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Ranking Armani Stronger with You Colognes

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Stronger with You has been a big hit under the designer’s Emporio Armani label. Since the release of the EDT, the brand has released a whole lot of flankers to this original formulation. Which, can be kind of difficult to sort through, if you haven’t come across them all.

Not to worry, as I will sort through the Stronger with You colognes and rank them in order from first to worst. Hopefully, making it easier to narrow down your search and find the right SWY fragrance for your style.

Ranking the Best Stronger with You Colognes

I do have to note that I have yet to try the Amber and Tobacco versions of this series. So, the ranking is based on all of the other current fragrances. I will update once I’ve gotten around to those newer scents.

Stronger With You Intensely– For me, Stronger with You Intensely is the best of the series so far. Not head and shoulders above the next two fragrances on the list, but it’s the one that I prefer.

Pink pepper, sage, and cinnamon really rock the opening of Intensely; helping it live up to the title. Those spicy notes contrast with the toffee accord and the sweeter use of vanilla and caramel.

There is a lavender note which has its time in the middle act. Intensely becomes less spicy over time, with the back half being very much a blend of toffee, vanilla, and amber notes.

It’s a bold fragrance that’s great for nightlife and has 11 to 12 hours worth of staying time, on the skin. Intensely review

Leather– SWY Leather is my next pick on the list. It actually shares a lot of overlap with Absolutely, but I think the leather note gives this one a slight advantage. Plus, these two are fairly different from many of the others on the list.

Chestnut, leather, and vanilla open things up in this cologne. It doesn’t have that same spice as Intensely, it’s smoother with a resinous aroma from the elemi note. Sage and some spices are here, just much softer in this mix.

The tail end will be mostly vanilla and leather. Some hints of oud, chestnut, and the remaining elemi. Really though, the first two notes will be the focus.

Great performance, also. Leather can go well into the double digit total number of hours. Stronger Leather review

Absolutely– Stronger with You Absolutely is another edition that I really like. If you have a tough time getting a bottle of Leather or simply don’t want a leather accord, this is a great option.

This one starts off with a light citrus, but what really stands out is the glaze of the chestnut note. Very similar to SWY Leather, but here the mix is sweeter. Slight cinnamon and rum also add some warmth/spice.

But, it’s not that dominated by the boozy accord. Really, that’s what was intriguing me about Absolutely before I tested it, and I wish they had given this more of a rum kick.

Chestnut is one of the differences between this and Intensely. Here, you get a good deal of it and it is the main note for a good portion of the wear. If the chestnut is the note you really enjoy from this series, Absolutely might be your best bet.

Again, this is technically ranked third as of now. But, it’s a really tight race between Absolutely and the top spots.

SWY EDT– The EDT is the one which started the series off. Now, I’d say it’s middle of the pack among all of the releases. Still a nice fragrance, but there are better options for most people on this list.

Cardamom, pink pepper, and mint. It’s spicy and fresh up top. Still, has a nice sweetness throughout. The warmth and sweetness will grow over time, but you still have the additional sage to get through.

Vanilla and cardamom will share much of the focus, after the opening. Amber, chestnut, and woods also come through. The tail end is really dominated by the vanilla note, with some drier woody influence underneath that.

All in all, I like it. Can be a good one to pick up, especially since it seems to be the one, which can be had for a bit cheaper price than the others. Stronger with You review

Oud– To me, this one has a lot of overlap with Leather. But, it’s a mix of that one, Luminous Night, and A Midnight Stroll.

Sweetish, smoky, woods, and a rubbery tinge like in the aforementioned Gucci. Smoother in the dry down, still with a leather accord, but plenty of woods and lavender. Less sweet for sure, in the latter stages.

Between this and Leather, I prefer the leather accord to the oud. The oud isn’t even super present in the mix. It’s there for sure, but it’s a part of the mix and doesn’t have that aggressive use of the oud that some might be hoping for.

Still, this one is pretty good. I’d just prefer the others and the most closely related fragrance to wear SWY Oud. Stronger Oud review

SWY Only– The first of the lighter versions of this formula. Which, I’ll give Only a slight edge between the two.

Grapefruit, lavender, geranium, and chestnut are the main draws early. So, that bright citrus mixed with the calming lavender and the cooling freshness of geranium.

During the middle, you get vanilla and more of the chestnut. Very much in line with the original Stronger EDT. The chestnut will fade and it’s basically a lavender and vanilla cologne that is just a less heavy representation of the series.

Don’t hate it, but also don’t really see a point in having this cologne, unless you completely love the SWY series. Stronger with You Only review

Freeze– To me, Freeze at the bottom of the list. Actually, I don’t think there is much separation between it and Only. These two are the lighter offerings from the lineup, neither of which is great. It seems SWY is at its best as a more substantial cologne.

Coming into trying Freeze, I was certain that I would really like this one. Nope. It’s okay enough, but it never reaches the level of being anything all that memorable.

Frozen lime, ginger, and sage are the strongest notes up top. You get some further fruity notes with apple and orange, but they’re never as strong as that lime, which I do actually like.

