Valentino Uomo Intense

This is my definitive take on the difference between the original and the new formulation. The original formulation is much more iris and cocoa forward. There's some citrus to give it a freshness off the top, but as it dries down, it's all about that beautiful clean iris and dusty cocoa combination with some very pleasant soft woods. If you pick up on the leather, it comes across very clean and smooth. Overall, the fragrance came off as very "metrosexual" during its time, but I think it is (or was) way easier to pull off than Dior Homme Intense because the iris isn't as polarizing. The new formulation features a similar base with most of the same notes, but they're lying underneath what feels like almost a totally different fragrance. I would say the citrus is more pronounced, lasts longer into the mid, and it's combined with some new wood notes that are a bit sharp and somewhat spicy. The leather in this one definitely feels more rough and tumbled in nature, slightly darker. As it gets deep into the drydown, more of the original scent comes through but just not enough as I had hoped. There's also a dirty, earthy, green feeling to the fragrance that makes this one come across "mature" in a negative way (like old man smell). Overall, you can tell the original DNA is in here, but I think the added notes detract from the original's beautiful simplicity. I think I would take any formulation of Dior Homme Intense over this specific version of the fragrance, but it's not necessarily a bad fragrance. Some could argue it's a modernization, but it comes across to me as somewhat old and mature. I had a sample of the original, but I blind bought a bottle of the new formulation because I thought the differences were going to be more subtle. In hindsight, I would have paid the extra money to get an old formulation bottle, but now that I own the reformulation, I'm just going to keep it. Am I slightly disappointed that it's not exactly like the original? Yes. Am I happy with the bottle that I have? I would say mostly yes. The new added notes give more complexity to the composition, but it's not all for the better. Still, I do get some enjoyment out of this new take on the original. My conclusion is that the original was more playful and way sexier, but the new formulation with its added notes comes across more mature and professional, which, in my opinion, is a slight detriment to the fragrance. I tolerate the newer version because the deep dry down gives me just enough of the base of the original. That's its saving grace. I rather own any version of this fragrance than not have it in my collection at all, but I can't whole-heartedly recommend this new version of the fragrance like I would with the original. The original is a masterpiece and a must purchase (I might still get an older bottle). This new version is basically a slightly better than average fragrance attempting to mask the masterpiece underneath. I can't recommend a blind purchase, and while I do think it's a solid enough fragrance to keep in my collection, it's not something I think the world is missing out on. Try it if you're an enthusiast or loved the original. If you're just getting into fragrances, there's much better scents to look into. The OG: 10/10 Masterpiece Spiked Collar: 7.5/10 Flawed Interpretation With Redeeming Qualities

Dior Homme Intense (DHI) is a contemporary classic and one of my favorite fragrances. As I heard that Valentino Uomo Intense is often compared to it, I decided to run an experiment these days, spraying both on my arms, one on each side. I don't have as well-trained a nose as most of you guys, so forgive me if this reads as an almost layman's review. At the onset, both fragrances felt extremely close, I’d say 90% similar (again, don’t forget I’m a layman), with Valentino taking a slight advantage in that it smelled “rounder” and with an iris that felt more pleasant, and less “lipsticky”. (I also had trouble finding the leather note on the Valentino, but this must be due to my skin chemistry, because it was more apparent on a friend of mine who also wore it the other day). By about half an hour later, both colonies start to drift slightly apart, following slightly different paths. Valentino felt more linear, still iris-strong, whereas DHI’s iris begins to settle a bit and you’re left with an extremely pleasant “chocolatey” aroma (maybe the cocoa powder some reviewers mention?). Even so, the differences remain extremely subtle, and an untrained nose would have a hard time distinguishing the two (I doubt anyone smelling it on my skin at a distance would notice the difference, and in this case, I'm including trained noses as well). Unfortunately, as far as performance is concerned, I couldn't complete the experiment as I ended up having an unscheduled meeting at night and had to take a shower. After the shower, I could still smell both on my arms almost equally well. Overall, I think DHI smelled a bit better, had a bit more depth and sophistication. In conclusion, if I had to choose, I’d go for DHI, by a very small margin, maybe 9.2 vs. 9.5 (yes, I REALLY enjoy both). Final thought: If you already own one, it would be redundant to buy the other as well.

