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Stronger With You vs. Wanted by Night

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Armani’s Stronger with You and the Wanted series by Azzaro are two of the most popular lines out there today. Each has released a ton of variants over the years, of which each has their strengths and weakness. Today, I want to compare the original SWY against the flanker Wanted by Night to see which is better. Which lasts longer? Which is the top buy?

Quick Overview

My Verdict

Wanted by Night is my pick between these two. Stronger With You wins projection by a small amount, lasts longer, and is easier to wear during the day.

If you want a similar alternative to SWY, try: Stronger with Dua

But Wanted by Night has the better opening and smells better overall, with its cinnamon, cumin, tobacco, fruit, benzoin, and incense giving it more depth and character.

Category Emporio Armani Stronger With You Azzaro Wanted by Night Winner
Opening Starts with cardamom, mint, pink pepper, sage, and a fresh spicy kick. It improves once the vanilla comes in and the spice settles down. Opens warmer and bolder with cinnamon, cumin, lemon, fruits, benzoin, incense, and tobacco. It has the more dynamic start. Wanted by Night
Projection Projects very strongly right after the opening sprays and has a slight edge early on. Also projects well above average and quickly becomes pretty equal with Stronger With You. Stronger With You
Longevity Lasts at least 9 hours and can sometimes go over 10 hours. Lasts around 7-9 hours, sometimes landing closer to the lower end. Stronger With You
Versatility Best in fall and winter, but slightly easier to wear during the day once it dries down. Best in fall and winter with more of a nightlife vibe. Less flexible for daytime wear. Stronger With You
Overall Scent Great chestnut, vanilla, spice, sweetness, and woodiness in the dry down, but the opening is not as enjoyable. The better-smelling fragrance overall, with a warmer, spicier, more complete wear from start to finish. Wanted by Night

Tale of the Tape: Wanted by Night vs. Stronger with You

Wanted by Night

Notes include: cumin, cinnamon, lavender, tobacco, lemon, orange, cedar, cypress, patchouli, fruits

Click here to try: Azzaro Wanted by Night Eau de Parfum for Men – Mens Cologne

Read my full review: Wanted by Night

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

My Full Review: Stronger With You

Opening

The opening of Stronger with You has always reminded by of the original Azzaro Wanted, just minus the lemon smell. It’s a heavy cardamom, mint, pink pepper, and another big dose of sage.

I’m not a big fan of how this smells in the opening act. It’s a bit too much, fresh and has a nice kick to it, but I like SWY better once the vanilla comes in and some spice burns off.

Meanwhile, Wanted by Night has a better spice blend of cinnamon and cumin. It still has the lemon note of the original Wanted, paired with other fruity notes, but those play the background.

This one starts warm and bold. The benzoin note and incense help to round things out and add depth to the mix. To me, it’s just a much more dynamic and better smelling start than is SWY.

Edge: Wanted by Night

Projection

While one of these for sure, has better staying power, the ability to project is roughly the same between them. I’d probably give SWY a very slight edge here, as it can be pretty massive right after the opening sprays.

Nonetheless, they quickly settle into being pretty much equal. The good news is that both of these colognes are well above average with their sillage and don’t disappoint.

Edge: SWY (slightly)

Longevity

Wanted by Night will go for 7-9 hours, on my skin. It is much more of a range bound fragrance than is Most Wanted. Sometimes, you’ll get that lower end of the spectrum.

The original Stronger With You EDT lasts for at least 9 hours on my skin. However, it can go above 10 hours at times, as well. It just sometimes fails to hit that double digit hour mark. I’ve always had a long lasting wear with this Emporio Armani cologne. It takes this category.

Edge: SWY

Versatility

Seasonally, these both occupy the same space which is basically autumn and winter. If it’s temperate out, either is also fine, but their at their peak in the cooler months.

I think that SWY has better versatility. Both of these lean more towards nightlife wears, but the Armani can fit better during the day than the Azzaro. Once it dries down, SWY is more palatable in a daytime situation, while Azzaro has a nightlife vibe to it.

For some younger guys, Stronger may also be a daily wear type of cologne. I’d venture a guess that it’s less the case for Wanted by Night.

Edge: SWY

Overall Scent

Between these two fragrances, it is a tough call for me. There’s not much separation here, SWY has the better performance, but I prefer the actual scent of Wanted by Night a bit more.

