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Born in Roma Intense vs Stronger with You Intensely

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Uomo Born in Roma and Stronger with You are two of the most popular mainstream designer lines, in the men’s fragrance space currently. And the Intense versions of each, are particularly sought after.

Today, I want to compare them: Uomo Born in Roma Intense vs SWY Intensely. I’ve worn both, tested them out, and now it’s time to choose between them. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is the best one to buy?

 

Tale of the Tape: Born in Roma Intense vs. SWY Intensely

Uomo Born in Roma Intense

Notes include: vanilla, amber, lavender, vetiver

Click here to try: Born in Roma Intense

Read my review: Intense

Stronger With You Intensely

Notes include: pink pepper, cinnamon, toffee, lavender, sage, suede, amber, violet, vetiver

Click here to try: Intensely

My Full Review: Stronger with You Intensely

Opening

Stronger With You Intensely kicks off with its spiciness too, though here it’s warmer and doesn’t stick around as long as in the original. The pink pepper now takes center stage, with cinnamon and sage joining the mix.

I notice Intensely’s sweetness emerges earlier. That toffee accord mingling with cinnamon and caramel notes really gives Intensely a more lively character.

Uomo Born in Roma Intense still offers some sweetness in its opening, but definitely not matching the same level as found in its original release in the series. The lavender actually tones it down, playing a significant role in this version.

Those mineral notes? Gone completely. I honestly wasn’t fond of them in the original, so I’m pleased they’ve been left out.

Intense develops quite differently than its predecessor. Once that initial sweetness fades away, it’s primarily about the lavender and vanilla

Which do I prefer? I do like the way Roma Intense starts off. It’s balanced with the sweetness and improved over the original, but I think the Armani has this one.

There’s a more dynamic aroma, the spice is great, and I like how it plays off of the sweeter notes.

Edge: Intensely

Projection

Born in Roma Intense is a strong perfume, fairly heavy, with a good ability to project itself. Especially, in that first hour or two. No real issue with this aspect of the cologne, you’ll notice it and it will leave a nice scent trail.

Stronger with You Intensely, is the more powerful of the two, however. It reaches further and maintains its strength for deeper into the wear than does the Valentino.

Both are good, but Intensely is great.

 

Edge: SWY Intensely

Longevity

Roma Intense lasted 8.5-9 hours or so, on my skin. For me, it wasn’t that much better than the original Born in Roma EDT, in terms of performance. It’s solid for sure, just not elite.

Stronger with You Intensely is an excellent performer for a mainstream designer fragrance. I get 11-12 hours of wear from it, before it finally evaporates completely.

A pretty easy win for the Emporio Armani scent.

Edge: SWY Intensely

Versatility

Both of these are seasonally at their best from autumn through early spring. I think that Roma Intense might be able to pull off warmer weather better than can the SWY option.

While neither is a formal fragrance, the dry down of Roma Intense doesn’t have the sweetness and bolder facets that Intensely does. Both can fit in during the nightlife, but I think that the Born in Roma option has the advantage in this category.

 

Edge: Roma Intense

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these fragrances do I prefer?

While I do like the opening act of Roma Intense quite a lot, it still falls short of the Armani. Also, it’s the peak of my enjoyment. The back half of Born in Roma Intense smells fine enough, but is just rather boring to me. 

There’s nothing too exciting, just a lavender and vetiver blend with some remaining vanilla and amber coming from the base. Still a nice cologne with a good performance and worth checking out.

When I compare it to SWY Intensely, there’s not much of a question in my mind as to which of them I like more. Plus, the better performance of the Emporio Armani makes the choice even easier. 

Toffee, vanilla, and suede with periods of spice and lavender. Very nice, without the same chestnut note reliance as the rest of the series. I also like how the vanilla is blended in this edition. 

As of now, however, I do think that Born in Roma Intense is the best of that Valentino series. It’s the one that I would go with, if I were in the market for a cologne from that line.

 

Winner: Stronger with You Intensely

 

Stronger With You vs Versace Eros Comparison

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Versace Eros has been one of the most popular fragrances on the market, during this decade, and it appears it will stay that way for a while. However, Emporio Armani’s Stronger With You has come on strong, in its own right.

These two colognes have lots of similarities, but which one smells the best? Which lasts longer? Which is the superior fragrance?

Note: I have updated this page where necessary, years after I originally posted this.

Tale of the Tape: Eros vs. Stronger with You

Versace Eros

Notes of Eros: mint, green apple, tonka bean, madagascar vanilla, vetiver, Italian lemon

Shop Amazon for: Versace Eros Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

My review: Versace Eros

Stronger With You

Notes include: vanilla, mint, cardamom, chesnut, amber, pink pepper, sage, violet leaf

Click here to try: Emporio Armani Stronger With You for Men Eau de Toilette Spray, 1.7 oz

Read my full review: Stronger with You

Opening

Eros kicks off with a trio of notes, being: apple, lemon, and mint. The newer bottles of this seem to be stronger on the lemon, and it seems that the vanilla/tonka bean doesn’t come on as strong.

