Sauvage EDT by Christian Dior

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In the world of fragrance, it is often an exciting event when Christian Dior releases a new cologne for men. After all, this is a brand which has come out with some absolutely amazing scents in the past and has a long history of creating winners for guy’s who enjoy a sophisticated scent.

In 2015, they released a new fragrance, Sauvage, which features an ad campaign starring Johnny Depp. Since then, this fragrance has become an absolute powerhouse in the world of men’s colognes.

Sauvage is super popular and a constant best seller (literally became the first men’s fragrance to be number one worldwide, outselling even all ladies’ perfumes) . The question is, is it worth it?

In this post, I want to give some of my thoughts about this new cologne and whether or not it lives up to the name of Dior. How does it smell? What are the notes? Does it last long? How’s the sillage? Is it actually something one should buy?

🌍 DIOR SAUVAGE — AT A GLANCE
Fragrance Family Fresh Aromatic Woody
Key Notes Bergamot, Ambroxan, Sichuan Pepper, Lavender, Pink Pepper
Season Spring Summer
Occasion Office, School, Casual, Dressed Up, Bar
Longevity 6–7 hrs typical, up to 8–9 hrs in winter
Sillage Moderate to fairly strong — noticeable without overpowering
Rating ★★★★☆ 8.1 / 10
Quick Verdict
A fresh, mass-appeal daily scent with a sharp bergamot opening, spicy pepper kick, and smooth ambroxan-lavender dry down. Very versatile and easy to wear, especially in warmer weather, with solid performance and broad appeal.

What does Dior Sauvage EDT Smell Like?

sauvage

Notes include: Bergamot, Ambroxan, Sichuan Pepper, lavender, pink pepper, and more

Click here to try: Sauvage by Christian Dior Eau de Toilette for Men, 2 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

By now, one has probably seen the magazine adverts or the short ‘film’ starring Johnny Depp, in the media blitz before this fragrance’s release. This eau de toilette cologne is definitely a mass market affair.

However, that doesn’t mean that it is a terrible cologne. In fact, I rather enjoy the scent even it isn’t 100% unique in it’s scent or even if it can become a signature cologne for a guy.

2022 Update: Sauvage has become an absolute best seller in the world of men’s fragrance and has spawned seemingly endless imitators and somewhat similar scents (like: Dylan Blue)

Before we start, let’s see how Dior describes this eau de toilette: A radically fresh composition, dictated by a name that has the ring of a manifesto. That was the way François Demachy, Dior Perfumer-Creator, wanted it: raw and noble all at once. Natural ingredients, selected with extreme care, prevail in excessive doses. Radiant top notes burst with the juicy freshness of Reggio di Calabria bergamot. Ambroxan, derived from precious ambergris, unleashes a powerfully woody trail. Sauvage is an act of creation inspired by wide-open spaces. An ozone blue sky sprawled above a rocky landscape, white-hot beneath the desert sun. 

The composition is rather simplistic yet definitely delivers the masculine vibe that the designer was going for. The ambergris derivative , Ambroxan, is quite noticeable and gives Sauvage a solid foundation from which to present itself. It is clean, fresh, and inviting with a warm and spicy kick delivered by the Sichuan pepper note.

The opening features a very sharp bergamot note and lavender to go with that pepper kick. It is very similar to that of Luna Rossa Carbon, only that Prada fragrance doesn’t have the same level of citrus intensity in the start. I’ve done a post comparing these two colognes.

While Sauvage definitely has a sharp start, I feel like it gets smoother after some time has passed after application.

On my skin, the citrus subsides, after about 20 minutes of wear and I really start to get a noticeable ambroxan aroma. It is so well blended with the pepper, that some of the spicy edge is taken off of that note. However, the warm and smooth composition does have that solid spice throughout.

Sauvage is another cologne that strikes me as really fresh and sort of has that ‘right out of the shower’ vibe to it. The lavender note, which is found in so many soaps and fresheners, really adds to this feeling.

Lavender is one of the main differences between Sauvage and Luna Rossa Carbon, as it is much stronger in the latter than in this Dior scent.

The floral notes here are a bit underappreciated. Yes, the lavender is prominent in the composition, but there is also geranium and labdanum that are present in the background of Sauvage.

These help to support the outdoorsy, wide open spaces, vision that the designer was going for. They are pretty faint but they can come through in a whiff, if you’re familiar with how these notes smell.

 

While it is warm and has that underlying spice, there is a certain woodiness of cedar, which helps to further the raw masculinity which comes through in this scent. It is a very pleasant experience, though, it does draw reminders of other colognes I have smelt in the past.

So, I can’t really reward it points on a factor of uniqueness. A lot of that enveloping sort of feeling that comes with Sauvage, I think is due to the presence of pink pepper, especially in the dry down. It’s one of the main notes in something like Guess Seductive Homme, and I pick up on that pink pepper vibe with this Dior.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sauvage is a fragrance for the warmer months and it did very well on a hot day here. It seems like it should have been released before the summer season and not after because I don’t get a cold weather aura from it at all. That’s sort of odd considering how ‘warm’ it smells with the amber and pepper notes.

