9 Fragrances Similar to Coco Mademoiselle

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Coco Mademoiselle has been a top seller for two decades now, even at Chanel prices. However, as time goes on there are of course going to be those trying to mimic its success or just create a somewhat similar fragrance. In this post, I want to highlight 9 fragrance options that offer a cheaper comparable smell to Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel.

Perfumes Close to Coco Mademoiselle

 

The First Inspiration

Woody Oakmoss by Dossier– If you want a cheaper alternative, that’s inspired by the scent of Coco Mademoiselle, this and the next are what you want to go with.

This is one of the Dossier’s that I haven’t tried out, but others from the brand do inspire the confidence that the match will be very near…or you can try the Fragrenza below, if not.

In either case, my biggest concern would be matching the right tone with the citrus notes. That’s a big factor and easy to screw up, by just throwing a screeching citrus in the blend. But, by the reviews on their site, it doesn’t seem to be the case with the Dossier. For the current, $29, it’s worth giving a shot.

Live the Fantasy

Pompeii Fantasy by Fragrenza– Here’s another ‘inspired by’ option, this time from Fragrenza. I haven’t tried this one in particular from the brand, but I did buy a number of samples of other perfumes from them and they really did come close to the scents that gave them inspiration.

Here, you get the bold mandarin and bergamot citrus blend to kick things off. Mimosa, orange blossom, jasmine, and patchouli follow. So, about what you’re looking for. Usually with these sorts of blends, the weightings of the notes might be slightly off, but come extremely close to matching.

Fragrenza at least comes up with a thematic storyline with their blend, “Imagine yourself at an opulent and enchanting masquerade ball in the heart of ancient Pompeii.”  The good news, is their scents are very affordable, and you can even pick up an even cheaper 3 mL sample size.

The Third

Serene by Alexandria– Here’s a third inspired scent that presents a take on the Coco Mademoiselle structure, “Serene is a soft floral fragrance that captivates your senses and transports you to a world of utter bliss.”

I like the Alexandria fragrances that I’ve tried out and this one is also priced (as of writing) at $39.99 for the smallest size. But, they have three options, if you happen to want to size up. Also, their sample pack allows you to try 7 of their perfumes, for about the same price.

Mimosa, jasmine, rose, orange, and all of the other notes are here. Another scent that I’ve found since my initial posting, that I figured I’d update the list with.

Super Cheap Glamour

Suddenly Madam Glamour Eau De Parfum for Women 50ml New Sealed– If you want a cheap comparable scent, Suddenly Madam Glamour is going to be the closest experience to our target.

Now, the performance and sillage aren’t going to be to the same level, but when you’re paying around $15 or so…who cares? 

The patchouli seems a bit stronger in this one (which is closer to Mademoiselle Intense) and probably a stronger vanilla aroma. Though, all in all it gets the weightings in the formulations pretty darn close. 

A Take On Intense

Club de Nuit by Armaf– This women’s version of Club de Nuit leans more towards Coco Mademoiselle Intense in terms of how it smells, but sort of splits the difference between the two.

Like Intense, this one goes heavier on the patchouli note, than the original Coco Mademoiselle. However, Club de Nuit, is also not exactly like either of them. The rose note is pretty heavy in this one, more so than the Chanel.

Feels like less of a vanilla influence to soften up the notes as well. It’s high enough quality and Armaf supplies good performance with their perfumes. It won’t be a complete one to one match, just one that brings a lot of the same sort of style. 

Another Cheap Tutu

Milton-Lloyd Cosmetics | Miss Tutu | Parfum De Toilette | Spray for Women | Chypre Fruity Scent | 1.7 oz– Milton Lloyd usually has pretty good inspirations of popular designer scents and Miss Tutu is the one for our target scent.  

This one gets the floral notes better than Madame Glamour. A bit more sheer than the Chanel, but it has solid performance. Really, between this the one listed above, you’ve got two dirt cheap options for under $30 or so combined.

The Dior Alternative

Christian Dior Miss Dior, 50ml/1.7 oz.– I personally like Coco Mademoiselle better than its similar Miss Dior option, but it is a solid alternative at a somewhat more reasonable price.

