day, it’s just not a beast.

Longevity is good, but not insane for an EDP fragrance. 7-8 hours on my skin, is what I seem to get here. Nothing more, but also nothing less either. For a summertime wear, I’ll take it. 

Update: Every time that I’ve tried Profondo, it sticks to this 7-8 hour timeframe. No more, no less. At least it is consistent.

Seasonally, as I said, summer. More specifically, spring or summer, but this is really made for the warm to hot days. I think this might be the AdG cologne to go with, if you live in a super hot or humid climate and Profumo becomes too overbearing. 

Very attractive, sexy, and pleasant. Not a nightclub beast, but great for daytime and casual to semi-formal situations. You could wear this on a date and it would fit right in. It can be worn by guys of all ages, without issue. More refined and mature than Acqua di Gio, but retains enough of the original vibe. 

 

Overall Impressions of Acqua di Gio Profondo

Do I like this fragrance? Yes, a whole lot. I still put it behind Profumo as my favorite from this line, but this definitely has its place. Update: I still rate this one second, as of now. It’s pretty close to Profumo in terms of enjoyment.

It serves as a midway point between the original and Profumo, similar to each, while doing its own thing. The original seems pointless to me now, with its performance having taken such a hit.

Update: They followed this up with Profondo Lights and Acqua di Gio EDP. Profondo is better than either. Lights isn’t a very good flanker to this, in my opinion. I never wanted to wear it. EDP is nice enough, but I won’t be buying a new bottle, when I finish the rest of my current one.

If you have Profumo though, you don’t need this one. I just bought a bottle of Profumo, but would also consider getting some Profondo as well. Update: I never did grab a full bottle. But for folks without a fragrance website, it’s fairly redundant. I’d test both and just pick the one you prefer.

I do like the dry down period with Profondo. That’s where it’s at its most different from the others. Really smooth, with depth, a blue-ish aroma, and a woody sweetness coming in. The opening is also good, just doesn’t capture my attention in the same way.

Acqua di Gio EDP by Armani

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Acqua di Gio keeps rolling right along with the 2022 release of the eau de parfum version. This following on the heels of the Profondo flankers. It’s finally available for purchase here in the US. How does this one smell? How does it compare? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Acqua di Gio EDP Smell Like?

Notes include: green mandarin, patchouli, sage, vetiver, geranium, lavandin, marine notes

Click here to try: Buy from Armani Beauty

adg eau de parfum review

My Full Review

Let’s see how Armani describes it: ACQUA DI GIÒ EAU DE PARFUM encapsulates a powerful, long-lasting freshness, where innovative marine notes blend with natural green mandarin, sage, vetiver, patchouli, and a woody mineral dry-down. The infinite horizon of the sea is captured in a new innovative refill bottle.

If you’ve tried it, you can post a review and score in the comment section below.

Acqua di Gio EDP starts off much like Profondo Lights and Profondo. I’d say it’s closer to the former, with the prominent green mandarin note, but thankfully none of the cardamom. That was the note, which made me not really care for Lights.

The mandarin feels more pronounced in this eau de parfum version. It’s bright and much juicier/sweet than the Profondo colognes.

A strong citrus start, some of the blueish sea notes, sage, and geranium. Another thing that it lack is, the cypress note of the Profondo scents.

Is this similar to the EDT? Yes, but the original AdG has more of a floral feel. But, you can obviously tell that all of these fragrances are related. I always get a lot of jasmine on my skin with the original.

After a while, that top will start to burn off. EDP becomes less citrus dominant and the patchouli, sage, and geranium really start to come in stronger. During this part, the eau de parfum will start to resemble Profumo, and less of the Profondo editions.

It’s interesting, Acqua di Gio EDP will do its own thing to an extent, but it closely mimics the other releases throughout the duration of the wear.

So, during the Profumo-like part, it lacks the incense smokiness and darker feeling of that fragrance…but it’s near identical outside of that.

That too, will start to shift. This becomes a drier fragrance as it moves on. You do still get that sweetness from the mandarin note, but patchouli, the fresh mix, and a touch of the mineral note is most of the rest of the development.

The mineral note is there, like in Profumo, just toned down. Especially towards the end, its a lot of patchouli, vetiver, and that mineral note. The sage, mandarin, and geranium are basically just an impression that you can vaguely pick up on.

gio edp review

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one starts off with a decent amount of power. But, it will go quickly into moderate territory, and follow that up being fairly light.

Acqua di Gio EDP isn’t a powerhouse, nor a beast performer. It’s been solid on my skin, for about two hours, then it enters its lighter phase.

How long does EDP last? In total, 6-8 hours. Keep in mind, those last hours are very much a skin scent, but I can still pick it up on me during that time period.

Update: After wearing this fragrance a large number of times, it skews much closer to the six hour range than it does the eight. It is still capable of hitting 8, EDP just isn’t consistent in this regard.

