Sauvage EDT by Christian Dior

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In the world of fragrance, it is often an exciting event when Christian Dior releases a new cologne for men. After all, this is a brand which has come out with some absolutely amazing scents in the past and has a long history of creating winners for guy’s who enjoy a sophisticated scent.

In 2015, they released a new fragrance, Sauvage, which features an ad campaign starring Johnny Depp. Since then, this fragrance has become an absolute powerhouse in the world of men’s colognes.

Sauvage is super popular and a constant best seller (literally became the first men’s fragrance to be number one worldwide, outselling even all ladies’ perfumes) . The question is, is it worth it?

In this post, I want to give some of my thoughts about this new cologne and whether or not it lives up to the name of Dior. How does it smell? What are the notes? Does it last long? How’s the sillage? Is it actually something one should buy?

🌍 DIOR SAUVAGE — AT A GLANCE
Fragrance Family Fresh Aromatic Woody
Key Notes Bergamot, Ambroxan, Sichuan Pepper, Lavender, Pink Pepper
Season Spring Summer
Occasion Office, School, Casual, Dressed Up, Bar
Longevity 6–7 hrs typical, up to 8–9 hrs in winter
Sillage Moderate to fairly strong — noticeable without overpowering
Rating ★★★★☆ 8.1 / 10
Quick Verdict
A fresh, mass-appeal daily scent with a sharp bergamot opening, spicy pepper kick, and smooth ambroxan-lavender dry down. Very versatile and easy to wear, especially in warmer weather, with solid performance and broad appeal.

What does Dior Sauvage EDT Smell Like?

sauvage

Notes include: Bergamot, Ambroxan, Sichuan Pepper, lavender, pink pepper, and more

Click here to try: Sauvage by Christian Dior Eau de Toilette for Men, 2 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

By now, one has probably seen the magazine adverts or the short ‘film’ starring Johnny Depp, in the media blitz before this fragrance’s release. This eau de toilette cologne is definitely a mass market affair.

However, that doesn’t mean that it is a terrible cologne. In fact, I rather enjoy the scent even it isn’t 100% unique in it’s scent or even if it can become a signature cologne for a guy.

2022 Update: Sauvage has become an absolute best seller in the world of men’s fragrance and has spawned seemingly endless imitators and somewhat similar scents (like: Dylan Blue)

Before we start, let’s see how Dior describes this eau de toilette: A radically fresh composition, dictated by a name that has the ring of a manifesto. That was the way François Demachy, Dior Perfumer-Creator, wanted it: raw and noble all at once. Natural ingredients, selected with extreme care, prevail in excessive doses. Radiant top notes burst with the juicy freshness of Reggio di Calabria bergamot. Ambroxan, derived from precious ambergris, unleashes a powerfully woody trail. Sauvage is an act of creation inspired by wide-open spaces. An ozone blue sky sprawled above a rocky landscape, white-hot beneath the desert sun. 

The composition is rather simplistic yet definitely delivers the masculine vibe that the designer was going for. The ambergris derivative , Ambroxan, is quite noticeable and gives Sauvage a solid foundation from which to present itself. It is clean, fresh, and inviting with a warm and spicy kick delivered by the Sichuan pepper note.

The opening features a very sharp bergamot note and lavender to go with that pepper kick. It is very similar to that of Luna Rossa Carbon, only that Prada fragrance doesn’t have the same level of citrus intensity in the start. I’ve done a post comparing these two colognes.

While Sauvage definitely has a sharp start, I feel like it gets smoother after some time has passed after application.

On my skin, the citrus subsides, after about 20 minutes of wear and I really start to get a noticeable ambroxan aroma. It is so well blended with the pepper, that some of the spicy edge is taken off of that note. However, the warm and smooth composition does have that solid spice throughout.

Sauvage is another cologne that strikes me as really fresh and sort of has that ‘right out of the shower’ vibe to it. The lavender note, which is found in so many soaps and fresheners, really adds to this feeling.

Lavender is one of the main differences between Sauvage and Luna Rossa Carbon, as it is much stronger in the latter than in this Dior scent.

