A*Men Clones

"### Scent Breakdown Star Men Nebula comes out swinging with a blast of lavender and mint, trying its best to mimic that A*Men boldness. It's about 83% there, but that initial fruity-spicy burst has a noticeable synthetic edge that the OG avoids. The heart unfolds into a cloying caramel-honey accord; sweeter, thicker than I recall from Mugler's masterpiece. The patchouli is present, but subdued. The drydown? A coffee-vanilla that leans heavily into sweetness, foregoing some of the original's earthy depth. It's a decent attempt, but lacks the refined balance. ### Projection Power This stuff projects like a BEAST for the first 2 hours. A legit scent bubble. After that, it settles closer to the skin. Longevity is respectable; I got a solid 6-7 hours before it faded into a faint vanilla whisper. Not bad . ### Is it Worth It? Star Men Nebula is for the guy who wants that A*Men vibe without dropping serious cash. It's rough around the edges, especially in the opening, but that syrupy drydown is undeniably appealing. Is it a perfect dupe? No. But for about a tenth of the price, it scratches that itch. If you value nuance and smooth blending, stick with the original. But if you're on a budget and want a bold, sweet, coffee-patchouli statement, this will do the trick. Proceed with caution in warm weather. This one's potent."

"### First Impressions & Dry Down Animale Animale for Men is clearly chasing the A*Men vibe. The opening blasts off with a similar, albeit rougher, mint and lavender accord. There's a noticeable synthetic fruity sweetness layered on that the original handles with more finesse. The caramel and honey heart tries its best, but lacks the creamy smoothness of Mugler's masterpiece. The drydown leans heavily into coffee and patchouli. This is where it deviates most. Expect a slightly bitter edge, not the comforting gourmand hug of the original. I'd say it captures around 86% of A*Men's essence, but the cheaper materials definitely show. ### Final Thoughts If you want a dirt-cheap approximation of A*Men and don't mind a few rough edges, Animale Animale delivers. It scratches that itch without breaking the bank. Is it as good as the original? Absolutely not. A*Men is smoother, more refined, and boasts higher-quality ingredients. But if you’re looking at a 10x price difference, and simply want that recognizable DNA for everyday wear, this is a worthy contender. Someone on a tight budget, or a younger fragrance enthusiast just starting out might appreciate this option. ### Projection Power This stuff performs like a beast. Easily gets 6-8 hours on skin, and projects strongly for the first 2-3. A word of caution: overspraying will cause a headache. Its strength is a double-edged sword, as the synthetic aspects become more pronounced."

"### The Scent Profile Star Man Nebula kicks off with a blast of lavender and mint. It's got a slightly boozy, fruity vibe too, reminiscent of A*Men, but a bit more synthetic in the opening. The heart is where this clone shines. That caramel and honey combo is there, definitely hitting the same sweet spot as the original. The patchouli isn't as refined, a little harsher around the edges. Drydown? Expect coffee and vanilla. The coffee note here is less nuanced, a bit more instant coffee than a freshly brewed espresso. I'd say it's about 81% similar to A*Men. It misses some of the depth and complexity. ### The Verdict Star Man Nebula is a solid A*Men alternative. If you love the Mugler DNA but don't want to drop serious cash, this is a good option. Yes, it has some synthetic qualities. Yes, the original is better. But is the original *ten times* better? Absolutely not. If you're on a budget or just want a daily beater for the office or running errands, grab this. Just don't overspray, that synthetic edge can get cloying. ### Projection Power For a clone, the performance is impressive. I get a solid 6-7 hours on skin. Projection is moderate for the first 2 hours, then it sits closer. It's a beast no doubt. Don't expect A*Men's nuclear performance, but it's respectable."

"### The Scent Profile Eshq opens with a blast of that familiar A*Men DNA – the lavender-mint punch overlaid with a synthetic, though not unpleasant, fruitiness. It's an energetic start. The caramel heart comes in quickly, a sticky sweetness grappling with the grounding earthiness of patchouli. It deviates from Mugler in its honey note, adding a slightly animalic warmth. The drydown brings forward the coffee and vanilla, but it’s less refined than the original, lacking the airy cocoa nuances. Perhaps 88% similar, the main difference being a slightly coarser, less blended feel. ### The Verdict Eshq is for the individual who appreciates the gourmand boldness of A*Men but doesn't want to break the bank. Think of a young artist, messy studio, paint-stained jeans – confident, creative, and not overly concerned with pristine presentation. While it lacks the finesse of Mugler, its slightly rough edges lend it a certain charm. But Eshq offers a satisfying approximation for the budget-conscious vibe curator. ### How Long Does it Last? Longevity is surprisingly decent. Expect 6-7 hours on skin, with moderate projection for the first two. It projects a respectable scent bubble without being overpowering. Clothes will hold the fragrance for a good day or two. Not beast mode, but adequate ."