8
Very helpful Review
Good Replacement for the Discontinued Code Profumo
The marketing for Armani fragrances is partly really strange. Popular scents that have earned their name in the perfume community are taken off the market only to be released again under similar names. I don't understand the point. Just to present something "new"? This is the case with the Code line, but of course also with Acqua di Gio. One doesn't have to understand it. Those who haven't built up a stock of Armani Code Profumo or Armani Code Absolu pour Homme will find an adequate alternative here. As a big fan of the Code line, I now have all 3 fragrances. Those who prefer a small collection really only "need" one of the 3. The Codes are similar and more or less repeat themselves.
What is confusing is the design: All 3 (Armani Code Parfum, Armani Code (2023) Eau de Toilette and this EdP) have the same design and color. They did a better job of this in the past. I also like the other two releases, which go in a slightly fresher direction. Anyone missing Code Profumo will find this EdP to be just right.
With this release from L'Oreal, you get a rather plain box as usual. The bottle is quite pretty and, in my opinion, looks much nicer in person than in pictures. The lovely round shape feels great in the hand, and this bottle is also refillable, which is of course more sustainable and also cheaper.
Price-wise, this fragrance is acceptable: Not a real bargain, but you can get 125ml for under €100. The refillable replacement is 150ml, which is significantly cheaper in terms of price per ml.
In terms of scent, you don't get a 1:1 replica of Code Profumo, but it is extremely similar. The opening is not as heavy as that of Profumo. The DNA captures the original extremely well. What is worth mentioning positively: The scent is much easier to wear, even in everyday life. Profumo was, for me, a pure outdoor scent that is really loud and heavy. This new release is somewhat toned down and feels well-balanced with great spice and that typical Tonka sweetness. Of course, this pyramid is not complete with the 3 notes of mandarin, nutmeg, and tonka bean, although these 3 notes do play a significant role in this fragrance. Particularly prominent is the nutmeg-tonka combo, which was also very active in Profumo. However, this scent also has slight vibes from Armani Code Absolu pour Homme and the old Armani Code (2021) Eau de Parfum. Fresher notes are especially present at the opening. A slightly juicy mandarin and fresh wood quickly give way to the creamy and powdery notes of tonka. By hour 2, it is almost a pure tonka-nutmeg scent, which is a perfect mix of creamy-powdery and sweet-spicy. Overall, it is very easy to like and not niche or special in any way. More of a crowd-pleaser, which, due to this strong tonka note, is naturally more for fans of extremely sweet fragrances. Women could also wear this scent, as this tonka-nutmeg blend is hard to assign to a specific gender.
Performance is, like almost all heavier Codes, damn good. The sillage at the opening is easier to use than, for example, its relative Code Profumo, yet the sillage is considerable and you are clearly noticed. The later part of tonka-nutmeg is perfectly dosed and theoretically also wearable in winter's everyday life. Longevity is wonderful at a minimum of 10 hours.
Overall, more of a comparison than a review. You don't get anything that blows you away since you already know this DNA. As far as mainstream goes, the Code line is still one of the better ones for me, as you can feel comfortable with this pleasant tonka sweetness. Anyone looking for a cozy sweet-spicy fragrance will not be disappointed here.
What is confusing is the design: All 3 (Armani Code Parfum, Armani Code (2023) Eau de Toilette and this EdP) have the same design and color. They did a better job of this in the past. I also like the other two releases, which go in a slightly fresher direction. Anyone missing Code Profumo will find this EdP to be just right.
With this release from L'Oreal, you get a rather plain box as usual. The bottle is quite pretty and, in my opinion, looks much nicer in person than in pictures. The lovely round shape feels great in the hand, and this bottle is also refillable, which is of course more sustainable and also cheaper.
Price-wise, this fragrance is acceptable: Not a real bargain, but you can get 125ml for under €100. The refillable replacement is 150ml, which is significantly cheaper in terms of price per ml.
In terms of scent, you don't get a 1:1 replica of Code Profumo, but it is extremely similar. The opening is not as heavy as that of Profumo. The DNA captures the original extremely well. What is worth mentioning positively: The scent is much easier to wear, even in everyday life. Profumo was, for me, a pure outdoor scent that is really loud and heavy. This new release is somewhat toned down and feels well-balanced with great spice and that typical Tonka sweetness. Of course, this pyramid is not complete with the 3 notes of mandarin, nutmeg, and tonka bean, although these 3 notes do play a significant role in this fragrance. Particularly prominent is the nutmeg-tonka combo, which was also very active in Profumo. However, this scent also has slight vibes from Armani Code Absolu pour Homme and the old Armani Code (2021) Eau de Parfum. Fresher notes are especially present at the opening. A slightly juicy mandarin and fresh wood quickly give way to the creamy and powdery notes of tonka. By hour 2, it is almost a pure tonka-nutmeg scent, which is a perfect mix of creamy-powdery and sweet-spicy. Overall, it is very easy to like and not niche or special in any way. More of a crowd-pleaser, which, due to this strong tonka note, is naturally more for fans of extremely sweet fragrances. Women could also wear this scent, as this tonka-nutmeg blend is hard to assign to a specific gender.
Performance is, like almost all heavier Codes, damn good. The sillage at the opening is easier to use than, for example, its relative Code Profumo, yet the sillage is considerable and you are clearly noticed. The later part of tonka-nutmeg is perfectly dosed and theoretically also wearable in winter's everyday life. Longevity is wonderful at a minimum of 10 hours.
Overall, more of a comparison than a review. You don't get anything that blows you away since you already know this DNA. As far as mainstream goes, the Code line is still one of the better ones for me, as you can feel comfortable with this pleasant tonka sweetness. Anyone looking for a cozy sweet-spicy fragrance will not be disappointed here.
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1 Comment
MuhammedAli 12 months ago
4
Couldn't have described the comparison to Profumo better 😂. That's exactly how I perceive it. I can totally agree with what was said above. It's a slightly toned-down Profumo with more mass appeal.
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