Stronger with You has that great chestnut note, further spices, sweetness, and woodiness. The opening act is kind of bothersome to me, but I really like the dry down.

SWY also will last a long time and has the opening sillage, which can be pretty enveloping…nice if you actually dig the beginning aroma.

However, I’m going to give the nod to Wanted by Night, because I enjoy the entire wear somewhat more than the Armani. The performance is only a notch below, it is a bit more limited in its versatility…the fragrance just smells better to me.

If you do want a sweeter scent, go with SWY. Otherwise, I’d roll with Wanted by Night.

Winner: Wanted by Night

Who Should Buy Stronger With You?

Buy Stronger With You if you want the better performer. It lasts longer, projects slightly more at first, and is a bit more flexible for daytime wear. It is the better choice if you prefer sweet vanilla, chestnut, cardamom, mint, pink pepper, sage, amber, and a warm woody dry down.

Who Should Buy Wanted by Night?

Buy Wanted by Night if you want the better overall scent. It is warmer, spicier, bolder, and more dynamic, with cinnamon, cumin, tobacco, lemon, fruits, benzoin, incense, cedar, and patchouli. It is the better pick for nights out, dates, fall, winter, and guys who prefer a spicier fragrance over a sweeter one.

FAQ: Stronger With You vs Wanted by Night

Which is better, Stronger With You or Wanted by Night?

Wanted by Night is better overall if scent is the main factor. Stronger With You performs better, but Wanted by Night has the better opening and overall smell.

Does Stronger With You last longer than Wanted by Night?

Yes. Stronger With You lasts at least 9 hours and can sometimes go over 10 hours, while Wanted by Night usually lasts around 7-9 hours.

Which one projects better?

Stronger With You has a slight edge in projection right after the opening sprays. After that, both fragrances settle into a similar above-average scent trail.

Which one smells sweeter?

Stronger With You smells sweeter because of the vanilla, chestnut, amber, and warm spicy dry down. Wanted by Night is sweet too, but it leans more spicy and tobacco-like.

Which one is spicier?

Wanted by Night is spicier. Cinnamon and cumin give it a warmer, bolder spice profile than Stronger With You.

Which one is better for dates?

Wanted by Night is the better date-night fragrance if you want something spicy, warm, bold, and more distinctive. Stronger With You is also good for dates if you prefer a sweeter vanilla-chestnut style.

Which one is better for winter?

Both are strong winter choices. Stronger With You gives better performance, while Wanted by Night has the warmer and spicier scent profile.

Which one is more versatile?

Stronger With You is more versatile. Both lean fall, winter, and nightlife, but Stronger With You is easier to wear during the day once it dries down.

Is Wanted by Night better than Stronger With You?

Wanted by Night is better by scent, but not by performance. It smells better overall, while Stronger With You lasts longer and projects slightly better.

Should I buy Stronger With You or Wanted by Night?

Buy Wanted by Night if you want the better-smelling spicy fragrance. Buy Stronger With You if you want stronger performance, more sweetness, and slightly better versatility.

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?

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict

Acqua di Gio wins on opening, versatility, and overall scent, while Light Blue gets the edge in longevity and projection is basically a tie.

Buy Acqua di Gio if you want the more balanced aquatic citrus fragrance with jasmine, marine freshness, and slightly better date-night appeal.

Buy Light Blue if you prefer a simpler, cleaner, spicier citrus scent that lasts a little longer on skin.

Category Light Blue Pour Homme Acqua di Gio Winner
Opening Bright bergamot, grapefruit, mandarin orange, pepper, rosemary, incense, and rosewood Bergamot, tangerine, marine notes, jasmine, and smooth floral freshness Acqua di Gio
Projection Moderate; noticeable early, then becomes more intimate Moderate; similar scent trail and strength to Light Blue Push
Longevity About 6–8 hours About 6–7 hours, with newer batches often closer to 6 Light Blue
Versatility Spring/summer focused, but works year-round for casual and office wear Spring/summer focused, year-round capable, casual, office, and slightly more date-friendly Acqua di Gio
Overall Scent Fresh, safe, simple, spicy clean citrus with some wood and herbal notes Balanced citrus, woods, jasmine, and aquatic freshness with broader appeal Acqua di Gio
Best For Guys who want a straightforward clean citrus scent with slightly better longevity Guys who want the more balanced aquatic citrus scent and better overall smell —

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.

