azzaro

Stronger With You vs. Wanted by Night

by

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?

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

Wanted EDT by Azzaro

by

I recently sampled a fairly new fragrance release from 2016, Wanted by Azzaro. The bottle struck me as unique but also kind of lame, with it’s gun barrel shape and motif. Anyways, I don’t particularly care about the bottle, as long as the juice inside is attractive. With that in mind, I want to do my latest review of a cologne on this one from the house of Azzaro.

As usual, I am going to cover what’s in it, how it smells, how it performs, when it should be worn, and whether or not I think that Wanted is worth a purchase. Note: I am revisiting this post a few years later, to update my thoughts, after trying this again recently.

Azzaro Wanted EDT Overview

Notes include: tonka bean, lemon, cardamom, vetiver, juniper, ginger, geranium, mint, amber wood

Click here to try: Azzaro Wanted Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

Before getting into my own thoughts, let’s see what Azzaro has to say about Wanted: Lauding a new free and vibrant masculinity. A woody, fresh and spicy EDT with an addictive trail.

The opening of Wanted, provides a burst of the lemon note, which is actually quite pleasant and not too overwhelming. Almost immediately, one is struck by how it resembles Paco Rabanne’s, Invictus. 

It mimics that bubble gum sort of smell, that you get with Invictus. However, Wanted gives you some ginger, mint, and more woodiness. In some ways, it is very similar, and then I can completely detect differences.

It is fresh and the citrus note is kept in place, by the cooling spices, and smooth tonka bean. A few minutes in, I start to get a lot of cardamom. The warmth of that note is an interesting play, off of the rest of the aromatically fresh ingredients, in this cologne.

I mean, you have: mint, ginger, juniper, and vetiver (which does become more prominent). The further you get away from the opening, the less it smells like Invictus, and Wanted really becomes its own thing.

One thing that does sort of bother me with this scent, is how some notes smell particularly chemically synthetic, like in the way a candy flavoring doesn’t resemble the actual underlying scent that it is trying to replicate. It’s not bad or anything, just something I noticed.

My love of tonka bean, is satisfied more as the scent progresses, in it’s life cycle. It is joined by, a dash or apple and juniper berry, that gives Wanted a lovely and smooth fruitiness. It all strikes me as fresh and only slightly spicy, as the ginger note only complements and never takes center stage for itself.

While it does have the fruit notes as the main draw, Wanted remains completely masculine, and doesn’t stray into the unisex or women’s category. Sure, it has its sweetness, but nothing crazy. I think that it is bolstered by the woody and plant notes that play the background and keep the overall composition in check.

The last part of the wear, does get quite dry, and woodsy. Vetiver, amber wood, ginger, and mainly tonka bean; is what I get, when it’s on its last legs.

How Long Does it Last? What’s the Sillage Like?

Projection wise, I didn’t find Wanted to be all that loud or heavy. It’s towards the strong side of things, at the start. But, not much more than moderate, thereafter. People close by will be able to smell you but not across the room, unless you’re just pouring it on.

Wanted surprisingly has good to great longevity. For something that isn’t overpowering, it sticks around. Not to the upper echelon levels of 12+ hours but 7-9 hours seems to be within range. It’s been very consistently in this range, each time, that I wear it.

When Should it Be Worn

Wanted feels like a non-descript cologne, in that, I could see wearing it in almost any season (except maybe extreme heat) and it would still be appropriate for nearly any occasion. It’s quite fresh, clean, and attractive enough for a night out but not too crazy for the office.

It has a nice balance in terms of its use. It should be pretty popular and be an easy grab for guys.

Is it Good Overall?

Overall, do I like Wanted? I actually do, but only somewhat. It’s not my favorite thing ever, but I think that it does what it sets out to do well. It’s affordable, has a nice smell, and good performance.

It’s not earth shattering but it gets the job done. For me, I really have to be in the mood to wear something like this, and that mood doesn’t come around too often.

I’d say if you’ve tried Invictus and hated it, stay away from Wanted. On the flip side, if you’re an Invictus fan, you might actually like this one more. For many guys, this will be a very solid option, as a daily wear/nighttime cologne.

