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Stronger With You Freeze by Emporio Armani

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Stronger With You is a very popular series from Emporio Armani, that has taken things in some interesting directions, while still retaining that core fragrance DNA. 2020’s Freeze version is one of the more unique editions from the line, but is it actually any good?

How long does it last? I’ve been testing it out and this page is dedicated to my thoughts on Stronger With You Freeze.

Stronger With You Freeze Overview

Notes include: ginger, apple, vanilla, lime, sage, lavender, cardamom, amberwood

Click here to try: Freeze

My Full Review

Here’s how Armani describes it: Stronger With You Freeze, the seductive, crisp and fresh fragrance for men by Emporio Armani, captures the seductive energy of the man who lives in the present with distinct and elegant freshness. Urban, dynamic and contemporary.

So, opening up you immediately get hit with the strength of that frozen lime note. I almost always love a cold citrus start and this is no exception. Lime is the major citrus player here, with a bit of orange playing the background.

The other noticeable fruit note is apple. Actually the opening of Freeze has more than a passing resemblance to Y EDP. The weighting of the notes is different, but the overlap includes: apple, sage, citrus, ginger, geranium, and the amberwood.

The apple isn’t as strong in here, but it is more powerful than the orange note. Ginger and sage are pretty heavy hitters that will sit up top, as the lime note begins to weaken somewhat. But, it does stick around.

So, early on we have a cold citrus and apple fragrance with fresh sage and ginger (geranium, too for a bit).

As it shifts, the lavender note really comes out. The sage, apple, and much of the citrus punch will fade a whole lot. Ginger, lavender with the amberwood note coming from the base. In comparison to Y EDP, this has much less of the blue-ish amberwood influence.

Also, making an appearance is cardamom. Very greenish, with some light spice. It’s noticeable once the sage has moved on. The lavender, cardamom, and ginger note are leaders for a time. The background is vanilla, amberwood, and the remaining lime.

Then, the vanilla and some of the glazed chestnut aroma from the original Stronger With You comes to the forefront.

It becomes more like the original, as it dries down. Lighter, still some lime and the ginger…but vanilla, woody, and nutty.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

So, the Stronger With You fragrances all have great sillage and projection off of the skin. Not the elite of the elite, but for popular designer colognes, they do an awesome job.

Does Freeze stack up? Not to the same degree, it isn’t a heavy beast of a scent. But, it is above average and will create a nice scent bubble for much of the duration and a trail for an hour or two.

Really, this one holds up with its strength fairly well.

The longevity here is pretty good for this style, but definitely below the others in the series, since this is a lighter formulation. I get somewhere in the 7-8.5 hour range of wear, when I spray this on skin.

Very much a scent that isn’t just going to quit on you, shortly after applying.

Seasonally, Freeze allows you to wear the formulation for the spring and summer months. Sure, go with your other favorite SWY scents when it gets cold, but this is a nice options for the warmer weather.

But, it really wouldn’t be bad if it’s not super chilly out there. Temperate to warm is when Freeze is at its best.

This is sort of a casual to maybe semi-formal fragrance. Not too serious, but likeable and still has that mass appeal of the others. This can easily been worn in the day and venture into the nightlife as well.

Not offensive and has an energetic vibe. Freeze is a cologne that you can get a lot of use out of, if you like the smell.

Overall Impressions of Freeze

Overall, do I like Stronger With You Freeze? I do, but it’s probably my least favorite of the series. Which many of them score about the same to me, this one is just lower than the rest.

The other SWY Scents like Intensely, Absolutely, Leather, Oud, and the EDT are much more enjoyable to me overall.

I thought during the opening phase, that this would surpass the original EDT, at least. But, as it wore on, I started to like this one less. Never hated it, just that opening is my favorite part of Freeze.

Lime, ginger, sage, and that bit of apple are really nice. Again, it gives off a similar albeit different aroma than Y EDP from YSL. I like it and it’s got a cold and refreshing aroma that’s quite wonderful.

