Libre Clones

"### The Verdict The ideal wearer is someone unbothered by a prominent, slightly shrill, initial impression and who prefers a simple, powdery vanilla drydown. Someone who frequents casual settings, perhaps a relaxed brunch or a quick coffee run. It might suit an individual who favors a bolder, less nuanced fragrance profile. ### How it Smells Leonie opens with an aggressively bright Mandarin Orange, almost candied. The Lavender here presents as a cleaning product accord, a sharp herbaceous note reminiscent of industrial soap. The Black Currant adds a syrupy sweetness, veering into artificial grape territory, not fresh or tart. The heart attempts a more delicate floral balance with Orange Blossom and Jasmine, but the Lavender persists, creating a jarring clash between the sweet and the astringent. It lacks the creamy smoothness. In the drydown, the Madagascar Vanilla is prominent, but also synthetic. It melds with the Musk to create a powdery effect, overshadowing the Cedar, which is barely detectable. The Cedar is more of a suggestion than a clear note. Where the inspiration possesses sophisticated blending, this iteration displays a rougher, more linear trajectory with some discordancy. ### The Performance Stats Longevity is moderate, lasting approximately 5 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong, extending about one arm length, before quickly settling closer to the body after the first hour. Tested in a climate-controlled office setting. Respraying does little to recapture the initial burst; it amplifies the synthetic vanilla."

"### Is it Worth It? This scent aims for the sophisticated power suit vibe but ends up feeling more like business casual trying too hard. It’s best suited for cooler days, specifically fall or early spring, and ideal for daytime wear in a casual, non-intimate setting, such as running errands or a quick coffee date. While it strives for elegance, it lacks the polished refinement needed for truly formal events. ### Scent Breakdown Libbra opens with a burst of candied mandarin peel, a sticky sweetness that leans towards a slightly medicinal cherry cough syrup rather than fresh citrus. The lavender is there, but it's a sharper, almost astringent version compared to the original, with a pronounced black currant that introduces a jammy, syrupy dimension. The heart softens slightly, revealing a powdery orange blossom and indolic jasmine – less luminous, more like a vintage face powder dusted onto skin. The drydown attempts a creamy vanilla but lands with a plasticky, slightly screechy musk and a pencil-shaving cedar note, lacking the plush, amber depth of its inspiration. ### How Long Does it Last? Libbra clocks in at a solid 6-7 hours on skin. Projection is moderate, extending about an arm's length for the first two hours before settling closer to the body. I tested it in a busy office environment and during a moderately active afternoon; it held its own but developed a slight metallic tang after extended wear."

"### Conclusion This is for someone who prioritizes smelling “nice” without spending much thought or effort. Someone who is content with a simple, sweet, and somewhat synthetic fragrance that won't offend, but also won't particularly impress. Ideal wearer: a teenager who's just starting to explore fragrance or someone who wants a sweet, inoffensive scent for running errands. ### Scent Breakdown Freedom Intense opens with a blast of candied mandarin and something akin to black currant cordial – a cloying sweetness that lacks the nuanced complexity of natural fruit. The lavender is present, but subdued, almost a cleaning product lavender rather than an aromatic field. The heart attempts to emulate orange blossom, but ends up with a slightly indolic, Play-Doh-like quality. The jasmine is barely discernible. The drydown leans heavily on a vanilla accord that's not quite Madagascar; more like vanilla-scented candle wax mixed with a generic cedar note. It diverges significantly from its inspiration; it lacks the airy sophistication. ### How Long Does it Last? Longevity clocks in at about 5 hours. Projection is strong for the first hour, reaching maybe two arm lengths, then quickly retreats to a skin scent. I wore it during a casual grocery shopping trip and then again while doing yard work. It performed identically both times, consistently fading to a whisper after a few hours."

"### First Impressions & Dry Down Tharwah Gold opens with a sharply synthetic lavender; more akin to a cleaning product than the aromatic herb. The mandarin orange presents as a candied peel, intensely sweet and lacking any natural zest. A whisper of black currant emerges, but it’s a jammy, artificial interpretation, reminding me of children's medicine. The heart struggles to coalesce; a muddled blend of indolic jasmine and saccharine orange blossom, fighting for dominance against the persistent, astringent lavender. The drydown is where this fragrance falters most. The vanilla is a cloying, imitation Madagascar vanilla, lacking the depth and warmth of the real extract. The musk is noticeable but smells harsh, a synthetic cloud that smothers any remaining nuance, while the cedar offers a dry, pencil-shaving accord. It deviates significantly from its inspiration; the distinct differences being the lack of refinement and realistic ingredients. ### Wear time & Sillage Longevity is surprisingly robust, clocking in at approximately 7 hours on my skin. Projection is initially strong, filling a room within the first hour, then gradually receding to within arm's length for the remaining duration. Tested in a climate-controlled office environment. ### Final Thoughts Choosing Tharwah Gold over its muse means accepting a noticeable downgrade in scent quality. While it mimics the general structure, the execution suffers from inexpensive raw materials. The initial blast of lavender is off-putting and the drydown lacks elegance and warmth. One gains a bold, room-filling presence, but one loses the artistry and sophistication inherent in the original composition."