The citrus notes are better, juicier, and the jasmine note ties it all together in a way nothing does in Light Blue.

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.

You will spray them on and notice the scent of each. If sprayed enough, both will create a nice scent trail, but each will ultimately become a much more intimate fragrance.

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.

Update 2: 2024 batches are the same for each of these colognes. Light Blue still provides the same.

Neither is extreme. Acqua di Gio used to be better, but it doesn’t have the same power or longevity as the original bottles. Light Blue could probably pull a few more hours back in the day too, but it’s held up a tad bit better.

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.

There’s very little separation in this category too, as each of them are basically ‘do it all’ sorts of perfumes.

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, in terms of my personal enjoyment.

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

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose Light Blue Pour Homme if:

You want a simple, clean citrus fragrance
You prefer bergamot, grapefruit, mandarin orange, pepper, and rosemary
You want slightly better longevity between the two
You need an easy starter cologne for casual and office wear
You prefer something fresh, safe, and straightforward

Choose Acqua di Gio if:

You want the better overall scent between the two
You prefer aquatic citrus with marine notes and jasmine
You want something a little smoother and more balanced
You want a fresh fragrance that feels slightly more attractive for dates
You like classic spring and summer colognes with broad versatility

Light Blue vs ADG FAQ

Which is better: Light Blue or Acqua di Gio?

For me, I’ve always liked the smell of Acqua di Gio more. The line as a whole? I think that the Armani fragrances are generally better than the Light Blue flankers. AdG Parfum and Profondo are good choices.

Is Acqua di Gio more aquatic than Light Blue?

Yes. Light Blue is much more of a citrus, spice, and woods fragrance. That more aquatic smelling accord, is in the Armani cologne.

Which one is better for everyday wear?

Both of them have been used as daily wear or signature fragrances by men for decades now. It’s a matter of which you like more.

Acqua di Gio Parfum (Profumo) vs. Profondo

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Acqua di Gio Profumo has been the best release from the AdG series to me. However, 2020 saw Armani bring Profondo to the market, and it has gotten plenty of praise. Which of these two fragrances smells better? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy? In this post, I am going to compare these scents, before declaring an ultimate winner.

Note: Profumo has since been replaced by Acqua di Gio Parfum (very little difference at all, if any, other than the bottle).

Quick Overview

My Verdict: Both of these scents are very enjoyable entries into the Acqua di Gio series. However, AdG Parfum (formerly Profumo) has a more interesting fragrance and slightly better performance versus its competitor.

 

Category Acqua di Gio Parfum Acqua di Gio Profondo Winner
Opening Bergamot, salty marine notes, incense, sage, darker and smokier Bergamot, slight mandarin, more marine, fresher and smoother Parfum
Longevity 8+ hrs, usually under 10 7–8 hrs Parfum
Projection Starts strong, then moderate; usually 3–4 ft Lighter sillage; usually 2–3 ft Parfum
Versatility Very versatile, but thicker and less ideal in extreme heat Very versatile, especially better for the hottest spring/summer days Profondo
Overall Scent More unique, smoky, herbal, mineral, better performance Smoother, cleaner, deeper marine take on the original Parfum
Best For Those who want the more distinctive scent and stronger performance Hot weather, humid climates, and fans of the original AdG DNA —

Tale of the Tape: Acqua di Gio Parfum vs. Profondo

Acqua di Gio Parfum

Notes include: bergamot, sage, patchouli, incense, geranium, rosemary, and marine notes

Click here to try: Acqua di Gio Parfum by Armani

Read my Review: AdG Profumo

 

 

Acqua di Gio Profondo

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

Read my Review: AdG Profondo

Opening

The opening act of Parfum is laden with bergamot and the salty marine notes. It is darker and has a mysterious quality to it. Also, featuring a incense note that adds a smoky layer to it, as well as a very nice sage.

Parfum is going to develop with this smoky, herbal, and mineral smelling aroma as it develops. You’ll get plenty of the original AdG DNA, but it is much more distinct from that than is Profondo.