It has a moderate to fairly strong projection, in that it doesn’t overpower but it seemed to hold up fairly well on my skin for maybe 6-7 hours so the longevity is at least decent as well.

This is based of doing a few sprays for each wear, however, it can be overwhelming sometimes if you’re prone to wearing a lot of fragrance.

The opening act can indeed pack a punch. But, that is fairly short-lived and it becomes more moderated thereafter. Still, not a bad ability to leave a scent trail or just project off of the skin.

Update: Since I originally wrote this review, I have a lot more experience with Sauvage, and I do get much longer wear during the wintertime. Maybe bump that to 8-9 hours. Humidity, stifles its ability to last on my skin for its full capability.

Other folks report, having much better longevity with Sauvage than I do, and say it goes all day. Again, like every fragrance, it is going to depend on your own skin chemistry and how the cologne reacts with it on a particular day. For me, it’s just pretty good but not outstanding in how long it lasts.

Sauvage is actually a very versatile fragrance and I think that is one of the reasons that it has become so popular with the masses.

It’s something that could be worn to work or school (if you go light), but can be worn causally, dressed up, or even at the bar. It really has become ubiquitous at this point, but it does have so many uses that it’s completely understandable.

Lots of women do find this to be a sexy fragrance. I think it smells more ‘clean’ than anything sexy, but if members of the opposite sex are saying its sexy, I guess it is.

It’s pretty ubiquitous at this point, there are so many guys wearing it, and so many clones that it’s lost some of its appeal.

Overall Impression of Sauvage EDT

Overall, I think this is a very solid cologne but nothing all that special. I’ve never been a huge fan of wearing it, but I like it well enough. Dior Sauvage is too sharp for me at times, but then I catch a whiff and I rather like the ambroxan/citrus/lavender blend of the eau de toilette. I ‘get’ why people like it so much.

Though, as someone who reviews and wears a ton of different colognes, Sauvage just strikes me as kind of meh. However, if you want a cologne that is very versatile, has a wide fan base, and delivers good performance…Dior Sauvage EDT is a solid bet for the vast majority of guys. You won’t stand out, but you’ll get a lot of use out of a scent, with such a massive appeal.

Since the release of this original Sauvage, Dior has also released, the EDP and Parfum versions. In my opinion, they are both better than this one, Sauvage EDP being my personal favorite.

This version is very wearable and will provide a solid daily wear option for many guys. It’s not amazing, but it does an overall good job.

How Sauvage Compares to Similar Fragrances

YSL Y vs. Sauvage EDT– Comparing two popular ‘blueish’ fragrances. This time it’s Y from YSL to compare to the Dior best seller.

Dior Sauvage Parfum vs. EDT– Two variations of the Sauvage name, I personally prefer Parfum against the original. But, what are the differences?

 

Dior Sauvage FAQ’s

Which Dior Sauvage version is best? 

Everyone has their preferences with these fragrances, for me it’s: Sauvage EDP and Elixir. I think that the eau de parfum is the perfect blend of the original EDT formula. Not as sharp, smoother, but with a great dynamic.

Elixir is also great. However, it takes things in a different direction and not everyone will be into that formula. Anyway, here’s how I rank all of the Sauvage colognes: Dior Sauvage Ranked

Is Dior Sauvage good for everyday wear?

Yes, it’s a very versatile cologne. There are reasons that it’s a best seller and one of the main one’s is how it can fit with the style of so many people, in so many situations.

Is Dior Sauvage too common?

It’s been a best selling fragrance for over a decade. It’s been copied by almost every designer and anyone else who makes colognes. So, yes, it is very common. However, people still do like it and you should wear whatever you want to.

There won’t be much, if any pushback or negativity towards wearing it. Guess what? Most people like popular things.

Is Dior Sauvage better than Bleu de Chanel?

Which one? Sauvage EDT? No, I think the Bleu de Chanel fragrances are all better. Sauvage EDP? Now, you have a case. But, here’s how I ranked them: Sauvage vs. BdC vs. Aventus

 

13 Perfumes Like Love Don’t Be Shy— Cheaper Alternatives & Similar Scents (2026)

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Kilian’s Love Don’t be Shy (my review if you don’t know what it smells like) is one of their most popular fragrances (and the Extreme version is well-liked too) and always seems to be a best seller despite its lack of affordability for many.

It’s sweetness and use of delectable notes, like caramel and marshmallow, demands attention and creates a enjoyable scent bubble around the wearer.

But, what if you want a cheaper alternative to it? Or, you want a perfume which smells similar to the Kilian perfume, but a bit different? Well, this is my page keeping track of potential alternatives.

Top Pick(s)

🏆 Closest Overall Match: Be in Love by Dua or Floral Marshmallow by Dossier — if you want the most similar scent to Love Don’t Be Shy at a lower price, these are our top picks. Both of these brands have high quality fragrances with a high fragrance concentration. You might just want to pick which is on sale, on any given day. 

What Makes Love Don’t Be Shy Unique

Kilian’s Love, don’t be shy has a lot going for it to spur it’s popularity. It’s a mix of sweet, floral, citrus, and it has a dynamic feeling. While it isn’t my personal favorite, I do think that this is one of the best ladies’ perfumes from Kilian.

