In the world of perfume collecting, buying fragrances can get expensive very fast. This is where all the affordable clone fragrances step in.
Clone perfumes and clone fragrance brands have been one of the main factors of changing trends in the perfume industry for more than a decade with their often affordable alternatives to much more expensive designer and niche counterparts.
What’s more interesting about the rise of clone perfume houses is how many designer and niche fragrance brands have silently started to do the same thing without ever admitting to actually copying other fragrance formulas with slight and neglectable changes in fragrances.
In this article, I’ll share with you my favorite top 10 best clone fragrances I wore which are worth your money and even more importantly, your precious time.
What makes this article different from other similar lists via other blogs or fragrance Youtube videos is the inclusion of clone, designer, and niche brands.
We all should strive to support creative and artisanal genius when something new and interesting gets released.
But, in cases when we want to get a taste of something much more expensive for just a fraction of the price, or even see where the original idea came from in the cases of niche brands copying cheap and original designer formulas, these are generally accepted reasons to get into the whole clone fragrance collecting.
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TOP SCENT GRAIL RECOMMENDATIONS
Here are the Scent Grail choices that will help you get a taste of high-quality perfumery on a budget, and some more expensive choices with an additional and informative guide about perfume clones in general at the end of the article.
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Best Clone Fragrances: The List
I admit, from now and then, I get bitten by the whole cheaper alternatives to sometimes ridiculously priced niche fragrances.
We all want to smell posh, and luxurious but sometimes our budget constraint doesn’t allow us to buy a perfume for over $400 USD.
But sometimes, it is funny to see exactly those high-end niche fragrances copying something that costs around $50 USD or less.
That’s why this list contains everything coming from a completely unbiased opinion by anyone or by any beauty company.
In the end, we all choose what kind of money are we willing to spend, with additional guidelines coming from articles such as this.
10. Ariana Grande Cloud
A note from the brand: “It is no secret that Ariana Grande hearts clouds. What could be more inviting than feeling like you are on a cloud or at least holding one!
Whether it’s a gray day where you can stay at home and chill, or a day with bright blue skies with friends, the new Ariana Grande Cloud fragrance will make you feel inspired, cozy, and dreaming about what lies ahead.”
Why is Ariana Grande Cloud one of the best fragrance clones you could buy: Cloud seems to tick all the right check boxes for many people. While liked mainly by the feminine audiences because of the additional sweetness to the familiar Baccarat Rouge 540 fragrance, it has enough longevity and projection without too much synthetic aroma chemicals to satisfy even the most demanding fragrance enthusiasts which is reflected by its immense popularity since its release.
Personally, I’m more of a fan of Zara’s Red Temptation which tones down the sweetness and boosts woody and spicy notes that are closer to the original, but the reception of the general community and my friends seems to be different, preferring the Cloud.
- Perfumer: Clement Gavarry
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Sweet Floral
- Release Date: 2018
- Target Audience: Women
- Masculine/Feminine: 30% – 70%
- Most dominant notes: Coconut, Whipped Cream, and Praline
- Age Group: 18+
- Seasons: Any season
- Occasions: Any occasion
- Longevity and Sillage: 10 – 12 hours with great projection
- Compliments: High
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Accords: Sweet, Lactonic, Oriental
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B+
- Alternative to: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540
9. Lalique Pour Homme Lion
A note from the brand: “Lalique Pour Homme Lion, a classic fresh, woody amber for an elegant and sophisticated man.
Launched in 1997, this original creation revives something of René Lalique’s brilliance: Of the bonnet ornaments and vintage radiator caps produced during the Roaring Twenties, a total of 27 motoring mascots are now considered as collectible items.”
Why is Lalique Pour Homme Lion one of the best fragrance clones you could buy: Even if the beautiful bottle was the only thing that impressed me about this fragrance, it would be enough.
Thankfully, the liquid inside delivers and punched way above its price range. Similar to Creed Bois du Portugal, and Nicolai Parfumeur Createur New York Intense, Pour Homme is a mix of floral aromatic notes, and woody nuances.
The lavender inside is of high and therapeutic quality, contrasted by powder iris, and creamy sandalwood. The oakmoss found in the base notes also becomes more prominent as the fragrances step into the dry down, to give it a more gentlemanly scent DNA.
Maurice Roucel is a genius with his ability to create so many expensive-smelling fragrances out of cheaper ingredients. An absolute regal scent.
