Y Clones

"### The Scent Profile Lilac and Cinnamon initiates with a startlingly artificial apple accord, recalling cheap shampoo more than crisp fruit. The ginger attempts to rescue the opening, introducing a fleeting warmth, but it's ultimately subsumed by an acrid bergamot note. The heart struggles to emerge, the advertised sage and geranium muddled beyond recognition. The juniper provides a slight resinous undercurrent, but lacks definition. As it transitions to the base, the amberwood asserts its dominance. This is where it deviates most sharply from its inspiration. The Amberwood is an aggressive, synthetic wood aroma, smelling more like sawdust and chemical cleaner. The tonka bean surfaces eventually, lending a powdery, sweet counterpoint to the cedar, but is ultimately overwhelmed by the persisting amberwood. ### Bottom Line Wearing Lilac and Cinnamon compared to Y is a study in contrasts. The Zara offering captures a few fleeting echoes of the original's DNA. The bright opening is replaced by a crude caricature and the refined drydown is substituted with an overly synthetic woody base. One gains brief moderate wear, and sacrifices the nuance and smoothness of the fragrance it emulates. ### Longevity & Projection Longevity is moderate, lasting approximately five hours on skin. Projection is initially strong, extending about an arm's length, before quickly receding to a skin scent within the first hour. I tested this fragrance in both controlled indoor environments and during light outdoor activity. The performance remained consistent, with a rapid decline in sillage regardless of conditions."

"### The Scent Profile Pink Flambé initiates with an aggressively tart apple accord; less McIntosh, more green apple Jolly Rancher. The bergamot is a fleeting whisper, quickly overtaken by a synthetic ginger note, lacking the spice's characteristic warmth and instead possessing a slight metallic tang. The heart offers a fleeting glimpse of herbaceous sage, immediately submerged under the aquatic juniper and a strangely medicinal geranium. The promised amberwood in the base presents as a cloying sweetness, not unlike burnt caramel, fighting with the sharper cedar for dominance. There is an overall hollowness compared to its inspiration, lacking the nuanced depth; the ingredients feel disjointed. ### The Performance Stats Longevity is disappointing, clocking in at a mere three hours on skin. Projection is moderate for the first hour, extending about an arm's length before quickly collapsing into a skin scent. I tested this in a climate-controlled office environment; performance was similarly subdued outdoors on a mild day. ### Conclusion This fragrance suits someone seeking a very casual, ephemeral, and youthful scent for running errands or quick trips to the gym. It lacks the complexity and staying power for more formal occasions or for individuals seeking a signature scent."

"### First Impressions & Dry Down Al Tayoor Concentrated opens with a blast of candied apple, not unlike those caramel apples you get at the fair. The ginger is dialed up, lending a spicy warmth, while the bergamot adds a needed citrus counterpoint, but quickly fades. The heart transitions smoothly, with the herbal sage taking center stage, softened by the juniper's gin-like aroma. The geranium adds a slightly floral aspect. The drydown relies heavily on amberwood, giving it that modern woody backbone, alongside a powdery tonka bean and dry cedar. It deviates from the original, leaning more heavily into the sweeter amberwood elements, while the original has a brighter, fresher finish. ### Conclusion Wearing Al Tayoor Concentrated offers a similar experience to the original Y. What you gain is a slightly sweeter, more intense opening and a very long-lasting woody base. What you lose is some of the brightness and freshness that makes the original so appealing, particularly in warmer weather. It's a solid choice for those who enjoy sweeter, woodier fragrances, but it might not be a perfect replacement for the clean, crisp character of the OG. ### The Performance Stats I got a solid 6-7 hours of wear from Al Tayoor Concentrated, which is pretty average. Initially, it projects strongly, about an arm's length. After a couple of hours, it settles closer to the skin, becoming a pleasant, lingering scent bubble. I wore this during a day of errands and got a few unsolicited compliments."

"### First Impressions & Dry Down London opens with a juicy, synthetic apple that leans more towards green apple jolly rancher than anything natural. The ginger is subdued, mostly a fleeting spiciness underneath the sugary fruit. Bergamot adds a touch of lift, but it's quickly overshadowed by the cloying sweetness. The heart introduces a medicinal sage note that battles with the juniper, creating a slightly acrid, almost camphoraceous quality. Geranium tries to smooth things out, but the overall effect is a muddled herbaceousness. The base is where this really departs from its inspiration. Amberwood dominates with a harsh, scratchy woodiness, while the tonka bean offers a sickly sweet counterpoint, like artificial vanilla extract. The cedar is barely present. ### Projection Power I get around 4 hours of noticeable projection, extending about an arm's length for the first hour. After that, it quickly fades to a skin scent. I wore it during a day of errands, and by the time I got home, it was virtually gone. The initial blast is potent, but the longevity is severely lacking. ### Conclusion Choosing London over the original Y is like opting for a generic cola over the real thing. You get a similar vibe initially – sweet, fruity, somewhat fresh – but the nuances are absent, and the finish is noticeably inferior. What's gained? Perhaps a fleeting sense of saving money. What's lost? The refined sophistication and all-day wearability that makes Y a genuinely compelling everyday scent. This smells rushed, and cheaply made."