It is a warm and captivating aroma. Slightly powdery early on, led by the orange blossom and flanked by a rose and iris, at the start.

That marshmallow and caramel combination is really great and you get the lush orange blossom as a steadying influence throughout the wear. 

That and it’s versatility make it a favorite amongst the public, too. However, one downside is the price, which gets people looking for alternatives or similar smelling designer wears.

Love don’t be shy Extreme also has its strengths and you’ll find several alternatives listed towards the end.

Love don’t be shy…notes: caramel, marshmallow, jasmine, rose, honeysuckle, orange blossom, sugar, vanilla, musk, and more

Fragrances Similar to Love Don’t be Shy

love don't be shy review

JPG Classique Pin Up — Closest Designer Alternative

Classique Pin Up by JPG– So, A lot of the Classique perfumes from Jean Paul Gaultier share a lot of overlap with our Kilian target. Probably the closest designer perfume to smelling just like Love is Classique Pin Up.

Though, they are different. If you’re something that is a lot closer to a ‘match’ to Don’t Be Shy, try the perfumes below this. This is an alternative for those who’d like a similar style that has much in common with Love.

Also, I’d check out Cabaret (without marshmallow, more orange blossom) or Classique Eau Fraiche, which is one of my personal favorites from the line.

Any who, this isn’t an exact match, just one that certainly has a similar style. Orange blossom and marshmallow are the greatest two notes in common and they each have their largest reach early on.

The marshmallow isn’t nearly as heavy with this one compared to Love, but we do get a nice spicy change of pace with the ginger note.

Plus, the vanilla really comes on strong towards the middle. So, orange blossom with vanilla and the remaining marshmallow. Very close to the Kilian, just with its own personality. 

Dossier Floral Marshmallow — Cheap and in the Style of

Floral Marshmallow by Dossier– Dossier has launched its inspired version of Love, Don’t Be Shy, called Floral Marshmallow. The name fits, as this one does have a focus on the marshmallow aspect of the Kilian.

Is it a good inspired result? Pretty much. It’s sweet, maybe less of a sugary fluff, with how it develops versus our target fragrance.

Also, the caramel note and some of the spice like coriander, just isn’t here. Actually, it’s a bit of a mix between Love and Love Don’t Be Shy Extreme, in that way.

Nonetheless, this is really close and bottles as of publishing go for $39, which is a heavy discount to the designer version.

Be in Love by Dua- A Low Cost ‘Smells Like’

Be in Love by Dua– If you’re not familiar with The Dua Brand, they create a lot of fragrances, many of which are ‘inspired’ scents of popular designer originals. Be in Love is their inspired version of Love Don’t be Shy. 

Now, this is one that I have yet to personally try. However, I’ve tried their versions of scents such as Lost Cherry, Aventus, Afternoon Swim and they’ve been spot on. This seems to be the case with Be in Love, based on the customer reviews.

The notes here are what you’d get with the original Love, don’t be Shy and not the Extreme version. 

If you want a much cheaper scent, close to the smell of the Kilian, this is probably as good of an option as any.

love don't be shy dupes

Sweet Inspiration

Sweet Addict by Oakcha– Here’s another fragrance that is ‘inspired by’ our target scent. I’ve only recently come across the Oakcha brand, but it seems like another of these extrait de parfum versions of famous scents.

Which is nice, since you’re going to get a high concentration of fragrance at least.

All of the notes seem in line with the Kilian. How close they got the weighting on all of them, remains to be determined. Though, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive and there are sample sets available to test for yourself.

I’m just adding this to the list for now and I’ll update if I get around to testing Sweet Addict for myself, in the future.

If You Enjoy Love, don’t be shy, try Oriana 

Oriana by Parfums de Marly– Sugary sweet, sometimes creamy, finishes powdery and quite reminiscent of Love. Oriana is another high-end designer option that uses a very similar formula to what we’re looking for.

These fragrances aren’t identical, however. Oriana has a fruitier aroma early on, with raspberry being an opening highlight. This opts for whipped cream, in lieu of vanilla, and doesn’t have the caramel. Plenty of marshmallow, though.

Oriana is lightened by its use of raspberry and citrus, when compared to Love Don’t be Shy, which can be a better option for some people. Softer sillage, but very wearable, and pretty with its sweetness.

If you like, Love, you’ll almost certainly enjoy what you get with Oriana.

Sintra- Greenish Smells Close to Love

Sintra by Memo Paris– The petitgrain note especially, along with neroli really start Sintra off with a bold and greenish sort of an aroma. The citrus here is light, but there is also a resinous warmth which adds body to Sintra.

Sounds different from Love? Well, to start with, sure.

But, this Memo Paris fragrance will quickly turn sweet and creamy (milk is a note), thanks to the big fluffy marshmallow note. Now, I don’t think that this is sweeter than the Kilian, but strikes close.

To further the comparison, you’re also treated to caramel, vanilla, and orange blossom as the main floral during the mid and dry down. Now, this one isn’t any cheaper, but it might be a nice and slightly different alternative for some.

