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5 Fragrances Similar to Uomo Born in Roma

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Born in Roma has developed into a best seller for Valentino over the years. Now, it has a bunch of different flankers to its name and plenty of fans.

On this page, I want to keep track of fragrances that either smell alike, are similar to, or are cheaper alternatives to Uomo Born in Roma. I will try to update and include options beyond just the EDT version, such as Yellow Dream, Green Stravaganza, and Coral Fantasy.

Colognes that Smell Like Born in Roma

Inspired by Rome

Aromatic Sage by Dossier– For those who want an inspired take on the Born in Roma formula, this one from Dossier aims to get as close as possible to our target scent.

I haven’t yet tried this Dossier out, but they usually do a pretty good job a getting near what fragrance they’re aiming to replicate. But, they are using pineapple and ‘water fruits’ up top in effort to match the opening sweetness and sort of aquatic element that you get with the Valentino.

Added pink pepper to the spice profile as well. I would be interested in seeing if they pulled off the mineral accord well in this version. But, it should be fine.

Green Inspiration

Rome in Green by Dua– The Born in Roma flankers keep getting released, including Green Stravaganza. Long enough name, but Rome in Green is Dua’s take on that design, if you’re in the market for a cheaper alternative.

Bergamot, coffee, and Hatian vetiver combine for this interesting mix of bright citrus, a cafe aroma, and a smooth dry down period.

They don’t seem to have yet created their version of the original Uomo Born in Roma or any of the others, but this is a unique enough scent that some might be looking for.

Similar Start

Invictus by Paco Rabanne– This is one of the mainstream designer colognes that Born in Roma gets compared to most often. To me, it’s mostly confined to the opening hour or so, and it’s more of a mix between Invictus and Invictus Aqua.

Invictus EDT is definitely sweeter and has a heavier use of citrus early on. Salty with a bay leaf note adding some fresh spice to the mix. 

Yet, early it does have a very noticeable overlap with the Valentino. Again, if I could take elements from both EDT and Aqua, it would be even closer to Roma.

After that, the dry down on this one is different. Marine notes, that citrus, and its woody base are still going strong. Invictus doesn’t shift as much as Born in Roma does, as the Valentino gets woodier and soapier to some extent. Invictus review

Join the Club

Ralph’s Club Parfum– Here’s the first of the designer options that have similarities to Roma, but without being entirely the same. Giving you a different take, while hitting some of the same beats.

Apple and grapefruit are the opening fruity notes up top, with sage, lavender, and that general blue vibe throughout. This one also has a lot in common with the YSL Y fragrances (listed below).

That opening will calm down and you move into the floral heart with lavender and orange blossom, before it dries down to an earthier and somewhat smoky finish. 

Less of the freshness found with the violet leaf in Roma, but it has the same kind of clean aroma and that vetiver note. More floral and woody. A good alternative, if you’d like to branch out a bit. Ralph’s Club Parfum review

Y so Intense?

Y EDP Intense by YSL– The sage and blue-ish aspects of this version of the YSL Y line, do lend it to how our target fragrance smells. Not the same, but have enough similarities that a fan of one would probably enjoy the other.

For me, this definitely isn’t my favorite of the Y line (I’d go EDP or Elixir), and I actually might favor Born in Roma slightly more than this. But, it’s the closest in smell to what we’re looking for. 

This one starts off with a good amount of sage, it doesn’t have the mineral notes, and instead you’ll get ginger and geranium. This is paired with a light bergamot citrus and the usual Y blend of notes.

A woody and earthy back half with calming lavender. Performance is middling. Y Intense would be my last pick out of this list, but some might really enjoy this if bought for a decent price.

y edp intense review

Eros Flame vs. Eros Energy

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Eros Flame, for a long time, had been the only truly different flanker from the original Eros. Now, we have Eros Energy (and another one exclusive to Dubai) to help shake thinks up from just being another close variant of the main formula.

With this in mind, I wanted to compare these two Versace colognes to give a clearer picture as to which one is the better bet for those looking to get themselves a bottle of Eros. Which fragrance lasts longer? Smells better?

Tale of the Tape: Versace Eros Flame vs. Eros Energy

Eros Flame

Notes include: lemon, tangerine, chinotto accord, black pepper, wild mountain rosemary, pepperwood, geranium, rose, cedar, patchouli, vetiver, oak moss, sandalwood, tonka bean, and vanilla

Click here to try: Versace Eros Flame 100ml 3.4Oz Eau de Parfume For Men

My review: Eros Flame

Eros Energy

Notes include: bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, orange blackcurrant, musk, amber, moss

Click here to try: Versace Eros Energy

Read my review: Energy

Opening

With Eros Flame, my first bottle of it was pretty strong with the lemon and orange upon initial spray. But, the last few times that I’ve tried it, it seems to be toned down somewhat.

