ÉCLAT 691

Notes & Nuances

ÉCLAT 691 aims squarely for Dior Homme Intense and lands… reasonably close. The initial blast of lavender and bergamot is a little rough around the edges – a noticeable synthetic tang compared to the smooth opening of DHI. The iris heart, crucial to DHI's character, is present but lacks the buttery richness; it's more powdery, almost chalky. That pear note peeks through subtly, adding a touch of sweetness absent in the original. The drydown is where this clone shines most, with cedar and vetiver providing a decent, albeit simplified, impression of DHI's woody base. I'd say it achieves about 89% of the DHI DNA.

Performance Reality Check

Don't expect beast mode. ÉCLAT 691 projects moderately for the first hour, creating a pleasant scent bubble. After that, it settles closer to the skin. Longevity is decent; I get around 5-6 hours, which is respectable point. Reapplication might be needed to maintain its presence throughout the day.

Is it Worth It?

For the budget-conscious fragrance enthusiast, ÉCLAT 691 offers a worthwhile alternative to Dior Homme Intense. It captures the essence of DHI without the hefty price tag. While it has some synthetic shortcomings, particularly in the opening, the overall experience is satisfying, especially the drydown. Is DHI ten times better? Objectively, no. If you crave the original’s refined depth and quality ingredients, splurge. But if you want a good-smelling approximation that won’t break the bank, ÉCLAT 691 is a solid contender. Good for date night, or when you want to smell nice on a budget.