Bvlgari Clones

"### Notes & Nuances Aariz opens with a burst of bergamot and a soapy aldehyde note trying its best to mimic the Bvlgari vibe. The tea note is there, but leans more artificial than the original's refined brew. It's about 91% similar off the top. The heart shifts to a peppery iris, a touch synthetic but acceptable . The guaiac wood is dialed back compared to Bvlgari Black, making this a slightly less smoky interpretation. The drydown lands on a musky, vetiver base with a cedar backbone. It's clean, but lacks the depth and complexity of the original's grounding woods. ### Wear time & Sillage Longevity is moderate. Expect around 4-5 hours on skin. Projection is fairly weak; it sits close after the first hour. Don't expect to fill a room. This is more of a skin scent, ideal for office wear if applied judiciously. It captures the essence of the original, offering a clean, slightly woody, and tea-infused experience. While it lacks the refined quality and longevity, it's a respectable 91% of the way there . Is Bvlgari Black ten times better? No. Twice? Possibly. Aariz is a solid everyday grab. It's for the thrifty fragrance enthusiast."

"### First Impressions & Dry Down Stellar Musk opens with a blast of aldehydes and a bergamot that leans sharper than Bvlgari Pour Homme's more rounded citrus. The tea note is present, but feels slightly synthetic, lacking the natural nuance of the original. The heart introduces a peppery iris accord. It's here where the divergence becomes more noticeable. Bvlgari has a smoother, almost creamy development; Stellar Musk’s pepper is more pronounced and linear, overpowering the iris at times. The drydown is a musky vetiver, grounded by cedar. It aims for the clean sophistication of Bvlgari's base, but lacks the same depth. This is about 89% similar to the original, with the main difference being the noticeable synthetic edge and the less nuanced blending. ### Bottom Line Stellar Musk is a decent clone, especially given the price point. If you appreciate Bvlgari Pour Homme's DNA but are on a tight budget, this is a viable option. It captures the essence of the original without achieving the same level of refinement. The improved ingredient quality and blending create a superior experience. However, for casual wear or as a gym scent, Stellar Musk offers an acceptable alternative. ### Projection Power Longevity is moderate. Expect around 5-6 hours on skin with a projection that's relatively close to the body after the initial hour. It projects well initially, about arm's length, but quickly settles down. Certainly not a powerhouse."

"### Scent Breakdown Junoon Oud goes for Bvlgari Black’s distinctive tea and rubber vibe, and gets surprisingly close. The opening hits you with a blast of bergamot and a definite tea note – though here, it's more Lipton than lapsang souchong. The aldehydes are sharper, a bit more synthetic than the original's smoother delivery. The heart introduces pepper and a slightly powdery iris, not as refined as Bvlgari Black. The dry down offers a musky vetiver and cedar mix. It's a valiant effort. I'd say it captures about 87% of Bvlgari Black's essence, sacrificing some smoothness for a more aggressive, cheaper feel. ### Conclusion Junoon Oud is a solid choice. It’s a good approximation of Bvlgari Black, especially for those who miss its discontinued glory. If you're chasing that tea-rubber accord on a budget, this will scratch that itch. Just be aware, the synthetic edges are there, but at this price point, you can't expect perfection. A worthy everyday beater for the cost-conscious fragrance enthusiast. ### How Long Does it Last? Longevity is respectable. I get about 5-6 hours on my skin. Projection is moderate for the first hour, then it settles close. Not a room filler, but noticeable. You'll need a few extra sprays compared to the original."

"### Olfactory Experience Al Qiam Silver nails the Bvlgari Pour Homme vibe. The opening is that clean, almost soapy tea and bergamot blast. It's refreshing, but has a slightly sharper, synthetic edge compared to the original Bvlgari. The heart brings in peppery iris and a touch of smoky guaiac. This is where it deviates a bit – the woodiness is a bit more pronounced in Al Qiam. The drydown is a musky, vetiver-cedar blend. Very pleasant, very safe. I'd say it’s about 91% similar to Bvlgari Pour Homme. ### Wear time & Sillage Longevity is surprisingly decent . I get about 5-6 hours on my skin. Projection is moderate for the first hour, then settles into a skin scent. Good for close encounters, not a room filler. Perfect for the office where you don’t want to overwhelm your colleagues. ### Bottom Line This is a great daily driver if you like clean, inoffensive scents. If you want a fresh, clean, office-friendly scent without breaking the bank, this is a winner. Al Qiam Silver gets you most of the way there. Buy this if you want a solid, everyday fragrance that won't offend anyone."

