Exotic Rose

Is it Worth It?

Is Exotic Rose a perfect dupe? No. Does it scratch the itch ? Absolutely. If you're curious about Radical Rose but balk at the price tag, this is a worthwhile experiment. It's a good entry point. Just be aware of the slightly synthetic edges and don't expect the full luxurious experience. At 1/10th the cost, it's a solid value play for a rose fragrance. Worth a blind buy if you like rose scents and are on a budget.

The Scent Profile

Exotic Rose by French Avenue aims for Matiere Premiere's Radical Rose, and it gets close...ish. The opening has a blast of pepper and saffron, but it's noticeably sharper, a tad synthetic compared to the smoother, more natural spice in the original. The rose heart is there, a jammy rose centifolia, but it lacks the depth and luxurious feel. It's a simpler rose, less nuanced. The drydown of patchouli and labdanum is where it deviates most. The original has a richer, darker, more grounding base. This clone goes for a lighter, sweeter, slightly powdery finish. I'd say it captures about 85% of the original's DNA.

Longevity & Projection

The performance is decent . It projects moderately for the first hour or two, then settles closer to the skin. Longevity? I get about 5-6 hours, which is respectable. Don't expect all-day performance like you would with Radical Rose.