ÉCLAT 979 VIP

First Impressions & Dry Down

ÉCLAT 979 VIP aims for Xerjoff's Alexandria II and gets... close. The opening has that spiced rosewood vibe, but with a noticeable synthetic lavender blast. It's there, just rougher. The heart of rose and lily-of-the-valley is surprisingly well done, echoing the original's floral sweetness. The drydown is where it stumbles; the oud and sandalwood are present, but lack the depth and richness of Alexandria II. It's a vanilla-heavy base that leans a little too sweet and a little too simple. Maybe 91% of the way there.

The Verdict

ÉCLAT 979 VIP is a solid option if you crave a similar profile to Alexandria II without the hefty price tag. It has synthetic edges, but nothing offensive. If you're after the real deal and its nuances, save your pennies. But if you want a respectable approximation that won't break the bank, this is worth a shot. But budget-wise, this scratches the itch . Buy if you appreciate a nice smell at a budget price and don't need hyper-realism.

Projection Power

Performance is decent, especially considering the price. I get about 6 hours of moderate projection before it sits closer to the skin. It's not a beast, but it’s also not a complete disappearing act. Good for a workday or an evening out.