Cologne Reviews

Uomo Born in Roma Green Stravaganza by Valentino

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Valentino’s Born in Roma series continues to roll along on both the men’s and women’s side of their fragrances. Uomo Born in Roma Green Stravaganza was released by the designer in 2024, but I recently bought some more perfume samples and received this one as a part of the lot.

So, after testing this Green scent out, how does it smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth a try? Below is my complete and updated review of this cologne.

Born in Roma Green Stravaganza Review

Notes include: bergamot, coffee, vetiver

Click here to try: Green Stravaganza

My Take

Here’s how Valentino describes it: A fougere ambery fragrance, uplifting your extravagance with the bright Calabria bergamot heart, a fresh aromatic complex, and an addictive coffee accord.

So, Born in Roma Green Stravaganza is a fairly simple fragrance. It’s paired down so that it can be the line’s go to option for the spring and summer months.

The opening is mostly about the bergamot note. It actually sort of reminds me a bit of YSL’s Myslf up top. Same use of citrus. However, here it doesn’t take on the same level of juiciness and intensity.

The bergamot is smoothed out by the inclusion of coffee. The coffee accord isn’t heavy or dominant, but it’s used to beef up the scent a bit while maintaining its freshness. It darkens the feeling of the wear compared to the usual bright and citrus-laden summer colognes.

As we move along, the bergamot will lose a good deal of its power, and Born in Roma Green Stravaganza will be much more of a balanced bled.

It’s fresh, somewhat earthy and greenish at times thanks to the inclusion of the vetiver note. The dry down has a soapy/amber finish to it. I think there is a light ‘amber’ note that isn’t listed and the greenish finish is pretty vetiver heavy on my skin.

Not much obvious coffee aroma left and I can still detect the citrus that prevents a complete domination by the vetiver.

That’s about it with this cologne.

Projection, Longevity, and Versatility

The opening here actually does have some weight to it and reach, as far as the projection goes. It will leave a fairly substantial scent trail in one’s wake for the first 30-60 minutes, with a decent amount of sprays.

But, that will tone down into something that could be considered a lighter moderate scent for most of the wear. It’s noticeable for a majority of the wear, but isn’t going to be in your face about it, before it turns completely into a skin scent.

For me, I get somewhere in the 6-6.5 hour range of use out of Green Stravaganza. It’s about what I was expecting, something simple and for the warmer weather, and not a dense long-lasting powerhouse.

Seasonally, again, this one is spring and summer for most places. If you live in a warmer climate, I guess that will be more year round for your area. It’s fine in more moderate temperatures.

I don’t think that it would smell bad in colder weather, but maybe feel out of place with it’s livelier ‘greenish’ aroma.

This Born in Roma isn’t a serious fragrance or a nightlife scent. It’s not completely juvenile or informal. I’ve been wearing it around as a casual daytime fragrance when I’m running errands around town or just lounging around the house. Something along those lines.

Overall Impressions of Uomo Born in Roma Green Stravaganza

Overall, do I like this cologne? I do, even if I ultimately think that it falls short of being something that is truly great. In the end, I think it’s a pretty good scent that wouldn’t be a bad pickup at the right price.

The opening act with the bergamot at its peak, blended with the coffee accord giving the fragrance some more depth is really quite attractive. It works well on a warmer day and is my favorite part of the wear.

After that, it’s fine. The general woodsy aroma with some soapy touches in the dry down is fine. I’m not enthralled with the back half of Green Stravaganza and it really doesn’t hold much interest for me.

The performance is middle of the road, but still better than a lot of fragrances that are spring and summer wears.

I have finished out my samples of this scent for this review. I won’t personally be grabbing a bottle of this Valentino, but I do think that it’s a solid enough effort from this line.

Eilish No. 2 by Billie Eilish

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Eilish No. 2 is the follow up fragrance to the first Billie Eilish perfume release. It was then followed by a third entry into the series, each of which has nothing to do with the other in terms of how they smell. It was released in 2022.

Anyway, I finally got some samples of this woody perfume and have been testing it out recently. How does this Eilish scent smell? How long does it last? Is it worth a buy?