Miss Dior or the Cherie variation (or whatever Dior is calling it now) features a blood orange (and lemon?) top note with a stronger use of patchouli and a greater rose note. The jasmine is also an ingredient here, just not to the same extent.

Miss Dior isn’t as strong, but has some nice depth provided by a warm pink pepper note. Again, a lighter sillage, but I still get 8 hours from Miss Dior. Miss Dior (Cherie) Review

 

 

Bit of This, Bit of That

Perry Ellis Love Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Ounce– Love by Perry Ellis has similarities to both Chanel Chance and Coco Mademoiselle. It leans to the Chance side of things, but has enough going for it to be on this list, and is affordable.

This is a bit heavier on the spices, while still retaining a great citrus aroma. The rose is the similar floral with base notes overlapping (musk, vanilla, and patchouli). Plus, that opening orange note, just not to the same level. 

Love has a somewhat light projection once it settles. However, the performance overall is good and it’ll last for most (if not all) of a workday.

An Expensive Similarity

Darcy by Parfums de Marly– First off, I don’t think this is nearly the same as Coco Mademoiselle, as some might make it out to be. Quite similar in style with some overlap in the notes (mainly citrus and patchouli).

That being the case, I also don’t think this PdM fragrance is as good as the Chanel either. That might not be a problem if it were cheaper, but this can be even more expensive.

The pros? The citrus here is smooth and the patchouli is rather good too, if you don’t want something that feels too earthy/dirty. 

It’s not too intense and becomes muskier and soapier in the dry down. Darcy is a pretty good perfume at a lofty price point. But, I’ll add it to the list, as some might want to check it out.

6 Fragrances Similar to Polo Red

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Polo Red has been a very popular release from Ralph Lauren. It has spawned multiple flanker fragrances and remains among their best sellers, many years after it came out. As a result, many guys want to find a cologne that smells similar, is a clone, or just a cheaper alternative to wear. In this post, I want to give four options that can best try to duplicate the aroma and style, one gets from Polo Red.

What Colognes Smell Like or are Alternatives to Polo Red?

Higher Quality Inspired Creation

Bet on Red by Dua– The next entry on the list is the cheapeast alternative, that tries to mimic the scent of Polo Red. However, this one from Dua is of higher quality and comes closer to actually accomplishing that feat (while still costing less than the Ralph Lauren).

It still comes at you with the same opening of tart cranberry and citrus notes. It’s a sweet tart sort of aroma. Then, you’ll get the signature coffee note surrounded by amber and some of that sage heart.

As of right now, this is probably the best available alternative that smells almost entirely the same as what we’re looking for. Other entries on the list have different qualities and similarities that might interest you. This one, hits the same beats as Polo Red.

Super Cheap Smell Alike

Red Classic Match, version of Polo Red Eau de Toilette Spray for Men– Classic Match fragrances are designed to be super cheap alternatives to original designer colognes. This is the Polo Red version, that bears a striking resemblance, but not an exact copy of our target. Nonetheless, you can get a bottle for under $10, and simulate most of what you get from the Ralph Lauren fragrance.

Intense Flanker

Polo Red Intense by Ralph Lauren for Men 4.2oz Eau de Parfum Spray– Red Intense is the closest smelling flanker fragrance, to the original Polo Red. Red Intense starts off with a similar cranberry and citrus blend.

However, it also includes more coffee and spices, such as sage. It is a fresher version of this scent, still sweet, but with more warmth (amber) and spice. Plus, a very nice leather not. This one has better sillage and performance, than the original. Polo Red Intense Review

Similar Style Designer Wear

Play by Givenchy for Men, Eau de Toilette Spray, 1.7 Ounce– Givenchy Play isn’t a duplicate for Polo Red, but it does have a similar style. It contains the same citrus notes (just no cranberry), along with coffee.

I actually preferred Play Intense, to this one, but Play has more similarities to Polo Red. Givenchy’s Play, has been discontinued, but you can still pick up bottles online. Again, not a clone, but sits in the same category as Red.

Update: The bottles that are left, are generally way too expensive to be worth it anymore.

