It's Friday, and I'm lazy, as I usually am on Friday (ok, I'm pretty lazy most days). Today's poll was suggested by reader Nile Goddess (who as you may remember was recently the subject of a Monday Mail feature). She wants us all to name all the "smell alike" fragrances we can. They don't have to be exact duplicates, just reasonable substitutes. Extra points for coming up with a reasonable substitute for a discontinued fragrance.
Note: the very pretty ad for Annick Goutal Petite Cherie is via Images de Parfums, and it has nothing to do with anything, it's just pretty.
J'Adore and Annayake Natsumi (weirdly enough)
That *is* weird! A kind person sent me several Annayake scents recently, but not Natsumi, I'll have to look for it.
Well, I have something for all you Jacomo Paradox fans out there (not you, Robin, I know!:) I recently tried JP and it smells a lot like a fruitier version of PdN Odalisque to my nose. Similar drydown on me anyway. I think the LT/TS Guide mentioned Vero Kern's Rubj as a fruitier, warmer Odalisque (one of my very faves) so I think it would be interesting to compare all three. *Hurry up, sample.*
That is really interesting because Kevin & I were just talking about Odalisque yesterday. Somebody somewhere called Odalisque “Chanel No 5 Fresh” and I thought that was pretty accurate (clean floral aldehydic) — but the Jacomo is aquatic-fruity, isn't it? (Not arguing w/ you at all, just curious, I don't remember Jacomo all that well, and of course you know Odalisque better than I do)
I really liked Rubj! Odalisque is not my thing, although I didn't dislike it at all — just not my thing. I really don't like Paradox.
L L.A.M.B. and Maybe Baby by Benefit!
Serge Lutens Fleurs de Citronnier and Gianfranco Ferre EdT — very very close, except for the drydown slightly more elegant by Serge Lutens.
You know, I really don't know my No. 5 enough. I tend to forget to test it very often, because it's just so *obvious* (like Shalimar or Eau Sauvage). So hard for me to say there… But there is something sharp in the Paradox – it's harsher than Odalisque – but not sure if I would have called it aquatic? But then again, I get the a lot of salty quality in Odalisque that LT has mentioned, so perhaps this just proves my theory on their similarity! Hmmm. I'm looking forward to the Rubj – actually all three Vero Kerns. I like Paradox more than you, but I can see why it is not your thing. Odalisque, however, you should be all about – and everyone else, too!
I've never tried them together, but I can certainly believe it. Thanks!
Armani Mania smells almost exactly like Debbie Gibson's “Electric Youth”. There are some pretty rabid EY fans out there on eBay, so I hope that's useful to someone out there.
I also think The Body Shop's Ananya smelled just like Chloe's Narcisse.
Coty Emeraude and Guerlain Shalimar smell quite a bit alike, too.
That new one from Celine “Enchanting” (?) smells almost exactly like VS Dream Angels “Heavenly”.
Serge Lutens Datura Noir = Beauty of Bathing Coco de Monoi (that new line from Thymes)
Calypso Mimosa = Philosophy Baby Grace
Bobbi Brown Almost Bare = Hampton Sun Privet Bloom
All of these are smell-alikes to the degree that I can barely distinguish the difference! The Calypso/Philosophy one is the most blatant.
Really, Paradox is not aquatic? Darn it all, do I have to test it *again*, LOL?
OMG, there's a bunch from Bond No. 9. Recently I just got a box of candy samples. Can't remember them all, Chez Bond is a dead ringer for Green Irish Tweed; Hampton (or Chelsea Flower, can't remember) smells like Escape; Wall St. smells like something else by Creed I can't remember either. There's another one that smells like Caleche.
At that time I thought of writing you and suggesting we have a smells-like tab, but it slipped my mind.
Ugh, if I don't have a blog I don't really think of writing things down for comparison later. I don't keep fragrance notes.
Interesting, I will have to try that Ferre!
Great list, thanks! I didn't know about that Debbie Gibson scent at all.
Wow, I'd better get myself some of the Coco de Monoi, thanks!
Somewhere on Basenotes there was a long thread comparing the Creeds to the Bonds. None of the ones I really like are dupes, I don't think (Chinatown, Andy Warhol Silver Factory). Now I want to know which one smells like Caleche? I've smelled all the Bonds, I think, and can't think of which that would be.
The funny thing is, the Coco Monoi is WAY expensive! A little bit above Jo Malone prices. But considering what Lutens would likely charge for a bath & body line, it's probably a bargain.
The bath oil is particularly gorgeous and really is a dead ringer for DN.
yep, it's worth trying, and you can't beat the price difference!
Lollia Breathe smells exactly like Issey Miyake L'Eau D'Issey.
Teatro a la Scalla & the original Fendi.
