As a beauty writer, I relish recommending products to friends, family and, more recently, my boyfriend. So when he picked up two aftershaves that have been quietly gaining traction online, my curiosity was piqued.
What I wasn't expecting, however, was just how much I'd fall for them myself. He's recently incorporated two fragrances from Cremo into his collection: the newly launched Italian Bergamot (£34.95, 100ml) and the cult-favourite Spice and Black Vanilla (£30.95, 100ml).
Both have garnered considerable praise from fans for their distinctive scent combinations, impressive quality and surprisingly reasonable price points - and having experienced them firsthand, I can entirely understand the enthusiasm. I was present when he first spritzed them on, and I immediately sensed that he (and I) were in for something special.
Italian Bergamot: A Fresh and Refined Scent
Italian Bergamot, drawing inspiration from the sophistication of the Italian Riviera, is fresh, crisp and refined, with notes of neroli and vetiver layered over a sparkling citrus base that feels clean, luxurious and effortlessly summery. On the initial spray, it's bright and invigorating, but as it settles into his skin, it becomes warmer and undeniably more alluring.
That's the remarkable thing about fragrance - it can genuinely heighten your attraction to someone. And this particular scent absolutely achieved that for me. My sole complaint, shared by my partner, was the staying power.
While the fragrance smelled absolutely wonderful, it faded over time, requiring a refresh. It would be fantastic to see Cremo introduce travel-sized options, allowing people to conveniently tuck them into a pocket, gym bag or work tote for reapplication while out and about.
Spice and Black Vanilla: A Warm and Addictive Fragrance
The following day, my partner tested Spice and Black Vanilla, one of the brand's most talked-about scents, and this one ticked every box for me. Featuring rich notes of black vanilla, tobacco and cardamom, it's sweet, warming and subtly smoky without being overwhelming.
I naturally lean towards deeper, spicier fragrances, and it turns out my boyfriend does too. It instantly brought to mind Maison Margiela's Jazz Club (£62 for 30ml), a comforting, addictive scent that conjures images of dimly lit cocktail bars and winter evenings. It has also drawn comparisons to designer Yves Saint Laurent's Le Vestiaire des Parfums Saharienne Eau de Parfum 75ml, which carries a £220 price tag.
The longevity was marginally improved with this particular scent, though it still didn't quite match some of the other fragrances he has previously worn. Lush's Lord of Misrule (£30 for 30ml), for example, is one of his go-to scents, and it tends to linger on skin and clothing for the majority of the day. Nevertheless, both Cremo fragrances are 100ml, offering greater value for money without the concern of frequent reapplication.
Matching Body Washes Add to the Experience
Alongside the fragrances, we also tested the matching body washes, which proved to be a surprisingly indulgent addition. I couldn't resist sneaking into his shower and claiming the Spice and Black Vanilla Body Wash (£12.95 for 475ml) for myself. It has a rich lather, smelled absolutely wonderful and left my skin feeling genuinely refreshed and clean. Even the packaging appears far more upmarket than the reasonable price tag would imply, sitting elegantly on his bathroom shelf like something considerably more costly.
Overall, these fragrances helped me understand why Cremo has amassed such a devoted following online. They smell far more opulent than their price point implies, deliver truly distinctive scent profiles and, in my case, even made me find my boyfriend a little more attractive.
Fragrance Notes
- Cremo Spice & Black Vanilla: Cardamom (top notes), Tobacco (middle notes), Black vanilla (base notes)
- Cremo Italian Bergamot: Italian bergamot (top note), Neroli blossom (middle note), Fresh vetiver (base note)