Sweeter Polo Red Alternative

Davidoff Davidoff The brilliant game by davidoff for men – 2 Ounce edt spray, 2 Ounce– The Brilliant Game from Davidoff, is a pretty close alternative to Polo Red, in how it presents itself. It has a similar top of citrus and a cranberry like aroma, but adds a boozy liquor mixture with it, which gives the cologne a sort of fizziness.

Then, it turns to sweet caramel and cream tonka bean during the latter stages. Very warm and attractive scent, that delivers much of what you get with the Polo.

Red Ferrari

Man in Red by Ferrari– Sweet apple and tart plum give this one a really fruity sensation that hits in the same ballpark as Polo Red. Though, it’s not at all identical. It’s gives me shades of Scuderia Red, Guess Seductive, and Polo Red.

Pink pepper gives you some warmth and spice. No coffee or amber in this one. But, you get a creaminess from tonka bean and vanilla, while the apple, citrus, and tart provide that same type of style as the Polo.

It’s a decent alternative or one to try, if you can get it at a cheaper price. Personally, I think Polo Red is better than this one, but it can provide some value too. Man in Red Review

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9 Best Smelling Michael Kors Perfumes for Her

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Michael Kors is a designer who is well known in the fashion world, especially for his popular handbag line. However, Kors also makes some great fragrances for both men and women. This line of perfumes for ladies, seems to focus mainly on white floral notes as a base and then creating something wholly unique off of that.

For this post, I have selected nine options from the Michael Kors line which are among the best that the designer has released.  Other posts to consider: Best Juicy Couture Fragrances

Favorite Michael Kors Perfumes

Most Popular Fragrance

Michael Kors Wonderlust Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Wonderlust is super smooth with a sweet almond note milk and light resin. Heliotrope is going to a main attraction here for a time, and while there is musk, it isn’t a heavy note within the perfume.

It is sweet, but not overly so, with a very light spice at times during the wear. That is thanks to the dianthus flower. An attractive perfume with good sillage and performance.

Wonderlust opens up with almond in charge and paired mainly with the jasmine note.  There is also a light citrus. Then, come the heliotrope and sandalwood, it becomes a mix of creaminess and powder. Wonderlust Full Review

Top White Floral

Michael Kors By Michael Kors For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.4 Ounces
A fresh and somewhat heavier than usual, white floral fragrance, that features some musk/woodsy spice.

Tuberose, peony, musk, cashmere woods, and freesia are some of the featured notes. Daytime, casual wear.

The tuberose dominates the composition, with light musk, and a noticeable freesia note. It gives off a semi-sweet and creamy sort of aroma, that is none too complex, but quite well done.

During the dry down, more lily emerges from the floral accord. Michael Kors for Women, is delightful, and a good daily wear for any age group.

It’s a great option for those who love tuberose, as it is the main attraction, but also lily. It’s got enough sweetness to not be a totally green stem kind of floral fragrance.

Best Wonderlust Flanker

Michael Kors Wonderlust Sublime by Michael Kors Eau De Parfum Spray 3.4 oz– Sublime takes the Wonderlust DNA and gives it a beachy twist. Tiare and orange flowers are the highlights of this perfume.

Now, it isn’t a salt water aquatic or anything like that, it is instead a sunny and tropical aroma. As the brand describes it, a radiant new fragrance evoking the time of day when sunlight turns magical.

The floral notes are sweet and creamy with a great amber base note bringing it all together. It opens up with a orange citrus aroma, that feels warm and juicy. Wonderlust Sublime is a great pick for the summer months, that isn’t too complicated, but smells delicious.

Dark Oud and Sweet Fruit

Michael Kors Twilight Shimmer Edp Spray for Women, 3.4 Ounce– There are a few well done options in the Shimmer line from Michael Kors, but I think that Twilight Shimmer has mostly flown under the radar.

It opens up with its sweet red fruit, acting as a light support for the plum note, that takes center stage early on. It is a dark and rich sort of aroma, that begs to be worn during the autumn and winter months.

