Vie Ciel

Conclusion

Vie Ciel is a decent budget alternative to Bvlgari Black. It captures the essence of the scent . Is it as good as the original? No. The synthetic touches are noticeable, especially in the drydown. But it's a worthwhile compromise. If you want a faithful rendition and are willing to pay, stick with the Bvlgari. If you're looking for a cheap daily driver that gets you in the ballpark, Vie Ciel is a viable option. A good buy for the budget-conscious fragrance enthusiast who appreciates the *idea* of Bvlgari Black, without the price tag.

Olfactory Experience

Vie Ciel is Fragrance World’s take on Bvlgari Black. The opening hits with a fairly accurate tea note, though it’s got a slightly sharper, more synthetic edge than the original. The aldehydes are there, lending a clean, almost soapy feel. Bergamot keeps it bright. It’s a decent start, probably 85% close to Bvlgari Black. The heart of pepper and iris emerges. There's a woody backbone from the guaiac, but the overall blend lacks the smoothness and refinement of the OG. It's a bit rough around the edges. The drydown brings musk, vetiver, and cedar. This is where the clone really separates itself. The vetiver is less nuanced, more linear, and the musk is a little screechy.

Performance Reality Check

Longevity is surprisingly good . I get about 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is moderate for the first hour, then it settles closer to the skin. Not a room filler. A solid office scent if you want something subtle.