Roma by Laura Biagiotti is one of the defining Italian amber fragrances of the late 1980s. Released in 1988, it combines sparkling citrus, cool mint, black currant, rich florals, myrrh, amber, vanilla, sandalwood, oakmoss, patchouli, musk, and warm woods into a perfume that feels bright at first and increasingly sensual as it develops.

From an editorial perspective, Roma is interesting because it manages two very different personalities in one fragrance.

The opening feels surprisingly fresh.

Grapefruit, bergamot, mint, black currant, and hyacinth create brightness and energy.

Then the perfume changes.

Carnation, jasmine, rose, and lily of the valley bring floral richness before myrrh, amber, vanilla, sandalwood, oakmoss, patchouli, and musk create a warm and substantial dry down.

That contrast is what makes Roma memorable.

It begins with Mediterranean sunlight and ends with warm woods, resins, vanilla, and amber.

What does Roma by Laura Biagiotti smell like?

Roma smells citrusy, floral, warm, spicy, resinous, woody, softly sweet, and sensual.

The classic fragrance opens with pink grapefruit, mint, Sicilian bergamot, black currant, and hyacinth.

Grapefruit provides tart citrus brightness.

Bergamot adds a smoother aromatic citrus character.

Mint creates an unusual cooling effect that gives Roma freshness without making it smell aquatic.

Black currant brings dark fruitiness.

Hyacinth adds a green floral quality.

As Roma develops, carnation, jasmine, rose, and lily of the valley become more noticeable.

Carnation provides a warm spicy floral character.

Jasmine gives the fragrance depth and sensuality.

Rose adds classic femininity.

Lily of the valley brings freshness to the floral heart.

Then Roma becomes much warmer.

Myrrh gives the base its resinous personality.

Amber creates warmth.

Vanilla adds smooth sweetness.

Sandalwood provides creaminess.

Oakmoss and patchouli give the fragrance earthy depth.

Musk softens the composition as it settles.

The result feels sophisticated, warm, and unmistakably classic.

What are the top, heart, and base notes of Roma?

Release Year: 1988

Top Notes: Pink Grapefruit, Mint, Sicilian Bergamot, Black Currant, Hyacinth

Heart Notes: Carnation, Jasmine, Rose, Lily of the Valley

Base Notes: Myrrh, Amber, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Oakmoss, Patchouli, Musk, Traditional Civet Accord

The fragrance moves through three distinct stages.

The opening is citrusy and cool.

The heart becomes floral and slightly spicy.

The base becomes warm, resinous, woody, earthy, and softly sweet.

It is that progression from brightness into warmth that gives Roma its signature identity.

Is Roma for men, women, or unisex?

Roma by Laura Biagiotti was created and marketed as a women’s fragrance.

Its jasmine, rose, carnation, vanilla, amber, and floral structure place it firmly within traditionally feminine perfumery.

However, mint, grapefruit, myrrh, sandalwood, patchouli, oakmoss, and musk give the fragrance enough dryness and aromatic depth that someone who enjoys warm amber fragrances could appreciate it regardless of gender.

Its original positioning remains feminine.

How long does Roma last?

Roma Eau de Toilette generally provides approximately 6 to 8 hours of noticeable wear, although performance can vary by formulation, skin chemistry, weather, and production period.

The grapefruit, mint, and bergamot naturally soften first.

The florals remain present through the middle of the wear.

Myrrh, vanilla, amber, sandalwood, patchouli, oakmoss, and musk form the longer-lasting portion of the fragrance.

Because Roma has been reformulated over its long history, vintage and current-production bottles may perform differently.

How strong is Roma’s projection?

Roma has moderate to strong initial projection, followed by moderate projection as it develops.

The citrus, mint, black currant, carnation, and jasmine create the most noticeable early scent trail.

As the perfume moves into myrrh, amber, vanilla, sandalwood, oakmoss, patchouli, and musk, it becomes warmer and sits somewhat closer to the skin.

Roma has enough presence to make an impression without requiring heavy application.

What fragrance family is Roma?

