Layton Clones

"### Ugly Bottle, Beautiful Scent ** The Scent Profile ** Ignore the bottle that looks like a melted cassette tape. Inside is liquid gold. Detour Noir is arguably the most accurate clone of Parfums de Marly's *Layton* currently available. It nails the signature "mentholated vanilla" opening—a mix of apple, lavender, and violet that creates a fresh-yet-gourmand accord. The transition to the creamy sandalwood and vanilla base is seamless. It feels slightly airier and less dense than Layton, which actually makes it improved for versatility. ** Performance Reality Check ** Solid performance. It pushes 7-8 hours on skin and projects well for the first 2-3 hours. It doesn't have the eternal staying power of the original Layton, but it is far from a weak performer. ** The Verdict ** If you can get past the hideous packaging, this is a 10/10 value buy. It captures the mass-appealing, sexy, date-night magic of Layton perfectly. A staple for Fall and Winter, and a compliment magnet essentially guaranteed."

"### First Impressions & Dry Down Xclusif Oud Bleu jumps out with a bright, slightly synthetic apple and lavender. It's immediately recognizable as "Layton-esque," maybe 87% there. The bergamot is toned down compared to Layton, making it less citrus-forward in the opening. The heart is where it deviates most. The geranium is amped up here, giving it a slightly greener, sharper edge. The violet and jasmine are present, but take a backseat. The drydown is a pleasant vanilla-patchouli combo with a touch of smoky guaiac wood. It's warm and inviting, but lacks the refined smoothness of the original. ### Projection Power Performance is solid, especially . I get a solid 6-8 hours on my skin with moderate projection for the first 2 hours, then it settles closer. It’s noticeable without being overpowering. Two sprays are enough. Any more and the opening gets a bit screechy. ### To Buy or Not to Buy? It captures the general vibe, but with a slightly sharper, greener edge. For $40-$50, it's a no-brainer if you want a versatile, sweet, and slightly spicy fragrance for everyday wear. Otherwise, Bleu gets you close enough for daily enjoyment."

"### Scent Breakdown Anaqeed comes on strong with that Layton DNA: apple, vanilla, and a hint of spice. The opening is about 82% of Layton's, maybe a little sharper, a touch more synthetic apple. It lacks the smooth refinement of the original. The heart is where it diverges. The floral notes are there – geranium and violet – but they’re less pronounced, a bit muddled. The drydown focuses on vanilla and a slightly woody base. It's pleasant, but the guaiac wood isn't as rich as Layton's. It's a decent attempt overall. ### Projection Power Projection is moderate for the first hour, creating a nice scent bubble. After that, it settles closer to the skin. Longevity is acceptable. I get about 6 hours on my skin. Don't expect beast mode. It is what it is. ### The Verdict Anaqeed is a solid option. If you want the Layton experience without the hefty price tag, this gets you close enough. It's not a 1:1 dupe – maybe 82% similar – but it's definitely recognizable. The synthetic edges are noticeable at first, but fade after the opening. For those on a budget, Anaqeed gets the job done. A good choice for casual wear."

"### Scent Breakdown Anaqeed Blue jumps out with a bright, slightly tart apple and bergamot. You definitely get that Layton DNA immediately. The lavender is dialed down a touch compared to Layton, making it a bit more fruity in the opening. As it dries, the geranium and violet come into play, softening things up. I'd say it's about 80% similar to Layton at this stage. The base is where they diverge slightly; Anaqeed Blue has a more prominent vanilla, making it sweeter and maybe a tad synthetic. Layton has a smoother, woodier drydown. ### How Long Does it Last? the performance is solid. I get about 6-7 hours on my skin with moderate projection for the first two hours. It projects well enough to leave a subtle scent trail. It won't fill a room, but people will notice it when they're close. I got 2 hours of solid projection on skin. ### To Buy or Not to Buy? Anaqeed Blue is a great option Yes, Layton is smoother and more refined, but this gets you very close . If you are hyper-sensitive to synthetic vanillas, maybe sample first. This is a great dumb-reach fragrance for the office, dates, or casual wear. A solid daily driver, especially in cooler weather. Is Layton ten times better? No. Worth buying if you want a cheaper alternative to Layton."

