I’ve been a fan of Valentino colognes for a while but had never tried their Born in Roma range. That is, until now.
I’ve booked a flight to Italy for next month (!) and thought I’d better get around to finding a fragrance to take with me. When in Rome, as they say…
And I’ve got to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Born in Roma “Yellow Dream” is not a name that screams elegance and sophistication (yes, I’m a bit juvenile) – but that is exactly what I got.
Gingerbread gourmand goodness for an easy-going Gent.
Relatively affordable compared to other high-end designer colognes.
My only problem is that this is clearly a fragrance for winter or fall, and isn’t going to be the pick for my summer Italy trip.
But that’s okay- this is a perfect fragrance to keep in the bank, ready to deploy to add some warmth and style to the office later in the year. Zero regrets.
So, without further ado, let’s get into whether Born in Roma Yellow Dream is right for you.
First Impressions
The standard-issue bottle is a thing of beauty. The textured, clear glass reminds me of diamonds and luxury. It’s a tactile design that begs to be handled and comes in 1.7 and 3.4 oz denominations.
My sample tester was a little more modest but functioned perfectly well. The promo material gave me a sense of the atmosphere Valentino situates Yellow dream in; a ray of light against the mundane.
What Does Born in Roma Yellow Dream Smell Like?
Initially, you’re hit by a wave of Aventus-esque pineapple and mandarin sweetness with a hint of spice. This isn’t a “spicy” scent exactly, but there’s a bit of warmth in the sweetness that reminds me of fresh gingerbread.
Within twenty minutes the sweetness calms down a little bit and makes room for aromatic vanilla to become prominent. I love this gourmand combination – it really smells good enough to eat.
Gingerbread gourmand goodness for an easy-going Gent.
Relatively affordable compared to other high-end designer colognes.
In the base, woodsy cedar adds a bit of masculine bite. Despite the sweetness from lingering pineapple, Born in Roma is a masculine cologne first and foremost.
It is a perfect cologne for fall or winter days if you find fragrances like Spicebomb too overpoweringly spicy. Born in Roma is less prickly, and is closer to “warmth” than “spice” if you catch my drift.
| Top Notes: | Pineapple and Mandarin Orange |
| Middle Notes: | Ginger and Spices |
| Base Notes: | Vanilla and Cedar |
How Long Does Born in Roma Yellow Dream Last?
This is where Born in Roma really shines. For me, it lasts a stupid length of time – in a good way!
From 1 -2 sprays I’ll be projecting fragrance all day, and if I get some on my clothes I’ll smell it into tomorrow.
For the first 3 – 4 hours projection is really significant, so handle with care if you’re going to be in an intimate environment (public transport or a small office, for example).
After that initial burst, Yellow Dream mellows out nicely and becomes more of an arms-length projector for hours 4 – 7, before lingering on as a skin scent until you retire for the night.
When Should You Wear Born in Roma Yellow Dream?
This is a classy fragrance that balances a handful of notes together well. It is not the most complex or provocative cologne on the market and is a fine choice for younger Gents looking for a winter/fall fragrance that isn’t just a muddled bucket of spices.
Gingerbread gourmand goodness for an easy-going Gent.
Relatively affordable compared to other high-end designer colognes.
That said, it does have a touch of sweetness which means if you’re looking for something super alpha, you might want to go elsewhere. Beyond the moderate cedar in the base, there aren’t many earthy notes in Yellow Dream that are going to scream “masculinity”.
It’s not a juvenile fragrance by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s also a world away from barbershop masculine fragrances that your grandpa might have worn.
Can You Wear Born in Roma Yellow Dream to Work?
Born in Roma Yellow Dream is a good choice for a winter/fall office scent because even though it alludes to spice and warmth, it isn’t packed full of it.
Heavier winter spiced colognes like Spicebomb can be a little much to handle in an enclosed office space, but Born in Roma hedges light gingerbread against aromatic vanilla and juicy fruits to keep everything in proper proportions.
Also, it’s reasonably priced (more on that in a moment), which means you can use it as easy-reach daily wear, and cultivate a signature office fragrance without breaking the bank.
