valentino

Uomo EDT by Valentino

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In this review, I’m going to be taking a closer look at a fragrance, that I’ve been meaning to try out for a long while but never really got around to doing so: 2014 release, Uomo EDT by Valentino. As usual, I am going to be going over the notes, how it smells, when it should be worn, and ultimately if it is worth a buy or not. Note: I originally reviewed this years ago and have updated since.

What does Uomo by Valentino Smell Like?

Notes include: myrtle, bergamot, leather, coffee, cedar, gianduja cream

Click here to try: Valentino Uomo FOR MEN by Valentino – 3.4 oz EDT Spray

My Full Uomo Review

The opening of Uomo by Valentino is awesome. Now, Dior Homme Intense, has long held my top spot for best opening act, but I think it’s got some real competition with this one. It starts off with a juicy and slightly sour bergamot that is paired with gianduja cream (smells like hazelnut), along with some myrtle.

This trio is utter heaven and I wouldn’t have ever thought to pair such things.

Further along, I begin to get a lot more similarities with the original Dior Homme, which explains why I’m digging this Valentino so much (because I wear Dior Homme often). Mostly this is from the cedar note, floral note (myrtle instead of iris) and the warm sweetness, which here is a mix of the gianduja and roasted coffee.

However, even with their similarities, those two fragrances are still quite distinct from one another. It’s mostly a similar vibe shared. There is also a similarity with 1 Million Lucky, due to the hazelnut, albeit this is much more mature, and less tart sans plum.

So, as the scent dries down, I get less of the bergamot (which is great) and more leather and the coffee note. It all comes together a very smooth and sort of has a chocolaty aroma to it, which is another Dior similarity.

Very delicious gourmand cologne, that blends sweet, warmth, smooth, and fresh together wonderfully.

Ultimately, what I get from Uomo is the hazelnut aroma, leather, bergamot, and the smell of roasted coffee. It’s sweet and inviting, while staying completely classy.

Fairly late into the wear, the citrus seems to make a comeback in the composition, and it’s like a different variation of the opening. It’s a good blend with the hint of coffee that is still hanging around.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Uomo starts off pretty strong, but it quickly moves to be a moderate within an hour. The sillage isn’t going to hit across the room, but people will be able to smell it around you. Above average, just not extreme or super bold.

The longevity is somewhere around 7 hours, maybe an hour more or less, depending on the climate. Not really great, but definitely serviceable. A few more hours with decent sillage and this Valentino would be an absolute gem…though, it’s still awesome.

Seasonally, mostly for autumn and winter, but like the Dior’s this one can be perfectly fine in the springtime. It’s not a really heavy scent that can only come out for two months of the year, but not really a summer wear, in the slightest.

Yes, it is safe to wear at work or casually. Even if it’s not a club beast, I still want to wear it out at night, because it strikes me as so attractive and sexy in a refined way. Very attractive and one that can grab complements, especially in those early stages.

Overall Impressions of Uomo

Overall, do I like Uomo by Valentino? Obviously, yes. I think that it is a fantastic cologne and I am really tempted to get a full bottle, even if I don’t have the need for any other scents right now.

Update: Years later, in 2022, I finally did pick up a full bottle of this that I saw in a department store. This and Oajan, became two of the colognes that I wore a lot over the following autumn and winter. I still enjoy wearing this fairly often, even if I’m not quite as enthusiastic as I initially was. Still very worth checking out.

The opening of bergamot, myrtle, and the gianduja cream is one of the best that I’ve ever come across. I do, however, really like this style personally. I cannot guarantee, everyone else will agree.

Beyond that, it has a great roasted coffee note and cedar at its base. The whole thing is well blended and a joy for me to wear. Yes, it has a lot of similarities with Dior Homme, but it is still quite distinct from anything else.

My only real gripe is that the performance isn’t superb, but still above average. This is wonderful overall, though.

The score gets docked due to the longevity and how much it has resemblance to plenty of other fragrances, mainly the old Dior Homme series. On smell alone? It’s great.