Update: Honestly, I now think that this is the weakest fragrance of the Wanted lineup. Wanted by Night surpassed this. Which was then in turn surpassed by The Most Wanted colognes. I would buy any of those before this original release.

None of those existed back when I originally wrote this review, so I felt that I should add this part as an addendum.

It’s kind of crazy how the flankers got better over time, from this original formula which was pretty much only decent. Wanted EDT has its strengths, but there are just better options, based on this concept.

Chrome by Azzaro

by

Chrome is a fragrance by Loris Azzaro, which is quite often a best seller and has been for years. I mean, rally since its release in 1996. Like other Azzaro scents, Chrome is an inexpensive option for men, who want something fresh yet masculine. Update: The pricing can be more affordable and it seems to have stretches when it’s on sale, then expensive again. In this post, I am going to share my experience with this cologne and whether or not I think it is worth a try.

Note: I am continually updating this post, several years after the original, to expand upon my review and talk about my latest testing of Chrome.

What does Azzaro Chrome Smell Like?

Click here to try: Men’s Chrome by Azzaro Eau de Toilette Spray – 3.4 oz.

Notes include: neroli, lemon, bergamot, rosemary, pineapple, musk, woods, and jasmine

My Full Wear Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see how Azzaro describes it: Fresh, vibrant, aquatic, woody. “A harmony as pure as metal, a blend of strength and complicity.”

The first thing you notice about Chrome is the citrus notes, mainly a blend of lemon and pineapple. It is interesting how refreshing and bright this fragrance smells, it feels quite sharp and fresh. A big player in the beginning is neroli.

Obviously, this flower plays perfectly off of the citrus top, and is joined by a light jasmine note. The top is very similar to CK One, that citrus/floral aroma, has lots of overlap with that 1990s showstopper.

Chrome always induces thoughts are bright and sunny days, in the summer. It has an aquatic-like smell at times, without having any oceanic notes, which is a nice little trick of the mind.

After the first few minutes, where neroli is powerful, the rosemary begins to come through with that herbal spiciness. It’s similar to that note in Acqua di Gio, but these are ultimately pretty different fragrances.

The first hour or so, is really all about being a citrus/floral fragrance, with a light aquatic and soapy character. Thankfully, they didn’t overload the neroli and jasmine, to make it a bath soap-like scent, those notes are empowered just enough to make Chrome smell great.

I like the dry down period quite a bit, and it does have a metallic vibe to it as the name suggests, but I don’t think it distracts from the overall presentation. The notes that emerge during this time, are the various woods, and the musk.

The musk isn’t heavy, but it is noticeable. Chrome becomes a clean woody scent, with citrus sitting on top of it, and the floral notes don’t seem as relevant anymore.

Chrome is just really vibrant and reminds me of a sunny summer day. It isn’t a complex fragrance at all really, just one that is straightforward with a clean, soapy, citrus, masculine aroma.

How Long Does Chrome Last? How Strong is the Sillage?

It does seem to be pretty strong right out of the bottle, so there’s no need for more than a couple sprays. Chrome does settle down a bit, but it can be overwhelming if too much is used, in the wrong climate.

I’d say that the sillage overall, is pretty middle of the pack, once it settles. However, the initial burst, will provide plenty of power.

Updating this review here in 2020, I still find the longevity to be really good. It’ll go 7-8 hours, off of 2-3 sprays, before become a complete skin scent. I’m not sure how long it continues after that, but sprayed on a t-shirt, Chrome just kept on going. Still a great performance value, for the price.

When Should Azzaro Chrome be Worn?

Chrome can easily be worn year round. I think it’s awesome in the summertime, but it isn’t limited by season at all, unlike some other scents. It has great versatility for both younger and older men. You can wear this one casually, to school, to work, etc.

For me, I have enjoyed wearing this when it’s warmer outside and I’m just moving about town.

