5 Fragrances Similar to Imagination by Louis Vuitton

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Imagination has become one of the most popular releases from Louis Vuitton, over the past few years. It’s also my own personal favorite thus far from the designer. Though, sometimes, you may not want to pay the LV prices for a bottle and want to find something cheaper.

Or, you like the style, but maybe one note bothers you. So, you want something similar, but that takes this citrus type of fragrance in a different direction. In either case, I am going to use this page to keep track of colognes that I find which can fit the bill and be an alternative to Imagination.

What fragrances smell like or are similar to Imagination by Louis Vuitton?

The Inspired Imagination

#Imagine by Dua– #Imagine is the Dua Brand’s inspired take on the Imagination formula. This is one that I bought to test and it ended up being a great and near identical match of our target fragrance.

The notes are the same and the weightings of each are almost perfect. The black tea, the citrus, the amber, etc. All here and all are wonderful.

#Imagine is the one that I would recommend going with first, if you want a cheaper alternative to Imagination, that tries to do the same things.

imagination dupe

Mirror Mirroring

Mind’s Mirror by Oakcha– Here’s another option for an inspired cheaper take on the Imagination fragrance idea.

Now, I haven’t tried this one out from Oakcha. But, the brand has some good stuff and they usually do a good job at matching what they’re going for.

I’d go with #Imagine above, since it’s a known quantity for me. But, here’s a different one for you, if you want to go with another brand for whatever reason.

Cologne Similarities

Dior Homme Cologne– Dior Homme Cologne is another of the fresh citrus warm weather fragrances. Not going to be the same as Imagination, but it’ll give you a similar style.

Here, you’re going to share the bergamot note with the Louis Vuitton scent. But, the floral note here is a grapefruit blossom, instead of neroli. So, instead of an orangey aroma its grapefruit.

Greatly simplified and doesn’t have the same level of depth as Imagination. Basically: citrus, citrus blossom, and musk. However, it all comes together for a great summertime wear.

I have a bottle of this, also. It’s a part of my rotation with #Imagine in the warmer months of the year. Maybe give this one a go, if you want a more streamlined option of this type of cologne. Dior Homme Cologne Review

Ideal Alternative

L’Homme Ideal Platine Prive by Guerlain– Another French designer, that brings out a reworking of one of its older offerings. Platine Prive is very much like the old Ideal Cologne, that was discontinued years ago.

However, to me, that was the best of the series. And I’m very happy that Guerlain decided to give us this enhanced version.

This one gives you a citrus top that is very much like Imagination’s starting notes. However, here you’re going to get almond as the centerpiece instead of the black tea note.

Clean, some level of greenish aromas, smooth, and nutty. No, it’s not going to smell exactly like Imagination, and that’s the point. It provides its own awesome wear experience, while occupying the same sort of space as our target.

Finding a bottle, will probably require you to order it online. As this one, isn’t available in all countries.

Alluring Chanel

Allure Homme Sport Cologne by Chanel– This Chanel actually has a tremendous overlap with Dior Homme Cologne. Though, I like the Dior slightly more than it. In general, I’d go with that one, as it’s more readily available and usually cheaper.

This is probably the least well known offering in the Allure Homme series. It really gets overlooked.

Sport Cologne, however, does utilize a resinous elemi note that can give you a bit of a different feel and replicates this sort of summer scent in an attractive package.

Again, this isn’t an option that is going to be a close match to Imagination. It’s one that can give you a great alternative option for those who want something in the same ballpark. Allure Homme Sport Cologne Review

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

6 Perfumes Similar to Alien Goddess

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Alien Goddess has become a very popular flanker spun off from the extremely popular original Alien perfume from Mugler. Maybe its the coconut water or something else that people are into, but it just works.

However, you may want something a little different from Alien Goddess or Alien Goddess Intense. You might like aspects of that perfume, but not the entire thing. Or, you want something nearly identical for cheaper. Or, a similar style. In any case, this is the page where I will keep track of all the options that smell like Alien Goddess.

