Emporio Armani Lui

I regularly come back to this masterpiece. Shortly, it is woody-aromatic to my nose. I wouldn't say citrusy because citrusy may recall zesty sharpness. Like mildly sweet lemon and not like grapefruit. Very warm, soft, clean. First time I've used it in 2001 before high school, and fell in love as a teenager. After 22 years, I still have not smelled anything like it, so big thumbs up for this unique creation. It's a very complex, rich, yet light (lasting) scent in my opinion. As said, I don't get the crisp citrusy notes but rather it's a well blend of oakmoss/coumarin/sandalwood with lots of musks for the base, cardamom seed, lavender, nutmeg and a good dose of ionones (violet and iris ingredients, same vein in the mid-drydown of CH 212 Men of the same era). Pineapple, lemon citrusy top. As I said, it smells complex even though the formula may not be complex, I can get notes or ingredients much easier in many other frags, but not on this one - signs of a good blend that emerges to new horizons. Everything combined, makes an "Armani Lui" smell. Longevity: 3-4 sprays goes for 7-8 hours Projection: People notice even after 5 hours, projects well but lightly, not in your face. It makes other people breathe in deeper to catch waves of it. Sillage: Not sure. I wouldn't say it leaves a heavy trail. Age: 25+ Popularity: I'm loving it that it is not super popular anymore as it was in 2000s Overall: 9/10

I remember first smelling this in those magazine ads they'd have in GQ and such and instantly falling in love. I went pretty much after my shift and bought this. It was my feel good scent. It wasn't my heavy hitter, at that time I had d&g by, Gucci envy and versace black jeans for times I wanted to be noticed. Then as now emporio is strictly for me. It's a mood enhancer. It's not generic nor boring. The Scent is very classy, and develops beautifully during its 7-8hr lifetime. It starts with a burst of fruity apple, yuzu, pineapple with a hint of rose. It dries down very woody with hints a musk and moss. A very masculine scent without being brash. Some complain about projection, but the thing is not all scents are made to be loud. This is meant to stay within 6 inches of you so those close can experience it. It has good longevity and its projection and silage stay constant throughout unlike some that have monster projection for 2 hours then die to a skin scent. This is now back in my collection and im glad, it brings back great memories and is my perfect spring scent. 8.5/10

This was my very first fragrance back in 1998, I wore it religiously and gain attention from a lot of girls and now, after 12 years, it seems like yesterday and we meet again just to remind me of those wonderful times and why I enjoyed that masculine smell so much. I still think it's a classic & timeless combination of notes which I find, even now, very hard to explain: it has fruits and aromatic herbs, it's spicy, flowery and musky-woody all together, it's....a truly wonderful fragrance,the best from Armani male offerings, appropriate for all ages and occasions. The sillage and lasting power are indeed moderate (5-7 hrs, on an acid skin like mine), but really, who cares when it feels so good and it tends to stay hidden just to reveal itself when you expect less and even for that I love it. I'm glad I bought this again with the promise that we will never be apart again, and keep it close to me and my top 5. My humble rank: 9.5/10. ☣☣☣☣☣

Emporio Armani Lui opens freshly with its fruity notes and sage. It immediately feels clean and slightly powdery yet contemporaneously sharp due to the citrus notes. The oak moss and cedar give this perfume a natural woodsy feel and the florals are very unassuming. There is also a slight musk that seems to pop in and out. It's all quite inviting. This is the first perfume I ever purchased, and it's still my favourite. Emporio Armani Lui has a clean, masculine, and sophisticated tone that every lady in my life has loved. There is something sweet, warm, and charming about it. I remember taking walks at night, while she would intermittently turn to hold me tightly to take a big sniff. She loved that it was close to skin because it was solely for her to enjoy. The longevity and sillage are a little weak, but this perfume has a well-behaved fruit melange with powdery-freshness that can be worn any time & anywhere.

I LOVE this cologne. I’ve worn it since around 2000/2001. It’s been my go-to cologne, even nowadays when it’s become hard to find. My wife now, and even some of my exes knew this cologne the second they smelled it and the reaction has always been positive. I’ve received compliments from friends at work and passersby on not only how good it smells, but also how smooth and non-overpowering it is. Now that it’s become so hard to find, I’d like to find what colognes come closest to this one, or at least what Georgio Armani has made to replace it.