It doesn’t strike me as a nighttime scent, but it’s so fresh, that it’ll get complements. It’s just not a ‘sexy’ sort of cologne. Not a nightclub monster, by any means. Also, I wouldn’t call this formal and isn’t really a luxury kind of fragrance. So, if you want something high end, it’s not this.

Is Chrome Worth a Try?

Is Chrome worth a purchase? I say it is. It is a very inexpensive cologne (usually) and one that smells good and performs well. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I think it is pretty versatile and pleasant, as long as it’s not overused.

It can sell for a higher price at retail stores, but on the online secondary market, you can find really cheap bottles. Go for those. 2023 Update: I’m seeing bottles in the $35-50 range, right now. Again, that seems to change every so often, and the super affordable bottles gets bought up.

This original Chrome release is still nice, after all of these years. The other flankers can be hit or miss and not have much to do with the original formula.

Even though, not everyone will like it, Chrome is still extremely popular with the masses. If you’re in the market for a cheap everyday wear, it is definitely worth a consideration.

The citrus and floral opening is great, like CK One. It can have a sharpness to it that might be off-putting for some. I’m not too bothered by it and Chrome gets better.

But, I think when the woods start to come on strong, is when this Azzaro fragrance really begins to shine. Well done.

The Most Wanted Parfum by Azzaro

by

Wanted has been a massive hit for Azzaro. To me, each scent in the series has been better than the previous one, a trend I hoped would continue with 2022’s The Most Wanted Parfum. I got a hold of samples, to give this one a thorough try, and see how it compares. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a shot?

What does The Most Wanted Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: toffee, Bourbon vanilla, red ginger, and wood

Click here to try: The Most Wanted Parfum

most wanted parfum review

My Full Review

Here’s how Azzaro describes it: A new rise in intensity for the man who wants to unleash his burning energy. A fiery fougere, an oriental and spicy Parfum with an incandescent trail. 

This is one that I was excited to try, as I thought the original The Most Wanted was the best in the series. Plus, this has a red ginger note, which is one of my favorite spices.

The Most Wanted Parfum does indeed kick off with its spiciness out in full force. The Most Wanted had a toned down cardamom spice. This one, is closer to Wanted by Night with how it packs a punch early on (just trade the cinnamon for ginger).

The toffee note is still in the mix, adding a sweetness to the early stages. There is also the ‘incandescent woods’ note that does indeed add a warmth and almost smoldering sort of smell to the mix.

Fresh, crisp, hot, and sweet. Sort of a similar style to the opening of Spicebomb Infrared, not the same aroma, just that sort of intensity.

The ginger will fade, as the vanilla takes on a more prominent role. It’s dark woods with the remaining toffee joining the vanilla. The fragrance seems to cool down, yet the woods still have that light burning kind of aroma.

Still sweet with a light spice and not too heavy of a creaminess from the vanilla. Actually, it comes across more powdery at times. Though, the whole thing is less sweet overall versus The Most Wanted.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, it’s probably on the upper end of moderate. Will definitely leave a trail in your wake, but I don’t think that it is as strong as the original Most Wanted. Yes, even with this being a parfum concentration.

But, that initial spice definitely has more of an intensity and it will project almost as far. Though, after that the vanilla and wood isn’t nearly as noticeable, even when I spray it on clothes.

Still, quite good overall.

I also don’t get it to last the same amount of time. Also, close. This one hits the 8-8.5 hour range and doesn’t really go beyond that for me. Maybe you’ll get a few more hours, but I could get 9, even 9.5 with The Most Wanted.

Seasonally, it’s going to be great in the autumn and winter months. I’d even do evenings in the spring. Actually, since that’s when it shines, this should be a great nighttime option outside of the summer months.

It also is more refined and somewhat more mature than the other Wanted colognes in the series. Still easily worn by younger guys, but older men will be able to wear this more comfortably.

Not necessarily one for the office or formal occasions. Nightlife and romantic wear, for sure. This is going to get complemented a lot and called sexy fairly often. To me, that’s going to be its main use case.

Overall Impressions of The Most Wanted Parfum

Overall, do I like The Most Wanted Parfum? Yes, it’s right up there with The Most Wanted, but I’m not sure that it overtakes it for me. It is more well put together, but I really liked that caramel note in the original. Still undecided as to which I prefer.

