Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper | 25 by Kayali

Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper 25 is the last of the perfumes from the Kayali sample set, that I had to review. Totally forgot about this one over the past few months and so have revisited the scent for that purpose. Wasn’t one of the options that I was particularly excited to try out, but does it actually exceed expectations?


What does Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper 25 Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, pink pepper, saffron, Bulgarian rose, vanilla orchid, sandalwood

Click here to try: Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper 25


My Full Review

The opening of this one really goes heavy on the spice and bergamot note. Pink pepper and saffron come in and make a bold, warm, and peppery statement up top. With that strong citrus brightness from the bergamot.

It’s a bit too much for me. This does improve as it settles. The Bulgarian rose will start to take over and this one loses a lot of the shock of the top notes. At this point, it’s the rose and saffron and patchouli heading things.

That pink pepper sticks around, but it is at a greatly diminished level.

For basically the rest of the way, this is a dry rose and saffron fragrance. Sure, there is some woodiness and musk floating around, but the two main attractions dominate.


Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one does start out with some nice power and can leave a scent trail in ones wake. That spicy impact early on will carry well in the air and leap off of the skin.

Even beyond that, I still get to spend plenty of time with Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper, as a moderate fragrance that doesn’t hit skin level status until the latter back half of the wear.

While it isn’t too complicated of a perfume, Sweet Diamond actually sticks around fairly well for a Kayali scent. 7-7.5 hours, on my skin. Obviously, the vast majority is when it is in its saffron and rose phase, but I still pick it up.

Seasonally, this would work better in the colder to milder temperatures of autumn and winter. It’s fine in spring, also. I would probably skip wearing Sweet Diamond in the summer, outside of some evenings perhaps.

Within that time frame, it’s pretty versatile. I don’t find it to be sexy or formal, but it could work for most other occasions or a daily wear. Also, since Kayali perfumes are so layer-able, you can get some addition use out of Sweet Diamond by going that route.


Overall Impressions of Sweet Diamond

Overall, do I like this fragrance? It’s okay. I don’t think that it’s terrible on its own, but it also isn’t a perfume that wows me at any time. It is about what I expected from Sweet Diamond. It might be a better bet for layering than for solo use.

I usually enjoy saffron and pink pepper separately. However, together in this scent, it’s too overwhelming early on. Sweet Diamond does improve some, as it dries down, but it’s not that complicated of a fragrance to truly make a difference.

The performance is good for this brand, however. So, if this ends up being one of the scents that you like, you at least get some value out of it. I don’t hate Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper, but Huda Beauty has released better.

4 Perfumes Similar to Born in Roma

Born in Roma has been a successful line for Valentino in both the men’s and women’s editions. Today, I want to focus on the Donna version of Born in Roma, in order to keep an ongoing list of potential alternatives or other perfumes that simply have a similar style to the Valentino fragrance. Below are my picks.


Fragrances that Smell Like Donna Born in Roma

Electric Option

Electric Fantasy by Britney Spears– So, Electric Fantasy is a great little flanker from Britney Spears, that does have a pretty similar aroma to Born in Roma.

Pink pepper and jasmine are heavy influences in both during the opening acts. Here, we get passionfruit instead of the more tart blackcurrant of the Valentino. As such, more of a tropical vibe with Electric.

Yet, the Britney fragrance isn’t as sweet. A lot will have to do with the difference in the use of vanilla, which is heavy in Born in Roma. With Electric Fantasy, a powdery heliotrope serves that role, but it’s obviously going to be different.

Again not the same exact scent, but this is a cheaper option that can bring an enjoyable and at times close fragrance to that which we are looking for.


Rome Inspired

Heart of Rome by Dua– The only ‘inspired by’ fragrance of Donna Born in Roma that I’m currently aware of comes from The Dua Brand. Their scent Heart of Rome attempts to capture much of the same vibe as the Valentino release.