"### How it Smells Empire Crown hits the ground running, mimicking Bvlgari Black's opening tea and aldehydes. It's a decent impression, maybe 88% there. The citrus isn’t as bright, leaning slightly more synthetic, but acceptable point. The heart introduces pepper and iris – a touch more pronounced than the original, adding a slightly powdery feel. The guaiac wood is present, lending a subtle smoky tone. The drydown features a clean musk and cedarwood. It's a safe and pleasant base, if a little generic. It deviates from the original's leather feel – a distinct omission. ### Performance Reality Check Longevity is moderate. Expect around 4-5 hours on skin with a projection that sits close after the first hour. It projects adequately for a brief period. Reapplication is needed for all-day wear. This isn't a beast mode performer, but acceptable bracket. ### Bottom Line Empire Crown is a reasonable alternative if you like the *idea* of Bvlgari Black but can't justify the original's inflated price (if you can even find it!). It captures the general essence. However, it lacks the depth and complexity of the discontinued original. The absence of the prominent leather note is a significant difference. If you are looking for a perfect recreation, keep searching. For under $30, this is a good daily wear choice. Someone wanting a cheap and cheerful alternative will be happy with this. Just don't expect a miracle."

"### Conclusion Vie Ciel is a decent budget alternative to Bvlgari Black. It captures the essence of the scent . Is it as good as the original? No. The synthetic touches are noticeable, especially in the drydown. But it's a worthwhile compromise. If you want a faithful rendition and are willing to pay, stick with the Bvlgari. If you're looking for a cheap daily driver that gets you in the ballpark, Vie Ciel is a viable option. A good buy for the budget-conscious fragrance enthusiast who appreciates the *idea* of Bvlgari Black, without the price tag. ### Olfactory Experience Vie Ciel is Fragrance World’s take on Bvlgari Black. The opening hits with a fairly accurate tea note, though it’s got a slightly sharper, more synthetic edge than the original. The aldehydes are there, lending a clean, almost soapy feel. Bergamot keeps it bright. It’s a decent start, probably 85% close to Bvlgari Black. The heart of pepper and iris emerges. There's a woody backbone from the guaiac, but the overall blend lacks the smoothness and refinement of the OG. It's a bit rough around the edges. The drydown brings musk, vetiver, and cedar. This is where the clone really separates itself. The vetiver is less nuanced, more linear, and the musk is a little screechy. ### Performance Reality Check Longevity is surprisingly good . I get about 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is moderate for the first hour, then it settles closer to the skin. Not a room filler. A solid office scent if you want something subtle."

"### Bottom Line UN I is a respectable budget option if you're seeking a Bvlgari-adjacent experience. The synthetic aspects are apparent, but not overpowering. It suits someone who enjoys clean, woody fragrances and doesn't mind a slightly less polished version. If you demand the absolute quality and smoothness of the original, then the splurge is justified. ### The Scent Profile UN I by Paris Corner opens with a blast of aldehydes, attempting the refined sparkle of the original Bvlgari. The tea note is present, a green tea more than black, but lacks the nuance. Bergamot chimes in briefly, adding a citric brightness which dissipates quickly. The heart brings pepper forward, more aggressively than the Bvlgari, alongside a powdery iris. Guaiac wood offers a smoky, dry counterpoint, though with a noticeably synthetic edge in this clone. The base is a blend of musk, vetiver and cedar. The musk is dominant, leaning slightly laundry-like, while the vetiver contributes an earthy dryness that partially mitigates the synthetic cedar. It hits about 87% of the original's DNA, sacrificing some of the complexity for a bolder, less refined approach. ### Longevity & Projection Longevity is moderate. I get around 5-6 hours on skin, with projection staying within arms' length for the first hour before settling closer. On clothing, it lingers a bit longer, perhaps 7-8 hours. Not beast mode, but decent point."

