By Designer

Ombre Leather vs Parfum by Tom Ford

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Ombre Leather’s popularity inevitably spawned a flanker fragrance based on its formulation. This came in the form of 2021’s Ombre Leather Parfum. I looked forward to giving this one a try, after how much I enjoyed the EDP. But, does it actually surpass it? Which lasts longer? Which should you buy?

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict

Ombré Leather wins on opening, projection, longevity, and overall scent, while Ombré Leather Parfum wins on versatility.

Buy Ombré Leather if you want the stronger, better-performing leather fragrance with the better overall scent.

Buy Ombré Leather Parfum if you want the smoother, more restrained version that is easier to wear in more situations.

Category Ombré Leather Ombré Leather Parfum Winner
Opening Leather, cardamom, jasmine sambac, patchouli, and a stronger dry leather edge Leather, violet leaf, cedar, jasmine sambac, and a smoother softer floral touch Ombré Leather
Projection Stronger projection with a louder first few hours Still solid, but smoother and less aggressive off the skin Ombré Leather
Longevity Around 8+ hours with stronger staying power Usually about the same, but not quite as long-lasting overall Ombré Leather
Versatility Best for colder weather, evenings, and stronger statement wear Easier to wear in more situations with a smoother and less intense profile Ombré Leather Parfum
Overall Scent Dryer, stronger, and more powerful leather fragrance with better full wear Smoother, softer, and more wearable leather scent Ombré Leather
Best For Those who want the stronger, better-performing leather scent Those who want the smoother, more versatile version —

Tale of the Tape: Ombre Leather vs. Parfum

Ombre Leather

Notes include: leather, moss, jasmine, amber, patchouli and cardamom

Click here to try: Ombré Leather Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.7-oz.

My review: Ombre Leather

Ombre Leather Parfum

Notes include: leather, violet leaf, jasmine, orris, cedar, tobacco

Click here to try: Ombre Leather Parfum

Opening

Ombre Leather opens with leather, jasmine, moss, cardamom and saffron. It’s a very dark and dry with supple leathery warmth and a certain earthy quality to it all.

At the very start, that cardamom and saffron are quite apparent, with that spiciness of cardamom coming through. The leather and amber note are going to be there through the entire process, but it’s subdued to some extent by the spicier qualities.

As far as the jasmine and moss at this stage, they’re more just background support.

Meanwhile, Ombre Parfum starts out lighter, cooler, and more ozonic. The violet leaf plays a larger role next to a cleaner leather aroma. It’s a bit watery and green, with plenty of fresh wood and jasmine also coming in.

Which is better at the start?

I’m going to go with the original Ombre Leather. Personally, I’m not a big fan of violet leaf, so it’s inclusion isn’t a big win for me. But, I don’t mind it too much in Parfum.

However, the warmth and spiciness early on with Ombre Leather has always captivated me and was going to be tough to top.

Edge: Ombre Leather

Projection

Both of these fragrances can start out being very strong off of the skin. Scent trails and massive projections, that will moderate and still present quite well during the remaining wear.

But, one might think that Parfum would be the bolder of the two. But, I don’t think that’s the case. It’s actually a close call, but the EDP seems to have a slight edge. I think it’s just because how each is structured…with EDP having bolder notes with a heavier weighting.

Edge: Ombre Leather

Longevity

So, with Ombre Leather I would get 6-8 hours of really noticeable wear. Then, it gives me an additional 3 hours or so as a skin scent. Anywhere from 9-11 hours in total.

Actually, it’s about the same with Parfum. However, the skin scent phase of the wear starts early by an hour or two, depending on the day.

I also sprayed each on jackets that I have hanging in my closet. Ombre Leather has been hanging on with a much stronger presence than has Parfum. But, each is still there two days later.

Edge: Ombre Leather

Versatility

Here’s a category where Ombre Parfum wins. Both are technically unisex, but Ombre Leather EDP does lean much more masculine.

