tom ford

Tom Ford Noir Extreme vs. Parfum

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Noir Extreme has become an absolute classic fragrance from Tom Ford. It’s one of my own personal favorites, that I wear quite a lot of. So, the release of a Parfum version in 2022 was something that I looked forward too and I grabbed a bottle ASAP.

But, how does it stack up to the original? Which Noir Extreme smells better? Lasts longer?

Tale of the Tape: Noir Extreme vs Noir Extreme Parfum

Noir Extreme

Notes include: Cardamom, vanilla, saffron, amber, sandalwood, nutmeg, neroli, orange blossom, kulfi, rose

Click here to try: Tom Ford Noir Extreme Men Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Review: Noir Extreme

Noir Extreme Parfum

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

Click here to try: Noir Extreme Parfum at Sephora

My Full Review: Noir Extreme Parfum

noir extreme parfum review

Opening

The opening of Noir Extreme is to my nose, a floral spice blend. Neroli and orange blossom serve as the initial floral notes, with a light citrus juiciness.

But, the spice is a blend of nutmeg, saffron, and cardamom. The trio when paired together give Noir Extreme a very attractive intensity.

Yes, the spice is fairly strong at first, but it quickly moves into something that is much sweeter. Vanilla is the main culprit for that, with the overall Kulfi dessert accord. There is a pistachio note as a part of that and it really comes through with the vanilla about 10-15 minutes into the wear.

This opening act has a fantastic smell. It is a great gourmand aroma, with ambery warmth, and a nice balance of floral notes.

Noir Extreme Parfum starts off with the citrus and neroli notes, like the original. But, the overall floral aroma doesn’t have the same level of strength in the mix.

White florals outside of that opening neroli, aren’t a major factor in Parfum. Though, I get more citrus with this opening than its predecessor. Sparkling with a warm spice with ginger and cardamom.

You also get guaiac wood, which gives this one a rougher, drier, and somewhat smoky aroma versus what you get in Extreme.

Which is better? It’s pretty close to me. There is a lot that I like in Parfum, particularly the citrus notes. But, on the whole I enjoy the sweeter aspects, nutmeg and saffron gives Extreme a different smell than Parfum.

Edge: Noir Extreme

Projection

I came in expecting that the Parfum version would really step up the sillage when compared to the original. But, they’re kind of the same. Actually, the original has better projection than Parfum.

It’s not by much, but that’s been my experience so far.

Each of them has a strong start with a solid scent trail behind it. But, the original gives me a bit more.

Update: Every time I’ve tested this out or worn either of them, I still get the same experience. Noir Extreme Parfum may be denser, but it doesn’t project itself any further than my bottle of Noir Extreme. They may be about equal, but it still seems like Extreme has an edge.

Edge: Noir Extreme

noir extreme review

Longevity

Things actually flip in terms of longevity.

With Noir Extreme, I get between 6.5-8 hours of wear, on my skin. I’ve seen some people complain about poor performance, but it’s always been good in my experience. Not elite, just above average.

With Parfum, I can get up to 9 hours of wear. Again, these two are very close with the performance, but the greater concentration helps Parfum with the longevity.

Edge: Parfum

Versatility

The versatility is about even. You might say that Noir Extreme is the more unisex option, but that’s probably the only real distinction.

Both are built for the autumn and winter months. Not necessarily for a formal occasion, but semi-formal is fine. Nights out. Some daily wear, etc.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these fragrances is better?

I like the additions in Noir Extreme Parfum. I like the spice, the smokiness, leather, and dirtier feel that you get with this newer formulation. It’s warmer and has a nice citrus touch in the opening.

Nonetheless, I don’t personally think that it exceeds the original. Noir Extreme is still one of my favorite scents and topping it wasn’t going to be easy.

The sweetness, the amber, and that pistachio and vanilla kulfi aroma are all selling points. It’s a delightful dessert fragrance with a masculine edge.

I even like the greater floral depth with Noir Extreme.

The performance is about even. So, Parfum doesn’t even blow the original away in that department.

