Paragon Clones

"### First Impressions & Dry Down Al Nashama opens with a bracing, almost clinical lavender and sage accord. Bergamot provides lift, but it's fleeting. This initial blast diverges most noticeably from Paragon, lacking the original's smoother, more rounded opening. The heart reveals a woody-fruity accord. Plum is present, but it is drier and less jammy than one might expect. Palo Santo attempts to bring a resinous, smoky dimension, enhanced by a pinch of black pepper. The base leans heavily on sandalwood, which is quite prominent from initial spray, providing a creamy backbone. The oud is a whisper, more of an accentuating wood than a dominant force. I'd estimate this captures approximately 75% of Paragon's DNA. The primary difference lies in the quality of ingredients and the blending. Al Nashama has a synthetic edge, especially during the first hour, that the Initio avoids. ### Wear time & Sillage Longevity is respectable. I get a solid 7-8 hours on skin. Projection is moderate. It creates a noticeable scent bubble for the first 2 hours, then settles closer to the skin. Not a room filler, but definitely present. ### Conclusion Al Nashama is a competent clone of Paragon. It mimics the woody-aromatic structure adequately. The synthetic nature is noticeable but not deal-breaking, especially considering the price. If you are seeking a near identical experience and willing to pay 10x, go for the original. However, Al Nashama offers a very good alternative for the budget-conscious consumer. It's a solid choice for those who appreciate woody, slightly sweet fragrances. I'd recommend this for someone seeking an affordable everyday fragrance with a sophisticated edge."

"### Conclusion Vintage Radio is a solid alternative for those seeking the Paragon profile on a budget. The synthetic aspects are noticeable, but not deal-breakers, especially given the price point. But if you prioritize capturing the essence of the scent and performance Vintage Radio is a worthwhile consideration for someone on a budget looking for a woody aromatic fragrance. ### How it Smells Vintage Radio presents an interesting interpretation of the Paragon DNA. The opening leans heavily on a somewhat astringent lavender and sage accord. Bergamot is present, but plays a very minor role. It lacks the effervescence of the original. The heart reveals a fruity plum note, denser and sweeter than the fig I detect in Paragon. The Palo Santo is there, lending a woody, almost medicinal quality, alongside a noticeable black pepper kick. The base presents a creamy sandalwood attempting to smooth out the harsher elements. However, the oud is more of a generic woody aroma than true agarwood, adding depth but not complexity. I'd peg this at approximately 95% similar to Paragon. The crucial difference lies in the quality of materials; Vintage Radio exhibits a slightly synthetic edge, especially in the opening and base. ### Projection Power Longevity is respectable. I'm getting a solid 6-7 hours on skin, with moderate projection for the first two. Sillage is moderate, creating a pleasant scent bubble without being overpowering. It projects less intensely than Paragon."

"### First Impressions & Dry Down Vintage Radio kicks off with a familiar herbal punch—lavender and sage try to be sophisticated, but the bergamot smells a touch like lemon cleaner at this price point. It's about 85% of Paragon's opening, just missing that luxurious, photorealistic edge. The heart introduces a surprisingly juicy plum alongside dry, woody palo santo. The black pepper adds a needed bite, preventing it from becoming too sweet. The dry down leans heavily into sandalwood and a somewhat synthetic oud. It’s here where the fragrance diverges the most from Paragon; less refined, more… blunt. ### Projection Power Longevity is impressive, clocking in around 7-8 hours on my skin. Projection is moderate for the first two hours, then settles into a close skin scent. You won't fill a room, but those nearby will catch a whiff. ### Bottom Line Vintage Radio is a solid fragrance . It captures the essence of Paragon fairly well, especially in the mid. Is it a perfect replica? No. The synthetic nuances are detectable, particularly in the opening and base. However, if you're looking for a similar vibe without dropping hundreds, this is a worthy contender. Good for the guy who appreciates a touch of class but doesn't take himself too seriously. Skip if you demand hyper-realistic natural ingredients. The original is absolutely *not* 10x better, but it *is* noticeably smoother and more complex."