Glorious Oud Royal Blanc

The Verdict

This clone is a reasonable substitute for those seeking the *idea* of Musk Therapy without the hefty price tag. The synthetic musk is the biggest giveaway. If you can tolerate that soapy note, it's a decent daily wear, especially in warmer weather. For the average consumer seeking a fresh, clean fragrance on a budget, this will suffice.

How it Smells

Glorious Oud Royal Blanc opens with a burst of citrus – bergamot and mandarin, quite sharp. The white musk is present immediately, though it leans slightly soapy rather than creamy, a common trait in less expensive musk accords. As it develops, the magnolia surfaces, a clean, floral heart note that attempts to mirror Initio's original. However, it lacks the luminosity found in Musk Therapy. The black currant provides a subtle tartness, more of a whisper than a shout. The drydown is a mix of sandalwood and that initial soapy musk. The hedione, while present, doesn't fully replicate the airy quality it brings to the original. Overall, it captures roughly 95% of Musk Therapy's DNA, but with noticeable synthetic edges.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity is moderate. Expect around 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong for the first hour, then settles closer to the body. Don't expect a room-filling experience.