Azzaro Wanted EDP Review: A Deep Dive Into The Modern Outlaw's Scent
Is this bold, spicy fragrance worth the hype? We break down the performance, price, and comparisons you need to know.
Launched in 2021, Azzaro Wanted Eau de Parfum arrived as a more intense, sophisticated successor to the original 2016 Eau de Toilette. The fragrance landscape at the time was saturated with 'blue' and sweet scents, and the Wanted line carved its niche by offering a bold, spicy-woody alternative with a playful, rebellious edge. The EDP's release was a strategic move by Azzaro, capitalizing on the market trend of releasing stronger, richer 'parfum' or 'eau de parfum' versions of successful fragrance lines. It aimed to capture an audience that loved the original's DNA but desired more depth, better performance, and a slightly more mature character.
In the crowded designer fragrance market, Wanted EDP positions itself as a direct competitor to other popular evening and 'clubbing' scents like Paco Rabanne's Invictus line, Jean Paul Gaultier's Scandal, and Viktor&Rolf's Spicebomb. It stands out with its unique blend of crisp juniper, aromatic sage, and earthy vetiver, creating a profile that is both mass-appealing and distinctive. Within the Azzaro lineup, it bridges the gap between the brighter, more citrus-forward original EDT and the darker, sweeter flankers like 'Wanted by Night' and 'The Most Wanted', offering a balanced yet powerful option.
The concept behind the 'Wanted' collection is the archetype of the modern outlaw: a charismatic, confident man who lives by his own rules and isn't afraid to take risks. The bottle, famously designed to look like a revolver chamber, is a direct and unambiguous nod to this theme. The EDP is marketed as the scent for a man who is desired, envied, and plays for all the stakes. The fragrance itself is meant to be addictive and attention-grabbing, a tool of seduction and a statement of intent. It’s less about subtlety and more about making a memorable impression.
Within the fragrance community, Azzaro Wanted EDP is widely regarded as a significant improvement over the original. It's praised for its impressive performance, particularly its longevity and projection, which are key metrics for consumers looking for value and impact. While some find its profile to be part of the modern 'sweet' trend, most agree that it balances its sweetness with enough spice and woods to remain masculine and versatile for evening wear. It has become a go-to recommendation for those seeking a reliable, compliment-getting scent for dates, social events, and nights out, solidifying its place as a standout in the modern designer category.
The Nose Behind the Scent
While the perfumers for the 2021 EDP are not officially credited, the scent is an evolution of the original Azzaro Wanted EDT, which was created by the talented duo Fabrice Pellegrin and Nicolas Beaulieuu. Pellegrin is a master perfumer known for his work on iconic scents like Diptyque's Do Son and Jo Malone's Blackberry & Bay. Beaulieuu has an extensive portfolio, having contributed to major releases for Paco Rabanne, Clinique, and other top brands. Their original creation laid the successful groundwork that the EDP masterfully builds upon.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The fragrance opens with a vibrant and spicy blast of juniper berries. It's sharp, slightly sweet, and aromatic, reminiscent of a high-end craft gin but immediately warmed by an undercurrent of spice. This initial phase is energetic and attention-grabbing, setting a confident tone.
After about 30 minutes, the heart of the fragrance emerges as sage becomes more prominent. This introduces a clean, green, and herbal facet that cuts through the initial sweetness. The sage adds a layer of sophistication and aromatic freshness, balancing the composition and preventing it from becoming overly cloying.
In the final phase, beginning around the 3-4 hour mark, a warm and earthy vetiver base takes over. The vetiver here is not overly smoky or dirty; it's smooth and woody, grounding the fragrance. The earlier sweetness and spice linger softly, blending with the woods to create a rich, masculine, and alluring scent that stays on the skin for hours.
Performance Dashboard
Excellent longevity. Expect 8-10 hours on skin and well over 12 hours on clothing. This is a fragrance that will last an entire evening out.
Projects strongly for the first 2-3 hours, creating a noticeable scent bubble of about 3-4 feet. It then settles to a more moderate projection but remains easily detectable by those nearby.
Leaves a powerful and enticing scent trail, especially in the first few hours of wear. It's a head-turner that will be noticed as you move through a room.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Exceptional longevity and projection for a designer scent.
