Tom Ford

Ombre Leather Parfum by Tom Ford

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Ombre Leather Eau de Parfum is one of my favorite entries from the Tom Ford line. When the brand released a 2021 Parfum version, I was really intrigued at giving it a try. Well, I’ve been testing it out and am now ready to post my review to the site. How does it smell? Is it as good?

What does Ombre Leather Parfum Smell Like?

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

Click here to try: Ombre Leather Parfum

My Full Review

Here’s how Tom Ford describes it: OMBRÉ LEATHER PARFUM INTENSIFIES THE ORIGINAL SCENT, FUSING HEATED LEATHER FLORALS WITH WOODS–CAPTURING THE UNBRIDLED SENSUALITY OF THE AMERICAN WEST.

Well, I don’t think there’s anything any more intense about Parfum versus the EDP. Actually, that one starts and finishes with a heavier boldness.

Parfum isn’t as warm and doesn’t have that cardamom spice up top. Instead, we get a lighter and cooler aroma at first versus EDP.

The violet leaf note really sets the tone. Watery to an extent, with its greenish floral aroma, giving the leather a cleaner feeling than the somewhat earthy example of the EDP.

Cedar, jasmine, and the orris note also come into the picture. The jasmine note won’t be as prominent as in the original, but it still does a lot next to the more dominant violet leaf.

Yes, the orris note is present. It gives Parfum whiffs of a light powdery smell, but really not too heavy.

This is fresher and never has that same dryness. Cedar bolsters the base and a general woodiness just sits underneath the leather and violet leaf.

Tobacco is a newer addition to this. Again, another light note that adds some sweetness and an overall smoother experience.

In the end, it does become dominated by the leather. If EDP was an older, beat up type of leather, this is a brand new jacket.

Leather, the violet leaf/jasmine combo, and woods. That’s the dry down, on me.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

With the longevity here, I still get the same 9-11 hours total on skin, like the EDP. But, whereas that gives me 6-8 hours of strong wear before become a skin scent. Parfum will go 5-6 and then be much softer.

The performance is by no means bad, but on my skin it is actually a slight step back from the original.

Seasonally, Ombre Leather Parfum is still mostly in the autumn and winter camp. Though, it has much more of an ability to be a late springtime wear versus the original. It’s lighter style is beneficial in that environment, holding up better in the heat.

Also, while both are unisex fragrances. Parfum is much more universal in its wear-ability. The original can be earthier and more animalic. With the violet leaf here, plus the lack of intensity from the cardamom and patchouli notes of the original.

This is an attractive scent. Good for nightlife. But, just know that not everyone appreciates the smell of leather, so it isn’t going to be universally beloved.

Overall Impressions of Ombre Leather Parfum

Overall, do I like Ombre Leather Parfum? I do. It shares plenty of overlap with the original, but takes things in a bit of a different direction.

I was worried about the leather and violet leaf before trying this. It could’ve veered more into the Fahrenheit by Dior direction, which isn’t a bad scent, but not one of my favorites.

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

The jasmine that I loved in the EDP is also still here. Now, it splits weight with the violet leaf, which is just isn’t as good as the original.

Ombre Leather Parfum is a lighter version of this fragrance and probably will have a greater appeal in that regard.

Personally, I don’t like the smell of this one as much as the EDP. It’s still up there, just a notch below the eau de parfum.

Performance is also very good. So, which Ombre Leather you should go with is going to boil down to your personal taste, and not anything glaringly wrong with either. Softer, semi-aquatic suede? Or heavier earthier leather?

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?

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

Mandarino di Amalfi vs. Neroli Portofino

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In this edition of the head to head fragrance comparisons, I want to take a closer look at two Tom Ford perfumes, that utilize citrus and floral ingredients. These are: Neroli Portofino vs. Mandarino Di Amalfi. Which of these unisex scents is the better of the two? Which popular fragrance gives the best performance? Which is the top buy?