As it dries down, the lavender and amberwood come in more, and I start to enjoy Freeze less. It’s still fine, just not amazing.

The performance here delivers most of what you’d want with a fragrance. So, if you like Freeze, it gives you a good deal. This Stronger With You is definitely worth a try, but may not be for everyone to buy.

Update: This one has been discontinued, since this initial review. I wouldn’t overpay to get ahold of a bottle, but if you want to try Freeze, you shouldn’t wait around long.

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

Born in Roma Intense vs Stronger with You Intensely

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Uomo Born in Roma and Stronger with You are two of the most popular mainstream designer lines, in the men’s fragrance space currently. And the Intense versions of each, are particularly sought after.

Today, I want to compare them: Uomo Born in Roma Intense vs SWY Intensely. I’ve worn both, tested them out, and now it’s time to choose between them. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is the best one to buy?

 

Tale of the Tape: Born in Roma Intense vs. SWY Intensely

Uomo Born in Roma Intense

Notes include: vanilla, amber, lavender, vetiver

Click here to try: Born in Roma Intense

Read my review: Intense

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

Opening

Stronger With You Intensely kicks off with its spiciness too, though here it’s warmer and doesn’t stick around as long as in the original. The pink pepper now takes center stage, with cinnamon and sage joining the mix.

I notice Intensely’s sweetness emerges earlier. That toffee accord mingling with cinnamon and caramel notes really gives Intensely a more lively character.

Uomo Born in Roma Intense still offers some sweetness in its opening, but definitely not matching the same level as found in its original release in the series. The lavender actually tones it down, playing a significant role in this version.

Those mineral notes? Gone completely. I honestly wasn’t fond of them in the original, so I’m pleased they’ve been left out.

Intense develops quite differently than its predecessor. Once that initial sweetness fades away, it’s primarily about the lavender and vanilla

Which do I prefer? I do like the way Roma Intense starts off. It’s balanced with the sweetness and improved over the original, but I think the Armani has this one.

There’s a more dynamic aroma, the spice is great, and I like how it plays off of the sweeter notes.

Edge: Intensely

Projection

Born in Roma Intense is a strong perfume, fairly heavy, with a good ability to project itself. Especially, in that first hour or two. No real issue with this aspect of the cologne, you’ll notice it and it will leave a nice scent trail.

Stronger with You Intensely, is the more powerful of the two, however. It reaches further and maintains its strength for deeper into the wear than does the Valentino.

Both are good, but Intensely is great.

 

Edge: SWY Intensely

Longevity

Roma Intense lasted 8.5-9 hours or so, on my skin. For me, it wasn’t that much better than the original Born in Roma EDT, in terms of performance. It’s solid for sure, just not elite.

Stronger with You Intensely is an excellent performer for a mainstream designer fragrance. I get 11-12 hours of wear from it, before it finally evaporates completely.

A pretty easy win for the Emporio Armani scent.

Edge: SWY Intensely

Versatility

Both of these are seasonally at their best from autumn through early spring. I think that Roma Intense might be able to pull off warmer weather better than can the SWY option.

While neither is a formal fragrance, the dry down of Roma Intense doesn’t have the sweetness and bolder facets that Intensely does. Both can fit in during the nightlife, but I think that the Born in Roma option has the advantage in this category.

 

Edge: Roma Intense

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these fragrances do I prefer?

While I do like the opening act of Roma Intense quite a lot, it still falls short of the Armani. Also, it’s the peak of my enjoyment. The back half of Born in Roma Intense smells fine enough, but is just rather boring to me. 

There’s nothing too exciting, just a lavender and vetiver blend with some remaining vanilla and amber coming from the base. Still a nice cologne with a good performance and worth checking out.

When I compare it to SWY Intensely, there’s not much of a question in my mind as to which of them I like more. Plus, the better performance of the Emporio Armani makes the choice even easier. 