Mochino Love love & Lt Blue.
China Lily by Nectarine Cosmetics and Casual by Paul Sebastian
And China Lily by Nectarine also smells like J Lo's Glo.
Ah, I'd forgotten that or never looked at the prices. Still, worth a shot!
Thanks! Prettier bottle, too.
Light Blue is so widely copied, LOL! Someone needs to find me a dupe for Fendi Theorema
Ralph smell like Sexy Little Things
Le Male and Terra di Siena – the latter is slightly woodier.
And (I hate to post this as I dont own a bottle yet) I find that the d/c Gloria by Cacharel has a stunning resemblance to Guerlain SDV only drier and smokier perhaps due to the pepper.
IPdF Mirra is also similar to SMN Vaniglia but the SMN has again more smokiness in the top notes.
Just odd ones here: I've noticed that my frankincense EO smells almost exactly like Avignon, and am I the only one who thinks that Kenzo Amour is a simpler, very very restrained version of Vanille Exquise? oh and I find the drydown of Un Jardin Sur Le Nil similar to L'Eau d'hiver. anyone else agree?
PdN Vanille Tonka smells just like Shalimar light to me…
I smelled the new Andy warhol Bond recently and it smelled just like Something (but I haven't recalled what yet)
(tongue in cheek)-and Bronze Goddess smells an awful lot like Azuree Soleil!
oh, and I thought Anna Pliska smelled incredibly like Shalimar…
One more:
Charlie reminded me of EL Private Collection…
My first types:
Escada Collection and Ginestet Botrytis,
Borneo 1834 and YR Neonatura Cocoon (sic!)
Gucci by Gucci and Narciso Rodriguez EDP
Maybe I'll add something later.
Fragonard's Diamant and TM Angel. My mother also pointed out another match in the Fragonard line, though I forget which one, (one of the little 10 feminine samples) that was supposed to be a dead-on match for White Shoulders? No clue-I've never smelled it.
Here are my picks: Emeraude and Shalimar are almost dead ringers to me (though the current Emeraude formulation smells like a poor man's Shalimar and is a mere shadow of its former self); J Lo's Glow smells almost exactly like the China Rain oil that you can get in health food stores/head shops; Cinnabar and Youth Dew are so similar to my nose that I never understood why Lauder has kept them both (Cinnabar is just a *touch* less aggressively spicy, perhaps); Chanel No 5 and Coty's L'Aimant bear a striking resembance to each other (though, as with Emeraude, L'Aimant as it exists today is rather bland. I was super lucky to have been able to smell them both from vintage bottles!); Paris Hilton's first fragrance and the new Ed Hardy for women are virtually identical (ughhhh); I've confused Escada Magnetism and Vera Wang Princess a couple times; Opium and Coco are very similar, though not exactly the same (I don't have any trouble telling the difference, but lots of other people I know say they can barely tell them apart); White Shoulders smells a lot like Joy, albeit a more ladylike, less sensual version. That's all I can think of right now – fun poll!
I totally agree on the Chez Bond and Green Irish Tweed. I personally find Wall Street exactly like Sean Jean Unforgivable.
I have two smell-alikes:
YSL's Elle *really* reminds me of Pierre Cardin's men's cologne from back in the early '80s (and there was just the one Pierre Cardin men's scent then). I bought this stuff for female self, and I'd wear it when my girlfriend and I would go out dancing (real disco dancing for you young-uns!).
Also, the other day I smelled Donna Karan's Cashmere Mist in both EdT and EdP. The EdP is lovely while the EdT is comparatively gag-worthy, sadly. The Cashmere Mist EdP is remarkably similar to Worth's Je Reviens. I love that fragrance, and you can usually find a bottle or two in your local T.J. Maxx, Marshall's, or a nearby Nordstrom Rack.
You guys have made me become fragrance collectors! Thanks for all your information and knowledge.
I have so many! The most noteable is Boudoir by Vivienne Westwood and Femme by Rochas. You cannot tell me that Vivienne didn't use Femme as a base for what she wanted to create.
24, Faubourg and Miss Dior Cherie are so alike. On my skin I can hardly tell the difference.
Tocade and Absolu Rochas smell very much the same except that Absolu has a bit more green. But why did they bother.
Le Dix Balenciaga (a fave of mine) and Hermes Caleche for sure. Le Dix being much more lasting and interesting to my nose.
Badgley Mischka and Burberry London are another direct hit.
anyone agree or disagree?
Hi everyone,
My first post, here….after lurking for some time.
I think Cartier Delices smells like Betsey Johnson.
Lulu Guiness Cast a Spell smells like Lolita Lempicka (but as it's been pointed out, there are a lot of Lempicka imitators.)
cheers!