The opening is fantastic with the ginger and the smoldering sort of woods. There is also a nice balance between the toffee and vanilla notes. As it dries down, it’s still good but doesn’t capture my attention to the same degree.

But, overall I don’t have many complaints about it. It’s pleasant to wear and attractive, even after that red ginger had mostly burned off.

It’s distinct enough from the original, but does pull from Wanted by Night, also. So, it’s not the most unique experience, and if you’ve come across the other two colognes…you’ve basically smelled most of what this has to offer.

On the whole, I give it a strong recommendation to try out. If you liked the other Wanted colognes, you’ll almost certainly like this, and it could be your favorite of the bunch. More maturity, but still suitable for a younger guy and plenty of broad based appeal.

Chrome Aqua by Azzaro

by

Azzaro has been churning out flankers to its mega-hit Chrome for decades now. In 2019, they released Chrome Aqua to the market, to go after that aquatic cologne segment. I recently grabbed a sample of this and didn’t know anything about it beforehand. How does it smell? When should Chrome Aqua be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does Chrome Aqua Smell Like?

Notes include: grapefruit, basil, vetiver, violet leaf, sea notes

Click here to try: Azzaro Chrome Aqua Eau de Toilette – Cologne for Men

My Full Review

The opening act of Chrome Aqua is a lot more ‘green’ than I was expecting. Now, it is quite fresh and the sea notes are there, but it’s not the blue aquatic that I thought I was getting. But, I did go in blind to trying this out.

Initially, I get a big dose of basil, bright grapefruit, and a cooling vetiver aroma. There might be some mint in here also or it could just be the basil and vetiver interacting…I’m not sure. However, do expect a bit of minty-like spice in the composition.

The further along in the wear that I get, the less and less of an aquatic it becomes. Which it never really hit that pure aquatic status. The dry down sees the basil note getting weaker and the violet leaf/vetiver combination taking root.

Finally, almost everything else is gone and I’m left with the impression of a fresh woody type of cologne. It’s really hard to distinguish the individual notes

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, Chrome Aqua starts off with a nice burst and I thought that it would be a borderline strong fragrance, as it projected well from my skin. That initial power, dissipates pretty fast and it devolves into a moderate, and finally skin scent.

It’s pretty average for the first few hours and then it’s a skin scent. Disappointing.

The longevity isn’t much better. On my skin, it will go 5-6 hours in total. Yep, most of that is going to hug the skin closely. This one isn’t a monster or even a overachieving performer.

My Overall Impressions of Chrome Aqua

Do I like this scent? I do like the way it smells. Basil gets underused in fragrances and this makes me think of the old L’Homme Libre. That had a very close vibe to what you’re getting with Chrome Aqua.

I like the freshness here. The basil and vetiver are really nice together. I do wish that it actually was more aquatic than it ends up being. A lot of what marine qualities it has, seems to just come from the violet leaf note.

Nonetheless, the dark marine aroma that it has for a period is solid and I enjoyed wearing the scent, as a whole.

The main gripe with this one is the performance. It opens up with a nice sillage, but the strength and ability to project just falls apart, rather quickly. Also, the cologne seems to last 5-6 hours at the most. Much of that, as a skin scent.

That mediocre performance is really what hampers this Azzaro from really being worthwhile. It’s fine, but doesn’t give you enough reason to want to own it.

Seasonally, Chrome Aqua is a spring and summer wear. It’s appropriate for any age and can fit in a variety of situations. More of a daytime wear versus a nightlife cologne. Though, since it isn’t overpowering or too niche, you can find plenty of opportunity to spray this one on.

What Fragrances are Similar to Chrome Aqua?

Acqua di Gio Profumo has a similar style to this one. There is some overlap in the actual aroma. Like, if you stripped away the incense from Profumo and toned down the marine notes. This one isn’t nearly as ‘aquatic’ of a scent, despite the name.

Profumo also has much better performance. Plus, I think it smells better.