The floral notes here are a bit underappreciated. Yes, the lavender is prominent in the composition, but there is also geranium and labdanum that are present in the background of Sauvage.

These help to support the outdoorsy, wide open spaces, vision that the designer was going for. They are pretty faint but they can come through in a whiff, if you’re familiar with how these notes smell.

 

While it is warm and has that underlying spice, there is a certain woodiness of cedar, which helps to further the raw masculinity which comes through in this scent. It is a very pleasant experience, though, it does draw reminders of other colognes I have smelt in the past.

So, I can’t really reward it points on a factor of uniqueness. A lot of that enveloping sort of feeling that comes with Sauvage, I think is due to the presence of pink pepper, especially in the dry down. It’s one of the main notes in something like Guess Seductive Homme, and I pick up on that pink pepper vibe with this Dior.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sauvage is a fragrance for the warmer months and it did very well on a hot day here. It seems like it should have been released before the summer season and not after because I don’t get a cold weather aura from it at all. That’s sort of odd considering how ‘warm’ it smells with the amber and pepper notes.

It has a moderate to fairly strong projection, in that it doesn’t overpower but it seemed to hold up fairly well on my skin for maybe 6-7 hours so the longevity is at least decent as well.

This is based of doing a few sprays for each wear, however, it can be overwhelming sometimes if you’re prone to wearing a lot of fragrance.

The opening act can indeed pack a punch. But, that is fairly short-lived and it becomes more moderated thereafter. Still, not a bad ability to leave a scent trail or just project off of the skin.

Update: Since I originally wrote this review, I have a lot more experience with Sauvage, and I do get much longer wear during the wintertime. Maybe bump that to 8-9 hours. Humidity, stifles its ability to last on my skin for its full capability.

Other folks report, having much better longevity with Sauvage than I do, and say it goes all day. Again, like every fragrance, it is going to depend on your own skin chemistry and how the cologne reacts with it on a particular day. For me, it’s just pretty good but not outstanding in how long it lasts.

Sauvage is actually a very versatile fragrance and I think that is one of the reasons that it has become so popular with the masses.

It’s something that could be worn to work or school (if you go light), but can be worn causally, dressed up, or even at the bar. It really has become ubiquitous at this point, but it does have so many uses that it’s completely understandable.

Lots of women do find this to be a sexy fragrance. I think it smells more ‘clean’ than anything sexy, but if members of the opposite sex are saying its sexy, I guess it is.

It’s pretty ubiquitous at this point, there are so many guys wearing it, and so many clones that it’s lost some of its appeal.

Overall Impression of Sauvage EDT

Overall, I think this is a very solid cologne but nothing all that special. I’ve never been a huge fan of wearing it, but I like it well enough. Dior Sauvage is too sharp for me at times, but then I catch a whiff and I rather like the ambroxan/citrus/lavender blend of the eau de toilette. I ‘get’ why people like it so much.

Though, as someone who reviews and wears a ton of different colognes, Sauvage just strikes me as kind of meh. However, if you want a cologne that is very versatile, has a wide fan base, and delivers good performance…Dior Sauvage EDT is a solid bet for the vast majority of guys. You won’t stand out, but you’ll get a lot of use out of a scent, with such a massive appeal.

Since the release of this original Sauvage, Dior has also released, the EDP and Parfum versions. In my opinion, they are both better than this one, Sauvage EDP being my personal favorite.

This version is very wearable and will provide a solid daily wear option for many guys. It’s not amazing, but it does an overall good job.

How Sauvage Compares to Similar Fragrances

YSL Y vs. Sauvage EDT– Comparing two popular ‘blueish’ fragrances. This time it’s Y from YSL to compare to the Dior best seller.

Dior Sauvage Parfum vs. EDT– Two variations of the Sauvage name, I personally prefer Parfum against the original. But, what are the differences?

 

Dior Sauvage FAQ’s

Which Dior Sauvage version is best? 

Everyone has their preferences with these fragrances, for me it’s: Sauvage EDP and Elixir. I think that the eau de parfum is the perfect blend of the original EDT formula. Not as sharp, smoother, but with a great dynamic.