Nonetheless, Eros is a mix of warmth, cool spice, and sharp citrus. It is bold and makes a strong statement, right away.

Update: This latest travel sprayer of Eros is better balanced than it has been in a few years, it’s no longer a heavy lemon opening for me.

Meanwhile, Stronger with You, also has mint; however, it is overshadowed by a stronger warm spicy duo of cardamom and pink pepper. It’s fresh and spicy up top, with vanilla coming in a bit later like Eros, to smooth things out and sweeten.

Which is better? To be honest, the opening act of Stronger with you isn’t all that impressive to my nose. It is much better later on, but up top it’s mostly a cardamom bomb.

Not necessarily a bad thing, but there are better examples and SWY comes across as being sort of messy.

Eros smells more lemony to me, in recent batches, but I still like the crisp energy associated with it.

Edge: Eros

Projection

Stronger with You does have quite a large sillage. It isn’t one which will require more than a few sprays. I was surprised at how well it projected, and while it’s not obscenely powerful, it does a very good job.

Eros is still a powerhouse. I am of the belief, that the newer bottles aren’t as strong as they once were. Still up there, just not as much so. For instance, the latest little sample that I got, doesn’t hit the same heights as Eros Flame nor an older bottle of Eros that I had.

To me, there isn’t a real winner in this category. I’d say, as it stands now, these two are pretty equal.

Update: This is still pretty much a tie, I might give a slight edge to Stronger, as it seems to sustain the strength for a longer period of time.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Both of these fragrances perform extremely well. Stronger with You lasted 9 hours, on my skin. Eros, still goes above 10 hours for me.

Not really a big deal, as both last an entire workday, but Eros has a slight edge.

Update: Newer editions of Eros have taken a step back in terms of performance, in my experience. As such this category is flipping to the Emporio Armani scent.

Edge: SWY

Versatility

Both are built to perform better in colder weather, both are better for younger men, and both fit more for casual situations. Think nightlife, rather than, the office. For this category, these two colognes pretty much fit the same bill.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Stronger with You is a good cologne. I enjoyed my experience wearing it. At first, I thought that I wasn’t going to like it, but that changed with the dry down.

It became a great vanilla scented fragrance, with cardamom, some nuttiness, and later hints of herbal notes/woods. The performance is outstanding and I have no major qualms with this scent.

I still like Eros better. I think that it’s lost a step, but the sweet creaminess of tonka bean and vanilla, still gets me. Playing off the mint, apple, and lemon is awesome.

It’s bold and the performance is still somewhat there.

This is a pretty close race, though, Eros still has the upper hand here. I will say, I don’t think you can go wrong with either of these scents, so long as you wear them in the right climate or setting.

Update: I probably still would lean Eros. But, since this original posting, I’d pick SWY Intensely, Absolutely, and Eros Parfum (in that order) before either of these two.

If it’s only between the EDT’s, it’s closer to a toss up for me nowadays. Some of you might actually prefer that stronger vanilla and nuttiness of Stronger with You to what Eros offers. 

Winner: Eros

Acqua di Gio Profondo Parfum by Armani

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Profondo Parfum was the Acqua di Gio flanker release for 2024. It is the third entry into the Profondo series, but how does it actually stack up?

I bought a sample of it and the original AdG Profondo EDP to see if there were major differences to take note of. How does this one smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

AdG Profondo Parfum Overview

Notes include: lemon essence, bergamot, marine notes, mimosa (everlasting essence), patchouli, cistus, mineral accord, ambergris

Click here to try: Profondo Parfum

My Full Review

The opening of Acqua di Gio Profondo Parfum is in many ways like the original EDP. The distinctions between these two fragrances become a lot more noticeable during the dry down.

But, early on it’s a familiar scent.

Profondo Parfum is a bit sweeter in the opening and less tart. It uses more of the mandarin orange note, without the bergamot playing as large of a role.

So, it’s closer to Acqua di Gio EDP, in that regard. That one had that really powerful mandarin orange in it.

Armani lists the bergamot and a lemon essence, but it still comes across basically like mandarin. The two fragrances are quite a lot alike.

The resinous aroma that I get with EDP isn’t here early on and I do get more of the marine influence. Sort of salty, less woody, but overall a lot of the same things going on here.

The dry down is where some more differences become apparent. This is the stage where you might have a preference for one versus the other.

Profondo Parfum has more of an amber finish with a mineral accord coming through, as well. I don’t find it to be overwhelming, but it is a change of pace from the wood in the EDP.