Those two notes are paired with pepper, the chinotto accord, rose, vanilla, and tonka bean. The rose and vanilla emerge more on my skin, as it starts to move into the middle act.

Eros Energy starts off with a ton of citrus. For me, it comes in waves. First, we get a mix of mostly: lemon, grapefruit, bergamot. Then: lime, orange, and even some blackcurrant amping up the tart aspect.

Very juicy and fresh with how it comes across. Some light spiciness is there, but it’s not too potent.

Eros Energy also has an amber and woodiness, which will become more noticeable later on.

Which is better?

I think both are fine. I do tend to like how Eros Flame kicks things off, more than what I get with Energy. Energy is definitely intense, but that sharpness can be bothersome to me, early.

Edge: Flame

Projection

Eros Flame has always been a powerful scent. I do think that it has lost a step or two from the original bottles. That first batch was insanely strong.

For a while, it felt like one of the biggest projecting mainstream designer colognes out there. Now, it’s still a beast, but somewhat tamed.

Energy has a nice strong start. It’s not a heavy scent, but that citrus opening is sharp, and can definitely reach across a room with a good amount of spraying.

Once it settles, it’s a moderate scent for a few hours. Then, it’ll be much more intimate.

Between the two, it’s a pretty easy win for Flame. Eros Energy puts up a good fight in that opening bit, but it cannot sustain nor reach the same peak as its Versace counterpart.

Edge: Flame

Longevity

Eros Flame lasts 10+ hours, at least with my original bottle. It could also go up to around 15 before completely quitting.

That was, however, with the initial release. This recent sample that I got, doesn’t nearly have the same staying power. Maybe it’s just that sample, but it only seemed to get around 8 hours.

With Eros Energy, I get 5-7 hours of wear out of it. Not nearly what Flame is capable of, but it’s also not designed to be.

Edge: Flame

Versatility

Energy is the first Eros cologne that works well in the spring and summer months. The citrus formula is built for the warm and even hotter temperatures of that part of the year.

Yet, it doesn’t really work as a autumn and winter wear like Flame. So, it’s kind of a split, and depends on what type of fragrance you’re looking for.

Energy is more of a casual sort of scent. It would be fine in somewhat dressier occasions, when it’s hot outside, but it doesn’t have the same nightlife or romantic wear potential as Flame.

Flame is more well-rounded in its use cases versus what you get with this newer Eros flanker. It’s not any better seasonally, just different, but it will probably be one guys reach for more often versus Energy.

Edge: Flame

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two fragrances do I prefer?

I wore Eros Energy quite a lot, when I first purchased the bottle. I wanted to be sure that I spent plenty of time wearing it in different scenarios. On the whole, I think that it’s a fine fragrance.

Nothing great, has enjoyable moments, but not a cologne that I am wanting to wear all too often. Plus, here in January, it’s just sitting on the shelf.

While I’m not personally, that big into Eros Flame, I do still like it more than I do Energy. I like its scent and the complexity of the notes more than I do the massive citrus aroma of this newer Versace Eros flanker.

Eros Flame is better. It did really used to get on my nerves, in the dry down. Though, trying a few samples in the past year, I’m not put off by it. Flame isn’t a fragrance that I completely love, it’s just good, and better than Energy.

Winner: Eros Flame

5 Fragrances that Smell Like L’Interdit by Givenchy

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L’Interdit has been a massively successful series from Givenchy. There was of course an older edition from the brand which dates back to the 1950s. However, they’ve updated to the formula and brought some new smells to the name.

However, sometimes people want a cheaper alternative the designer perfume. Or, they’d like something with a similar scent, but not exactly the same as the Givenchy. On this page, I will keep track of the fragrances that can fit the bill, and are related to the sort of perfume the L’Interdit is.

What Perfumes Smell Similar to L’Interdit by Givenchy?

Cheapie Sweet

Al Ibdaa Gold– This is an interesting alternative to L’Interdit EDP, as it takes the ‘grape-like’ smell of tuberose found in the Givenchy, as uses flower blossoms (apple and pineapple) to replicate it. Plus, a nice peach note.

Now, the middle and back half of the wear are different. This is where Al Ibdaa Gold separates itself somewhat from L’Interdit.

Musky, powdery, with a greater rose influence. Plus, the earthy spice of patchouli. Still, the main thrust of this cheapie is a lot like our target scent. May be too sweet for some people, but it’s pretty good for around $20.

Which Way?

My Way Armani- The My Way series from Armani has a lot of overlap with L’Interdit, as a tuberose infused white floral perfume.

The overlapping notes? Bergamot, tuberose, jasmine, orange blossom, and vanilla. A main difference, this one doesn’t have the pear note of L’Interdit EDP.