Uomo Born in Roma Intense by Valentino

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Uomo Born in Roma Intense is the 2023 flanker to the ongoing fragrance series by Valentino. I haven’t been a particularly big fan of Born in Roma entries thus far, especially the original release. As such, I wasn’t all that excited to try this Intense version out. How does it actually smell, though? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Uomo Born in Roma Intense Smell Like?

Notes include: vanilla, amber, lavender, vetiver

Click here to try: Born in Roma Intense

My Full Review

Here’s how Valentino describes it: A fougere ambery fragrance combining the intensity of lavandin with an addictive vanilla.

Intense opens up with a fresh sweetness about it. The original was sweeter to me and had more of an Invictus style, but there is similarities here. One major difference is the lavender note that is present throughout.

It sort of tempers things from venturing too far into the candy-like sweetness realm. Though, it still flirts with it. I also appreciate the lack of mineral oil/saltiness in this Intense version. That gave me a headache while testing the original.

Intense becomes more of a lavender and vanilla combination after about 20 minutes or so. Very balanced and almost unisex with how it comes across. Could be a unisex version of the YSL Libre line.

They don’t seem to go into much detail regarding all of the notes. But, I think this has some of the same sage note, as the original and Coral Fantasy. Not to the same extent, however. Possibly some tonka bean? This fragrance totally has Luna Rossa Sport vibes.

The final dry down is like a lavender and vetiver blend on my skin. The vanilla and amber are in support, but this is much less sweet, and more of a floral/fougere aromatic for the rest of the way. Clean and easy to wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage opens up even stronger than Born in Roma. With that, I got 5-8 feet of projection off of where I sprayed. This seems to hit an extra foot or two for that first hour. Not massively more powerful, but it does take things to a slight higher level.

After that, it settles into the same sort of moderate performance. That being said, I still could detect it for a good long while without having to press my nose in closer.

It sticks around for 8.5-9 hours, on my skin. Very nice for a mainstream designer cologne like this. That should be a boost for its popularity.

Seasonally, this is going to be an autumn through springtime wear. It’s fresh, but just a little too heavy/thick for the summer months. In cold or moderate temperatures, Born in Roma Intense comes off well.

The versatility is one of its main strengths, if not the biggest selling point. Day or nighttime wear. You can wear it casually or more dressed up. It has mass appeal and an attractiveness that can work on dates.

For the non-enthusiast or collector of fragrances, you won’t need much more than something like this in your rotation.

Overall Impressions of Born in Roma Intense

Overall, do I like Intense? I do. It’s my favorite of the Born in Roma line thus far. It’s still nothing groundbreaking or anything, but Intense delivers a good experience overall.

I like that initial sweetness, in its more tolerable form versus the other entries in the series. That blended with a strong lavender, vanilla, and the amber coming from the base is nice. Not sickly and has a great freshness.

The back half of the wear is kind of boring to me. Doesn’t smell bad, but Intense gets pretty linear and the development is basically non-existent.

This isn’t too original. Similarities with the other Born in Roma’s, Luna Rossa Sport, and some of the Most Wanted by Azzaro fragrances. Not exactly like any of them, but takes cues from them all.

While it doesn’t hit the ‘great’ level for me, it does everything well enough that I think this one is pretty safe to grab a full bottle of for most guys. Unless you’re not a big fan of lavender, this probably won’t ever be a complete waste.

Personally, it’s too borderline for me to want a full bottle, but I’m glad that Valentino finally put out a good Born in Roma for men.

4 Perfumes Similar to Born in Roma

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Born in Roma has been a successful line for Valentino in both the men’s and women’s editions. Today, I want to focus on the Donna version of Born in Roma, in order to keep an ongoing list of potential alternatives or other perfumes that simply have a similar style to the Valentino fragrance. Below are my picks.

What Fragrances Smell Like Donna Born in Roma?

Electric Option

Electric Fantasy by Britney Spears– So, Electric Fantasy is a great little flanker from Britney Spears, that does have a pretty similar aroma to Born in Roma.

