9 Colognes Similar To Essenza di Colonia Acqua di Parma

Written By Zarin Tasnim

My partner was looking for a classy and refined cologne for all year round with a quick mood-lifting effect. And he has been using Essenza di Colonia Acqua di Parma for a few months.

Recently, at a party, he came across a different fragrance that smells similar to his.

Thus, we looked for better alternatives and found multiple ones, among which some are expensive, and some are affordable.colognes-similar-to-essenza-di-colonia-acqua-di-parma

So, without any delay, let’s get to know the substitute for Essenza di Colonia Acqua di Parma.

What Does Essenza di Colonia Acqua di Parma Smell Like?

Essenza di Colonia Acqua di Parma smells very fresh, with many citrusy, green, white floral and woody tones blended perfectly. The spicy, aromatic tone gives a nice touch and tones down the sweetness of flowers and ambers. You will feel the modernity from the beginning.

This citrus aromatic scent was launched in 2020, and since this flanker edition is slaying the hearts of refined fragrance lovers.

Let’s take a look at the note combination of Essenza di Colonia:

Notes: Neroli, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Petitgrain, Orange, Musk, Mandarin Orange, Vetiver, Rosemary, Oakmoss, Rose, Lily-of-the-Valley, Cloves, Sage, Patchouli, Amber

From the beginning, the overpowering tangy, bitter, light combination of citruses mingles with the sweet, heartwarming smell of jasmine and lily-of-the-valley.

It’s interesting that you will not get the variation of clean, musky, and smoky tones of vetiver, musk, and amber.

This dense combined aura comes to light slowly but stays on for long.

Moreover, you will sense the herbal tone of this sophisticated cologne through the blend of rosemary, sage, patchouli, and many more.

Overall, in Essenza di Colonia Acqua di Parma, the components are arranged layer by layer, and thus, the aromas flow from citrus to floral to earthy. What a brilliant formation!

So, without any doubt, it is one of the best smelling Acqua di Parma colognes with affordable pricing and a longer life span on which your man can depend on.

What Colognes Are Similar To Essenza di Colonia Acqua di Parma?

With so many ingredients, it’s not hard to find dupes of Essenza di Colonia and save some money. It’s not a bad idea either. Plus, you will have a variation from the original fragrance.

Here are the replacements for Essenza di Colonia Acqua di Parma:

1. Neroli Portofino Forte Tom Ford

neroli-portofino-forte-tom-ford

Notes: Neroli, Orange Blossom, Bergamot, Blood Orange, Woodsy Notes, Musk, Lavender, Basil, Galbanum, Leather

Neroli Portofino Forte is a long-lasting, fresh, unisex scent launched in 2016. With this on, people around your arm’s length will get your lively vibe.

After opening the bottle, the exhilarating neroli and sweet orange blossom will brush through your nose, paired with orange and bergamot.

Then, you will slowly get the maturity of woody notes, along with musk. Lavender and basil keep the freshness alive. In the end, the animalic tone of the leather gives a surprising touch.

Anyway, Neroli Portofino Forte Tom Ford is way overpriced. So, if you are on a budget, try the following alternatives I am about to describe.

When to Wear

This beautiful fresh fragrance is best to use in summer and spring daytime. You can also use it during the fall.

Why Should You Buy

  • A refreshing opening.
  • Moderate sillage.
  • Excellent for summer.
  • Good projection.
  • Well-balanced aroma.
  • Long-lasting.

2. Acqua di Parma Colonia

acqua-di-parma-colonia

Notes: Sicilian Citruses, Lavender, Rosemary, Lemon Verbena, Bulgarian Rose, White Musk, Vetiver, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Amber

As mentioned above, Acqua di Parma Colonia is an affordable substitute for Essenza di Colonia. And it will satisfy your thirst for a lighter cologne. It was launched in 1916 and passed the chaos of pre and post-war years.

So, let’s see what it has stored for us in its charming Italian-styled bottle.

If you like herbal and fruity notes together, you will be amazed by the combination of Sicilian citruses with green floral lavender and minty rosemary.

The depth of this scent comes from the harmonious mixture of synthetic white musk and the woody, ambery tones.

Patchouli intensifies the romantic floral vibe of Bulgarian rose and jasmine that I love. You just need a few sprays, and for 6 hours, you won’t have to think of reapplication.

When to Wear

Acqua di Parma Colonia is mainly a summer cologne. However, its classic aura is suitable for fall and spring days.

Why Should You Buy

  • A sophisticated scent.
  • Dupe of Essenza di Colonia.
  • Moderate sillage.
  • Great for warmer months.
  • Lasts up to 6 hours.
  • Reasonable price.

