Best Perfumes for Women

9 Best Louis Vuitton Perfumes for Women

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Louis Vuitton very quickly went from having no modern fragrance releases to its name, to churning out a ton over the past five years. Some of which, are already being discontinued by the luxury fashion giant.

With so many releases, they can’t all be homeruns, and it can be difficult to cut through and find the one which works for you. So, I figured that I’d help out with the process, by presenting my list of the top scents for ladies by Louis Vuitton.

Favorite Louis Vuitton Fragrances for Ladies

Note: If you want some more options, here is my LV men’s list (some of which are quite unisex).

Best Summer Fragrance

Cactus Garden– Cactus Garden is a fairly unique summertime wear, led by lemongrass. That naturalistic aroma is paired with a fresh bergamot citrus and mate note, which gives this Louis V scent an herbal tea sort of aroma.

The scent is particularly bright and energetic at first with the bergamot. Though, when it dries down you get a much colder and refreshing vibe coming through. That’s most of the wear, it’s a very simple blend that brings so much to the table within its limited confines.

Cactus Garden is perfectly unisex, awesome in warmer weather, and balanced enough for daily wear.  Read my Cactus Garden Review

Update: This is now discontinued, unfortunately. Dua does have their inspired by perfume, called: Garden of Thorns. If you need an alternative option.

Lovely Peony Perfume with Cocoa

Attrape-Rêves– This one is a fruity/floral/patchouli fragrance, that is fairly commonplace these days. It translates to dreamcatcher, but I don’t really make the dream-like quality with this scent…but it does smell attractive.

However, Attrape-Rêves is a really good example and quite pretty to wear. Litchi and bergamot lead the fruity side of things and open up with a fresh ginger note.

Peony is at the floral heart, along with some Bulgarian Rose. What really separates this one is its inclusion of cocoa, as a note that pairs nicely with the patchouli note. Even with that, it doesn’t make this one a heavy sort of fragrance, and it maintains a freshness.

Ultimately, it’s a sweet fruit-chouli fragrance, with a soft cocoa coming through for the duration of the wear. Nice balance and versatile to boot. My Full Review

Vanilla Scent for Winter and Beyond

Contre Moi– Contre Moi uses a blend of vanilla and cocoa, to create a creamy, yet not sugary aroma. The vanilla really has the upper hand here and is joined by orange flower and some light citrus notes.

The vanilla note gives you a nice touch of smokiness, with the middle act becoming much more about the floral ingredients. Orange flower, magnolia, and a hint of rose. Though, the latter is pretty faint inside this composition.

All of that comes together, on top of a base of warm ambrette. Contre Moi is a very soft scent, so, while it is a beautiful aroma…the performance is lacking somewhat. Contre Moi Review

Easy Going Pear and White Floral

Cœur Battant- This one kicks off with a wonderful and juicy smelling pear note. It absolutely shines and I can already smell the ambrette wafting up from the base, at the very early stages. 

Add to that, the patchouli comes through early, as well. In fact, you would think you’re getting something quite similar to Attrape-Rêves. But, the patchouli and pear notes do settle, and this becomes a great white floral with a juicy aura.

Jasmine is the strongest of the floral notes at first, but the perfume becomes much more balanced with narcissus and ylang-ylang. It has a nice sweetness and the floral notes don’t ever come across as too heavy nor green. Read my Full Review

Hear the Music

Symphony– This one is a part of the extraits line of fragrances that Louis started up some years back now.

It’s the very fresh citrus note style that they’ve used in some other scents, but just with a more narrow focus. A very realistic grapefruit note is the centerpiece and is supported by bergamot, orange, and a dash of spicy ginger.

There’s more here than that, maybe some extra spice or something else in the base, but I’m not entirely sure what. It’s slightly sweet too, but some of that comes from the ginger. 

Yes, it’s zesty and potent at times, but once Symphony settles it does hang in the air beautifully.

Anyway, this is a great perfume. Not my favorite, but very nice. Do note that this is even more expensive than the regular fragrances in the LV lineup…just so you don’t get sticker shock. Melody by Dua, is an alternative.

Sunny Mandarin and White Floral

Le Jour se Lève–  “The day begins”. It opens up with a great mandarin orange note, that is flanked by a surprisingly light and unobtrusive black currant. This is a citrus floral scent, but one that is naturalistic and much more like walking through a garden or orchid. 