Oh, and I just remembered a few more! A three way tie: Paloma Picasso, Estee Lauder Knowing and Gucci #3 all smell very, very similar – dry, woody chypres (all lovely, though!)
Oh, and one more:
Profumi di Pantelleria – Jailia smells exactly like TM Angel (another frequently copied scent).
Coco Mademoiselle compares adequately to Miss Dior Cherie Eau de Printemps. Though, CM has a nail polish remover accord that lasts about an hour on my skin.
Oh, Robin, I got my Unnamed Vetiver sample from Tauer Perfumery; I wasn't sure if I got mine because of that no-conformation screen thing… I don't wanna sound like an uncultured boor but… it's not working for me at all. I won't ruin it for you in case you haven't gotten it yet (I don't want you looking for something and already thinking about it negatively!), but it's not at all what I expected.
Yes, agree on the Wall Street & Sean John!
The Knize Ten and Moschino Pour Homme are, for all intents and purposes, the same scent.
Demeter's Orange Cream Pop is kind of a knockoff of CSP's discontinued, and lovely, Vanille Orange.
I also got my Andy Tauer Unnamed Vetiver today. I haven't had a chance to try it, but on Monday, when my scent-hating Jim goes back to work after a two-week vacation, I'll give it a shot. I have to say that just sniffing the sample's sprayer has me very optimistic; even that attenuated scrap of scent is lovely.
G, mind has gone blank, who makes Terra di Siena?
And wow, I'll have to look for some Gloria.
On the Vanille Exquise, would have thought Amour both sweeter & creamier, but will have to test that!
Interesting, thanks!
CdG Incense Avignon = Heeley Cardinal
Escada Magnetism for woman and Britney Spears Fantasy
Calvin Klein Crave (for men) and Estee Lauder Beyond Paradise (for men).
And if you took out a lot of the sweet citrusy Green Apple going on in DKNY Be Delicious for men, you'd have Paris Hilton Just Me (for men), more or less.
G3B- what is frankincense EO? Wish I could answer about the drydown of L'Eau d'Hiver, but it is gone before there is any drydown on MY skin.
Helenviolette, thanks! For a minute I thought you meant the new Private Collection, but now I realize you mean the original, right? I wish I could remember more clearly what Charlie smelled like.
Really, is NR like the new Gucci? I wouldn't have guessed that one. I'm a heathen but I like the Neonatura Cocoon better than the Borneo
Have not tried Diamant, thanks! Wish it were easier to get Fragonard in the US
I just get past this one accord; the sprayer smelled lovely to me, though, too. Oh well. I do hope you like it!
I can relate, too, about having someone close who can stand fragrances. No matter what I wear, my close friend hates it! D=
I'm happy to send you mine, it's definitely not “me”!
Datura Noir reminds me of Etro Heliotrope…sort of. Maybe its the almond note.
Wow, great lists, both of them — thanks!
LL.A.M.B and J'Adore are quite close in the drydown – on my friend's elbow at least. I got mightily confused trying to tell them apart. On paper LL.A.M.B. has loads more different flowers in it than J'Adore, but maybe half the notes evaporated along the way for the two scents to converge like this at the end!
L'Artisan Fleurs d'Oranger and Jo Malone Orange Blossom Cologne. I promise I came up with this similarity entirely unaided, though LT also points it out in The Guide, which I spotted later!
Purely at the drydown stage – Shalimar and Miller Harris Fleur Oriental.
This is a good game – there must be loads more examples if you really put your mind to it!
Hey, I remember disco dancing! I don't know that Pierre Cardin, but that's a very funny reference for the “modern” YSL Elle, thanks!
Oh yes, here's another one – TDC Sel de Vetiver and Miller Harris Fleurs de Sel.
I will disagree, slightly, on Le Dix & Caleche. Cousins, perhaps, but it is the Caleche that I find more interesting. Le Dix is too powdery for me to wear. Different strokes for different folks
EO = essential oil.
Hey, not liking something hardly makes you an uncultured boor! I am not sure about the vetiver either — it isn't instant love as it was with his last 2 (Incense Extreme & Incense Rose). Have only tried it once thuogh, so haven't “decided” anything yet.
Hi and welcome! You're so right about all the Lolita Lempicka imitators, and same goes for Angel, of course! I can hardly remember Jailia except that I didn't like it.
Duh—>Me. Thanks Robin.
Now that is interesting – I have been sniffing the Gucci much of this week for reasons I won't trouble you with, and didn't think it was like anything else I have ever tried. You have made me curious now to try a comparison with NR for Her. I always thought For Her was more like SJP Lovely , but maybe not.
Oh, I know. I do feel a bit guilty about getting one of 100 samples, though.
