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5 Fragrances that Smell Like L’Interdit by Givenchy

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L’Interdit has been a massively successful series from Givenchy. There was of course an older edition from the brand which dates back to the 1950s. However, they’ve updated to the formula and brought some new smells to the name.

However, sometimes people want a cheaper alternative the designer perfume. Or, they’d like something with a similar scent, but not exactly the same as the Givenchy. On this page, I will keep track of the fragrances that can fit the bill, and are related to the sort of perfume the L’Interdit is.

What Perfumes Smell Similar to L’Interdit by Givenchy?

Cheapie Sweet

Al Ibdaa Gold– This is an interesting alternative to L’Interdit EDP, as it takes the ‘grape-like’ smell of tuberose found in the Givenchy, as uses flower blossoms (apple and pineapple) to replicate it. Plus, a nice peach note.

Now, the middle and back half of the wear are different. This is where Al Ibdaa Gold separates itself somewhat from L’Interdit.

Musky, powdery, with a greater rose influence. Plus, the earthy spice of patchouli. Still, the main thrust of this cheapie is a lot like our target scent. May be too sweet for some people, but it’s pretty good for around $20.

Which Way?

My Way Armani- The My Way series from Armani has a lot of overlap with L’Interdit, as a tuberose infused white floral perfume.

The overlapping notes? Bergamot, tuberose, jasmine, orange blossom, and vanilla. A main difference, this one doesn’t have the pear note of L’Interdit EDP.

Beyond that, they’re not exactly the same. Similar styles, but not the same smell by any stretch. Personally, I like the Givency releases better than the Armani’s. To me, they have more depth, better sweetness, and just a weighting of the notes that I prefer.

That being said, this is one that a lot of people may like as an alternative. The dry down here still has a sweetness (feels less candy-like at this stage) and a good blend with the musk and vanilla.


Forbidden Rouge

The Forbidden White Flowers by Dua– This one from the Dua Brand is actually their ‘inspired by’ take of L’Interdit Rouge Ultime and not the original EDP.

To me, the first Rouge release, was the best of the L’Interdit series thus far. But, I haven’t yet checked out Ultime to see how it stacks up. It looks like it’s a nice formula, maybe less of the spice of the original, and more of a white floral blend with cacao and tobacco.

So, if you’re looking for something that smells like L’Interdit Rouge Ultime, this is the one to go with. I’ve owned probably a dozen or so different releases from the Dua brand and they do a great job with their inspirations.

A Bit of Intense, A Bit Different

R U Serious by Rue Broca– R U Serious is a perfume that has a lot of overlap with the L’Interdit series, while not being exactly like any of them. A bit of EDP and Intense-like accords are found in this one.

The differences that are most pronounced is the use of a heavier patchouli in this Rue Broca release and the smokiness of the birch. That note, kind of reminds me of the one found in Creed Aventus for Him.

Somewhat heavier in comparison to L’Interdit EDP. Amber, patchouli, and birch give R U Serious plenty of substance and projection power. The top notes are light and crisp highlighted by apple and blackcurrant.

Fruitier Cheapie

Fakhar Rose by Lattafa– Fakhar is an inexpensive alternative that has a good deal of overlap with the way that it smells in comparison to L’Interdit EDP, in particular. Though, it’s not an exact match.

This one is brighter, sweeter (at first), and overall fruitier than what I get with the Givenchy perfume. That’s especially true in the opening act.

Once the transition into the middle comes around, they have more similarities. Yes, this one does have a rose note, but it feels balanced with the gardenia and the tuberose. The back half doesn’t maintain the sweetness and L’Interdit has a longer go with that aspect.

It’s also lighter, with some nice muskiness into the dry down. For the price, Fakhar Rose is an excellent deal that can deliver much of what you get with our target.

5 Fragrances Similar to Armani Si

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Si has become a best seller for Armani and spawned a ton of different imitators (and flanker spinoffs of its own). Sometimes, you just want something that’s an alternative to Armani Si. Whether it’s a perfume that smells nearly identical to it or one that share lots of similarities while ultimately doing its own thing.

On this page, I’m going to keep track of the scents that are similar to Armani Si, be that cheaper options or something that gives you something close yet different.

What Perfumes Smell Like Armani Si?

The Cheapest Alternative

In Woman by La Rive– La Rive’s perfume, In Woman, is pretty close to Armani Si, in terms of smell. Though, it isn’t a one to one match. However, it is the least expensive option to go with, and is a nice value play.