"### Scent Breakdown Miraj Absolu opens with a blast of apple, but less refined than Layton. You get the bergamot and lavender, sure, but there’s a definite synthetic edge in the first 15 minutes. It’s not unpleasant, just…budget. The heart is where it gets closer, mimicking Layton's floral sweetness with geranium and violet, but missing some of the original's complexity. The drydown is the strongest point; the vanilla and guaiac wood are there, giving it a warm, ambery feel that’s about 86% similar to Layton's sophisticated base. It's a good attempt, but the cheaper ingredients are noticeable, especially early on. ### Performance Reality Check Longevity is decent . I get around 6 hours on my skin, with projection being moderate for the first hour, then settling closer to the skin. Don't expect beast mode. It projects noticeably, but fades gradually. Re-application is a good idea if you want to keep that initial burst going. ### To Buy or Not to Buy? Miraj Absolu is a decent clone -conscious buyer. If you want a Layton experience on a tight budget, it’s a viable option. Just be aware that it's not a 1:1 match. The opening is where the biggest difference lies. But for everyday wear, Miraj Absolu offers a reasonable approximation . A solid purchase for clone enthusiasts."

"### Notes & Nuances Dusk The Woods goes straight for the Layton vibe. That apple and vanilla combo is immediately recognizable, maybe 88% close to the original. The opening is a tad sharper, a little more synthetic apple than Layton's smoother profile. The heart leans into the floral notes a bit more, with the violet coming through stronger. Not a bad thing, just different. The drydown is where it comes closest to the original. The vanilla, patchouli, and woods create a warm, slightly gourmand base that's very appealing. ### Projection Power This isn't a beast mode fragrance, but it performs respectably. I get about 6-7 hours of wear with moderate projection for the first 2 hours. It projects about an arms length, then settles closer to the skin. Perfect for the office. Not going to fill a room. ### Conclusion Dusk The Woods is a solid Layton alternative. It’s not a 1:1 dupe, but it captures the essence of Layton well enough. I'd say it's worth picking up if you want that scent DNA for daily wear without breaking the bank."

"### Notes & Nuances Leyden opens with a distinct apple and bergamot accord, a slightly sharper rendition compared to Layton. The lavender is present, lending a herbal aspect, but feels less integrated than the Parfums de Marly original. Moving into the heart, the floral arrangement of geranium, violet, and jasmine is identifiable. However, synthetic nuances surface here, giving it a slightly powdery edge that Layton avoids. The base is where it finds its footing. Vanilla is prominent, softened by guaiac wood and a restrained patchouli. This base clings to the skin, providing warmth. Overall, it mimics Layton's profile at about 90%. The key difference lies in the use of cheaper aroma chemicals, particularly noticeable in the mid-section. ### How Long Does it Last? Longevity is surprisingly decent . I get around 6-7 hours on my skin, with moderate projection for the first 2 hours. It then settles into a more intimate scent bubble. It won't fill a room, but those close to you will detect it. ### Is it Worth It? Leyden offers a respectable imitation of Layton . While the synthetic edges are detectable upon close inspection, the overall impression is pleasant and wearable. If you appreciate the Layton DNA but can't justify the price tag, Leyden is a viable alternative. However, for those seeking a truly refined experience, the original remains the superior choice, offering greater depth and complexity. For a daily, casual fragrance where cost is a primary concern, Leyden is a solid choice."