Roma belongs primarily to the amber spicy and floral fragrance family, historically also called oriental spicy.

Its major characteristics include:

Citrus: Grapefruit, Bergamot

Fresh: Mint

Fruity: Black Currant

Floral: Carnation, Jasmine, Rose, Lily of the Valley, Hyacinth

Resinous: Myrrh

Warm: Amber, Vanilla

Woody: Sandalwood

Earthy: Patchouli

Mossy: Oakmoss

Musky: Musk

The myrrh, vanilla, sandalwood, and amber are especially important because they create the warm Mediterranean dry down associated with Roma.

What seasons is Roma best for?

Roma performs particularly well during fall and winter, with cool spring evenings also being an excellent fit.

Fall

Fall may be its strongest season.

Myrrh, vanilla, amber, sandalwood, patchouli, and oakmoss feel especially natural as temperatures begin to cool.

Winter

The warm resinous base gives Roma enough substance for colder weather.

Spring

The grapefruit, mint, bergamot, black currant, jasmine, rose, and lily of the valley work beautifully during cool spring days and evenings.

Summer

Roma can still work during summer, particularly at night.

Lighter application is recommended because vanilla, myrrh, amber, and patchouli can become richer in high heat.

Is Roma better for daytime or nighttime?

Roma works for both, but it has a clear advantage for evening and nighttime wear.

The bright citrus and mint opening make it surprisingly wearable during the day.

However, myrrh, amber, vanilla, sandalwood, patchouli, oakmoss, and musk create a warmer personality as the fragrance develops.

It works especially well for dinner, formal occasions, theater, and romantic evenings.

What occasions should Roma be worn for?

Roma works particularly well for:

• Dinner dates
• Evening events
• Weddings
• Theater
• Cocktail parties
• Holiday gatherings
• Business dinners
• Fall outings
• Winter occasions
• Romantic evenings
• Travel
• Everyday wear for classic fragrance lovers

The fragrance feels polished enough for formal occasions but comfortable enough to become a signature perfume.

What age range is Roma best suited for?

Roma does not have a strict age limit.

Its classic amber floral structure may appeal most strongly to adults who appreciate perfume with depth and evolution.

The citrus and mint keep it energetic.

Jasmine, carnation, myrrh, amber, sandalwood, patchouli, and vanilla provide sophistication.

A younger fragrance enthusiast who enjoys classic amber fragrances can wear Roma just as easily as someone who remembers it from the late 1980s.

Personal taste matters more than age.

Is Roma office appropriate?

Yes, but application should be moderate.

Roma can work beautifully in an office when limited to 2 sprays.

The grapefruit, mint, bergamot, and florals create a polished opening.

The amber, myrrh, sandalwood, and vanilla become richer later in the wear, so heavy application is unnecessary in shared spaces.

For larger professional environments, 2 to 3 sprays can work.

Is Roma good for dates?

Yes.

Roma is an excellent date fragrance for someone who prefers warm sophistication over obvious gourmand sweetness.

Jasmine and rose create romance.

Myrrh adds depth.

Vanilla and amber provide warmth.

Sandalwood and musk make the dry down softer and more sensual.

It works particularly well for:

• Dinner dates
• Wine bars
• Theater dates
• Fall evenings
• Winter dates
• Romantic dinners
• Upscale restaurants

Roma feels elegant rather than playful.

Is Roma a safe blind buy?

Roma is a moderate-risk blind buy.

It is especially likely to appeal to someone who enjoys:

• Amber fragrances
• Myrrh
• Vanilla
• Sandalwood
• Patchouli
• Jasmine
• Classic floral perfumes
• Warm spicy fragrances
• 1980s perfumery
• Mediterranean-style scents

It is less safe for someone who primarily enjoys:

• Minimalist skin scents
• Fresh aquatics
• Very sweet modern gourmands
• Pure citrus fragrances
• Extremely light florals

The myrrh and classic amber structure are the biggest considerations.

Roma is warm and substantial.

For someone who loves rich classic perfumes, that is its greatest strength.

What fragrances smell similar to Roma?