As such, the not structure is going to closely follow our target scent, which hopefully translates into a perfume that is pretty darn similar.

Now, this is one from Dua that I haven’t tried out, so I can’t say for sure. However, I’ve owned like 7 fragrances from this company that were ‘inspired by’ designer scents and they all were very good.


Quite the Aura

Aura MUGLER 90 ml refillable Spray EDP– Aura EDP is another fragrance from Mugler that can be a great one to check out if you like Born in Roma.

Now, these two aren’t the same. But, the base notes and the structure do have a lot of commonalities between them. With Aura, you get orange blossom instead of the jasmine of the Valentino perfume.

Also, has a greenish layer of leaves, that gives it a unique dewy aroma. Sort of a minty aroma up top, especially when blended with the rhubarb. But, the dry down is orange blossom, vanilla, and woods.

To me, this is an underrated scent. Might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but still quite good. Aura EDP Review


Paradise

Paradiso Assoluto by Cavalli– This perfume from Cavalli isn’t going to be anything like an exact match. But, the structure and the main notes does personally remind me of Born in Roma to an extent.

Jasmine and vanilla are the main attraction with Paradiso. You also get a citrus fruity top and very similar wood notes in the base.

The main differences are the fruity sweet/tart opening act is greater and much more significant in the Valentino. Secondly, Paradiso Assoluto has more of the jasmine note, particularly later in the wear, along with a wisteria influence.

6 Perfumes Similar to Chanel Chance

Chance by Chanel is one of the best selling ladies’ fragrances of the past decade or so. It’s just one that has its legion of followers, who will swear by it. The one main issue is, you’re going to be paying Chanel prices in order to enjoy it. Which then begs the question, are there any cheaper fragrances that smell comparable to Chance? In this post, I present 6 options that can competently do the job (If you’re looking for scents like Eau Tendre, that’s my post).


What Fragrances Smell Similar to Chanel Chance?

Poker Cheapie 

Milton-Lloyd Cosmetics | Poker | Parfum De Toilette | Spray for Women | 0 | 1.7 oz– If you want something pretty close to how Chance smells, but costs under $15 per bottle…Poker is it.

Milton Lloyd actually does a great job with most of its inspired by fragrances and Poker is an example of such. Poker is closer to smelling like the aroma of Chance EDT, though, it’s not an exact match. This one doesn’t have the same depth and has more of a fruity aroma versus the Chanel.

However, for the price, you’re not going to do better. It opens up with a nice and soft citrusy aroma, that takes on the powdery and musky qualities of the base notes. The performance is actually pretty darn good for such a cheapie, but you may have to spray a bit more than usual for the same effect.


Inspired Dossier

Woody Hyacinth by Dossier– The next three perfumes on the list, I haven’t tried. However, they are all ‘inspired’ by Chanel Chance, and I have used other designer inspired fragrances from each of these brands in the past.

I will say, that this Dossier has some mixed reviews, as to its accuracy in matching our target. Can’t say that it’s true, but there are also plenty who seem to think that it hits the mark. The ones that I have tried, were all pretty solid or very good.

But, maybe you give it a try?


Another Chance Taken

Leave it To Chance by Dua So, Dua is a brand that I have faith in their quality. I’ve owned 7 full bottles from them, as well as, smaller travel sprayers. They do a great job at getting as close as possible to the aroma of the designer scents.

Leave it To Chance is their inspired version of the 2003 original formula of Chance EDT. It’s about $4 ($33 as of posting) more than the Dossier. Which if you wanted to try all three of these types on the list, it’d still be cheaper than one bottle of the real thing in most cases.


Impressions

Cherasco by Fragrenza– This is the third potential alternative, which attempts to come close to our Chanel target. The good news about Fragraenza, is that you don’t have to commit to a full bottle, and can buy a smaller sample to test out.

Again, I haven’t tried this one. But, I did try their inspired versions of BR 540, some Kilian’s, Lost Cherry, Bitter Peach, etc. The quality was there and the brand does come pretty close, if not completely exact to what they’re trying to match.

