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Is Aqua Di Gio a Keeper?

post #1 of 34
1/31/09 at 10:44pm
Thread Starter 
You might be going ballistic and have smoke coming out of your ears thinking why I mentioned the most mainstream cologne, but judging it aside from its popularity and on its own accord as a fragrance, do you dig it? I smell it sometimes and just really end up liking the drydown. Do you get compliments when you wear it if you have it?
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post #2 of 34
1/31/09 at 10:49pm
It's personal taste. I got a bottle in a swap last year and swapped it off rather quickly as I found it weak and generic smelling.

You, on the other hand, may love it.Sample everything first and spare yourself the expense of full bottles collecting dust in your cabinet.
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post #3 of 34
2/1/09 at 12:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dudester! View Post

You might be going ballistic and have smoke coming out of your ears thinking why I mentioned the most mainstream cologne, but judging it aside from its popularity and on its own accord as a fragrance, do you dig it? I smell it sometimes and just really end up liking the drydown. Do you get compliments when you wear it if you have it?

I'm telling you this won't yield a lot of responses.

Anyway, I do think that AdG and Bulgari Aqua are the best strictly aquatic calone-freshness emphasizing designer scents around. AdG is the sweeter one, but I do think, for what it is, it is a good product. In the beginning of my fragrance career I researched a lot of aquatics simply because I liked that genre most, and all of them seemed out of balance in comparison to AdG - too sweet, fruity mess, too blue etc. As for compliments, I'm not the compliment getter with any fragrance, so I can't say anything about that.
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post #4 of 34
2/1/09 at 12:27am
I've got a bottle from 2000 which I may have used like 3 times.

Still, you can tell how much I like the AdG. I do not dislike it because it's popular (I have Joop Jump in my wardrobe). But it's because the AdG is just "Meh" to me, long before I became a recent apprentice perfumista.
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post #5 of 34
2/1/09 at 12:41am
It does nothing to me, weak sillage, weal longevity, uncompromising . The smell itself is not bad, there are tons of other fragrances that smell much worse and yet they dont get such a bad press among aficionados. I like aquatics, I have Aqua by Bvlgari.

I have a story. Six years ago I bought AdG (again). I walked down the street from the mall and went into a gas station to get a soft drink, I paid for it and I left behind the bag with Adg. (I had two other bags). When I got to my hotel room I realized the small bag with Adg was missing. I went back to the gas station but GONE. I guess destiny did not want me to have AdG for a second time. I never bought it again.
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post #6 of 34
2/1/09 at 12:42am
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I love AdG no matter how über-popular it might be. I don't get much compliments when wearing it - perhaps I use my scents so sparingly that people don't detect what I'm having? To my nose AdG smells very pure, almost innocent in gender-less and asexual way and I wouldn't wear it on romantic occasions. But I find it a perfect choice for those stressful days in a work - it's so soothing, but uplifting and cheerful at the same time. To me AdG is definitely a keeper!
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post #7 of 34
2/1/09 at 1:01am
innocent and gender-less and asexual... those 3 issues makes it to me as a no keeper. Funny how different people has different preferences and that makes the world round :-)
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post #8 of 34
2/1/09 at 4:27am
I personally was never fond of Aqua di Gio - even when it was first released.

But if you like it, buy it/keep it!
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post #9 of 34
2/1/09 at 4:31am
If the scent meshes with your chemistry, it would give a wonderful result. I've smelled Acqua di Gio in its top form on some people, but not so great on me
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post #10 of 34
2/1/09 at 6:50am
Acqua Di Gio is a modern classic and deservedly so. I know others have panned it, but for me, it's the very definition of freshness (I agree with whomever talked about Aqva and ADG as first in Aquatic class).
I wore ADG yesterday and was suffused by warmth and comfort on a cold Winter's day and this morning, I can still smell it, hours and hours after application. I'd call that a pretty good longevity. What's more, everyone I talked to liked it. What more do you want out of a frag?
That said, there are tons of knuckle-dragging oafs who wear this with abandon, spoiling its reputation, but the way I see it: they also wear clothes but that's not enough to make me stop wearing clothes!
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post #11 of 34
2/1/09 at 6:56am
It's a good composition, it lasts well, it smells good. It will not answer any questions about life. It will bat its eyelashes attentively and smile.
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post #12 of 34
2/1/09 at 8:57am
I had it. I found the scent not unpleasant but seemed like a "shouter." What I mean is you put it on and it's like you're shouting: "Hey, I'm wearing cologne because I'm going to the CLUB!! I'm wearing AdG, so clearly I'm not actually 46 years old --- I MUST BE YOUNGER!!"