The floral heart supports the prevalent citrus aroma of the mandarin. The jasmine is the strongest player, but there is some significant peony, and the underlying muskiness. It’s got some greenish qualities, but Le Jour is mostly about that white floral accord in the dry down.

Another solid option for the late spring and into the summer months. Fresh, zesty, and easy to wear. 

The Other Great Summer Wear

Afternoon Swim– I included Afternoon Swim on my men’s list for Louis Vuitton. But, it’s a unisex scent, and very appealing. I wanted to be sure to include Cactus Garden for this one, though, Afternoon Swim can absolutely provide a great experience.

It is (mostly) all about the citrus with this one. The return of the mandarin orange, another type of orange, and appealing bergamot blended for a delicious summertime perfume. The ginger note really helps to give this one some dynamism and move away from just being a bunch of fruit.

Very juicy, like walking by the pool during the hottest days of the year, with a drink in hand. Also, it sits on a pool of ambergris, giving it a somewhat similar impression to Millesime Imperial. Read my full review: Afternoon Swim

Top New LV Release

City of Stars– City of Stars is another fragrance made for the spring and summer months, that is up there with Afternoon Swim and Cactus Garden, in terms of its quality.

This is a more floral beachy citrus. Tiare flower is the floral heart of this perfume. It has creamy sandalwood, powdery touches, and a muskiness in the base. But, the powder, musk, and creaminess are all pretty balanced throughout.

The lime is the strongest of the citrus notes. Blood orange, bergamot, and lemon also make an appearance. If you like the style of something along the lines of Soleil Blanc or Creed’s VIW, this is one that strikes that sort of tone.

A nice alternative to the colder and fresher vibes of the other LV summer picks on the list. City of Stars Review

city of s

Beach Time

On the Beach– As far as the summer scents go, I do like Cactus Garden and Afternoon Swim more than this entry. However, On the Beach also ranks among the best, better than the more recent Pacific Chill. 

On the Beach, is highlighted by yuzu citrus, neroli, and some light herbal spice. Thyme, pink pepper, and rosemary are around early.

But, those are role players. The yuzu and neroli are really joined by a cypress note, giving this a great woody freshness throughout. The cypress and neroli will be the main focus throughout, but it is given its ‘beachy’ aroma with the inclusion of a sand note.

Yep, it really does have an sand-like smell. Not overwhelming, but it’s a cool addition to the blend. On the Beach Review

on the beach review

12 Fragrances Similar to La Vie est Belle

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La Vie Est Belle has been a smash hit for Lancôme, since its release last decade. It beautiful use of sweet notes, patchouli, and floral highlights is a really well loved blend. With such popularity, women will obviously be looking for similar smelling alternatives or comparative scents.

For this post, I want to cover some of the best perfume options which can fit the bill. I’ve chosen fragrances that try their best to match what La Vie est Belle brings to the table, while others are scents that have overlap without trying to be exactly the same.

Alternative Perfumes to La Vie est Belle

soleil cristal review

A Royal Life

Queen of Life by La Rive– Not necessarily the best option, but it’s the cheapest one to strike a close pose to La Vie Est Belle. La Rive usually does a pretty good job with their fragrances and this one is no exception.

Queen of Life sells in the $15-20 range, while providing a sweet and powdery aroma with notes that pretty much line up with the Lancome. This one, is however, less powdery overall. Plus, it lacks some of the later depth and lasting power of La Vie.

But, if you simply can’t spend anymore money than this, Queen of Life will mostly do the trick. Not a one to one match, just getting the major beats correct.

Gourmand Inspiration

Gourmand Orange Blossom by Dossier– This one from Dossier and Bella Vita below, are going to be the closest thing to La Vie Est Belle in terms of smell. Not too much of an increase in price versus the La Rive above, but better matches for sure.

This actually lacks the pear note of La Vie and adds a hazelnut to the blend. Not a big deal, not too noticeable, just a slight difference. But, you’re going to get solid performance on the level of Lancome and something that is an ‘inspired’ version of our target.

At $29 currently, for a full bottle, this Dossier isn’t going to break the bank in order to get a well-rounded and similar smelling perfume to La Vie.

Bella

Bella VIta by ALT Fragrances– At about the same price as the Dossier, ALT Fragrances produces some very wonderful inspired versions of popular designer wears.

