Jo Milano has been making waves in the niche fragrance world with their sophisticated Italian approach to modern perfumery. Game of Spades Full House is part of their card game-inspired collection, released in 2022 as a floral woody musk that’s designed to be your ultimate all-rounder.
This Eau de Parfum sits perfectly in their lineup as a versatile, elegant fragrance that can transition seamlessly from day to evening. You’re about to discover everything you need to know about this $71 Italian beauty and whether it deserves a spot in your fragrance rotation.
Table of Contents
What Does It Smell Like?
As soon as I smell Game of Spades Full House, I’m hit with this gorgeous burst of fresh citrus and fruity accents that immediately draws you in. It’s like walking into a high-end boutique where everything just feels refined and polished.
The opening is bright and sparkling, with bergamot leading the charge alongside what I’m picking up as blackcurrant – it’s fresh but not sharp, inviting rather than aggressive. Within minutes, this beautiful floral heart starts to bloom, and honestly, it’s where this fragrance really shines.
The jasmine and white florals are absolutely stunning here. They’re clean and elegant, not that overpowering floral bomb you might expect. It has this sophisticated, almost creamy quality that makes it feel expensive and well-crafted.
As it dries down, the woody base starts to emerge with sandalwood and cedar providing this warm, comforting foundation. The musk and amber add depth without being heavy, and there’s this subtle vanilla sweetness that rounds everything out beautifully. It’s mature and refined, but not stuffy – exactly what you’d want from a signature scent.
Fragrance Notes
- Top Notes: Bergamot, Blackcurrant, Fruity Accents
- Heart Notes: Jasmine, White Flowers, Pink Pepper
- Base Notes: Sandalwood, Cedar, Musk, Amber, Vanilla, Tonka Bean
Fragrance Accords
- Fresh
- Floral
- Fruity
- Woody
- Musky
- Warm
How Long Does It Last?
Being an Eau de Parfum, you’d expect Game of Spades Full House to have decent longevity, and it definitely delivers. I’m getting a solid 7-8 hours of wear time, which is pretty impressive for a floral-woody fragrance.
The woody musk base has real staying power – even when the floral heart starts to fade, that beautiful sandalwood and amber combination lingers on my skin well into the evening. It’s not a beast mode fragrance, but it’s definitely more than respectable for daily wear.
Is It Strong?
This fragrance has moderate projection – it’s noticeable without being overwhelming. I’d say it projects about 2-3 feet around you, which is perfect for office wear or intimate settings.
It’s not going to announce your presence from across the room, but people will definitely notice it when they’re close to you. The sillage is elegant and refined, exactly what you’d want from a sophisticated fragrance like this.
How Many Sprays Do You Need?
I find that 3-4 sprays work perfectly for Game of Spades Full House. I usually do two sprays on my wrists, one behind each ear, and sometimes one on my chest if I’m really trying to make an impression.
The atomizer gives a nice, fine mist, so you don’t need to go crazy with the application. Start with 2-3 sprays and build up if needed – this fragrance is well-balanced enough that you won’t accidentally overdo it.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Incredibly versatile – works for almost any occasion
- Beautiful, elegant floral heart that’s not overwhelming
- Excellent longevity for the price point
- Sophisticated woody drydown
- Perfect for office wear or professional settings
- High-quality ingredients that smell expensive
- Not too sweet or cloying
Cons:
- Might be too subtle for those who prefer bold fragrances
- The opening can feel a bit generic at first
- Not the most unique scent in the niche market
- Limited availability in some regions
- Price point might be steep for some budgets
When To Wear It
This is where Game of Spades Full House really shines – its versatility. I’ve worn it to the office, dinner dates, casual brunches, and even semi-formal events, and it works beautifully in all those settings.
It’s perfect for spring and fall, but honestly, it works year-round thanks to that balanced composition. The fresh opening makes it suitable for daytime wear, while the woody base gives it enough depth for evening occasions.
I wouldn’t necessarily reach for it during hot summer days (it might feel a bit heavy), but for most other situations, it’s absolutely perfect.
Who Is Game of Spades Full House For?
This fragrance is ideal for women aged 25-45 who appreciate sophisticated, versatile scents. If you’re someone who wants a signature fragrance that can work for multiple occasions, this is definitely worth considering.
It’s perfect for the modern professional woman who wants to smell elegant and polished without being too bold or attention-grabbing. If you love floral fragrances but want something with more depth and complexity, this hits all the right notes.
I’d say it’s also great for anyone who’s new to niche fragrances and wants to try something high-quality without breaking the bank.
Is It Worth It?
At $71, Game of Spades Full House offers excellent value in the niche fragrance space. You’re getting high-quality ingredients, beautiful composition, and impressive longevity for a price that won’t make you question your life choices.
It’s definitely worth it if you’re looking for a versatile, elegant fragrance that can become your signature scent. While it might not be the most unique or groundbreaking fragrance out there, it’s incredibly well-executed and wearable.
I’d recommend it to anyone who appreciates sophisticated florals with woody depth, especially if you’re building a fragrance wardrobe and need a reliable everyday option.
Final Verdict
Game of Spades Full House is a beautiful, sophisticated fragrance that delivers exactly what it promises – elegant versatility in a bottle. While it might not be the most unique scent in the niche market, it’s incredibly well-crafted and wearable.
The floral-woody composition is balanced and refined, making it perfect for women who want a signature scent that works for multiple occasions. At $71, it’s a solid investment for anyone looking to upgrade their fragrance game without going overboard.
What’s your experience with Jo Milano fragrances? Have you tried any scents from their Game of Spades collection? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Fragrance Details
- Longevity: 7-8 hours
- Projection: Moderate (2-3 feet)
- Best Season: Spring, Fall, Winter
- Scent Type: Floral Woody Musk
- Age Recommendation: 25-45 years
- Best Occasions: Office, dinner dates, casual outings, semi-formal events
- Key Notes: Jasmine, White Flowers, Sandalwood, Musk, Amber
- Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Bottle Size: 30ml, 50ml