Admittedly, I’d just spend the extra $10 or so, and pick up the Dossier option below.

This doesn’t have the same depth as the Armani. Instead you get more of a vanilla influence, along with more of the rose. In Woman is a bit harsh at first, but it settles down rather well. Not a ton of power here, but again, a dirt cheap pick that is a pretty good imitation.

Inspired Si

Woody Freesia by Dossier– Woody Freesia is Dossier’s inspired take on the original Armani Si formula.

It opens up with blackcurrant, strawberry, and that freesia note. This one aims to hit the same beats as Si and does a good job of doing so. Dossier generally gets it right and Woody Freesia is no exception.

Much closer to nailing the similarities of the Armani versus what you get with the La Rive above. It is a bit more expensive, but still currently priced under $30.

Passione Eclat Inspiration

Passionate Eclat de Parfum by Dua– Since the original Si was such as success, there has been a ton of flanker releases, including Si Passione. Also, Passione Eclat which is a flanker of a flanker.

Passionate Eclat from Dua is their take on this newer edition of Si Passione. It’s a fruity rose fragrance with a bold blackcurrant up top along with some bergamot.

It’s a fresher sort of rose scent, somewhat light, while having a substantial musky base note. If you want an alternative to Si Passione Eclat, here’s your best bet.

Close but Different

Promise Me by Mauboussin– Promise Me isn’t an exact one to one match of Armani Si. But, it shares plenty of similarity with its smell. Also, some might prefer this one to our target.

Rose and patchouli are really the stars in this one. There is a citrus note in the opening, but this Mauboussin perfume doesn’t have that same level of fruity/juiciness as you can find in Si.

Notably, this one also doesn’t come with the vanilla of our target. It’s more like a lighter streamlined version, less dense, but with an added heliotrope powdery touch. As of writing, Promise Me sells for around $30, so it can be a good one to consider if you want something a bit different.

Si Passione Like Cheapie

In Woman Red by La Rive– Like the first offering of this list, In Woman Red, models itself after a fragrance in the Si series. This time, it’s Si Passione.

The quality here isn’t as good and this is a much lighter projecting scent versus the Armani. Again, you’re getting a massive discount to the designer wear, but the performance could definitely still be better.

The opening does have an intense black currant with that pear juiciness and the kick of the pink pepper, but things get softer as it moves into its floral heart. Not a perfect match, but it’s passable, if you need something for under $20.

Libre vs Libre Le Parfum

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Libre from YSL has been a major success for the brand since its release. Because of that, they have put out a ton of flanker fragrances to capitalize on the name, and offer fans a different experience with each. In this post, I want to compare the original Libre eau de parfum to the newer Le Parfum edition, to see how that match up and which is the better option of the two.

Tale of the Tape: Libre vs Le Parfum

Libre

Notes include: lavender, white musks, orange flower, vanilla, orchid

Click here to try: Libre EDP on Amazon

Read my review: Libre EDP

Libre Le Parfum

Notes include: ginger, saffron, mandarin orange, bergamot, orange blossom, lavender, vanilla, honey, tonka bean, vetiver

Click here to try: Libre Le Parfum

Opening

Libre EDP starts things off with a strong burst of the orange blossom (maybe some additional citrus fruit spritzed in) and the lavender, which will only grown more powerful. It’s soapy, somewhat musky, and has a definite creaminess throughout.

Le Parfum goes more in a citrusy direction, but not completely so. The orange blossom, honey, spice, and vanilla are all very present early. Parfum is warm and cozy.

I don’t get nearly the same amount of lavender here with Le Parfum (at least early, later, it shows up quite a good deal more on my skin) than either the original or Intense, for that matter. It also feels much thicker and syrupy like than the others in the series.

Which is better? To me, I like how each utilizes the orange blossom note. Obviously, there’s going to be a lot of overlap between these two perfumes.

Beyond those similarities, I do like the citrus and ginger notes that get used in Le Parfum. Lavender isn’t my favorite note, so, I do like how toned down it is in comparison to the EDP.

Edge: Le Parfum

Projection

Libre EDP isn’t a  fragrance that could be mistaken as weak.. I’d rate it as being at least in the upper range of moderate, if not firmly in the strong camp.

As a mainstream designer wear, it’s got plenty of projection ability and will be very noticeable in the air around you, even after the opening act.