This one actually does have the pear note, a sugary touch, and basically the same sort of structure as La Vie Est Belle. The weightings of the notes may be slightly different, but based on the reviews, Bella Vita really hits the mark.

I haven’t personally tried this one out, but I have tested some other ALT Fragrances, and found them to be worthwhile. Another inexpensive choice if you want something that tries to be nearly the same.

Oui Belle

Hey Beautiful! by the Dua Brand– So, this actually takes after the flanker Oui La Vie Est Belle that Lancome came out with in 2022. Very similar to the original, but quite a bit sweeter in how it presents.

Raspberry and generic sweet notes are all over this scent. But, the pink pepper spice lingers underneath, with patchouli, and the usual floral combo of iris and rose.

But, even though this has a sweeter aspect to it, the Oui La Vie Est Belle flanker was actually lighter and fresher than the original. A nice pickup for the spring and summer months.

I haven’t tried out this Dua version, but it could be a great one to try out for someone who wants certain aspects of the La Vie DNA ramped up.

Like L’Extrait

Life is Beautiful by Dua– Dua strikes again with their interpretation of the formula for La Vie est Belle L’Extrait, which came out in 2023.

This is a much different take on the La Vie est Belle line. Oud, iris, incense, rose, and amber are the main notes for this one. It’s bold and warm.  Plus, built more for the colder months of the year (but it can venture into other seasons too).

Spicy, floral, smoky, and decidedly different from the original best seller. Yet, still retains a sweetness and some vaguely familiar aspects. Life is Beautiful is a less expensive option for those who want to venture into a newer territory, without breaking the bank.

The Other Popular Fragrance

Flowerbomb– Flowerbomb is one popular option that gets compared to La Vie est Belle a lot. They are indeed quite similar in their compositions. However, Flowerbomb has a spicier and earthier profile, than does the Lancome.

Flowerbomb features a much more prevalent patchouli note. It also doesn’t have the black currant and vanilla blend. What Flowerbomb does feature, is lotus, rose, and jasmine flanking that earthier smell.

Many will already be familiar with this Viktor & Rolf scent, but it’s a good choice for those who want a floral and spicier option.

flowerbomb review

Another Impression

Blessed by Oakcha– Here’s another inspired alternative from a brand that has some really good skills at matching the vibes of a fragrance.

Blessed is their take on the original La Vie Est Belle. Black currant, iris, jasmine, vanilla, and the rest of the gang are all here.

The price is about the same as some of the other options on the list, but they also have a ton of other designer inspired perfumes to choose from, as well.

An Inexpensive, but Inexact Substitute

Her Secret Temptation by Antonio Banderas– This perfume from Antonio Banderas is a nice inexpensive alternative to La Vie est Belle. It has a nice fruity and sweet top, with floral undertones.

You get spice from pink pepper and patchouli, with peach/citrus brightness from the opening act.

This one becomes much more floral, as it dries down. The spiciness fades somewhat, and you’re left with: rose, iris, and some jasmine. Is it an exact match? No, but it has enough similarities to make it a fine substitute, while having a distinct flair all its own.

Sweet Blend of Love

Love by Sofia Vergara– Sweet with less floral and spiciness. In fact, you won’t be getting any patchouli or pink pepper with this one. However, it does feature praline, vanilla, lotus in spades…which let’s it have a similar vibe to La Vie est Belle.

So, you’re getting an inexpensive sweet perfume, that’s a good option for those who might not be too fond of the earthiness or spiciness in the other options on this list.

With included notes of coffee, this can come across as having a candy-like vibe, in the opening. Sort of a mix between Black Opium and La Vie est Belle.

Fruity Spicy Floral

Live Irresitible– Live Irresistible is quite spicy upon opening. It has plenty of overlap with our Lancome target, but as I found in my review, the start is trying to do too much. It is citrus, pineapple, rose, pink pepper, and praline.

When it moves further along, this Givenchy perfume, does get better. The notes begin to settle, you get warm amber and the spice of patchouli and pink pepper.

This is joined by the sweetness of the praline, which allows Live Irresistible to have a baked goods like aroma. It’s not my favorite perfume, but it does offer another take, on this kind of fragrance formula.

Sweeter Hanae

Hanae Mori Hanae Eau de Parfum spray, 3.4 Ounce– Hanae by Hanae Mori is closer to Flowerbomb, but I thought that I’d include it on this list, as well. Seeing as there is so much overlap, between these scents.

