Cologne Reviews

Uomo Born in Roma Yellow Dream by Valentino

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Uomo Born in Roma Yellow Dream was one of the fragrances in this series from Valentino, that I had yet to try out. To remedy this, I ordered a travel sprayer sized decant of the cologne in order to finally test it out and give it a proper review.

How does it smell? Does Roma Yellow Dream last long? Is it actually worth a try?

Born in Roma Yellow Dream Review

Notes include: pineapple, mandarin orange, gingerbread, ginger, vanilla, cedar

Click here to try: Yellow Dream

My Take

My closest comparison to Yellow Dream is Stronger with You Freeze. It doesn’t have that same cold vibe and is also a better scent. But, these two have a similar aroma at times between them. Yellow Dream is much more wearable and well done.

Yellow Dream kicks off with a bright, juicy burst from its fruit notes. Pineapple comes through a bit more prominently than the mandarin orange, though both get tempered by the warmer, spicier elements.

Right away, there’s some weight in the base. The gingerbread accord is strong here, so naturally there’s going to be a good amount of ginger and cinnamon spice going on.

Still, the vanilla makes its presence known pretty early.

The fruitier notes will begin to weaken in the mix and this one turns warmer and more focused on the gingerbread and vanilla notes. You still do have that fruity sweetness, but the juiciness definitely isn’t at the same level.

From that point on, Born in Roma Yellow Dream is pretty straightforward. It’s got that gingerbread and vanilla combination, with an underlying freshness to it thanks to the cinnamon and ginger.

But, additionally in the dry down, you will get some cedar to fully round things out and give this one a woody base to operate off of.

Yellow Dream rounds off the harsher edges of the pineapple and spices that it can have in the early stages and what’s left with this Valentino is simple and enjoyable.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Yellow Dream is fairly moderate with its performance. The fragrance projects well enough, has some thickness and a rather dense scent trail in that opening hour, but isn’t going to be completely beast mode beyond that.

I do think that it’s solid, though.

Yellow Dream lasts for at least 7 hours for me and on the high end, might end up sticking around for 8.5 hours on my skin.

Seasonally, Yellow Dream is best in the autumn through early parts of spring. It can be cloying, especially when things start to heat up. Yes, the pineapple and ginger do lighten things up a bit, but this still isn’t a summertime cologne.

Yellow Dream does trend more towards younger guys. This isn’t something you’d wear to most offices or whatever, but any age group could wear this in less formal situations.

For younger men, this could be a daily wear to class or something that you wear for evenings out. At least when it’s cooler outside. Yellow Dream does have that cozy and sweet mass appeal, so it should be able to draw complements.

Overall Impressions of Uomo Born in Roma Yellow Dream

Overall, do I like this Born in Roma fragrance? I do like it. However, similar to the rest of this Valentino series, Yellow Dream is not a complete love for me. Though, I do consider it to be one of the best of the Uomo side of things.

The gingerbread, pineapple, spice, and vanilla work very well together at times. The dry down, I’m less enthusiastic about, but it’s not too bad. I’ve seen that some people like the opening act less, but I find it to be enjoyable even with that initial strong burst of its fresh notes.

The performance is good enough. Nothing insanely good, but it does what it needs to for most situations.

I went through using the travel sprayer already, so, it’s something that I did like well enough to wear around often. I don’t personally want a full bottle of the stuff, but if you do, you should probably grab it before Valentino does away with it and the online prices get too high.

I don’t think it’s worth paying a high price for, but Yellow Dream is worth checking out.

Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif by Chanel

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Bleu de Chanel continues as a series, with the release of 2025’s L’Exclusif formula. Chanel is a lot more restrained with the number of flanker fragrances that they release versus other designers in this space.

I had to opportunity to get a free sample through a social media ad, in order to test and review Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is this BdC release, worth a try?