You might go with Parfum if you want more of the vanilla/tonka bean blend, leather, and smokiness. It’s a nice scent, that I’ll be using, but it doesn’t do enough to elevate itself past Noir Extreme.

I actually have been using both of these together. 2 sprays of Noir Extreme for every 1 spray of Parfum. Creates a different experience.

Winner: Noir Extreme

4 Perfumes Similar to Vanilla Sex

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Vanilla Sex is a release which has really caught on for the brand since its release. Not too complicated of a perfume, but one that has a rather unique feel within a space of vanilla scents, that is extremely well covered.

On this page, I want to keep track of other fragrances that I find which either smell similar to or have a close style to or are cheaper alternatives to this popular Tom Ford fragrance.

Fragrances that Smell Like Vanilla Sex by Tom Ford

Vanilla Closeness

Intimate with Vanilla by Dua Brand– Very clever with the wordplay on the Vanilla Sex moniker, but Intimate is the ‘inspired by’ take on this Tom Ford perfume from The Dua Brand.

If you want an option that tries to match what you get with our target fragrance, this release from Dua should be as good as any. I’ve bought over a dozen scents from them and they really do come close to the mark each time.

Vanilla, tonka bean, bitter almond, sandalwood, and the rest are here. I haven’t tried this one out personally, as of now, but the reviews are overwhelmingly positive.  So, it makes the cut.

Another Inspirational Vanilla

Gourmand Vanilla by Dossier– For those who want something that is trying to be as close to smelling like the Tom Ford as it can, Gourmand Vanilla is another option.

I’ve also had good experience with Dossier’s perfumes, the pricing is good and they seem to come close to the designer fragrances, most of the time.

You might want to just see which one is cheaper on any given day. But, here’s a backup choice instead of the Dua.

Tahitian Vanilla

Vanille de Tahiti- This one from Perris isn’t the same as Vanilla Sex, but it is another vanilla perfume with a somewhat similar style and some overlaps.

Vanille de Tahiti has a fairly short-lived stage, in which it has a dirtier and earthy kind of aroma on top of the main vanilla note. Champaca and ylang-ylang. That will clear out and the champaca smells a lot like orange flower.

A floral and tropical kind of fragrance, that becomes dry and more powdery instead of creamy with its vanilla finish. Sandalwood and amber round things out.

I quite enjoyed wearing my sample vial of Vanille de Tahiti. The opening few minutes almost put me off of it, but it gets way better thereafter. This is one that if you like the Tom Ford perfume, you’ll probably like this one too, even if it’s not an exact match.

Deeper Hypnosis

Hypnotic Poison– Another one that’s not the same and probably the most distinct from Vanilla Sex on the list, but has plenty of overlap. Mainly, the vanilla and almond notes being prominent in the mix.

This is also a more complex scent, so, there are more facets to it than in Vanilla.

I get a more noticeable almond here with the Dior than in the Tom Ford, which is much more vanilla centered. The fruity notes also separate it with both apricot and plum making an appearance. The floral heart is also more of a factor, thanks to jasmine, and a sweetish tuberose.

Again, not going to be a near duplicate of the same aroma, but one that should have plenty of fans that are into wearing the Tom Ford scent too. Nice performance and one that’s been popular for a long time.

Oud Wood vs Aventus Comparison

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Oud Wood by Tom Ford and Creed’s Aventus, are two of the more popular fragrances of the past decade, especially at this higher price point. Both of them, have their own distinct style from the other, yet plenty of people are interested in purchasing one or the other.

As I have tested and worn both of these perfumes, I’m going to use this page to serve as my comparison between them. How does each smell? How long do they last? Which is ultimately the better fragrance?

Oud Wood

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

Read my original review: Oud Wood

Creed Aventus

Top: Blackcurrant, Italian bergamot, French apples and pineapple

Middle: Rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, and patchouli

Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla

Click here to try Aventus: Creed Aventus Creed 4 OZ Millesime Spray For Men

My original Review: Creed Aventus

Opening

Oud Wood starts off with a strong blast of the oud note and cardamom. Underneath that, is a peppery sort of spice. It’s warm and dry, with sandalwood and rosewood, already being prominent at the base. It’s a very spicy and woody, sort of aroma up top.