 

More Floral, Less Sugary

Perdizione by Nobile 1942– There still seems to be bottles of this floating around online, but it’s not readily available everywhere. Also, doesn’t offer much in the way of cost savings versus the Kilian.

However, Perdizione gives you a great fragrance to work with, focusing more on the orange blossom, neroli, and ylang-ylang notes, with vanilla and the sweeter notes playing supporting roles.

This one lacks the caramel and sugary aroma of Love, but provides plenty of overlap otherwise…just a different note strengths.

It’s similar to Sintra (listed above) and Love don’t be Shy. Sort of splitting the difference. Has petitgrain, but this one is much less green than Sintra. 

Safanad- A More Distant Cousin, but has similarities

Parfums de Marly Safanad for women Eau de Parfum 2.5 Oz./75 ml – Safanad is another Parfums de Marly option, less of a resemblance than Oriana, but within the same ballpark.

Orange blossom, and vanilla are the overlapping notes with Love. You do get a light orange citrus and pear to add some sweetness.

This one opens up with orange blossom and vanilla. There is an amber note throughout and a nice iris contributing also.

The dry down is amber, vanilla, sandalwood, and orange blossom. So, the gulf between them does get wider. But, I think people who like Love and want less sugar, might also enjoy this one. Safanad Full Review

A Different Type of Marshmallow Floral

Dolce & Gabbana Pour Femme Intense Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.3 oz–  Dolce Intense is another one that while having a similar style and shared notes, isn’t an inspired scent of Love don’t be Shy.

This is a gourmand perfume with a very large marshmallow presence, but doesn’t have the same sugary quality of the Kilian.

Sure, still there but between the lower amount and lack of caramel, it doesn’t hit the same sugary level.

The main difference is going to be between the floral notes. Orange blossom is the common one between them, but this D&G includes tuberose and neroli. It’s also less musky, with a smooth sandalwood in the base.

Again, not the same, but related and can be a lot of fun to wear.

dolce pour femme intense

Love Don’t Be Shy Extreme Inspiration

Fearless Love by Fragrenza– Some of you may be looking for a near dupe of the Extreme version of Love, don’t be shy. Fearless Love is one that I grabbed a sample of while looking for more similar perfumes to the original formula.

Love, Don’t be Shy Extreme is a version which focuses more on the citrus, neroli, and orange blossom aspects of the original. Besides that, it lacks the caramel and a lot of the sugary parts the Love has. 

Now, this is still very sweet. with a fluffy marshmallow and vanilla mix (also lending more powdery qualities to the composition). Fearless Love offers an affordable alternative the Kilian, which still overlaps greatly with our target fragrance. 

Another Extreme Pick

Reckless Pour Femme by Roja– This perfume from Roja, isn’t really going to save any money, and doesn’t exactly match Love Extreme. It does come very close, without the use of a marshmallow note.

So, if the marshmallow is one that you don’t enjoy with the Kilian fragrances, Reckless can be a great alternative. It actually has shades of both Love and Love Extreme, but closer to the latter, and more floral than either of them.

The citrus and vanilla is here, but the citrus is stronger in Love Extreme. 

Vanilla Floral

Velvet Vanilla by Mancera– Straying further away from the near matches with Love, don’t be shy, we have this entry from Mancera. It is interesting, because this one also has sweetness, fruitiness, and white floral notes.

The difference is that, it doesn’t have the same sugary sweet effect as the Kilian (it’s closer to the sweetness you get with L’Interdit, but weirdly still kind of marshmallow in its vibe), and most of the fruity notes are toned way down.

Vanilla and tuberose are the real stars here. But, you get the same: jasmine, neroli, and musk as our target fragrance. 

Again, these two don’t hit the same exact beats, but this is another great option for those who are after a similar vibe.

A Caramel Delight

Caramel Overdose by Be Layered– Not my favorite, but it does strike a close comparison to what we’re looking for. Caramel Overdose goes stronger with the orange blossom and caramel note than does Love.

But, the marshmallow aspect isn’t nearly to the same extent that you find with the Kilian. Though, it is still rather sweet and powdery.

I wouldn’t call this an exact match. Just two perfumes that have a ton of overlap and create a warm, sweet, floral, candy-like aroma (bubblegum in this case).

Performance is pretty good and you can get the 10ml size for around $20 (as of writing). So, Caramel Overdose might be worth checking out if you like Love, don’t be shy.

 

Love, don’t be shy FAQ’s

What is the best alternative for Love Don’t Be Shy?

If you want something that’s closest to a match, it’d probably be: Be in Love by Dua or Floral Marshmallow by Dossier. Classique Pin Up for a close, but not exact designer fragrance.

What does Love Don’t Be Shy smell like?

It’s a warm mix of marshmallow and caramel sitting on top of a delightful orange blossom floral. Sugary sweet with a lightness to it and a more refined musky dry down.

What’s the best alternative to Love Don’t Be Shy Extreme?

Again, the best one that I’ve found is Fearless Love by Fragrenza. It does a really great job at getting the idea right.

What’s the difference between Love Don’t Be Shy and the Extreme version?