"### Bottom Line This is a casual, daytime fragrance best suited for spring or cooler summer days when a light, vaguely fruity scent is desired. It's far from a sophisticated experience and the synthetic qualities are noticeable, making it inappropriate for formal occasions or situations where a refined scent is necessary. ### How it Smells Cherry Sling opens with a bracing ginger and slightly tart apple, though an unfortunate synthetic undercurrent taints the initial freshness. It lacks the natural zest of the original Y. The heart attempts to capture the aromatic essence with sage and juniper, but the geranium smells decidedly artificial, adding a floral soapiness that clashes with the woody elements. The drydown is where the divergence is most apparent. Instead of a smooth, creamy woodiness, it becomes a rather abrasive amberwood bomb with a cloying tonka bean sweetness; a plasticky, synthetic amber accord predominates, cheapening the overall effect. ### Projection Power Longevity is surprisingly decent, clinging to the skin for around 5-6 hours. However, projection is moderate at best, extending maybe half an arm's length for the first hour before quickly settling into a skin scent. I wore this during a casual day of errands and found it faded into a dull, sweet amber hum."

"### First Impressions & Dry Down YEAH! opens with a tart apple accord, reminiscent of green jolly ranchers, laced with a candied ginger note that lacks the biting freshness of the real spice. The bergamot is fleeting, a whisper of citrus that quickly cedes to the synthetic sweetness. The heart introduces a clary sage element, thankfully tempering the initial saccharine onslaught. The juniper is present, but subdued, lending a vague aromatic quality rather than a distinct piney bite. Geranium provides a metallic green facet, but it feels muddled and indistinct. The drydown relies heavily on amberwood, which, in this composition, manifests as a woody amber with a scratchy, almost sawdust-like texture. Tonka bean adds a creamy sweetness, but it fights against the cedar, resulting in a slightly disjointed accord. It diverges from its inspiration in the mid and base, where the original has a smoother, more refined woody quality. Here, the synthetics are more pronounced. ### The Performance Stats Longevity is moderate, clocking in at around 5-6 hours on my skin. Projection is initially strong, projecting easily beyond arm's length for the first hour, before settling closer to the skin. I tested this in an office environment and received no comments, positive or negative. This suggests a moderate sillage that doesn't overwhelm. ### To Buy or Not to Buy? If YEAH! were a character in a movie, it would be the overeager understudy who memorized the lead's lines but can't quite capture their charisma or nuance."

"### The Scent Profile Nayel Queen blasts off with a surprisingly sharp green apple note – less like a ripe orchard, more like the artificial flavoring in a sour candy. The ginger attempts to cut through this sweetness but is quickly overpowered. There's a fleeting, almost chemical bergamot that vanishes before it can truly register. As it settles, the sage and juniper emerge, lending a slightly medicinal, herbaceous quality; this is where it deviates most significantly from its inspiration. The drydown becomes a generic amberwood bomb, mixed with a powdery tonka bean that ultimately feels unfinished. It lacks depth, substituting refined woodiness for a synthetic woody aroma. ### Projection Power On my skin, Nayel Queen lasted about 4-5 hours. Initial projection is strong, filling a room for the first hour, then quickly settling to an arms-length bubble. I tested it during a day of errands, and by the time I was home, it was a skin scent barely detectable. ### The Verdict If Nayel Queen were a character in a movie, it'd be the over-eager understudy who tries too hard to emulate the lead, but ultimately reveals a lack of polish and talent."

"### Is it Worth It? Ultra Juicy is best suited for a quick trip to the grocery store and absolutely nothing more. It’s a casual fragrance that would work best in spring or fall days. Save this only for situations where you're not looking to make a lasting impression. ### Scent Breakdown Ultra Juicy opens with an intensely synthetic apple note, reminiscent of those cheap apple-scented cleaning supplies. The ginger is sharp, almost acrid, fighting for dominance with the bergamot. It vaguely gestures in the direction of the original Y, but the similarity ends there. The heart is a muddled green mess; the sage and juniper blend into a general herbal vagueness without any character. As it dries, the dreaded amberwood asserts itself – screechy, synthetic, and headache-inducing. The tonka bean attempts to provide some sweetness, but is ultimately overpowered by the cedar, which smells like pencil shavings and plastic. ### Longevity & Projection Longevity is about 3-4 hours on my skin. Projection is initially strong for the first hour, projecting beyond arms reach. But it quickly fades to a skin scent after that. I tested this during a cool autumn day while running errands."