As it moves forward, the oud and praline notes come up from the base. The oud here isn’t too intrusive and a lot more comfortable to wear versus the more niche oud fragrances. The praline and plum give it a gourmand quality, but the oud gives Twilight Shimmer distinction.

May not be for everyone, but it can be a gem for those who adore this type of perfume.

Top Pick for Winter

Michael Kors Sexy Amber Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce
As the name suggests, the main note is amber which is combined with white floral notes and sandalwood. Sexy Amber is a warm perfume that is quite seductive and alluring, with a powdery finish.

Sandalwood is the main attraction, as it wears on, but enough jasmine peaks through to make things interesting. A fairly linear fragrance, overall, but one that smells really good within that simplicity.

The amber and floral notes are at their peak in the beginning, then, the sandalwood begins its ascent. The amber note hangs around, though, it is uplifting and does provide a great example of this note.

Great Spring/Summer Scent

Michael Kors Very Hollywood Women Eau De Parfum Spray, 1.7 Ounce
A different take on a white floral fragrance. Very Hollywood features raspberry and mandarin notes to give it a fruity sweetness that will grab attention, at the top of the wear.

The fruits are cool and juicy. They hang around long enough for the flowers to begin to emerge fully, but the raspberry does stay for the duration. Gardenia wrapped in a warm dry amber, with some additional jasmine, and lightly woody base.

Fresh and feminine with a really attractive opening phase. This is a solid choice for the springtime, as you get a very nice gardenia note, but enough fruity sweetness to keep it from becoming just another floral fragrance. Not too heavy, but a nice projecting sillage and performance, overall.

For Jasmine Lovers

Michael Kors Glam Jasmine for Women 3.4 oz Eau de Parfum Spray
Jasmine, white flowers, and sandalwood are the highlights of this perfume. This is a lighter, and more subtle fragrance, than some of the other options from Kors. Glam Jasmine is clean and feminine.

Obviously, you’re going to get a lot of jasmine from this perfume, but there is also some black currant which gives Glam Jasmine at least some footing in the fruity floral camp.

Instead, of just a straight up floral. While it is a subtle perfume, Glam Jasmine has a certain sexiness to it, and can for sure grab attention.

The Other Shimmer

Starlight Shimmer by Michael Kors– So, Starlight Shimmer is another worthwhile scent from this series by Michael Kors. It’s not for everyone, but does have attractive components for someone looking for something a bit more niche.

Vanilla, amber, and saffron are the big players here. Pretty simple, right? Well, Starlight also adds a rose note, which never fully takes over, but adds a delightful touch to the warmth and slight spiciness.

The sweetness of this scent is really the highlight. Not sugary sweet or anything, but the vanilla and amber are great. Up top, this one has some oud, which will fade in fairly short order.

The rose, oud, amber, and saffron sorts of fragrances are all over the place; seemingly to be a part of every designer’s high end offerings. Starlight Shimmer is much more approachable, with the rose and oud not being outlandish with their intensity.

Something Different

Super Gorgeous! by Michael Kors– This is the flanker to the original Gorgeous that came out a few years back. It is better than that one, has some unique elements, and comes pretty heavy with the amber notes in the dry down.

Nonetheless, I do like this one as a fragrance. The initial spray has a nice blend of citrus notes, orange blossom, ylang-ylang, and jasmine coming through. It’s initially sweet and citrusy, but, the addition of myrrh and other amber highlights really makes this interesting.

More of a colder weather wear, but not overly heavy. I do get reminded a bit of one of the old YSL men’s flankers, except this is more feminine and the floral heart really comes out when the initial citrus has faded.

There is a cured tobacco note here. It’s adding to the sweetness and boosts the amber warmth. Not a major player, mind you, but the note is definitely there.

Super Gorgeous isn’t a completely safe blind buy as some of the others on the list. I’d try it out, if possible, because for some this might be their favorite from Kors.

5 Perfumes Similar to Good Girl Gone Bad

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Good Girl Gone Bad is one of the more popular fragrances from Kilian’s lineup. It’s floral and fruity, yet has its own rather unique aroma, while doing a pretty tried and true concept.