With Libre Le Parfum, you do get a thicker/heavier fragrance and one that will leave a scent trail in your wake to a greater degree. The ability to project itself very well also stays around longer than it does with the original.

However, in terms of projection it actually is a notch below Libre Intense. But, Le Parfum is good enough to take this matchup easily.

Edge: Le Parfum

Longevity

With the original eau de parfum, I get 8-9 hours of wear on skin. Very solid and worthwhile in comparison to most designer fragrances.

Yet, it comes up short in comparison to Libre Le Parfum. With this newer flanker, I get 10-11 hours of wear, with 12 hours being very possible depending on the day.

In either case, you get great performance from this YSL line, but Le Parfum easily takes this category.

Edge: Le Parfum

Versatility

Libre EDP is the better daytime option. Le Parfum can do both day and nighttime, but it’s probably better in the evenings. Libre has the edge as a versatile daily wear.

Also, the heavier Le Parfum might well get bogged down when the temperatures heat up. It’s pretty much an autumn and winter wear. Libre isn’t exactly built for summer, but it holds up better when it’s a warm out.

Edge: Libre EDP

Overall Scent

Overall, it’s almost a clean sweep in my opinion. There’s not much edge that Libre EDP has over Le Parfum, outside of a slightly more versatile use case.

In terms of smell and performance? Libre Le Parfum is just the better perfume to my nose.

Libre EDP is an attractive fragrance. It’s much more floral. If you want a lavender and orange blossom mix, this might be the one for you. It’s got that nice daily wear vibe, soapiness, but nothing too exciting or complicated. It works well enough and is popular for a reason.

Le Parfum has better balance, performance, and greater depth than the original. The honey and vanilla combination in the dry down is great. I like the citrus and ginger combo up top. And, the orange blossom and lavender feel as if they’re blended better in this mix.

Winner: Libre Le Parfum

Guilty Elixir de Parfum Pour Homme by Gucci

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Guilty Elixir Pour Homme was released by the brand in 2023. I picked up samples of it late last year to test it out and see if it lived up to its early hype. It sort of took the line in a new direction versus what you get with others in the series.

How does Elixir smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Guilty Elixir Pour Homme Smell Like?

Notes include: vanilla, orange blossom, nutmeg, ambrofix, pimento seeds, orris butter, benzoin, patchouli, osmanthus

Click here to try: Guilty Elixir

My Full Review

The opening of this Guilty fragrance is spicy, warm, balsamic, with the iris and vanilla notes already making themselves known. Interestingly, on my skin at least, the benzoin note really comes up from the base at this stage.

I’m actually reminded a bit of Body Kouros by YSL in the undertones of Elixir, at this early stage.

The spices here are nutmeg, and for me, the more prominent pimento. Same sort of spice found in K by D&G and Xeryus Rouge.

After this initial burst, it does become more floral. I was expecting to get more of the orange blossom note before the iris came fully into play.

Actually, the osmanthus comes through more for me. It’s much less of the fruity smelling type, actually it gives a suede/leather scent to Guilty Elixir.

The spice tones down, this Gucci cologne is fully in its floral, powdery, vanilla phase. Less warm, smooth, fresh, with a touch of fuzziness. Here’s where I do pick up some more of the orange blossom, since the nutmeg and pimento have toned down.

Guilty Elixir isn’t fully a ‘baby powder’ type of fragrance. Orris butter, vanilla, and orange blossom do lend a creaminess here and this cologne does have more of a sweetness to it for a good portion of the wear.

The dry down is pretty simple. Orris, vanilla, the ‘Ambrofix’ amber note, some leftover benzoin and patchouli. Mainly, it’s the vanilla and ambrofix.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This isn’t a heavy fragrance, it’s substantial, while having a definite light feeling to it. Guilty Elixir, does however, project quite far and creates a great scent bubble around you.

Not a massive reach, but well above average with just how far it will jump off of the skin. With a normal amount of spraying, I don’t think this Gucci disappoints.

Elixir performs well in terms of its longevity. I get somewhere in the 8-9.5 hour range, each time that I’ve sprayed in on.

It might be capable of more than that for some people, but it’s not elite status. Still better than others in the series, though.

Seasonally, I’d say this one can go autumn to pretty deep into springtime (depending on where you live). It’s not a scent for the hot weather, but Elixir can hold up on a reasonably warm day. Though, I’d mostly wear it when it’s chilly to moderate outside.