I'll disclaimer this (DON'T READ IF YOU WANT TO BE SURPRISED!) but it smelled terribly like a watermelon Jolly Rancher that's been sleeping around in the spice cabinet. Sure, I get some of the lily and the vetiver does make a terribly slight entrance, but the fruit is dominant, especially when the spices faded to a low hum. I've only just gotten it, but I'm not sure how much I'll be swayed. I'll try it later.
And I'll have to look into those incense fragrances; I hadn't had much time to play around Tauer's website.
I think Ralph Lauren Safari female and halston female are very simialar both mossy woddy almost copy once they settles down. Flower by kenzo and fragonard Billet Doux little bit similar. jessica McClinkok's is trying hard to be like dioressence.
On me (and so much is skin chemistry), 24 Faubourg is serious dead badger ie indole-fest, while Miss Dior Cherie is a sweet, girlish strawberry number.
You have made me very scared of trying Femme which is the signature scent of a colleague. You see I tested Boudoir the other day and after the extraordinarily sweet yet spicy, powdery pyrotechnics, I got mugged by civet in the drydown. I am now glad I only speak to this colleague on the phone.
Be my guest………….of course you can have your own opinion! Thats exactly whey there are so many frgrances out there!
After about ten minutes, the Tauer Vetiver smells just like Hermes Caleche on me. I know the notes are completely different, but I've worn it twice and felt the same both times.
Very interesting — I don't think that is what I got at all. Will see next time if I can recognize anything like that. My favorite Tauers are the 2 Incenses & the Lonestar. Air du desert marocain is gorgeous but not me.
Pyramus, good one since the Moschino must be must cheaper, and easier to get your hands on!
Wow, I didn't get that either! I need to spend more time with the Vetiver.
Yep, most definitely!
Man, I sniff the sprayer and I don't even get the spices, just this Jolly Rancher accord. Maybe they sent out 10 different fragrances, just to spite us. xD My luck, it's just me (courtesy of my nose or skin). I had a friend sniff it and she agreed.
I'll have to look into his line more; I'm still such a newb to perfume.
Having trouble removing the green apple from Be Delicious in my mind, but I'm going to take your word for it
L'eau Par by Kenzo and Issey Miyake L'Eau D'Issey, they both are kind of fresh but share this sweet-ripe fruity note, maybe even a rotten fruit note. YSL baby doll and I think Gucci Envy Me. L'Artisan Premier Figuier and Pacifica's Mediterranean Fig. Kenzo Parfum D'Ete and Yves Rocher Nature. Anna Sui Perfume by Anna Sui and Exclamation by Coty. Elizabeth Arden and Mintea by Masaki Matsushima. If I think of anything else I'll let You know. Perphaps Alchimie by Rochas shares almost the same bergamot note as Serpentine by Cavalli. Anyways, lemme think more and I'll let You know.
I think TDC Sel de Vetiver actually smells more like Terre d'Hermes…I have tried all 3
Budoir is a very interesting fragrance, and more wearable (I feel) than Femme. Less fruit. It has the distinct note of tobacco, and not in a bad way. I kind of like it. Its not girly, but it is sexy. Don't be scared! Try it.
I agree with the NR–SJP Lovely comparison. There is something in Tauer's L'air du Desert Morocain that also reminds me of these two.
I don't suppose comparing Estee Lauder Azuree with Clinique Aromatics Elixir and Aramis is fair, given that the same nose did all of them
A more tenuous comparison is one I just discovered last night: Serge Lutens Douce Amere and Kenzo Amour. Also, Lucky Scent reviewers say that Douce Amere is very much like Keiko Mecheri Paname, so maybe we have a triple!
Argh, sorry if I was unclear. I have tried Td'H, SdV and FdS, and I think the closer ones are Td'H and SdV.
Hello Vanessa! It's funny, I just posted in another discussion that Terre d'Hermes and Sel de Vetiver are quite similar, especially at first. I have one on each hand. Now I'm going to find a third spot for Fleurs de Sel, but I think the herbs and rose might make that one stand out…(darn – where did I put that sample?!)
Hi Asha. We posted at the same time. As you see, I agree!