"### Olfactory Experience Black White kicks off with a bright, crisp apple and bergamot – similar to Layton, about 92% there. But it's not quite as refined. You get a synthetic sharpness, especially in the lavender, that the original avoids. The heart is where the divergence widens. Black White emphasizes the geranium, pushing it forward over the smoother violet-jasmine blend of Layton. The drydown is a pleasant, if somewhat generic, vanilla-patchouli blend. Less complex. Less opulent than Layton's creamy, spiced vanilla. It lacks that luxurious edge. ### The Verdict Black White captures the *essence* of Layton, but it's a cover song, not the real deal. It's for the guy who appreciates Layton's vibe – confident, slightly preppy, but doesn't want to drop serious cash. If you need 92% accuracy, save for the original. For some, absolutely. For the budget-conscious, Black White is a decent substitute. ### Longevity & Projection This stuff projects! For the first hour, it creates a noticeable bubble around you. After that, it settles closer to the skin but remains detectable for a good 6-7 hours. A solid workday fragrance. Don't expect beast mode, but it's respectable ."

"### Bottom Line If you're chasing the Layton vibe on a shoestring budget, Classic Gold is a solid contender. It captures the essence of the Parfums de Marly creation, but with a few synthetic edges that become apparent upon closer inspection. It won't fool a Layton devotee. This is for the guy who wants to project an air of refined sweetness without emptying his bank account. But for casual wear, Classic Gold gets the job done. ### Scent Breakdown Classic Gold bursts open with a familiar crisp apple and bergamot accord, trying hard to mimic Layton's bright, gourmand introduction. The lavender is more subdued here, lending a slightly soapy quality rather than Layton's clean sharpness. The heart shifts into a powdery violet and geranium mix. It’s about 88% of the way there. Where it really deviates is in the base. Classic Gold softens into a sweeter, less complex vanilla and wood. The guaiac isn't as prominent or smoky as Layton's, resulting in a slightly more generic dry down. ### Longevity & Projection Longevity is surprisingly decent . Expect about 6-7 hours on skin with moderate projection for the first hour, then settling closer to the body. It's not a powerhouse. It won't fill a room like the original, but it creates a noticeable aura."

"### Conclusion If you're on a budget and want to experience the Layton DNA without breaking the bank, ÉCLAT 936 VIP is a good pick. It's a safe, mass-appealing fragrance that's perfect for daily wear. But if you just want the general scent profile, this is a smart alternative. Buy it if you want a versatile, pleasant fragrance at a fantastic price. ### Notes & Nuances ÉCLAT 936 VIP nails the Layton vibe, I'd say it's a solid 88% there. The apple and bergamot opening is bright and inviting, just like Layton. There's a lavender freshness that keeps it from being too sweet. Where it differs is in the mid. Layton has this almost medicinal coolness from the cardamom that's less pronounced here. ÉCLAT 936 VIP leans heavier on the violet and jasmine, making it slightly more floral and less spicy. The dry down is a comforting vanilla-patchouli hug with a woody backbone. The guaiac wood isn't as smooth as in the original, it has a slight synthetic edge but it's still pleasant. ### Wear time & Sillage This isn't a beast, but it's respectable. Expect around 6-7 hours of wear. Projection is moderate for the first couple of hours, then it settles closer to the skin. Perfect for office settings or situations where you don't want to overpower. It won't fill a room, but those who get close will definitely notice."

"### How it Smells Loyal Agar throws a decent Layton impression, landing around 89% accurate. The opening apple and bergamot are present but a little sharper, less refined than the original. It's got a slightly synthetic edge; noticeable, but forgivable given the price difference. The heart shifts into that floral, slightly spicy core. I definitely pick up the geranium and violet, though the jasmine feels subdued. The drydown leans heavily on vanilla and guaiac. The patchouli is dialed back, making it less complex than Layton's final act. It's sweeter, simpler, but still pleasant. ### To Buy or Not to Buy? Loyal Agar is a solid budget option for Layton fans. It's not a perfect replica, lacking some of the original's depth and nuance, but it captures the essence well enough. But if you just want that Layton vibe without breaking the bank, Loyal Agar is a worthwhile compromise. ### The Performance Stats Longevity is surprisingly respectable. I get about 6 hours on skin with moderate projection for the first 2 hours. It then settles closer to the skin, becoming a more intimate scent. Not a powerhouse, but not fleeting either. I can't complain."