It has a denser aroma, it’s a darker and somewhat oceanic feeling, as some of the citrus influence has burned off. The amber becomes quite noticeable and is all tied together with patchouli and metallic hints.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Profondo Parfum starts off strong within that first 30-60 minute window. Not massive mind you, but it will certainly project well and make itself known.

After that, it will moderate and still have a nice ability to leave a scent trail. However, I didn’t notice a real difference in how powerful this one is versus what I get with EDP. To me, it performs the same in this regard.

Now, the longevity is slightly better with Parfum. I get around 9 hours more or less from this cologne. So, an extra 60-90 minutes of wear versus the original AdG Profondo.

Seasonally, it’s spring and summer just like the majority of the Acqua di Gio lineup. There’s no real change in that regard.

If you’ve had one of these colognes, you know that they’re versatile daily wears. Not super formal, but are going to fit in easily, be well liked, and non-offensive. It can be worn by any age group, etc.

It’s another mass appealing blue-ish and amber fragrance. A well done example of it, but there’s nothing all that new going on here.

Overall Impressions of Profondo Parfum

Overall, do I like Profondo Parfum? Yes, but I don’t really see a point to having it.

The changes between this and the eau de parfum are there, but I don’t think the higher price tag is justified. It’s sweeter, less woody, and has more of an oceanic influence to my nose. Later it’s amber, with metallic and greenish hints.

However, the performance isn’t much better than what you get with the original. As such, I’m just sort of like, why bother? There is enough distinction to tell the difference, but not enough to really give this one a go, unless I can snag it for cheaper.

It’s certainly better than Profondo Lights, which is probably my least favorite Acqua di Gio or close to it.

Is it better than Profondo EDP? Probably not. I still prefer that formulation to this, but this also isn’t too bad. A bit lower rating for sure, but I don’t particularly have a need for this fragrance.

There’s plenty to enjoy here if you already like Profondo. If it ends up getting deeply discounted, you can probably grab a bottle and perhaps get a bit more longevity than the original.

Acqua di Gio Profondo EDP vs. Parfum

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Profondo was a hit release for Armani’s long-running Acqua di Gio line. The followed that up with the short-lived Profondo Lights, but now have brought to market Profondo Parfum.

I recently bought a sample of Parfum, along with another sample of the original EDP, in order to test them each and compare them side by side. On this page, I will relay my findings and update them, as needed over time.

Tale of the Tape: AdG Profondo vs. Profondo Parfum

Acqua di Gio Profondo

Notes include: mandarin, bergamot, lavender, marine notes, rosemary, cypress, lentisk, patchouli, musk

Click here to try: GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Profondo for Men Eau De Parfum Spray 4.2 Ounces, blue

Read my Review: AdG Profondo

Profondo Parfum

Notes include: lemon essence, bergamot, marine notes, mimosa (everlasting essence), patchouli, cistus

Click here to try: Profondo Parfum

Opening

Acqua di Gio Profondo begins with its citrus notes out in front, bergamot and mandarin orange. The bergamot is the more dominant of the two ingredients.

Underneath that, you get the usual Acqua di Gio marine notes and rosemary spice. The difference here is the woodiness and the resinous quality that comes with the mastic.

Nonetheless, it’s all more of an aquatic impression versus being a pure oceanic scent.

Profondo Parfum is a bit sweeter in the opening and less tart. It uses more of the mandarin orange note, without the bergamot playing as large of a role.

Armani lists the bergamot and a lemon essence, but it still comes across basically like mandarin. The two fragrances are quite a lot alike.

The resinous aroma that I get with EDP isn’t here and I do get more of the marine influence. Sort of salty, less woody, but overall a lot of the same things going on here.

Which is better? Honestly, I don’t have much of a preference between these two fragrances in the opening act. The similarities don’t really permit too much distinction here.

Edge: Push

Projection

Both of these fragrances start off strong with a normal amount of sprays. After that, they will both moderate how well they leave a scent trail and project off of the skin.

Is Profondo Parfum stronger? If it is, it’s not too noticeable. I really cannot tell the difference while wearing either or spraying each on a shirt and seeing how far away that I can detect each.

This one seems even to my nose.

Edge: Push

Longevity

With the original Profondo, I’ve always gotten 7-8 hours of wear with it, on my skin. That’s held true with this latest sample.

Profondo Parfum is close to the same. It seems like it can hit about 9 hours, but there isn’t too big of a difference here either.

Edge: Parfum (slightly)

Versatility

No real difference here either. These are both built for the spring and summer months. Not too formal with either of them. Great as daily wears or something more casual for the warmer seasons.

As to be expected with a flanker of an Acqua di Gio flanker.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

So, between these two Profondo colognes, which is better?

I’ve always liked the original EDP, didn’t care for Lights, and I do like the new Parfum.

The early stages are very similar. The latter stages there is more separation. The woodiness and herbal aromas of the original come out more.