Yes, the original! I only got a quick sniff from the bottle recently but it seemed very similar…
be delicious, tilt for women, and missoni all have that tart apple going on. AG le chevrefeuille and BBW wild honeysuckle (sacrilege i know, but they smell so similar to me!), gucci rush reminds me of a milky paloma picasso (i may be way off base here, but that was my impression, esp in the drydown), miss dior cherie and crazylibellule toi mon prince, la maison de la vanille vanille marine room spray is like a vanilla l'eau d'issey which in turn is like YR fleurs de l'aube, the ubiquitous light blue=i love love, but i'd like to add eclat d'arpege to that. also laura mercier eau de lune reminded me of ysl paris (again, i may be crazy). and i havent smelled creed virgin island water, but supposedly it is effectively the same as BBW coconut lime verbena.
the l'eau par kenzo and l'eau d'issey makes sense to me, as this is my mom's style, and she loves them both. i'd like to disagree a teensy bit on the babydoll vs envy me. definitely a similarity, but i would ahve to say that the grapefruit in babydoll is markedly sharper. my test of rosine's roseberry proved closer to envy me, but i tried it very briefly…
I have always found Angel to smell like Molinard's Nirmala.
Micallef Black Sea and Donna Karan Black Cashmere on the opening. Totally took me by surprise.
l'heure bleu by Guerlain and l'origan by Coty. Probably it should be the other way around; didn't Guerlain make l'heure bleu as an answer to l'origan?
Victoria Secret Fresh and Clean splash smells exactly and almost better than D&G Light Blue…
Annick Goutal Ambre Fetiche and Profumum Fiori d'Ambra…
La Prarie Midnight Rain and Cacharel Amor Amor…
I should retry Terre D'Hermes now in the interests of our scientific inquiry! My memory of it is a little fuzzy.
It is spectacular in the sense that there is a lot going on with it – sweet and spicy notes wafting in and out. Definitely interesting and as you say, not at all girly. It would be a little like Juicy Couture if it wasn't for the spice and the civet. I can deal with the spice but civet is my nemesis (sorry to be such a cracked record! If I could change me posting name at this stage it would probably be to “VM I hate civet”.
Oilily Orange Stripes Perfume and Shania Twain by Coty. Bob Mackie and Organza by Givenchy – they share the same warmth.
Noa by cacharel and Blv pour Homme by Bvlgari. Dior Addict 2 and Dalissime by Salvador Dali.
Hi Robin — Longtime fan/lurker, had to jump in on this one. Having loved Fendi since it came out, I was disappointed in recent years to find that the leather seems to have been removed. It's probably for the best — don't want any animals harmed to make perfume. But now Fendi (discontinued anyway, I think) is almost identical to Diva & Diva is perhaps the superior fragrance, perhaps a bit more complex. That being said, if anybody has a suggestion to replace Eau D'Eden (Cacharel) I would appreciate it. I am reduced to shopping for component essential oils and trying to reproduce it at home. Love the site!
Angel and Romero Britto.
Thanks! I used to love the Halston
Thanks IrisNobile, great list!
Douce Amere is similar to one of the KMs, probably it is the Paname but I can't remember. But I like the Douce Amere better! Will have to try it next to Amour.
to my nose, roxy love/i love love=light blue, LAMB =j lo glow, j lo live=electric youth, bond 9 nuit de noho/sonia rykiel=angel, bronze goddess=azuree soleil (of course), versace crystal noir=armani mania for her, ed hardy=a fresher miss dior cherie, ferragamo encanto shine=nanette lepore shanghai butterfly
You've reminded me that there is another scent that is often mentioned as a dupe for BBW Coconut Lime Verbena — La Perla Eclix.
I'll have to get a sample of the Black Sea, thanks!
Versace Signature = VS Pear Glace
24 Faubourg = Ysatis
Just remembered another one…Cashmere Mist is remarkably similar to Penhaligon's Artemisia.
L'Origan came first, so it must be “the other way around”
That will keep me away from Amor Amor, which I've never smelled, but I'll have to get a sample of that Profumum, thanks!
Have to say I got something totally different too – no Jolly Ranchers at all. I find that description completely baffling actually – the mysteries of skin chemistry! I get a lot of earthy pepper and dusky clay sage, no fruit or sweetness. I love it, though I'm not a “straight” vetiver fan, and perhaps this is why it appeals to me. I think it goes instantly into my group of his faves, which included L'air and Lonestar before. (But have not tried Incense Rose, yet.)
Thanks, definitely won't be trying sexy little things!(since I hate Ralph)
Have re-tried Terre d'Hermes and I can see a resemblance to FdS and SdV, however, I am still inclined to say that those two are closer, on account of possibly having more vetiver in them, plus the general weird maritime/saline thing they've both got going on. The piquancy of Terre d'Hermes does strike a chord, but it is a fruity piquancy to my nose – predominantly grapefruit. I don't get strong citrus like that with the others, though I see that SdV has grapefruit in it. And Terre d'Hermes has vetiver! But with TdH fruit seems to win out on me.
The one by D&G and Burberry (the classic one)
The only difference for me is that burberry haves a hint of peach
Thanks!
Hi and welcome, and thanks for the kind words!
I'm pretty sure you're right — I think Fendi has discontinued everything before Palazzo. And I'm sorry to say I've never tried Eau d'Eden, hope someone else will chime in to help.