The original Aventus’ opening, is honestly not my favorite. It does get much better, but to my nose, it strikes me as being quite sharp with the pineapple and bergamot. Plus, it has a dry woodiness.

Together, it takes on a somewhat kitchen cleaner, type of scent. The pineapple, bergamot, and birch are just a lot to deal with, at the beginning.

I like what Aventus becomes, but the initial burst, I tend to lean more towards the Tom Ford perfume. It’s something different, incorporates the oud note in a very palatable way, and is a bit better to my nose.

Edge: Oud Wood

Projection

Out of the Oud Wood lineup, the Intense version was the one with massive projection. The original? It’s pretty moderate for much of the wear, but has a decently strong start. The back half of the wear is pretty light on my skin.

Aventus is strong with how it projects. It’s near the upper tier, in my experience, but lands just shy of some of the other massive scent bombs out there.

Nonetheless, it’s not disappointing. It’s very noticeable, leaves a nice scent trail without being suffocating, and then moderates as it dries down.

Pretty easy win for the Creed perfume.

Edge: Aventus

Longevity

I’ve never been able to get a long-lasting performance out of Oud Wood. On me, it’s a 4-5 hour fragrance. Yeah, it’s not a good performer, in my experience. Perhaps other people get more from it?

Aventus does well. It’s not elite, but has always been a 7-9 hour wear for me, on skin. That’s about what you’d need for most purposes and I’m not too upset that it doesn’t go beyond that.

Yet, Creed Aventus takes this category too.

Edge: Aventus

Versatility

Oud Wood is much more of an autumn and winter wear. Aventus can work in pretty much any season.

Though, I prefer it on days when the climate is moderate. At the extremes of heat and cold, it is less enjoyable for me.

Both of these fragrances can work in the office, as a daily wear, dressed up, or just casual. That being said, I think Aventus is the more well-rounded of these, as it can be better for nightlife and even dates.

Edge: Aventus

Overall Scent

Overall, which do I prefer?

With Oud Wood, I do like the opening act of the fragrance. To me, the latter stages aren’t that great and I never have gotten good performance from this scent. Oud Wood Intense was the better of those two releases.

For the price, it’s not providing much value. Also, there are people who simply won’t like wearing oud as a note, even if this is a pretty tame introduction to it.

Aventus is the better fragrance. The opening has never really been that great to me, but I like the depth and complexity that it develops. It actually is a really great cologne and has the advantage across the board when compared with the Tom Ford.

If you’re going to spend the money, get the one that can cover most occasions that you can throw at it, and actually delivers with the longevity.

Winner: Creed Aventus

Tuscan Leather vs Ombre Leather Comparison

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In this head to head comparison, we are going to take a look at two of the Tom Ford leather laden scents, Tuscan Leather vs. Ombre Leather 18. Ombre Leather was released in 2018 and is a variant of a 2016 release with the same name. Which of these unisex fragrances smells best? Which has the better performance? Which is a better buy overall?

Tale of the Tape: Tuscan vs. Ombre Leather

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

Ombre Leather

Notes include: leather, moss, jasmine, amber, patchouli and cardamom

Click here to try: Ombré Leather Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.7-oz.

My review: Ombre Leather

Opening

Tuscan Leather opens up with a fantastic and rich leather note plus saffron. It reminds me a lot of Godolphin by Parfums de Marly. Also, Tuscan features a smooth and familiar black suede note and a bit of juicy raspberry to change things up a bit.

Update: Coming back to this one, years later. That raspberry note feels really potent this time around. It’s sweeter and really different. It almost makes me want to change my opinion on the openings here, but still would go with Ombre.

Ombre Leather, is actually closer to Godolphin than is Tuscan Leather. It shares notes of jasmine, leather, moss, and amber with that fragrance. The leather is just like that in Tuscan and better than the Parfums de Marly fragrance.

