Odyssey Spectra by Armaf

I started dabbling in perfumes a year ago looking for something fresh and affordable for going out. At first, it smells like citrusy cinnamon, though I detect more cinnamon than bergamota. As it dries down, it blends citrus, florals, and cinnamon with a clean hint of lavender, but that evolution doesn’t convince me. In its final phase, it leaves a base of cinnamon, tobacco, and vanilla: sweet, pleasant, and with a masculinity that leans more male than female. I don’t feel it’s unisex due to that dry-down, but while testing its longevity, I can say I’ve never had one like this before, and I liked it.

Compared to the Ultramale, these aren’t the same perfume. Smelling both on opposite wrists, the Odyssey Spectra is a much less sweet but spicier interpretation, which in my opinion is a plus; that subtle tobacco note in the background seems delicious and very masculine. Very wearable during the day, not annoying at all, though it shines at dusk. Guaranteed compliments, safe purchase, all-rounder.

I bought it a few days ago and it’s excellent: it lasts a long time on clothes and skin, has good sillage and projection. It’s perfect for night, outings, and parties. Watch out: never use it during the day or in the heat. Learn that a sweet perfume isn’t worn like that unless it’s cold. Stop saying it can be used in the day or heat, whether trolling or whatever, because it smells like something sweet like cotton candy.

I bought it blind as a gift, thinking I’d enjoy it too, but it was a total letdown. Sorry, but it’s a headache just from the first spray. A mix of scents that don’t blend well; it’s unclear if it’s sweet or woody, yet it has a dry opening. I still can’t find its identity. Many people compare it to others, but I genuinely wouldn’t buy it again or give it as a gift. It was a literal waste of money. Never again.

I find it closer to Ultra Male. The Afnan smells like bubblegum plastic and leaves a weird scent as it dries; this one is fresher, more natural, and fresh right now. The Afnan dropped to about $22, while this Spectra is around $40 in my country and has lasted me two years.

I own all three: Ultra Male, 9PM, and Spectra. Of them all, this one is closest to Ultra Male, though it lacks that juicy pear top note the original has. The 9PM is more scandalous and cloyingly sweet at the start. This Spectra is completely sweet like bubblegum, with a less pronounced but warmer vanilla. It has a high concentration of essential oils; you can tell on the skin. The Fraiche clone house’s version of Ultra Male is identical to the 9PM, literally 1:1. In contrast, the Spectra feels a bit different from the 9PM and closer to Ultra Male as it dries. It’s slightly less sweet, darker, and denser. I could say it’s the ‘mature’ and ‘less youthful’ version compared to the 9PM. Up close, against the skin, it’s much better in quality and noticeable. Almost as good as the JPG. However, the JPG is only superior in the opening; as they dry down, they are virtually identical. Out of all the Ultra Male clones, I’d stick with this one.

I bought it impulsively as a clone and it resembles the JPG Ultra Male, but this one has the freshness of bergamot and lavender, is less sweet, and has less cinnamon. Its potency is brutal, lasting 10 hours. I recommend it; look for a deal and grab it.

Much better than 9PM. This one is definitely worth it; the projection is brutal (even though I own the original Ultramale).

Given the price of the Ultramale, there’s no point in buying clones, especially if you already have a lot of perfumes. I picked up the 40ml bottle on sale for 28 or 30€ and still have more than half left.