Terra di Siena is by I Profumi di Firenze. I haven't tried them next to each other but they are very much alike. Terra is only a lot drier and woody.
hmmm.. I didn't quite get this one, BBW Coconut Lime Verbena smells like Virgin Island Water and Eclix? I have both Eclix and VIW but dont find that they smell alike. Whatever is the similarity I've got to try that Coconut Lime Verbena! =)
yeah, you're right! i just tried cashmere mist the other day and it did forcibly remind me of something… and now i know what that was
Thanks L, I've never tried the RB.
Thanks! I hated Versace Signature so I'll stay away from Pear Glace
I don't find the BBW a dupe for the Eclix at all (and I own both of those), but many people do! I love Eclix, hate the Creed, so don't find those 2 similar either.
Glamourista, great list, thanks!
E L Sensuous reminds me more of JM Blue Agava than I expected..must be because of the chocolate note
The drydown of Red Aoud was reminscent (on my skin) of Timbuktu
I remember DK Wenge reminding me of Organza Indecence
Private Collection reminds me of Alpona (but that might be because they both are chypres..:))
I've always liked Eau D'Eden but it is only available in Europe it seems. Michael Edwards lists Cool Water Woman Freeze Me 2008 as similar. I do like it!
How about Chanel No.5 and Liu as near equivalents?
what a great poll, it makes for some great reading and a real education!
i find that Ungaro Diva (the edt) compares beautifully to L'Arte de Gucci, which is sadly almost impossible to find.
and i swear i smell Montale White Aoud when i wear JC Coriandre, but that could just be me
Kristen, I can see that, although I haven't tried Artemisia in a long time. Artemisia wins out on the pretty bottle, Cashmere Mist probably wins out on the price.
Thanks, I'll have to try them together!
I don't think Michael Edwards' linked scents are supposed to be similar, exactly, just that if you like one you might like the other because they're in the same fragrance family & perhaps share some notes….
I love Gucci III, and wore it for many years. Halston Couture is nice too, and another dry chypre!
God, the original Fendi was amazing. It's one of my “gold standard” fragrances,
There were so many “big” chypres in the 80's & 90's, great for those of us who loved them! I count myself lucky to have a big bottle of the juice!
So glad you enjoyed the poll
I will have to wear the Montale next to Coriandre, wouldn't have thought of that one.
Versace “Blonde” is similar to Fracas, but is flashier, trashier.
maybe you'll know (i'm asking on behalf of another person) is there anything comparable to ralph lauren romance on the mass market? i can't seem to think of anything!
Parfums de Nicolai Vanille-Tonka and — yes!!! — el cheapo bargoon Body Shop Vanilla Spice.
Keiko Mecheri Fleurs d'Osmanthe and Serge Lutens Datura Noir.
Juliette Has a Gun Miss Charming: reminds me of a more subtle, more expensive Baby Doll, with a bit of earthy dirtiness and sex appeal!
D&G Light Blue AND:
– Lanvin Arpege
– Moschino I Love Love
– Salvador Dali Eau de Ruby Lips
– Chupa Chups Exotic Paradise
– Azuree Soleil (or at least someone accused me of wearing Light Blue when in fact I was wearing AS
Del Pozo In White and Christian Dior Pure Poison
Dior Addict 2 and Un Jardin Sur Le Nil
How interesting on the EL/JM … I wouldn't have thought. And I'll have to try Red Aoud!
Of course…I have a sample, thanks!
Yes, didn't TM actually sue over that one? I remember they sued somebody, now can't remember for sure who…
I don't know…I'm terrible about mass market scents and try very few because you can never get samples.
Wow, I'll have to go try that Vanilla Spice!
Did you mean the original Arpege or Eclat d'Arpege? The original doesn't remind me of Light Blue, personally.
Oh, DO, Robin! It's mostly in the drydown, but what the dilly: for the price, how CAN you lose? And anyone who loves V-T could easily buy some of the Body Shop bath products to enhance what they already own without breaking the bank. There's a body lotion that's quite scrumptious and insanely cheap.
I'm sure that the poster means Eclat d'Arpege, which IS somewhat like Light Blue, but sweeter and with less cedar, and with little more citrus and less in-your-face apple.
Dear Nile Goddess, I'm sorry to call you “that poster”! I was quickly replying to Robin's comment and didn't catch your byline!! I always enjoy your posts.
R
I am in shock that you hate Virgin Island Water! I really really liked it! The notes are everything I dont like (citrus and coconut) but tried it twice and I had to have a bottle. Very refreshing for me.
