‘I’ve tried the most effective colognes, however my boyfriend’s £31 discover is the one I am unable to resist’
As a beauty writer, I’ve smelled it all, but this secret weapon aftershave has transformed my boyfriend’s scent game
Our writer (not pictured) found an affordable fragrance that made her more attracted to her partner than ever(Image: Maskot via Getty Images)
As a beauty journalist, I relish the opportunity to suggest products to friends, family and, increasingly, my boyfriend. So when he recently purchased two aftershaves that have been gaining traction online, my curiosity was piqued. However, I didn’t anticipate just how much I’d end up adoring them myself.
He’s recently incorporated two Cremo fragrances into his collection: the newly released Italian Bergamot (£34.95), 100ml, and the cult-hit Spice and Black Vanilla (£30.95), 100ml. Both have garnered acclaim for their distinctive scent combinations, remarkable quality and surprisingly reasonable price points – and having experienced them firsthand, I can fully appreciate the buzz.
I was present when he first applied them and immediately recognised we were in for something special. Italian Bergamot, inspired by the sophistication of the Italian Riviera, is fresh, sharp and polished, featuring notes of neroli and vetiver atop a vibrant citrus base that exudes a clean, luxurious and effortlessly summery vibe.
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Initially, it’s bright and invigorating, but as it melds with his skin, it evolves into something warmer and undeniably more alluring. That’s the fascinating thing about perfume – sometimes it genuinely enhances someone’s appeal. And this fragrance certainly did that for me.
My sole complaint, which he shared, concerned the staying power. While the fragrance smelled absolutely divine, it diminished after a period, requiring a refresh. I’d be delighted to see Cremo launch travel-sized options so users could conveniently carry them in a pocket, gym bag or work bag for touch-ups throughout the day, reports the Mirror.
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This fragrance is a bright and fresh blend of Italian bergamot, neroli blossom, and fresh vetiver.
The following day, my partner sampled Spice and Black Vanilla, one of the brand’s most celebrated fragrances, and this one completely won me over. Featuring rich notes of black vanilla, tobacco and cardamom, it’s sweet, comforting and subtly smoky without being overwhelming.
I naturally lean towards deeper, spicier scents anyway, and it appears my boyfriend shares this preference. It instantly brought to mind Maison Margiela’s Jazz Club (£62 for 30ml), a cosy, captivating fragrance that conjures images of dimly lit cocktail lounges and winter nights. It’s also drawn comparisons to designer Yves Saint Laurent’s Le Vestiaire des Parfums Saharienne Eau de Parfum (£220 for 75ml).
The durability proved marginally superior with this fragrance, though it still didn’t match the performance of some other scents he’s previously worn. Lush’s Lord of Misrule (£30 for 30ml), for example, ranks among his go-to fragrances, and it typically adheres to skin and clothing for the majority of the day.
Nevertheless, both Cremo fragrances come in 100ml bottles, offering greater value for money without fretting about reapplication. In addition to the fragrances, we also sampled the corresponding body washes, which proved to be an unexpectedly opulent treat. I couldn’t help but sneak into his shower and nab the Spice and Black Vanilla Body Wash (£12.95 for 475ml) for myself.
It produced a lovely lather, smelled divine and left my skin feeling genuinely refreshed and clean afterwards. Even the packaging exudes a level of quality that belies its reasonable price tag, sitting elegantly on his bathroom shelf like a far pricier product.
All in all, these fragrances helped me grasp why Cremo has garnered such a devoted online fanbase. They smell significantly more luxurious than their price point would imply, offer truly unique scent profiles, and, in my case, even made me find my boyfriend a tad more attractive.
The Notes: Cremo Spice and Black Vanilla
- Cardamom (top notes)
- Tobacco (middle notes)
- Black vanilla (base notes)
The Notes: Cremo Italian Bergamot
- Italian bergamot (top note)
- Neroli blossom (middle note)
- Fresh vetiver (base note)