"### Final Thoughts Trono is a fantastic budget option if you love the Layton DNA. If you can't justify the price tag of the original, Trono provides a very satisfying alternative. It's a versatile scent, perfect for fall and winter days at the office or casual evenings out. If you demand the absolute best and money is no object, go for Layton. But for the daily grind? Trono will do you just fine and save you a ton of cash. ### Olfactory Experience Trono by MAD is gunning for Parfums de Marly's Layton, and gets pretty darn close. The opening blasts off with that signature crisp apple and bergamot, but it's not quite as refined; there's a *slight* synthetic edge. The lavender is present, adding a touch of aromatic freshness. As it settles, the heart of geranium and violet emerges, creating a floral sweetness. I don’t get much jasmine. The base of vanilla, patchouli, and guaiac wood is where Trono mirrors Layton most successfully, giving it a warm, slightly spicy finish. It's about 95% there; the missing 95% is that extra layer of smoothness and depth you get with Layton. ### Projection Power This stuff performs surprisingly well . I get a solid 6-7 hours on my skin with moderate projection for the first 2 hours before it settles closer. It projects maybe an arms length for an hour. It's definitely noticeable without being beastly. A great performer for work."

"### The Scent Profile Okay, so Al Haramain's Detour Noir Exclusif is aiming for Layton, and it gets pretty close. The opening is a blast of that signature apple and bergamot. You get the lavender kick too. It's not quite as smooth or natural-smelling as Layton, maybe 70% there in the opening and you can detect some sharper synthetic edges.. The heart brings in the florals – geranium, violet, jasmine – but the vanilla starts creeping in early, which makes it a bit sweeter and heavier compared to the original. The drydown is where it leans more vanilla-patchouli than the woodier Layton finish. ### Wear time & Sillage This stuff lasts. Seriously. Expect a good 8-10 hours. Projection is moderate to strong for the first 3-4 hours, then settles closer to the skin. It will leave a scent trail. It’s a beast . ### To Buy or Not to Buy? It's a great daily driver for cooler weather. The synthetic edge is noticeable up close, but in the air, it smells fantastic. If you want to save a bundle and still smell great, grab this one. A perfect grab for any college student on a budget."

"### Olfactory Experience Natural Dusk by The Woods Collection takes a pretty solid swing at Parfums de Marly Layton. The opening hits you with that familiar crisp apple and bergamot – similar to Layton, but maybe a touch more synthetic, especially in the first few minutes. The lavender is dialed back a bit here. As it settles, the floral heart of geranium and violet steps forward; it's not quite as refined or smooth as the original, lacking some of that creamy cardamom spice. The dry down delivers a comforting vanilla and woody base. It's close, I'd say about 95% similar overall, especially in the mid and drydown. ### Performance Reality Check This one hangs around for a decent amount of time. I get about 6-7 hours on my skin, with moderate projection for the first two hours before it settles closer. It won't fill a room, but it creates a nice personal scent bubble. Good for office settings. ### Final Thoughts If you're on a budget and love the Layton DNA, Natural Dusk is a worthwhile pickup. It scratches that itch without breaking the bank. However, the opening does smell cheaper, the original is smoother and more refined. If you're looking for a daily driver that won't cause you pain when you overspray, this is a safe bet for fall and winter. Office safe and date appropriate."

"### To Buy or Not to Buy? If you're chasing the Layton vibe on a budget, Magnificient Pour Homme is a solid option. It captures the essence of the original well enough that casual wearers will struggle to distinguish them. It’s a fantastic "starter Layton," a way to explore the profile. But for everyday wear, this clone offers a very satisfying experience . A good choice for the guy who appreciates quality without breaking the bank. ### How it Smells Magnificient Pour Homme arrives with a familiar sparkle. That apple and bergamot opening aims squarely for Layton, and it hits the mark pretty closely – maybe 90%. The lavender is dialed up a touch, adding a slightly sharper aromatic edge upfront, a hint of barbershop. The heart unfolds with a similar story: geranium and violet dance, but the jasmine feels less pronounced than in the Marly original. As it dries, the base offers a comforting warmth. Vanilla and guaiac are the stars here, creating a sweet, slightly smoky finish. It lacks the refined depth of Layton’s cardamom and sandalwood, opting for a more straightforward, if slightly synthetic, sweetness. ### Performance Reality Check This one projects nicely for the first two hours, creating a pleasant bubble around you. After that, it settles closer to the skin. Longevity is decent; I get around 6-7 hours on my skin. Not beast mode, but respectable ."

