Tom Ford

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

Tuscan Leather vs Noir de Noir Comparison

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In this head to head matchup, we have to more entries from the Tom Ford Private Blend collection: Tuscan Leather vs Noir de Noir. Which of these popular Tom Ford fragrances, smells the best? Which has the better performance? Versatility? Which one is the better overall buy?

Tale of the Tape

Tuscan Leather

Notes include: leather, suede, raspberry, jasmine, olibanum, saffron, amber

Click here to try: Tom Ford Tuscan Leather Eau De Parfume Spray for Men, 1.7 Ounce

My original Review: Tuscan Leather

Noir de Noir

Notes include: rose, oud, patchouli, black truffle, tree moss

Click here to try: Tom Ford Private Blend Noir De Noir Eau De Parfum Spray Edp 3.4 Fl / 100 Ml

My original review: Noir de Noir

Opening

Tuscan Leather opens with saffron and a very good smelling and rich leather note. If one is a lover of how leather smells, Tuscan Leather is a fantastic example of it at its very best. Add to that, a smooth black suede note and the added touch of raspberry, and you have a delightful fragrance opening.

Meanwhile, Noir de Noir, opens up with rose and patchouli. It is a sweet smelling rose with a very earthy and slightly spicy patchouli. Oud sits underneath this combination and give it that familiar aroma.

Which is better? I like the way both of these fragrances smell at first, but I think Tuscan Leather has the better opening act. Noir de Noir is at its best once it starts to dry down, but Tuscan Leather tops it at the start.

Edge: Tuscan Leather

Projection

Tuscan Leather starts off with pretty heavy sillage and then becomes a moderate fragrance the rest of the way. Noir is moderate pretty consistently throughout the wear and never really goes that big. It will stay within 3-4 feet of your skin.

Edge: Tuscan Leather

Longevity

With the current incarnation of Tuscan Leather I get 8-9 hours of wear and I get about the same with its Tom Ford compatriot. No clear winner.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Both of these fragrances shine in cold weather. Tuscan Leather can probably take the heat better, but it’s not a warm weather scent by any means. They are both listed as unisex, but I think Noir de Noir can be worn by a greater number of people.

They are also both best served to be worn while dressed up or for a night out. However, I’d wear Tuscan Leather casually, but probably wouldn’t with Noir. I do also think that Noir is probably considered sexier. Again, this is a tough call but I think Tuscan Leather has a slight edge.

Edge: Tuscan Leather

 

 

Overall Scent

Noir de Noir is a great scent. The rose and oud notes, which I’m usually not a fan of, are actually something that I enjoy with this one. Beyond that the dry down actually does get earthy and a bit dirty with moss and patchouli, but also sweet and creamy with black truffle and vanilla.

It’s all very warm, complex, and strikes a lot of different chords while wearing. It is definitely the more unique scent of these two.

Tuscan Leather is a fantastic leather fragrance with solid performance and an intriguing smell. It isn’t all that unique and does have a rather straightforward composition, so it won’t score high on originality, but it does outshine Noir in some respects or at least equal it.

In the end, I think I’m going to give the nod to Noir de Noir. While it doesn’t have beast sillage, it is good, and lasts all day. Most importantly, the dry down is outstanding, and has such an interesting development throughout. Even with ingredients that I’m usually not a fan of, it makes me enjoy wearing and smelling the fragrance.

That’s a pretty high complement in itself. Is it remarkably better? No, but I can get a similar experience with Ombre Leather or Godolphin, as I can with Tuscan Leather. I cannot say the same about Noir.

Winner: Noir de Noir

Oud Wood by Tom Ford

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Continuing on into the depths of my Tom Ford fragrance reviews, we have another entry from the Private Blend line: Oud Wood. This is one of the more popular options in this collection, but does it actually live up to the hype? What does it smell like? Does it perform well?

What does Oud Wood by Tom Ford Smell Like?

Notes include: rosewood, sandalwood, oud, vanilla, tonka bean, amber, cardamom, and vetiver

Click here to try: Tom Ford Private Blend Oud Wood Eau De Parfum Spray – 50ml/1.7oz

My Full Review

Oud is one of those ingredients that seems to have a lot of fans in the fragrance world, but one that isn’t super appealing to my nose. Yes, in certain cases, when it’s a part of a well blended mix, I enjoy its presence but not when it’s leading the way.

