Memoir Man Clones

"### The Scent Profile Generic Perfumes' Memoir Man Impression opens with a bracing, albeit slightly sharp, accord of wormwood and mint. The basil is less pronounced than in the Amouage original, lending a somewhat less complex initial green facet. The heart aims for the distinctive incense and lavender interplay, but the incense here lacks the smoky depth and leans towards a more synthetic, almost pine-like quality. A ghost of rose is present, but barely perceptible. The base offers a predictable tobacco and leather combination, rounded with sandalwood. However, the sandalwood is quite subdued. Overall, it approximates the original's DNA at roughly 84%, sacrificing nuanced smokiness and depth for a more linear, less refined experience. ### Wear time & Sillage Longevity is surprisingly decent. I get around 6 hours on skin with moderate projection for the first hour, settling closer to the skin thereafter. It's office-appropriate in terms of sillage but may require reapplication throughout the day. ### The Verdict This Memoir Man impression captures the essence of the original, but the composition exhibits a distinct synthetic edge. If you're content with a simplified rendition and don't mind a slightly harsher opening, this could be worth a try. However, for the true aficionado, the original's complexity and refined ingredient quality justify the higher price tag."

"### The Scent Profile Optus VII aims for Amouage's Memoir Man, a challenging scent with wormwood and incense. The opening is a green, herbal blast – basil and mint are present, but the wormwood leans slightly medicinal here, more like cough syrup than the refined bitterness in the original. The incense heart is there, but it's thinner. The rose and lavender are backseat players. Where this diverges most is the base. The tobacco and leather are present, but they lack the depth and smoky character of Memoir Man. It's a simpler, slightly sweeter drydown, missing the original's austere elegance. I'd peg this as 87% similar. ### The Performance Stats Don't expect beast mode. Optus VII projects moderately for the first hour, creating a noticeable scent bubble. After that, it settles closer to the skin. Longevity is decent; I get around 6-7 hours on my skin, which is acceptable . It's not going to fill a room all day, but it's present enough to enjoy. ### The Verdict For the money, Optus VII is a solid alternative if you are curious about the Amouage style but are not ready to commit to the price. It captures the general vibe of Memoir Man, although sacrificing some refinement. If you are extremely familiar with the original, you may note the lower quality materials here. But for someone wanting a dark, herbal, incense-driven fragrance on a budget, this is a good option. For everyday wear, this scratches the itch without breaking the bank."