No fragrance smells exactly like Roma, but several perfumes available from South Beach Perfumes share its warm floral, sandalwood, myrrh, amber, vanilla, mossy, or spicy personality.

DNA by Bijan

DNA by Bijan is one of the strongest comparisons for someone who enjoys Roma’s warm resinous base.

It combines rich florals, spices, amber, benzoin, myrrh, sandalwood, vanilla, oakmoss, and vetiver.

Both fragrances move from florals into a warm base built around myrrh, amber, sandalwood, vanilla, and mossy depth.

DNA is bolder, spicier, and more dramatic.

Roma is brighter and more citrus-driven through grapefruit, bergamot, mint, and black currant.

Salvador Dali by Salvador Dali

Salvador Dali is another excellent alternative for someone who enjoys the classic amber floral style of Roma.

Its base includes amber, benzoin, myrrh, sandalwood, oakmoss, vanilla, musk, cedar, and patchouli.

Both fragrances use myrrh, amber, vanilla, sandalwood, oakmoss, patchouli, and musk to create warm and sophisticated dry downs.

Salvador Dali is darker and more opulent.

Roma is fresher and brighter at the top.

Samsara by Guerlain

Samsara is an excellent option for someone who particularly enjoys Roma’s sandalwood and warm floral qualities.

Samsara combines bright citrus and florals with jasmine, ylang ylang, sandalwood, amber, vanilla, and musk.

Both perfumes feel warm, feminine, floral, and creamy in the dry down.

Samsara is more sandalwood-driven and meditative.

Roma is more citrusy, resinous, and spicy because of mint, grapefruit, myrrh, patchouli, and oakmoss.

What is the difference between available Roma concentrations?

Roma is primarily associated with the Eau de Toilette concentration.

The South Beach Perfumes product featured here is the 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette spray.

Roma Eau de Toilette

This is the classic concentration associated with the original 1988 fragrance.

It delivers the recognizable transition from bright citrus, mint, and fruit into florals, myrrh, vanilla, sandalwood, amber, patchouli, oakmoss, and musk.

Vintage Roma vs Current Roma

The more important distinction is production era rather than concentration.

Roma has been reformulated over its long history.

The current official Laura Biagiotti formula emphasizes bitter orange, thyme, lemon, black currant, red fruits, orange blossom, gentian, Roman chamomile, lavender, tuberose, vanilla, sandalwood, myrrh, benzoin, and Peru balsam.

Older formulations are more commonly documented with grapefruit, mint, hyacinth, carnation, jasmine, rose, amber, oakmoss, patchouli, musk, and the traditional civet accord.

Both are Roma Eau de Toilette, but they should not automatically be expected to smell identical.

Roma Uomo is a completely separate men’s fragrance and should not be confused with another concentration of Roma for women.

Learn more about fragrance concentrations

Is Roma discontinued?

No. Roma by Laura Biagiotti is not discontinued.

Laura Biagiotti continues to sell Roma as part of its official women’s fragrance collection.

The original formula has been reformulated over time, but the Roma fragrance itself remains active.

That distinction is important.

Vintage Roma bottles can be highly sought after because older versions may contain a different balance of citrus, mint, oakmoss, patchouli, amber, and traditional animalic notes than current production.

However, current Roma remains commercially available.

When was Roma released?

Roma by Laura Biagiotti was released in 1988.

The fragrance was inspired by the city of Rome and Italian femininity.

Even the bottle reinforces that idea.

Its fluted cylindrical shape was designed to evoke an ancient Roman column.

That connection between the city, architecture, fashion, and fragrance has remained central to Roma’s identity.

Who created Roma?

Roma is officially credited to perfumer Jean Pierre Mary.

Laura Biagiotti’s current official fragrance site identifies Jean Pierre Mary as the nose behind Roma.

His composition balances two opposing ideas.

Freshness from citrus and aromatic notes.

Warmth from flowers, myrrh, woods, vanilla, and balsamic materials.

That contrast is what allows Roma to begin brightly and end with such depth.

How many sprays of Roma should be used?

Roma benefits from moderate application.