Pink pepper and jasmine are heavy influences in both during the opening acts. Here, we get passionfruit instead of the more tart blackcurrant of the Valentino. As such, more of a tropical vibe with Electric.

Yet, the Britney fragrance isn’t as sweet. A lot will have to do with the difference in the use of vanilla, which is heavy in Born in Roma. With Electric Fantasy, a powdery heliotrope serves that role, but it’s obviously going to be different.

Again not the same exact scent, but this is a cheaper option that can bring an enjoyable and at times close fragrance to that which we are looking for.

Rome Inspired

Heart of Rome by Dua– The only ‘inspired by’ fragrance of Donna Born in Roma that I’m currently aware of comes from The Dua Brand. Their scent Heart of Rome attempts to capture much of the same vibe as the Valentino release.

As such, the not structure is going to closely follow our target scent, which hopefully translates into a perfume that is pretty darn similar.

Now, this is one from Dua that I haven’t tried out, so I can’t say for sure. However, I’ve owned like 7 fragrances from this company that were ‘inspired by’ designer scents and they all were very good.

Quite the Aura

Aura MUGLER 90 ml refillable Spray EDP– Aura EDP is another fragrance from Mugler that can be a great one to check out if you like Born in Roma.

Now, these two aren’t the same. But, the base notes and the structure do have a lot of commonalities between them. With Aura, you get orange blossom instead of the jasmine of the Valentino perfume.

Also, has a greenish layer of leaves, that gives it a unique dewy aroma. Sort of a minty aroma up top, especially when blended with the rhubarb. But, the dry down is orange blossom, vanilla, and woods.

To me, this is an underrated scent. Might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but still quite good. Aura EDP Review

Paradise

Paradiso Assoluto by Cavalli– This perfume from Cavalli isn’t going to be anything like an exact match. But, the structure and the main notes does personally remind me of Born in Roma to an extent.

Jasmine and vanilla are the main attraction with Paradiso. You also get a citrus fruity top and very similar wood notes in the base.

The main differences are the fruity sweet/tart opening act is greater and much more significant in the Valentino. Secondly, Paradiso Assoluto has more of the jasmine note, particularly later in the wear, along with a wisteria influence.

Voce Viva Intensa by Valentino

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Voce Viva is a fairly popular release from Valentino, even if it was one which seems to get mixed reviews from those who have tried it. Either way, it was successful enough for the designer to follow it up with 2021’s, Voce Viva Intensa. I got a sample sprayer of the perfume with one of my orders a few months back and have tested it out for a full review. How does it smell? How long does it last? Is it worth a try?

What does Voce Viva Intensa Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, mandarin orange, jasmine, Bourbon vanilla, orange blossom, Crystal moss

Click here to try: Voce Viva Intensa

voce viva intense review

My Full Review

Before I get into my own thoughts about this fragrance, let’s see how Valentino describes it: A feminine, opulent bouquet of Orange Blossom amplified by Jasmin Absolute, twisted with addictive Crystal Moss and intensified with Bourbon Vanilla. VOCE VIVA INTENSA Eau de Parfum celebrates the sound of your voice in the scent of your fragrance.

Immediately upon spraying, I can tell that this is going to be a flanker of Voce Viva that sticks close to the original, and doesn’t completely change everything like some designers do.

It opens up with the same citrus accord as the original. But, I think the opening here comes across as smoother and more refined. The original had a ginger kick, that Intensa does not.

Also, the orange blossom is dominant from the get go. On my skin, the original Voce Viva started strong with the orange blossom and then shifted to gardenia. With Intensa, the orange blossom will reign supreme for most of the duration (until vanilla takes it over).

Yes, there is a jasmine here, just its role isn’t to the same degree as the gardenia in the previous version.

Once the citrus tones down, you will get a very vanilla soaked orange blossom aroma. It’s clean and enjoyable, with a sweetish finish. This stage is actually when I get the most jasmine from this Valentino scent.