- Perfumer: Maurice Roucel
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Woody Aromatic
- Release Date: 1997
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 80% – 20%
- Most dominant notes: Lavender, Cedar, and Sandalwood
- Age Group: 30+
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Occasions: Business and Leisure
- Longevity and Sillage: 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Low
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 4/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Accords: Aromatic, Woody, Powdery
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B+
- Alternative to: Creed Bois du Portugal, and Nicolai Parfumeur Createur New York Intense
8. Davidoff Cool Water
A note from the brand: “Discover the legendary freshness from the ocean. The scent unfolds with aromatic notes of mint and lavender, blended with the sensuality of amber. A unique composition, crafted with more than 18 natural ingredients, that delivers an immediate freshness. Cool Water, your ultimate blend of freshness, sexiness and power.”
Why is Davidoff Cool Water one of the best fragrance clones you could buy: The classic. The legend. The only and the only, Davidoff Cool Water. A fragrance that still sells like hotcakes with its universally appealing aromatic, and fresh scent DNA that will hardly ever go out of style.
The fragrance is composed by the same perfumer as Creed’s Green Irish Tweed and the similarity is uncanny.
While you can’t expect the ingredients to be on the same level as in GIT, Cool Water is close enough to think twice before buying the original.
Sharp, fresh, aquatic, and masculine. A fragrance for a man that knows how to behave like a gentleman.
Perfumer: Pierre Bourdon
Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
Fragrance Type: Aquatic Aromatic
Release Date: 1988
Target Audience: Men
Masculine/Feminine: 90% – 10%
Most dominant notes: Sea Notes, Lavender, and Mint
Age Group: 30+
Seasons: Spring, and Summer
Occasions: Sport, Business, and Leisure
Longevity and Sillage: 4 – 6 hours with moderate projection
Compliments: Medium
Likeability: Medium
Uniqueness: 2/5
Value for money: 9/10
Accords: Aromatic, Marine, Green
Holy Grail Scent Rating: B
Alternative to: Creed Green Irish Tweed
7. Iceberg Man
A note from the brand: “Iceberg launches the new fragrance for men Iceberg Man which celebrates the contemporary man and his seductive and sophisticated side. The house of Iceberg promises an intense and unforgettable composition composed of a blend of oriental, woody and spicy notes. Iceberg Man—the name explains all statements by the Italian brand Iceberg, which has offered refined style in modern compositions since 1984. The new flacon design highlights luxury with simple lines while accentuating a clear and powerful concept and clean lines.
The composition of the new fragrance ICEBERG MAN opens with lemon freshness, which lights for us a masculine blend of pepper and nutmeg. As the scent develops, aromas of lavender, geranium and labdanum exchange, resting on a warm basis of woody accords of sandalwood, cedar and patchouli mixed with hot resins, amber, styrax and benzoin.”
Why is Iceberg Man one of the best fragrance clones you could buy: I have previously mentioned Iceberg Man a couple of times before as the unbelievable alternative to Tom Ford Noir Eau de Parfum, and Dior Homme Intense at the insanely low price of below $20 USD.
Great powdery amber with a touch of labdanum that amplifies that already gorgeous amber. 8-10 hours on my skin with moderate projection. It combines the best parts of the aforementioned perfumes at astonishing quality. The fragrance has been officially discontinued so get it while you still can.
- Perfumer: n/a
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Fragrance Type: Woody Oriental
- Release Date: 2015
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 80% – 20%
- Most dominant notes: Amber, Labdanum, and Sandalwood
- Age Group: 25+
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Occasions: Business and Night Outs
- Longevity and Sillage: 8 – 10 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Low
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Accords: Woody, Warm, Spicy
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B+
- Alternative to: Tom Ford Noir, and Dior Homme Intense
6. Lattafa Perfumes Bade’e Al Oud Oud for Glory
A note from the brand: “Bade’e Al Oud/Oud for Glory by Lattafa Perfumes is an oriental, warm, and woody fragrance launched in 2020. It has an excellent sillage. The most stunning oud for exceptional tastes. The fragrance opens with sweet notes of Saffron, Lavender, and Nutmeg. Its heart is composed of notes of Agarwood (Oud) and Patchouli whereas the base notes are essentially Agarwood (Oud), Musk and Patchouli.”
Why is Bade’e Al Oud Oud for Glory one of the best fragrance clones you could buy: Finally, we have an affordable alternative to one of the best niche fragrances on the market – Oud for Greatness from Initio Parfums.
