The Moon

To Buy or Not to Buy?

If you're curious about "The Moon" but balk at the Frederic Malle price tag, this is a worthy alternative. It captures the essence of the original . Yes, it has a slightly synthetic edge, especially in the drydown, but it's hard to complain. This is a good option for date night or special occasions when you want something bold and attention-grabbing.

Notes & Nuances

Fragrance World's "The Moon" is clearly trying to mimic Frederic Malle's masterpiece, and it gets surprisingly close, maybe 90%. The opening blasts with a sweet, jammy raspberry and a touch of spicy saffron. I get the litchi, but it's more in the background. The heart shifts to a prominent rose, a bit more candied than the original, alongside the olibanum's incense. The drydown is where the differences become clearer. The oud here is more synthetic, less refined, and lacks the depth and nuance of Malle's version. Still, the leather and amber provide a warm, grounding base.

Performance Reality Check

This one performs. I'm getting a solid 7-8 hours on my skin, and the projection is above average for the first few hours. It creates a noticeable scent bubble. Don't overspray this, or you'll choke out everyone around you. Two sprays are plenty.