Original Santal Clones

"### How it Smells Okay, let's be real. This is trying *hard* to be Creed's Original Santal. The opening throws a sandalwood punch, backed by a spicy cinnamon kick, with a slight juniper tingle. It's close, maybe 95% in the first few minutes. The lavender and ginger heart smooths things out, but there's a noticeable synthetic edge that Santal avoids. It’s not unpleasant, just…budget. The drydown shifts to a vanilla and tonka bean sweetness. The biggest difference? Original Santal is smoother, creamier, and richer throughout. This clone is a bit sharper, less refined. ### Conclusion Look, this is a fantastic option if you like the Original Santal vibe. Is it a 1:1 dupe? Absolutely not. The synthetic feel is undeniable, especially if you know the original well. BUT…Original Santal costs an arm and a leg. This clone gives you a similar scent profile . If you're on a budget and want a spicy, sandalwood-forward fragrance, go for it. Don't expect Creed-level quality, but expect a decent scent for the money. ### Performance Reality Check Projection is moderate for the first hour, noticeable but not overpowering. Longevity? Expect about 4-5 hours on skin, maybe a bit longer on clothes. It fades to a skin scent relatively quickly. Reapplication is definitely needed for a full day. Solid, but not a powerhouse."

"### The Scent Profile Shades by Armaf goes for Creed's Original Santal. Right away, you get that creamy sandalwood with a good dose of cinnamon. It's pretty similar, maybe 89% there. The opening is a touch harsher, a little more synthetic than the real deal. The lavender and ginger kick in next, adding a spicy freshness. Dries down to a warm vanilla and tonka that’s smooth and pleasant. Original Santal has a richer, more natural feel, but Shades gets surprisingly close. ### The Verdict If you want that Original Santal vibe without dropping serious cash, Shades is a solid choice. Is it a 1:1 clone? No. But it captures the core scent profile effectively. Considering you can snag a bottle it's hard to complain about the slightly synthetic edge. Perfect for everyday wear, especially in the cooler months. Skip the Creed hype and save your money. This gets the job done. ### Projection Power This stuff actually performs pretty well. I get a solid 6-7 hours on my skin, which is respectable. Projection is moderate for the first hour or two, then it sits closer to the skin. Good for office wear where you don’t want to gas everyone out. It's a workhorse, not a statement maker."