"### How it Smells Thursday – No Valentines But Flowers launches with a blast of artificial apple – less orchard, more candied Jolly Rancher. The ginger struggles to cut through the initial sweetness, adding only a faint spicy fizz. Bergamot is a ghost, replaced by something vaguely citrus and aggressively chemical. The heart introduces a noticeable herbal element; the sage and juniper attempt sophistication, but the overall impression is closer to a cheap aftershave with a potent alcohol bite. The drydown is where things fall apart. Amberwood dominates, leaving a harsh, scratchy texture that clings to the skin. The tonka bean offers a fleeting hint of warmth, quickly overtaken by a cedar note that smells distinctly of pencil shavings and synthetic musk. It vaguely resembles the Y DNA, but replaces nuance with cheap aromachemicals. ### Wear time & Sillage I get a solid 4 hours of wear, maybe 5 if I overspray. Projection is initially strong, filling a room for the first hour, before quickly settling into a skin scent. I wore it to the grocery store and the gym; it's noticeable, but not offensive in close quarters. ### The Verdict If this scent were a character in a movie, it would be the try-hard, overly eager intern desperately trying to impress the seasoned executive, but ultimately failing to mask their inexperience."

"### Olfactory Experience Dark Emerald opens with an accord aiming for crisp apple but landing closer to a green Jolly Rancher. The ginger is present, though it lacks the effervescence of natural ginger, instead presenting a candied sweetness. Bergamot is implied, adding a slight citrus lift, but it quickly recedes. The heart reveals a herbaceous, slightly bitter sage that clashes somewhat with the lingering apple sweetness. Juniper provides a piney, gin-like facet, while the geranium struggles to cut through the overall sweetness, creating an odd floral-fruity interplay. The base is dominated by amberwood, imparting a woody, synthetic warmth, coupled with a creamy tonka bean, that leans towards a Play-Doh-like sweetness. Cedar is subtle, offering a grounding, though somewhat dusty, effect. The resemblance to its inspiration is superficial; it captures a fleeting resemblance but lacks the refined, naturalistic quality. ### Final Thoughts This fragrance is suitable for a younger individual, perhaps a high schooler, drawn to sweet, easy-to-wear scents. Someone who frequents casual settings and prefers a loud, albeit somewhat crude, projection over nuanced refinement. ### Longevity & Projection Longevity is moderate, clocking in around 5 hours. Projection is initially strong, filling a room within the first hour, but it quickly settles to a skin scent. Tested in an office environment, it garnered neutral reactions."

"### The Ultimate Dumb Reach ** The Scent Profile ** Lattafa Fakhar Black is a hybrid clone, primarily targeting YSL Y EDP but mixing in elements of Invictus. It is the definition of "Blue Fragrance"—fresh, sweet, synthetic, and universally liked. The apple and ginger opening is crisp and energetic. It tones down the aggressive sage note found in YSL Y, making it smoother and slightly sweeter. It lacks the sharp, piercing metallic edge of the original, which many users actually prefer. ** Performance Reality Check ** Moderate. Unlike the "beast mode" YSL Y EDP, Fakhar sits in the 6-hour range. It projects well for the first hour but settles down quickly. It’s not a room filler, but it’s present. ** The Verdict ** The bottle looks fantastic, and the juice is the perfect "I don't know what to wear" solution. Office safe, gym safe, date safe. It’s not unique, and it won't win awards for artistic merit, but it simply smells good to everyone around you."

"### Scent Breakdown Cashmere Rose kicks off with a blast of candied apple—think green Jolly Rancher with a shaving cream accord underneath. The ginger is dialed back, thankfully preventing it from becoming a spicy mess, but the bergamot is MIA. The heart is where it somewhat mimics the Y DNA, offering a vague aromatic quality from the sage and juniper, but they're fighting against a potent, almost soapy geranium. The original's crisp freshness is replaced by a cloying sweetness. Drydown leans heavily on amberwood – that scratchy, synthetic wood note – alongside a powdery tonka bean that gives it a slightly suffocating feel. The cedar is nearly undetectable, buried under the sweet and woody avalanche. ### Longevity & Projection On my skin, Cashmere Rose lasts a solid 5 hours, but projection is moderate at best, barely extending beyond arm's length after the first hour. I wore it to the office, where it drew no compliments, and to the gym, where it felt oddly out of place mixing with sweat. I tested it on fabric as well, the amberwood lasted a full 24 hours! ### To Buy or Not to Buy? This one is best suited for cooler spring days or maybe early fall. I wouldn’t recommend it for hot weather; the sweetness could become overwhelming. Casual settings are preferable – running errands, grabbing coffee – places where you don't need to make a grand statement. It’s a daytime fragrance, leaning youthful and a little playful, but ultimately missing the mark on sophistication."

