Jeremy Fragrance Game of Spades Refresh Review: Crisp, Citrusy Unisex Parfum
Refreshing citrus and green notes make this a spring-summer staple
By Vivir··Updated
Jo Milano has entered the fragrance scene with a bold statement: Game of Spades Refresh, a unisex parfum that captures the essence of spring and summer in a bottle. Released in 2026, this scent is a vibrant blend of citrus, fresh spices, and green accords, designed to be worn daily. With a moderate performance profile, it promises to be a reliable companion for daytime wear, offering a clean and invigorating aura without overwhelming the senses.
From the first spray, Refresh announces itself with a burst of Calabrian bergamot, cucumber, and watermelon, creating an immediate cooling effect. The heart introduces a delicate floral sweetness with jasmine and violet, balanced by a hint of vanilla and caramel. The base grounds the composition with woody and musky notes, including ambergris and guaiac wood, leaving a subtle, sophisticated trail. This is a fragrance that celebrates simplicity and freshness, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer understated elegance.
As a reviewer, I find that Game of Spades Refresh excels in its versatility. It transitions effortlessly from a casual weekend outing to a professional office setting. The moderate longevity and sillage ensure it remains present without being intrusive, a quality that many will appreciate. With a price point of $65–$90 for 100ml, it offers excellent value for a daily driver. Let's dive deeper into what makes this fragrance tick.
AmbergrisAmbrette SeedsIncenseGuaiac WoodWhite MuskAmbroxanChinese Black Tea
Scent Journey
1
Opening0-30 min
The first 30 minutes are a dazzling spectacle of citrus and aquatic freshness. Calabrian bergamot and Sicilian orange lead with a zesty, sparkling quality, while cucumber and watermelon provide a cooling, watery sensation. A subtle hint of nutmeg and ginger adds a gentle spice, preventing the opening from being too linear.
2
Heart1-2 hrs
As the fragrance settles into its heart (1-2 hours), the floral notes emerge. Jasmine and violet bring a soft, powdery elegance, while Tunisian neroli adds a touch of orange blossom sweetness. The Bourbon vanilla and caramel begin to peek through, creating a creamy, slightly gourmand undertone. Ceylon cinnamon and Nigerian ginger maintain a warm spice, balancing the sweetness.
3
Drydown4+ hrs
In the drydown (4+ hours), the composition transitions to a woody, musky base. Guaiac wood and ambrette seeds provide a smooth, slightly smoky woodiness, while white musk and ambroxan add a clean, skin-like aura. Ambergris imparts a subtle marine depth, and Chinese black tea adds an unexpected aromatic twist, leaving a refined, lingering trail.
Performance Dashboard
⏱️ Longevity3.0/5
Moderate longevity, lasting 6-8 hours on skin. It performs well for a daytime scent but may require reapplication for all-day wear.
📢 Projection3.0/5
Moderate projection, radiating about an arm's length. Ideal for office or casual settings where a loud presence isn't desired.
💨 Sillage3.0/5
Moderate sillage, leaving a subtle but noticeable trail. It won't fill a room but will be detected in close proximity.
When to Wear
🌸SpringBest
☀️SummerBest
🍂FallOK
❄️WinterAvoid
☀️ Daily Wear👕 Casual💼 Office📌 Daytime
Pros & Cons
✅ Refreshing and invigorating citrus opening
✅ Versatile for daily wear and office settings
✅ Good value for the price point
✅ Unisex appeal with balanced sweetness
❌ Moderate longevity may not satisfy all-day wearers
❌ Lacks uniqueness; similar to other fresh scents
❌ Projection is modest, not for those who want to make a statement
Price & Value
$65-$90
Excellent value for a 100ml parfum concentration. The quality of ingredients and performance justify the price, making it an affordable luxury for everyday use.
“A smart purchase for fragrance enthusiasts on a budget who appreciate fresh, citrusy scents.”
📜 Reformulation History
No significant batch variations reported. The scent profile remains consistent across batches.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
Those who prefer fresh, citrus-forward scents
Fans of unisex fragrances
Individuals seeking a versatile daily perfume
People who enjoy moderate performance for work or casual settings
⚠️ Not Recommended For
Those who favor heavy, long-lasting oriental or gourmand fragrances
People seeking a unique or groundbreaking scent profile
Those who require intense projection for evening events
Layer with a vanilla or amber fragrance to add warmth and depth for cooler evenings.
Combine with a musk-based scent to enhance the clean, skin-like drydown.
🏆 Final Verdict
Game of Spades Refresh is a well-executed fresh fragrance that delivers on its promise of a crisp, invigorating experience. Its moderate performance and versatile nature make it an ideal choice for spring and summer daily wear. While it may not break new ground, its balance of citrus, floral, and woody notes offers a pleasant and reliable scent at an attractive price.