BdC L’Exclusif Overview

Notes include: cistus labdanum, sandalwood, amber

Click here to try: L’Exclusif at Macy’s

My Full Review

Here’s how Chanel describes it: Designed like an Extrait de Parfum, this intense ambery-aromatic fragrance features a spellbinding trail, making it the most mysterious of all the BLEU DE CHANEL interpretations. Composed by CHANEL In-House Perfumer Creator Olivier Polge, BLEU DE CHANEL L’EXCLUSIF is a true concentration of precious materials. Sandalwood, highlighted in all its glory, adds dimension. The enigmatic character of the scent manifests through notes of cistus labdanum. Finally, woody ambery notes bring contrast and vibrancy, resulting in a majestic expression that leaves a memorable impression and stays on skin as if magnetically drawn to it.

Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif opens up quite similar to other releases in the series. Mostly, it’s closer to Parfum than anything, but you also get plenty of the EDP influence as well.

Not surprising since Chanel hasn’t done any major overhauls to the main concept or came out with some entirely different BdC flanker.

So, expect the usual citrus impression of those other two in the series. Yet, it quickly loses any of the sharper qualities and actually smells fairly sweet to my nose, in that first half hour.

There’s an amber base to this that is apparent throughout the entirety of the wear. In the early stages, it does have a musky animalic aroma. It’s not super aggressive, but it is there.

After this point, we get darker with the character that this one puts out. The sandalwood comes out (along with some other generic woody notes, maybe?) A slight powder to go along with the leather tones and that muskiness (which begins to fade on my skin).

The back half really does start to give more of those leathery impressions. A smooth amber blend with a drier woody finish and resinous touches.

It’s deep and not a pure leather fragrance, but it seems like a back and forth between the various elements as we head into the finish. I’m not even sure if there is a leather note, seems more likely this is just all apart of the labdanum that they’ve used.

But, ultimately the amber and woods win out and everything else is just a vague vapor of what it was when it was at full strength.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The ability to project with this one is quite powerful. At least for 3-ish hours, on my skin. After that, it moderates, but I’m still smelling this one very easily well into the wear. It’s got some heft to it, but I didn’t think that it was too cloying or anything.

I always have gotten better longevity for whatever reason than most people out of BdC Parfum. That one actually sticks around on my skin for 10 hours. L’Exclusif matches that for me, but does it with more sustained power than 

This is the best performer thus far in the series, at least for me.

Seasonally, this is best used in autumn and winter. You could probably get away with it through early spring. I did spray it on for a warmer afternoon and wasn’t too enthusiastic about the results.

The EDT and EDP versions are better at being a year round wear. More so, the original.

L’Exclusif is very well put together, not as casual as EDT or EDP. Feels more like a nighttime wear while still versatile enough to pull double duty as a mature daily cologne. 

Within its seasonality, you could wear this pretty much anytime without issue. It’s going to work, but will probably skew more towards the late 20s and up crowd.

Overall Impressions of Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif

Overall, do I like L’Exclusive? I do like it. I don’t think that it overtakes Bleu EDP for me. But, I think it’s a better version of Parfum.

If nothing else, you’ll get some added depth and the performance is better.

I do really enjoy the opening act. That first hour or so is great. Smooth, some sweetness, the usual citrus notes, and everything is well-rounded. 

The rest of the way is still good, just not my absolute favorite. The leathery aspect to BdC L’Exclusif can get somewhat annoying to me. It’s grown on me after a few wears, but I wasn’t all that into it initially. 

On the whole, I actually do think that this is a worthwhile one to check out, and probably the second best in the series. It’s certainly not the cheapest of the line, so, some of you may want to sample this before committing to the whole bottle.

If you already have another Bleu, you probably won’t need this one too. A bit too redundant at this price point. Still, as a standalone L’Exclusif is another quality fragrance from Chanel.

Myslf L’Absolu by YSL

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L’Absolu is the latest Myslf flanker for 2025. It is the third installment in this increasingly popular fragrance series from YSL, but is it actually any good?

I purchased a travel sprayer of Absolu recently to test it out and put it through its paces. How does Myslf Absolu smell? Does it last long? Is it an improvement on the formula or not worth a try?