Elixir is also great. However, it takes things in a different direction and not everyone will be into that formula. Anyway, here’s how I rank all of the Sauvage colognes: Dior Sauvage Ranked

Is Dior Sauvage good for everyday wear?

Yes, it’s a very versatile cologne. There are reasons that it’s a best seller and one of the main one’s is how it can fit with the style of so many people, in so many situations.

Is Dior Sauvage too common?

It’s been a best selling fragrance for over a decade. It’s been copied by almost every designer and anyone else who makes colognes. So, yes, it is very common. However, people still do like it and you should wear whatever you want to.

There won’t be much, if any pushback or negativity towards wearing it. Guess what? Most people like popular things.

Is Dior Sauvage better than Bleu de Chanel?

Which one? Sauvage EDT? No, I think the Bleu de Chanel fragrances are all better. Sauvage EDP? Now, you have a case. But, here’s how I ranked them: Sauvage vs. BdC vs. Aventus

 

13 Perfumes Like Love Don’t Be Shy— Cheaper Alternatives & Similar Scents (2026)

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Kilian’s Love Don’t be Shy (my review if you don’t know what it smells like) is one of their most popular fragrances (and the Extreme version is well-liked too) and always seems to be a best seller despite its lack of affordability for many.

It’s sweetness and use of delectable notes, like caramel and marshmallow, demands attention and creates a enjoyable scent bubble around the wearer.

But, what if you want a cheaper alternative to it? Or, you want a perfume which smells similar to the Kilian perfume, but a bit different? Well, this is my page keeping track of potential alternatives.

Top Pick(s)

🏆 Closest Overall Match: Be in Love by Dua or Floral Marshmallow by Dossier — if you want the most similar scent to Love Don’t Be Shy at a lower price, these are our top picks. Both of these brands have high quality fragrances with a high fragrance concentration. You might just want to pick which is on sale, on any given day. 

What Makes Love Don’t Be Shy Unique

Kilian’s Love, don’t be shy has a lot going for it to spur it’s popularity. It’s a mix of sweet, floral, citrus, and it has a dynamic feeling. While it isn’t my personal favorite, I do think that this is one of the best ladies’ perfumes from Kilian.

It is a warm and captivating aroma. Slightly powdery early on, led by the orange blossom and flanked by a rose and iris, at the start.

That marshmallow and caramel combination is really great and you get the lush orange blossom as a steadying influence throughout the wear. 

That and it’s versatility make it a favorite amongst the public, too. However, one downside is the price, which gets people looking for alternatives or similar smelling designer wears.

Love don’t be shy Extreme also has its strengths and you’ll find several alternatives listed towards the end.

Love don’t be shy…notes: caramel, marshmallow, jasmine, rose, honeysuckle, orange blossom, sugar, vanilla, musk, and more

Fragrances Similar to Love Don’t be Shy

love don't be shy review

JPG Classique Pin Up — Closest Designer Alternative

Classique Pin Up by JPG– So, A lot of the Classique perfumes from Jean Paul Gaultier share a lot of overlap with our Kilian target. Probably the closest designer perfume to smelling just like Love is Classique Pin Up.

Though, they are different. If you’re something that is a lot closer to a ‘match’ to Don’t Be Shy, try the perfumes below this. This is an alternative for those who’d like a similar style that has much in common with Love.

Also, I’d check out Cabaret (without marshmallow, more orange blossom) or Classique Eau Fraiche, which is one of my personal favorites from the line.

Any who, this isn’t an exact match, just one that certainly has a similar style. Orange blossom and marshmallow are the greatest two notes in common and they each have their largest reach early on.

The marshmallow isn’t nearly as heavy with this one compared to Love, but we do get a nice spicy change of pace with the ginger note.

Plus, the vanilla really comes on strong towards the middle. So, orange blossom with vanilla and the remaining marshmallow. Very close to the Kilian, just with its own personality. 

Dossier Floral Marshmallow — Cheap and in the Style of

Floral Marshmallow by Dossier– Dossier has launched its inspired version of Love, Don’t Be Shy, called Floral Marshmallow. The name fits, as this one does have a focus on the marshmallow aspect of the Kilian.