Also, Parfum and it’s lighter sillage and use of floral notes lend it to venture further into the warmer months than the EDP. It’s not as intense and can be more wearable to a greater number of people.

Edge: Parfum

Overall Scent

This is actually a fairly close competition, as these two obviously share a lot of overlap and have strengths about them.

With Parfum, you do get a different feeling than with EDP. Lighter, less warmth, and that violet leaf really changes the tone. I was expecting more of a Dior Fahrenheit vibe, but this is a much more subtle use than the grassy gasoline of that one.

This is a cleaner representation of the leather, actually can be a bit suede like. There is some light tobacco and orris which gives it a smoother finish. Not all that powdery, but there is just a hint at times.

The performance is still good and this version might appeal to more people who didn’t care for the strength of the EDP.

However, I love Ombre Leather EDP. It might be my favorite leather fragrance. The spiciness, warmth, earthiness, and the jasmine with the leather note is fantastic. I like that I get more of that floral than the violet leaf.

Plus, the orris isn’t strong enough to make much of a difference, between the floral notes.

I like Ombre EDP, but there is a case to be had for Parfum, if it sounds like it might be better for you.

Winner: Ombre Leather EDP

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose Ombré Leather if:

You want the better overall fragrance
You want stronger projection, better longevity, and the better opening
You prefer leather, cardamom, patchouli, jasmine sambac, and a sharper masculine edge
You like drier, darker leather scents with a more powerful presence
You want the version that performs stronger and feels more bold from start to finish

Choose Ombré Leather Parfum if:

You want the more versatile option
You prefer leather, violet leaf, cedar, and a smoother softer floral touch
You want something easier to wear in more situations and settings
You like leather fragrances that feel more refined and less aggressive
You prefer a more restrained and polished take on the Ombré Leather DNA

Burberry Her EDT vs EDP

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Her is a very popular series from Burberry nowadays. It has spawned more than a handful of flankers up to this point in time. I’ve been familiar with the eau de parfum for quite a while, but wanted to compare it to Her Eau de Toilette, which I’d only encountered once. So, this is my page for that.

How does each of them smell? How long do they last? Which is the better perfume pick?

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict

Burberry Her EDT wins on opening and overall scent, while Burberry Her EDP wins on projection and longevity. Versatility is basically a push because the EDP works better outside of summer, while the EDT specializes more in spring and summer.

Buy Her EDT if you want the fresher, more interesting pear, black currant, strawberry, and floral version with very little performance drop-off.

Buy Her EDP if you want the stronger, longer-lasting berry-heavy scent.

Category Burberry Her EDP Burberry Her EDT Winner
Opening Strong citrus and berry opening with strawberry, raspberry, brightness, and some jasmine Pear-led opening with strawberry, black currant, pink pepper, lily of the valley, and peony Her EDT
Projection Pretty strong at first, then moderates after the first hour or so Starts fairly strong and comes close to EDP, but not quite as high at the peak Her EDP
Longevity Usually 7–8 hours, sometimes slightly above 8 About 7 hours Her EDP
Versatility Best outside of summer; pleasant daytime wear that skews younger Spring and summer vibe; light, fresh, pleasant daytime wear Push
Overall Scent Sweet-tart berry fruitiness with strawberry, citrus, raspberry, and a less original back half Fresher pear, black currant, strawberry, and floral profile with the better opening and dry down Her EDT
Best For Those who want stronger berry projection and slightly longer wear Those who want the fresher, more interesting version with near-EDP performance —

Tale of the Tape: Burberry Her EDP vs EDT

Burberry Her

Notes include: strawberry, citrus, raspberry, cherry, blueberry, wood, musk, amber, jasmine

Click here to try: Burberry Her Eau De Parfum Spray

Read my review: Burberry Her EDP

Burberry Her EDT

Notes include: pear, strawberry, black currant, pink pepper, peony, rose, honeysuckle, musk, cedar, lily of the valley

Click here to try: Her EDT at Sephora

Opening

Burberry Her EDP starts off with a strong use of its citrus and berry notes. The fruitiness is powerful in the early stages. Strawberry is the strongest note of the lot, with some additional raspberry and brightness of the citrus notes.