Hanae Mori EDP is sweeter than the Viktor & Rolf, with its use of strawberries and other fruits. With its plentiful use of vanilla, it gets closer to La Vie Est Belle and also has that great (though lighter), black currant tartness.

Berry Sweetness, Similar Smell

Katy Perry Killer Queen Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Ounce–You get a sweet gourmet top, with praline and fruits, mostly its berries. However, there is a light citrus aroma at the start, from bergamot.

While this is another sweet scent, Killer Queen, adds in a solid bit of patchouli to rough things up a bit.

It is similar to Flowerbomb and La Vie. Killer Queen from Katy Perry sort of straddles the line between these fragrances, while being available for super cheap. It’s not the best alternative, but it can be nice pick up.

Coco Mademoiselle vs. L’eau Privee

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Coco Mademoiselle has launched a bunch of different flankers over the years. One of them, L’eau Privée, is one of the latest additions to the line. L’eau Privée is a nighttime/sleepwear version of the scent. I wanted to provide a comparison post, as plenty of people seem to have questions about the differences between these two.

Tale of the Tape: Coco Mademoiselle vs. L’eau Privee

Coco Mademoiselle

Notes include: orange, neroli, may rose, patchouli, vetiver, jasmine

Click here to try: Coco Mademoiselle

Read my full review: Coco Mademoiselle EDP

Coco Mademoiselle L’eau Privee

Notes include: rose, jasmine, mandarin orange, musk

Click here to try: CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE L’EAU PRIVÉE Eau Pour la Nuit Spray 1,70z

Read my full review: L’eau Privee

Opening

Mademoiselle EDP starts off with a strong blend of its orange citrus note, neroli, and patchouli. The opening stage is heavy on that orange, before ceding some ground to the floral heart, made up of jasmine and a bit of rose.

It’s bold and have a somewhat gourmand feeling, thanks to the pretty prevalent patchouli.

L’eau Privée opens up with the bright and juicy orange note that is found the EDP version. It doesn’t have the neroli note, but the jasmine and rose are there. Plus, the patchouli, but it is way toned down.

Which is better? They are obviously extremely similar, but I like the EDP’s scent a bit better in the opening act. L’eau Privée is light and not as sharp, which can be a nice change, but it doesn’t hit the same high mark.

It’s a less intrusive, but also less dynamic version of Mademoiselle eau de parfum.

Edge: Mademoiselle 

Projection

Coco Mademoiselle has a very strong sillage and its ability to project is outstanding. Even after all of this time, this Chanel EDP still has that same strength and hasn’t lost a step.

L’eau Privee has a moderate sillage upon first spraying. Though, as a nighttime scent that power is short lived and it is ultimately a softer fragrance.

This category is no contest. Mademoiselle L’eau Privee gets very light and airy once you’re past that immediate burst. Though, I can still smell it on me without issue.

Edge: Coco Mademoiselle

Longevity

Mademoiselle EDP has always lasted for over 10 hours on my skin. It gives an outstanding performance and takes a long time to settle into a skin scent.

Privee will go for four hours on my skin. The last two of those hours is a pure skin scent, that won’t be jumping out at you, in the slightest.

The performance between the two isn’t going to be a close call. L’eau Privee does give me more longevity than some people have said in their reviews of it. Still, it’s not supposed to be a powerhouse, and easily loses this category.

Edge: Mademoiselle

Versatility

Coco Mademoiselle can work in a wide variety of situations. I’d avoid the heat with it, go easy at the office, or just don’t use it in formal settings. Outside of that, the EDP can deliver.

L’eau Privee is one to use when you want to freshen up for a few hours with something light or to use before bed. That’s its best use case. But, it can work better in the heat than Mademoiselle.

Not that it’s going to last a long time, but the scent itself can hold up more in the spring and summer months, without starting to smell weird.

Edge: Mademoiselle

Overall Scent

This really isn’t a fair contest, as L’eau Privee is designed for more of a specific purpose versus the original EDP perfume.

However, it’s always a question that comes up from newer folks to Chanel, who don’t yet know the difference between these two scents.

If you want an all-purpose perfume, that has style and staying power; Coco Mademoiselle is a great choice overall and the clear choice in this comparison.