Is it a good inspired result? Pretty much. It’s sweet, maybe less of a sugary fluff, with how it develops versus our target fragrance.

Also, the caramel note and some of the spice like coriander, just isn’t here. Actually, it’s a bit of a mix between Love and Love Don’t Be Shy Extreme, in that way.

Nonetheless, this is really close and bottles as of publishing go for $39, which is a heavy discount to the designer version.

Be in Love by Dua- A Low Cost ‘Smells Like’

Be in Love by Dua– If you’re not familiar with The Dua Brand, they create a lot of fragrances, many of which are ‘inspired’ scents of popular designer originals. Be in Love is their inspired version of Love Don’t be Shy. 

Now, this is one that I have yet to personally try. However, I’ve tried their versions of scents such as Lost Cherry, Aventus, Afternoon Swim and they’ve been spot on. This seems to be the case with Be in Love, based on the customer reviews.

The notes here are what you’d get with the original Love, don’t be Shy and not the Extreme version. 

If you want a much cheaper scent, close to the smell of the Kilian, this is probably as good of an option as any.

love don't be shy dupes

Sweet Inspiration

Sweet Addict by Oakcha– Here’s another fragrance that is ‘inspired by’ our target scent. I’ve only recently come across the Oakcha brand, but it seems like another of these extrait de parfum versions of famous scents.

Which is nice, since you’re going to get a high concentration of fragrance at least.

All of the notes seem in line with the Kilian. How close they got the weighting on all of them, remains to be determined. Though, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive and there are sample sets available to test for yourself.

I’m just adding this to the list for now and I’ll update if I get around to testing Sweet Addict for myself, in the future.

If You Enjoy Love, don’t be shy, try Oriana 

Oriana by Parfums de Marly– Sugary sweet, sometimes creamy, finishes powdery and quite reminiscent of Love. Oriana is another high-end designer option that uses a very similar formula to what we’re looking for.

These fragrances aren’t identical, however. Oriana has a fruitier aroma early on, with raspberry being an opening highlight. This opts for whipped cream, in lieu of vanilla, and doesn’t have the caramel. Plenty of marshmallow, though.

Oriana is lightened by its use of raspberry and citrus, when compared to Love Don’t be Shy, which can be a better option for some people. Softer sillage, but very wearable, and pretty with its sweetness.

If you like, Love, you’ll almost certainly enjoy what you get with Oriana.

Sintra- Greenish Smells Close to Love

Sintra by Memo Paris– The petitgrain note especially, along with neroli really start Sintra off with a bold and greenish sort of an aroma. The citrus here is light, but there is also a resinous warmth which adds body to Sintra.

Sounds different from Love? Well, to start with, sure.

But, this Memo Paris fragrance will quickly turn sweet and creamy (milk is a note), thanks to the big fluffy marshmallow note. Now, I don’t think that this is sweeter than the Kilian, but strikes close.

To further the comparison, you’re also treated to caramel, vanilla, and orange blossom as the main floral during the mid and dry down. Now, this one isn’t any cheaper, but it might be a nice and slightly different alternative for some.

 

More Floral, Less Sugary

Perdizione by Nobile 1942– There still seems to be bottles of this floating around online, but it’s not readily available everywhere. Also, doesn’t offer much in the way of cost savings versus the Kilian.

However, Perdizione gives you a great fragrance to work with, focusing more on the orange blossom, neroli, and ylang-ylang notes, with vanilla and the sweeter notes playing supporting roles.

This one lacks the caramel and sugary aroma of Love, but provides plenty of overlap otherwise…just a different note strengths.

It’s similar to Sintra (listed above) and Love don’t be Shy. Sort of splitting the difference. Has petitgrain, but this one is much less green than Sintra. 

Safanad- A More Distant Cousin, but has similarities

Parfums de Marly Safanad for women Eau de Parfum 2.5 Oz./75 ml – Safanad is another Parfums de Marly option, less of a resemblance than Oriana, but within the same ballpark.

Orange blossom, and vanilla are the overlapping notes with Love. You do get a light orange citrus and pear to add some sweetness.

This one opens up with orange blossom and vanilla. There is an amber note throughout and a nice iris contributing also.