Parfum is close to it, just sweeter and less of that woodiness. Still, they’re very close to one another. In their differences, I still like the original more.

All in all, I don’t see much of a proposition for Parfum versus EDP. I like Parfum, but the changes are pretty subtle. Less wood, some more amber, sweetness, some added aquatic infusion (not much more).

For that, a higher price tag. Performance gains? Negligible, if any.

Profondo Parfum is a good scent. I do like the somewhat mellowed vibes and the less woody presentation. And I do, like its amped up oceanic depth. Just not enough for it to make a difference in my choice.

At the same price? Sure, I might take a bottle of Parfum. Right now, the original works fine.

Winner: Profondo EDP

Stronger With You vs Intensely

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Stronger With You from Emporio Armani, has spun off more than a handful of other fragrances since its release. It’s become one of the more popular lines out there and that goes for more than just the original release.

Yet, that original EDT cologne, still obviously gets compared to those that followed. One of them is, Stronger With You Intensely. Which of these fragrances smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Stronger with You vs. Intensely

Stronger With You

Notes include: vanilla, mint, cardamom, chesnut, amber, pink pepper, sage, violet leaf

Click here to try: Emporio Armani Stronger With You for Men Eau de Toilette Spray, 1.7 oz

My Full Review: Stronger With You

Stronger With You Intensely

Notes include: pink pepper, cinnamon, toffee, lavender, sage, suede, amber, violet, vetiver

Click here to try: Intensely

My Full Review: Stronger with You Intensely

Opening

Stronger With You kicks things off being fully fresh and with its spicier notes out. To me, the cardamom really stands apart from the other notes, as being dominant early on.

Beyond that, it’s: pink pepper, mint, sage. The vanilla and chestnut notes are there also, but will gain strength a bit further in. Early on, it’s cardamom and the gang.

Stronger With You Intensely, also starts with its spiciness. Here, it is warmer and more short-lived. The pink pepper is now the stronger note, joined by cinnamon and sage.

I get a sweeter influence earlier with Intensely. The toffee accord with the cinnamon and caramel notes really gives Intensely a more dynamic feel.

Which do I prefer? These scents do share similarities, but I like Intensely more so, in the opening act.

I like cardamom, but the pink pepper in Intensely with the toffee, is really quite attractive. Plus, I enjoy cinnamon and caramel as notes more than the mint and sage that backs up the cardamom in the original Stronger with You.

The spice is done well in either of these Armani colognes, but I lean towards Intensely.

Edge: Intensely

Projection

The original EDT release of Stronger With You, is actually very strong. Not the most beast mode scent ever, but the projection is great for an eau de toilette, and a more mainstream type of fragrance.

It’ll venture far from the skin during opening, leave a scent trail, and then form a bubble around the wearer.

Intensely, is just a tad stronger than that. It has the same sort of powerful opening, just to a slightly higher degree.

Honestly, it isn’t a huge difference between them, and one might not even notice. But, Intensely gets the nod here. Most of the SWY line has great projection in comparison to many other scents, so, it’s not going to be a deciding factor in this case.

Edge: Intensely

Longevity

So, in either case, you’re going to get very good performance out of either of these fragrances. Both were excellent for designer scents. Again, the Stronger series is great on this front.

With the original, I seem to get just over 10 hours of wear from it. When I’ve tested out the EDT, I’ve never gotten less than 9 hours of wear on skin.

With Intensely, that gets upped to somewhere in the 11 or 12 hour range. The last couple aren’t that strong, but the flanker does stick around longer than the original.

Edge: Intensely

Versatility

I mean, there isn’t too much of a difference in this category. Both are colder weather plays. Both have power and sweetness, that might not be what you want to go with in the office. Both go great for the nightlife, especially with younger guys.

I don’t see much of a distinction. The sweetness of each, kind of precludes either from being a formal type of scent.

Ehh, basically a tie.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

In the end, which do I prefer? Intensely. I was never a huge fan of the original EDT release, but it was a solid release, just not one that I particularly wanted to wear.

The flankers to that original formulation, have surpassed that one, at least some of them have.

Intensely is one such example. Toffee, vanilla, and suede with periods of spice and lavender. Very nice, without the same chestnut note, but also the vanilla seems to be blended better.

The opening act of the original, isn’t my favorite. But, it is a fragrance that I think improves as it dries down. You get the vanilla/chestnut but also some drier and herbal aromas thrown in also.

Really, the EDT isn’t a bad scent at all. I just think that it falls somewhat short of Intensely. None of the Stronger line really towers above the others to me, there’s some separation, but I don’t dislike any. Intensely and Leather, seem to be my favorites as of publishing.

Anyway, Intensely smells better and has better performance. It gets the win here. Intensely, Leather, and Absolutely are my top three from this line. With the original coming in fourth currently.

Winner: Stronger With You Intensely