"### Scent Breakdown Vanille Fraiche opens bright, mimicking Layton's crisp apple and bergamot, but with a noticeable lavender boost. It's a more aromatic beginning, less immediately gourmand than the original. The heart echoes Layton's floral elegance with geranium and violet, though here, the jasmine feels slightly pushed forward, adding a touch of soapiness that's not present in the inspiration. The drydown aims for Layton's creamy vanilla, but the guaiac wood asserts itself more prominently, lending a smoky, almost burnt sugar edge. It's about 95% similar, missing some of the original's rounded smoothness and sophisticated blending. ### Final Thoughts Vanille Fraiche is a solid option for those intrigued by Layton but hesitant to commit to its high price tag. The bolder lavender and slightly rougher edges might not fool die-hard Layton aficionados, but for casual wear, it provides a very satisfying experience. If you enjoy a touch more aromatic freshness with a vanillic base, this could even be preferable. For the value, Vanille Fraiche earns a strong recommendation. It's a great everyday wear for the individual who wants to project put-together charm without sacrificing practicality. ### The Performance Stats This clone delivers decent performance. It projects moderately for the first two hours, leaving a pleasant scent trail. Longevity is respectable; I get around 6-7 hours on skin, with a lingering vanilla sweetness on clothing the next day. Not beast mode, but sufficient for most occasions."

"### Olfactory Experience DEUX II comes out swinging with that familiar Layton vibe. You get the apple and bergamot up front, but it's not quite as refined as the original. Maybe 90% there. There's a slight synthetic sharpness in the opening that Layton avoids. The heart of violet and geranium emerges fairly quickly. It's pleasant, a bit powdery, and again, close to Layton's core DNA. The drydown is where this diverges most. The vanilla and woods are present, but lack the depth and smooth quality of the original. It’s a bit flatter, a touch more…basic. ### Bottom Line DEUX II is a solid option if you're craving that Layton scent profile without spending a fortune. Is it a perfect dupe? No. The original has a higher quality feel, no doubt. But if Layton costs $300 and this is $30, you’re getting a decent approximation for 90% of the price. Worth it for those on a budget. If you’re chasing that last 90% of realism and smoothness, just buy Layton. But for everyday wear? DEUX II works just fine. ### Performance Reality Check Longevity is decent. I got around 6 hours on skin, projecting moderately for the first 2 hours. Not beast mode, but respectable . It's an office-friendly fragrance, and it won’t offend anyone."

"### Olfactory Experience No. 239E opens with a familiar apple and bergamot blast. It’s aiming for Layton, and it gets pretty close, maybe 88%. The lavender adds a pleasant aromatic touch, but the initial blast has a slight, unavoidable synthetic edge. The heart develops with a powdery violet and a green geranium. This is where it veers off a bit. Layton is smoother, creamier. Here, there's a sharper floral presence. The drydown is warm vanilla and woods, with a grounding patchouli. It’s comforting, but lacks the refined wood notes of the original. Still, it maintains a pleasant, if somewhat less complex, character. ### Bottom Line No. 239E captures the essence of Layton . It's a good pick if you appreciate the Layton DNA, but don't want to drop serious cash. While it lacks some of the original's sophistication and longevity, it's a solid alternative for casual wear. If you're seeking that refined Layton experience, bite the bullet and get the original. But for a daily driver? This will do just fine for the budget-conscious fragrance lover. ### Longevity & Projection This clone doesn’t have the beast-mode performance of Layton. Expect around 5-6 hours on skin, projecting moderately for the first hour or two. It sits closer to the skin afterward. A good choice for office wear."