It’s lighter and becomes much closer to the original in the dry down, when the citrus has faded.

Freeze isn’t bad, it’s just the worst of the line. Stronger with You Freeze review

4 Fragrances Similar to Acqua di Gioia

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Acqua di Gioia is one of Armani’s long running and still high selling fragrances from its women’s line. It’s use of citrus, mint, floral notes, and an aquatic style really help to set it apart.  However, sometimes you simply want something that’s a cheaper alternative to the original or you want a perfume that’s similar yet slightly different. On this page, I will keep track of the scents which fit the bill.

What Perfumes Smell Like Acqua di Gioia?

Aquatic Peony by Dossier– If you’re looking for a perfume that tries to match what you get with Acqua di Gioia, the best option that I can find is Dossier’s inspired take on the formula.

Here, you still get the mint, the sharpness of citrus and blackcurrant, jasmine, and the aquatic touches that shape the Armani fragrance.

The start will be bold with its surge of freshness and citrus, but that’ll settle into something that is noticeably sweeter.

For the price (currently under $30 as of posting), this is the top choice for those who want something that comes close to the aroma of Gioia.

Queen of Seduction by Antonio Banderas– Not the same as Acqua di Gioia, but that might be what you’re looking for. Queen of Seduction doesn’t have the strong mint note, which turns some people of enjoying it.

Queen of Seduction gives you a sweeter, more aquatic, and fresher take on this style. The jasmine is still here, a citrus top, and good use of cedar wood in the base.

Still quite green, just with less intensity. Suede and iris add a smoother dry down with hints of powder, that further separate it from our target. This is a really nice value by that is similar yet different to the Armani perfume.

Aqua Bella by La Rive– Aqua Bella is another cheaper option which seeks to mimic the formula of our target scent. In fact, this one is the least expensive of the choices on the list.

However, you do still get plenty of value with the La Rive, which actually doesn’t come across as being entirely the same as the Armani.

Here, the citrus is still very bold, but there doesn’t seem to be the same level of mint. At least, it’s blended into the mix more so than Acqua. Pretty sweet, a nice aquatic, and those brown sugar touches are very nice at this price point.

Perhaps this one has more of a peony weighting versus jasmine in the mix. Less of that overall fresh and greenish feeling, yet still has an aromatic vibe. Performance is solid enough, without being a top notch performer.

Aqua Celestia by Kurkdjian– Celestia is for sure not the same as Acqua di Gioia and probably the most different out of any on the list. Also, it’s more expensive.

But, I’m including it due to the similarities that it has with our target, while remaining distinct and a decent alternative option for those who want a perfume that’s different enough.

The floral notes here are mimosa and rose, which are going to be the biggest changes. Also, Aqua Celestia is a fragrance without the same level of sweetness or cedar influence. Nope, here the base is pretty much all about the musk.

Still, the citrus and blackcurrant opening alongside a fresh mint? That’s still here. Crisp and bold early on, with a softer side on the back half.

5 Fragrances Similar to Armani Si

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Si has become a best seller for Armani and spawned a ton of different imitators (and flanker spinoffs of its own). Sometimes, you just want something that’s an alternative to Armani Si. Whether it’s a perfume that smells nearly identical to it or one that share lots of similarities while ultimately doing its own thing.

On this page, I’m going to keep track of the scents that are similar to Armani Si, be that cheaper options or something that gives you something close yet different.

What Perfumes Smell Like Armani Si?

The Cheapest Alternative

In Woman by La Rive– La Rive’s perfume, In Woman, is pretty close to Armani Si, in terms of smell. Though, it isn’t a one to one match. However, it is the least expensive option to go with, and is a nice value play.

Admittedly, I’d just spend the extra $10 or so, and pick up the Dossier option below.

This doesn’t have the same depth as the Armani. Instead you get more of a vanilla influence, along with more of the rose. In Woman is a bit harsh at first, but it settles down rather well. Not a ton of power here, but again, a dirt cheap pick that is a pretty good imitation.

Inspired Si

Woody Freesia by Dossier– Woody Freesia is Dossier’s inspired take on the original Armani Si formula.

It opens up with blackcurrant, strawberry, and that freesia note. This one aims to hit the same beats as Si and does a good job of doing so. Dossier generally gets it right and Woody Freesia is no exception.

Much closer to nailing the similarities of the Armani versus what you get with the La Rive above. It is a bit more expensive, but still currently priced under $30.

Passione Eclat Inspiration

Passionate Eclat de Parfum by Dua– Since the original Si was such as success, there has been a ton of flanker releases, including Si Passione. Also, Passione Eclat which is a flanker of a flanker.

Passionate Eclat from Dua is their take on this newer edition of Si Passione. It’s a fruity rose fragrance with a bold blackcurrant up top along with some bergamot.

It’s a fresher sort of rose scent, somewhat light, while having a substantial musky base note. If you want an alternative to Si Passione Eclat, here’s your best bet.

Close but Different

Promise Me by Mauboussin– Promise Me isn’t an exact one to one match of Armani Si. But, it shares plenty of similarity with its smell. Also, some might prefer this one to our target.