The performance here is just okay. Not going to blow the doors off or anything, just be pretty much serviceable in its wear.

Seasonally, this like the others in the series, is a spring and summertime fragrance. But, a super versatile daily wear within that timeframe. Plus, it wouldn’t be too out of place during the rest of the year, but there are better options for cold weather.

Also, the age range is wide. From younger men to older, no problems. It’s enjoyable, but not a club beast, and I’m not sure if it’d be classified as being ‘sexy’. I haven’t worn it around any women, yet, so I’m not sure.

acqua eau de parfum

Overall Impressions of AdG Eau de Parfum

Overall, do I like Acqua di Gio EDP? I do like it. Though, it’s not completely amazing, nor a must have. If you already have other AdG fragrances, you probably won’t need this.

I do like it more than Profondo Lights, but maybe a notch below Profondo and Profumo, during this initial testing phase.

I really like the opening act. That mandarin note is great, giving you that citrus juiciness without as much in the way, as with the Profondo scents. I also enjoy the fact that I get to experience the others in the series, all wrapped up into one bottle.

I already have my Profumo bottle and this will give me elements of the others, during this spring and summer.

I do wish that this was a stronger scent. The longevity is well enough, but if it could pack a punch for a longer time, this would be more worthwhile. Better than the EDT? Yes, but that’s been weakened over the years, and this isn’t a huge step up.

I like its aromatic freshness and the fact that it doesn’t go too heavy with the mineral note. I do kind of wish that it was more marine, adding more of that ‘sea note’ accord.

On the whole? I’m enjoying EDP thus far. Is it a buy? Sure. However, you might not need it, if you’re already someone who has bottles of the other.

Update: After almost a year of having it and using quite a bit during the last summer, I must say it still basically holds up, as far as me enjoying it. I still really like that opening hour or so way more than I do the dry down. Though, I’ve knocked a couple of points off my original score below, in this update.

Also, wearing Acqua di Gio EDP outside, it’s a much more likeable fragrance for the duration. Indoors, it starts to feel very casual and not all that compelling. I’m going to finish off this bottle and don’t think that I’m ever going to re-up.

If not? Give it a try, you might like it better than Profondo or Profumo. To me, it’s up there. Not necessarily a must have, but I don’t regret buying a full bottle, in the slightest.

Light Blue Eau Intense vs. Acqua di Gio Comparison

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Today’s fragrance comparison is going to be a battle between two popular summertime aquatic colognes: Light Blue Eau Intense vs. Acqua di Gio. Which of these scents is the better performer? The still highly popular 90s cologne or the Intense flanker to Light Blue? I will break down both by different metrics, before ultimately crowning a winner overall.

Tale of the Tape: Eau Intense vs. AdG

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 

Light Blue Eau Intense

Notes include: mandarin, frozen grapefruit, juniper, aquatic accord, amber woods, musk

Click here to try: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Intense Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 1.6 Ounce

My review: Light Blue Eau Intense

Opening

Acqua di Gio starts off with a now famous citrus aroma of bergamot and tangerine, which is then paired with an aquatic accord, which has an oceanic quality to it.

Underneath that, there are floral notes, which consist mostly of jasmine and some neroli. It is a fresh and quite pleasant.

It’s a sea breeze of the usual citrus fruit and persimmon with the jasmine note, which sits amazingly well in that initial juicy blend

I’ve come back to AdG over the past year, while testing out the Profondo’s from Armani, and it still is absolutely pleasant. Those opening minutes take me back and are still great after however many years.

It can be difficult to find something special about it after all these years and so many wears, but AdG’s mix of citrus and jasmine with the light sea breeze manages to do it.

Light Blue Eau Intense also starts off with citrus notes, instead opting for mandarin orange and frozen grapefruit. It actually does have a great cold feeling to it, that is refreshing to wear. The aquatic note is less of a salt marine type, but is joined by a nice juniper note.

Which is better? While I quite enjoy AdG and the way that it starts off, I think that Intense, is a bit better. The cold crispness of the fruit and the smooth aquatic note is really great.

Edge: Eau Intense

Projection

Both of these fragrances are pretty moderate in their sillage. Eau Intense will leave more of a trail. They can be pretty strong for the first few hours, then, sit closer to the skin but aren’t ever weak.

I’d say that Eau Intense probably hits a higher point for a period of time, but after that they are pretty equal.

Intense can definitely feel heavier up top, than Acqua di Gio ever does. Maybe the projection hits a few feet more, but Eau Intense has never been a beast-mode fragrance for me.

Edge: Intense (slightly)

Longevity

AdG gets me 6-7 hours of wear, on my skin. It’s a solid performer, in that regard. However, Intense will go for 9 hours for me, easily.

Acqua di Gio used to be a bit better than it is now, but newer bottles don’t have the same intensity, as they did upon initial release.

Update: Testing newer samples of AdG that I received with other purchases, it seems to be in the 5-7 hour range, depending on the day. Definitely, taken a step back from the original, but not terrible.