It can be sharp and sour versus being sugary sweet or anything. The floral notes aren’t all that strong, but there is a decent amount of jasmine at times.

EDT also has that strawberry note. However, it starts off with the pear note being the lead. Under that, I get more of the black currant than I do the strawberry. It’s fresh and kind of watery, with a touch of pink pepper breaking up the sweetness.

But, what I do notice between these two options, is that Her EDT uses its floral notes a bit more in the early stages. Lily of the valley is the main focus, though, I get some peony also.

Which is better?

I don’t have a huge preference for one versus the other at this early stage. But, I do lean more towards the EDT version. The pear, freshness, greenish qualities are a bit more interesting than what I get from EDP.

Edge: Her EDT

Projection

Her EDP kicks off things with a pretty strong ability to project and leave a scent trail in one’s wake. It will moderate in the back half of the first hour or so.

Still, it doesn’t feel weak ever, until we get to the absolute depths of the wear.

EDT actually comes close to matching what EDP does. It starts fairly strong as well. Maybe not as high of a peak, but it’s not completely weak either. It then follows the same sort of trajectory on the way down.

Edge: EDP

Longevity

Her EDP will generally hit the 7-8 hour range on my skin. Maybe it can go a little bit above 8 hours, at times, but not much. It’s actually been fairly steady for me over all of the testing of this perfume that I’ve done.

With EDT, it is once again, almost as good as the eau de Parfum. Yet, it still falls short. On my skin, I got about 7 hours out of this one.

So, maybe 60-90 more minutes of wear with Her EDP. Not a massive difference, but a win.

Edge: Her EDP

Versatility

Her EDP is one that I like in every season except for the summertime. I don’t think it holds up all that well in the heat and humidity. Meanwhile, EDT specializes in the warmer months of the year. It very much has a spring and summer vibe to it. Light and fresh.

Neither of these are formal wear perfumes, nor are they completely mature. More pleasant daytime wears, that skew a bit younger without being childish.

I don’t know if there’s an advantage here.

Edge: Push

her edp vs edt

Overall Scent

So, overall, which Burberry Her do I like more? EDP or EDT?

They’re not too far off from one another. Each fragrance has some things that I enjoy about them.

With Burberry Her EDP, I do like that opening fruitiness, as it does offer something somewhat different from Cloud and BR 540 which it often gets compared to. Not totally different, but sweeter and more tart, in that opening act.

The back half is fine. Nothing too original there.

I do think that I slightly prefer Her EDT to the eau de parfum version. Actually, I think Intense is better than either of these, but my pick is EDT out of these two. There are some other perfumes similar to Burberry Her.

With EDT, you don’t get much decline in the performance versus EDP. Also, I think the opening and back half of the perfume smells better. The opening of Her EDP was my favorite part of that scent, but EDT outshines it there too.

Winner: EDT

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose Burberry Her EDP if:

You want the stronger performer between the two
You prefer strawberry, raspberry, citrus, cherry, blueberry, musk, amber, and jasmine
You like sweet-tart berry fragrances with a more powerful opening
You want slightly better longevity than the EDT
You do not mind that the back half is less original than the opening

Choose Burberry Her EDT if:

You want the better overall scent between the two
You prefer pear, strawberry, black currant, pink pepper, peony, rose, honeysuckle, musk, cedar, and lily of the valley
You want something fresher, lighter, and more spring/summer friendly
You like a more floral, greenish, watery take on the Her DNA
You want performance that comes close to the EDP without losing much wear time

Burberry Her FAQ

Which is better: Burberry Her EDT or EDP?

Again, I prefer the EDT version of this fragrance, even with the weaker performance. I like the pear not, the blackcurrant, and just find it to be a more interesting scent.