So....not a club goer, not 27 years old. It sat in my perfumidor (a dark drawer) for months getting only random squirts. I gave it to a friend of mine.
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post #13 of 34
2/1/09 at 9:04am
great fragance and modern classic.
many people like this fragance? not problem,imagine if the fragance house of this cologne was a little niche/cult company of pacific island his value will be more apreciated and his price very high.
Please enjoy of this,go out snobishm without content.
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post #14 of 34
2/1/09 at 9:55am
Aqua di Gio is fanfriggintastic. It smells clean, masculine, light and sexy.

Its *ONLY* culprit is that everyone is wearing it. And that is a bit off putting, since fragrances are regarded as very personal, individual and emotional.
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post #15 of 34
2/1/09 at 10:21am
Acqua di Gio hasn't been the #1 selling fragrance in the world for several years for no reson. It's a great fragrance! The only problem has been the vast number of other fragrances that have tried to emulate this clean fresh style so it has made it sort of common. I have kept my bottle and still enjoy it on occasion. It's a good one.
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post #16 of 34
2/1/09 at 10:44am
I smelled it on a card in 2005 because my friend wore it (and we were at Macy's and he wanted me to know how it smelled, I guess) and I thought it smelled nice but it didn't stand out in any way. Just a regular, nice smell.
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post #17 of 34
2/1/09 at 10:54am
When it came out at about 1996 I immediately bought a bottle, and didn't regret. It was kind of unique, in my country at least. And there was a kind lady who would recognize me by my pure smell; that is that of AdG. These are fond memories from a past which never will come again.
Maybe a keeper, it depends just on you. Work for your own memories
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post #18 of 34
2/1/09 at 11:18am
If you like it and will wear it then it is a keeper. I you like it but won't wear it (for whatever reason) then it is not a keeper.
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post #19 of 34
2/1/09 at 11:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Buzzlepuff View Post

Acqua di Gio hasn't been the #1 selling fragrance in the world for several years for no reson. It's a great fragrance!

It's been the #1 selling frag because it is safe, inoffensive and because SA seem to push this fragrance more than others. I don't think being "a great fragrance" is the key to its #1 status.
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post #20 of 34
2/1/09 at 11:44am
I have tried to like it, but I hate it. Have tried it several times but it always makes me wanna throw up. Just tried it again and had to wash it off after five minutes. It's too strong, half a spray is far too much for anyone.
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post #21 of 34
2/1/09 at 12:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dry_Martini

imagine if the fragance house of this cologne was a little niche/cult company of pacific island his value will be more apreciated and his price very high.

I used to think this was true, but not anymore. BNers are critical of everything, regardless of who makes it. There are plenty of niche and expensive fragrances that are panned and criticized. Likewise good designer fragrances are recognized when they deserve it. I don't think AdG, put out by any house, would it make it popular on BN where most people don't discuss the fresh/aquatic genre.

As for AdG - if you like it, wear it.
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post #22 of 34
2/1/09 at 12:14pm
For me it is a keeper. Maybe not the most loved fragrance in my wardrobe, but certainly a fragrance I like very much. It smells fresh and reminds me of relaxing times like summer vacation . On my skin it is a strong fragrance with very good longevity.
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post #23 of 34
2/1/09 at 12:25pm
Thats up to you if you enjoy it thats all that counts I still were it from time to time.
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post #24 of 34
2/1/09 at 1:19pm
The majority of Basenoters are objective in their critiques, and ADG certainly polarizes opinions. Personally, I find it an adequate aquatic fragrance, but lacking in class. I am glad so many people use it, as it makes it so easy for me and others to eclipse it. I think history will be as kind to ADG as it was to Brut by Faberge
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post #25 of 34
2/1/09 at 1:44pm
To your two questions: Yes and yes.
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post #26 of 34
2/2/09 at 9:14pm
I like it. My girl pals like it. No objections here. When I need a scent that I want to offend the fewest people and please the most, I go for AdG.
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post #27 of 34
2/2/09 at 10:52pm
Sorry, I am totally unable to separate the fragrance, which is moderately acceptable, from the fact that it has been worn by millions of posturing poseur club-goers and shirtless frat morons all across the world for the past 10 years. There must be something more original and personal you can find to express yourself.
No disrespect intended to those who wear it well, and with class. I just think that if you are here, reading about the hundreds, maybe thousands of wonderful fragrances available you should at least have the curiosity to venture a little out from the most popular of mainstream frags. Its sort of like going to a music website and asking how everyone feels about Brittney Spears, though I suppose she's a bad example. But you get my point. Now, my recommendation is that you find some way to sample about 100 fragrances. Really get a feel for what fragrances really suit your style. And if, at the end of the day, AdG is your thing, excellent. Wear it with pride. But don't just buy something because its safe and popular and some folks on a board say it smells great and will help you pull chicks. Unless you are just wanting to know if it will help you pull chicks. But if that's the case there is a whole thread about other interesting fragrances that will serve the same purpose and may do so in a more individualistic way. It's a sticky at the top of the page.
My 2 cents. Not intended to offend.