Myslf L’Absolu Overview

Notes include: ginger, bergamot, cardamom, orange blossom, woods, patchouli

My Full Review

Here’s how YSL describes it: An intense men’s cologne with a warm, woody-floral scent, amplified by cool spices and ginger for a long-lasting, radiant trail. Bergamot, ginger, and cardamom top notes offer an invigorating burst of cool spices. Rich orange blossom is at the heart, enhanced by sensual woods and deep patchouli.

Absolu really starts out well with the ginger notes taking center stage alongside that familiar bergamot note. It does indeed have a cool spiciness to it, quite fresh, and the cardamom will become more noticeable after 5-10 minutes.

That initial citrus burst in the opening will take a step back and it becomes a spicier floral blend with the ginger, cardamom, and the signature orange blossom.

You’ll notice the similarities between Absolu, EDP, and Le Parfum. To me, this one is closer to the eau de parfum overall and not as purely earthy and floral as Parfum. You get some more complexity beyond the original, but it’s more wearable for most people.

At this point, the scent has warmed up from that initial colder feeling. It still has a sparkling and slightly sweet aroma to it. The spiciness isn’t as intense and Absolu, has transitioned into its floral heart.

Orange blossom, obviously. If you’ve tried either of the other Myslf fragrances, you already know what to expect. I do think that there is another floral addition here, sort of getting a jasmine quality in the mix. It’s slight and might just be how all of the notes are interacting with one another.

The dry down is orange blossom, woods, and cardamom. There’s only a bit of patchouli peaking through on my skin. For me, I get much more of that from Le Parfum. This cardamom note seems to be a sweeter variety and has a bit of that lemon-like aroma.

Not super spicy in the back half, very nice, but more generic than what I get from the opening.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This is not a heavy fragrance. It doesn’t have the same density or thickness of the Parfum version. However, this actually projects very well for a designer scent.

The first few hours especially have a far reach for me. I’ve sprayed it on a shirt across the room from me and can still pick it up well after that. Not a complete monster or anything, but I feel like I get plenty of coverage with Absolu.

Longevity wise, I still get 9-10 hours with this one, which is what I get with Myslf Le Parfum. So, it’s about equal performance between those two and better than EDP.

Seasonally, Myslf Absolu works year round basically. I’d say it’s better in moderate to warmer temperatures, maybe wear something else in the extremes, but this is a highly versatile daily wear from YSL.

Daytime or nighttime. A well put together floral cologne whose fresh spiciness will also play up during the evenings. Crowd pleasing with a bit of an edge. This could easily be plenty of people’s main fragrance or only one for that matter.

I think it’s more approachable as a floral than is Le Parfum and a more mature and refined cologne than is the eau de parfum.

Overall Impressions of Myslf L’Absolu

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Yes, between testing this one out and also wearing Le Parfum again over the past week, I think that this is my favorite of the series thus far.

Absolu takes this series to a higher level for me. The first two were good fragrances that I enjoyed, but this Myslf flanker is bordering great.

The ginger and cardamom fresh spice up top, pair well with that more subdued use of the bergamot note. There’s a sweetness there initially too, but this one feels like a deeper version of the EDP formula without becoming as orange blossom dominant as Le Parfum (which I liked, personally).

It’s smoothness in the dry down is well done. I don’t get as much patchouli from this one, as in Le Parfum, as Absolu stays well balanced and fresh.

Now, the price being $210 retail is a bit much. YSL is definitely reaching. Initially, that will probably be a hurdle for some people.

I’d say wait on it making its way to discounters at some point. I’ve seen bottles of EDP at the same size for around $130 (and probably cheaper). Is this worth paying nearly twice as much? Probably not, especially if you already like wearing EDP.

If you already have one of the Myslf colognes that you enjoy, I don’t think that you need to rush out and buy this one. It’s different, but they all have a lot of the same use cases, so it could just be redundant to pick this one up too.

Yes, it’s better, but may not be worth it for everyone.

Try it out for sure, because you might eventually want this as a replacement for EDP or Le Parfum.

