Uomo 2021

This stuff is lovely, super classy and super versatile. I smelled (and flipped out!) for the Intense version before this one, so the regular Uomo one just struck me as a lighter version of the Intense, and that’s exactly what it is. Perfect for the office and any professional scenarios but versatile enough for formal events and dates. The vibe is similar to something like Prada L’Homme. Very easy to wear iris right here. The core DNA in all Valentino frags definitely lingers in the background. Overall this is a pretty light scent and sits close to the skin, but gives off a pleasant scent bubble with subtle wafts, nothing in your face here. It’s a more mature scent, I would say at least mid-20’s and up. This deserves more attention and it’s definitely worth having in any collection as an easy dumb reach for when you want to “class it up” a bit and not have to think about it.

This is the one. The last bottle I bought was the coffee one, which is gourmand style and not the one I wanted. Honestly, I thought I was getting this one, until I realized that there are two different ones in similar bottles that are entirely different fragrances. The 2014 doesn't resemble this one at all. This is Uomo intense, but toned down just a touch. This is a slightly fresher take on the intense, and slightly more versatile. Closest fragrance I've smelled to this is Dior homme original, but I think this has better performance. This is the iris version and it is awesome. I love iris, so I have been looking for this one which is officially discontinued as per the Valentino website. Definitely glad to have found it (at a fragrance store in a mall, no less) and for a very reasonable price. Fantastic addition to the collection!

Cardamom is a very polarizing note for me. I find it repulsive in Mr. Burberry edp but really enjoy it in la nuit dlomme. Luckily the cardamom in here is along the lines of the ysl. On the surface this is very similar to the Valentino uomo intense (2021). The iris is identical. This is slightly fresher off the top but the dry is where they part ways. The intense gets richer and darker, this one gets spicier and lighter. Both are fantastic in performance and aroma. Both would be considered by many to be sexy. This one is a more versatile daily driver scent. Intense should be reserved for dates or night wear imo. But who asked me?

This is a mainstream iris dominant DHI type scent. Not as artsy or as dressed up but same vibe. The iris in Uomo is more buttery and smooth and less dusty. Not quite as complex or as deep as DHI. This flies under the hype radar a little because the intense version is much more popular and Uomo has been drastically changed years ago from a gourmand to this current creation that kept same name. The leather in the intense is not my gig so got this on a whim and have to say I really like it the more I wear it. Very upscale and elegant with massive versatility for almost any occasion or season. Performance is moderate. 7.5/10 for me

I was looking for the original last year when I asked to try this in store. Not what I expected, but I really liked it and went ahead and bought a bottle. Only found out this was the 2021 version later on. Still, I quite like it. Definitely sweet for men's fragrance, which I have no problem with, but this could easily be marketed unisex. The iris and, to a lesser extent, cardamom notes are what I mainly pick up here, and even at first spray I only get the bergamot and lemon if I'm trying to pick those notes out. It has a gourmand feel despite the iris being so pronounced. Also, the bottle looks really cool.