"### How it Smells Fabulous Sweet opens with a prominently synthetic apple note, less like a crisp Granny Smith and more akin to apple-scented cleaning fluid. The ginger attempts to cut through the initial saccharine blast, but only adds a fleeting spicy sharpness before fading. The bergamot is a ghost; any citrus is quickly buried under the sugary overload. The heart offers a slight reprieve with a herbaceous sage accord, yet it's overshadowed by a medicinal juniper. The geranium attempts a floral touch, but it registers as vaguely metallic. The base is where this deviates significantly. Instead of a smooth, woody amber, the amberwood leans heavily into a pungent, Iso E Super profile. The tonka provides a powdery sweetness that, combined with the cedar, creates a drydown reminiscent of artificially flavored sawdust. It's not a complete mimic of Y, especially lacking its refined freshness. ### To Buy or Not to Buy? Wearing Fabulous Sweet is like experiencing a distorted funhouse mirror reflection of Y. It offers a faint echo of the intended aroma, but lacks the nuance, balance, and overall quality. The robust initial projection can be overwhelming, and the synthetic nature of the ingredients becomes increasingly apparent as the fragrance develops. The gains are primarily in longevity, as the original's projection may be more subtle. The loss is in refinement, ingredient quality, and overall wearability. ### Projection Power Longevity is surprisingly robust, clocking in at around 6 hours. Projection, however, is initially forceful, reaching about two arm lengths, before rapidly diminishing to a skin scent within the first hour. Tested in a controlled office environment, its initial projection drew unsolicited comments - none positive."

"### Scent Breakdown Sheikh Shuyukh Final Edition kicks off with a crisp apple note that's less orchard-fresh and more like a green apple Jolly Rancher. The ginger is noticeable, thankfully not overpowering, and the bergamot adds a familiar citrusy lift. It veers from its inspiration in the mid; the sage is prominent, contributing an aromatic earthiness, and the juniper introduces a gin-like dryness. The geranium struggles to be noticed, overshadowed by the other players. In the base, the amberwood is strong and forward. Tonka sweetness peeks through, but the cedar is practically nonexistent. It lands as a sweeter, woodier take compared to the original scent, with an almost creamy edge, a little artificial. ### Projection Power On my skin, Sheikh Shuyukh Final Edition lasts a solid 6-7 hours. Projection is initially strong, filling a room for the first hour or so, then settles to about an arm's length for the next few. I wore it to the office on a casual Friday and found it appropriate, though perhaps a bit too loud for very close encounters in the first hour. I tested it at the gym, too, and it projected like crazy when I was sweating. Probably better suited to cooler environments. ### Conclusion If Sheikh Shuyukh Final Edition were a character, it would be the overconfident, try-hard younger brother who's trying too hard to imitate his cooler older sibling. He's got the swagger down, but lacks the effortless charm."

"### First Impressions & Dry Down Exclusive Oud by Zara presents an opening dominated by a candied apple accord – think artificial green apple jolly ranchers rather than a crisp, natural fruit. The ginger provides a fleeting warmth, quickly overshadowed by a pervasive, synthetic bergamot that veers towards lemon furniture polish. The heart struggles to emerge. There's a hint of herbaceous sage battling with the juniper, resulting in a slightly bitter, medicinal quality. Geranium is present, but subdued, contributing a metallic tang. The base is where the divergence from its inspiration becomes stark. The amberwood is pronounced, lending a scratchy, almost sandpaper-like texture. The tonka bean adds a saccharine sweetness, reminiscent of burnt sugar, while the cedar is rendered as a pencil shaving dryness. The overall effect is cloying and somewhat dissonant. ### Conclusion This fragrance is suitable for brief, casual encounters where close proximity is minimal. Perhaps a quick trip to the grocery store or a fleeting after-gym scent. The pronounced sweetness and synthetic edge, however, make it unsuitable for formal occasions or situations requiring sophisticated subtlety. ### The Performance Stats Longevity is moderate, clocking in at around 5 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong, extending to approximately one arm length, but quickly diminishes to a skin scent within 2 hours. Tested in both an office environment and casual outdoor setting, the synthetic nature of the composition became more pronounced in warmer conditions."

"### The Scent Profile The opening of Why by Paris Corner attempts the bright apple and ginger of its inspiration, but substitutes natural effervescence for a synthetic "apple-scented cleaning product" accord. The bergamot provides a brief lift, but the initial impression lacks depth, quickly resolving into a somewhat muddled heart. The sage is present, though muted, alongside a juniper that leans towards a medicinal, almost camphoraceous quality. The geranium struggles to surface, overpowered by the juniper's astringency. As it dries down, the amberwood dominates, presenting a harsh, woody aroma reminiscent of pencil shavings. The tonka provides a faint, powdery sweetness, but cannot fully counteract the cedar, which manifests as a dry, almost sawdust-like note. Compared to the original, this interpretation emphasizes the sharper, more synthetic facets of the composition, sacrificing nuance for volume. It mimics the overall shape, but the constituent parts are noticeably coarser. ### Bottom Line If this scent were a character, it would be a second-string office employee trying to impersonate the charismatic CEO; the effort is there, but the execution reveals the lack of genuine substance. ### Longevity & Projection Longevity is moderate, clocking in at approximately 5 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong, extending about an arm's length, but rapidly diminishes to a skin scent within 90 minutes. Tested in both indoor and outdoor environments, it performs consistently, albeit with limited endurance."