The dry down is amber, vanilla, sandalwood, and orange blossom. So, the gulf between them does get wider. But, I think people who like Love and want less sugar, might also enjoy this one. Safanad Full Review

A Different Type of Marshmallow Floral

Dolce & Gabbana Pour Femme Intense Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.3 oz–  Dolce Intense is another one that while having a similar style and shared notes, isn’t an inspired scent of Love don’t be Shy.

This is a gourmand perfume with a very large marshmallow presence, but doesn’t have the same sugary quality of the Kilian.

Sure, still there but between the lower amount and lack of caramel, it doesn’t hit the same sugary level.

The main difference is going to be between the floral notes. Orange blossom is the common one between them, but this D&G includes tuberose and neroli. It’s also less musky, with a smooth sandalwood in the base.

Again, not the same, but related and can be a lot of fun to wear.

dolce pour femme intense

Love Don’t Be Shy Extreme Inspiration

Fearless Love by Fragrenza– Some of you may be looking for a near dupe of the Extreme version of Love, don’t be shy. Fearless Love is one that I grabbed a sample of while looking for more similar perfumes to the original formula.

Love, Don’t be Shy Extreme is a version which focuses more on the citrus, neroli, and orange blossom aspects of the original. Besides that, it lacks the caramel and a lot of the sugary parts the Love has. 

Now, this is still very sweet. with a fluffy marshmallow and vanilla mix (also lending more powdery qualities to the composition). Fearless Love offers an affordable alternative the Kilian, which still overlaps greatly with our target fragrance. 

Another Extreme Pick

Reckless Pour Femme by Roja– This perfume from Roja, isn’t really going to save any money, and doesn’t exactly match Love Extreme. It does come very close, without the use of a marshmallow note.

So, if the marshmallow is one that you don’t enjoy with the Kilian fragrances, Reckless can be a great alternative. It actually has shades of both Love and Love Extreme, but closer to the latter, and more floral than either of them.

The citrus and vanilla is here, but the citrus is stronger in Love Extreme. 

Vanilla Floral

Velvet Vanilla by Mancera– Straying further away from the near matches with Love, don’t be shy, we have this entry from Mancera. It is interesting, because this one also has sweetness, fruitiness, and white floral notes.

The difference is that, it doesn’t have the same sugary sweet effect as the Kilian (it’s closer to the sweetness you get with L’Interdit, but weirdly still kind of marshmallow in its vibe), and most of the fruity notes are toned way down.

Vanilla and tuberose are the real stars here. But, you get the same: jasmine, neroli, and musk as our target fragrance. 

Again, these two don’t hit the same exact beats, but this is another great option for those who are after a similar vibe.

A Caramel Delight

Caramel Overdose by Be Layered– Not my favorite, but it does strike a close comparison to what we’re looking for. Caramel Overdose goes stronger with the orange blossom and caramel note than does Love.

But, the marshmallow aspect isn’t nearly to the same extent that you find with the Kilian. Though, it is still rather sweet and powdery.

I wouldn’t call this an exact match. Just two perfumes that have a ton of overlap and create a warm, sweet, floral, candy-like aroma (bubblegum in this case).

Performance is pretty good and you can get the 10ml size for around $20 (as of writing). So, Caramel Overdose might be worth checking out if you like Love, don’t be shy.

 

Love, don’t be shy FAQ’s

What is the best alternative for Love Don’t Be Shy?

If you want something that’s closest to a match, it’d probably be: Be in Love by Dua or Floral Marshmallow by Dossier. Classique Pin Up for a close, but not exact designer fragrance.

What does Love Don’t Be Shy smell like?

It’s a warm mix of marshmallow and caramel sitting on top of a delightful orange blossom floral. Sugary sweet with a lightness to it and a more refined musky dry down.

What’s the best alternative to Love Don’t Be Shy Extreme?

Again, the best one that I’ve found is Fearless Love by Fragrenza. It does a really great job at getting the idea right.

What’s the difference between Love Don’t Be Shy and the Extreme version?

