Fragrances inspired by Colonia Eau de Cologne
The original
Colonia
Acqua di Parma
The two side by side
Our verdict
Editor reviewedWhat they share
Shares 10 of its 11 notes, including Lavender, Rosemary, Rose
The main difference
Adds lemon verbena, drops jasmine and lime
What they share
Shares 7 of its 9 notes, including Lavender, Rosemary, Rose
The main difference
Adds benzoin and sicilian citrus, drops jasmine and lime
What they share
Shares 10 of its 12 notes, including Lavender, Rosemary, Rose
The main difference
Adds amber and lemon verbena, drops lime and oakmoss
What they share
Shares 9 of its 14 notes, including Sandalwood, Vetiver, Rosemary
The main difference
Adds bergamot and lime, drops amber and lemon verbena
What they share
Shares 8 of its 11 notes, including Lavender, Rosemary, Rose
The main difference
Adds amber and lemon verbena, drops bergamot and lemon
Our verdict
Colonia is the sharper, more polished buy: a classic citrus cologne with Italian elegance, airy freshness and a proper luxury feel that suits formal wear and hot weather.
What they share
Shares 4 of its 7 notes, including Jasmine, Bergamot, Orange
The main difference
Adds neroli and pink pepper, drops lavender and lemon
Choose Giallo when
You want a cheaper everyday alternative.
What they share
Shares 11 of its 13 notes, including Petitgrain, Lavender, Rosemary
The main difference
Adds cedar and sage, drops lime and oakmoss
What they share
Shares 6 of its 9 notes, including Lavender, Lemon, Musk
The main difference
Adds geranium and grapefruit, drops bergamot and jasmine
Scent profile
How we judge a match
We score each pairing on the two fragrance profiles: shared accords, overlapping notes, longevity and projection, and the occasions each suits. A good inspired-by scent captures the original's character rather than copying it molecule for molecule.
The full method, and what to look for in a dupe. Prices are UK retail and change often. Check before buying.
Inspired-by fragrances. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or produced by Acqua di Parma. Match scores are our estimate of how alike two perfumes smell, calculated from their published notes, not a measurement. How we score similarity.