"### Conclusion Baroon is a solid choice for the guy who wants a simple, clean, and inoffensive fragrance for everyday wear. He works a standard 9-to-5, hits the gym a few times a week, and values practicality. He isn't overly concerned with making a bold statement, but still wants to smell put-together. It's a grab-and-go scent for those who prioritize ease and convenience. ### How it Smells Baroon kicks off with a crisp apple note, though it leans more towards green apple jolly rancher than a natural orchard scent. The ginger is dialed back, creating a subtle warmth, while the bergamot adds a fleeting citrusy brightness. As it settles, the sage emerges, blending with a slightly medicinal juniper and a clean, slightly soapy geranium. This heart phase is where it deviates most from the inspiration, becoming less sharp and more rounded. The drydown is dominated by a noticeable amberwood note, which can come off as a bit scratchy. A hint of tonka adds a touch of sweetness, balanced by a cedar note that prevents it from becoming cloying. There's a synthetic woody aspect here that lingers. ### The Performance Stats I get about 5-6 hours of wear with Baroon. The projection is moderate, staying within arm's length for the first couple of hours before settling closer to the skin. I wore this during a casual Friday at the office and then while running errands on the weekend. It performs adequately in both situations, but I wouldn't rely on it for a big night out."

"### The Scent Profile Opus by MAD launches with a blast of artificial apple – think green Jolly Rancher mixed with the metallic tang of ginger ale, a far cry from Y's smoother opening. The bergamot is present but fleeting, quickly overtaken by the synthetic fruitiness. The heart offers a medicinal sage note alongside a vague juniper berry accord, which is a pale imitation of the original's aromatic depth. Geranium peeks through, adding a rosy facet that fights with the other synthetics. The drydown is where it truly falters: amberwood dominates, giving it a harsh, scratchy texture, while a weak tonka bean note attempts to soften the sharp cedar. It has a slightly acrid, vinyl-like undertone that persists until the end. ### Longevity & Projection Longevity is moderate, clocking in at around 5 hours. Projection is initially strong, reaching about an arm's length for the first hour, before quickly settling close to the skin. I tested this during a humid workday, and it became cloying and tiresome. It performs adequately in cooler settings, but the synthetic edge becomes more pronounced. ### Final Thoughts Choosing Opus over the original Y is a matter of sacrifice. You gain a similar initial impression, but with a noticeable downgrade in quality. You lose the nuance, the smoothness, and the overall refinement of the genuine article. While it may scratch the itch for the scent profile, the synthetic composition gives it a juvenile feel and fails to capture the sophisticated essence of Y. Ultimately, it's a reminder that some scents are best experienced in their original form."

"### Conclusion This fragrance is best suited for casual situations where subtlety is key, like running errands or a quick gym session. It's inoffensive enough not to offend, but lacks the sophistication for a date night or formal event. If you're after a deeply complex or long-lasting experience, you might be disappointed. ### Notes & Nuances F Le Parfum opens with a surprisingly tart apple note, not the crisp Granny Smith I expected, but more akin to artificial green apple flavoring, sharply contrasted by a peppery ginger. The bergamot is fleeting, a whisper before the synthetic amberwood takes over. The heart promises sage and juniper, but I mostly get a generic, almost-metallic freshness, like damp steel wool. The drydown is where the cracks really show. Instead of a smooth tonka bean, it's a powdery, slightly acrid cedar note that dominates, leaving a plasticky residue on the skin. The resemblance to Y by YSL is superficial; it captures a similar *idea* of freshness, but lacks the depth and refined blending of the original. ### How Long Does it Last? Longevity is mediocre, at best lasting around 4 hours on my skin. Projection is moderate for the first hour, extending about an arm's length, before quickly fading into a skin scent. I tested it during a mild spring day at the office, and by lunchtime it was virtually undetectable."

"### Scent Breakdown Halloween Man Mystery kicks off with a crisp apple note that's more like a green apple Jolly Rancher than a natural orchard. The ginger adds a spicy zest, battling the bergamot for dominance. In the heart, the sage offers a grounding, herbal counterpoint to the juniper's gin-like quality. The geranium is present, but not as prominent as in the original, more like a background hum. The drydown is where this diverges most noticeably. Instead of the smooth, creamy base of Y, Mystery leans heavily into amberwood, producing a sharp, almost metallic edge. There is also a cloying tonka bean note, and the cedar is present but feels synthetic. It smells less refined, losing some of the sophisticated smoothness found in its inspiration. ### Conclusion This is a daytime scent best suited for spring and fall. It’s casual and approachable, perfect for running errands or a relaxed lunch. I wouldn’t wear it to a formal event, and the sweet drydown might become tiresome in high heat. Good for a casual daily driver, but be mindful of over spraying. ### Performance Reality Check I get about six hours of wear from Halloween Man Mystery. Projection is moderate for the first two hours – noticeable within arm's reach – then settles closer to the skin. I wore this while running errands and got a compliment from a cashier, but also while working from home and found it a bit cloying after a few hours indoors."