"### Olfactory Experience Black Diamond Incense opens with a blast of that familiar apple and bergamot, trying hard to mimic Layton. It gets pretty darn close, I'd say around 90%. The lavender is noticeable but less prominent than in Layton, giving it a slightly sharper edge initially. The heart moves into a floral blend of geranium and violet, a bit softer than the original. The drydown is where this clone shines. The vanilla and patchouli combo offers a comforting, slightly gourmand feel. It doesn't have Layton's cardamom kick, settling more into a woody sweetness. It’s like Layton’s chill, less intense cousin. ### The Performance Stats The performance is respectable . I get about 6-7 hours on my skin, with moderate projection for the first couple of hours. It creates a nice scent bubble without being overpowering. You'll need to reapply if you want it to last all day. ### Is it Worth It? Black Diamond Incense is a solid alternative to Layton. If you want the genuine article, with its refined edges and that signature cardamom, you'll need to shell out the big bucks. But if you want that Layton vibe for everyday wear, and don't mind a touch of synthetic sharpness in the opening, this is a great option. Perfect for office environments, casual outings, or just chilling at home."

"### Olfactory Experience Royal Paragon aims for Parfums de Marly's Layton, and it gets reasonably close. The opening hits you with that familiar apple and bergamot blast. Lavender is there, but feels a touch more synthetic than Layton's refined version. The heart shifts towards geranium and violet. The jasmine is barely perceptible, which is fine; it keeps it from getting too floral. The dry down is where the biggest difference lies. You get the vanilla and patchouli, but the guaiac wood smells a bit… rough. It's not bad, just not as smooth or complex as Layton. I'd say it's 89% there. ### The Verdict Royal Paragon is a solid value proposition. It captures the essence of the original without completely breaking the bank. Is Layton better? Absolutely. But is it ten times better? Not even close. If you're on a budget, Royal Paragon is a smart buy. Skip the fancy bottle, appreciate the scent. ### Projection Power the performance is impressive. It lasts around 6-7 hours on my skin, projecting moderately for the first 2 hours. After that, it settles into a pleasant skin scent. Definitely good enough for a work day or casual wear. Don't expect beast mode, but it's respectable."

"### Conclusion Amber Oud Black is a solid alternative for those who crave Layton's vibe without the hefty price tag. If you can tolerate a slightly sharper, more synthetic opening and a more prominent vanilla dry down, this is worth exploring. Those seeking pure refinement might still prefer the original, but for everyday wear, Amber Oud Black gets the job done, and does it well. This is for the guy who appreciates a well-groomed presence, but doesn't take himself too seriously. Dapper, but with a mischievous glint in his eye. ### First Impressions & Dry Down Amber Oud Black kicks off with a juicy apple, almost candied, but the lavender and bergamot try to keep it classy. It's a bright start, reminiscent of Layton, but the apple leans slightly more synthetic, a bit like a cleaning product at first. The heart reveals geranium and violet, a powdery sweetness battling against a hint of jasmine. This is where it diverges from Layton the most; the violet is more prominent, making it a touch more feminine. The dry down is a warm hug of vanilla, patchouli and guaiac. The vanilla is dialed up compared to Layton and the woods are less refined, a little rough around the edges. Overall, it captures around 80% of Layton's DNA. ### Performance Reality Check The projection is initially strong, creating a noticeable scent bubble for the first hour. After that, it settles closer to the skin, but remains present. Longevity is impressive. I got a solid 7-8 hours on skin, with a lingering vanilla sweetness still detectable the next morning on my clothes."

"### Ugly Bottle, Beautiful Scent ** The Scent Profile ** Ignore the bottle that looks like a melted cassette tape. Inside is liquid gold. Detour Noir is arguably the most accurate clone of Parfums de Marly's *Layton* currently available. It nails the signature "mentholated vanilla" opening—a mix of apple, lavender, and violet that creates a fresh-yet-gourmand accord. The transition to the creamy sandalwood and vanilla base is seamless. It feels slightly airier and less dense than Layton, which actually makes it improved for versatility. ** Performance Reality Check ** Solid performance. It pushes 7-8 hours on skin and projects well for the first 2-3 hours. It doesn't have the eternal staying power of the original Layton, but it is far from a weak performer. ** The Verdict ** If you can get past the hideous packaging, this is a 10/10 value buy. It captures the mass-appealing, sexy, date-night magic of Layton perfectly. A staple for Fall and Winter, and a compliment magnet essentially guaranteed."

