Lumiere Elle

The Verdict

If you're chasing the vibe of Stellar Times but balk at the Louis Vuitton price tag, Lumiere Elle is a solid option. The opening might betray its budget, but the amber heart is the star. It's a fragrance for the confident, yet grounded individual. Someone who appreciates beauty, but isn't afraid to be practical. This is a fantastic compromise.

The Scent Profile

Lumiere Elle opens with a bright, almost candied orange blossom. It's undeniably pleasant, hitting a similar sparkly sweetness as Stellar Times. However, the initial blast has a slightly synthetic edge that the original avoids. The heart quickly emerges: a warm, comforting amber. This is where the clone shines. It mirrors the luxurious, slightly resinous amber of the inspiration with impressive accuracy – around 85%. The dry down leans heavily into Peru balsam and woody notes. It's comforting, slightly powdery. It differs from the original, which retains more of its ambery sweetness.

Performance Reality Check

Projection is moderate for the first hour, leaving a noticeable trail. After that, it settles closer to the skin. Longevity is decent, clocking in around 5-6 hours on my skin. Not beastly, but perfectly acceptable point.