However, it can also be pricey or you may want to wear something that smells similar, but not exactly the same. This is my ongoing page of perfume alternatives to Good Girl, Gone Bad. Plus, the flankers Extreme and Eau Fraiche since they’ve also become popular.

Fragrances that Smell Like Good Girl, Gone Bad

kilian good girl review

Sheba Jasmine

The Queen of Sheba– This is one that is similar to the Kilian, really, quite close. But, I don’t think that it is as good. Nevertheless, some may want to give The Queen of Sheba a try.

The start is probably the weakest part. It is greenish with a peach note and some more bitterness. I don’t know, it just doesn’t work for me. But, it does get much better during the dry down.

Light, peach, less green with a nice jasmine burst and tobacco making an appearance. The light tobacco does distinguish it from the Kilian. I like it, not the same, more jasmine heavy and less complex. Still has a pretty high price tag, as well.

Close and Inexpensive

Kismet for Women– This is a very inexpensive alternative, which strikes pretty close to what you get with the Kilian (not entirely the same, though).

The main differences are the osmanthus note strength here and Good Girl Gone Bad has more of a greenish aroma in the opening (in part from the osmanthus). So does Kismet, just not to the same extent.

I’m not sure this fragrance ‘officially’ has an osmanthus, but something quite similar is there.

But, with that, you do get a stronger showing from the apricot (especially early on, part of that osmanthus complex). The dry down is closer, as we have a strong tuberose with Kismet, amber, and jasmine/rose.

Another difference, is the orange blossom which in the Kilian does have a period where it shines. Here, the white florals feel even more generic and less distinct.

The performance is pretty average. I only got around 7 hours with Good Girl Gone Bad, and this will most likely not hit that mark, by an hour or so. Not terrible, just middle of the road.

Gone Extreme

Extreme Rebellion by Dua– This one doesn’t try to replicate the original, but it does its rendition of the Extreme version of Good Girl, Gone Bad.

This one is milkier and creamier than the original. Still, has the osmanthus up top, but a greater use of tuberose and jasmine in the mix. Less fruity, more smooth floral. A different take, while still be very close to Good Girl, Gone Bad.

Extreme has a closer starting aroma to the original. Still green and fruity, but the absence of the orange blossom and less fruitiness give this a different feel. Mainly, the floral dry down has more jasmine in the mix, that milk note, and a greater woodiness.

Now, I haven’t tried Dua’s Extreme Rebellion, but they usually do a very good job with the other ‘designer inspirations’. I’ve owned a bunch of them and would expect that this indeed comes close to matching Good Girl, Gone Bad Extreme.

Almost, Close Enough

Almost Nude by Oakcha– Updating this page, I’ve found another potential alternative option that is inspired by Good Girl, Gone Bad.

Oakcha has you covered if you want something that is trying to be like the original. While Dua has Extreme and Eau Fraiche style perfumes of their own.

It opens up with the osmanthus, jasmine, and rose notes; finishing things off with amber and cedar.

The tuberose and narcissus are there, but one thing that I’m interested in checking out is if there is an orange blossom in the Oakcha version. That isn’t listed, but was quite prominent when I wore the Kilian scent.

On the Road to Eau Fraiche

Road to Rebellion by Dua– So Dua still hasn’t put out a version based off of the original as of now, but they have added one that tries to closely mimic Good Girl Gone Bad Eau Fraiche.

A lighter and more aquatic take on the Gone Bad formula. This one has a fairly prominent Turkish Rose and musk notes coming through in addition to Lily of the Valley. Very floral and great for the summertime.

Orange blossom sticks out more in the Kilian version of this and I suspect the same is true with this one. Less tuberose in Eau Fraiche, it’s still there but the dry down becomes more balanced between the floral notes and less tuberose dominant.

So, if you want an alternative to Eau Fraiche, Road to Rebellion can cover that base.

 

Angel Men Pure Malt by Thierry Mugler

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Another sample cologne that I picked up recently was Angel Men Pure Malt by Thierry Mugler. Now, I was already somewhat familiar with this fragrance, but seeing as I hadn’t smelled it in a long time, I didn’t want to write up a review post for it. So, I grabbed a sample with my last order and wanted to put together my full thoughts on this Mugler scent from the A*Men line.