It is a dark, dry, warm, and supple scent. Much more like a leather jacket and earthier than is Tuscan Leather.

Which do a I prefer? I think that Ombre is the more interesting opening, it doesn’t have that hint of raspberry, but it does have a dry rugged quality that isn’t found in Tuscan Leather. I just like that opening better.

Edge: Ombre

Projection

Both fragrances start out strong and then move into a more moderate scent. However, Ombre Leather, reaches a higher peak in its sillage before moving into the moderate and feels more intense when I have it on than does Tuscan Leather.

Neither of these is a sillage bomb. However, they do both have a good amount of power, and Ombre is the better of them.

Edge: Ombre

Longevity

With the latest batch of Tuscan Leather that I tried, I got about 8-9 hours of wear from it. While Ombre Leather has a bit better sillage, it lasts on my skin from 6-8 hours, and doesn’t quite keep up with its predecessor.

Tuscan is marginally better, but it definitely has the edge on my skin.

I’ve seen some people say that they get a really long wear out of Tuscan Leather, at least more than I do. It seems to be the consensus that it is the longer-lasting perfume from Tom Ford.

Edge: Tuscan Leather

Versatility

Both of these scents are mostly for the autumn and winter months. Both can be unisex. Both can be worn casually or dressed up without problem. I don’t see a real edge in this category. They pretty much assume the same role.

The leather foundation pretty much sets things up that way. They are pretty similar fragrances in a lot of ways.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I will start off by saying, that I enjoy both of these scents a lot. They are fantastic examples of leather used in fragrances, both have good performance, and smell great. They have a whole lot in common.

However, I am going to give the edge to Ombre Leather 18, over Tuscan Leather. For me, the newer scent has more going on and isn’t a linear as Tuscan Leather. Yes, they both start close to what Godolphin smells like, but Ombre Leather,

Ombre has a light addition of warm amber, dry moss, and earthy/slightly spicy patchouli. Add to that, a wonderful dry down in which jasmine gets paired with the leather to add a floral element to an already great fragrance.

Tuscan is great, but Ombre Leather has won me over versus that scent, and I’m going to give it the win in the head to head match up.

Update: I still like Ombre Leather more than Tuscan years later. I also personally prefer it to the later Ombre Leather Parfum release. That’s a good one, if you are a fan of violet leaf, as a note. I’m not too keen on it, but some other people like the Parfum version more

Winner: Ombre Leather

11 Best Tom Ford Colognes for Men

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With over a decade as a solo brand in the fragrance business, Tom Ford has really established a reputation of quality and refined scents for the stylish gentleman. The brand can go from releasing scents with mass appeal, to the very niche, and plenty of unisex options. The Private Blend line is also another aspect here.

Sure, they’re not all hits, but the brand really helped to bring about some different styles from the norm in the men’s and unisex fragrance game. Other brands have followed suit and we now have more niche lines than ever to choose from.

For this list, I have selected what I consider to be the 11 best smelling colognes for men by Tom Ford, after extensively testing over the years. I have included many unisex scents, but here is the women’s list if you’d like to see some other options.

 

Favorite Tom Ford Fragrances for Men

Amazing Vetiver

Tom Ford Grey Vetiver Eau De Parfume Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– Grey Vetiver is of course one for those who love the main note, but also, it can be a stylish addition to any man’s fragrance collection.

It is of course a woodsy sort of scent, with greenish and fresh highlights, with underlying citrus ingredients and a smoky quality to boot.

The grapefruit note adds a bright cleanliness to the already awesome vetiver note and creates a modern twist on this popular men’s ingredient. It opens up with that citrus note, along with orange blossom, and a touch of herbal spice.

The dry down really does, dry the scent of Grey Vetiver, with notes such as oak moss and fresh cedar. It all comes together as super clean and refined.