What Fragrances Smell Like or are Similar to Alien Goddess?

alien goddess review

Floral Swap

Metallique by Tom Ford– Right off the bat, this isn’t the same as Goddess. But, between it and Goddess Intense this does have much of the same note structure. Just different weightings and different effects.

Still, if you like Goddess the style of this Tom Ford perfume should appeal to you. Bright and cold aldehydes kick things off alongside the same bergamot and pink pepper notes that are found in the Mugler’s.

Heliotrope is also here. However, Metallique feels like more of a general floral blend that is paried with the musk, amber, and aldehydes. None of the tropical aspects are here without the coconut. But, you get a creamy vanilla and sandalwood in the base, that picks up the slack.

Famous Similarities

Fame by Paco Rabanne– Fame or Fame Parfum do have a good deal of overlap with the Goddess series. Fame Parfum is the better of the two Paco Rabanne scents, but I like Goddess Intense the best of all of them.

Instead of the coconut water found in Alien Goddess, we get mango. The tropical aroma and the floral aspects of these fragrances are similar, but not the same.

Jasmine, vanilla, and sandalwood are strong in the EDP version of Fame. The tropical aroma, doesn’t last long.

With Fame Parfum, you get a longer time with the mango and some fresh spice with pink pepper. The dry down with the jasmine and sandalwood also feels smoother. Not a replica of Alien Goddess, but inhabits the same style.

Cristal Connection

La Vie est Belle Soleil Cristal by Lancome– This is another one that has a pretty similar style and smell to Alien Goddess without being the same. It, Fame, and Goddess all inhabit the same category with differences in their blends. Maybe, Bronze by Ellen Tracy too.

With Soleil Cristal, you get a sparkling opening of citrus and coconut notes. It’s bright and lively without feeling like a sugary bomb.

I get some spice and more of the coconut note here, than the vanilla. Less creamy, with a fresher dynamic. Iris and ylang-ylang are the background supporters to the coconut and vanilla notes, clean with some powdery highlights.

I like this one, not fantastic, but can give you a slightly different look and mix than what the Mugler perfume offers. Soleil Cristal review

soleil cristal review

Rose, Coconut, Vanilla

La Nuit Tresor Nude by Lancôme– One that is like our target, but the big difference is in the floral note used. Rose versus the signature jasmine of the Alien series.

La Nuit Tresor Nude actually makes the strange pairing of rose and coconut work. How? Well, it’s more focused on the sweet and creamy notes than it is the floral. The rose is prominent in the dry down, when the vanilla starts coming through.

Early? Sweet and lotion-like coconut and the same bergamot as in Alien Goddess. But, it’s stronger in this Lancôme scent. I think this might be discontinued, but as of now its still plenty available online, if you’re interested.

Goddess Intense Sort of Smell

Donna Born in Roma Intense– This Valentino fragrance is more akin to Goddess Intense than the original Alien Goddess. Intense has a subdued bergamot citrus, less powder than the original, and a more substantial coconut.

Well, Born in Roma Intense doesn’t have the bergamot or coconut. However, the jasmine, amber, benzoin, and vanilla notes are all here.

To me, this is sweeter over the duration than is Intense. It doesn’t have the same level of soapiness in the dry down. Also, this one is more vanilla heavy than I get with the Mugler. After all, it doesn’t have the coconut.

No real price break is to be had. So, I’d probably go with this if you’re not a big fan of the coconut note, but like the idea of the rest of Alien Goddess Intense.

Ylang-Ylang Option

Replica Beach Walk– This Maison Margiela perfume isn’t exactly the same as Goddess, which may be a good thing. Here, you get a lot of overlap with it and Goddess Intense. But, there’s no jasmine.

Instead, that floral note is swapped out with a great ylang-ylang. The similarities are in the notes, but not necessarily how they’re constructed. Here, the scent feels more lotion-like, more like a salty beach day than the probably more well put together Mugler.