3. Colonia Essenza Special Edition 2015 Acqua di Parma

colonia-essenza-special-edition-2015-acqua-di-parma

Top Notes: Mandarin Orange, Orange, Petitgrain, Bergamot, Grapefruit

Middle Notes: Neroli, Sage, Jasmine, Rosemary, Rose, Lily-of-the-Valley

Base Notes: Cloves, Moss, Patchouli, Vetiver, Amber, Musk

From a refreshing top to white floral middle to an herbal warm base, Colonia Essenza Special Edition 2015 is the perfect clone of Essenza di Colonia.

It came to the market in 2015 with a boozy black bottle. My favorite color.

This aromatic, citrusy scent opens with the acerbic blend of Mandarin orange, bergamot, and petitgrain. This will sit on your skin for a few minutes.

In the heart, you will sense the alluring aroma from all the floral notes.

You can’t really go wrong when there is sage, light neroli, the opulent smell of jasmine, and a rich aura of rose merged with the sweet green nuance of lily-of-the-valley.

Finally comes the base, where the intensity increases because the spicy smell of cloves and bitter-smelling moss mingles with the clean tone of patchouli and the warmth of amber.

If you are thinking about going out for the whole day, you will be tension-free with the longevity of Colonia Essenza Special Edition 2015 Acqua di Parma.

When to Wear

This citrus aromatic cologne is ideal for the hot days of summer, spring, and late fall time. During the day, its aroma flourishes the most.

Why Should You Buy

  • A tangy, refreshing opening.
  • Long-lasting.
  • Good value for money.
  • Strong sillage.
  • A beautiful floral heart.

4. Neroli Portofino Tom Ford

neroli-portofino-tom-ford

Top Notes: Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, Lemon, Bitter Orange, Lavender, Rosemary, Myrtle

Middle Notes: African Orange Flower, Neroli, Jasmine, Pittosporum

Base Notes: Amber, Angelica, Ambrette (Musk Mallow)

Neroli Portofino Tom Ford has a positive, energetic vibe that is enough to brighten your spring and summer days.

Rodrigo Flores-Roux formulated this beauty in 2011.

At the first sniff, you will be welcomed with the most refreshing aura from the orange, bergamot, lemon, and bitter orange mixture.

Later, the rejuvenating aura of lavender and rosemary comes out.

Neroli Portofino’s core is enriched with an opulent white floral tone.

The freshness of the African orange flower mingles with neroli and jasmine to create a charming environment.

Ultimately, in the dry down, the cozy and resinous amber blends with the sweet, musky, woody aromas, which will mix with your skin chemistry and lift your mood in no time.

Moreover, you will be able to enjoy this clean scent for 6 hours with moderate sillage. But keep in mind it’s way overpriced.

When to Wear

Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford is ideal for hot summer and spring days. At night, its refreshing tone doesn’t blend well.

Why Should You Buy

  • Smells similar to Essenza di Colonia Acqua di Parma.
  • Lasts up to 6 hours.
  • A pleasant unisex fragrance.
  • Moderate sillage.
  • Compliment getter.

5. Acqua di Parma Colonia Assoluta Acqua di Parma

acqua-di-parma-colonia-assoluta-acqua-di-parma

Top Notes: Bitter Orange, Bergamot, Lemon Verbena, Sweet Orange

Middle Notes: Ylang-Ylang, Vetiver, Jasmine, Cedar, Pink Pepper, Cardamom, Paprika

Base Notes: Oakmoss, Resins, White Musk, Patchouli

Acqua di Parma Colonia Assoluta is also from Acqua di Parma, and from its note formation, it is a smell alike of Essenza di Colonia without any doubt.

Bertrand Duchaufour and Jean-Claude Ellena are the noses behind this 2003’s edition.

Just after opening the bottle, you will get a refreshing kick from bitter orange, lemon, and bergamot.

Then, after a while, the rich floral aura of ylang-ylang, the clean, celestial vetiver, mingles with the mesmerizing smell of jasmine. You will also get a distinctive hint of pink pepper and cardamom from time to time.

At the base, the strong, earthy oakmoss intensifies due to the presence of resins mixed with musk and clean patchouli, thus making it perfect for office wear.

You will get 6 hours of longevity with a few pumps.

When to Wear

Acqua di Parma Colonia Assoluta is suitable for summer, spring, and fall to some extent. It works best during the day. At night, it doesn’t go well.

Why Should You Buy

  • A modern yet classic aroma.
  • Lasts around 6 hours.
  • Ideal for warmer weather.
  • Affordable.
  • Well-blended notes.
  • Moderate sillage.

6. 4711 Original Eau de Cologne 4711

4711-original-eau-de-cologne-4711

Top Notes: Lemon, Bergamot, Orange

Middle Notes: Lavender, Rosemary

Base Notes: Neroli, Petitgrain

4711 Original Eau de Cologne is a vintage aroma that was launched in 1792. Seeing such a masterpiece that’s still on the market after so long is impressive.

Wilhelm Muelhens created this aromatic, citrusy scent with a few ingredients. And he mixed the most common source of refreshing vibe. Lemon, orange, and bergamot with a hint of spiciness.