Happy hunting.

-Slim
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post #28 of 34
2/3/09 at 4:50am
some people seem to know the exact formula for a particular perfume to be the No.1 selling scent in the world

some other inoffensive scents made popular by the SA's..the perfumer Jacques CAVALLIER

Bvlgari Aqva Pour Homme (2005)
Bvlgari Aqva Pour Homme Marine (2008)
Cartier Pasha (1992)
Christian Dior Midnight Poison (2007, with Olivier Cresp)
Diesel Fuel for Life for Him (2007, with Annick Menardo)
Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio pour homme (1996)
Giorgio Armani Emporio Armani Diamonds Pour Homme (2008)
Giorgio Armani Mania (2000)
Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey (1992)
Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme (1994)
Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme Intense (2007)
Issey Miyake L'Eau Bleue d'Issey Pour Homme (2004)
Issey Miyake Le Feu d'Issey (1998)
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique (1993)
Jil Sander Sander for men (1999)
Tom Ford Private Blend Noir de Noir (2007, with Harry Fremont)
Tom Ford Private Blend Tuscan Leather (2007, with Harry Fremont)
Yves Saint Laurent Cinema (2004)
Yves Saint Laurent M7 (2002, with Alberto Morillas)
Yves Saint Laurent Opium Pour Homme (1995)
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Pour Homme (2003)
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post #29 of 34
2/3/09 at 9:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ifconfig View Post

Acqua Di Gio is a modern classic and deservedly so. I know others have panned it, but for me, it's the very definition of freshness (I agree with whomever talked about Aqva and ADG as first in Aquatic class).
I wore ADG yesterday and was suffused by warmth and comfort on a cold Winter's day and this morning, I can still smell it, hours and hours after application. I'd call that a pretty good longevity. What's more, everyone I talked to liked it. What more do you want out of a frag?
That said, there are tons of knuckle-dragging oafs who wear this with abandon, spoiling its reputation, but the way I see it: they also wear clothes but that's not enough to make me stop wearing clothes!

Excellent comments! I agree completely. Acqua di Gio has an important place as one of many fragrances in my wardrobe. I once wore it in Hawaii during the summer and it felt perfect!
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post #30 of 34
2/3/09 at 1:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Strollyourlobster View Post

It's a good composition, it lasts well, it smells good. It will not answer any questions about life. It will bat its eyelashes attentively and smile.

LOL - what a great description strollyourlobster. I agree!
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post #31 of 34
2/3/09 at 1:17pm
when I was at the dept store today looking at frags, 3 separate girls (NOT employees)--at three separate times-- walked right over to me and demanded that I get ADG. I don't understand what it is about that stuff?
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post #32 of 34
2/3/09 at 1:48pm
I used to own it but it became a little synthetic on my skin compared to when I purchased it. I own Bulgari Aqua and besides a mild resemblence I don't think they are that close. BA has a much spicer kick to it. But overall I used to love AdG and if it does well on you, go for it.
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post #33 of 34
2/3/09 at 5:46pm
Its definitely a keeper. The composition is well put together, light and refreshing. The watery melony notes are only bettered by Millesime Imperial.

I am willing to bet Chanel No. 5 is worn by more people than AdG homme ..
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post #34 of 34
2/3/09 at 6:37pm
My answer is No.

I bought a bottle at full retail price only to wear it 5 times. I gave it away to a friend who loved fragrances of any sort. The bitterness of wasting my money is still in my mouth . To me Acqua di Gio is just not a good smell. But if you like it, that is what counts.
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