Which Burberry Her is best for summer?

Between these two editions it’s the EDT. Other options from the series are: Her Petals and Her London Dream. The latter two may be difficult to find nowadays. Those are the best bets for a warmer weather fragrance, though.

Which Burberry Her perfume should I buy first?

I’d probably try out Her EDT first, if it sounds interesting to you. Her EDP is nice enough, just never wows me. Maybe check out Elixir, as that is a popular option too. 

 

 

Burberry Goddess vs Her Comparison

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Burberry Her has been a very successful line of fragrances for the brand. But, they more recently brought to market their perfume called, Goddess. Being that, these are two of the hottest Burberry fragrances out nowadays, they are obviously going to be compared. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict

Burberry Goddess wins on opening, versatility, and overall scent, while Burberry Her wins on projection and longevity.

Buy Goddess if you want the smoother, lighter vanilla fragrance with better versatility, more maturity, and a scent that works for both daytime and nightlife.

Buy Burberry Her if you prefer stronger fruity projection, better lasting power, and a sharper strawberry-forward scent. Overall, Goddess is the better-smelling fragrance, while Her is the better performer.

Category Burberry Goddess Burberry Her Winner
Opening Vanilla, cacao, ginger, and lavender with a lighter, cooler sweetness Strong citrus and berry opening led by strawberry and raspberry with a sharper fruity edge Goddess
Projection Moderate throughout, more intimate scent bubble Starts quite strong with a far reach, then settles to moderate Her
Longevity Around 6.5 hours Usually 7–8 hours Her
Versatility More mature, sexier, works for daytime and nightlife from autumn through early spring More limited, mostly daytime fruity wear from autumn through early spring Goddess
Overall Scent Pleasant vanilla-lavender scent with a smooth, light, easy-to-wear character Fruity fragrance with a BR540-style dry down and stronger berry focus Goddess
Best For Those who want the better-smelling, more versatile option Those who want stronger projection and longer wear —

Tale of the Tape: Burberry Her vs. Goddess

Burberry Her

Notes include: strawberry, citrus, raspberry, cherry, blueberry, wood, musk, amber, jasmine

Click here to try: Burberry Her Eau De Parfum Spray

Read my review: Burberry Her EDP

Burberry Goddess

Notes include: lavender, vanilla, cacao, ginger, vanilla absolute, vanilla caviar

Click here to try: Goddess by Burberry

Read my review: Goddess

Opening

Burberry Her EDP starts off with a strong use of its citrus and berry notes. The fruitiness is powerful in the early stages. Strawberry is the strongest note of the lot, with some additional raspberry and brightness of the citrus notes.

It can be sharp and sour versus being sugary sweet or anything. The floral notes aren’t all that strong, but there is a decent amount of jasmine at times.

Goddess goes sweet, not sour, and away from the fruitiness. Here you get the vanilla coming through early, along with cacao. But, there is also a ginger note which provides a wonderful freshness, at the start.

It’s a lot lighter and cooler than you might expect from a vanilla-dominant perfume.

Which is better?

I don’t mind the opening fruitiness of Burberry Her, but I do prefer Goddess a bit more in comparison. The ginger is great here, like the vanilla, and there’s enough cacao to keep it balanced.

Edge: Goddess

Projection

Burberry Her starts off actually quite strong. It has a far reach off of the skin and will leave a scent trail in your wake. The next phase, is much more moderate, but this one is no slouch.

Goddess, never hits the same peak as Her. I thought that this might be a stronger perfume than it is, coming into it, but it’s actually pretty moderate throughout.

In fact, much of the wear is a lighter moderate aroma. Not weak, just not screaming for attention.

Edge: Her

Longevity

With Burberry Her, I can get up to 8 hours of wear. Though, it will generally fall in the 7-8 hour range, and sometimes a little less than that.