How Much Does Born in Roma Yellow Dream Cost?
(All prices courtesy of Nordstrom.com)
Yellow Dream costs between $100 and $140, depending on what size bottle you buy and which retailer you go through.
Keep in mind that you can make significant savings by buying a larger bottle.
Check out the pricing table below for a cost breakdown:
Gingerbread gourmand goodness for an easy-going Gent.
Relatively affordable compared to other high-end designer colognes.
Is Born in Roma Yellow Dream Worth it?
I’d certainly say that Born in Roma Yellow Dream is worth the money. You’re getting a tasteful, top-tier cold weather fragrance for a very fair price. If you need a signature scent for crisp winter walks to the office or for a coffee date, you’ve found it.
Where to Buy Born in Roma Yellow Dream
I’ve used Nordstrom for a couple of years, and so far every product has been authentic and shown up when I expected it to. Their returns policy is also second to none, which is handy.
Beyond that, Amazon is probably the most stocked place to buy colognes online. You can search for reviews for each vendor so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Plus, delivery with Amazon Prime is crazy quick. It’s great or impulse buys that you need in time for the weekend.
Gingerbread gourmand goodness for an easy-going Gent.
Relatively affordable compared to other high-end designer colognes.
Similar Fragrances to Born in Roma Yellow Dream
If you’re looking for fragrances similar to Born In Roma Yellow Dream, check out my two recommendations below:
Versace Eros – Born in Roma Yellow Dream Alternatives
Versace Eros
check Latest price:
Yellow reminds me of a warm, icing sugar-inspired version of Versace Eros.
It harnesses that same aromatic vanilla, but this is less about winter warmth and more to do with warming the hearts of ladies. It has to be smelt to be believed, but trust me – girls love this stuff.
This fresh and vivid cologne reminds me of mint choc-chip ice cream without the chocolate. Creamy, rich, and sweet to the perfect level.
It works really well. The interplay of freshness and dessert flavors is just as addictive as it is unusual.
| Top Notes: | Mint, Green Apple and Lemon |
| Middle Notes: | Tonka Bean, Ambroxan and Geranium |
| Base Notes: | Vanilla, Cedar, Vetiver and Oakmoss |
Stronger With You – Born In Roma Yellow Dream Alternatives
Stronger With You
check for current price
Stronger than you is a little more gender neutral and lacks the juicy pineapple of Yellow Dream, but it is definitely in the same world of cozy, inoffensive fall/winter wear.
This fragrance is comfort in a bottle. Sweet warming notes of cardamom and vanilla rest on top of a woodsy base of cedar and chestnut. It swerves aggressive notes and instead represents refined, gentlemanly masculinity.
It’s like a perpetual hug from a beautiful girl in your favorite sweater. Okay, maybe not that far – but I think you get the idea. My GF absolutely loves Stronger With You and is always noticeably nicer to me when I’m wearing it.
| Top Notes: | Cardamom, Pink Pepper, Violet Leaf and Mint |
| Middle Notes: | Pineapple, Cinnamon, Melon, Sage and Lavender |
| Base Notes: | Vanilla, Chestnut, Amberwood, Cedar and Guaiac Wood |
If you enjoyed this guide to Born in Roma Yellow Dream, check out some more reviews about our latest buys:
- Ombre Leather – Deep, dark leather with a touch of spice.
- 1 Million – Partyboy banger. Sharp red berries lead the way.
- Invictus Victory – Alpha energy to dominate your day.
- Versace Eros – Lots of love. Fruits and woods combine beautifully.
- Gucci Guilty – Minimalism and class, like a sharp suit. Tinted windows. CEO energy.
- Dior Homme – Powdery woods that stretch on into the evening.
- Hermes H24 – The case study in clean-cut office fragrance.
- Bleu de Chanel – Ooze ozonic charm with this “blue” wonder.
- Spicebomb Infrared – Stay warm with this seductive berry blast.
- Head to Head – Bleu de Chanel vs Dior Sauvage.
- Black Orchid – Captivating and classy from Tom Ford
What’s Changed?
We updated this guide in January 2024 to reflect the most recent pricing information.
Write a comment