Toffee, vanilla, and suede with periods of spice and lavender. Very nice, without the same chestnut note reliance as the rest of the series. I also like how the vanilla is blended in this edition. 

As of now, however, I do think that Born in Roma Intense is the best of that Valentino series. It’s the one that I would go with, if I were in the market for a cologne from that line.

 

Winner: Stronger with You Intensely

 

Stronger With You vs Versace Eros Comparison

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Versace Eros has been one of the most popular fragrances on the market, during this decade, and it appears it will stay that way for a while. However, Emporio Armani’s Stronger With You has come on strong, in its own right.

These two colognes have lots of similarities, but which one smells the best? Which lasts longer? Which is the superior fragrance?

Note: I have updated this page where necessary, years after I originally posted this.

Tale of the Tape: Eros vs. Stronger with You

Versace Eros

Notes of Eros: mint, green apple, tonka bean, madagascar vanilla, vetiver, Italian lemon

Shop Amazon for: Versace Eros Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

My review: Versace Eros

Stronger With You

Notes include: vanilla, mint, cardamom, chesnut, amber, pink pepper, sage, violet leaf

Click here to try: Emporio Armani Stronger With You for Men Eau de Toilette Spray, 1.7 oz

Read my full review: Stronger with You

Opening

Eros kicks off with a trio of notes, being: apple, lemon, and mint. The newer bottles of this seem to be stronger on the lemon, and it seems that the vanilla/tonka bean doesn’t come on as strong.

Nonetheless, Eros is a mix of warmth, cool spice, and sharp citrus. It is bold and makes a strong statement, right away.

Update: This latest travel sprayer of Eros is better balanced than it has been in a few years, it’s no longer a heavy lemon opening for me.

Meanwhile, Stronger with You, also has mint; however, it is overshadowed by a stronger warm spicy duo of cardamom and pink pepper. It’s fresh and spicy up top, with vanilla coming in a bit later like Eros, to smooth things out and sweeten.

Which is better? To be honest, the opening act of Stronger with you isn’t all that impressive to my nose. It is much better later on, but up top it’s mostly a cardamom bomb.

Not necessarily a bad thing, but there are better examples and SWY comes across as being sort of messy.

Eros smells more lemony to me, in recent batches, but I still like the crisp energy associated with it.

Edge: Eros

Projection

Stronger with You does have quite a large sillage. It isn’t one which will require more than a few sprays. I was surprised at how well it projected, and while it’s not obscenely powerful, it does a very good job.

Eros is still a powerhouse. I am of the belief, that the newer bottles aren’t as strong as they once were. Still up there, just not as much so. For instance, the latest little sample that I got, doesn’t hit the same heights as Eros Flame nor an older bottle of Eros that I had.

To me, there isn’t a real winner in this category. I’d say, as it stands now, these two are pretty equal.

Update: This is still pretty much a tie, I might give a slight edge to Stronger, as it seems to sustain the strength for a longer period of time.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Both of these fragrances perform extremely well. Stronger with You lasted 9 hours, on my skin. Eros, still goes above 10 hours for me.

Not really a big deal, as both last an entire workday, but Eros has a slight edge.

Update: Newer editions of Eros have taken a step back in terms of performance, in my experience. As such this category is flipping to the Emporio Armani scent.

Edge: SWY

Versatility

Both are built to perform better in colder weather, both are better for younger men, and both fit more for casual situations. Think nightlife, rather than, the office. For this category, these two colognes pretty much fit the same bill.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Stronger with You is a good cologne. I enjoyed my experience wearing it. At first, I thought that I wasn’t going to like it, but that changed with the dry down.

It became a great vanilla scented fragrance, with cardamom, some nuttiness, and later hints of herbal notes/woods. The performance is outstanding and I have no major qualms with this scent.

I still like Eros better. I think that it’s lost a step, but the sweet creaminess of tonka bean and vanilla, still gets me. Playing off the mint, apple, and lemon is awesome.

It’s bold and the performance is still somewhat there.