Grey Vetiver is most of all a mature woodsy scent, with that clean professional aroma. This is much more suited for the older gentleman.

grey

Another Highly Popular Fragrance

Tom Ford Tuscan Leather Eau De Parfume Spray for Men, 1.7 Ounce–Tuscan Leather is one of the most popular scents that features a leather note, it is also a best seller in the Tom Ford lineup.

You not only get the main note, but also, a nice juicy raspberry, and an amazing saffron. Tuscan Leather has got a very similar smell to, Godolphin by Parfums de Marly, which is another awesome cologne.

The focus is on the leather, which is rich and smooth, and a near perfect use of the note. Tuscan moves into a warmer feeling scent with a depth and darkness. Amber gives the leather a nice partner later on, there’s a dash of smokiness, and the sweetness of raspberry.

The sillage starts off, quite powerfully, but ends up a moderate overall. The longevity on the newer bottles, seems to hit the 8 hour mark of longevity, for me. It used to be a few hours better, but still very good. Tuscan Leather Review

Classic Fresh Tom Ford Cologne

Tom Ford for Men by Tom Ford 100ml 3.4oz EDT Spray– The original Tom Ford for Men is really a great smelling and fresh fragrance. If features ginger, tobacco, amber, patchouli, and a citrus opening.

The lemon and ginger are the strongest up top, but you do get a blend of citrus, and some extra herbal spice from basil. Base notes are dry and woody, some sweet tobacco, and a moderate amber note.

Really quite refreshing and a well-blended daily wear for men. One of the best aspects of Tom Ford for Men, is that it can be worn when it is warmer outside. It doesn’t have the same level of performance, as others here.

Nonetheless, its smell alone even with moderate performance, is enough to propel it onto the list.

tomford

My Favorite TF Leather Fragrance

Ombré Leather Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.7-oz.— Ombre Leather was released in 2018, quickly gets compared to Tuscan Leather. Honestly, I like this one even better. They are a bit different. This is drier and warmer, with additional moss and amber.

The description by the marketing department at Tom Ford, describe this one, as taking a lot of cues from the arid landscape of the western United States.

The leather is rich and very smooth, it really reminds me of a supple leather jacket. Smooth, sweet, lightly floral, and with that subtle amber note hovering in the background. A good deal of jasmine here, also.

A moderate wear, with an overall clean aroma, but with an earthy dirtiness underneath. Patchouli and dry moss, only add to the rugged outdoorsy smell of the dry down.

Not a monster in terms of sillage, but I get 6-8 hours of wear from it. After that, Ombre is a skin scent.  Ombre Leather Review

Top Performer

Tom Ford Noir for Men Eau de Parfum Spray 3.4 Ounce– The start of Noir by Tom Ford, isn’t my favorite. I really don’t much care for a huge dose of patchouli and pepper. But, sticking with this cologne, has its rewards.

As it dries down, the floral notes of iris and violet, make this one have a powdery quality. There is also a very nice sweetness from vanilla and bergamot citrus. Noir is of course a darker fragrance, but it’s more of a thick resinous quality.

It’s all about the iris and violet pairing, the underlying earthy notes, with just a bit of vanilla holding on until the end.

This one is a sillage and longevity beast. Seriously, limit the sprays or put it on an hour or so before you head out, it is quite monstrous at first.

Then, it settles into much more of a moderate. Over 12 hours of wear, is not unheard of with Noir, as it has a top notch performance. Noir Full Review

noir

Most Popular Tom Ford Scent

TOM FORD Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum 50 ML(1.7 OZ)– Tobacco Vanille opens up as a very sweet fragrance, but sitting on top of a somewhat spicy layer, headed up by what I think is cinnamon.

Tobacco Vanille’s aroma is a warm envelopment of the tobacco and the gourmand fruits and cacao. The cacao, reminds me of chocolate drink powder, and it pairs nicely with the sweet creaminess of the vanilla.

As it dries down, this one lightens up a bit on the sweetness, but has an overall darker and heavier scent. There is a resinous sap note here, which thickens up the whole experience. Which is why, this cologne is best worn when it’s cold out.