Tale of the Tape: Mandarino di Amalfi vs. Neroli Portofino

Neroli Portofino

Notes include: neroli, orange flower, amber, mandarin, bergamot, jasmine, lavender, lemon

Click here to try: Tom Ford Neroli Portofino 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray

Review: Neroli Portofino

Mandarino di Amalfi

Notes include: grapefruit, lemon, wildflowers, mint, tarragon, orange blossom, sage, amber, vetiver, basil, black pepper, black currant

Click here to try: Tom Ford Mandarino Di Amalfi Eau de Parfum, 1.7oz./50ml

Review: Mandarino Di Amalfi

Opening

Portofino opens up with lemon and other citrus notes to go along with orange blossom and the neroli. The top is a bright citrus smell with a zesty quality and floral notes sitting underneath and providing a soapy feeling.

The jasmine and neroli together, really give it that bath soap sort of smell. That’s fine and this is a good example of it. I like the citrus notes, but they aren’t as prominent as the floral trio.

Mandarino Di Amalfi opens up with lemon and grapefruit, which are juicier than what is found in Neroli Portofino. There is also an additional black currant note, which is familiar, but not overly sharp within this composition.

Under all of that, is basil, tarragon, and mint. It gives the composition a cool spice and a lighter soapy quality than its competitor.

Which is better? I like Mandarino better at the start. The juiciness of the citrus is better and the herbal spice gives it another dimension, then, just being a soapy floral.

The black currant adds a nice distinction here versus Portofino. Plus, those spicy herbal notes, give Mandarino di Amalfi some more depth early on.

Edge: Mandarino

Projection

Neroli Portofino’s sillage starts out as a moderate, but quickly moves into something that is much lighter. Meanwhile, Mandarino di Almalfi, has very solid projecting abilities for a citrus based scent. It isn’t insane or anything, but it is better than Neroli, in this regard.

Edge: Mandarino

Longevity

Neroli Portofino will hit the five to six hour mark of wear, on skin. If you’re willing to spray on fabric, you can of course get a bit more. It’s really not on of the marathon type of perfumes on the market.

Mandarino di Amalfi isn’t much better, if at all. It too seems to strike that six hour mark and be gone from my skin, thereafter.

In this category, the two are very evenly matched. I get about 5-6 with Neroli and about 6 with Mandarino. This is after plenty of testing of each. Neither are great, but are passable…just don’t expect beasts.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Again, these two pretty much occupy the same space. Spring and summer wears, that can go casual or dressy, during the daytime. They are unisex fragrances, that lean more feminine, than masculine. No real distinction.

With each, you’re going to get more of that coastal summertime outdoorsy vibe. No nightlife monsters, just attractive fragrances to wear during the warmer months.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Neither of these scents really wows me, at all. They’re nice, but just not amazing. Neroli Portofino is a very simple perfume with citrus top note, neroli, and orange blossom.

Later on, it becomes even more floral, with lavender and jasmine coming in. Clean, bright, soapy, floral. Pleasant to wear and won’t offend.

Mandarino Di Amalfi, doesn’t reach some rarefied air, but I think that it is better than Neroli Portofino. The opening citrus is better, then the herbal spice brings in a different dynamic (also does it better than Neroli Portofino Forte), and then you get orange blossom and wildflower.

The floral element smells better to me in Mandarino, as well, and goes well with the green herbals.

Obviously, if you’re a super fan of neroli, you may have your leanings for Portofino. To me, I think the citrus, less soapy aroma of Amalfi is the better of the two.

The performance is pretty good, but not great. I like Mandarino and during parts of the wear, I thoroughly enjoy it, it just never brings it all together. However, it wins this Tom Ford perfume match up.

Winner: Mandarino Di Amalfi

Neroli Portofino Forte by Tom Ford

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In today’s review of a Tom Ford fragrance, we have a flanker scent from the high end designer brand, called: Neroli Portofino Forte. This one came out back in 2016. I am going to share my thoughts after wearing this perfume around. I will cover how it smells, what the notes are, when it should be worn, and if it is even worth a buy?