Beyond that, they’re not exactly the same. Similar styles, but not the same smell by any stretch. Personally, I like the Givency releases better than the Armani’s. To me, they have more depth, better sweetness, and just a weighting of the notes that I prefer.

That being said, this is one that a lot of people may like as an alternative. The dry down here still has a sweetness (feels less candy-like at this stage) and a good blend with the musk and vanilla.


Forbidden Rouge

The Forbidden White Flowers by Dua– This one from the Dua Brand is actually their ‘inspired by’ take of L’Interdit Rouge Ultime and not the original EDP.

To me, the first Rouge release, was the best of the L’Interdit series thus far. But, I haven’t yet checked out Ultime to see how it stacks up. It looks like it’s a nice formula, maybe less of the spice of the original, and more of a white floral blend with cacao and tobacco.

So, if you’re looking for something that smells like L’Interdit Rouge Ultime, this is the one to go with. I’ve owned probably a dozen or so different releases from the Dua brand and they do a great job with their inspirations.

A Bit of Intense, A Bit Different

R U Serious by Rue Broca– R U Serious is a perfume that has a lot of overlap with the L’Interdit series, while not being exactly like any of them. A bit of EDP and Intense-like accords are found in this one.

The differences that are most pronounced is the use of a heavier patchouli in this Rue Broca release and the smokiness of the birch. That note, kind of reminds me of the one found in Creed Aventus for Him.

Somewhat heavier in comparison to L’Interdit EDP. Amber, patchouli, and birch give R U Serious plenty of substance and projection power. The top notes are light and crisp highlighted by apple and blackcurrant.

Fruitier Cheapie

Fakhar Rose by Lattafa– Fakhar is an inexpensive alternative that has a good deal of overlap with the way that it smells in comparison to L’Interdit EDP, in particular. Though, it’s not an exact match.

This one is brighter, sweeter (at first), and overall fruitier than what I get with the Givenchy perfume. That’s especially true in the opening act.

Once the transition into the middle comes around, they have more similarities. Yes, this one does have a rose note, but it feels balanced with the gardenia and the tuberose. The back half doesn’t maintain the sweetness and L’Interdit has a longer go with that aspect.

It’s also lighter, with some nice muskiness into the dry down. For the price, Fakhar Rose is an excellent deal that can deliver much of what you get with our target.

6 Fragrances Similar to Armani Si

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Si has become a best seller for Armani and spawned a ton of different imitators (and flanker spinoffs of its own). Sometimes, you just want something that’s an alternative to Armani Si. Whether it’s a perfume that smells nearly identical to it or one that share lots of similarities while ultimately doing its own thing.

On this page, I’m going to keep track of the scents that are similar to Armani Si, be that cheaper options or something that gives you something close yet different.

What Perfumes Smell Like Armani Si?

The Cheapest Alternative

In Woman by La Rive– La Rive’s perfume, In Woman, is pretty close to Armani Si, in terms of smell. Though, it isn’t a one to one match. However, it is the least expensive option to go with, and is a nice value play.

Admittedly, I’d just spend the extra $10 or so, and pick up the Dossier option below.

This doesn’t have the same depth as the Armani. Instead you get more of a vanilla influence, along with more of the rose. In Woman is a bit harsh at first, but it settles down rather well. Not a ton of power here, but again, a dirt cheap pick that is a pretty good imitation.

Inspired Si

Woody Freesia by Dossier– Woody Freesia is Dossier’s inspired take on the original Armani Si formula.

It opens up with blackcurrant, strawberry, and that freesia note. This one aims to hit the same beats as Si and does a good job of doing so. Dossier generally gets it right and Woody Freesia is no exception.

Much closer to nailing the similarities of the Armani versus what you get with the La Rive above. It is a bit more expensive, but still currently priced under $30.

Passione Eclat Inspiration

Passionate Eclat de Parfum by Dua– Since the original Si was such as success, there has been a ton of flanker releases, including Si Passione. Also, Passione Eclat which is a flanker of a flanker.

Passionate Eclat from Dua is their take on this newer edition of Si Passione. It’s a fruity rose fragrance with a bold blackcurrant up top along with some bergamot.

It’s a fresher sort of rose scent, somewhat light, while having a substantial musky base note. If you want an alternative to Si Passione Eclat, here’s your best bet.

Close but Different

Promise Me by Mauboussin– Promise Me isn’t an exact one to one match of Armani Si. But, it shares plenty of similarity with its smell. Also, some might prefer this one to our target.

Rose and patchouli are really the stars in this one. There is a citrus note in the opening, but this Mauboussin perfume doesn’t have that same level of fruity/juiciness as you can find in Si.

Notably, this one also doesn’t come with the vanilla of our target. It’s more like a lighter streamlined version, less dense, but with an added heliotrope powdery touch. As of writing, Promise Me sells for around $30, so it can be a good one to consider if you want something a bit different.