Then comes the core, where lavender’s clean, soothing smell merges with rosemary to create an unforgettable aura.

The limey tone comes back in the dry down because of neroli and petitgrain. But, this mood-lifting cologne has a short longevity with intimate sillage. So you need to reapply if you are out for long.

When to Wear

What’s a summer or spring day without 4711 Original Eau de Cologne? Its light and cool vintage vibe is enough to calm your nerves.

Why Should You Buy

  • Tangy, refreshing scent.
  • Resembles Essenza di Colonia Acqua di Parma.
  • Great price range.
  • Has a lively vibe.

7. Acqua Essenziale Colonia Salvatore Ferragamo

acqua-essenziale-colonia-salvatore-ferragamo

Top Notes: Bergamot, Water Notes

Middle Notes: Clary Sage, Orange Blossom, Lavender

Base Notes: Ambroxan, Vetiver, Tonka Bean

Do you love clean sea notes in your perfume? Then Acqua Essenziale Colonia Salvatore Ferragamo is the one for you. It was launched in 2015, and you can buy it as a dupe of Essenza di Colonia.

It opens with bergamot mingling with refreshing and calm water notes.

Soon, the middle shows up, and you will sense the soft herbal sage, orange blossom, and lavender.

Alberto Morillas left no stone unturned when he blended the depth of ambroxan with the cleanness of vetiver and the nutty smell of tonka bean at the bottom.

Also, you will get a long-lasting scent at a great price. So, it’s a win-win.

When to Wear

This aromatic fougere cologne is a must-have for summer and spring. During fall, it also works.

Why Should You Buy

  • Affordable.
  • Lasts longer.
  • Moderate sillage.
  • Suitable for office.
  • Addicting and unique aura.

8. Armani Eau Pour Homme Giorgio Armani

armani-eau-pour-homme-giorgio-armani

Top Notes: Lemon, Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, Green Orange, Basil

Middle Notes: Lavender, Nutmeg, Carnation, Jasmine, Lily, Rose, Cinnamon

Base Notes: Oakmoss, Vetiver, Cedar, Sandalwood, Musk, Patchouli

Let’s talk about another vintage scent. Armani Eau Pour Homme will fit right into the box if you are planning a summer trip. This zesty and reviving cologne was launched in 1984 and formulated by Roger Pellegrino.

At the first sniff, you will feel the pleasant aura of lemon, various oranges with bergamot. It’s a fun start and gets playful to mature slowly.

The heart has two parts one is the sweet lily, jasmine, lavender, and rose blend, and the other is a spicy, earthy, and sweet mixture of cinnamon and nutmeg.

As time passes, the bitterness of oakmoss becomes obvious with vetiver and cedar. You will need a few pumps to enjoy it for 6 hours.

When to Wear

This refined masculine fragrance is an ideal pick during the summer, spring, fall, and even in winter; it’s equally charming.

Why Should You Buy

  • Reasonable pricing.
  • Smells like Essenza di Colonia.
  • Moderate sillage.
  • 6 hours of longevity.

9. Polo Earth Ralph Lauren

polo-earth-ralph-lauren

Top Notes: Neroli, Petitgrain, Citron, Bergamot, Spicy Mint, Green Mandarin

Middle Notes: Orange Blossom, Ylang-Ylang, Geranium, Rose, Sage, Lavender

Base Notes: Haitian Vetiver, Musk, Cedar

Polo Earth by Ralph Lauren was launched in 2022. The most unique fact about it is it’s a sustainable product and animal cruelty-free.

The top opens with a light, green, and citrusy smell from neroli and petitgrain. Bergamot elevates the freshness even more. And for a summer outing, you need such a vibe.

After the top fades comes the floral middle. Here, the white flowers are more prominent, but lavender and sage are a nice touch along with the rose.

Compared to the middle, the base is smoky, musky, and soft woody. This combination is not too heady or airy. It’s perfection after the tangy floral blast. Moreover, Polo Earth’s price point is like the cherry on top of a fine cake.

When to Wear

Your spring and summer days will be delightful with this unisex fragrance. At night, it’s not that appealing, though.

Why Should You Buy

  • Affordable.
  • Lasts up to 6 hours.
  • Moderate sillage.
  • An excellent citrusy opening.

Takeaway Thoughts

You will be in a good mood after using Essenza di Colonia Acqua di Parma. But it’s nice to try something new with the same vibe.

And to make that process easy, I have described the best 9 substitutes. So that you can pick whichever your heart feels for.

Let me know which fragrance you liked the most in the comment section below. Until then, take care.

About The Author
Hello, I am Tasnim, a senior content developer at 10 Fragrances. I am passionate, brave, and up for challenges. From trying new and timeless fashion trends, I gradually leaned toward the amazing world of perfume, where scents do all the talking.

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