"### First Impressions & Dry Down Al Qiam Silver opens with a bracing, almost astringent tea note. The aldehydes are present, giving a sharp lift, although they lack the nuanced sparkle found in Bvlgari Black. Bergamot is detectable, but it's more of a general citrus brightness rather than a photorealistic bergamot. The heart offers a peppery, slightly smoky guaiac wood accord. The iris is muted here; adding a powdery feel but lacking the richness of the original's iris. The drydown is a clean musk, with a cedar and vetiver base. The vetiver is fairly linear, contributing to a somewhat simpler conclusion. It mirrors the Bvlgari DNA at about 85% accuracy. The synthetic aroma chemicals are noticeable, particularly in the opening blast and the vetiver. ### The Verdict Al Qiam Silver is a decent homage to Bvlgari Black. It captures the overall vibe but lacks the refinement and complexity of the original. However, those seeking a truly faithful reproduction or a luxurious experience might find the synthetic edges disappointing. If Bvlgari Black is available, it is worth the extra cost for the richer, more nuanced experience. ### The Performance Stats Longevity is moderate. Expect around 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is moderate for the first hour, then settles closer to the skin. Suitable for close encounters."

"### The Scent Profile Aariz aims for Bvlgari Black, and hits… well, somewhere in the neighborhood. The tea note is there in the opening, though far more synthetic and less nuanced than the original. It's sharper, almost a powdered lemon iced tea instead of refined Earl Grey. The aldehydes add a clean, soapy feel. The drydown is where it strays furthest. The peppery iris accord is toned down in favor of woods. Instead of a dark, leathery feel, it’s a more cedar-forward, vaguely smoky vibe. I'd put the similarity at 85%. It captures the *essence* of Black but lacks the smooth edges. ### The Verdict Look, Aariz isn’t Bvlgari Black. Let’s be clear. But Bvlgari Black is discontinued and prices are sky-high. of Aariz, which is typically around $20-30, you get a decent approximation. If you are looking for a cheap daily wear that hints at that rubbery-tea vibe, this is a safe blind buy. But for most folks, Aariz will scratch the itch without breaking the bank. Buy it if you're on a tight budget and want something similar. ### Wear time & Sillage The performance is… adequate. You’ll get 4-5 hours on skin, projecting moderately for the first hour. After that, it becomes a skin scent. Not terrible point, but don’t expect it to last through a full workday. Re-application is necessary if you want it noticeable."

"### Notes & Nuances UN I by North Stag Expressions is clearly trying to be Bvlgari Pour Homme, and it gets respectably close – say, 85%. The opening is a brisk tea and bergamot combo. You definitely get that Earl Grey vibe, but there's a slightly sharper, almost soapy aldehyde note that’s dialed up a bit more than in the original. The heart brings in the peppery-iris accord. It's a little less refined here; the iris leans towards a more powdery, makeup-y feel, not as smooth as Bvlgari. The base is where the biggest deviation occurs. The vetiver and cedar are present, but it finishes with a noticeable, synthetic musk. ### Projection Power This isn't a powerhouse. Projection is moderate for the first hour, creating a nice personal bubble. After that, it settles closer to the skin. Longevity is decent point. Expect around 5-6 hours on skin, maybe a bit longer on clothing. Reapplication is a must if you want it to last through the whole workday. It's perfect for the office, a casual date, or anytime you want a clean, understated scent. It's not a 1:1 copy, and that synthetic musk is noticeable, but if you're looking for that "tea and pepper" DNA without breaking the bank, this is a worthy contender. This gets the job done."

"### The Verdict Vie Ciel is for the guy who wants to project clean competence without breaking the bank. Think architect, graphic designer, or a librarian with a minimalist aesthetic. If you crave the polished smoothness of Bvlgari Pour Homme, it might leave you wanting. However, at a tenth of the price, it's a solid daily driver. Is the original worth the extra money? If you value refinement and natural ingredients, absolutely. If you just want to smell clean and professional on a budget, Vie Ciel will do the job. ### Olfactory Experience Vie Ciel attempts the clean sophistication of Bvlgari Pour Homme, and it gets surprisingly close, maybe 85%. The opening is a bright, almost soapy bergamot and tea, a little more aggressively clean than the original. The aldehydes give it lift, but also a slight synthetic edge that’s unavoidable at this price point. The heart leans into peppery woods, that guaiac note is amped up. Bvlgari has a softer, more refined iris here; Vie Ciel's is drier, scratchier. The drydown offers musk, vetiver, and cedar. It's a pleasant, clean conclusion, though again, lacking the nuance of the Bvlgari. ### How Long Does it Last? Longevity is moderate. You'll get 4-5 hours, maybe pushing 6 if you overspray. Projection is also moderate; a close-to-the-skin scent after the first hour. Not a beast, but not a total skin scent either. Office-friendly."