Eilish 2 by Billie Eilish Overview

Notes include: bergamot, apple blossom, wild poppy flower, black pepper, papyrus, palo santo, ebony wood

Click here to try: Eilish No. 2

My Full Review

Eilish 2 opens with a sharp hit of black pepper that’s brightened by bergamot’s subtle citrus scent. Apple blossom brings a bit of sweetness to the initial burst.

The florals stay pretty understated throughout, you’ll pick up traces here and there, but they never take center stage in this blend. You just get different facets of them at different times.

What really drives this fragrance is the palo santo wood running through from start to finish. Early on, papyrus kicks in with extra dryness and spice. The whole thing feels warm, grounded, and carries this gentle smoky quality.

What’s interesting is how Eilish 2 develops this slightly humid, almost dewy character as it moves into the heart and dry down phases. That’s from the poppy flower note, which is described as being ‘wet poppy flower’ by the brand.

The latter stages of the wear are much more woody and warm, versus floral and spicy. The sap and resinous qualities really come through and the composition will dry out versus what it was earlier.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Eilish 2 isn’t a heavy fragrance. It’s substantial and noticeable, but more airy than the first one and not as dense. It’s a moderate in terms of how it projects, it will leave a nice scent trail, but never really hits some insane level.

Longevity wise, this one is also pretty decent, just not great. I’ve been getting around 7 hours of wear from this perfume. Maybe an extra half an hour beyond that.

Eilish 2 is mainly for the autumn and winter months. It can venture into the spring, but I wouldn’t wear it out, when it gets too warm.

This Billie Eilish perfume is also much more unisex than the first one, which was a sweeter gourmand. This one can be worn by anyone and some would consider this to be much more traditionally masculine.

While it’s not a formal fragrance or one that is particularly sexy, it does have a wide use case to wear around. Eilish 2 could be a signature fragrance for the right person and it will fit in pretty much anywhere outside of a few exceptions.

Overall Impressions of Eilish No. 2

Overall, do I like this distinct sequel fragrance? I do enjoy it somewhat. The dry down is my favorite part, but it does have some interesting facets along the way.

Now, this second Eilish release isn’t going to be everyone’s favorite and the reaction to it seems pretty split. A spicy, smoky, and dry woody blend isn’t going to appeal to everyone…even if it is technically more unisex compared to the first release.

Still, even with its fairly unique presentation, I still think that this one falls short of being anything truly special. If it fits your style, it is an inexpensive pickup that should work rather well.

The performance is also a bit above average, but not by much.

The peppery start can be somewhat off-putting, but I do like the palo santo and ebony wood notes, particularly in the second half of this scent. It’s not too powerful, but it sits nicely on the skin.

Devotion Pour Homme by D&G

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Devotion is a newer series for both men and women by D&G. The women’s side of things got a head start, before Devotion Pour Homme was released in 2025. I recently bought a sample of this cologne to test it out and see what it’s all about.

What does it smell like? Does Devotion Homme last long? Is this Dolce & Gabbana fragrance worth a try?

Devotion Pour Homme Overview

Notes include: lemon, coffee, patchouli

Click here to try: Devotion Homme at Sephora

My Full Review

Here’s how they describe it: Dolce & Gabbana Devotion For Men Eau de Parfum celebrates unwavering and unconditional devotion, the power of love, and the joy of life. The fragrance, anchored by the timeless Sacred Heart, reflects the essence of a determined man, confidently guided by his instincts.

The opening is a warm roasted coffee note sitting underneath a giant squeeze of lemon juice. The lemon is pretty intense for a few minutes, before fading behind the coffee.

This isn’t really a coffee bean sort of smell or the grounds, this is like a literal interpretation of what a cup of coffee smells like. It’s spiced and given that citrus enhancement, but that’s what is here with this D&G cologne.

So, if you’re not into that, you probably won’t enjoy Devotion. At least the opening act.

A little bit further along, you start to get more of the patchouli note. Even that, isn’t enough to unseat the coffee from being the main focus of this scent.

It begins to be more of a coffee and woody/woodsy sort of aroma. Note sure which wood note is here, but there’s something underneath the patchouli and coffee. Things are still somewhat spicy, but this just seems more like a warm aroma. The lemon is pretty much just a sparkle now.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The opening spray does have some decent power behind it. It’s not a super heavy coffee blend or anything, but it’s got some reach in that first hour or so.

After that, this Dolce & Gabbana cologne will have a moderate projection, that trends fairly quickly to the lighter end of things.