Performance was good with all of the scents that I tried, so, I doubt that this one is any different.


Similar Smell, but Distinct

Vince Camuto Femme Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Fl Oz–  Camuto Femme isn’t one to one of Chance’s structure, but it hits a lot of the same beats, at a more affordable price. Not nearly as inexpensive as Poker, but it’s not going to break the bank.

To me, the main difference seems to be having less of the patchouli note or musk, depending on whether you’re comparing it to Chance EDP or EDT.

Camuto feels like a cleaner citrus, with a nice dry down period where the vetiver really shines. Not a super powerful scent, but the performance is certainly passable.


Love Spice

Perry Ellis Love Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Ounce Love by Perry Ellis actually mimics both Chance and Coco Mademoiselle to some extent. A bit closer to the Chance side of things, but it provides you with another affordable close option.

This is a bit heavier on the spices, while still retaining a great citrus aroma. Other than the rose, the floral notes here aren’t going to be the same, and that’s probably the biggest difference between them. Even that note is a light one.

Love has a somewhat light projection once it settles. However, the performance overall is good and it’ll last for most (if not all) of a workday.

L’eau EDT by Chloe

L’eau EDT is another entry into the long-running Chloe series from the brand. This version was released in 2019. I grabbed a sample of it, as a part of a lot, in order to finally give it a full review for the site. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is L’eau EDT worth a try?


What does Chloe L’eau Smell Like?

Notes include: rose, magnolia, grapefruit, lychee, moss, cedar, musk, amber

Click here to try: Chloe L’eau

chloe l'eau review


My Full Review

Here’s how Chloe describes it: A fragrance with a rare simplicity and eternal grace. A light natural dew drop trail where notes of rose absolute blend with a voluptuous magnolia accord.

The opening act of Chloe, does give you a clean and dewy sort of aroma. It’s a bit of that juiciness from the lychee and grapefruit notes. Plus, the greenish aroma coming off of the early bits of moss and rose.

This is a fruity opening, not really sweet, more of a tart sort of smell. But, on me that is kept in check and will gradually fade into the background.

As we move past the opening 20-30 minutes, this gets floral, woodsy, and musky. The rose is the note that stands out most, but this isn’t a pure rose, by any means. There actually is a good deal of magnolia present in the first 2-3 hours.

The rose and ‘dewy’ aroma do make this one come across as a rose water scent, as the name would suggest. Light, with a move into soapy clean territory.

The dry down, is more musky and woodsy. There seems to be a patchouli note poking up, during the wear. A nice amount of moss, but the latter stages are about the musk and amber. A drier clean, with less of the rose water fragrance. However, that stays somewhat present throughout.


Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here isn’t massive, but it is safely above average. It’ll project well off of the skin and leave a decent scent trail for a time.

I’d say somewhere at 5-6 feet from the skin, at its maximum projection. After that, it’s in the 2-4 foot range, until it’s skin scent time. Pretty decent.

The longevity hit right at 7 hours for me. Again, not a huge and overpowering fragrance, but the performance is nothing to complain about.

Seasonally, Chloe L’eau is best in the spring and summer months. The warmer weather makes this one come alive. Yes, it does have the drier woodsy undertones, but the perfume is balanced and still has that dewy lightness to it.

It’s mostly a daytime wear. It can absolutely serve as a daily wear for the spring and summer. Not super formal, but one that can get plenty of use, even at the office. Or, just going about your day elsewhere around town.


Overall Impressions of Chloe L’eau

Overall, do I like L’eau? Yes, I think it’s a very nice all-around rose scent. It has a nice balance with the early citrus/lychee notes and the dry down into a dewy, greenish, mossy/woods perfume.]

L’eau EDT doesn’t have to go too far in any direction and part of its appeal, is just how versatile and easy to wear it can be. Not necessarily one that everyone is always going to love, but a fragrance which can find a place in a collection and get used even as a daily wear.