With Oud Wood by Tom Ford, I get an opening of the oud note, that is paired with cardamom and a peppery spice. Cardamom is a pretty big player in the early life of this fragrance and the other woody notes sort of take a backseat to it.

Sitting underneath the two main notes, is a distinct rosewood, some vanilla sweetness, and the familiar scent of sandalwood. After a few minutes of wear, I notice the vetiver poking through, as well. At this point Oud Wood, begins to be less spicy, and has a bit of a sour element within the composition.

Also at this point, the oud note, isn’t the main attraction. As the fragrance dries down, I get the other woodsy notes, vetiver, amber, a bit of sweetness, and the cardamom.

The oud is definitely still around, but is has more of a supporting role than the lead, which is good for me. Though, odd considering the name of the fragrance.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Oud Wood is light to moderate. Honestly, this version doesn’t have much sillage at all past the first hour or so. Coming into this, I would’ve thought that Oud Wood would be a complete bomb sort of scent…nope.

The longevity too, isn’t that great. I can get 4-5 hours on my skin, but after that, it’s gone. That’s a shame for something at this price point and considering how other Tom Ford scents hold up.

Seasonally, the woodiness reminds me of autumn, but also extending into wintertime. These notes aren’t built for the heat, however. I think that it’d turn gross, especially in the high humidity, so take that into account before buying.

It’s a men’s fragrance, even if it is listed as a unisex perfume. Quite masculine. Elegant and well rounded, Oud Wood should be worn on more dressed up occasions and not with jeans and a tee.

Overall Impressions of Oud Wood

Overall, do I like this Tom Ford fragrance? I do and I don’t. The performance isn’t good. I like how it smells at some points in the wear but then it also has a sour smell at times. The oud note, is actually not overwhelming in this one, so I enjoy that fact and the wood notes are great.

It is warm and has a rather unique aroma. Still, it’s not one for me, but is one that has a ton of admirers.

If it had better performance, I might give it the go ahead for a full recommendation, but I don’t think I can due to the cost. I enjoy the vetiver, tonka bean, and amber. They’re nice touches to the overall composition, but not enough to truly sell me on this one.

Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford

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For today’s review, I am finally getting around to doing a full write up of Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford. I am still getting through my reviews of fragrances from this designer and this is among the most highly regarded of the bunch. This one came out in 2007. But how does it actually smell? Does it have good performance? What are the ingredients?

What does Tobacco Vanille Smell Like?

Notes include: tobacco, vanilla, dried fruit accords, cocoa, tonka bean, wood sap, spices

Click here to try: Tom Ford Beauty Tobacco Vanille Private Blend Spray/3.4 oz.

My Full Review

Tobacco Vanille opens up with a lot of very sweet tobacco, vanilla, cocoa, and creamy tonka bean. It is loud and really sweet, which I think puts off many people from giving this a fair shake, because it can kind of be overwhelming at the start.

The sweetness is somewhat offset by a layer of unnamed spice, but from what I can tell is mostly cinnamon. It’s a warm enveloping cloud of tobacco and familiar gourmand notes.

One thing about the sweetness is that it has a dry and powdered quality to the aroma. The cocoa note smells like cocoa powder and the dried fruit accord provides a different type of sweet scent from that of the strong vanilla and cocoa.

As it dries down, it becomes less sugary sweet, and more of a rich and dark aroma. It’s a very thick fragrance, smooth overall, but notes like the wood sap give it a resinous undertone.

As it dries down, I get more of the tobacco as a stand alone, that is less drowned out by the gourmand notes. It’s a green leafy tobacco, not a cured and toasted one. This is surrounded by sap and spices.

Plus, the sweet combo of the cocoa and vanilla, which lend it a creamy powdery disposition. It’s pretty much what I get for the rest of the wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, the sillage of Tobacco Vanille is really quite strong at first. It’ll stay that way for a few hours, but I’d put it on the upper edge of moderate for the rest of the wear. It isn’t a super bomb scent for the entire way, but it can hit hard at first.