The final dry down is vanilla, with less of a distinct orange blossom (more of a generic white floral smell), with some moss in the base.

Voce Viva Intensa doesn’t have the same level of moss or muskiness for that matter. The vanilla and orange blossom get amped up. Close to the original, but retains a distinction from that fragrance.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one starts off pretty strong and has a higher peak than the original Voce Viva. On the whole, it’s certainly above average with how it projects off of the skin and leaves a scent trail in your wake.

However, it’s not super heavy or powerful. Solid, better than its predecessor, and on the upper end of what could be considered moderate. Capable of being over-sprayed, but fine with normal application.

The longevity is also a bit better. I get 8-9.5 hours with this on my skin. Usually, more towards the 8 hour end of things, but I did get a full 9.5 during one testing run. For a mass appealing designer wear, Voce Viva Intensa is pretty darn good.

This one is also best in the autumn or winter months, while being able to venture into the springtime. In that respect, it’s exactly like the original. I’d still avoid the heat and humidity of late spring and summer with this.

I still don’t consider this one to be particularly sexy. However, I think that it is more attractive and has a slightly better use case for evening wear versus the original. Both of them lean more toward being daily wears, but this has somewhat more appeal.

Overall Impressions of Voce Viva Intensa

Overall, do I like Voce Viva Intensa? I do. I think that I enjoyed the original more than a lot of others seemed to. I also think that Intensa is a slightly better version of this formula.

It’s not far and away better, but I like its smoothness, and taking out of the gardenia in exchange for a lighter jasmine playing a supporting role.

The vanilla and orange blossom are great together. No, it’s not really all that unique, but it is an effective and attractive pairing. The spice is pretty much absent and I don’t get the same muskiness in the latter stages.

The performance is also better than the original. Not by much, but you will get another 1-2 hours of wear and a more powerful scent trail developing. Both versions are quite good with how they perform, anyhow.

This is a really good release from Valentino. Expect a white floral fragrance, with heavy orange blossom influence, and a lot of vanilla. If that doesn’t sound appealing, I’d go elsewhere. If it does, this is a perfume to check out.

9 Best Valentino Perfumes for Her

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Valentino is a name in the fashion world which is synonymous with elegance, class, grace, and looks that are completely classic. Of course, the perfume line from Valentino tries to embody the image which the name tends to invoke in women from around the world, and in most cases, succeeds completely. For this post, I have selected nine scents which I feel are the best from the designer and have linked each out to its page on Amazon.

Also, check out: Sexiest Women’s Perfumes, Top Kenzo Scents, Our Homepage

What are the Best Smelling Valentino Perfumes?

Best Winter Scent

Valentina Myrrh Assoluto– Myrrh is an underused note in the perfume world and even when it is included; it can be poorly done. Myrrh Assoluto is a definite exception, as this is a fantastic fragrance.

It’s warm, with sweet vanilla, and hints of rich leather peaking in throughout the wear. It is bold and enveloping, like a wrapped blanket around your body. This type of fragrance is going to be a cold weather scent, so, avoid if you’re in a tropical location.

Sort of a unique offering from Valentino, though, it has an amazing darkness to it and is overall very beautiful.

Soft Daily Wear

Valentino Rock ‘n Rose by Valentino For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 1.6-Ounces – As the name suggests, the heart of this fragrance is its rose note. It combines with other florals and sweeter smells to create a memorable, light, and highly feminine perfume that is unique in its own right.

It opens up with a mix of sweetness and a somewhat sharp aroma, provided by black currant. As it dries down, it can take on a bit of creaminess and feels powdery at time. Sandalwood and gardenia are flanking the namesake rose.

Best Born in Roma

Donna Born in Roma– So, the best of the Donna Born in Roma series is the original (at least thus far). Yellow Dream is second, in my mind.

Initially, this one has a good deal of tartness between the black currant and bergamot notes, but this will gradually become sweeter, without feeling sugary. The citrus seems like it is stronger than the currant on first spray. Pink pepper also gives it some warm spice, before it transitions.