What does Neroli Portofino Forte Smell Like?

Notes include: neroli, leather, bergamot, blood orange, orange blossom, musk, woods, basil, lavender

Click here to try: Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Forte Eau De Parfum 3.4oz/100ml New In Box

My Full Review

The opening of Neroli Portofino Forte was trying its hardest to get me to hate this fragrance. It’s a musky/spice white floral with the citrus notes only being a side attraction. The basil seems pretty strong at the top and contributes to this being way too much to take all at once.

Neroli is naturally leading the way, but I think it gets distracted from, by everything else going on. Musk and basil are overkill, here.

I really don’t enjoy the first five minutes of this scent, but luckily it does improve quite a lot from there. It’s strange, because I do like basil, usually.

Once you move past that opening, Forte really starts to take on the smell of the citrus notes. Kind of backwards, usually the citrus notes will lead off a fragrance. But here, the come on strong after the initial wave.

Blood orange and bergamot come together to create quite a zesty and deliciously juicy aroma. Forte does still have that soapy sort of vibe, that the original Neroli Portofino does, but the citrus is much stronger in this flanker. Forte just feels like a bolder fragrance than the original.

As we dry down further, there is the addition of a leather note in this one. It’s kind of subtle and doesn’t have the same sort of smell as Tuscan Leather, but it is there and does create an interesting element in the heart of this perfume.

There is musk and woods, to go with the white floral notes, as well. The spiciness of the basil, is pretty much gone at this point.

Ultimately, what I am left with is woods, leather, some musk, blood orange, neroli, and orange flowers. It’s later stages, are probably the absolute highlight of Forte, I feel that this is when the perfume really stands out and distinguishes itself.

If I could skip the opening and get to the citrus, leather, and woods…I’d be much higher on this fragrance.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, moderate, but stronger than the original. Neroli Portofino Forte, doesn’t have huge sillage but it will extend about 4-5 feet from the skin for the first few hours, and then come in closer. It never seems weak, but is pretty steady throughout the wear.

For the price, it delivers something solid and doesn’t completely leave me wanting more.

Longevity, is good, better than the original. It stayed on my skin for maybe 7-8 hours, which while not amazing, is a solid workday. Really, with what you’d be paying for this Tom Ford scent, it’s not at all spectacular.

So, projection is worthwhile and it lasts about the minimum I would want to acquire a bottle.

Seasonally, Forte is for warm days. Every aspect of it is absolutely built for the sun and gives off that spring/summer feeling to a tee. It is unisex, but another one that leans more towards the feminine end of things.

Not that it’s girly or anything, just much more in line with perfumes you’d find on the women’s side of thing, as opposed to men’s colognes.

It is classy, somewhat mature, and not a casual summertime scent. It can be worn at the office or other semi-formal or dressed up sorts of events. It’s attractive, but not a sexy or seductive fragrance. Luxurious with plenty of depth for something that is worn during the summer months.

I want to wear this in the daytime. Neroli Portofino Forte isn’t something for the nightlife.

Overall Impressions of Portofino Forte

Overall, do I like Neroli Portofino Forte? I do somewhat. The opening turned me off, but the dry down brought me back in. I think that it is a nice perfume, has a really good blood orange note, and a unique use of leather.

Is it amazing? Not in my mind. It is also a really expensive scent, so, even if I wanted to spend that much money it wouldn’t be a top choice for my personal collection. It’s a well put together fragrance, that smells good, and has an interesting character.

I really don’t like the initial basil blast in the opening and how it interacts with the rest of the composition. This is one that definitely gets better as it moves on. Ultimately, it’s just not a must have for me.