"### Olfactory Experience Xclusif Oud Bleu comes on strong, a crisp apple and bergamot blast aiming for Layton's sophistication but landing a bit…brighter. The lavender is amped up here, almost soapy, a slight detour from Layton's smoother opening. The heart does a decent job mimicking the floral spice of the original. I get the geranium and violet, though they lack the refined polish of Parfums de Marly. It’s in the base where the differences are most apparent. The vanilla is sweeter, more synthetic, and the guaiac wood lacks the nuanced smokiness of Layton's cardamom and sandalwood. Overall, it captures about 85% of Layton's DNA. ### Conclusion Xclusif Oud Bleu is for the guy who wants the Layton vibe without the Layton price tag. It's a good alternative for everyday wear, especially in cooler weather. If you demand absolute note-for-note accuracy and crave the highest quality ingredients, stick with the original. But if you're after a well-performing, mass-appealing fragrance that won't break the bank, this is worth a try. ### How Long Does it Last? Longevity is surprisingly good. I get a solid 7-8 hours on skin, with moderate projection for the first 2-3. It settles closer to the skin after that, leaving a pleasant, if somewhat less complex, vanilla-woody trail. This isn't a beast mode fragrance, but it definitely makes its presence known."

"### First Impressions & Dry Down DEUX II is North Stag's take on the popular Layton, and it's surprisingly decent. The opening bursts with a crisp apple and a noticeable lavender note that’s slightly sharper than Layton's smooth introduction. You get the bergamot, but it's more fleeting. The heart develops into a powdery floral mix; the geranium and violet are there, but it's more linear and less complex compared to the original. The drydown is where it shines – a comforting vanilla and woody base emerges. It mimics Layton's drydown well, though with a slightly synthetic edge. Overall, I'd say it's about 85% similar to Layton. It captures the essence, but lacks the refined nuances. ### To Buy or Not to Buy? DEUX II is a solid option if you want the Layton vibe without the hefty price tag. If you are hyper-sensitive to synthetic smells, you might want to consider other options. It's a great daily driver for the office or casual wear, especially during cooler months. But for most, DEUX II offers an accessible and enjoyable alternative. A worthwhile pick-up for budget-conscious fragrance lovers. ### Performance Reality Check The performance is respectable . On my skin, I get about 6-7 hours of longevity with moderate projection for the first 2 hours, settling closer to the skin afterwards. Not beast mode, but definitely noticeable. You will need to reapply if you want to extend it past the 6 hour mark."

"### The Layton Killer ** The Scent Profile ** This is widely considered the single most accurate Layton clone ever produced. It nails the signature apple-lavender-vanilla opening perfectly, capturing the mentholated freshness that Detour Noir often misses. The dry down is a rich, creamy vanilla and woods blend that is indistinguishable from the OG in the air. ** Performance ** Beast mode. 10+ hours on skin, projecting heavily for 3-4 hours. It rivals the older, potent batches of Layton. ** The Verdict ** Stop looking. If you want Layton, buy this. It renders the original redundant for 99% of people."

"### The Extrait Upgrade **The Scent Profile** Al Haramain's *Amber Oud Exclusif Bleu* is widely considered the heavy-hitter of Layton clones. Being an Extrait de Parfum, it is denser, richer, and smoother than the original EDT. It captures the signature apple-vanilla-cardamom opening perfectly but dials down the 'menthol' vibe that some find sharp in Layton. As it dries down, the guaiac wood and creamy vanilla take center stage. **Performance** This is a certified Beast. Expect 10+ hours of longevity and strong projection. **The Verdict** For many, this makes owning Layton redundant. It smells 96% similar but performs better."