The original is sweeter and uses that caramel note pretty heavily in the early to middle stages. Extreme brings out the citrus and neroli notes, that were more muted in Love, don’t be shy…

 

Armaf Club de Nuit Intense vs. Aventus

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Creed’s Aventus has been so mega-popular over the past decade, it has created its own sub-industry of fragrances trying to mimic or outright match its appealing formula. The most popular of these fragrances is Armaf’s Club de Nuit Intense EDP. But, how do these two scents actually compare? Does Club smell better? Last longer?

Tale of the Tape: Club de Nuit Intense vs. Aventus

Creed Aventus 

creed aventus

Notes of Creed Aventus: 

Top: Blackcurrant, Italian bergamot, French apples and pineapple

Middle: Rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, and patchouli

Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla.

Click here to read my original Aventus Review

Click here to get Aventus: Aventus by Creed

Club de Nuit EDP

Notes include: lemon, apple, blackcurrant, birch, jasmine, rose, vanilla, musk, ambergris, patchouli

Click here to try: Club de Nuit Men EDP

Opening

The sharp pineapple note, with the other citrus and woodsy elements of Aventus has never been something I enjoyed all that much.

That opening isn’t a favorite of mine, but Armaf is the same as well, so no luck in getting something different for me.

The pineapple, blackcurrant, and the dryness of birch can be a bit much at first. However, I do like what it settles into.

Fresh and lively, very enjoyable to wear. Next, you get less pineapple, and more of the birch wood and oak moss. This is where Aventus comes into its own. Plus, a little vanilla sweetness and the remaining apple note.

With Club EDP, I find it to be a smoother version of the EDT from Armaf. I get more of the apple note too, from this version.

The differences here are that Club has a fruitier start. Less smokiness and the birch wood doesn’t have the leathery facets, until later on in the wear. At least on my skin.

Which is better? While I don’t personally enjoy either’s opening act all that much. The Creed quality is higher and I do like the birch wood note better in the original.

Obviously, these two are going to be quite similar, but Aventus still has a nicer balance of its notes and a more engaging scent from the get go.

Edge: Aventus

Projection

Both of these fragrances start off with a good deal of strength and project quite well off of the skin. For the duration of the wear, they are both above average, in this regard.

I’m not sure that Aventus is actually any stronger than Club de Nuit Intense. There may be a slight difference here, but I’m not really getting it.

I’ve tested both of them on skin and have applied to clothing. Putting each fragrance onto a shirt and placing it on a chair, I can detect either of them from about the same distance, when I’ve done this.

No massive difference here.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Club will last for 7-9 hours, on my skin. The more I try it, the more it seems to settle closer to the bottom of that range. Still, very good.

Aventus is a 7-10 hour fragrance. Overlapping with the Armaf. However, I usually get 8-9 hours from the Creed version. It has a higher ceiling and more consistency.

Club de Nuit Intense EDP does give you plenty of wear for the money. That’s why it’s one of, if not the most popular of the Aventus-like colognes out there. Armaf didn’t dilute the idea with a bad performing scent, yet it still is a step behind.

Edge: Aventus

Versatility

There’s no distinction here. One’s mimicking the other, so they cover the same ground.

Mostly all-season fragrances that can be worn dressed up or even more casually. I’d avoid the hottest days of the year with either and both are better in the autumn and early spring, in my opinion.

Really great at being ‘jack of all trades’ sort of fragrances. But, this category is a tie.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Between these two, I do still think that Creed Aventus is the better fragrance overall. It has a greater depth and more little facets of different aromas than does Club. It’s the original, has higher quality, and slightly better performance.

However, if I were in the market for Aventus and didn’t want to spend $200-400+ (or whatever the latest pricing is), Club de Nuit Intense from Armaf would be an option, that I’d probably go with.

It gives you much of what you’d get from the Creed in terms of smell. Really, only some minor details are missing, but you save so much money.

If you’re going based on smell alone, I still like the Creed more. Is it that much better, to justify the price for most people?

No, for the vast majority of guys, the cheaper Armaf will do the job just fine. There’s a reason it has become so popular, even in a sea of other Aventus inspirations.

It’s a nice choice. Personally, I went with one of the Poseidon’s Elixir scents by Dua (there’s a ton of varients). It does a very close rendition of Aventus, even if I got the version with added berry notes. Dua is around the same price point at the Armaf, also.

Winner: Aventus

17 Fragrances Similar to Creed Aventus

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Despite its lofty price, Creed’s release from earlier in the decade, has been a constant best-seller. Aventus really captured people’s imagination and took on a life of its own, becoming legendary.

Nonetheless, there are still plenty of guys who want to smell like this perfume, but want to find a cheaper alternative that can come close to its performance. What are the best options for a potential dupe? Which colognes are similar to Aventus?

Why Creed Aventus?

Again, this stuff was released back in 2010 and completely changed the men’s fragrance game. It’s one of those once per decade fragrances that helps to define an era of scent.

It’s balance, sophistication, while still retaining a mass appeal all lend to this Creed enjoying a seemingly never-ending runway of success. Probably for decades to come.

