Armani Code Absolu Review – Everything You Need To Know
Code Absolu.
A sophisticated winter fragrance for men.
Armani Code Absolu was released in 2019. It is based on powdery vanilla with amber and spice nuances. It lasts 12+ hours on the skin with above-average projection. In this review, I will describe its smell and performance and if it’s worth it.
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Table of Contents
What Does Armani Code Absolu Smell Like?
From the first spray is a fleeting touch of slightly creamy orange and apple. Neither lasts long – maybe a minute. Yet, they are both there long enough to capture attention.
The scent quickly rolls into a bittersweet tonka bean and nutmeg mixture when the top notes fade. Tonka bean is the most powerful of the two and will dominate the rest of the wear. It comes across as sweet and semi-creamy, while nutmeg is slightly spicy.
Sometimes, I pick up rum nuances that are more prevalent in the dry-down. But the opening notes are too overpowering for it ever to get boozy.
This is the prominent scent until the dry-down starts to develop. Then you have two things going on, which is quite interesting. The dominant tonka bean fuses with vanilla, and a sensual rum accord lingers on top.
But what is also happening is a woody suede becomes prevalent. It has an earthy tinge but never comes across as dirty. This combination provides an excellent backbone for warm and smooth vanillic accords.
Tonka bean remains dominant as the scent finishes, and the woody base amplifies. At this point, all notes are present but only support the rest of the wear. So, yes, Armani Code Absolu is far from a linear scent.
The official Armani Code Absolu notes:
TOP NOTES
- Green Mandarin
- Apple
MID NOTES
- Nutmeg
- Orange Blossom
- Carrot Seeds
BASE NOTES
- Vanilla
- Tonka Bean
- Suede
- Woody Notes
Performance
The performance is as outstanding as the smell. It lasts 12+ hours on the skin with room-filling projection. The one thing I enjoy about the projection is that it is loud but never overwhelming.
The versatility is limited. Because of the depth and sweetness of vanilla, it is exclusively fall and winter wear. It might be wearable in the early spring when it’s cool out. However, I don’t risk it, as the sweetness gets cloying and annoying. You’ll get a solid five to six months of wear from Code Absolu in a four-season climate.
As for occasions, it is best for special events. Like formal occasions or going out with friends for a nice night out. Its only requirement is that it has some space to air out. This comes back to the intensity of the projection.
Lastly, the mass appeal and likability are fantastic. Who doesn’t love a vanilla-dominant fragrance? This attracts attention like a magnet and has more of an alluring, classy, and seductive aroma than a looking-for-attention one.
Final Words
Before you ask, the other similar fragrances are the Absolu Gold and Absolu Profumo flankers. The entire Absolu line shares similar DNA but all with their respective tweaks.
Armani Code Absolu is worth it. I even consider it a must-have. The first thing I enjoy is the quality vanilla note; almost all would agree. The next thing is the sophistication.
I wear many fragrances for myself, but like everyone else, I enjoy getting compliments. Code Absolu is perfect for this as it doesn’t seem “desperate” like a blue fragrance. It pushes out with intensity and brings attention back with it. I appreciate this.
After you try Armani Code Absolu, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.