Rose and patchouli are really the stars in this one. There is a citrus note in the opening, but this Mauboussin perfume doesn’t have that same level of fruity/juiciness as you can find in Si.

Notably, this one also doesn’t come with the vanilla of our target. It’s more like a lighter streamlined version, less dense, but with an added heliotrope powdery touch. As of writing, Promise Me sells for around $30, so it can be a good one to consider if you want something a bit different.

Si Passione Like Cheapie

In Woman Red by La Rive– Like the first offering of this list, In Woman Red, models itself after a fragrance in the Si series. This time, it’s Si Passione.

The quality here isn’t as good and this is a much lighter projecting scent versus the Armani. Again, you’re getting a massive discount to the designer wear, but the performance could definitely still be better.

The opening does have an intense black currant with that pear juiciness and the kick of the pink pepper, but things get softer as it moves into its floral heart. Not a perfect match, but it’s passable, if you need something for under $20.

Acqua di Gio vs Polo Blue EDT Cologne Comparison

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I am back with another entry into the head to head men’s fragrance match ups, here on the site. Today’s battle is between two aquatic type of colognes, that are both very popular best sellers, Acqua di Gio vs. Polo Blue EDT.

Which of these scents smells the best, the Giorgio Armani or the Ralph Lauren? Ultimately, which gives the best performance, and is worth a buy?

Tale of the Tape

Polo Blue

Notes include: amber, melon, patchouli, geranium, cucumber, tangerine, moss, musk

Click here to try: Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren for Men, Eau De Toilette Natural Spray, 4.2 Ounce

Read my original review: Polo Blue Review

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

Polo Blue opens with a chilled blend of melon and cucumber. It is quite crisp and joined by amber and tangerine. It’s a pleasant enough smell, but doesn’t really knock it out of the park.

Meanwhile, Acqua di Gio, starts with bergamot and a similar tangerine note to Polo Blue’s. It is a very nice citrus with a sea breeze accord and a bit of a floral aroma with jasmine.

The sea breeze and citrus is really quite nice to start things off with Acqua di Gio. I did enjoy, my last go round testing it out, the emergence of the jasmine note and how that plays off of the citrus.

Which is better? I like AdG more than Polo Blue, I enjoy the citrus notes and it has more of an aquatic feel than does Polo Blue. I just think it smells better overall.

Edge: AdG

Projection

Polo Blue is a very solid moderate with its sillage. Not huge or beasty, but it performs well throughout. Acqua di Gio is also a moderate projecting fragrance.

It was probably stronger when it was initially released. But nowadays, these two are seemingly on par with one another. Neither of them were ever massive with the sillage level.

If you want more intensity, you’ll have to go with one of the other flanker scents in these lines. Between them? You can pick either for the same result.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Acqua di Gio gets 6-7 hours of wear on my skin, as of the last batch I tried. Update: it can actually be 5-6 hours, now, for me.

Polo Blue does a bit better, with 7-8 hours of wear. It has always been consistent for me, at this level. I’m not sure if its lessened at all the past few years.

However, even if it isn’t a loud beast, Polo Blue EDT was always a decent performer.

Edge: Polo Blue

Versatility

Mostly, these two colognes shine in the spring and summertime. However, they both have the capability to be worn year round.

Beyond that, each is safe for both school and work. Also, they are attractive enough to be worn on dates.

Polo Blue and Acqua di Gio, seem to have been best sellers for long periods of time, because they both are so very versatile. Again, no real separation here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I like Polo Blue EDT. It has a nice crisp and cool aroma from the tangerine and melon. The amber note is lovely and the aquatic bits, share a bit of overlap with Acqua di Gio.

That cucumber and melon do produce an interesting watery and crisp effect. I rather like it, even if it’s not amazing.

It’s a solid cologne, overall. I’m just not a huge fan of it and was never all that into it when I had it on. It does have its charm, but just doesn’t reach the same level of likeability.

Acqua di Gio, is the better smelling cologne in my opinion. To this day it still sells, it is still one of the classic aquatic fragrances on the market, and for good reason.

It’s probably a notch below, where it once was, but it still stands above Polo Blue EDT based on the scent. Polo Blue does have a bit better performance, but they are close to equal.

Honestly, I would go with Acqua di Gio Profumo first, before either of these two. I also enjoy Polo Blue EDP, more so than the EDT version.

Winner: AdG

Gucci Guilty vs. Acqua di Gio

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

Tale of the Tape: AdG vs. Gucci Guilty

Acqua di Gio

Notes include: bergamot, tangerine, neroli, jasmine, rosemary, patchouli, rock rose, hyacinth, persimmon, marine notes

Click here to try: Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces

Read my review: Acqua di Gio 

Gucci Guilty

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

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

Read my original review: Gucci Guilty

Opening

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

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

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

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

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

Edge: Guilty

Projection

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

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

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

Edge: Acqua di Gio

Longevity

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

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

Edge: Acqua di Gio

Versatility

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

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

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

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Acqua di Gio