Soleil Neige by Tom Ford

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Soleil Neige is a part of the Soleil line of fragrances from Tom Ford. Released in 2019, it presents a different take on the solar theme, using the impression of snow to create a new scent. I picked up a sample of this one recently and have been testing it out. How does Soleil Neige smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does Soleil Neige Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, benzoin, jasmine, orange blossom, lemon, and musk

Click here to try: TOM FORD Private Blend Soleil Neige Eau De Parfum 1.7 oz / 50 ml Spray

My Full Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see how Tom Ford describes it: FRESH BERGAMOT, SUMPTUOUS PALE BLOOMS AND THE WARMTH OF SKIN-GRIPPING MUSK EVOKE A SOJOURN TO AN ALPINE GETAWAY, WHERE WINTER ESCAPADES PLAY OUT UNDER AN IRIDESCENT SKY. A PERFUME THAT MIMICS THE SERENE SHIMMER OF SUN ON SNOW, AND THE COOL REFLECTION OF WINTER SUN BRIGHTENING WITH GLACIAL LIGHT. 

The opening of Soleil Neige does indeed have a cold and snowy like vibe to it. I get the sun shining off of the snow sensation from this and it’s pretty neat.

The top notes are the citrus blend and mix of floral notes, led by jasmine. At first the jasmine, rose, and white florals have a bit of that Soleil Blanc creaminess to it. However, that does shift to having a powdery snowy quality for much of the wear.

When I smell my skin up close, Neige has that buttery creamy aroma, but further away it smells more like a cold citrus perfume. It’s a nice change up going from warm to cold for the duration of the wear.

As it moves further along, the dominant notes become the jasmine and orange blossom. Underneath that, the benzoin and a light vanilla also begin to really come through. Benzoin is a great addition to the base of this scent and prevents it from becoming just another basic floral perfume.

It seems to have more of the powdery quality floating around for the rest of the wear, rather than creaminess. But, it isn’t completely dominant and actually the resinous labdanum/benzoin combination is still steering the ship.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Soleil Neige is a lighter fragrance overall. However, with that being said, it isn’t completely weak. It’s got an airiness to it that will sneak up on you hours after spraying. It’s not something that I constantly pick up on, but just walking around I do catch a whiff of it.

Subtle, not a complete beast, but it isn’t a skin scent for me for the duration. Nonetheless, sillage is not its strength.

As a skin scent, it sticks around for around 7 hours in total. Again, not great. Though, it wasn’t a complete waste, I do wish that it had a little bit more power at this price point. That’s my real complaint, for the price, I do want more out of my fragrance.

Seasonally, it can actually work year round. I know it has the snow in the name, but its balance between cold and warmth allows it to venture into the spring and summer months also. Climate wise, it is very versatile.

It’s a unisex fragrance, that leans feminine, but nothing too girly. You can wear Neige casually or out and about. It has a somewhat youthful scent and probably isn’t going to be a formal wear for most people.

My Overall Impressions of Soleil Neige

Overall, do I like Soleil Neige? I do. This is a very nice and borderline great release from Tom Ford. There are periods when I’m wearing this perfume and it strikes me as being amazing. It’s coldness contrasting with a feeling of bright sunny aromas.

The aldehydes and the citrus notes, come across like an bright lime blossom. Beyond that, there is an underlying creaminess, especially when pressing your nose close to it. However, it also has a powdered quality that’s very enjoyable.

Based on the fragrance alone, I think that Soleil Neige is worth a try. It’s a fairly safe blind buy, but some people may want more from the performance or expect a groundbreaking scent at this price point.

It’s probably a good idea to test it out before committing to a full bottle. Though, I doubt the disappointment would be huge if you did.

What Perfumes Smell Like Soleil Neige?

I cannot think of anything that is an exactly the same. One fragrance that comes to mind is, Anyway by Juliette Has a Gun. The lime, neroli, and musk give it a similar vibe, just as a thinner and more summery sort of perfume. However, Soleil Neige is better, has more depth, and much better performance.

If you want this perfume, you’ll probably have to go with the real thing.