If you already like the style of Mademoiselle and want something the spray before bedtime…then maybe pick up L’eau Privee. That’s one of the only real uses for it. But if you want to shell out the money, go right ahead.

Maybe you use it during the summer months or a fragrance that you wear to the gym or something along those lines.

Some people seem to like to use it as a freshener, either for themselves or their bedroom. It’s a nice smelling scent. A lighter and fresh version of this line from Chanel. It’s just not going to become a signature perfume for anyone, unlike the eau de parfum.

Winner: Coco Mademoiselle

14 Fragrances that Smell Similar to Black Opium

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YSL’s Black Opium has been a mega-hit for the brand. So, much so it has spawned a ton of flanker fragrances under the same banner and scents that wish to closely copy its style.

But, sometimes you want something cheaper, something that comes close to, or something with a similar vibe to the popular perfume. This is my page where I keep track of similar fragrances to Black Opium that I come across.

Also, I have added perfumes that are similar to the Black Opium flankers, such as: Illicit Green, Le Parfum, Intense, Extreme, Neon, Nuit Blanche, etc. 

Key Takeaways

Here’s a short list of some of the best options that are close to or inspired by Black Opium. I go into much greater detail below on these and many others.

What Perfumes Smell Similar to Black Opium by YSL?

black opium dupe perfume

Inspired Option 1

Ambery Vanilla by Dossier– If you’re in the market for an inexpensive aroma similar to that of the original Black Opium, this is the one to get. 

As of writing, bottles are only $29 versus what you pay retail for the actual YSL scent. This one is sweet with the same focus on vanilla, maybe to a greater degree versus Black Opium. Nonetheless, it is an inspired by aroma for much cheaper.

Dossier perfumes have good performance in terms of sillage and longevity. Ambery Vanilla is an easy go to on this list.

Inspired Option 2

London Destination by Alexandria– Another ‘inspired’ take on the Black Opium style. I haven’t tried London Destination, but have had some positive experiences with some of the other Alexandria fragrances.

It has the same vanilla, coffee, jasmine, pear, pink pepper, licorice, etc. So, so long as it is blended well (based on the reviews, it is), this one should give you a very close impression of the YSL perfume.

It’s very reasonably priced and well below the cost of the original Black Opium.

Illicit Green Similarities

Taboo Green Opium– While not a complete match of the original Black Opium, this one from The Dua Brand mimics the newer and highly popular Illicit Green flanker of our target.

Still, that version is still very close to what the original provides. It does have added fig tree and fruit notes. Plus, a lively pear top. So, very worthwhile to check out, if you are a Black Opium fan.

I haven’t tried this particular Dua Brand fragrance, but they usually strike a very close resemblance to the original. I’ve had their inspired by versions of Aventus and Lost Cherry, among others, and wasn’t disappointed.

The Only

The Only One by D&G– This Dolce & Gabbana fragrance isn’t a one to one match. In fact, it’s one that has a similar style, while doing its own thing in comparison. But, if you like Black Opium you ay enjoy or even prefer The Only One.

This one is much less spicy and floral. Caramel comes in to join the coffee and vanilla notes, which is where this draws the most comparisons with the YSL perfume. Actually, it kind of favors Black Opium Le Parfum more so than the original, out of any of them.

Pear is also a commonality, but we get a floral blend of iris and violet here, giving The Only One a powdery finish that remains soft and sweet. Pretty and delicious. Again, not going to be the same, but they overlap quite a bit.

Super Cheapie

Touch of Woman by La Rive– Close to the spirit of Black Opium, but not an exact match. For under $20? It might be worth it to some.

The vanilla thickness and floral notes are pretty similar. Touch of woman lacks the coffee, spicy depth, and bitter almond note of the YSL best seller. The floral notes emerge earlier and have less of a balance than what you get with Black Opium.

The performance is okay. It starts strong and can stick around for 4-5 hours, on the skin. Is it worth it? Maybe. I’ll include it on the list for those who want a dirt cheap option, that’s at least a perfume with an average quality. 

Black Opium Extreme Kindred Spirit

Addict Noir by Fragrenza– Fragrenza is another brand that I’ve tried out recently, with good success. They also make ‘inspired’ versions of designer scents. I particularly liked their Better Peach perfume, which smells like the Tom Ford version.

They don’t have the original Black Opium in the lineup as of now, but they do have their versions of Black Opium Extreme, called Addict Noir.

