We are huge fan of fragrances in this house, be it a perfume, aftershave, reed diffuser, wax melt or an essential oil - the latter all being me and not him!
When it comes to personal fragrances, I am pretty good at choosing something we will both like, oddly the same fragrance notes usually appear in each one, but one brand I haven't really tried until now is Armani. So today, having been kindly sent a 'his and hers' option, I am sharing Armani Code and Si.
Starting with Armani Code for Men, as a fragrance it sits in the Oriental Spicy family and whilst it was launched back in 2004, it is the first time we have given it a try. Presented in a sleek black bottle, this is a fragrance that looks luxe within any collection and it definitely stands out amongst my husbands ever growing collection.
It has top notes of both Lemon and Bergamot, so as it opens with it comes a fresh citrus blast that is sharp and punchy and definitely captures your attention. The middle notes of Star Anise, Olive Blossom and Guaiac Wood bring to life the more earthy notes which slightly mask the sharpness of those top notes. The base notes of Leather, Tonka Bean and Tobacco brings together a fragrance which is quite powdery and subtle, it’s an incredible fragrance for day or night wear.
The second fragrance is Armani Si, a fragrance which sits within the Chypre Fruity fragrance which launched in 2013 and despite being a favourite of many friends, it is one I had never tried, until now.
It has top note of Cassis, so as it is spritzed, you get an immediate hit of black currant and lingering in the back is a hint of earthiness which I really liked. The heart notes are May Rose and Freesia bring together that hearty floral scent which mixes with the top notes to create quite the mix and I’d honestly be happy with it without the base notes. However the inclusion of Vanilla, Patchouli, Ambroxan and Woody notes to bring this fragrance together adds a sweetness, with the Vanilla being overpowered, thankfully by the Patchouli and the Ambroxan.
Both of these fragrances have quite the sillage for want of a better word and they are both fragrances which need just a few spritzes to let the entire day without the need to re-apply. It is unusual for me to choose a sweet fragrance and like it, but Si is just a beautiful fragrance which I can see absolutely suitable for any age group and for Armani Code, if you have a man who loves a fragrance which is powdery and elegant all in one, then this is the one to try!
These fragrances are on sale with The Perfume shop. Armani Code is available in a 50ml, 75ml and 200ml with prices rising between £53 to £94 and for the girls, Armani Si is also available in three sizes - 30ml, 50ml and 100ml and prices for Si range between £55 and £103.