Really, vanilla and smooth cashmeran wood will eventually emerge to lead Born in Roma. But, jasmine dominates the middle and gives this a nice floral heart pairing with the vanilla. Sweet, easy to wear, and softer than it may initially seem.

The woody and vanilla dry down is fairly simple, but highly enjoyable for a popular designer fragrance.

Unisex Leather Option

Valentino Donna Noir Absolu– Donna Noir Absolu has overlaps with the men’s version of this, but is unisex at the same time. A blast of peppery spice in the opening, settles down into a smooth leathery joy.

On top of that leather is a sweet/tart fruitiness and just a hint of booze, at least early on. The further along you get, the drier that the perfume becomes, with an incense smokiness permeating the fragrance. Not super heavy, not too sweet, just a well-blended and great smelling perfume.

Valentino Jasmine Blend

Valentino Valentina Eau de Parfum Spray, 2.7 Ounce– Citrus notes blended with vanilla, sweet floral ingredients, and woodsy notes like cedar. It has a refined air of elegance to it along with something that is strikingly natural.

Jasmine is the main floral note here, at times it is supported by strawberry, and later a fairly large bit of truffle. The fruity notes, don’t really seem all that strong, and it has more earthiness than a super fruity vibe.

In the end, jasmine and tuberose, with cedar and truffle, and a bit of strawberry remaining. Very inviting and surprisingly wonderful fragrance for daily wear.

Light Scent for Spring/Summer

New by Valentino Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 1.70 Ounce – This is another very classy and sensual scent by Valentino. Like the others it contains some delightful floral notes including, mimosa, orange blossom, violet leaves, vanilla orchid, and pear blossom.

A very versatile perfume that can be a star performer for the right lady. Pomelo and orange flower give it a citrus fruit character, especially up top. It provides a bit of juiciness to the composition, sitting underneath a bouquet of flowers.

The floral notes that stick out are the mimosa, orange blossom, and heliotrope. There is a powdery finish and Valentino EDP also delivers a solid performance with an upbeat personality.

Frangipani and Pear

Donna Acqua by Valentino– This flanker fragrance to the original Donna, has enjoyed some popularity over the past few years, becoming one of the best selling Valentino perfumes (though, I think Born in Roma gets more attention). It also, happens to be one of the most attractive.

It is led by frangipani, with a sweet nuttiness sitting underneath from the almond note. However, I think that the main support is the pear note, whose crisp juiciness provides much of the ‘Acqua’ feeling that is present.

Light, fairly sheer, with a dose of creaminess from sandalwood and frangipani. There is a jasmine note, also, that comes through more after a few hours.

Discontinued but Great

Valentino V Absolu By Valentino For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 1.6 Ounces – Great perfume, if you can still score a bottle of it. It is an interplay between sweet and spicy, the sweet eventually wins out and a beautiful and warm dry down makes this an absolute winner.

V Absolu has plenty of creaminess from the fangipani, sandalwood, and delicious vanilla. There is a woodiness and some fig, especially upon the initial spray. Again, it’s been discontinued, but it’s good enough to keep a spot on the list.

Simple, Easy to Wear, Very Nice

Valentino Voce Viva 3.4 oz / 100 ml EDP Women Spray– This one seems to have gotten some critical reviews since its release, maybe because it’s not super original? However, I think it’s actually a pleasant and attractive fragrance.

It opens up with orange blossom, a general citrus aroma, and vanilla. It’s bright, sweet, and creamy. You’ll also get some ginger, and later, a gardenia note. It will be a citrus floral fragrance for the opening act.

Then, it will shift to be a floral, vanilla, and mossy scent. Vanilla and gardenia, with a clean and dry aroma coming up from the base. All in all, a perfume with a lovely profile. Not super unique, but it does distinguish itself and gives you a great performance.

Voce Viva is extremely versatile and one that can be worn pretty much anywhere in the spring and summer months. My full review