The original is sweeter and uses that caramel note pretty heavily in the early to middle stages. Extreme brings out the citrus and neroli notes, that were more muted in Love, don’t be shy…

 

5 Perfumes Similar to Devotion

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Devotion from Dolce & Gabbana is a fragrance series that has been picking up steam, since its release. It’s a delicious and fun gourmand perfume that is easy to wear and easy to love.

Yet, sometimes you may want something that smells similar to Devotion, but with some slightly different notes to enjoy or want to find a cheaper fragrance option that can do most of the job itself. On this page, I will keep track of perfumes that fit the bill, and provide some variety to this style of fragrance.

Fragrances that Smell Like Devotion

Loyal Alternative

Her Loyalty by The Dua Brand– The Dua Brand creates their own inspired takes on famous women’s fragrances. Her Loyalty is their version of Devotion aroma.

They do a really good job at coming close to what you’re going to get with the designer perfume. The extrait de parfum concentration, also leads to having a really good performance.

This is one that I haven’t personally tried out. Though, I’ve probably owned a dozen or so bottles from Dua, and have enjoyed what I’ve gotten from them. If you want an inexpensive option, this is probably a safe bet.

One from Burberry

Goddess EDP by Burberry– Goddess is a very popular release from Burberry, which came out before Devotion did. They are quite a bit similar in their style.

I will say that I personally prefer Devotion (or Devotion Intense) to what I get from Goddess EDP.

Still, if you want a more vanilla-centered fragrance, the Burberry is the better of the two for that.  There’s some cacao here, but the tail end is mainly going to be about that vanilla and lavender.

The D&G scent is much more dynamic and has that earlier use of lemon, spice, and give a more generalized ‘baked goods’ aroma.  For some, that might not be what you’re looking for, and Goddess EDP can provide an alternative that’s close to Devotion, while doing its own thing. Goddess EDP review

Bath and Body 

Loyal to You by B&BW– The Bath and Body Works fragrance is available in spray, lotions, and a perfume. It really does come pretty darn close to Devotion in terms of how it smells. As a very cheap option, this one gives you a wearable alternative.

Yet, it’s not exactly the same. The lemon note seems a bit weaker, the vanilla not as creamy, lots of marshmallow here, and the performance doesn’t match up. But, Loyal to You does give you that sugary lemon cake scent, that is oh so good.

Note: this one now seems tougher to find (the perfume version, at least). As such, don’t bother chasing a bottle if it’s selling for a price close to Devotion. Probably just pick up the Dua or the  following scent.

Name Game

Victoria by Lattafa– Lemon meringue pie is the vibe that this Lattafa scent is putting out. It’s not an exact one to one of Devotion, but it is a much more affordable option.

I would say that this one isn’t as dense, warm, inviting, or well-rounded as the D&G. Though, it still does a nice job at capturing the baked goods smell, without letting that lemon note get too juicy or tart. Instead its well balanced with the vanilla notes.

This feels more linear and lacks some of the complexity that Devotion or Devotion Intense presents. Soft and sugary, but with enough staying power to basically match what you get from our target fragrance.

I’ve seen this for under $30, so, it’s not too much of a commitment to give Victoria a try.

Step into the Bakery

Bake by Akro– This is another one that is similar to Devotion in terms of style, but ultimately different. This is both kind of like Devotion and Lira by Xerjoff in it’s overall composition. Still, Bake is a creamy and sweet cake-like scent.

This isn’t one that’s going to save any money in comparison (currently I’m seeing it for $150+ online). That lemon and vanilla opening is familiar. The lemon is zesty, there’s a touch of rum booziness, and maybe some ambroxan in the mix too.

There is a sugary aroma, but this one also has periods where bake feels quite creamy, and then more like a cookie than a cake. Overall, this is an impressive and enjoyable perfume to wear when it’s colder outside (I’d avoid wearing this in the spring/summer entirely).

Maybe not worth the price for everybody, but Akro’s Bake give you another potential option to wear instead of Devotion.

Myslf Le Parfum vs. L’Absolu

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Myslf from YSL continues to expand its popularity among people with each of its successive releases. 2025 saw the release of the third cologne in the series, Myslf Absolu. With that being the case, I wanted to do a new comparison post between it and Le Parfum.