- ✅ Mass-appealing scent profile that garners frequent compliments.
- ✅ A significant improvement in depth and quality over the original EDT.
- ✅ Versatile for most evening and cold-weather occasions.
- ✅ Unique and memorable bottle design.
- ❌ The sweetness can be cloying if over-sprayed.
- ❌ May be too loud or youthful for some preferences.
- ❌ Lacks the unique complexity found in niche perfumery.
Price & Value
“A solid value. Given its powerful performance and appealing scent, the price is fair and competitive. You get a lot of impact for your investment.”
📜 Reformulation History
Since its release in 2021, there have been no widely reported significant batch variations or reformulations for the Azzaro Wanted Eau de Parfum. The product has maintained a consistent quality and scent profile.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
Bright and zesty lemon with a kick of spicy ginger, underscored by fresh lavender and mint.
The fragrance warms, introducing crisp apple and aromatic cardamom, balanced by geranium and juniper.
Settles into a smooth, slightly creamy base of sweet tonka bean and amberwood, with a subtle earthy vetiver finish.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts 6-8 hours on skin
Moderate projection for 2-3 hours
Leaves a noticeable, but not heavy, trail
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ More versatile for daily use
- ✅ Brighter, fresher opening
- ✅ Lighter and less intense than EDP
- ✅ Lower price point
- ❌ Less intense than EDP
- ❌ Shorter longevity than EDP
- ❌ Less depth and complexity than EDP
Price & Value
“A more accessible and versatile option for daily wear compared to the EDP.”
📜 Reformulation History
Known for minor reformulations since its 2016 launch, which have slightly impacted longevity and projection, but the core scent profile remains consistent.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Men aged 20-40 who enjoy modern, bold, and slightly sweet fragrances. It suits a confident, outgoing personality and a smart-casual to stylish dress sense.
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who prefer classic, subtle, or fresh citrus-based scents. Its boldness makes it unsuitable for conservative office environments or formal, daytime events.
The Family
The 2016 original; brighter, more citrusy, and less dense.
A darker, spicier flanker with a prominent cinnamon note, ideal for winter.
A sweeter, gourmand take with toffee and bourbon vanilla notes.
A very sweet and spicy version with a focus on cardamom and toffee.
A fresh, aquatic, and citrus-forward version for summer.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a similar powerful, sweet, and ambery DNA built for nightlife.
Features a comparable warm, spicy, and sweet profile with excellent performance.
Another modern sweet scent with a dominant caramel note that appeals to a similar audience.
Blends fruity sweetness with a warm tobacco and patchouli base, hitting a similar modern masculine vibe.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Offers a similar spicy, ambery, and aromatic vibe at a much lower price point, though with less performance.
While a clone of JPG Ultra Male, it shares the same sweet, loud, and playful DNA that fans of Wanted EDP enjoy for clubbing.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
If you enjoy the warm spice, this offers a deeper tobacco and vanilla experience.
A rich, sweet, and powerful fragrance with a similar modern and bold character.
Combines fresh apple and sage with a warm, ambery base, offering a more versatile but equally modern appeal.
More from Azzaro
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple woody fragrance like Molecule 01 (ISO E Super) to enhance the vetiver base and boost projection.
- A light vanilla scent to amplify the sweetness for colder nights.
- A crisp bergamot or grapefruit fragrance to add a brighter citrus opening for spring evenings.
🏆 Final Verdict
Azzaro Wanted Eau de Parfum is a clear winner in the designer fragrance space. It takes the successful DNA of the original and elevates it with improved performance, greater depth, and a more refined character. This is the fragrance you reach for when you want to be noticed in the best way possible.
Its blend of spicy juniper, aromatic sage, and woody vetiver is modern, masculine, and highly effective at drawing compliments. The performance is a key selling point; with 8+ hours of longevity and strong projection, you can apply it in the evening and be confident it will last all night. For date nights, social gatherings, or a night on the town, it is one of the most reliable and effective options on the market.
If you are a fan of modern sweet and spicy scents and demand strong performance from your fragrances, Azzaro Wanted EDP is a must-try. It delivers on its promise of a bold, charismatic scent and offers excellent value for its price point. This is a smart purchase for anyone looking to add a powerful and appealing evening fragrance to their collection.