versace

Yellow Diamond Intense by Versace

by

Today, I’m going to review another women’s perfume by Versace, Yellow Diamond Intense. I’ve had this sample for a while and have been giving it consideration today. Intense came out in 2014, as a flanker to the popular original. In this review, I will cover what’s in it, how it smells, performs, when it should be worn, and if it is worth a purchase or not.

What does Yellow Diamond Intense Smell Like?

Notes include: pear, citron, neroli, bergamot, freesia, orange blossom, jasmine, bezoin, musk, amber wood

Click here to try: VERSACE Yellow Diamond Intense Eau De Parfum, 3 Fluid Ounce

My Full Wear Review

OK, so I reviewed the original Yellow Diamond perfume on the site a few days back, but I also have a sample vial of the Intense version so I thought that I should review it next.

The notes are the same, so how different could the fragrance actually be? Was it just going to be a ‘stronger’ version of the original?

Upon smelling the opening for the first time, I knew that it wouldn’t be the same. Versace definitely reformulated the potency of each note, as well as making it more intense.

Yellow Diamond Intense starts out with a bold presentation of the citrus notes, while the floral notes take a much more subservient role than they did in the original. I have to say, that I enjoy the opening of the Intense version much more than the original.

After about 5-10 minutes the pear note began to take hold and the citrus quieted down somewhat. The second phase is a citrus/pear/white floral combination that is quite cheery and upbeat.

Later on there are some woodsy notes but I don’t feel that this version gets ‘green’ or too plant-like as the original does with its mostly floral/wood disposition. This is a very clean scent and almost has a soapy vibe to it at times.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Yellow Diamond Intense actually lives up to its name. It does deliver some intensity after the soft-spoken original fragrance. It projects quite well and never felt weak to me. I sprayed it on an old t-shirt days ago and it seems to still be going strong on the fabric.

Is it going to fill up a room? Probably not, unless you go big with the sprays. It’ll be noticed and create a nice scent bubble around you for the day.

Longevity is also better than the original. On my skin, it lasted right around 8 hours, and I only used one spray on my wrist. That’s a great sign.

Update: With some more testing, it seems that 8 hours is about what to expect. Maybe an extra hour or so, on occasion. I did get about nine and a half hours once.

Yellow Diamond Intense is of course a spring/summer scent. It really has a naturalistic feeling of fruit and flowers that takes your mind to walking through a grove or garden. It seems like a versatile fragrance, as well, it would be fine for the office or casual situations.

Not really a club scent, but possible for dating. I do find it to be sexier than the original, but still wouldn’t classify it as a ‘sexy’ or ‘seductive’ perfume. Mostly a good daily wear for the warmer months of the year.

Overall Impressions of Yellow Diamond Intense

Overall, do I recommend Intense? I liked the original, but I like this one better. It’s bolder and I think the composition is more refined. Add to the fact that it has a higher level of performance and it’s a winner.

I really like the bright and upbeat citrus notes here, particularly in the opening few minutes. The jasmine and orange blossom, do a great job at supporting the citrus fruit. I’m not a huge fan of pear as a fragrance note, but it does a nice job in this perfume.

I’m not totally blown away by Yellow Diamond Intense, but I find no real faults with it either. This Versace is quite solid all around. It’s a very good choice and if you happen to like the notes as shown, you could do a lot worse than picking up a bottle of this stuff.

Versace Bright Crystal vs Crystal Noir

by

So, in today’s head to head match up, we have two popular perfumes from the Versace ladies’ lineup: Bright Crystal vs. Crystal Noir. Now, I want to state that I am going to be using the reformulated Crystal Noir EDT version, for this comparison. That is the one that is most available now and what most are going to come across when trying to purchase. Now, it’s time to break down, which of these scents smells the best.

Noir or Bright Crystal? Tale of the Tape

Bright Crystal

Notes include: yuzo, peony, pomegranate, musk, magnolia, iced accord, lotus, amber

Click Here to try Bright Crystal: Versace Bright Crystal Eau de Toilette Spray for Women, 3 Ounce

Read my review: Versace Bright Crystal

Crystal Noir

Notes include: black currant, fig, violet, tuberose, frangipani, jasmine, sandalwood, cashmeran, vanilla, heliotrope

Click here to try: Versace Crystal Noir by Versace for Women – 3 Ounce EDT Spray

Read my review: Crystal Noir

Opening

Crystal Noir EDT opens with a fairly sharp black currant note, fig, and floral notes. Tuberose and violet are apart of the host of flowers found in this composition. It smells like the black currant and fig are sitting on top of a bed of the floral notes and it gives off this creamy and slightly woody aroma.

Bright Crystal opens with a juicy pomegranate and yuzo, which is quite refreshing with the intro of the cold ice accord. It is a very upbeat fragrance with neither the floral notes or the fruits becoming to powerful within the scent, Bright Crystal is quite balanced at the start.

Which smells better? I have to say that I like the opening of Bright Crystal much more. The fruit notes are better, you still get floral notes, and the ice accord is a really great element to help set things apart.

I do like a good fig note, so, I am tempted to give the nod to Noir. Though, it loses me, with the floral accord.

Edge: Bright Crystal

Projection

Both of these perfumes are light to moderate. I really don’t notice a difference in the sillage of either, they’ll stay about 3-6 feet from you skin, and unless you go crazy with the sprays the scent won’t travel further than that.

Bright Crystal can seem more powerful, up top. However, that’s really just a function of the pomegranate and citrus, which can have that intensity from the sharpness.

It really doesn’t project itself any further, it just makes itself seem as if it does. No real issue with either, in this realm. But, also no clear cut winner.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Bright Crystal lasted a solid 8 hours on my skin and I could get it up to 10 hours in testing. Meanwhile, Crystal Noir, was at 6-8 hours of wear.

Crystal Noir is probably slightly above average with its performance. I’m never astounded by it, but it can usually make it close to a full workday.

Bright Crystal does have the ability to go long distance, but only sometimes. Kind of dependent on the climate and one’s own body chemistry, really.

Edge: Bright Crystal

Versatility

Both of these scents have great versatility in terms of the seasons that they can be worn in. Bright Crystal holds up better in the heat, than does Crystal Noir, but that one… isn’t completely terrible in the summer.

Crystal Noir feels more mature, like it can be worn professionally or for an evening out. Neither is super sexy, but both are quite attractive and pretty.

Again, this is a category in which there isn’t much distinction between them. They both do similar things, but can be used for different occasions and none has the clear advantage.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

This is actually a really close competition, as both perfumes have such similarities in performance and versatility. To me, it all comes down to which smells better, as you will get the same sort of value proposition out of each.

Ultimately, I find Bright Crystal to be the more enjoyable Versace. Bright Crystal is for those who want a juicy fruit, floral, and somewhat aquatic scent.

It starts out with the delicious pomegranate and yuzo, but then, the peony note starts to emerge and lead the way. It is very pleasant and elegant and a great everyday wear option for women.

Crystal Noir, is a very nice perfume. It is much more floral based, with woody and spiced undertones. If you prefer notes like tuberose, jasmine, and frangipani; then this will probably be the better option. Plenty of sandalwood and fig, with a touch of vanilla creamy sweetness.

Winner: Bright Crystal