Extreme is a flanker which goes with a greater use of the coffee note and cacao. The vanilla note is still around, just not as prominent as you get with the original. So, if that sounds interesting, this is probably the best option. 

Black Flower

Fleur Noire by ALT Fragrances– Here’s another very popular inspired by option, this time from ALT Fragrances. They usually do a great job at capturing the spirit of the perfumes which inspired their creation. 

Pear, pink pepper, and orange blossom take the top of the scent pyramid. And the rest of the notes follow suit with creating a style that is similar to Black Opium. 

Now, I haven’t tried this one. So, whether or not they nailed the vibe or not isn’t something that I can comment on in this update. But, many of the reviews think they did, and having tried other perfumes from ALT I can imagine they’re not too far off.

Another Midnight Inspiration

Midnight Nymph by Oakcha– Oakcha is a brand that has been rolling out a lot of inspired takes on famous niche and designer fragrances lately. 

Midnight Nymph is their version of the Black Opium DNA. This one tries to mimic the aroma that you get with the original Black Opium release rather than one of the flanker scents.

I haven’t tried it out, as of yet. But, with positive reviews and a good price point, I figured that I should include it with this latest update to the list.

Simpler Opium Le Parfum

Vanilla 28 by Kayali- This Kayali entry most favors what Black Opium Le Parfum smells like. It’s different and much more of a stripped down version, but has a similar effect.

Tonka bean and brown sugar are very present early on, matching the sweetness that Le Parfum can have at its opening stage. No cinnamon or pear here, however.

But, Vanilla 28 like Le Parfum, has: vanilla, amber, vanilla orchid, and jasmine notes. Also, the weighting of the floral notes in each, is actually quite light. 

A simplified Kayali perfume that can be a potential alternative or layering fragrance for those who are into the Le Parfum style. Vanilla 28 Review

The Britney Option

Prerogative by Britney Spears– This Britney perfume isn’t a 1 to 1 match, just a fun perfume with a similar vibe. I actually like the Rave version of Prerogative better, but the original is closer to Black Opium in terms of smell. 

Prerogative doesn’t have the super strong vanilla, nor the same use of florals. It goes for a blend of spicy and sweet, however, with a bolder coffee and a delicious fruity top.  Also, it’s not as heavy or cloying, as the YSL can be, especially later in the wear with it nice use of woods.

Again, not a beat for beat resemblance of Black, but we get a lot of the same sort of likeable aspects at a fraction of the price.

Zara Very Close

Gardenia by Zara– Gardenia is another option for a similar scent to that of the original Black Opium. It is more sheer, with a heavier use of the orange blossom note and other florals, but Gardenia pretty much captures what we’re looking for.

I’d still go with the Dossier over this one, it’s usually a better deal, and smells closer to the actual YSL scent. However, this can also be a good pick if you want something lighter without the same levels of coffee and vanilla.

 Sillage not as strong, not as heavy, but the longevity is still quite good. 

A Similar Dior

Christian Dior Poison Girl Women’s Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Poison Girl isn’t a the same, but it has a similar style to Black Opium. Actually, it reminds me a bit of our target and La Petite Robe Noire Couture, while still doing its own thing.

It uses plenty of tonka bean and vanilla, with a bitter orange top for the fruit note. Damask rose is the floral here, which gives it some distinction from the YSL. The citrus here is also weighted heavier than what Black Opium has too.

This has great performance and a pretty strong sillage. On my skin, this would go from 8-11 hours, when I was testing Poison Girl. Read my review

Forbidden Similarities

Amor Amor Forbidden Kiss– A warm and energetic fragrance which predates Black Opium, but has a fruitier and less spicy smell versus the YSL. Grapefruit, coffee, pink pepper, and peony help to make up the Forbidden Kiss composition.

It’s warmer and good for the winter months, without the same overwhelming cloud that our target perfume can have, at times. 

The coffee and pink pepper notes, really make Forbidden Kiss what it is, and the coffee is a much larger factor here in this scent. Sweeter and fruitier than Black Opium, but one that some may prefer. It’s discontinued now, but bottles are still available, as of publishing. 

amoramorfor

Intense Alternative

Douce Insomnie by L’atelier Parfums– This fragrance isn’t much like the original Black Opium, rather, it favors the Intense version. Black Opium Intense did have quite a distinct feel from others in the series, it wasn’t my favorite, but it was different.