What does A*Men Pure Malt Smell Like?

angel men pure malt review

Notes include: bergamot, patchouli, vanilla, cedar, amber, fruits, coffee bean, musk

Click here to try: Angel Men Pure Malt by Thierry Mugler Eau De Toilette Spray (Limited Edition) for Men, 3.40 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Pure Malt really sets the stage. Man, is this a rich and enticing fragrance. It kind of reminds me of B*Men also by Thierry Mugler but way better with less spice and an enjoyable fruitiness.

I’ve been really digging scents that feature a boozy type of aroma, and Pure Malt is beautiful, like a fine whiskey. There is a warm sweetness in the same vein as Pure Havane but with alcohol in lieu of tobacco.

The start features the blend of fruits, vanilla, whiskey, and a bit of the patchouli. The patchouli comes through to give it a warm bakery feeling, like it does in so many women’s perfumes. However here, it just helps to shape the alcoholic sweetness.

As the scent wears on, I feel that it becomes even better than the opening act. The berry-like fruits begin to fully emerge and give the cologne a distinctive feel. Nonetheless, they are only playing a supporting role at this stage.

However, Pure Malt never relinquishes its very masculine energy or fall into a trap of being too ambiguous. I found myself constantly trying to get a whiff of this lovely gourmand scent throughout the night that I was wearing it. It was just enjoyable and pleasant to wear.

Finally, the latter stages are smooth, creamy, warm, woody, with its underlying sweetness still kicking around. Vanilla, tonka bean, and vague hints of coffee are swirling around a base of cedar and malt.

The coffee bean adds a nice touch, as you can only pick up its familiar scent, at certain times during the wear. Pure Malt is just unique and plain delicious to the senses.

Sillage, Longevity, Versatility

Projection wise, Pure Malt is fairly strong, but not crazy so. You’ll notice that it’s there and so will other people around you but it shouldn’t choke anyone out unless you went overboard.

I actually got good longevity with this, it’s hard to remember the details of when I applied and when it faded last night but I’d say 6-8 hours or thereabouts. Update: After wearing this for a while, it seems like 7 hours is pretty standard, for Pure Malt’s longevity. Not a monster performer, but still quite enough.

Pure Malt is yet another cold weather gem. Seriously, the one thing that might hold me back from buying a larger bottle is that I already have so many ‘go-to’s’ during the cooler months of the year…it’s starting to get ridiculous. But yeah, during the summer months, this wouldn’t be a wise choice.

This is quite a masculine cologne and while I like it, it seems that women had mixed feelings about it while I had it on. Most liked it, but weren’t in love with it. It’s funny because I really liked wearing this stuff, so this is one, I probably won’t account for others’ opinions.

Another update: the more that I’ve worn this, the more the positive reactions, outweigh the negative or indifferent. There are times, where this gets an insane number of complements, while out on the town.

I don’t know that I’d wear this to an office. It’s more of a casual, date night, or evening out kind of scent. It does contain those strong alcoholic notes, which you might not want to smell like whiskey, while at work. Your call, though.

Overall Impression of Pure Malt

Overall, would I rate Pure Malt a buy? Yes, I think it’s great but I don’t think it’d be for everyone. It can be quite pricey, it is limited by the climate you live in, not for those who don’t like the smell of malt (obviously), etc.

On the other hand, this is a very well done entry from Thierry Mugler and is at least worth a try for a lot of guys.

The whole thing is warm, sweet, and gourmand. Angel Men Pure Malt is an experience all its own and probably one of the best colognes on the market. It’s application is niche, but it does things so utterly well, that I want to spray it on more and more.

There’s just so much going on here, and when it came out, there really wasn’t too much out there that was quite like it.

I doubt it’ll be what you’re looking for in a daily wear, but as a secondary option you break out on occasion, this is a definite yes.

2023 Update: Pure Malt has been discontinued for a while now. So, if you’re looking for this original formulation, you’re going to have to find an old bottle online or try finding a close approximation. The Dua Brand has one available, that I haven’t tried.