Which Myslf fragrance smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Myslf Le Parfum vs Absolu

Myslf Le Parfum

Notes include: black pepper, orange blossom, Bourbon vanilla, amber, patchouli, woods

Click here to try: YSL Myslf Le Parfum

Myslf L’Absolu

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

Read my review: Absolu

Get Absolu: at Sephora

Opening

Myslf Le Parfum starts off fresh and sweet. There’s still a hint of bergamot present, but orange blossom really takes the lead in this version.

The orange blossom brings a bubblegum-like sweetness to the table, though the black pepper up top does a good job of balancing it out. You get a nice spicy kick without it being overwhelming.

There’s warmth here, and I’m picking up a fair bit of woods and patchouli right from the start as well.

Absolu starts off powerfully with ginger at the forefront, working alongside that familiar bergamot note. There’s a cool spiciness happening here that feels quite fresh, and the cardamom becomes more apparent after about 5 to 10 minutes.

The citrus burst at the start fades back, and the fragrance moves into a spicier floral combination featuring ginger, cardamom, and the signature orange blossom.

By now, the scent has grown warmer compared to that cooler opening vibe. It maintains a sparkling, somewhat sweet character. The spice notes have mellowed out and Absolu has settled into its floral center. Orange blossom, naturally.

Which is better? While, I do like what I get from Myslf Le Parfum at the start, the additional freshness and energy that Absolu brings to the table, is just better to me. I enjoy both, but one has a clear advantage.

Edge: Absolu

Projection

To me, both of these have close to the same level of projection. Very good ability to envelop the wearer and make itself known in a room. While also, not being an absolute beast.

So, in those terms they’re about equal. However, Le Parfum does have a denser and heavier feeling than does the fresher Absolu. Which can create the perception that it is the stronger of the two.

But, spraying each on a shirt and then walking away from it, I can detect them to about the same distance. Le Parfum does feel a bit more substantial, though.

Edge: Parfum

Longevity

The longevity of each of these for me sits at 9-10 hours of wear. I’ve been testing each of them and rotating between these Myslf fragrances and that’s what I consistently get. Both are better than EDP, while being equal to one another.

Edge: Push

Versatility

When it comes to seasons, Myslf Absolu basically works all year. I’d lean toward moderate to warmer weather with it. Just like before, avoid wearing this in peak summer heat.

It handles both day and night well. This is a polished floral cologne where the fresh spiciness really comes alive in the evening hours. That’s what sets it apart from the EDP. There’s more detail and refinement here.

It’s crowd-pleasing but has some edge to it. This could easily become someone’s go-to fragrance or even their only one.

Le Parfum follows a similar pattern. It outperforms the EDP and Absolu when it’s colder out, but doesn’t handle the heat quite as well. It’s not terrible in higher temperatures, but the others have the advantage there.

I think both are fine for nightlife or romantic occasions. They have more depth than your typical clean everyday scent.

Not too much distinction here. The temperature might have an effect on which you would wear. Maybe, give Parfum an edge as a more formal scent, but there’s much separation.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Ok, so overall which of these two YSL colognes do I like more after extensive testing?

I do personally rank both of them higher than the original eau de parfum release.

With Parfum, I think the quality improves and the longevity gives it an advantage when compared to the EDP. Much of that edge is removed when it’s put alongside Absolu.

The vanilla, amber, and orange blossom combination really shines in the later stages. Le Parfum goes through phases where it turns powdery, then shifts woodier, then becomes more of an amber-driven floral.

That opening is solid, but a step behind.

With Absolu, The ginger and cardamom elevate the overall blend significantly. I really like the sweetness and fresh spiciness that you get to go along with that central orange blossom note.

Even stacked up against Le Parfum, this one feels more accessible as a floral cologne for the average person, and it brings extra dimension to the orange blossom base.

For me, I think I’d rather have a bottle of Myslf Absolu around. Others, may prefer the darker and sometimes earthier floral blend of Le Parfum. Absolu is the safer blind buy. However, for a portion of people they are going to really love what Parfum brings to the table.

Winner: Absolu

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.