Meanwhile, Profondo starts off quite a bit like the original Acqua di Gio. The bergamot note takes the lead and is flanked by a slight mandarin orange note. The main difference is that Profondo is more marine, with less of a salty quality, and a resinous aroma from the lentisk. 

Profondo has the impression of water and less of an oceanic feeling. They wanted to design it to be like diving to the depths and it does have that refreshing quality…but not a salty ocean scent.

It will get smoother and a bit creamier, as it wears on. 

Which fragrance is better? Eh, it’s a close call. However, I would lean more towards Parfum, since it has more originality than does Profondo. But, I enjoy both of them.

Edge: Parfum

Projection

Parfum was never a powerhouse for me. It starts of pretty strong, but is much more moderate past the first few hours.

Not weak, but it hangs around. I do notice that it’s more of an intimate once you get past that bolder start. Usually, within a 3-4 foot radius for much of the wear.

As a parfum, it has the higher fragrance concentration between these two scents.

Profondo is an EDP and the lighter sillage of the two. Again, this one also hangs around nicely but it won’t be an in your face experience.

It’s better than the original AdG, in terms of strength, as well as Profondo Lights, but doesn’t hit that same Parfum level. Probably, 2-3 foot projection with a normal amount of sprays. You can get more from either if you start doubling up the application.

Parfum takes this category, as it was designed to do.

Edge: Parfum

Longevity

Parfum will stick around for over 8 hours on my skin. Usually, it’ll be under 10 and those last few aren’t really that strong. Not an elite fragrance, but still a nice wear. 

Update: I did notice a slight decline with Parfum, with its later bottles before it was basically rebranded as AdG Parfum. Nothing drastic, but not the same level of potency.

Profondo gives me 7-8 hours before quitting. It comes fairly close to Parfum, but still can’t get the win.

Both of these fragrances for having marine/aquatic characteristics perform well and don’t just completely evaporate off of the skin. Though, Parfum is the more intense and long lasting of the line.

Edge: Parfum

 

Versatility

Both of these colognes are very versatile spring and summer wears. That can be worn by men of all ages. Can be worn casually, lightly to the office, out on a date, etc. Since they do overlap so much, it would be easy to call this category a draw.

However, I think Profondo gets the edge, because it seems like it will hold up a bit better on the hottest days of the year.

Parfum is a bit thicker and has the incense smokiness and more of the mineral accord, so, it’s not as great at the extremes. Though, it’s not completely awful or anything, and still very much a summery type of cologne.

Edge: Parfum

Overall Scent

I really enjoy wearing Profondo. I think that it is close enough to the original, but has enough difference to stand on its own. Especially, during the dry down stages. It becomes smooth and fairly nuanced, with woody notes and a nice sweetness.

Profondo is sort of the midway between AdG and Parfum. So, if you think Parfum is a little too much, Profondo will be a better bet for you. It’s a deeper and more marine Acqua di Gio.

You don’t need both of these (though, I might personally), really, as there is overlap between them.

As such, only picking one. I’m going with Parfum. It has more of a unique vibe and gives a better performance. It is slightly better than Parfum, in my mind. 

Update: Profumo has been ‘discontinued’. Meaning, they’ve released a newer Acqua di Gio Parfum, which is basically the same thing, with maybe some slight alterations. I might now be tempted to go with Profondo, as I’ve seen a lot cheaper bottles of that floating around than either Parfum or old bottles of Profumo.

Many guys will enjoy Profondo more, however. If you weren’t sold on Parfum and liked the original AdG, I’d go with Profondo. Also, if you live in a really hot and humid region, Profondo may be a better buy.

You’ll get a smoother and a somewhat cleaner scent with Profondo. No huge herbal notes or incense. I really do like this one, just not as much.

Winner: Parfum

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose Acqua di Gio Parfum if:

You want the stronger performer with better longevity
You prefer darker, smokier, more mature fragrances
You like incense, mineral notes, and a more distinctive scent
You want something that works especially well for evenings or dressed-up occasions
You value projection and stronger presence over ultra-freshness

Choose Acqua di Gio Profondo if:

You want the fresher, cleaner everyday option
You live in a hot or humid climate and need better warm-weather versatility
You prefer brighter marine notes over smoky incense
You like the original Acqua di Gio DNA and want a modern update
You need something easier to wear casually, at the office, or during the day

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