The presentation is stunning and looks quite similar to the fragrance it imitates. The fragrance opens up with spicy notes of nutmeg and saffron while gently transitioning to ambery, musky, and lead by oud heart. The dry down remains woody, and kinda also similar to Baccarat Rouge 540.
Masculine fragrance, suitable for all seasons, and absolutely a winner of a fragrance achievement.
- Perfumer: n/a
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Woody Oriental
- Release Date: 2020
- Target Audience: Unisex
- Masculine/Feminine: 60% – 40%
- Most dominant notes: Oud, Saffron, and Patchouli
- Age Group: 20+
- Seasons: Fall, and Winter
- Occasions: Night Outs, and Business
- Longevity and Sillage: 10 – 12 hours with great projection
- Compliments: High
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Accords: Spicy, Woody, Earthy
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B+
- Alternative to: Initio Parfums Oud for Greatness, and Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540
5. Al Harramain Amber Oud Tobacco Edition
A note from the brand: “Al Haramain Amber Oud Tobacco Edition comes with a great scent and the perfection of a well balanced perfume that will cater for all the needs of the user who wants more than what the ordinary user needs with life.
An addictively spicy, oriental fragrance which wouldn’t be crazy to describe as a “tobacco delight”, with its conspicuously spicy introduction and a smooth, textured aroma stemming from the gourmand vibes of vanilla, cocoa and tonka, with undertones of earthy, warm, dark woody & tobacco notes, rippled into an extremely refined scent to obsess over, that turns heads and noses your way.”
Why is Amber Oud Tobacco Edition one of the best fragrance clones you could buy: During my whole time as a fragrance enthusiast, I’m yet to find a better and more affordable version of one of my favorite fragrances of all time – Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille.
Amber Oud Tobacco Edition ticks all the right boxes to get a similar experience to Tom Ford’s masterpiece and it’s the one I would recommend before opting for a full bottle of the much more expensive original perfume.
This is a beautiful tobacco fragrance with an Arabic take on Tobacco Vanille. More woody scent without the ashy tobacco hints some wearers find not so enjoyable.
While it obliviously lacks the depth, intensity, and projection of the original, it is all about the dry down where the similarities are almost non-distinguishable.
- Perfumer: n/a
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Spicy Oriental
- Release Date: 2019
- Target Audience: Unisex
- Masculine/Feminine: 50% – 50%
- Most dominant notes: Tobacco, Vanilla, and Dried Fruits
- Age Group: 25+
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Occasions: Night Outs and Leisure
- Longevity and Sillage: 24+ hours with great projection
- Compliments: High
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 9/10
- Accords: Spicy, Oriental, Woody
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B+
- Alternative to: Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille
4. Rasasi La Yuqawam Pour Homme
A note from the brand: “La Yuqawam, in Arabic means Irresistible. La Yuqawam series extends a classic yet modern feel full of elegance, refinement and prestige to oriental perfumery. The series which includes six fragrances has become a classic that never goes out of fashion. The love for this series transcends beyond the originally targeted Arab nationalities to international connoisseurs of perfumes, looking for a sophisticated and modern exhilarating oriental experience.
Leather accord is the signature of the La Yuqawam’s masculine series. La Yuqawam Pour Homme opens with an earthy, spicy, bittersweet leathery note. Indian saffron inflects a soft and intimate refined note to the leathery opening, setting the tempo for a sensuous experience. The perfume swells with sensuality as it meanders to the complex animalist base notes of Italian leather and Indian oudh sweetened to a warm earthy and heady tenor by amber.
The fragrance is a refined adornment for a man who is desirable, powerful, refined and elegant.”
Why is Rasasi La Yuqawam Pour Homme one of the best fragrance clones you could buy: I love leather, and especially, I love to smell well-crafted suede leather in fragrances.
La Yuqawam was probably the first and still the greatest alternative to Tuscan Leather, and Ombre Leather from the best 21st-century fragrance house of Tom Ford.
I was quite stunned and shocked at how close this Rasasi was to those two scents. The closest thing I could describe this one to someone unfamiliar with suede leather perfumes of this type is the smell of a strong, luxury, new-car leather with a hint of raspberry fruity sweetness.
If there is no budget constraint for you, go straight with Ombre Leather which I do prefer, but in other cases, this one is your best bet.
