Armani Code Cashmere by Giorgio Armani

Strong opening. On my skin, incense and leather dominate. It’s nocturnal and sensual; as it dries down, the jasmine shines and the soul of Code emerges. Patchouli adds class… Although it’s marketed as feminine, I feel it’s more unisex than the original. Strong trail for the first 2 hours and lasts 8 hours on my skin. I have a decant, and while I liked it, it’s not worth removing from the shelf for the price or because it’s discontinued. I’m sticking with the Code Donna original.

I like powerful perfumes, but this one is extreme: super loud. In summer, the notes aren’t distinguishable; in winter, they are, but it’s very intense. It doesn’t remind me of the original Armani Code, which I consider a distinctive and elegant fragrance, but rather Ralph Hot (Violet) by Ralph Lauren. If I hadn’t read the notes, I’d say it smells like super sweet black grape. Maybe if I were between 20 and 30 and going to a bar, it could work. But for anything else, no.

I fell in love with Armani Code Cashmere! It’s a delicious fragrance. If you could put textures in perfumes, this would be pure cashmere: incredible softness on the skin, pleasant quality, and an exquisite musk that lasts 24 hours on skin and weeks on clothes. The trail is magnificent and the projection is very good! It doesn’t resemble Satin. I use it on cool spring nights or all day in autumn/winter. It’s super versatile: great for day, an elegant outing, or a party. It’s a great option for anyone seeking rich fragrances with a strong trail; it combines both qualities and is unique. A vibrant jasmine with a warm, almond, and creamy touch, like chocolate, mixed with cozy cashmere. The dry down fascinates me: a touch of incense without being strong, with a perfect and enigmatic patchouli. It’s an oriental floral launched in 2017 by Benaim and Ropion (bravo!). It reminds me a bit of D&G Pour Femme Intense from 2013 due to that orange blossom note that gives it depth. Definitely stays in my collection. Out of 10, I give it an 11: it’s feminine, sophisticated, and magnificent.

Finally, this limited edition arrived at my perfumerie. Since I’d never tried Armani Code, I thought about Satin based on reviews, but when this flanker, Cashmere, arrived, I decided to try it even though it was discontinued. It’s gorgeous: not super original, but I’d never smelled anything like it. It feels very powdery, floral, and sweet. Notes of jasmine and orange blossom wrap around a dark, deep, and sweet base with almond and other mysteries. It’s seductive and elegant at the same time; as soon as you apply it, you feel sexy. The trail is powerful and doesn’t go unnoticed, perfect for clubs or important dinners. I don’t know if it surpasses Satin, but I’m curious. I bought it instantly and I’m very satisfied.