Angels’ Share on the Rocks by Kilian

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Angels’ Share has another flanker fragrance, as Kilian tries to capitalize on its insane popularity. This time, it’s Angels’ Share on the Rocks, which was released in 2025 and follows the raspberry infused Paradis.

I bought a travel sized sprayer of this new version to test it out and see what this Angels’ Share is all about. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is on the Rocks worth a try?

Angels’ Share on the Rocks Overview

Notes include: cognac essence, tonka bean, bitter orange, On the Rocks accord (bergamot, grapefruit, and lemon), aldehydes, myrrh resin

Click here to try: Angels’ Share on the Rocks from Sephora

My YouTube Review

My Full Review

Here’s how Kilian describes it:  Inspired by the way Kilian Hennessy enjoys cognac—on the rocks—this creation reimagines the Angels’ Share indulgence. The exclusive “On the Rocks” accord, a defining signature of KILIAN PARIS, elevates the experience with a zesty cocktail of Bergamot, Grapefruit, and Aldehydes, bringing a crystalline chill to this luxurious elixir. This sparkling freshness unfolds into the slow warmth of Cognac Essence, enriched by Myrrh Resin and Tonka Bean Absolute, balancing frosty brightness with a smooth, amber allure.​

The big change with Angels’ Share on the Rocks is the use of the On the Rocks accord. Essentially, it consists of the citrus and the aldehydes, giving this one a bright, cold, and juicy start when compared to the original.

I had to confirm on Kilian’s website that this perfume does indeed have all of the citrus notes that I’m picking up. The very top is a mix of that bitter orange note and lemon. Then, we’ll get some bergamot, before the grapefruit really moves in.

With that, you’re still getting plenty of the familiar DNA. Cognac and tonka bean are the most prominent.

The cinnamon spice and notes like the praline aren’t around with the same level. It’s basically there in traces with the sweetness and woodiness really getting the axe in this On the Rocks version.

There still is some spice coming through, but it doesn’t hit that same cinnamon punch as before.

One big change is the aldehydes which bring in a crisper and colder impression. Spraying this on one arm and comparing it to Angels’ Share, you really notice it being less syrupy and heavy with how it comes across.

However, there still an element of that sort of thing being around. Kilian has added myrrh resin to the mix, which is coming off more like a straight amber on my skin.

Once the initial citrus and aldehyde influence has subsided, this basically is a lighter Angels’ Share with amber, less sweetness and spice. Very chill and easy to wear, but undoubtedly something familiar.

Angels’ Share on the Rocks is a colder and still slightly citrusy blend with that myrrh, tonka bean, and cognac rounding things out.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This is obviously a lighter and fresher blend versus the other Angels’ Share entries thus far. That opening hour, however, does have plenty of reach and will create a nice scent trail.

That’s when the citrus is the most prominent and it’s in the stronger camp. Then, it quickly moderates into a more intimate fragrance. You will still notice the perfume around you, but it’s not going to be bold or project like the others can.

After 4 hours or so, it’s more of a skin scent.

On me, this one seems to stick around for 6-7 hours. A definite step back from the others in the series which can hit double digits. The performance isn’t great, it’s serviceable, but don’t really expect anything too crazy from On the Rocks.

Seasonally, this is one that’s more for spring and autumn. To me, it’s not really a summertime fragrance. Sure, that first hour or so can give you that vibe, but this does still have that booziness and myrrh note giving it more body underneath the ‘On the Rocks’ accord.

I’ve worn it outside twice thus far. In the evening, it was around 72 degrees outside (22 Celsius), and it worked very well. Then, I wore it when it was daytime, around 78 degrees (25) and humid.

This second time, it was still fine, but I’m not sure how much hotter I would like to wear this perfume around in. If you’re going to be inside with the AC on, sure. Outside? I’d pass. Mainly, this is for days when its cool to warm, and I’d avoid the extremes.

This is still completely unisex, but this version should be more versatile for people. It’s less sweet, spicy, syrupy, and boozy than the other two in the series. Which is what I loved about it, but for some they’ll enjoy the lighter citrus and aldehydes on top of a more subdued Angels’ Share DNA.

