Tom Ford

Noir Extreme Parfum by Tom Ford

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Noir Extreme is one of my personal favorite fragrances to wear. So, when I saw that the Parfum version was being released in 2022, I had to order a bottle for myself upon release. I was excited for a bolder and spicier remix of the original. Does it deliver? How long does it last? Is it actually worth a buy?

What does Noir Extreme Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: Shimoga ginger, cardamom, amber, tonka bean, guaiac wood, leather

Click here to try: Noir Extreme Parfum at Sephora

noir extreme parfum review

My Full Review

Here’s how Tom Ford describes it: A bold intensification of the original scent, Noir Extreme Parfum merges amber, spices, and woods, evoking the private, daring aspects of the Noir man.

Note: As of now, these are my initial thoughts of Extreme Parfum. Since it’s brand new, I’m going to be updating the page over the next week(s), as I get more time spent wearing it.

The opening of Noir Extreme Parfum has a lot going on. You get the same light citrus and neroli notes, as the original. What I do notice, is that the floral accord in this one does not have the same strength.

Those white floral notes do not play a major role in Parfum. Not that they’re massive in the original, but they are always present in that one. However, the citrus notes do have more of a role, adding a sparkling quality to the spice, and are playing off that initial ginger.

One of the main changes here, comes with the spices. The ginger note replaces the nutmeg of the original Extreme and is paired with that same cardamom note. The opening sprays are spicier, warmer, less sweet, and smoky.

The guaiac wood is also a new addition, hello smokiness. This a very rough, dry, and somewhat animalic version of the note, not a sweeter one. It’s funny that this base note, is so noticeable in the opening, but really tones down as it dries down.

So, the kulfi note is still present with the vanilla note. The vanilla is weaker in Parfum, splitting its strength with a tonka bean. This actually gives that kulfi accord a bit of a boost within the composition. A very similar effect overall, just slightly different.

The kulfi is sweet, creamy, with a pistachio finish.

Once the spices and guaiac wood has settled down, the leather note really comes out fully. That’s the biggest change with Parfum. Smooth, yes, but the smokiness and warmth doesn’t allow it to pop in the same way it does in something like Ombre Leather.

The final dry down is a leathery and spicier/warmer version of the original. It’s really a split between the remaining kulfi/tonka/vanilla notes and the leather. The amber note is noticeably weaker in the Parfum version’s dry down.

As a single note, the leather has the greatest weighting at this point.

noir extreme parfum

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The performance on the whole, is roughly the same as Extreme EDP. However, I don’t think that Parfum has the same sillage and projection as that one.

Not a huge difference, but it is a slight step back. You get that initial power from the ginger and cardamom, then, it settles into that same kind of moderate projection. Not a huge deal, but I thought that this would be a beast mode with the higher concentration.

Coming back to it again and again. It really doesn’t seem to be stronger than the original for me. I’ve tested on shirts to see how far away I can detect it and there’s almost no difference, other than EDP feels a bit more powerful.

With the EDP, I get 6-8 hours of wear from it usually. Though, with the way that I spray (heavy), it hits that 8 hour mark more often.

Parfum seems to be able to go up to 9 hours, during this initial testing. It’s a slight step back in terms of its strength, but its staying power is also slightly better on me. Again, about the same overall, but this is what I’ve gathered about it thus far.

Seasonally, Parfum is still a colder weather fragrance. It’s summer now, so, I’ve had to test it out in the air conditioning. Not ideal, but it’s fine in the temperate climate. In the heat, it gets messy like the original.

I can’t wait to give it a go in autumn and winter. That leather addition should be great.

Noir Extreme often felt like more of a unisex wear than being strictly something men would want to wear, since it’s based off the original Noir. This one, falls more so in the masculine camp, still wearable by anyone just heading toward one side of the spectrum.

Overall Impressions of Noir Extreme Parfum

Overall, do I like Noir Extreme Parfum? Yes, I do. Is it better than Noir Extreme? First impressions…not really.

These Tom Ford fragrances are really similar to each other, just with the differences that I mentioned above. I am a massive fan of the original, it’s one of my favorites ever, and it’s going to be tough to top.

I like the changes here, but there’s nothing about it that truly surpasses Extreme EDP.

Now, that’s my first impression. In a week or two, it might have flipped completely. As of this moment, Extreme Parfum is a few points below its predecessor.

