Lalique

The Verdict

If you crave Sycomore but refuse to pay the Chanel price, this gets you close enough. It's a decent substitute for daily wear or layering. Just be aware of the synthetic edges, particularly in the opening. It offers a good enough impression, especially . Buy it if you want that vetiver fix without breaking the bank.

Olfactory Experience

This Encre Noire Extreme clone attempts Sycomore, and lands somewhere in the ballpark, maybe 89% similar. The opening is sharper, more aggressively peppery than Sycomore's smoother entrance. I get the juniper, and a definite aldehydic fizz, which is a *bit* much. The heart is vetiver-forward, like the original, but with a slightly rougher edge. Think sandpaper versus silk. The violet is a nice touch, adding some needed powderiness. Drydown brings the sandalwood and tobacco, but they're a bit muted, blending into a generic "woody" accord. Sycomore has a richer, more natural feel overall.

Performance Reality Check

Longevity is surprisingly decent. I get about 6 hours on skin, with moderate projection for the first 2 hours. It becomes a skin scent fairly quickly after that. Not bad point.