- Perfumer: n/a
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Fruity Leather
- Release Date: 2012
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 70% – 30%
- Most dominant notes: Leather, Raspberry, and Suede
- Age Group: 20+
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Occasions: Night Outs and Leisure
- Longevity and Sillage: 24+ hours with great projection
- Compliments: High
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 2/5
- Value for money: 8/10
- Accords: Leather, Fruity, Sweet
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B+
- Alternative to: Tom Ford Tuscan Leather, and Tom Ford Ombre Leather
3. Creed Original Santal
A note from the brand: “India’s royal and spiritual splendor meet in Original Santal. Looking to Asia for inspiration, Olivier and Erwin combine Mysore sandalwood, fiery cinnamon, warm vanilla, and Tonka bean. A robust scent fit for both formal and casual occasions, Original Santal is destined to captivate a room. Prepare yourself for compliments.”
Why is Creed Original Santal one of the best fragrance clones you could buy: The luxury fragrance house of Creed is no stranger to copying cheaper alternatives such as is with Original Vetiver, and Viking, just to name a few.
With the recent scandal that took place in the vein of finally revealing the real perfumers behind their fragrances and still disputable history, I still love this house.
There is something about Creed fragrances in general, that is intangible and head and shoulders above many wannabe niche fragrance brands.
Such is with Original Santal that while it resembles Montblanc’s Individuel, and Joop! Homme at a laughably high percentage, it is still the one with better quality and better long-term investment. As someone who wore those two for years, I would take Original Santal over them any day of the week.
- Perfumer: Pierre Bourdon
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Oriental Spicy
- Release Date: 2005
- Target Audience: Unisex
- Masculine/Feminine: 70% – 30%
- Most dominant notes: Cinnamon, Sandalwood, and Lavender
- Age Group: 25+
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Occasions: Leisure, Business, and Night Outs
- Longevity and Sillage: 8 – 10 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: High
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 8/10
- Accords: Woody, Spicy, Aromatic
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: A
- Alternative to: Montblanc Individuel, and Joop! Homme
2. Xerjoff Naxos
A note from the brand: “Be transported to the heart of Sicily with Naxos, where top notes of fresh bergamot, lemon and lavender lead to an inspiring heart of cinnamon, honey and cashmere. Xerjoff Naxos is steeped in heritage with a contemporary twist.
This classically Italian scent is a bright and brilliant breath of fresh air. Grounding base notes of tobacco leaf, tonka and vanilla beans add an earthy, woody undertone. Naxos by Xerjoff is a tribute to the grandeur and glamour of our home country.”
Why is Xerjoff Naxos one of the best fragrance clones you could buy: Naxos celebrates Sicily and its beauty, and accentuates its Mediterranean character with the composition. A refreshing take on already tired tobacco/honey scent DNA with additional notes of lavender and citruses.
Often compared to fragrances such as Mugler’s A*Men Pure Havane and Bogart Pour Homme, but without a doubt, I can say that this Xerjoff creation is on a whole another level of raw ingredients, composition, and blending.
The scent is dominated by the notes of honey, tobacco, and lavender. This is definitely one of the most beautiful cold-weather fragrances that I have ever smelled. Luxurious, classy, bold, long-lasting, and beautiful.
Since the A*Men Pure Havane is officially discontinued and started to fetch almost exactly the same price as Naxos, in my opinion, Naxos is a much better choice these days.
Perfumer: n/a
Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
Fragrance Type: Aromatic Oriental
Release Date: 2015
Target Audience: Unisex
Masculine/Feminine: 50% – 50%
Most dominant notes: Honey, Tobacco, and Lavender
Age Group: 25+
Seasons: Spring, Fall, and Winter
Occasions: Leisure, and Night Outs
Longevity and Sillage: 10 – 12 hours with great projection
Compliments: High
Likeability: High
Uniqueness: 3/5
Value for money: 8/10
Accords: Oriental, Tobacco, Aromatic
Holy Grail Scent Rating: A
Alternative to: Mugler A*Men Pure Havane
1. Armaf Club De Nuit Intense Man
A note from the brand: “A provocative woody spicy masculine scent that opens with fresh fruity notes of lemon, apple and blackcurrant leading to an opulent floral heart of rose and jasmine spiced up with birch to add a smoky leather nuance. The base includes vanilla, ambergris, musk and patchouli.”
Why is Armaf Club De Nuit Intense Man one of the best fragrance clones you could buy: In the end, there could be only one. Probably the most obvious choice, and the one that gets the most love.
The best alternative to Creed’s Aventus your money can buy. While the opening isn’t something to brag about, after the fragrance starts to settle, almost no one will know that you are wearing a cheaper alternative.
