Vie Feu

The Verdict

Vie Feu offers a reasonable approximation of Le Gemme Azaran . The differences are apparent, especially in the refinement of the raw materials. This is about a 85% clone. If you crave the Azaran DNA but can't stomach the cost, Vie Feu satisfies the itch. This is a solid budget option.

Notes & Nuances

Vie Feu opens with a respectable saffron note. It's not as refined as Azaran, exhibiting a slight synthetic tang. The bergamot adds lift, but the initial impression is 85% similar to the Bvlgari. The heart introduces a green tea accord that's noticeably less nuanced. Vie Feu presents a slightly bitter green tea, while Azaran's is smoother, more integrated with the cedar. The base develops a drier leather note, less supple compared to the original. The beeswax is present but dialed down. The woody notes are fairly generic; a blend of cedar-like aromachemicals. It captures the general structure of Azaran's base, yet lacks its depth.

The Performance Stats

Longevity is moderate, projecting for about 2-3 hours before becoming a skin scent. Total wear time: around 6-7 hours. Azaran easily doubles that, lasting well into the double-digit range. The sillage is also reduced. Projection is arm's length for the first hour, then it retreats closer to the skin.