Another aspect of this, is that Aventus has now been copied or attempted to be duped by almost every brand big or small. So, while this list that I’m writing here has plenty of options, it is by no means exhaustive. There are probably hundreds of Aventus wannabe’s at this point.

They’ve also come out with Aventus Cologne and Absolu Aventus. To me, the original is still the best of them, and I don’t get the hype with Absolu.

Favorite Colognes Similar to Creed Aventus

Most Popular Similar Scent

Armaf Club De Nuit Intense Man EDT Men New in Box, 3.6 Fl Oz- This is the best-selling offering from Armaf, and that is likely because of it resemblance to, Creed’s Aventus. I totally understand the comparison, which is definitely intentional.

Between the two, Club de Nuit Intense is much heavier with lemon, than the Creed is, and doesn’t have the same level of pineapple.

Also, while it does share the birch note, Aventus always struck me as a much drier scent with a heavier smoky quality.

Both are still present in Club Intense, just not to the same extent. Performance wise, this Armaf is pretty top notch. Club de Nuit Intense EDT vs. EDP

Update: They’ve released so many variants of this, it’s hard to keep up. But, these two originals are easy to go with.

A More Accurate Cheapie

Supremacy Silver by Afnan– So, Supremacy Silver is a cleaner and more accurate representation of an Aventus like aroma than is Club de Nuit Intense. However, with that, the performance isn’t all that great. You might get 5 hours with heavier sprays.

But, it’s also in the $30-40 range, which  is a pretty good deal, even with subpar staying power. Personally, I’d probably go with one of the next two options in the $50-60 range, and get the better longevity and sillage.

The opening here is probably the closest with feeling like Aventus. The dry down to me, doesn’t have the same level of fruitiness and lacks some of the nuance. For $30? It’s pretty much a gem.

Dossier Alternative

Musky Oakmoss by Dossier– This doesn’t 100% smell comparable to Aventus, but it gets really close. It lacks some of the smokiness, vanilla, and black currant that the Creed has. But, since those are details in the original, it’s not a big deal.

What it does have is a slightly spicier vibe and a more distinct oakmoss, at times. So, fresh with that dryness, that really highlights the later stages of Aventus.

This one is around $50 per bottle and gives you a scent that hits all the basic notes of the Creed well, with a few of the details missing, but not overly noticeable.

Inspired Fragrance

Poseidon’s Elixir by Dua Brands– So, the Dua Brand’s fragrance is a closely similar scent. Probably not the exact same depth, but for $50-60 per bottle, it’s as close to the Creed scent that you’re going to encounter. (Note: it’s often on sale for much cheaper, I’m just showing the retail price).

I linked above to Poseidon’s Elixir 2.0 on their site. This is a fruitier version of an Aventus sort of aroma, if that’s your thing.

They also have like close to 60 different remixes and blends with other famous colognes. So, you might spend a while sorting through the list, and wanting something a little different.

However, the Dua version have beast mode longevity and great projection, as they are Extrait de Parfums. High concentration of the fragrance oils.

You can get blends with their inspired takes of Virgin Island Water, Sauvage, and a bunch of others that may be worth checking out. Or, go with something more true to the original.

Recently, I grabbed a bottle of Poseidon’s Berry Affair. This takes the Aventus formula and adds berry notes such as: blueberry, blackberry, elderberry, cranberry, raspberry, etc. You still get pineapple and apple in the top, but they now share an even fruitier stage.

A Select Option

Mercedes-Benz Select– This is an interesting one, since it doesn’t try to be an exact copy of Aventus, but has elements of it, Explorer by Mont Blanc, and Aventus Cologne. The smokiness isn’t here, it’s not as dry or woody, and it is without leather.

Mercedes-Benz Select is a fresher fruitier scent with notes of the same apple and blackcurrant as our Creed target.

Those notes are also going to play a larger role for longer, with musky undertones really emerging after this initial blast.

One of the differences, is going to be the citrus note. Bergamot is heavier and sort of dominates the other fruits in the mix. Not a super strong cologne, nor is it as complicated as Aventus, but this certainly has its charm.

Another Inspiration

Executive by Alt Fragrances– Executive is another option for those who want something closer to the smell of the Creed. I actually haven’t tried this particular one out, but I’ve had some good results with other ALT scents.

Like Dua Brand fragrances, they are Extrait de Parfum strength. Based on the reviews, Executive strikes an uncanny resemblance to what you get with Aventus. The price is also about what Poseidon’s Elixir listed above, goes for.

Again, not sure if it’s totally a comparable smell to Creed’s version, but it seems like it should be.

Immortal Perfume

Immortal Zeus by Fragrenza– This is another one that mimics an aroma like the Creed fragrance. I bought a sample of it and it is actually quite good.

The fruity notes have more of a balance, but the pineapple note is still very present. There also seems to be a bit more of the apple and much more juniper coming through versus Aventus. Maybe some more vanilla underneath.

But, overall it isn’t as smoky, the performance is solid (in the 7-8 hour range), and along the same line in price as others on the list. Plus, you can order samples to try.

Ineffable Inspiration

Ineffable by Oakcha– This one is the take of Oakcha, on the Creed Aventus style, which is available in a 30 or 50ml sized bottle.

