Aramis Life by Aramis, 2003

Aramis Life An unknown, underrated, and a great value Aramis Life is clean and fresh fragrance with a whisper of spice. Just this morning, I compared the scent to a just showered smell (almost soapy but a good soapy). The more reviews I write, it seems that I am fonder of the clean fragrances that are easy on the nose. My initial reaction to the cologne is that it is somewhere between CK Free, Intense Euphoria, and Diesel (Original Fuel for Life). My reviews generally consider the following characteristics: price/value, appeal/smell, "wow factor" (compliments), longevity, uniqueness, best time of year worn or occasion, and easy on the nose (and the bottle is easy on the eyes). Life has a pleasant aroma and is appealing without being overwhelming to co-workers or your significant other. Given the price/value, it is even more appealing with large bottles less than $30.00 and small bottles dipping below $20.00. It is noteworthy that I have not received compliments from the opposite sex while wearing a deduction in the wow factor Regarding longevity, Life is not as good as some, but better than most. The standard I use is applying a moderate amount prior to work in the morning and periodically testing the wrist area during the day. Ideally, good cologne will still be present at the end of an 8-10 hour workday. While faint, Life remains present at the end of the day I give Aramis Life a score of 4.4 stars, out of 5. I cannot score Life higher than my some of my favorites, i.e. Diesel (Only the Brave), Versace Pour Homme, and Polo Blue. I would, however, label it as a best kept secret and one to add to your collection based on the value and longevity.

Does anyone remember Lauder Metropolis? Back in the 80's it was Estée Lauder's first attempt to create and market a more-expensive Aqua Velva. It was a wonderful fragrance that failed in part because it was a restrained old-school chypre in an era of powerhouse fougères, and in no small part because of a dubious marketing campaign featuring Liza Minelli. With Aramis Life it seems that Estée Lauder have come full circle. Another Aqua Velva clone with an ill-advised ad campaign featuring a marginally-popular celibrity, only this time time it was tennis star André Agassi. The worst thing about the packaging and marketing is that this is really not a sports fragrance. Aramis Life is becoming increasingly difficult to find and I'm beginning to wonder if it too has been discontinued. As for the fragrance, I have to admit that I really like it. It's a classic minty chypre but it's been modernized with a hint of aquatic notes and cucumber on the top, and some cedar to complement the oakmoss on the bottom. There is a level of depth, complexity and sense of purpose to this fragrance that sets it apart from the vast majority of the fresh/aquatic/sport fragrances that have flooded the market in recent years. It is surprisingly classy, sophisticated and versatile.