"### To Buy or Not to Buy? This is a bright, youthful fragrance best suited for the early spring days when the air still holds a chill. It has an inherent casualness, making it fitting for running errands or grabbing a quick coffee. However, its fleeting nature and synthetic finish make it unsuitable for formal occasions or extended wear. The wearer of Femme is someone who values instant gratification and doesn't mind a brief, fleeting encounter. ### How it Smells Femme opens with a candied apple blast – not the crisp orchard kind, but more akin to a hard, green Jolly Rancher left in the sun. The ginger attempts to cut through the initial sweetness but is quickly subdued, leaving only a faint, spicy tickle. As it settles, the sage and juniper offer a brief respite from the initial saccharine jolt, adding a herbal, almost medicinal quality reminiscent of menthol cough drops. However, the amberwood takes center stage far too quickly, resulting in a plasticky, synthetic dry down that clashes with the naturalistic aspirations of the top notes. The original Y offers a smoother transition; this clone struggles with a disorienting, jarring shift. ### The Performance Stats On my skin, Femme lasts a meager three hours, becoming a skin scent within the first hour. Projection extends to about an arm's length initially, then quickly retracts. I wore it during a casual outing to the farmer's market and found it completely faded by the time I was browsing the vegetable stalls."

"### First Impressions & Dry Down Woman Cherry opens with an immediate, almost acrid blast of synthetic apple. This isn’t fresh orchard fruit; rather, imagine a candied apple left too long in the sun. The ginger note attempts to cut through the cloying sweetness, but lacks the necessary sharpness, resulting in a somewhat muddied accord. The bergamot is barely detectable, subsumed by the aggressively artificial apple. The heart introduces a fleeting herbal quality from the sage and juniper, but these are quickly overwhelmed by a strong, powdery geranium note. This floral element feels disconnected from the initial fruity burst, creating a disjointed composition. The original's smoothness is entirely absent here. The drydown leans heavily on amberwood, resulting in a harsh, synthetic woodiness with a plasticky undertone. The tonka bean adds a touch of sweetness, yet fails to adequately soften the abrasive cedar. The cedar itself lacks depth, presenting as a one-dimensional, pencil-shaving accord. ### To Buy or Not to Buy? Wearing Woman Cherry is like experiencing a distorted photocopy of the original. While it shares some superficial similarities, the execution is significantly inferior. You gain a fleeting, synthetic approximation, but lose the refined nuances and overall balance that define the inspiration. The harsh drydown and disconnected composition ultimately detract from the experience. ### Projection Power Longevity is surprisingly moderate, clocking in at around 4-5 hours. Projection is initially strong, reaching beyond arm's length, but quickly diminishes to a skin scent within the first hour. I tested this in a climate-controlled office environment."

"### Bottom Line Wearing Gourmand Addict is a tradeoff. One gains a pronounced sweetness and strong initial projection, useful for immediate impact. One loses the nuanced, sophisticated balance of the original. The synthetic edge and simplified composition are undeniable, rendering it a less complex and ultimately less rewarding experience. ### Scent Breakdown Gourmand Addict opens with an assertive, almost aggressive apple accord. It's not a fresh, crisp apple, but rather a candied apple— bordering on artificial, with a synthetic acetone edge. The ginger is muted, detectable only as a slight peppery tingle beneath the dominant saccharine sweetness. Bergamot is present, offering fleeting citrus zest, but quickly vanishes. The heart reveals a herbaceous sage note, though overshadowed by the lingering apple. Juniper contributes a subtle, piney resinous touch, struggling against the gourmand character. The geranium is nearly imperceptible. As it dries, the base emerges—primarily a hefty dose of amberwood, providing a potent, woody-amber backbone. The tonka contributes a powdery sweetness, melding with the lingering candied apple. The cedar, unfortunately, presents as pencil shavings, lacking depth or realism. It diverges from its inspiration primarily in the top notes, with the original possessing a brighter, cleaner opening, while this leans towards a cloying, dense sweetness. ### Longevity & Projection Longevity is moderate, lasting approximately 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong, extending about one and a half arm lengths, then gradually diminishing to a skin scent after 3 hours. I tested it in an office environment; its sweetness became somewhat tiresome by midday."