Longevity is great. It’s an all day wear, and can hit double digit hours of wear, with only a couple of sprays. Probably in the 11-12 hour range, at its best.

This one has always stuck to my skin very well and kept going. I’m not sure everyone will experience the same, but it’s one of the best performing Tom Ford scents for me.

Seasonally, it’s a cold weather scent. Too much warmth and sweetness to be of use for me in the spring/summer, but it’s great when the temperatures drop. Very versatile, sexy enough to be worn out at night, but mature enough for office wear.

Doesn’t offend and gets positive reactions from people, as long as you’re not doing a crazy number of sprays. Also, it’s more masculine than anything, but it is still within the realm of being a unisex scent.

Overall Impressions of Tobacco Vanille

Overall, do I like Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford? Yes, it is a very good tobacco based fragrance. The dry down period is my favorite part, because it doesn’t have the same in your face sweetness, but I cannot say that I totally dislike the opening either.

It is expensive, but this is one of the Tom Ford scents that has really great performance, while being pleasing to wear. If you live in a very humid climate, it might not be the best choice. Obviously, you’ll also need to like the smell of tobacco.

For me, this is one of the Tom Ford perfumes that I can and do enjoy. Though, it isn’t my favorite or one that I personally want to wear all of the time. Especially since, the autumn and winter is when I get to break out a whole host of other scents with a dark, sweet, spicy profile.

Other Tom Ford scents like: Noir Extreme and Parfum. Different high end stuff like Oajan, Angels’ Share and Chanel’s Egoiste.

So, I do recommend giving this one a try at least. But, I already have a glut of fragrances with a similar use case, and this one gets left out of the mix for me.

Fleur de Portofino vs Neroli Portofino Comparison

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Tom Ford has released a good number of citrus floral fragrances over the years. Two of them, will be our competitive subjects today, Neroli Portofino vs. Fleur de Portofino. They obviously have a similar name, but which one stands out more? Which gives a better performance? Which is ultimately the better buy?

Tale of the Tape

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

Fleur de Portofino

Notes include: bergamot, Sicilian lemon, bitter orange leaf, tangerine, violet leaf, magnolia, white acacia, orange blossom, jasmine, vanilla, acacia honey

Click here to try: Tom Ford Fleur de Portofino Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 oz

Review: Fleur de Portofino

Opening

Neroli Portofino starts off with a blend of citrus notes, led by lemon, along with the neroli note and orange blossom. It’s aroma is upbeat and zesty with the floral ingredients providing a clean soapy quality.

Fleur de Portofino also starts with the citrus, but the blend is more of a mix of tangerine and lemon. It too feature floral notes of orange blossom and white acacia, but is joined by sweet honey, and a ‘green’ outdoorsy scent.

Which is better? I enjoy the opening of Fleur better. It has a similar citrus, with white floral notes like Neroli Portofino, but also features a nice honey note and more depth than its competitor.

Edge: Fleur

Projection

Neroli Portofino starts out as a moderate sillage perfume. It’s not super strong, but noticeable. After a while, it’s much softer, and sticks closer to the skin. Fleur de Portofino has a stronger sillage at the start, before becoming fairly moderate, in how it projects.

Edge: Fleur

Longevity

These two are pretty much the same, in terms of how long they last. I get 5-6 hours from either. Not great, but not terrible, as is fairly common with lighter citrus scents.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Again, these two are very similar with their uses. They are spring and summer fragrance. Perfumes that can go casual or dressy and unisex. I’d say Fleur is a tad more feminine, but both really hit the same sort of notes.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Honestly, I don’t find any of these fragrances to be amazing. However, they both are nice fragrances, that are enjoyable in the warmer weather. I enjoy the zesty citrus scent of Neroli Portofino and it has a light clean floral drydown. It is simple and fresh.

Between these Tom Ford fragrances, though? I prefer Fleur de Portofino slightly more. I like the honey note, added to the composition. The citrus and the honey keep it from becoming overly floral and creates something distinct, that Neroli Portofino, doesn’t really have.

It’s not a major edge for Fleur, in this contest, but it is a bit better than Neroli is.

Winner: Fleur de Portofino