The performance is slightly above average, but not by much. The name alone suggests that it isn’t going to be a heavy wear, but it isn’t too faint or airy. Noticeable, but not going to be screaming for attention.

To me, this is a buy, if it sounds interesting to you. Maybe try to find it discounted. There are other options out there that will go further with the moss or dew, but this Chloe perfume does it all well.

16 Similar Perfumes to Lost Cherry

Lost Cherry has become a mass appealing favorite from the Tom Ford line. Over the past few years, people have been taken by it, but often don’t want to pay the high price to acquire it.

Also, some people want something that smells similar, but is distinct from the popular perfume. On this page, I am going to post the fragrances that I feel are close to Lost Cherry, near matches, or in between, and update it as I come across more options.


Key Takeaways of Lost Cherry Alternatives

Here are some of the highlights of this post, for those in a hurry. I go into much greater depth further down the page, on these options and many others.


Favorite Perfume Alternatives to Lost Cherry

The Dua Cherry

Popped Cherry by Dua– Popped Cherry from The Dua Brand is, based on the name alone, obviously designed to smell close to the Tom Ford fragrance. And, it does a very good job at it.

If you want a pure clone type of recreation of Lost Cherry, this is a great one to go with. It is not only cheaper, but also has a good performance, as well. The cherry liqueur, almond, and other gourmand notes blended together in its syrupy goodness.

Also, like other popular scents that Dua produces, they also have blends available that mix and match Popped Cherry with other perfumes. So, if you want to try a remix, there’s those too.

That being said, comparing my bottle of the Dua with the actual Lost Cherry, it isn’t an exact 1 to 1 smell. Very close, however.

Lost Cherry has more of an amaretto-like mixed drink quality early on, that I likened to a Dr. Pepper sort of aroma. That and it’s a bit less powdery in the dry down. My Review of Popped Cherry


Less Boozy and Spicy Aroma

Ambery Cherry by Dossier Cherry and almond dominant, especially in the early stages. In some ways, this feels a bit sweeter than Lost Cherry, maybe a little less of that spiciness. Or what I refer to as the “Dr. Pepper” sort of aroma that the Tom Ford gives off.

With Lost Cherry, I pick up a more naturalistic cherry note and then one of those syrupy red cherries that are used in bars. Ambery Cherry goes with the more naturalistic one alone. Also, without the boozy note.

The heart gets a bit more floral and vanilla based, than the early stages. Jasmine, clove, and vanilla come on. Pretty much the same weighting with Lost.

But, outside of that, this is really very close to being a full on match of our target perfume. The performance is okay, but not spectacular. A very nice pickup for around fifty bucks.


Syrupy Fruit

Cherry Smash by Alt Fragrances– Another inspired take on the Tom Ford scent. Cherry Smash is an affordable option that really strikes as a near match of what we’re wanting.

The good thing about this one, is that you get the syrupy sort of cherry to go along with the more straightforward cherry aroma. Liqueur and the fruit itself. The cherry is the dominant note, as expected, but perhaps the almond is a bit weaker than in Lost.

Also, feels slightly creamy, at times. But, it’s dead on once the opening act has faded.

Cherry Smash doesn’t skimp on the performance, like Popped Cherry, it will last all day and has a solid sillage. The price is right with Smash, providing a great cheap alternative to the expensive Ford.

lost cherry clone


Similar Almond and Cherry

Fructus virginis 1.8oz (Alexandria Fragrances) 55 ML– Fructus Virginis isn’t the same as Lost Cherry, but it does have plenty of overlap with notes and an overall similar style. Rose, cherry, and musk are some of the more prominent features of this one.

To me, Lost Cherry has more of a cherry Dr. Pepper sort of aroma. This also has a ton of cherry, almond, and more sweetness. But, doesn’t have that same exact vibe. It is darn close, but Fructus does have its own distinct style ultimately.