Si Passione Like Cheapie

In Woman Red by La Rive– Like the first offering of this list, In Woman Red, models itself after a fragrance in the Si series. This time, it’s Si Passione.

The quality here isn’t as good and this is a much lighter projecting scent versus the Armani. Again, you’re getting a massive discount to the designer wear, but the performance could definitely still be better.

The opening does have an intense black currant with that pear juiciness and the kick of the pink pepper, but things get softer as it moves into its floral heart. Not a perfect match, but it’s passable, if you need something for under $20.

The Flanker

Si Intense– Obviously, the flanker to the original Si is going to be quite similar. However, this one can be a good alternative for those who want a different and maybe better edition of the perfume.

Also note, there are few editions of Si Intense.

The one I picked up is a warm and fruity blend up front. It’s got a very nice syrupy sort of quality to it and is soon joined by a rose note.

Amber, rose, earthiness, and some woods come along in the dry down. Very nice performance as well. If there were aspects of the original you didn’t like (to me it’s less ‘green’), you could go with this one. Si Intense review

Libre vs Libre Le Parfum

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Libre from YSL has been a major success for the brand since its release. Because of that, they have put out a ton of flanker fragrances to capitalize on the name, and offer fans a different experience with each. In this post, I want to compare the original Libre eau de parfum to the newer Le Parfum edition, to see how that match up and which is the better option of the two.

Tale of the Tape: Libre vs Le Parfum

Libre

Notes include: lavender, white musks, orange flower, vanilla, orchid

Click here to try: Libre EDP on Amazon

Read my review: Libre EDP

Libre Le Parfum

Notes include: ginger, saffron, mandarin orange, bergamot, orange blossom, lavender, vanilla, honey, tonka bean, vetiver

Click here to try: Libre Le Parfum

Opening

Libre EDP starts things off with a strong burst of the orange blossom (maybe some additional citrus fruit spritzed in) and the lavender, which will only grown more powerful. It’s soapy, somewhat musky, and has a definite creaminess throughout.

Le Parfum goes more in a citrusy direction, but not completely so. The orange blossom, honey, spice, and vanilla are all very present early. Parfum is warm and cozy.

I don’t get nearly the same amount of lavender here with Le Parfum (at least early, later, it shows up quite a good deal more on my skin) than either the original or Intense, for that matter. It also feels much thicker and syrupy like than the others in the series.

Which is better? To me, I like how each utilizes the orange blossom note. Obviously, there’s going to be a lot of overlap between these two perfumes.

Beyond those similarities, I do like the citrus and ginger notes that get used in Le Parfum. Lavender isn’t my favorite note, so, I do like how toned down it is in comparison to the EDP.

Edge: Le Parfum

Projection

Libre EDP isn’t a  fragrance that could be mistaken as weak.. I’d rate it as being at least in the upper range of moderate, if not firmly in the strong camp.

As a mainstream designer wear, it’s got plenty of projection ability and will be very noticeable in the air around you, even after the opening act.

With Libre Le Parfum, you do get a thicker/heavier fragrance and one that will leave a scent trail in your wake to a greater degree. The ability to project itself very well also stays around longer than it does with the original.

However, in terms of projection it actually is a notch below Libre Intense. But, Le Parfum is good enough to take this matchup easily.

Edge: Le Parfum

Longevity

With the original eau de parfum, I get 8-9 hours of wear on skin. Very solid and worthwhile in comparison to most designer fragrances.

Yet, it comes up short in comparison to Libre Le Parfum. With this newer flanker, I get 10-11 hours of wear, with 12 hours being very possible depending on the day.

In either case, you get great performance from this YSL line, but Le Parfum easily takes this category.

Edge: Le Parfum

Versatility

Libre EDP is the better daytime option. Le Parfum can do both day and nighttime, but it’s probably better in the evenings. Libre has the edge as a versatile daily wear.

Also, the heavier Le Parfum might well get bogged down when the temperatures heat up. It’s pretty much an autumn and winter wear. Libre isn’t exactly built for summer, but it holds up better when it’s a warm out.

Edge: Libre EDP

Overall Scent

Overall, it’s almost a clean sweep in my opinion. There’s not much edge that Libre EDP has over Le Parfum, outside of a slightly more versatile use case.

In terms of smell and performance? Libre Le Parfum is just the better perfume to my nose.

Libre EDP is an attractive fragrance. It’s much more floral. If you want a lavender and orange blossom mix, this might be the one for you. It’s got that nice daily wear vibe, soapiness, but nothing too exciting or complicated. It works well enough and is popular for a reason.

Le Parfum has better balance, performance, and greater depth than the original. The honey and vanilla combination in the dry down is great. I like the citrus and ginger combo up top. And, the orange blossom and lavender feel as if they’re blended better in this mix.

Winner: Libre Le Parfum