Douce Insomnie has a very similar profile to that, minus the licorice and absinthe notes. Which, for me is a great thing, and this L’atelier scent is much better in my opinion.

Cappuccino is the main note here, rather than straight coffee. However, you also get the powdery floral notes (heliotrope and iris), vanilla, and a great sandalwood base. 

So, think, sweet creamy coffee notes with soft powder and without the bitterness that Black Opium Intense had.

Tuscan Leather vs Ombre Leather Comparison

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In this head to head comparison, we are going to take a look at two of the Tom Ford leather laden scents, Tuscan Leather vs. Ombre Leather 18. Ombre Leather was released in 2018 and is a variant of a 2016 release with the same name. Which of these unisex fragrances smells best? Which has the better performance? Which is a better buy overall?

Tale of the Tape: Tuscan vs. Ombre Leather

Tuscan Leather

Notes include: leather, suede, raspberry, jasmine, olibanum, saffron, amber

Click here to try: Tom Ford Tuscan Leather Eau De Parfume Spray for Men, 1.7 Ounce

My original Review: Tuscan Leather

Ombre Leather

Notes include: leather, moss, jasmine, amber, patchouli and cardamom

Click here to try: Ombré Leather Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.7-oz.

My review: Ombre Leather

Opening

Tuscan Leather opens up with a fantastic and rich leather note plus saffron. It reminds me a lot of Godolphin by Parfums de Marly. Also, Tuscan features a smooth and familiar black suede note and a bit of juicy raspberry to change things up a bit.

Update: Coming back to this one, years later. That raspberry note feels really potent this time around. It’s sweeter and really different. It almost makes me want to change my opinion on the openings here, but still would go with Ombre.

Ombre Leather, is actually closer to Godolphin than is Tuscan Leather. It shares notes of jasmine, leather, moss, and amber with that fragrance. The leather is just like that in Tuscan and better than the Parfums de Marly fragrance.

It is a dark, dry, warm, and supple scent. Much more like a leather jacket and earthier than is Tuscan Leather.

Which do a I prefer? I think that Ombre is the more interesting opening, it doesn’t have that hint of raspberry, but it does have a dry rugged quality that isn’t found in Tuscan Leather. I just like that opening better.

Edge: Ombre

Projection

Both fragrances start out strong and then move into a more moderate scent. However, Ombre Leather, reaches a higher peak in its sillage before moving into the moderate and feels more intense when I have it on than does Tuscan Leather.

Neither of these is a sillage bomb. However, they do both have a good amount of power, and Ombre is the better of them.

Edge: Ombre

Longevity

With the latest batch of Tuscan Leather that I tried, I got about 8-9 hours of wear from it. While Ombre Leather has a bit better sillage, it lasts on my skin from 6-8 hours, and doesn’t quite keep up with its predecessor.

Tuscan is marginally better, but it definitely has the edge on my skin.

I’ve seen some people say that they get a really long wear out of Tuscan Leather, at least more than I do. It seems to be the consensus that it is the longer-lasting perfume from Tom Ford.

Edge: Tuscan Leather

Versatility

Both of these scents are mostly for the autumn and winter months. Both can be unisex. Both can be worn casually or dressed up without problem. I don’t see a real edge in this category. They pretty much assume the same role.

The leather foundation pretty much sets things up that way. They are pretty similar fragrances in a lot of ways.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I will start off by saying, that I enjoy both of these scents a lot. They are fantastic examples of leather used in fragrances, both have good performance, and smell great. They have a whole lot in common.

However, I am going to give the edge to Ombre Leather 18, over Tuscan Leather. For me, the newer scent has more going on and isn’t a linear as Tuscan Leather. Yes, they both start close to what Godolphin smells like, but Ombre Leather,

Ombre has a light addition of warm amber, dry moss, and earthy/slightly spicy patchouli. Add to that, a wonderful dry down in which jasmine gets paired with the leather to add a floral element to an already great fragrance.

Tuscan is great, but Ombre Leather has won me over versus that scent, and I’m going to give it the win in the head to head match up.

Update: I still like Ombre Leather more than Tuscan years later. I also personally prefer it to the later Ombre Leather Parfum release. That’s a good one, if you are a fan of violet leaf, as a note. I’m not too keen on it, but some other people like the Parfum version more

Winner: Ombre Leather