On my skin, Devotion Pour Homme sticks around for about 7 hours. Nothing amazing with the performance here, but solid enough.

Seasonally, this is an autumn through springtime wear. So long as it’s not too hot or humid out, Devotion should be able to work.

This would be a good fragrance for younger guys, as far as daily wears go. It’s not formal or something that most would wear to the office. Nightlife, would be good. It’s not a massive projector, but its gourmand qualities are attractive.

Overall Impressions of Devotion

Overall, do I like Devotion? I do like it somewhat. I’m not sure what the hate this has gotten is all about, it’s a pretty good fragrance, not amazing but likeable. I guess this is more of a love/hate cologne for a lot of people.

The opening spray isn’t too amazing, but I do think that once the strength of the lemon wears off a bit, it’s an enjoyable enough scent. Just sort of harsh to kick things off. I like the coffee and the slight spiciness of the mix. It does smell like a cup of joe. Then, it softens into something else.

Again, I’m not in love with this one, and won’t be buying a bottle for myself. But, for the time that I’ve had it on, there is enough to like here.

When compared to the other D&G sample that I received, Light Blue Capri in Love, I think that it is a bit better than is Devotion.

If you’re interested I would for sure try to get this when it’s discounted, because I don’t think it’s too worthwhile at retail prices.

Light Blue Capri in Love Pour Homme by D&G

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Light Blue is the line that keeps right on going for Dolce & Gabbana, on both the men’s and women’s side of things. 2025’s release is Capri in Love Pour Homme. I recently bought a sample vial of this new cologne to test it out.

How does Capri in Love smell? Does it last long? Is this Light Blue worth a try?

Capri in Love (Men’s) Overview

Notes include: fig, black pepper, patchouli

Click here to try: Light Blue Capri in Love Homme

My Full Review

Here’s how D&G describes it: A dive into the salty sea breeze and golden light of Capri.
Intriguing and enveloping, Light Blue Capri In Love Pour Homme Eau de Parfum opens with the spicy note of Black Pepper. At its heart lies the vibrant and green soul of Capri Green Fig, while Patchouli lends a deep and magnetic elegance, encapsulating the Mediterranean island’s allure.

So, there are only three listed notes here. But, looking at the ingredients there is a light citrus note up top that I’m smelling, which pairs up with the opening spice of the black pepper.

From the jump, you can tell that this one isn’t going to be too heavy and it will have a freshness that is great for the summertime. Very reminiscent of Kenzo fragrances and Paradise Garden (if you stripped it of mint and coconut).

Love in Capri is definitely a departure from the rest of the series. Dolce & Gabbana have done some really different takes on the Light Blue name, like, Vulcano and Stromboli.

Clean, spicy, slightly sweet, and a greenish base is how this Light Blue edition starts out.

Then, it really become fig dominant for the rest of the wear. If you don’t like fig, you’re not going to enjoy this. For me, this is something that I do think I’d enjoy, at least somewhat. A good fig mix for summer, isn’t usually something that the mainstream designers do.

Anyway, it’s basically just fig and a light patchouli the rest of the way. There are some woody undertones popping out as well. A pretty simple use of notes for the warmer months of the year.

But, I do think that this one shines once that black pepper starts to fall off. The green fruitiness of the fig works well.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This sillage here is a lighter moderate. It’s not weak, it’s just not going to be a heavy thick cloud of scent. Nor should it be. It’s light, clean, and somewhat refreshing. Though, the reach it has with it’s projection is good.

On my skin, this one lasts somewhere in the 6-7 hour range. That’s about what I expect from these D&G Light Blue releases, this edition is par the course.

Seasonally, obviously we’re going spring and summer with this one. That’s what it’s built for.

Within that, though, I think that Capri in Love has plenty of use cases. It can be a daily wear, something casual, or even venture into the nightlife if need be.

Also, this is one that can be worn by any age group. Capri in Love is a well balanced summer cologne.

Overall Impressions of Capri in Love

Overall, do I like Capri in Love? So far, I do kind of like it. I’m not blown away by it, but for what it is, I think this Light Blue edition is nice.

It’s not too complicated of a fragrance and is fairly linear once that fig note kicks fully into gear. If you enjoy the Kenzo scents, K by D&G, etc.; you’ll probably like this one at least somewhat too.

