Acqua di Gioia Essenza by Giorgio Armani

It’s incredibly hard to detect any note other than mint: it’s acidic, overwhelming, almost like menthol, and extremely penetrating. I rarely find a perfume this bad, but I couldn’t wait to shower off the two times I wore it, and even afterward, I could still smell it. It’s extremely long-lasting, which is a major downside here. Terrible perfume.

The opening is powerful and bold: jasmine wrapped in spiced mint, shifting from sweet to bitter and back to sweet. I liked that duality, though it might cause the imbalance others mention. After 10 minutes, the intensity drops and it becomes a floral-sweet scent with jasmine in charge, then elegant woody nuances emerge. I agree with Remy: it’s softer than the original. Too bad, because for an Eau de Parfum Intense I expected 8-10 hours; on damp skin it barely lasts 6 and projects little. I love it for its elegance and daytime versatility, but the longevity and sillage don’t justify the price. I keep it for personal taste, but wouldn’t buy it again; I prefer the original version.

Oh my god! A few days ago I wrote a review for Acqua di Gioja saying I didn’t know how to make it last longer on my skin, my favorite, and I spent anything on tricks with cream and Vaseline. Finally, with this format I have the solution! I hope to get it soon; there are as many different opinions as with the original. I’m fascinated: some find it insipid, others heavy, and to me, it’s a wonder. There’s no single impression and that I love. I don’t know anyone here who wears it, and that excites me; I feel it draws looks, even from those who usually don’t like perfumes. Great that it exists in Essenza format!

I recommend testing on your skin before buying blindly. I hate that scent on my skin… gross. The blend of citrus, mint, and pepper was an unbearable nightmare. I couldn’t wait to get it off my skin. Without a doubt, the worst in the line! They had the audacity to discontinue the Sun, which is a masterpiece, and leave this behind—a crime, a hideous monster of the perfume world!

I love the original, and this ‘Essenza’ version hasn’t disappointed me either. It follows its predecessor’s line: aquatic, mentholated, refreshing, and energizing. The longevity and sillage are great, making it a perfect all-year option. I adore it for summer because it smells delicious without fading away after 30 minutes like other fresh scents. It’s very casual and versatile.

If I already liked the original, I love this one even more. Upon trying it, I noticed differences: in the original, the mint and lemon at the start are stronger, bitter, and more aquatic; it’s fresher, younger, and more informal, ideal for summer. This Essenza is equally clean and fresh, but with less pepper and citrus; the mint is sweeter. Then a very sugary jasmine emerges. It’s more floral, with white flowers and a base of cedar and cashmere that adds warmth and woody depth. It’s not more intense than the original, but softer, yet it lasts longer and projects better thanks to that woody base. It’s a serious, elegant, sophisticated, mature, and sensual perfume. If the original is youthful and for summer, this one works for spring, summer, and fall, day and night, for events or formal work. The bottle has silver, blue, and green reflections, like a wild sea from some cliffs… but the scent leaves me calm and comforting.

Last summer, I was looking for something different, fresh but more complex than Light Blue or CK One… I stumbled upon this and bought it without thinking, it was exactly what I was looking for for summer nights, reminding me of a mojito: fresh, slightly sweet, and with mint as it dries. I was fascinated… until the pink pepper appeared and ruined everything without mercy. That note and I are just not compatible; although it’s in other perfumes I love, here it’s too noticeable our bad relationship. What a pity because it starts so well, the opening is rich and original, but I use it very rarely and don’t enjoy it 🙁 The one who enjoyed it once was a little bird that wouldn’t leave me alone, got tangled in my hair trying to reach my neck, what a scare! haha

If you’re looking for ten-hour longevity, this is your pick: dry down is intense with great projection. It starts citrusy, herbal, and super minty, then jasmine joins in to make it more pleasant. Halfway through, the aquatic freshness fades while sweetness rises, keeping the jasmine but making it sweeter. In the end, woods, sugar, and a hint of mint linger with the jasmine. It’s fresh yet very sweet; due to the intensity, it can be cloying or overwhelming, so use it moderately and keep it away from your nose. It’s rich and perfect for special occasions, dates, or casual outings. I think it’s ideal for cooler climates where the sweetness can shine. It has the DNA of the original but is more intense, less aquatic, serious, elegant, and sensual. I’m a fan of this Acqua di Gioia line by Armani; it’s a great collection for elegant, sensual, sweet, and happy women.