Personally, I’d go with the Alien Goddess series versus this one. But, this can be a viable alternative for people who still want the citrus, coconut, benzoin, and the like of the Mugler…just remixed into a different smell.

Prada Paradoxe vs Candy Comparison

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Prada has multiple popular lines of perfumes available. It’s great if you can get all of the ones that you want, but for many of us, decisions need to be made. Paradoxe and Candy are two of the best sellers for this designer. In this post, I want to compare them and try to break down for you which will be the better option to buy. Which lasts longer? Which is ultimately the top fragrance.

Tale of the Tape: Prada Candy vs. Paradoxe

Prada Candy

Notes include: caramel, musk, and benzoin

Click here to try: Prada Prada Candy Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 2.7 Ounce

Read my original review: Prada Candy

Paradoxe

Notes include: neroli, pear, tangerine, bergamot, orange blossom, white musk, jasmine, vanilla, amber, benzoin

Click here to try: Paradoxe by Prada

Opening

Prada Candy, sweet with a darker aroma to it. It doesn’t have the intensity and swaps in caramel to be paired with benzoin and some musk. Very pleasant with that familiar sweetness and the fuzzy benzoin.

I love the benzoin note here and it strikes me as being sort of like a more feminine version of Body Kouros, which is actually a Yves Saint Laurent cologne.

Paradoxe opens up sweet also, fruity, and luminous. The neroli is going to be a major factor in that first half of the hour, as the floral note.

On me, that quickly shifts more into the orange blossom’s direction, as we enter the middle act.

The fruitiness comes across more like an artificial candy versus a pure natural fruit. Some sparkling pear is in the mix, but lots of citrus influence (tangerine is the most powerful fruit, early) for the start of Paradoxe.

This will become more floral after the opening burst. Again, for me I get more orange blossom, even versus the jasmine. Neroli still has a presence, but the orange blossom is stronger at this point.

Which do I prefer? I’d have to go with Paradoxe. The simplicity of Prada Candy is nice enough, but the depth, sweetness, and variety of notes really gets me involved with Paradoxe.

Edge: Paradoxe

Projection

To me, Candy was always a lighter moderate fragrance, that I never felt needed to be heavy, create a massive scent trail, or totally project itself across the room. It’s just not in its character, nor would it be too pleasant.

It’s lighter qualities really makes it more enjoyable, in my mind at least.

However, if we’re comparing the two, Paradoxe has a much stronger scent and greater ability to project. It’s much more substantial than its compatriot. It starts off strong, then, is slightly above average the rest of the way.

Edge: Paradoxe

Longevity

Candy is a scent that has slighty better than average performance, on skin. But, not much above middle of the road. For me, I always got about 6-7 hours of wear out of Candy during my testing of it.

Now, Paradoxe, was significantly better than Candy. Though, not elite in its own right. It seemed to at least hit around 8.5 hours for me and could go up to 10 hours.

Pretty darn good and definitely gives you some value for Prada prices. Paradoxe takes this category.

Edge: Paradoxe

Versatility

Both of these fragrance are at their best in autumn and winter. I think that Paradoxe can venture further into the springtime versus Candy.

Paradoxe is the better daily wear. Though, it’s not much of a pick for the nightlife or romantic wear. Though I don’t think Candy is super sexy or anything, its fun and flirtier vibe will work better at Night.

Candy can also work in the daytime due to its lightness, but it isn’t the most formal scent ever.

I think Paradoxe has a bit of an edge here, due to its daytime use case. It’ll fit in more places, cover more bases, and has a greater use in the warmer weather than Candy.

Edge: Paradoxe

Overall Scent

Overall, which is the better perfume? It’s a pretty easy win for Paradoxe, in my book. I’m not even a super fan of this perfume, but it does just about everything better across the board than does Candy.

Candy is a fine perfume. I enjoy its scent, but I’m never completely blown away by it.  The sweet and salty caramel is nice, the benzoin fuzzy and somewhat powdery aroma is attractive too.

For some people, it can be a good pick up with a simple and straightforward wear.