Also, while this really loads up on the syrupy (bar) cherry aroma. Lost Cherry has a second wave, with a more naturalistic one. But, if you want another cherry/almond option, this is a good one to check out.


Cherry Sin

Sinful by Oakcha– Here’s another take on the Lost Cherry formula, this time from Oakcha. I haven’t tried this one out just yet, but I’m putting it on the list as another potential ‘inspired’ option for people to check out.

Oakcha has plenty of good inspired takes on designer fragrances available, a ton of positive reviews, and the price is in line with the others listed above. So, give it a try, if you want one from this brand.


High End, Not Exact

Duchessa by Gritti– I’m going to include Duchessa on the list, even if it’s not nearly a match to the same level as the others on this list. It has a stronger, sour cherry than does Lost. Not nearly as syrupy. Plus, it shares the almond note.

Yet, this one is probably somewhat overpriced and doesn’t have the booziness. Nevertheless, it’s still a really attractive perfume. The cherry is joined by a bitter orange note, the surrounding fragrance comes across like marzipan and there is a light sprinkling of powdered cocoa.

It’s warm with highlights of patchouli, a dash of cloves, and a light iris note which kind of comes and goes. Also, this is really hard to come by (in the US, at least). You can usually find some decants online, which I’d recommend before committing to a full bottle.


Smell Lovely

Lovely Cherie by Maison Alhambra– This is another affordable option that serves as an ‘inspired blend’ of the Tom Ford original. Maison Alhambra does a pretty good job with most of their scents and this is one of the better examples.

The cherry here is sweet and leans more toward the syrupy end of things, maybe even more than what you get with Tom Ford. It doesn’t have the same amaretto sort of booziness, more of a pure almond note, with an added smokiness to it.

Good performance and plenty of value for the money, if you can find a bottle.


Similar but Does its Own Thing

Cherry Syrup by Proad– Very much a thicker cherry with boozy elements (rum here). Yet, this doesn’t try to exactly mimic Lost Cherry. Instead, you get less of a nuttiness and an additional saffron note. Also, Cherry Syrup smells like a sweeter aroma.

The use of rum and oak, along with the sweetness gives it a slight resemblance to Angels’ Share. It’s faint, but it is there.

Cherry with a boozy spice and vanilla. That saffron note adds something different to the mix from our target perfume. A good choice, if you want something along the same lines, but doesn’t try to be exact.


Close Style from Dior

Fève Délicieuse– Okay, this Dior isn’t the same as Lost Cherry. But, I think this is another great fragrance with quite a similar style, and something many folks will enjoy.

It is also a warm and sweet fragrance, with a tonka bean really highlighting. But, beyond that, you also get cherry…and vanilla, prailine, coffee, chocolate, and caramel. But, while it has all that, it isn’t a baked goods-like aroma. Feve remains dynamic.

There are powdery qualities, lavender and rose touches, and a rather distinct herbal spiciness in the dry down. This one is kind of different, but feels familiar. I never tried the older version of Fève Délicieuse, so I’m not entirely sure if it changed a great deal or what. But, this is a great little perfume.


Smoky Fruit

Lovefest Burning Cherry– This Kayali offering has a very similar opening to Lost Cherry, but probably a bit more syrupy and thick. Our target note is joined by raspberry and the sweet gourmand smell of praline.

Yet, it will shift into something that is more influenced by amber, an incense smokiness, and a big dose of woods. This really separates Lovefest Burning Cherry from the other options of the list.

Palo santo and guaiac wood play a large role in this one, with the slightly resinous amber note. The cherry will stick around, while the other notes burn off. More balsamic, less floral and powdery, even though it does feature heliotrope and a Damask rose.

This has a very light sillage. It does last well enough, but it’s going to stick closer to the skin, so just be advised before purchasing. Lovefest Burning Cherry Review


Punk Cherry

Cherry Punk by Room 1015– This is an interesting perfume to compare to Lost Cherry. They both have plenty of cherry and a boozy air about it.