This is a pretty close race, though, Eros still has the upper hand here. I will say, I don’t think you can go wrong with either of these scents, so long as you wear them in the right climate or setting.

Update: I probably still would lean Eros. But, since this original posting, I’d pick SWY Intensely, Absolutely, and Eros Parfum (in that order) before either of these two.

If it’s only between the EDT’s, it’s closer to a toss up for me nowadays. Some of you might actually prefer that stronger vanilla and nuttiness of Stronger with You to what Eros offers. 

Winner: Eros

Acqua di Gio Profondo Parfum by Armani

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Profondo Parfum was the Acqua di Gio flanker release for 2024. It is the third entry into the Profondo series, but how does it actually stack up?

I bought a sample of it and the original AdG Profondo EDP to see if there were major differences to take note of. How does this one smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

AdG Profondo Parfum Overview

Notes include: lemon essence, bergamot, marine notes, mimosa (everlasting essence), patchouli, cistus, mineral accord, ambergris

Click here to try: Profondo Parfum

My Full Review

The opening of Acqua di Gio Profondo Parfum is in many ways like the original EDP. The distinctions between these two fragrances become a lot more noticeable during the dry down.

But, early on it’s a familiar scent.

Profondo Parfum is a bit sweeter in the opening and less tart. It uses more of the mandarin orange note, without the bergamot playing as large of a role.

So, it’s closer to Acqua di Gio EDP, in that regard. That one had that really powerful mandarin orange in it.

Armani lists the bergamot and a lemon essence, but it still comes across basically like mandarin. The two fragrances are quite a lot alike.

The resinous aroma that I get with EDP isn’t here early on and I do get more of the marine influence. Sort of salty, less woody, but overall a lot of the same things going on here.

The dry down is where some more differences become apparent. This is the stage where you might have a preference for one versus the other.

Profondo Parfum has more of an amber finish with a mineral accord coming through, as well. I don’t find it to be overwhelming, but it is a change of pace from the wood in the EDP.

It has a denser aroma, it’s a darker and somewhat oceanic feeling, as some of the citrus influence has burned off. The amber becomes quite noticeable and is all tied together with patchouli and metallic hints.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Profondo Parfum starts off strong within that first 30-60 minute window. Not massive mind you, but it will certainly project well and make itself known.

After that, it will moderate and still have a nice ability to leave a scent trail. However, I didn’t notice a real difference in how powerful this one is versus what I get with EDP. To me, it performs the same in this regard.

Now, the longevity is slightly better with Parfum. I get around 9 hours more or less from this cologne. So, an extra 60-90 minutes of wear versus the original AdG Profondo.

Seasonally, it’s spring and summer just like the majority of the Acqua di Gio lineup. There’s no real change in that regard.

If you’ve had one of these colognes, you know that they’re versatile daily wears. Not super formal, but are going to fit in easily, be well liked, and non-offensive. It can be worn by any age group, etc.

It’s another mass appealing blue-ish and amber fragrance. A well done example of it, but there’s nothing all that new going on here.

Overall Impressions of Profondo Parfum

Overall, do I like Profondo Parfum? Yes, but I don’t really see a point to having it.

The changes between this and the eau de parfum are there, but I don’t think the higher price tag is justified. It’s sweeter, less woody, and has more of an oceanic influence to my nose. Later it’s amber, with metallic and greenish hints.

However, the performance isn’t much better than what you get with the original. As such, I’m just sort of like, why bother? There is enough distinction to tell the difference, but not enough to really give this one a go, unless I can snag it for cheaper.

It’s certainly better than Profondo Lights, which is probably my least favorite Acqua di Gio or close to it.

Is it better than Profondo EDP? Probably not. I still prefer that formulation to this, but this also isn’t too bad. A bit lower rating for sure, but I don’t particularly have a need for this fragrance.

There’s plenty to enjoy here if you already like Profondo. If it ends up getting deeply discounted, you can probably grab a bottle and perhaps get a bit more longevity than the original.