Wow. For a difference of about $280, Stetson for Men seems like a chattier cousin of Amouage Gold Pour Homme to me. Both insanely floral for men, with the Stetson a bit bubblier while the frankincense seems to calm the Amouage down. I love them both, but comparing them side by side, the Stetson might actually be a little more fun. This is a fun idea for a post and a great potential way to make ease the wallet a bit.
Kristen, thanks for the heads-up on Privet Bloom, I've been unable to find a place to sample it and had never heard anyone else make a comparison.
Lots of people love it so you're not alone!
A less complex version, but still very similar:
Fresh Cannabis Rose and FM Une Rose (if anyone was hoping for a cheaper version).
A friend wears CK Truth (men), on him it smells just like the original 212.
Interesting that there are similar scents to Addict 2. For a bland fragrance, I love it though, it seems rather unusual.
Agree with the person who finds Opium and Coco similar. Not so you mistake one for the other, but close enough. I wear Coco when I really want Opium but don't think the occasion is good enough.
My late list:
EL Bronze Goddess and Bvlgari Omnia
Champs Elysees and Patou Sira des Indes – a few minutes into it & drydown
YSL Elle and Midnight Poison
24 Faubourg EDP and Giorgio
Alien eau luminescente and L'Instant
Just got a sample of Maitresse and I thought it smelled rather like Armani Code pour la Femme. At least for the first half hour. Then the olfactory assault stops.
There are two good perfumes that somehow smell similar to my nose: Reverie en Jardin – Andy Tauer and Le Parfum de Therese – Frederic Malle.
Also Fracas and Maja Perfume have some strong similarities.
Wow, seriously?? I'll have to give Stetson another smell, I adore that Amouage.
When I first smelled Stefani's L-Lamb, it smelled to me like s stronger, sweeter, more intrusive version of Philosphy's Amazing Grace! I much prefer AG!
Nam, thanks — will have to try them together. Think I like the FM much better though!
Thanks msfortunate!
MW, I have not smelled Maja in ages!
Well neither have I and yet when I smelled Fracas, Maja was the first thing that popped up in my mind..must be the gardenia?
I don't think anyone has mentioned this one yet (which may mean it's only me that notices it lol), but I found The Pink Room to be very similar to vintage Coty L'Aimant.
A couple of times I've seen comparisons between Iris Poudre and the earlier Ferre by Ferre (apparently there have been two and this first one came in a sphericalish bottle) Can't comment on that as I've never smelled the Ferre. does anyone know if it's still available in Europe?
Yep, I'm pretty sure I've seen that comparison before!
Thanks — I've samples of both & will have to try that!
Paloma Picasso — mentioned a couple of times above — also resembles a pale sister to Sisley's Soir de Lune. (Now I have to go track down the other big chypres I'm reading about here.)
Another observation: Hermes Kelly Caleche smells remarkably like Lux Soap, which you can find for about a dollar at any Indian grocery store.
Hey, thanks — I'll look for some!
One of these days we need to do a chypre smackdown to find the biggest, baddest chypre of them all.
Oh, now that would be lots of fun!
Scary!!!
I'm sorry but I've no idea!
If “biggest, baddest” might have anything to do with civet, I would find that a terrifying exercise.
No, nothing to do with civet, just chypres.
Off the top of your heads, grrrls, what's a nice handful of big, bad/good chypres? I'm thinking. . .Oh, gawd, I'm too much of a newbie. . .but from what I've read here, maybe Miss Dior, Chypre de Coty, and Bandit? I've just received a nice sample of SL Rose de Nuit from a dear friend, and twelve hours later I can still smell the synthetic oakmoss. Whoah! I like!
I'm always heartened when I read that our Revered Blogmistress has yet to sample a particular fragrance! Makes us mere mortals feel better about never seeming to get and stay on top of things.
Mitsouko! And take a look at Angela's article on “fierce green chypres”.
Funny how many folks have such a reaction to civet while my skin loves it.
Exactly! How to search “fierce green chypres”?
There is a search box on the right column, but sorry for being lazy — here is the link:
http://tinyurl.com/5ac3kw
Thanks!
Mitsy!!! But of course!!
Ah, but don't a few chypres contain civet? – thinking of Paloma Picasso, Vintage Chypre by Coty, Schocking, Ysatis, EL Knowing, Vivienne Westwood Boudoir and 1000 by Jean Patou. They are all listed as floral chypres on Osmoz, with civet in the base notes. Though I am wearing a chypre today from the Cotswold Perfumery Co called Cymbelline which simply comprises sandalwood, oakmoss and vetiver.
Current, or Classic?
For classic-Niki de Saint Phalle, Diva, Paloma Picasso, Gucci III, Halston Couture (dry) Classic Halston (mosses), Magie Noire (Chypre Animalic), Pheremone, Aliage.