Funnily enough, it is also my most complimented fragrance of all time. It garners so much positive attention that sometimes I start to feel uncomfortable.
From everything on this list, I would wholeheartedly recommend starting with this Armaf creation, as it’s the best value for money and the best scent alternative to the most popular niche fragrance of all time.
- Perfumer: n/a
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Fragrance Type: Citrus Woody
- Release Date: 2015
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 90% – 10%
- Most dominant notes: Lemon, Birch, and Musk
- Age Group: 18+
- Seasons: Any season
- Occasions: Any occasion
- Longevity and Sillage: 8 – 10 hours with good projection
- Compliments: High
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 2/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Accords: Citrus, Fruity, Woody
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: A
- Alternative to: Creed Aventus, Nishane Hacivat
What is a clone perfume?
Clone fragrances are perfumes that take an existing scent DNA to generate a similar or identical copy of a perfume that usually sells very well on the fragrance market.
Perfume clones come at a much cheaper price to recreate the higher quality and expensive fragrances by reverse engineering. Often, fragrance clones have similar or nearly similar scent profiles and in some cases sell better than original products.
The more popular clones are more potent with good performance, sillage, and longevity, and more often than not, composed in a way that is indistinguishable from the original in the air by common consumers.
These types of perfumes are unanimously recommended to everyone starting their fragrance journey, those with budget constraints, or consumers that wish to get a taste of luxury at a discount.
ARE CLONE PERFUMES LEGAL?
Besides the obvious copies you might find by street sellers that sell cheaply made, unknown origin, and sometimes containing dangerous ingredient knockoffs, clone fragrances are 100% legal. The consumer can recognize clone fragrances by different fragrance names, different packaging, and sometimes by the disclosure by the brand itself. Clones use the same natural and artificial raw ingredients are high street designer and niche fragrance brands.
ARE CLONE FRAGRANCES FAKE?
Cloned perfumes are not fake products if we remove the ethical and moral side of things. Cloning or replicating something is not only restricted to the perfume industry as it also happens in for example automotive and clothing industry as well. What clone brands are trying to achieve is to recreate the “real” thing by improving or altering the original scent whilst others try to get as close as possible to the original creation.
SHOULD CLONE PERFUMES EXIST?
Clone fragrances exist for two reasons. For clone companies to get a slice of that hard-earned and creative money that comes from popular and expensive fragrances. And, for consumers who can’t afford the real thing or get bothered to spend so much money on beauty products. Regarding the ethics of this kind of business, each and every consumer is free to spend their money. If we can, we should always support the original creators in every section of our life so that we could continue getting more authentic products, enjoy them, and keep hard-working artists in the business.
Conclusion
There are many more great clones you could get and sample, but I believe I have covered the most popular ones. At least, the ones I actually wore, and still, wear.
We might give a “blind eye” and a “pass” to designers and niche that seem to clone each other, but the praise and criticism have to be given when it’s due.
What are your thoughts about my clone fragrances choices? Have you tried them? Let’s start a conversation and let me know in the comment section below.
In case you are in doubt about whether you should consider buying these fragrance or not, it’s always good to take a look at Scent Grail’s S.P.A. Signature Factor Guide.
It is easy to use and the most relevant perfume buying guide on the web. This way, you can check out if a particular fragrance is worth checking out, and potentially find your signature perfume.
Find out more Scent Grail articles about perfumery, check out top lists, and other helpful reviews via the links below:
REVIEWS
- Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan
- Serge Lutens Chergui
- Zaharoff Signature Rose
- Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot
- Tom Ford Costa Azzurra
- Tiziana Terenzi Ecstasy
TOP LISTS
- Best Fresh Fragrances For Men
- Top 10 Best Niche Fragrances For Beginners
- Top 10 Best Designer Fragrances
- Top 10 Most Complimented Men’s Fragrances
- Top 10 Best Tom Ford Perfumes
- Top 10 Best Summer Perfumes For Women
SCENT GRAIL LEARNING CENTER
- How To Start A Perfume Collection
- Perfume Testers Vs. Retail Boxed Fragrances
- Perfume Shopping Tips
- How To Buy Vintage Perfume
- Fragrance Addiction
- How To Find Your Signature Scent
Until next time, have a great time and keep smelling like a million bucks!
Best, Marin!
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– Marin Kristic
one of the better clone parfums
why spend more money if you can get is for a lot less and some even nicer
Hi better. I agree that you can spend less and get close to the real deal with clone perfumes. Which clone perfume is your favorite? Best, Marin