The opening of Paradoxe is interesting and their are layers that I enjoy. The latter stages are balanced with the orange blossom and jasmine notes. It’s slightly soapy and quite clean, with the sweetness and vanilla still having its say.

The performance is better and most people seem to like it overall versus what you get with Candy. Paradoxe takes this matchup.

Winner: Paradoxe

Nomad by Bond No. 9

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Nomad is a perfume released by Bond No. 9 New York back in 2021. I recently bought a sample of it as part of a lot and wanted to test out thing scent, to see what its all about. It’s one of the better looking bottles from the brand, but does the contents inside actually match up to the looks? How does it smell? Is it worth a try?

What does Nomad by Bond No. 9 smell like?

Notes include: quince, blackcurrant, pear, rose, oud, orris, violet leaf, vanilla, amber, sandalwood

Click here to try: Nomad from Bond

nomad bond review

My Full Review

Here’s how Bond describes it: Capturing the free spirit of New York’s dreamy wanderers. A strong, sensual, statement-making oud, with modern fruity notes and luxurious amber.

The opening here is sharp and fresh with a light watery mix coming from the pear and violet leaf notes. Blackcurrant, quince, and rose are kind of a lot to handle all at once. Especially, when they’re amped up to 1000 like they are in Nomad.

Man, this stuff goes on super powerful. Once some of the initial top has burned off, it will be more like a rose water, and much more tolerable.

Oud and rose are going to dominate. On my skin, I get a ton of the oud. I don’t mind it here, even if it isn’t a personal favorite note of mine. I could do without the pairing of it with rose, which has been done countless times by seemingly every designer.

The next phase is a slightly rosy oud with a bit of a powdery orris coming through. Spraying on clothes, I get more powder than on my skin. In either case, it’s only slight.

Nomad is sweeter less sharp, increasingly woody with some sandalwood coming into the picture and an amber base.

That’s basically the tail end of it. Woody, somewhat sweet and rosy, with an amber note having a larger role.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Nomad starts off monstrous with its projection. But, it’ll be quite strong for the rest of the way before declining into a skin scent deep into the wear.

That opening act is massive. Plenty of scent trail left behind, great projection, while not feeling super heavy. The slight aquatic aspect helps it from bogging everything down too much.

Nomad lasts forever on my skin. On a jacket, it’s still projecting a few feet, days after I sprayed it. It’s absolutely awesome with it’s performance. Not sure how long it actually goes on skin, but I’ve easily gotten 13+ hours before I scrubbed it.

Suffice to say, if you enjoy Nomad, you get your money’s worth.

Seasonally, autumn through spring. How deep into springtime, depends on where you live. I wouldn’t want this on, when it gets too hot outside. But, slightly chilly to moderate temperatures is where this Bond seems at its best.

This is also a true unisex. They did a great job a creating balance with appeal for anyone who likes this style of perfume.

It might not be the most versatile scent, due to its strength and the somewhat polarizing nature of oud and rose fragrances. Can be a bit much for the office, when you go beyond a few sprays.

Not super dressy or formal, but Noma has enough substance to be considered well put together. It’d be good for certain nighttime wear, lounges and things like that.

Overall Impressions of Nomad

Overall, do I like Nomad? Really, it’s not for me at all. Not a big rose and oud guy, but designers keep on cranking out these formulas, so I sort of have to review them.

Nomad is a beast, which can be both good and bad, depending on where you land with this scent.

I like the middle and dry down more. It’s somewhat softer and more balanced, without the harshness of the opening act. That’s when you get the best of everything. Still sweet and fruity, but with a fully developed oud taking center stage and some orris powder.

Nomad isn’t going to be a Bond No. 9 that enjoys a wide mass appeal. For some percentage of people, this is going to be perfect for them. Others, will be overwhelmed. I would suggest getting a sample before committing to hundreds of dollars spent, on a full bottle of Nomad.

A few bucks up front can save you from having an expensive paperweight on your shelf, if it turns out that you hate it.