Update: Parfum has grown on me more. It’s almost a tie at this point between these two fragrances for me. I will often spray both of them on at the same time. Like, two sprays of EDP for every spray of Parfum. Still, I think I still enjoy EDP more, personally.

That being said, you may prefer the added spice, smoke, and dirtiness that Parfum brings to the table. Though, if you also already have a bottle of Extreme EDP, the differences may not be enough to justify a bottle of this.

I’ve seen some people say already that these smell exactly the same. They don’t. There are distinct differences, but this also isn’t a complete re-imagining of the formula. Just expect less of that amber and white floral notes, also.

Is it worth a buy? Yes, it’s a great fragrance. If you already own one, you don’t ‘need’ the other. If you’re undecided, I might wait to be able to test this one and see if you dig the new changes versus the EDP version.

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

Venetian Bergamot by Tom Ford

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Continuing through my review of a whole lot of Tom Ford fragrances, we have a 2015 release, entitled: Venetian Bergamot. I want to take a closer look at this fragrance after I’ve been testing it out for a while. How does it smell? What are the notes? How does it perform? Is it worth a purchase?

What does Venetian Bergamot Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, pink pepper, black pepper, amber, sandalwood, tonka bean, ylang ylang, ginger, magnolia, gardenia, cedar

Click here to try: TOM Ford Private Blend Venetian Bergamot EDP Spray 3.4 Oz / 100 Ml Sealed

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Venetian Bergamot obviously features that familiar citrus bergamot opening, but this one definitely doesn’t take the familiar route with it. Not only is there a spice to the aroma, there are also floral notes, which create something that is quite unique.

However, even with the other elements being involved from the jump, it is still mostly the juicy and somewhat sour citrus smell with sandalwood peaking through. The start is much more of a tropical scent than what you get during the rest of the wear and I find it really enjoyable.

As it dries down further, Venetian Bergamot, becomes less of a bergamot scent and the floral notes being to take over the composition.

This is mainly gardenia with some ylang ylang. So, at this point it is the floral notes, pink and black pepper, sandalwood, and a fading bergamot. It is smooth and creamy with bright elements that really perk up the senses.

I think that the most interesting aspect of this Tom Ford fragrance is the spicy notes in here. They aren’t heavy spices however, the white ginger is a nice addition to the warm pink pepper, and the hint of sharp black pepper sprinkled throughout.

This is what keeps the fragrance in the unisex category, even as the white floral notes pull it toward the feminine side of things.

What I ultimately get from Venetian Bergamot when all is said and done is, a gardenia/ylang ylang combo sitting on top of sandalwood and cedar, with a mix of bergamot and spices floating around this core composition.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise it’ll be in the 3-6 foot range. The sillage of this one is pretty moderate, and works down into something light and close to the skin. So, the first 3-4 hours, it will be a moderate scent. Then for the rest of the time, VB is much more of a skin scent.

It does last in the 7-8 hour range on my skin, so the longevity ain’t too shabby. For a lot of that wear, it’ll be the woods with some light floral touches. The bergamot doesn’t completely last all that time, but the blend is fairly creamy and has a clean soapy quality.

Seasonally, Venetian Bergamot is one for the spring and summer months. Between the citrus and floral notes, it begs to be worn in the warm weather. As I said, it is unisex that leans more towards the feminine side of things, but this is still completely safe to wear for men.

It’s classy and has an expensive air about it. Not really a sexy fragrance but one that smells nice and can be worn in dressy casual or more upscale scenarios. It is completely office safe.

This one is better worn when dressed up or for at least more semi-formal occasions during the spring and summer.

Overall Impressions of Venetian Bergamot

Overall, do I like Venetian Bergamot? I do like it. It is a bit too floral for my taste and I wish it stayed closer to what it is at the opening, rather than, drying down to gardenia, ylang ylang, and magnolia.

That being said, it is still a very nice perfume, that has a unique scent and decent performance.

I do like the bergamot, ginger, and spiciness of that opening. With the name, I was expecting to get more of a pure bergamot, but it ends up with a greater use of the gardenia. That’s fine, just not what I was expecting when I first tried Venetian Bergamot.

It’s by no means a beast in terms of its performance, so at this price point it might be a pass. Though, it isn’t entirely terrible either. Value is okay, but that’s your call.

However, if you’re looking for a citrus or floral fragrance and want to try something different, Venetian Bergamot is worthy of consideration. It’s not one of the top tier Tom Ford perfumes, but it’s in the upper half or even third, for sure.

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