Despite owning a drawer full of luxury perfumes, our reporter keeps reaching for her boyfriend’s aftershave – a warming, spice-packed autumn fragrance that’s currently on sale
As a beauty writer, I’ve amassed quite a collection of perfumes, ranging from sugary, floral notes to richer, more alluring fragrances. But lately, I’ve found myself doing something I never anticipated: pinching my boyfriend’s aftershave.
And it’s not just the odd spritz, either. I’ve become so fixated on one specific scent that I’ve been genuinely considering splashing out on my own bottle. The aftershave that’s caught my attention is Cremo’s Spice and Black Vanilla Eau de Toilette (100ml), an aromatic, comforting fragrance that’s ideal for autumn.
Fortunately for my wallet, it’s currently on offer. It drops to £24.76 from £30.95 with the discount code CREMO20, making it somewhat easier to justify adding another fragrance to my ever-growing collection.
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The scent combines black vanilla and spicy cardamom, producing a cosy, slightly alluring aroma that never fails to catch my attention. Actually, on our most recent date night, I specifically requested my partner wear it, and I’m convinced it makes me find him more attractive whenever he does, reports the Mirror.
There’s something about the marriage of the sweet, velvety vanilla and the warmth of cardamom that’s captivating without straying into overly saccharine territory. It’s both sensual and comforting, with a spicy kick that adds extra complexity.
Spice & Black Vanilla Eau De Toilette
Shoppers can use the discount code CREMO20 for 20% off.
In terms of staying power, the fragrance endured throughout our entire date night, and I could still detect it on my boyfriend by the evening’s end. Despite its impressive longevity, it never became overwhelming. Rather, it stayed close to the skin, creating a warm, understated trail that left me yearning to catch another whiff of it.
Even more appealing, the Eau de Toilette comes with a coordinating body wash (£10.36 from £12.95 with the CREMO20 code), which my boyfriend also owns – and yes, I pinch that as well. The body wash creates a lovely lather and leaves me feeling clean, fresh and prepared for whatever the day brings.
Another fragrance I adore nicking from him is REHAB’s Hair and Body Cologne (£33.60 from £42). It’s a more earthy, woody aroma that consistently makes him smell fantastic, and being able to spritz it on his hair as well as his body is an added benefit.
Alternatively, another masculine fragrance on my wish list is Acqua Di Parma Oud and Spice Eau de Parfum Spray (£201.92 from £327, Superdrug). It boasts bergamot, raspberry, and rose with spiced hints of cinnamon and pink pepper, settling into a luxurious base of agarwood oil, patchouli, and cistus labdanum.
However, Cremo’s Spice and Black Vanilla is the one I consistently return to. It possesses that elusive quality I seek in a truly excellent fragrance: it smells wonderful without being overly contrived.
I haven’t any criticism of it whatsoever. The bottle isn’t my most favoured design, but the affordable price and stunning scent more than compensate for it.
Warm, spicy and subtly sweet, it feels especially fitting for crisp autumn days and snug evenings – and, in my case, date nights when I want my boyfriend to smell particularly irresistible.
The Notes: Cremo Spice and Black Vanilla
- Cardamom (top notes)
- Tobacco (middle notes)
- Black vanilla (base notes)