With Goddess, it’s more like 6.5 hours tops. It doesn’t fall too far below that on the lower end, but it doesn’t have the same level of staying power as does Her.

Edge: Her

Versatility

Seasonally, I don’t think either of these is going to be one to reach for in the summer months. More autumn through early spring, for each of them. Equal on that metric.

Neither is a formal fragrance either. Though, I do think Goddess is a bit more mature, sexier, and can fit into the nightlife as well as daytime. Her, is much more limited in those respects.

Edge: Goddess

Overall Scent

Thus far it’s a pretty even split between these two perfumes. But, which do I ultimately prefer?

It actually is a close race, as I think that both scents are likeable.

With Burberry Her, I do like the fruitiness and it gets its comparisons to Baccarat Rouge 540, for pretty obvious reasons in the dry down. Even though, it is a different enough fragrance in totality.

It’s a slightly better performer than is Goddess. However, I like the way Goddess smells versus what you get with Her.

If you wanted to get both, you might opt for an alternative to Goddess by The Dua Brand, called: The Goddess within Her. It’s more affordable than the designer scent.

The opening act is wonderful. The middle with the vanilla and lavender is also nice. Never overbearing and keeps things light. Sure, the dry down is pretty basic with a whole lot of vanilla and some amber, but Goddess is still pleasant.

It’s not a wide margin, but I’d rather come back to wearing Goddess again, than more rounds with Her EDP.

Winner: Goddess

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose Burberry Goddess if:

You want the better overall scent
You prefer vanilla, cacao, ginger, and lavender over berry-heavy fragrances
You want something more mature and versatile
You need a fragrance that works for both daytime and nightlife
You like lighter, smoother sweetness instead of sharper fruity openings

Choose Burberry Her if:

You want stronger projection and better longevity
You prefer strawberry, raspberry, citrus, and fruity sweetness
You like fragrances with a stronger opening and bigger scent trail
You enjoy that BR540-style dry down comparison
You care more about performance than overall scent quality

Burberry Goddess vs Her FAQ

What does Burberry Goddess smell like?

It a mix of sweet and fresh, especially early on. The vanilla and cacao notes really come into their own, but they do get lightened up by the lavender and that initial ginger kick.

Is Burberry Goddess worth the hype?

I’m not sure how much hype there is behind the fragrance. Is it the best perfume ever? No, but it might be your personal favorite. For me, I think that it’s a very good designer release with performance that’s kind of middle of the pack. I do enjoy the fragrance a lot, overall.

Why is Burberry Her so popular?

Well, this initial release I think got a lot of traction due to its similarities to BR 540, which is a best-selling fragrance. Though, Her is enjoyable in its own right. Plus, Burberry has released a bunch of flanker fragrances from this line which are also good. Thus, the popularity builds.

Alien Goddess vs. Intense Comparison

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Alien Goddess is the latest flanker series from Mugler utilizing the Alien name and style. Even if, it is a fairly different wear from the original classic Alien. But, the first Alien Goddess has now gotten a flanker of its own, Alien Goddess Intense. I’ve tested both of them and am going to compare the two in this post to see, which is the better buy?

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict

Alien Goddess Intense wins on opening, projection, longevity, and overall scent, while versatility is basically a tie.

Buy Alien Goddess Intense if you want the richer, creamier vanilla-jasmine version with stronger projection and better lasting power.

Buy the original Alien Goddess if you prefer a lighter coconut-citrus floral scent with a fresher tropical feel, but overall Intense is the stronger fragrance.