It’s very versatile outside of that. Not really a nightclub beast or necessarily one for romantic wear and not completely formal. But, as a daily wear and just about any other situation Guilty Elixir Pour Homme can fit in.

Overall Impressions of Guilty Elixir

Overall, do I like it? Sure, it’s different from the rest of the Guilty Pour Homme series, but it also doesn’t strike me as incredible. Likeable, for me. Other people might love this, especially if you are a fan of scents like Reflection.

I came back to this one after having the sample for a few months and forgetting about it. I’m a bit more positive on it than the first time, but I still don’t think it’s incredible. The opening act is my favorite part and the rest of it isn’t too exciting to my nose.

There’s no inherent weaknesses with Elixir. Performance is good across the board, its pleasant, and one that you can get plenty of use out of.

Since this is a higher price point than others in the Guilty series, I would try to test it out, to see if this one actually appeals to you.

The softer floral, powdery, vanilla scent isn’t going to be for everyone. This one is actually pretty unisex and if you want something more masculine, look elsewhere.

6 Fragrances Similar to Ralph Lauren Romance

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Romance is a consistent best-selling perfume for Ralph Lauren. It is a fairly simple fragrance, but one which has garnered many fans, and spawned some imitators. In this post, I want to explore some fragrances that are comparable, smell similar, or are just cheaper alternatives to the RL scent. These smell alikes, all have different takes on a similar aroma, but stick to the script we’re looking for fairly well.

What Perfumes are Similar to Romance by Ralph Lauren?

Romantic Affair

Her Affair by Dua Brand– The first entry will be a fragrance that is inspired by the notes of Romance, rather than most others on the list which are just similar to what we’re looking for.

Her Affair is going to try and hit the same beats of the Ralph Lauren scent, all presented in an extrait de parfum concentration.

Ginger, lemon, rose, lily, and musk are all here. This is the one to get, if you want a cheaper alternative to our target scent. I haven’t tried this one, but I have bought a bunch of others from this brand, which have been on point.

Lighter on the Rose Perfume

Dazzling Gold by Estee Lauder– The rose in Dazzling Gold, is very light, and only detectable for a short time. However, it shares the lily, freesia, and other floral notes.

Dazzling Gold isn’t one of the more well known Estee Lauder fragrances, but it fits in to the sort of scent we’re trying to capture with Romance. The fruity notes are there, but serve as background players, You get apple, berries, and some litchi sweetness.

A Close Comparison

Feminin Pluriel– This fragrance from Maison Francis Kurkdjian is a really close alternative to Romance. The main difference is the additional iris note, which gives it more of a powdery finish than the Ralph Lauren.

Also, this one can be much more expensive, and isn’t as widely available. On the plus side, it has a cleaner profile, and feels a bit more elegant than our target scent.

The More Floral Alternative

Very Irresistible by Givenchy– Is this Givenchy scent an exact copy of Romance? No, and, it really isn’t a cheaper alternative either.  What it is, is a perfume that sits in the same scent family as the Ralph Lauren.

It’s floral, without the fruity highlights of Romance, but with some nice added spice from notes like anise. You do get the great rose note, but it goes a bit different in the other floral ingredients, magnolia and peony.

Very Irresistible is a very energetic and versatile floral, for those who want to go in a similar but somewhat different direction than Romance.

The Cheaper Alternative

Sabaya by Al-Rehab– Al-Rehab is a brand that has plenty of great options, which are similar to very popular fragrances. Sabaya, closely mimics the aroma of Romance, but with more citrus in the profile.

You still get a nice rose note, a great freshness, and the citrus. The citrus is actually pretty heavy up top but it settles down later on. Is it better than Romance? No, but this is a much cheaper option, than can usually be had for under $20.

A Sweeter Floral

Elie Saab Le Parfum Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 3 Ounce– An original perfume from the Elie Saab line that has spawned a ton of flankers of itself. Le Parfum is a very feminine floral highlighted by jasmine and orange blossom. Quite the springtime, traditional floral perfume.

Elie Saab Le Parfum kicks off with a large dose of the orange blossom, that is then paired with, honey and patchouli. It’s of course sweet and floral, with a rose note beginning to creep into the picture.

However, the rose never quite catches on completely. Instead, you get jasmine and orange blossom occupying the top. Underneath that, is: patchouli, honey, and a cedar base. Great sillage, with 7-9 hour range of wear. Le Parfum Review