For most situations:

Office: 2 sprays

Everyday Wear: 2 to 3 sprays

Dinner: 3 sprays

Date Night: 3 to 4 sprays

Formal Event: 3 to 4 sprays

Fall and Winter: 3 to 4 sprays

Hot Weather: 1 to 2 sprays

Three sprays are a good starting point.

Myrrh, vanilla, amber, sandalwood, patchouli, and musk become richer as the fragrance warms on skin, so heavy application is usually unnecessary.

Is Roma authentic at South Beach Perfumes?

Yes.

South Beach Perfumes sells authentic, original brand-name fragrances, including Roma by Laura Biagiotti.

The product featured here is the classic women’s Roma Eau de Toilette.

South Beach Perfumes sources authentic fragrance inventory through established distribution channels and stores products in a climate and light controlled environment.

Because Roma has existed since 1988 and has been reformulated over time, authentic bottles can show differences in packaging, ingredients, and scent profile depending on the production period.

Learn more about our product guarantee policy

Who should buy Roma?

Roma is an excellent choice for someone who enjoys:

• Classic women’s perfumes
• Amber fragrances
• Myrrh
• Vanilla
• Sandalwood
• Jasmine
• Rose
• Carnation
• Patchouli
• Oakmoss
• Musk
• Citrus openings
• Warm spicy fragrances
• 1980s perfumery
• Italian designer fragrances
• Evening perfumes
• Fragrances with strong evolution

It is particularly appealing for someone who wants freshness in the opening but warmth and depth in the dry down.

Who may not like Roma?

Roma may not be ideal for someone who prefers:

• Minimalist skin scents
• Very light aquatic perfumes
• Candy-like gourmands
• Pure citrus fragrances
• Extremely transparent florals
• Low-complexity perfumes
• Patchouli-free fragrances
• Resin-free perfumes

Myrrh, amber, woods, moss, and patchouli give Roma a classic warmth that may feel too rich for someone accustomed only to modern fresh fragrances.

For amber fragrance lovers, that richness is exactly the point.

South Beach Perfumes Expert Review

Roma by Laura Biagiotti is a fragrance built around contrast.

Released in 1988, it begins much fresher than its warm reputation might suggest.

Grapefruit.

Mint.

Bergamot.

Black currant.

Bright.

Cool.

Energetic.

Then the mood changes.

Carnation adds spice.

Jasmine brings sensuality.

Rose adds femininity.

Lily of the valley creates a moment of freshness before the fragrance begins moving into its deeper personality.

Then comes myrrh.

That is where Roma becomes Roma.

Myrrh gives the fragrance resinous depth.

Amber brings warmth.

Vanilla provides sweetness.

Sandalwood makes the texture creamier.

Patchouli and oakmoss give the fragrance an earthy foundation.

Musk softens everything as it settles.

The progression almost feels architectural.

That seems appropriate for a perfume inspired by Rome.

The top is bright and open.

The heart becomes decorative and floral.

The base feels solid, warm, and enduring.

Even the bottle resembles a Roman column.

Roma also demonstrates why reformulation does not necessarily erase the identity of a classic fragrance.

The modern official formula is not identical to the older version, but the central concept remains.

Citrus freshness.

Floral femininity.

Warm balsamic woods.

Myrrh.

Vanilla.

Sandalwood.

That combination has kept Roma recognizable for decades.

For someone who enjoys warm amber perfumes, myrrh, sandalwood, vanilla, citrus, and fragrances with a genuine beginning, middle, and end, Roma remains one of Laura Biagiotti’s essential fragrances.

South Beach Perfumes Expert Rating: 9.4/10

Best For: Amber, spicy floral, myrrh, and classic fragrance lovers

Best Seasons: Fall and winter

Best Time: Evening, with daytime versatility

Longevity: Approximately 6 to 8 hours

Projection: Moderate to strong initially

Blind Buy Rating: 7.5/10 for amber fragrance lovers

Overall Character: Citrusy, floral, resinous, warm, woody, softly sweet, elegant, and sensual

Looking for a fragrance that better matches your personality, lifestyle, and scent preferences? Explore our Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Signature Scent.