Neroli Portofino

I’m a life long perfume addict. As a.teen, I discovered a cologne called 4711, which I fell in love with. It lasts only about 10 minutes, but I was so refreshing I didn’t care. I live in a hot climate so I bought big bottles and would splash it on by the handful. At some point, I couldn’t get it anymore and forgot about it.

Tom Ford had a perfume event at my nearest Nordstrom and I went, smelling his various perfumes, nearly all of them exquisite. Then it was Neroli Portofino’s turn, and an electric shock hit my body. The scent of my youth! Well, sorry Beautylish, I spend a lot of money with you but I had to buy it instantly.

I love it so much. I’ve never been to Italy but this is what I imagine it smells like. Orange flowers and blue crystal waters. It’s amazing. It is the scent of my life.

But, as people have said, it is not a long-lasting fragrance. I don’t know why. I understood my 4711 was a refreshing and cheap cologne and not meant to last, but this one should. Yes, it does last longer than the cologne, but not more than a couple hours. That may be on purpose, as the drydown is so clean and pure. So I bought a bottle and a purse spray to refresh. I do want to smell this all day.

That is my only complaint about this marvelous perfume. It has made me want to try Tom Ford everything.

For those who love it but can’t imagine the price for a scent that doesn’t last, here are my tips and it’s all about fragrance layering. I use the 4711 soap and/or body wash. There is no cream so I’ll likely buy Ford’s team. Deodarant, and oil. Then I liberally splash 4711 from head to toe (yes, now that there is online shopping I have it again). The final touch is Neroli Portofino perfume, with the mini in my bag. A trick my grandmother taught me-spray a Cotten ball with your perfume and tuck in your bra.

You might ask why I don’t just stick with 4711, but it truly doesn’t last more than minutes and Tom Ford’s scent does last a few hours. And while they are nearly identical, Ford’s fragrance has an extra depth. Yes, there are other Neroli fragrances that are close, but none like this for me.

Others would take off a star for longevity but not me, because this fragrance transports me like no other-and I literally have hundreds of other perfumes. I am a collector. It will always be my favorite scent. Beautylish, please add the oil!

I learned my lesson with this product that frangrance is not a smart blind buy. Everything about this told me I’d love it - from the Neroli orange to the whole thing about the Mediterranean Isles. When I sprayed this, I smelled the EXACT Avon powder my grandmother let me play with when I was younger. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a good memory. I was absolutely shocked. Anyway, I am sticking with TF Soleil Blanc, Black Orchid, and F****** Fabulous.

I live Tom Ford private blend... This is the base for most most my days... I smell little to no zest or acidic fruits.... Smell loads of neroli and a hint of Jasmine.... Lots of rain water as well.