Tobacco Vanille is another beast performer by Tom Ford. It will last all day and doesn’t take much to have it be noticed. It can be too sweet for some folks, but that’s mostly at the beginning of the wear, before the greenish tobacco note really comes into its own.  Tobacco Vanille Review

Great Sophisticated Daily Wear

Tom Ford Extreme By Tom Ford For Men Edt Spray 1.7 Oz– A uniquely powerful fragrance for guys with an air of sophistication. This one definitely has the potential to become a signature scent for the right guy with notes of cedar wood, black truffles, lemon, and Italian fig.

Tom Ford Extreme very attractive and long lasting scent. It is at times smooth and other times spicy, but always a unique fragrance, while being utterly simple in its ingredients. Lots of patchouli before getting down to the cedar base, later in the wear.

tomfordex

Most Unique Tom Ford Scent

Tom Ford Private Blend Noir De Noir Eau De Parfum Spray Edp 3.4 Fl / 100 Ml– Noir de Noir opens up with a sweet rose note, that is paired with some earthier notes such as patchouli, with oud and dry moss sitting at the base.

With those notes, I shouldn’t like this. However, I really enjoy Noir de Noir, as it just has a uniquely awesome aroma.

This is a fragrance that can hit you in many different ways and completely be a joy to wear. The truffle note, is great, and holds the entire thing together during the dry down along with vanilla.

The oud sits at the heart, but doesn’t overwhelm the composition, and is so balanced it heightens the whole experience of wear.

It has a moderate sillage but can last for 9 hours or so, something to wear when dressed up. Quite unisex, maybe a slight lean feminine. By all expectations that I had, Noir de Noir shouldn’t be good, but it most certainly is and one of the best Tom Ford scents bar none. Noir de Noir Review

Summer Citrus Floral

Tom Ford Sole di Positano Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 oz– There are a lot of these sorts of scents from Tom Ford. Mandarino, the Acqua version of this, the Acqua version of Mandarino, etc.

Out of the bunch, this is my favorite and will be the better bet for most men versus Positano Acqua.

Sole di Positano opens up with a zesty citrus blend of lemon, mandarin orange, and bergamot. Underneath that, are shiso and neroli which give this an herbal spiciness.

The citrus stays dominant in the blend, but the floral notes of orange flower, jasmine, and neroli do give this a different aroma later on.

Very clean and fresh. Less soapy than some of the other perfumes of this type, but still has a nice greenish floral finish and a nice jasmine note.

6 or 7 hours of wear. A nice addition during the warmer days of the year. Sole di Positano Review

My Personal Go To

Noir Extreme by Tom Ford– I came back to Noir Extreme after not using it for years. My word, I fell in love with this fragrance once again. It is utterly great.

Sweet, warm, and spicy. Built around the aroma of kulfi dessert. This one features saffron, vanilla, amber, nutmeg, and much more. It’s deep and perfect for the colder months of the year. 

Very sexy and has a mass appealing scent. One that can easily fit in for the nightlife and is stylish enough to go other places. I do prefer the original in the black bottle.

But, the new Parfum version is also nice, and I bought a bottle of it to supplement my Noir Extreme stash. Really, I’ve been using both at the same time, giving each a few sprays and it works rather well. I still slightly prefer the original, but Parfum is also amazing. Noir Extreme review

Cypress Freshness

Costa Azzurra EDP by Tom Ford– The performance is moderate and this isn’t going to fit everyone’s style, but Costa Azzurra Eau de Parfum, is actually a great smelling fragrance.

That cypress note is going to be the lead throughout, including a bold start to the wear. It is joined by a smoky incense note and a fizzy effervescent citrus accord. 

The aroma is basically a coastal woods. There is a marine seaweed note here, but it doesn’t strike me as being a photorealistic version of the ingredient. More of a blue-ish impression of the sea itself.

Costa Azzurra becomes woodier in the dry down. Very dry with added oak, driftwood, and vetiver making their presence felt. A cologne like this isn’t usually my style, but this is a Tom Ford offering that I did enjoy. Costa Azzurra EDP Review