Category Alien Goddess Alien Goddess Intense Winner
Opening Coconut water, bergamot, jasmine, vanilla with a lighter tropical freshness Coconut, jasmine, vanilla, benzoin with a richer creamy sweetness Alien Goddess Intense
Projection Moderate projection with a softer scent trail Stronger projection and fuller scent bubble Alien Goddess Intense
Longevity Around 6–7 hours Usually 8+ hours Alien Goddess Intense
Versatility Spring/summer friendly, daytime wear, vacations, casual use Still versatile, but stronger sweetness suits evenings and cooler weather more Push
Overall Scent Bright tropical coconut floral with lighter vanilla warmth Creamier, deeper vanilla-jasmine scent with stronger warmth and richness Alien Goddess Intense
Best For Those who want the fresher tropical version Those who want the stronger, richer, better-performing version —

Tale of the Tape: Alien Goddess vs. Alien Goddess Intense

Alien Goddess

Notes include: bergamot, coconut water, jasmine, vanilla, heliotrope, cashmeran wood

Click here to try: Alien Goddess at Macy’s

Read my review: Alien Goddess

alien goddess review

Alien Goddess Intense

Notes include: coconut, bergamot, jasmine, jasmine tea, benzoin, vanilla, cashmere

Click here to try: Intense at Sephora

Read my review: Goddess Intense

Opening

Alien Goddess opens up with coconut and bergamot. But, the bergamot is quite light, and the coconut is more of a watery one. The jasmine and vanilla also begin to come through early.

It is a bright, sweet, and creamy perfume. The heliotrope will come on soon after to split some of the duties with the jasmine note.

Alien Goddess Intense is more substantial and ‘thicker’ than the original. Here, the coconut isn’t watery, but more of the fruit itself. It is also joined by vanilla and benzoin early, which further add to it.

But, early it’s the coconut, jasmine, and vanilla notes mainly. It does also have that bergamot, but it doesn’t play much of a role in Intense either.

Which is better?

They do have a similar aroma, but I think I prefer that of Goddess Intense more so. The earlier vanilla emergence and the fuzzy amber-like qualities of the benzoin are nice additions. I do like the original too, so, it’s not a complete blow out victory here.

Edge: Intense

Projection

Intense does come across as being a heavier scent and one that has more projection than the original. A bit more of a scent trail too.

I don’t think Intense massively outperforms the original, in this regard. However, it does have the edge for sure.

Edge: Intense

Longevity

The original Alien Goddess went 8-9 hours for me, on skin. It’s actually got some really nice performance and wasn’t a disappointment.

However, Intense will go 9-10+ hours of wear. It’s not a massive difference, but I can detect it for an hour or two past, what I got with the original EDP.

For a mainstream designer fragrance, Alien Goddess Intense is borderline elite, with how long it lasts.

Edge: Intense

Versatility

The only real difference here is the the climate each is worn in. Sure, there is overlap. Though, the original is a better bet for the warmer spring and summer weather. It’s lighter and not as cloying in the hotter temperatures.

That being said, Intense is the better bet in colder weather. Both can fit in on moderate days. Outside of that there really isn’t much distinction.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these perfumes do I prefer? It’s a closer call than it may seem. I consider them both to be good smelling fragrances, though, neither blows me away. But, each is bolstered by its general likeability and performance.

With the original, I like the lighter coconut, the sweetness and the heliotrope which comes through in the middle act. It’s a very nice and wearable perfume.

But, Intense is slightly better to me, across the board. The vanilla, amber, benzoin combination isn’t wholly different from the original. It’s just more of an enjoyable mix overall.

Plus, the performance is better. Not a huge win, but I’ll take Intense.

Winner: Alien Goddess Intense

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose Alien Goddess if:

You prefer lighter tropical fragrances
You like coconut water, bergamot, jasmine, and softer vanilla
You want something fresher for spring and summer
You mainly wear fragrance during the day or on vacations
You prefer a softer, less sweet scent profile

Choose Alien Goddess Intense if:

You want the better overall fragrance
You prefer richer vanilla, coconut, jasmine, and benzoin
You want stronger projection and better longevity
You like creamier, warmer feminine scents
You want the stronger-performing version for evenings or cooler weather

Mugler Alien Goddess FAQ

Is Alien Goddess more tropical than Intense?