Ineffable is an option that I’ve come across, while trying to find more fragrances that smell like Aventus. But, it’s also one that I haven’t tried out yet.

The brand itself has a good reputation and Ineffable itself has plenty of positive reviews about it. Looking at the notes here, it’s the same structure as Aventus, really all that’s needed is to get the weightings and quality of the ingredients correct.

It appears that Oakcha has done that. Just another one for you to potentially go for.

Yet Again

Brasilia by Alexandria– I’m updating this page with another alternative that bases itself on the Creed formula.

Alexandria actually does very good work with their inspired by perfumes. One good thing about them, is that you can purchase one of four different sizes between 30-100ml. So, once you like it you can grab a large bottle and be set for a longer time.

I’ve tried other fragrances from this brand and had good experiences with them. This one, is not one that I’ve come in contact with. Another extrait de parfum strength, that I can’t imagine they screwed up too much.

Leathery Alternative

Zara Men’s VIBRANT LEATHER Eau De Parfum 4.06 FL. OZ– This entry by Zara is Aventus, if it were of lesser quality, and had a big dose of leather. Vibrant Leather does have some overlapping similarities with Aventus, mainly being, the citrus and (some) earthy/spiciness.

However, it lacks the woods, ambergris, and much of the nuance that Aventus brings to the table. This one is also more weighted to the citrus, more lemon, than a bergamot/pineapple found in the Creed.

Performance isn’t great, but you can find this for cheap.

To update things, they’ve also released an Elixir version of Vibrant Leather, which still lacks the pineapple but is a slightly more powerful remix. Actually, has some similarities with Eros Energy (listed below). Elixir isn’t quite Aventus nor Aventus cologne, but it strikes a close chord.

A Designer Sibling

Montblanc EXPLORER Cologne for Men 3.3 fl.Oz Eau De Parfum Spray– Montblanc’s new release, Explorer, is probably the highest quality scent on this list. However, it isn’t an exact match of Aventus, but it does come quite close and does it with a designer flair.

The Explorer series is funny, this release was quite good, and they followed it up with some pretty mid follow-ups that aren’t really like this one at all.

The opening act, actually is where it strikes my nose as being an Aventus sort of smell but blended with the citrus of Burberry Weekend.

The sharp citrus aroma, spice, and dry vetiver. Wow, it’s a damn good impression. As it dries down, it gives you an ambroxan note similar to Sauvage, and not the same as Aventus’ ambergris.

What does it lack? Less woody, no pineapple, less smoky, no floral notes. Not the same level of sillage, as Aventus. Though, the longevity is pretty great, even without the beast projection. Explorer Review

Smooth, No Ambergris

Insurrection II Pure FOR MEN by Reyane – 3.0 oz EDT Spray– Insurrection II Pure is similar but not the same as Aventus. What you do get is a smooth and fruity fragrance, albeit the fruit is more citrus blend, than pineapple.

This is the most similar aspect, but again, not the same. Beyond that, is a nice dry birch note.

What do you not get? Well, Aventus has more floral accords. It also has a drier and smokier quality. Oh, and the famous Creed ambergris, is totally lacking here.

For the price, it is a very good mimicry, with solid performance, and an aroma that smells like a close relative of Aventus.

Super Cheap, Not the Best

Lomani Ab Spirit Silver Men’s Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3 Ounce– Lomani does have some men’s fragrances, which do an admirable job at comparing to the scent of famous colognes. Ab Spirit Silver attempts to do this with Aventus, strikes a close chord, but ultimately falls short.

It’s citrusy, has some dries woods, and floral notes. The citrus, just doesn’t smell the same as Aventus. It doesn’t have any amber nor ambergris. Plus, the performance isn’t all that great.

However, it is an option, on the super cheap end of the spectrum. So, I thought I’d throw it on the list. Just wouldn’t be the top pick, by any means.

Resemblance, Not the Same Depth

Al Haramain L´Aventure Eau De Parfum for Men, 3.33 oz.– To me, this is less of an Aventus sort of smell, and more of a member of the same family. It’s got a muskier profile, with a sharp citrus opening, and a very nice blend of wood notes.

L’Aventure is a well rounded and put together inspired sort of take on Aventus. It’s not an exact match, but it goes on smooth, and does actually have a good level of quality.

It ultimately lacks smokiness, the details of Aventus, and is more of a citrus/woods combo that’s close to the Creed…without taking it on fully.

So, it wouldn’t be my first pick, but ultimately it’s a pretty decent cologne that gets you maybe 70-75 percent there.

Juicy Citrus, Moderate Performance

Supremacy Pour Homme by Afnan Eau De Parfum Spray For Men 3.4 Oz / 100 ml– This is a very good and closely comparable smell. It actually has the sharp black currant note, with citrus, and a strong pineapple.

I don’t notice the same level of apple nor the smokiness, nor the same level of dryness.

Outside of all of that? Yep, this is a close approximation of what we want.  Supremacy Silver doesn’t have the same sillage strength, as our target, but the longevity is right up there. You’re essentially getting most of what you’d get from Aventus, for a fraction of the price.