But, this one gives you that super candy sweetness with a smooth leather/saffron combination and a burst of smokiness in the early stages.

Cherry Punk is syrupy and sweet, with added floral notes of jasmine and mimosa. Sichuan pepper gives it an early punch, that the Tom Ford doesn’t really have.

This syrupy/candy/soda like cherry is found in the Tom Ford, but balanced with a more naturalistic variety. Cherry Punk, just goes with the former.

This isn’t a 100 percent match or completely similar. Just one that you might enjoy trying out, if you want to go in a bit of a different direction than Lost Cherry, while not straying too far.


Another Inspired Cheapie

Amarena Cherry by Fragrenza– I haven’t gotten to try this one, as of yet. However, I want to include it on the list for those searching for a Lost Cherry alternative. It’s supposed to be quite good.

Here’s how their site describes Amarena, An intriguing blend of tart cherries, sensual rose, and enigmatic woody notes yields a delightfully stimulating cherry fragrance. The heart is a rich, boozy cherry liqueur with a sweeter, almond note and a flowery touch of Turkish rose and jasmine sambac.

Sounds pretty much like what it is we’re looking for here.

Update: I’ve gotten a hold of a sample of Amarena Cherry. It is legit, smells very close to what we want, maybe a tad less boozy. Overall, very nice option.


Overlaps, But Ultimately a Different Cherry

Prada Candy Gloss– The Prada Candy line has come out with a bunch of different formulations over the years. I like L’eau and Night, but Gloss, is the one that’s going to get you a fragrance in the same ballpark as Lost Cherry.

Now, I will say, it’s not the same. This is a distinct fragrance that shares: cherry, almond, vanilla, and a powdery heliotrope in the dry down. You won’t get booziness, this is more green with its cassis note, and it is very sweet in comparison to the Tom Ford.

The rose and peach notes do give this one a nice touch to really make it distinct. The performance is good and I think it’ll do better in warmer weather than Lost Cherry can.

The sugary candy name and lip gloss imagery, does hold true, and that’s what you should expect. Later, it gets muskier with plenty of floral notes and some amber too.

Pretty sure it’s been discontinued recently. So, if you want to try, move quickly before prices get outrageous.


Zara Fruitiness

Cherry Smoothie by Zara– This is another kindred fragrance, but not a complete match of our target.

Cherry Smoothie focuses more on the fruitiness with a bit more plum in the mix versus the Tom Ford. Also, the cherry is the fruit and not the liqueur version early on. So, you’re basically getting the same cherry throughout and not multiple types.

It lacks spice, the booziness, and some of the warmer thickness of Lost Cherry. You do get a nice and different floral mix, that is led by heliotrope, which gives it a good powdery quality.

The nuttiness of the almond comes through more at times. The sillage here is lighter and it doesn’t have the best performance, but this is a good option for cheap.


An Expensive Near Match

Cherry by Max Philip– Here’s another option that I’ve come across, but haven’t yet tried out. Cherry by Max Philip, looks like it’s got the notes that we’re looking for and is also fairly well regarded.

Cherry, liquor, almonds, plum, etc. The questions I have come less from the ingredients (it should be 85+% of what you get with the Tom Ford, at least) and more from the potential quality of the perfume.

Also, it costs almost as much as the real thing. At that point, just get the Tom Ford, if that’s what you want.


Cherry with Different Highlights

Cherry Fever by Lunio– Another one that isn’t an exactly smelling like Lost Cherry. However, it shares lots of notes with the Tom Ford.

The main difference is the note strengths are sort of inverted. So, while Lost Cherry has patchouli, cinnamon, amber, and sandalwood…with Cherry Fever those ingredients are given prominence alongside the cherry.

No booze here, more amber and spicy highlights. A newer release, that you have to order from Europe.