If you’re a fan of the usual Light Blue citrus heavy colognes, this one might not be worth your while.

Either way, I don’t think it’s a great scent. Probably too high priced, at the initial release, but if you want an enjoyable change of pace for the summertime, this can do nicely.

Performance is mid, as usual with the Light Blue fragrances. Yet, it does enough to make it useful.

If you want a simple designer fig cologne, this is a good option. If it doesn’t sound appealing to you, I don’t think it’s going to shock or change your mind, if you try Love in Capri out.

Lost Cause by Phlur

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Lost Cause is another of the Phlur fragrances that I got with my sample set a few years ago. It’s also one that I haven’t done a proper review of, until today, after finding that set sitting in the closet.

So, let’s correct that error and see what this perfume is all about. How does Lost Cause smell? Perform? Is it worth a buy?

What does Lost Cause Smell Like?

Notes include: cassis leaves, apple, bergamot, rhubarb, freesia, lily of the valley, jasmine, ambergris, vanilla orchid, orris, mate absolute

Click here to try: Lost Cause by Phlur

My Full Review

The opening of Lost Cause has a lot of rhubarb coming through, between it in the citrus, it’s almost like a green/floral Hugo Red for Men, in the opening. Much more tart with the Phlur.

Also, it’s got a clean shampoo-like aroma, that becomes more prominent after the initial phase begins to dissipate. Part of this can be chalked up to an apple note, it’s not really distinct, just a crisp watery aroma.

Green cassis leaves and dew give it a springtime vibe with hints of being an aquatic perfume. 

The cassis play a dual role with that fruitiness and greener qualities.

The next phase features a calmer rhubarb note, that is paired with freesia and lily-of-the-valley. On my skin, I get a lot more of the freesia for the duration of the wear, but the lily and jasmine are also noticeable. A good blend overall.

Yet, this one is still much more of a bright greenish fragrance than a pure floral perfume. That’s going on the the background. I’m still getting the fruitiness and citrus and the leaves pulling things together.

The back half is less sharp to my nose, when the ambergris and vanilla, round of the composition. There’s still the dewy greenish aroma, but it’s creamier and an interesting way to close out things.

Turns out there is also an orris note in here. If I detect much of it, it’s within a blend between it and the vanilla.

Really changed my thoughts on this one as the wear moved on. 

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this isn’t a heavy scent, it has the aquatic/ozonic sort of lightness to it. But, that initial hour actually has decent projection. Not a massive beast, but I can smell it just fine.

After that, it is more intimate. But again, I have not trouble smelling it on myself. Lost Cause just isn’t a perfume that is going to wallop you with its presence. 

The longevity is also just okay. 6-6.5 hours, on my skin. 

Seasonally, this is a spring and summertime wear. It really works well in this warmer and even more humid weather. I wore it outside the other day and the fragrance came alive.

This is a unisex perfume. There are stretches where it leans more masculine, but then it’ll move towards being more traditionally feminine. Anyone can wear this one, though.

Within the spring and summer season, it does have fantastic versatility. In the daytime, it’s a staple, and at night it can work as well. Not a club beast, but it’s an attractive scent once it’s settled in.

Basically, this is a perfume that is going to serve as a daily wear when it’s warmer out. 

Overall Impressions of Lost Cause

Overall, do I like Lost Cause? I have to say, yes. But, it’s more of a mixed bag for me. I do like this more than Missing Person, for example, which is probably the more popular of the Phlur line.

I’m not thrilled about the opening act, while I really do enjoy rhubarb as a note, and how it is here. There are parts throughout the wear that I’m not exactly enjoying and then I’ll love other parts of this.

The back half, while pretty weak in terms of performance, is fairly awesome in terms of how it smells. 

So, I’ll say a decent opening hour, with a really good rest of the wear. It’s a difficult fragrance to rate for me, but I’m sure this one has people who are crazy about it. Also, I’ve been trending in the positive direction on Lost Cause.

The longevity and performance overall is decent. Again, not a massively projecting or heavy perfume. A lot of the Phlur scents are like that. Keep that in mind, before grabbing your bottle of the stuff.

Apparently, this one is or has already been discontinued. So, if you want to try it out, you’d better act quickly before it starts becoming scarce.