Current-Narcisco Rodriguez, SJP Lovely, Gucci, Tom Ford Purple Patchouli, Cipresso di Toscana Eau de Toilette
Hi SFLizbeth,
Was it you who recommended Black Rosette as your epiphany scent? I have it on the other wrist today – no discernible civet but pretty 'out there' all the same. Not what I would wear, but it's unusual and I was most curious to try it!
Thanks!
Hi Vanessa, no it wasn't me, although it's on my list of “must try”….
This was one of my favourites but don't think you can buy it any more although I have seen it on the Internet and found it in a discontinued basket in a shop in Italy – cheap!!
I'd forgotten Emeraude!! When I was 15 (in 1974) I worked in a chemist shop and someone broke a huge bottle of it on the floor. I had liked it up until then but that changed everything- phew!
Ha — there are literally zillions of things I haven't tried, and I'm losing ground every year
Thanks! Just finally tried the Alien Lumin-whatever thing last weekend, but could not snag a sample so only a card. Thought it much nicer than the original.
Yes, but it isn't a necessary component of a chypre is all I meant
Absolutely – I only meant that in any exploration of chypres – especially the biggest, baddest ones – you might have the misfortune to encounter some civet along the way. Someone mentioned Magie Noire earlier – shudder!
Do google the Perfume Posse review of Black Rosette which features a dragon and a stick of Wrigleys Spearmint gum. Wonderful stuff!!
I tried the original Alien quite recently, having seen a favourable mention somewhere, and happened also to be re-trying three Guerlains on my hands at the same time (Nahema, Apres l'Ondee and Eau de Guerlain.) The picture that sprang very visibly into my mind was of a cheap tart in very high class company…
Robin, I know you like both Bronze Goddess/ AS and Omnia: can you smell the similarity or is it just me?
If you haven't read Chandler Burr's NY Times article on Civet (Meow Mix), look for it. It's quite funny!
Someone on this site has mentioned it on another thread – and it is indeed a lot of fun!
LOL — or good fortune! I like civet, although admittedly sometimes it is overdone.
Liz, my arms are all taken at the moment or I'd put them on to see. Wouldn't have thought of it, but maybe they've got the same musk notes in the base or something?
Le Labo Patchouli 24 and CdG 2 Man. Sort of like natural and synthetic variations on the same theme. Think they're by the same nose too!
Not the same nose (Annick Menardo & Mark Buxton respectively) but can see the similarity…Patchouli 24 is also very close to Menardo's Bvlgari Black.
I've got to disagree with this one, Pierre Cardin and Elle are worlds apart I think. I can see the reference points but Elle doesn't have as rich a patchouli base as PC which I wear often still (it's a great retro favourite of mine).
I love Elle though. Why is it that YSL produce much better female fragrances than male? The only male YSL frag I like is Opium and I don't like any of the others.
How about…
The far drydown of Banana Republic's Black Walnut and Riverside Drive?
(I mention this because I love Black Walnut and I had some on my left arm earlier. It was applied about six hours ago. I just smelled my arm and though “I don't remember putting Riverside Drive on!”)
Or CdG Man 2 and Gucci pour Homme?
Interesting – you've got both actually side-by-side to compare. Lucky you! I didn't think Pierre Cardin still made this fragrance. I wonder if it's been updated since the early '80s. Any idea?
I've never smelled the YSL Opium Pour Homme. Do you like the EdP or EdT?
-Tracey
oops! you're very right. i was wrong about patchouli–i meant vetiver 46. confusing when all those fragrances smell little like their simple names…! and i'm definitely with you on the bulgari black / patchouli, though that strange “block”/non-development isn't there in the patchouli.
I have not smelled BR BW, other than very briefly on a card! I'll have to give it another sniff when their new scent comes in next month.
Aha, the vetiver — I'll have to try those 2 together!
Where is this allusive fierce green chypres article? I looked in the “general perfume articles” but I cant seem to find…
I put a “tinyurl” link to it a couple messages above this one…and you're right, it isn't listed under “general perfume articles” since technically it was a perfume review.
ah, I see it now! thanks!
Just last week when I wore Odalisque I noticed a similarity to Liquid Chic by Pauline Trigere (long discontinued, I'm sure, but an amazing fragrance as is Odalisque). I thought it was because of the green note, related to the Iris and LOTV.
I really don't get any vanilla from Odalisque, which for me makes the No. 5 comparison a stretch.
Yes, but which Nirmala? I know of at least four versions: the original from 1955, the “Angel” version from the 90's, a modified Angle-dup from right after the lawsuit and the pink-bottle version from about 2004 (and they may have changed it again since then, at least I think I've seen different packaging, which seems to be the sign of a new formula with Molinard.)