Edge: Intense

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are pretty much equal with when and where, they can be worn. They are great for the warmer months of the year, but can actually be worn any time, without issue. Neither is a more formal cologne, but for any other purpose, they’re great.

Update: Ehhh, I think I’ll give the edge to Acqua di Gio here. It probably is better for daily wear at school or an office. Coming back to Eau Intense, it is much more of a summertime fragrance.

Edge: AdG

Overall Scent

Acqua di Gio has been a great scent for men for over two decades, at this point. It is a fresh citrus aquatic with a masculine spice and smooth floral undertones. The performance is solid, it is highly popular, and smells fantastic.

However, Light Blue Eau Intense is the better of the two. Its take on the aquatic fragrance, is awesome. The frozen grapefruit and crisp aquatic accord are wonderful to smell.

Then, the juniper berry floating around the composition, and a solid amber wood base which keeps it all together.

The performance is better than AdG’s and the fragrance is just more interesting. The D&G cologne, wins this round. I know that there are some folks who don’t like Eau Intense, so, AdG might win on mass appeal.

I would say, that in that case, you might do well with AdG Profumo or Profondo…which are both better than the original Acqua di Gio.

Winner: Eau Intense

D&G Light Blue vs Acqua di Gio Comparison

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For this edition of the head to head fragrance comparisons, I want to take a closer look at two very popular citrus based colognes, that have been best sellers for over a decade each: Light Blue Pour Homme vs. Acqua di Gio. Which smells better the Dolce & Gabbana or the Armani? Which has the better performance? Which is the better buy overall?

Tale of the Tape

Light Blue

Notes include: bergamot, grapefruit, mandarin orange, pepper, oak moss, juniper, musk, rosemary, rosewood, incense

Click here to try: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 6.7 Ounce

My review: Light Blue

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 

Opening

Light Blue starts off with citrus fruits of bergamot, grapefruit, and mandarin orange. It immediately has a bright disposition and is joined by a spicy pepper note and rosemary. A little beyond the initial spray, incense and rosewood emerge from the base, and a smoky wood quality.

AdG also starts off with a citrus blast of bergamot and tangerine. It has much more of an aquatic sea breeze element than does Light Blue. Plus, smooth floral notes, consisting mostly of the jasmine.

The jasmine really does help to separate these two, in my mind. The way that it plays off of that citrus mix in the beginning, has always been great. Yes, many don’t think of floral notes within men’s fragrances, but it sets AdG apart from its competitor.

Which do I prefer? I think that Acqua di Gio has the more pleasant opening, it has the marine note, and lacks the peppery aroma that the D&G features. It’s not a overwhelming choice, but I do prefer it.

Edge: Acqua di Gio

Projection

I consider both of these colognes to be moderate in terms of sillage. Neither is an absolute beast, nor are they weak. I actually don’t notice a difference between them. At one time, that might have been different, but nowadays they are about the same.

Both have absolutely lost a step over the years.

Edge: Push

Longevity

With Light Blue, I get anywhere from 6-8 hours of solid wear, on my skin. It is slightly better than AdG, which I get 6-7 hours out of.

So, that extra hour, I can sometimes get with Light Blue gets the nod here. Update: the 2021 batch of Acqua that I tried out usually only hits 6 hours. Seven, is more of an occasional outcome.

Neither is extreme. Acqua di Gio used to be better, but it doesn’t have the same power or longevity as the original bottles.

Edge: Light Blue

Versatility

Both of these scents sort of occupy the same space. Spring/summer wears mainly, but have the ability to go year round. Also, can go casual or office wear.

Neither are club scents, but AdG does seem to have a bit more ‘sexiness’ to it than Light Blue, and I’ve gotten more complements with that scent. In both cases, these are highly versatile colognes, and will often be the only fragrance a guy will wear.

For younger guys and through mid-20s, either of these can be a great starter cologne, to use in most situations you’ll come across in your day to day life.

Edge: AdG (slightly)

Overall Scent

Light Blue is a very good cologne. It’s very fresh and a nice starter scent for guys. It’s pretty straightforward, safe, and simple. Not too much development with the cologne, just a nice spicy and clean citrus fragrance.

There is some wood and herbal elements in the base, but it doesn’t reach the level of AdG.

The winner in this head to head, is Acqua di Gio. It takes the citrus, adds wood, and has that great aquatic aroma that it has become famous for. Very pleasing to wear, balanced, and has awesome versatility.

The performance is solid, not amazing, but it is more than enough for most purposes. While I like AdG better, there are cheaper options that replicate the smell.

I will say, that I would actually either go with Light Blue Eau Intense or AdG Profumo, ahead of either of these two. Check out those reviews for further info. If I absolutely had to choose between the two in this post, I’d go with the Armani scent.

It’s not an overwhelming win, but I have come back to wearing AdG more often over the years.

Winner: Acqua di Gio