"### How it Smells Malik Al Tayoor announces itself with a candied apple blast, think green Jolly Rancher dipped in ginger ale. The bergamot is a fleeting citrus whisper, immediately overshadowed by the sweet and spicy accord. The heart attempts to ground the sweetness with sage, but it's a losing battle. Instead, the juniper adds a gin-like sharpness that clashes with the underlying candy. Geranium struggles to be noticed. The drydown is where this deviates significantly. Amberwood takes center stage, creating a scratchy, synthetic woodiness. The tonka is dialed way back, preventing any real creaminess. Cedar is detectable, but has a pencil shavings rawness, rather than a smooth woodiness. It’s not a bad scent, per se, but the original’s refined sweetness is replaced by a coarser interpretation. ### To Buy or Not to Buy? If this scent were a character in a movie, it would be the overly enthusiastic, slightly awkward new intern who tries way too hard to impress, but ultimately misses the mark. ### Longevity & Projection I got about 5 hours of noticeable wear. Projection is moderate, extending maybe an arm's length for the first two hours, then settling closer to the skin. I wore it to the grocery store and received no compliments. I wore it on a walk and didn't find it cloying, but also didn't find it invigorating."

"### Bottom Line Wearing Woman Gold versus Y is like choosing a mass-produced print over an original painting. You get the basic idea, but the depth and artistry are missing. You might save some wear on your expensive bottle of Y by using this for quick errands, but the experience isn't comparable. You sacrifice complexity and longevity. It's a placeholder, not a replacement. ### Olfactory Experience Woman Gold hits with an initial burst of candied apple. There's a slight resemblance to Y, but the apple leans heavily synthetic, almost bordering on apple-scented cleaning product. The ginger is more of a suggestion than a clear note, blending quickly into a slightly soapy sage heart. The juniper is almost undetectable. As it dries, the amberwood takes over, giving it a scratchy, woody feel that overpowers the tonka. It has a synthetic edge that reminds me of plasticky vanilla. It’s a far cry from the smoother, more nuanced drydown of Y. It's like a simplified, younger sister – the resemblance is there, but the character is significantly different. ### The Performance Stats This is an intimate scent. Projection is maybe an arm's length for the first hour, then quickly settles into a skin scent. I get about 4 hours of noticeable wear before it completely fades. I wore it to the office on a fairly mild day. It didn't offend anyone, but it also didn't garner any compliments. It's strictly a close encounter fragrance."

"### Final Thoughts This fragrance is best suited for cooler autumn evenings. Its saccharine sweetness might be cloying in warmer weather, and the synthetic edge makes it too informal for upscale settings. Consider this for casual gatherings or a relaxed night in; just be mindful of overspraying. ### Scent Breakdown Spice + Vanilla opens with a candied apple sweetness laced with a metallic ginger. Bergamot offers a fleeting brightness, but it's immediately swallowed by the synthetic amberwood lurking beneath. The heart attempts a herbal sophistication with sage and a whisper of juniper, though a cheap, floral geranium soapiness quickly dominates. This is where it veers furthest from its inspiration; the original’s smooth aromatics are replaced by a disjointed, slightly medicinal accord. The drydown is a cloying mix of tonka bean and cedar sawdust. The amberwood amplifies, lending a persistent, plasticky warmth that lingers unpleasantly. ### Wear time & Sillage Longevity is moderate, clinging to the skin for around 5-6 hours. Projection is initially strong, filling a room for the first hour, before quickly settling into a close-to-the-skin scent bubble. I tested this during a humid afternoon walk – the sweetness amplified, becoming almost suffocating."

"### Olfactory Experience Bois Soleil starts with a crisp, almost effervescent apple note laced with a zesty ginger. It's bright, initially, reminiscent of a freshly opened can of Sprite mixed with green apple shampoo. The bergamot is there, but it's a fleeting whisper. The heart loses some of the initial zest, transitioning into a sage-heavy aroma. The juniper provides a woody backbone, but the geranium feels a little buried. The drydown introduces amberwood, providing a woody, slightly sweet accord, along with a tonka bean sweetness that leans somewhat synthetic. The cedar provides a pleasant dryness, but the amberwood dominates this stage, resulting in a simple and straightforward profile. It is very similar to its inspiration, however, missing some of the original's sophistication in the drydown. ### Longevity & Projection Longevity is solid, clocking in at around 6 hours on my skin. Projection is moderate; it projects about an arm's length for the first hour, then settles closer to the skin. I wore this during a casual Friday at the office, and then again on a weekend grocery run. It performed admirably in both scenarios. ### The Verdict This is a solid, everyday fragrance for the guy who likes to smell clean and presentable without making a bold statement. He’s probably in his late 20s to early 40s, works in a relaxed office environment, and enjoys grabbing a beer with friends after work. He's not trying to break any molds, just wants to smell agreeable and put-together."

