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.

Fragrances that 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.

Uomo Born in Roma Coral Fantasy by Valentino

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Valentino has released its latest fragrance from its Born in Roma line for men. 2022’s scent is called Coral Fantasy, with its juice resembling the color with its pinkish hue. This is the third cologne in the Roma series. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does Uomo Coral Fantasy Smell Like?

Notes include: red apple, tobacco, patchouli, sage, geranium

Click here to try: Coral Fantasy from Saks

My Full Review

Here’s how Valentino describes it: Inspired by the light of Rome at sunset, Uomo Born in Roma Coral Fantasy is an amber, fruity men’s fragrance composed of a colorful apple accord. Blended with smoky tobacco, this eau de toilette is infused with a heart of sage and germanium essence to reveal a powerful yet fresh cologne.

Tried it yourself? Leave your own review and score in the comments below.

I never ended up trying out Born in Roma Yellow Dream, as the original Born in Roma, is one of the few fragrances that I had a bad reaction to. Stuff makes me dizzy as hell. But, when I read the notes to Coral Fantasy, I wanted to give it a go.

I actually thought about blind buying a full bottle of this to test out, but instead found 3 sample vials for sale on eBay. It turned out to be a good call, as I don’t think I’d actually want a full bottle of Coral Fantasy.

The fragrance does open up with a pretty interesting aroma. The crisp red apple note is the star, with it sweet and juicy scent getting paired early on with cardamom and some spices.

It actually reminds me of a cider, that I’ve had before. But, with a bit of a sweeter kick.

That red apple note is great with the cardamom and bergamot, lending some warmth a slight lemon-like fruitiness of its own with the spice.  The first spray does give Coral Fantasy a warmer amber feel to it, but that’s not how it finishes.

Sage is the third player in the early stages behind the cardamom and apple. I get a nice burst of it at the very start, which will hold through the first transition.

That transition does come on early. The initial fruitiness will begin to fade, making way for the next phase. Geranium freshness will permeate, the lavender and tobacco notes will begin to show up, and the red apple will be a role player.

I actually do get some comparison to Spicebomb Night Vision EDT. Not the same, the Valentino is better, but there is overlap between them.

At this point, it is a colder, drier, freshness.  A geranium, sage, lavender trio will then morph into a geranium and tobacco scent with hints of patchouli and vetiver coming up from the base.

Tobacco is the note that hangs around. It ends up cold, slightly sweet, with a earthy sort of freshness. Patchouli and geranium also stick it out a bit, at the very end.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, you can call this a moderate. It doesn’t overpower. That first hour or so, will create a nice scent bubble around you, but it will weaken. Much of the wear, it is a skin scent on me.

Perhaps, you’ll have better luck?

It does stick on the skin for a decent amount of time, even in that weakened state. I could still pick up the tobacco note about 7 hours in. Not great, but serviceable for an eau de toilette.

Seasonally, I’d wear this anytime outside of the summer months. It works in colder temperatures, but best in this early spring weather or even in the autumn. So, one should get plenty of use out of it.

It could be worn in a wide variety of situations. Maybe not the most formal cologne or a club banger, but beyond that, it should be fine.

Really any age could wear this one. The opening does have a more youthful vibe, but it never strays too far that way, quickly snapped back by the tobacco note.

roma coral fantasy review

Overall Impressions of Uomo Coral Fantasy

Overall, do I like this scent? Coral Fantasy is pretty good, but not great. I don’t think it is a terrible cologne, but it doesn’t for the most part, grab my attention. I like aspects of it, just the overall presentation never hits a super high level.

The opening is where you’re going to get the sweetness and the most unique aspect of this fragrance. When that’s going on and when you get the pairing of the apple remnants with the tobacco note, this Valentino is enjoyable.

After that, it’s fine and I don’t dislike it. The geranium, tobacco, and overall freshness is nice. Though, it is also kind of weak with its sillage. A decent few hours of performance, before becoming fairly mediocre.

I wanted to like Coral Fantasy more than I actually do. The notes sounded intriguing enough to me that I almost purchased a full bottle. Personally, I probably wouldn’t have gotten much use out of that.

That being said, I do think that it’s worth a try. Maybe not at full retail price, but with a significant discount, it could be a nice pick up for certain guys. This is one you should test out and see if it actually speaks to you.

Donna Born in Roma by Valentino

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Valentino’s Born in Roma line is their latest successful release. As of now, they’re up to three of each for men and women. I got a sample of the women’s Donna Born in Roma, recently. So, I figured I’d try it out and give my full review of how this scent does. Does it smell good? Is it actually worth a wear?

What does Donna Born in Roma Smell like?

Notes include: jasmine, vanilla, black currant, cashmeran, pink pepper, bergamot, guaiac wood

Click here to try: Born in Roma on Amazon

born in roma review

My Full Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see how Valentino describes it: A couture floriental jasmine trio, twisted with an overdose of woods.

Born in Roma starts off with a nice sweet/tart/juicy fruit blend. I get more of the black currant than I do the citrus bergamot. The black currant note actually doesn’t get as sharp as it usually can, since it is tempered by the pink pepper and jasmine notes.

The black currant is actually great in this composition. It really adds a playful dynamic to the jasmine dominance that increases during the first half of the wear.

Even with this early fruitiness, you’re still going to start smelling where this is going with the floral, woods, and vanilla all already playing a role.

A few minutes in, I’m already getting a lot of jasmine out of Born in Roma. At this stage, it’s a pretty basic sweet white floral perfume with some very light spiciness.

There isn’t a ton of development with this Valentino. For me, the dry down is jasmine and vanilla sitting on a woody base. It’s well blended and the individual wood notes, don’t even stand out to me…just an impression.

One difference is, that the jasmine doesn’t completely dominate the second half. It’s still the main note, but that blend keeps it from going overboard.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this is a lighter moderate scent. It’s got some nice power up top, but that’s pretty short-lived, and it’ll be a nice little scent bubble thereafter. Wasn’t a complete skin scent for me, but not a beast.

The longevity was actually good, even without the huge projection. It seems to go for somewhere in the 7-8 hour range. Not a marathon wear, but you should be able to squeeze a full workday out of it.

Seasonally, Donna Born in Roma can pretty much work year round. I would probably avoid the extreme cold and extreme heat, but outside of that, you’re basically good to go.

The age range probably skews more youthful, but it isn’t a purely teenagers’ fragrance. High school girls could wear it, but it’ll probably be mostly for women in their 20s and 30s.

The versatility is its greatest strength. Lots of people are going to like it and should gather compliments fairly easily. Daytime wear for most occasions, office or school safe, and could even venture into the night…if needed.

More of a pretty and playful sort of perfume than anything that screams ‘sexy’.

Overall Impressions of Donna Born in Roma

Do I like Born in Roma? Yes, this is a very nice perfume. If you want a versatile and all around crowd pleaser, this is a scent that you should look into.

If you don’t like jasmine, it might not be. But again, it’s not a pure dominant jasmine wear, either.

The opening act is nice, with those fruity notes up top. The sweetness will stick around for a long while, even as the perfume begins its shift. The vanilla adds a nice touch to the mix, but doesn’t bog down this Valentino.

It’s actually a pretty simple dry down, but it is still attractive and keeps my attention.

Performance is decent, but not amazing. Extremely easy to wear and safe, but doesn’t ever feel like a boring fragrance. For me, it’s a strong like. I don’t absolutely love it, but this would be great on a lot of women.