Yes, the coconut water and bergamot notes give it a lighter and fresher aroma that’s tropical and a nice wear in the warmer weather. You still get coconut with Intense, but it doesn’t feel as tropical as the original.

Which is the best Alien Goddess perfume to buy?

Out of the releases so far, I like: Goddess Intense and Supra Florale most. I like Intense a bit more than Florale. But, those two are pretty close in terms of how much I enjoy each.

Which Mugler Alien Goddess should I buy first?

I think that Goddess Intense is the best of the series that they’ve released as of now. But, it may not be the best for what you want. Again, you might like that lighter and fresher formula of the original more.

11 Best Valentino Perfumes for Her

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Valentino is a name in the fashion world which is synonymous with elegance, class, grace, and looks that are completely classic. Of course, the perfume line from Valentino tries to embody the image which the name tends to invoke in women from around the world, and in most cases, succeeds completely.

For this post, I have selected eleven scents which I feel are the best from the designer. Some of these may be discontinued, but still available online at various stores. But, I’ve updated it recently with newer picks, as well.

Also, check out: Sexiest Women’s Perfumes, Top Kenzo Scents, Our Homepage

Favorite Smelling Valentino Perfumes

Best Winter Scent

Valentina Myrrh Assoluto– Myrrh is an underused note in the perfume world and even when it is included; it can be poorly done. Myrrh Assoluto is a definite exception, as this is a fantastic fragrance.

It’s warm, with sweet vanilla, and hints of rich leather peaking in throughout the wear. It is bold and enveloping, like a wrapped blanket around your body. This type of fragrance is going to be a cold weather scent, so, avoid if you’re in a tropical location.

Sort of a unique offering from Valentino, though, it has an amazing darkness to it and is overall very beautiful.

Soft Daily Wear

Valentino Rock ‘n Rose by Valentino For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 1.6-Ounces – As the name suggests, the heart of this fragrance is its rose note. It combines with other florals and sweeter smells to create a memorable, light, and highly feminine perfume that is unique in its own right.

It opens up with a mix of sweetness and a somewhat sharp aroma, provided by black currant. As it dries down, it can take on a bit of creaminess and feels powdery at time. Sandalwood and gardenia are flanking the namesake rose.

Best Born in Roma

Donna Born in Roma– So, the best of the Donna Born in Roma series is the original (at least thus far). Yellow Dream is second, in my mind.

Initially, this one has a good deal of tartness between the black currant and bergamot notes, but this will gradually become sweeter, without feeling sugary. The citrus seems like it is stronger than the currant on first spray. Pink pepper also gives it some warm spice, before it transitions.

Really, vanilla and smooth cashmeran wood will eventually emerge to lead Born in Roma. But, jasmine dominates the middle and gives this a nice floral heart pairing with the vanilla. Sweet, easy to wear, and softer than it may initially seem.

The woody and vanilla dry down is fairly simple, but highly enjoyable for a popular designer fragrance.

Dreaming Roma

Born in Roma Yellow Dream– Updating this page, I’m not sure if this one is still my second favorite in the Donna Born in Roma series or not. However, it is still near the top.

It starts with a lemon note up top, which surprisingly isn’t too sharp or intense in that opening act. Underneath that, is a soft rose, which shares the beginning of the wear with that lemon and the two work very well together.

As we move forward, it’s a musky rose fragrance with a light hint of that initial lemon. It’s somewhat sweet and it feels like there might be another unlisted floral note in here also, that is supporting the rose.

This one is very simple and a nice clean daily wear. It might be too pricey for what you get, but I think it’s nice overall.

Golden Roma

Born in Roma The Gold– I could’ve also went with Born in Roma Intense, but I think this one is a bit different enough from the others, that it deserves spot on the list.

This one is a gardenia based fragrance with that ‘solar’ sort of smell they put in perfumes and a creaminess added by a coconut. To me, the coconut note isn’t too heavy, but more blended into the rather simple bright white floral mix.