Overall Impressions of Angels’ Share on the Rocks

Overall, do I like Angels’ Share on the Rocks? I do. It’s a good flanker overall, that has a near great opening act.

The back half is a lighter version of the Angels’ Share DNA with less of the oak woodiness and more amber from that myrrh note. So, if you like the original and/or wanted a lighter and fresher version of it, here you go.

It’s not completely different, you’ll know that it is an Angels’ Share fragrance, but it gives you a different look than either of the previous two.

Again, it’s not really a summertime version of the scent. It’s better in warmer weather, but the heat wouldn’t be too great with this perfume.

I also don’t think it’s one that you’d necessarily need if you already have the original or Paradis. Maybe if you need a replacement bottle, you could pick up this instead.

The lack of spice, sweetness, and woodiness might appeal to some people that thought the others were too much. For me? I love the original Angels’ Share. This one is a really good flanker, but I’m losing some on the performance along with much of what I enjoyed about the first entry.

On the Rocks is worth trying out at the very least and may be worth buying depending on what you want from an Angels’ Share fragrance.

Kouros Silver by YSL

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Kouros Silver is one that flew under the radar for me when it was released back in 2015. It has been discontinued for a long while now, but I had the opportunity to buy a small decant of the cologne, and jumped at the chance to review it for the site. How does Kouros Silver smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

YSL Kouros Silver Overview

Notes include: apple, sage, wood, amber

My Full Review

So, right away, Silver has nothing to do with the original Kouros. That’s not a problem really, as other Kouros flankers like Body, smelled completely different as well. The precedent had already been set before this 2015 release, ever came around.

Now, what is interesting coming to this fragrance in 2022, is how much similarity is has to YSL’s Y line of colognes, that came afterward. Kouros Silver is very much like a stripped down version of a Y fragrance, packaged under the Kouros banner. A nice little way to make some cash, before launching a new line.

However, the scent itself, is actually kind of nice. The sage here is lighter than in Y, there’s no ginger, and the amber is less forceful.

What you get is a great sweet apple note, with some light sage in the opening. For the base, it is amber and just a touch of wood. That’s basically the cologne.

Now, the sage and apple pairing is fresh and does give you an herbal quality, but it isn’t like its later counterpart.

Early on it leans heavy on the apple. Later, it’s more of an amber fragrance with the sweetness of apple still lingering. Simple, but likeable.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, Silver actually has some power and trail leaving ability to it. It really jumps off the skin well, while still being a moderate cologne. It’s not heavy, but the projection is surprisingly good, especially in those first few hours of wear.

Not weak or poor performing at all.

The longevity was at least 7 hours on my skin, with the ability to hit 8. I don’t think that Kouros Silver goes beyond that. Though, it is no slouch.

Seasonally, this works well pretty much any time. Here in November, it is sort of chilly out but above freezing, and Kouros Silver was still fine for me outside. I might skip out on the depths of winter, but it wouldn’t be awful or anything.

Primarily though, Silver is a spring and summertime cologne, as that’s what it was designed for. I imagine it’ll be even better, in a warmer environment.

This is more of a casual fragrance. You could wear it during the daytime, it might draw complements, but it is low key and less in your face than many other scents.

Overall Impressions of Kouros Silver

Overall, do I like Kouros Silver? I sort of do. I’m not blown away by it and see how it’s a precursor to Y, but it actually does smell nice. I really like the early stages when the apple is in full effect.

Even the amber dry down is still pleasant, even if, a bit boring.

The performance is solid, the aroma is nice, and Silver is a very easy to wear fragrance. As long as you don’t try to compare it to the original Kouros, it’s not a bad cologne by any stretch.

Then again, there’s nothing here that is amazing or makes it a must have. Especially now that it’s been discontinued and the prices for the remaining bottles seem way too high. Not really a stand out from YSL, kind of an odd and short-lived entry.

It’s basically an interesting footnote in the Saint Laurent fragrance catalog at this point, but it wasn’t a terrible experience. Still, it’s somewhere near the bottom of the list in terms of their overall catalog, which is probably the best of any designer.