The Moon Clones

"### Notes & Nuances Identify Oud Crescent aims for Frederic Malle's The Moon, and lands…somewhere nearby. The opening mimics the juicy blast of raspberry and litchi well enough, though with a slightly sharper, synthetic edge absent in the original. That opening is a statement: confident and bright. The heart leans into the rose and red berry accord with a pleasant sweetness, but the original's refined olibanum depth is missing, replaced by something a touch simpler. The dry down brings the oud and leather forward, and here's where the differences become most apparent. It’s not a bad oud, but it lacks the nuanced complexity of The Moon, coming across more bluntly animalic and less smoothly blended. I'd put it at maybe 89% similar overall. ### To Buy or Not to Buy? This is a decent attempt at capturing the essence of The Moon without the hefty price tag. If you are looking for a similar vibe on a budget and don't mind a slightly rougher, more synthetic feel, Identify Oud Crescent is worth considering. However, for those who demand the highest quality and nuanced blending, the original remains the superior choice, justifying its premium price. If you value smooth transitions over initial impact, spring for Frederic Malle. If you like the *idea* of The Moon and want a cheaper daily driver, go for this. ### How Long Does it Last? The projection is surprisingly strong for the first two hours, leaving a noticeable trail. It then settles closer to the skin for another 4-5 hours. Longevity is acceptable, not outstanding. Expect around 6-7 hours of detectable wear."

"### To Buy or Not to Buy? If you're curious about "The Moon" but balk at the Frederic Malle price tag, this is a worthy alternative. It captures the essence of the original . Yes, it has a slightly synthetic edge, especially in the drydown, but it's hard to complain. This is a good option for date night or special occasions when you want something bold and attention-grabbing. ### Notes & Nuances Fragrance World's "The Moon" is clearly trying to mimic Frederic Malle's masterpiece, and it gets surprisingly close, maybe 90%. The opening blasts with a sweet, jammy raspberry and a touch of spicy saffron. I get the litchi, but it's more in the background. The heart shifts to a prominent rose, a bit more candied than the original, alongside the olibanum's incense. The drydown is where the differences become clearer. The oud here is more synthetic, less refined, and lacks the depth and nuance of Malle's version. Still, the leather and amber provide a warm, grounding base. ### Performance Reality Check This one performs. I'm getting a solid 7-8 hours on my skin, and the projection is above average for the first few hours. It creates a noticeable scent bubble. Don't overspray this, or you'll choke out everyone around you. Two sprays are plenty."

"### First Impressions & Dry Down Identify Oud Crescent opens with a fruity blast. The raspberry and litchi are prominent, but lean synthetic. Saffron attempts to add depth, but the initial accord struggles to escape a candied sweetness. Compared to Frederic Malle's The Moon, it's roughly 85% similar in the opening, missing the original's nuanced rose oxide and smoother, more natural fruit. The heart introduces olibanum, which provides a needed smoky counterpoint, along with a rose note that's acceptably Turkish. Red berries add a juicy tartness that keeps the composition engaging. The base is where the clone deviates most. The oud is present, but lacks the barnyard funk and medicinal character of the original. Instead, a smooth leather note dominates, blended with a generalized amber accord. The dry down is primarily sweet leather and a hint of synthetic oud. ### Bottom Line Identify Oud Crescent offers a reasonable facsimile of The Moon . While the synthetic edges are noticeable, particularly in the opening and the oud accord, it's a competent interpretation. For those who enjoy sweet, fruity oud fragrances and are budget-conscious, this is a worthwhile option. However, those seeking the true depth and complexity of the original should consider saving for Frederic Malle’s The Moon; its superior quality justifies the significant price difference. ### The Performance Stats Projection is moderate for the first two hours, reaching about an arm's length. After that, it settles closer to the skin. Longevity is decent; I get around 6-7 hours on skin. On clothing, it lingers a bit longer."