One of the most hyped Valentino fragrances in the community. After hearing that it's a direct competitor to some other heavy-hitter iris scents, I blind bought it. Here's how it went; Scent: Opening is powdery, leathery, and citrusy. I'm immediately hit with the strong iris note, followed by the leather note. I get a noticeable dose of the mandarin orange as well. The dry down is powdery, leathery, and sweet. The iris and leather are still standout notes, but the vanilla and tonka have become main notes as well. Performance: Initial projection is strong at around 6 feet. Sillage is very strong, leaving a heavy scent trail. After a few hours the projection was still more than arms length and the scent trail was still easily noticeable. After around 8 hours the projection was still about arms length and there was still an easily noticeable scent trail. At the 12 hour mark, the projection was within 12 inches, but there was still a slightly noticeable scent trail. Beast mode performance. When to wear: This is a fall/winter fragrance that's suitable for day or night time wear. This is also a perfect office fragrance and would work great on a date night as well. Blind buy: If you like iris scents this is a very safe blind buy. This fragrance does not disappoint. Final verdict: This scent is a masterpiece, and I put it up there with the other iris heavy-hitters (Dior Homme Parfum, Prada L'homme Intense, and Givenchy Gentleman Reserve Privee). It's classy, sophisticated, and always gets positive attention. Couple that with the killer performance, and you got a perfect score from me. Add this one to your collection ASAP. Scent: 10/10 Longevity: 10/10 Sillage: 10/10

Before we dive into why Valentino Uomo Intense 2016 (smooth collar) gets so much love, let’s address the reformulation elephant: it was changed in 2021 (spiked collar). Now, this isn’t to say that VUI21 isn’t amazing—it is an outstanding fragrance. However, if you've never tried VUI16, it's tough to understand the distinction. 2016 (Smooth Bottle): It’s richer, smoother, and more full-bodied. The iris, leather, and vanilla blend seamlessly, creating a luxurious, effortless vibe. It lasts longer, projects better, and has the refined elegance people love. 2021 (Spiked Bottle): Still great, but lighter and thinner with less depth. You’ll likely still enjoy it—it just doesn’t have the same impact. The 2016 version is often hailed as one of the best iris fragrances out there. It’s powdery but never overwhelming, smooth but far from boring, with a warm, inviting feel. It’s creamy and soft, making it a standout, especially when compared to Dior Homme Intense, which many consider to be The King. Compared to Givenchy Gentleman EDP and Reserve Privée? Those have a richer, boozier iris, while VUI 2016 feels more versatile and wearable. Narciso Rodriguez Bleu Noir Parfum is cleaner and muskier, but it doesn’t have the same deep, warm richness. If you’re only familiar with the 2021 version, it might be hard to see what the fuss is about, or maybe you can. But for those who remember the 2016 release, it’s clear why it’s held in such high regard.

Gorgeous Scent and Another Iris Legend , The best Valentino ever created. Modern, Elegant, Classy, Seductive, Sexy and Warm. This is the first perfume from Valentino in my collection and I'm so happy that I have it in my collection. It was on my radar about two years and Finally I bought it blind-buy after reading the positive comments. It opens up with semi sweet warm spicy, herbal and powdery floral note in the background then dry down is semi sweet Creamy vanilla chocolate ambery. Based on Valentino Official Site, There are more notes in this perfume : The Patchouli and Woody notes. In my opinion, The Leather note is not dominant in this perfume and I don't get It. It has lovely Patchouli , Chocolate vibe undertone , It smells so good and very pleasant. Valentino Uomo Intense is sweet but It is not cloying, This is very soft and smooth, Suitable for the Cold Weather. The Art of bottle design is Luxurious Similar to Crystal and inspired by Roman Architecture. I really enjoy it and I love it. Valentino Uomo Intense along with Givenchy Gentleman Reserve Privée are Modern Masterpiece. You can't go wrong with them. Longevity is Good, Highly Recommended. Two Thumbs. Bravo Valentino ! Rating : 9 / 10