I’ve seen it in the $30-60 range, per bottle. Not super cheap, but way more affordable than anything by Creed.

The Cologne Version

Aventus Cologne by Creed– The original Aventus spawned this ‘Cologne’ version of the scent. To me, it’s not quite as good, but it is lighter and has a slightly different vibe to its predecessor.

It opens up with a mandarin orange note, in lieu of the pineapple. Along with some ginger and mint to add to the freshness. The smokiness from the original is gone, but this does start to show many more similarities to Aventus, with its woodsy dry down.

For some guys, this is going to be the better option. One that is fresher, lighter, and not nearly as dense as the original can feel like at times. On my skin, the performance wasn’t great, but others seem to have better luck with it. Aventus Cologne Review

Cologne Eros

Eros Energy– This release from Versace isn’t an option for those who want something similar to the original Aventus. However, the style is fairly close to what you get with Aventus Cologne.

A burst of citrus notes to open things up. From bergamot to grapefruit to orange to lemon and even black currant.

The dry down is a muskier and amber laced affair. The citrus still hangs around, but it’s not nearly as prominent.

Again, this isn’t exact, but it is one that will end up at the discounters for much cheaper than you can get Aventus Cologne. And since neither are spectacular fragrances, might as well go with Energy, if you’re in the market. Eros Energy Review

5 Perfumes Similar to Devotion

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Devotion from Dolce & Gabbana is a fragrance series that has been picking up steam, since its release. It’s a delicious and fun gourmand perfume that is easy to wear and easy to love.

Yet, sometimes you may want something that smells similar to Devotion, but with some slightly different notes to enjoy or want to find a cheaper fragrance option that can do most of the job itself. On this page, I will keep track of perfumes that fit the bill, and provide some variety to this style of fragrance.

Fragrances that Smell Like Devotion

Loyal Alternative

Her Loyalty by The Dua Brand– The Dua Brand creates their own inspired takes on famous women’s fragrances. Her Loyalty is their version of Devotion aroma.

They do a really good job at coming close to what you’re going to get with the designer perfume. The extrait de parfum concentration, also leads to having a really good performance.

This is one that I haven’t personally tried out. Though, I’ve probably owned a dozen or so bottles from Dua, and have enjoyed what I’ve gotten from them. If you want an inexpensive option, this is probably a safe bet.

One from Burberry

Goddess EDP by Burberry– Goddess is a very popular release from Burberry, which came out before Devotion did. They are quite a bit similar in their style.

I will say that I personally prefer Devotion (or Devotion Intense) to what I get from Goddess EDP.

Still, if you want a more vanilla-centered fragrance, the Burberry is the better of the two for that.  There’s some cacao here, but the tail end is mainly going to be about that vanilla and lavender.

The D&G scent is much more dynamic and has that earlier use of lemon, spice, and give a more generalized ‘baked goods’ aroma.  For some, that might not be what you’re looking for, and Goddess EDP can provide an alternative that’s close to Devotion, while doing its own thing. Goddess EDP review

Bath and Body 

Loyal to You by B&BW– The Bath and Body Works fragrance is available in spray, lotions, and a perfume. It really does come pretty darn close to Devotion in terms of how it smells. As a very cheap option, this one gives you a wearable alternative.

Yet, it’s not exactly the same. The lemon note seems a bit weaker, the vanilla not as creamy, lots of marshmallow here, and the performance doesn’t match up. But, Loyal to You does give you that sugary lemon cake scent, that is oh so good.

Note: this one now seems tougher to find (the perfume version, at least). As such, don’t bother chasing a bottle if it’s selling for a price close to Devotion. Probably just pick up the Dua or the  following scent.

Name Game

Victoria by Lattafa– Lemon meringue pie is the vibe that this Lattafa scent is putting out. It’s not an exact one to one of Devotion, but it is a much more affordable option.

I would say that this one isn’t as dense, warm, inviting, or well-rounded as the D&G. Though, it still does a nice job at capturing the baked goods smell, without letting that lemon note get too juicy or tart. Instead its well balanced with the vanilla notes.

This feels more linear and lacks some of the complexity that Devotion or Devotion Intense presents. Soft and sugary, but with enough staying power to basically match what you get from our target fragrance.

I’ve seen this for under $30, so, it’s not too much of a commitment to give Victoria a try.

Step into the Bakery

Bake by Akro– This is another one that is similar to Devotion in terms of style, but ultimately different. This is both kind of like Devotion and Lira by Xerjoff in it’s overall composition. Still, Bake is a creamy and sweet cake-like scent.

This isn’t one that’s going to save any money in comparison (currently I’m seeing it for $150+ online). That lemon and vanilla opening is familiar. The lemon is zesty, there’s a touch of rum booziness, and maybe some ambroxan in the mix too.

There is a sugary aroma, but this one also has periods where bake feels quite creamy, and then more like a cookie than a cake. Overall, this is an impressive and enjoyable perfume to wear when it’s colder outside (I’d avoid wearing this in the spring/summer entirely).

Maybe not worth the price for everybody, but Akro’s Bake give you another potential option to wear instead of Devotion.