"### How it Smells Ancestral Papyrus blasts off with a surprisingly tart, almost sour green apple note that’s noticeably harsher than the original Y. The ginger is present, but it lacks the effervescence; instead, it smells slightly metallic, like cheap ginger ale left open overnight. The heart attempts to mimic the aromatic freshness with sage and juniper, but it comes across as a muddled, vaguely herbal scent with a faint, medicinal undertone. The drydown is where it really departs from the inspiration; the amberwood is cranked up, resulting in an overly synthetic, woody-amber accord that clings to the skin with a somewhat irritating, scratchy quality. There's a plasticky cedar note alongside it. The overall effect is less refined, more aggressively synthetic. ### Is it Worth It? This fragrance is for the young man still in college, who needs a serviceable scent for everyday wear to classes and the library. It is a daily beater fragrance. It won’t impress, but it also won't break the bank. ### Projection Power On my skin, Ancestral Papyrus lasted around 4 hours, with projection extending about an arm's length for the first hour before quickly receding to a skin scent. I tested it at the office, where it didn't offend, but it also didn't garner any compliments, likely due to the diminished sillage."

"### To Buy or Not to Buy? Wearing the original Y is like attending a sophisticated cocktail party; Final Edition is more akin to crashing a frat party. You get the general vibe, the feeling of exhilaration. What's lost is the elegance, the smoothness, and the refinement. What's gained is volume and perhaps a bolder, more youthful statement. If you're seeking sheer impact, Final Edition delivers. If you crave understated class, look elsewhere. ### Scent Breakdown Final Edition announces itself with a digitized apple accord, think candied green apple with a synthetic ginger bite, not the crisp tartness of a real orchard. The bergamot attempts to cut through this sweetness, but gets somewhat flattened. The heart introduces a soapy sage, clean and somewhat indistinct. The juniper is a whisper, and the geranium feels more like a generic "floral" note. As it settles, the drydown presents a wall of amberwood, leaning into a potent, somewhat harsh woodiness, layered with the powdery sweetness of tonka. The cedar is present, but overshadowed. It lacks the smooth transitions and nuanced evolution of its inspiration, favoring a linear, louder interpretation. ### How Long Does it Last? I get a solid 6 hours of wear with Final Edition. Initial projection is strong, easily extending beyond arm's length for the first hour or two. It then settles closer to the skin but remains noticeable for a good portion of its lifespan. I tested this during a gym workout – it cut through the sweat and held its own."

"### Olfactory Experience Fakhar by Lattafa opens with a blast of green apple cleaner rather than a crisp, juicy apple. The ginger is present, but muted, lending a spicy undertone to the dominant synthetic fruit. Bergamot is barely detectable. As it dries, a cloying sweetness takes over, mixing with a slightly medicinal sage note that verges on unpleasant. The juniper is fleeting. In the base, the amberwood asserts itself, creating a woody, somewhat harsh scent reminiscent of pencil shavings. The tonka bean attempts to soften the composition, yet can't fully mask the artificial cedar undertones. It shares the direction of Y, but lacks the nuanced freshness, instead offering a blunter, less refined version. ### Bottom Line This fragrance is suited for a young person, maybe a student, who wants a scent that makes a statement without demanding too much attention. Someone who doesn't mind a synthetic edge and values projection over refinement. Fakhar is fine for casual wear, but perhaps best avoided for more sophisticated occasions. ### Projection Power I observed around six hours of wear, with moderate projection for the first two. After that, it sits closer to the skin. I tested it during a day of errands: grocery shopping, gym visit, and walking the dog. While it lasted through these activities, the initial sweetness became tiresome by the end of the day."

"### Notes & Nuances Why by Privezarah initiates with an upfront green apple accord, reminiscent of unsweetened apple juice, rather than the candied quality often observed in comparable fragrances. The ginger is dialed back, contributing a slight peppery zest that's quickly overshadowed by the emergence of a pervasive, synthetic amberwood. This amberwood note, while attempting to emulate woody warmth, unfortunately imparts a plasticky sheen. The heart presents a muted sage, almost indistinguishable, blended with a restrained juniper that leans slightly medicinal. Geranium is detectable, adding a faint rosy nuance that struggles to cut through the amberwood's dominance. The drydown is primarily amberwood, with a whisper of tonka bean providing a vaguely sweet counterpoint, but it is not enough to remove the synthetic acetone edge. The cedar is faint, almost non-existent. Compared to the original, this lacks the vibrant, juicy freshness and refined woody base. The core structure is similar, but the ingredient quality noticeably diverges. ### Bottom Line This fragrance is best suited for a younger individual, perhaps a student or someone in an environment where a bold fragrance would be inappropriate. Its unobtrusive nature might appeal to those seeking a safe, unremarkable scent for casual, everyday wear. The faint sweetness might appeal to those who like sweeter scents, but its synthetic qualities may become grating with extended wear. ### Performance Reality Check Longevity on skin is approximately 5-6 hours. Projection extends to about one arm length for the first hour, then quickly retracts to a skin scent. Tested in an office environment, it neither impressed nor offended, existing largely as an unremarked presence."