So, that top is going to be slightly juicy and tropical with a mandarin orange and that coconut, but that will start to fade and this will be more dominated by the gardenia.

This also gets compared to Alien Goddess by Mugler. However, I think that Born in Roma Intense is closer to the mark there.

Very pretty, somewhat has that fluffy aroma at times (ala Cloud), but this one is an easy to reach for perfume if you enjoy gardenia.

Unisex Leather Option

Valentino Donna Noir Absolu– Donna Noir Absolu has overlaps with the men’s version of this, but is unisex at the same time. A blast of peppery spice in the opening, settles down into a smooth leathery joy.

On top of that leather is a sweet/tart fruitiness and just a hint of booze, at least early on. The further along you get, the drier that the perfume becomes, with an incense smokiness permeating the fragrance. Not super heavy, not too sweet, just a well-blended and great smelling perfume.

Valentino Jasmine Blend

Valentino Valentina Eau de Parfum Spray, 2.7 Ounce– Citrus notes blended with vanilla, sweet floral ingredients, and woodsy notes like cedar. It has a refined air of elegance to it along with something that is strikingly natural.

Jasmine is the main floral note here, at times it is supported by strawberry, and later a fairly large bit of truffle. The fruity notes, don’t really seem all that strong, and it has more earthiness than a super fruity vibe.

In the end, jasmine and tuberose, with cedar and truffle, and a bit of strawberry remaining. Very inviting and surprisingly wonderful fragrance for daily wear.

Light Scent for Spring/Summer

New by Valentino Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 1.70 Ounce – This is another very classy and sensual scent by Valentino. Like the others it contains some delightful floral notes including, mimosa, orange blossom, violet leaves, vanilla orchid, and pear blossom.

A very versatile perfume that can be a star performer for the right lady. Pomelo and orange flower give it a citrus fruit character, especially up top. It provides a bit of juiciness to the composition, sitting underneath a bouquet of flowers.

The floral notes that stick out are the mimosa, orange blossom, and heliotrope. There is a powdery finish and Valentino EDP also delivers a solid performance with an upbeat personality.

Frangipani and Pear

Donna Acqua by Valentino– This flanker fragrance to the original Donna, has enjoyed some popularity over the past few years, becoming one of the best selling Valentino perfumes (though, I think Born in Roma gets more attention). It also, happens to be one of the most attractive.

It is led by frangipani, with a sweet nuttiness sitting underneath from the almond note. However, I think that the main support is the pear note, whose crisp juiciness provides much of the ‘Acqua’ feeling that is present.

Light, fairly sheer, with a dose of creaminess from sandalwood and frangipani. There is a jasmine note, also, that comes through more after a few hours.

Discontinued but Great

Valentino V Absolu By Valentino For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 1.6 Ounces – Great perfume, if you can still score a bottle of it. It is an interplay between sweet and spicy, the sweet eventually wins out and a beautiful and warm dry down makes this an absolute winner.

V Absolu has plenty of creaminess from the frangipani, sandalwood, and delicious vanilla. There is a woodiness and some fig, especially upon the initial spray. Again, it’s been discontinued, but it’s good enough to keep a spot on the list.

Simple, Easy to Wear, Very Nice

Valentino Voce Viva 3.4 oz / 100 ml EDP Women Spray– This one seems to have gotten some critical reviews since its release, maybe because it’s not super original? However, I think it’s actually a pleasant and attractive fragrance.

It opens up with orange blossom, a general citrus aroma, and vanilla. It’s bright, sweet, and creamy. You’ll also get some ginger, and later, a gardenia note. It will be a citrus floral fragrance for the opening act.

Then, it will shift to be a floral, vanilla, and mossy scent. Vanilla and gardenia, with a clean and dry aroma coming up from the base. All in all, a perfume with a lovely profile. Not super unique, but it does distinguish itself and gives you a great performance.

Voce Viva is extremely versatile and one that can be worn pretty much anywhere in the spring and summer months. My full review