Vie Sol

Olfactory Experience

Vie Sol opens with a blast of geranium, a rather sharp, almost metallic rendition. Compared to Kobraa, it lacks the refined floral nuance. The original's geranium is smoother, rounded, and less overtly green. Here, the geranium feels somewhat synthetic. The heart features olibanum, but it’s a muted, resinous echo compared to the original. The incense feels thinner, lacking the depth and smoky character of Kobraa. The dry down reveals the agarwood. It's present, woody, but also noticeably synthetic. The oud is a far cry from the complex, slightly animalic oud found in the Bvlgari. Overall, it captures roughly 85% of Kobraa’s essence but with cheaper materials.

The Performance Stats

Longevity is moderate. I get about 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong for the first hour, then settles closer to the skin. A skin scent by hour four. Decent point, but don't expect beast mode performance. However, be aware of the synthetic edges. If you’re craving the full, rich experience of the original, Kobraa is worth the splurge. But for a daily driver or casual wear, Vie Sol can satisfy the itch without breaking the bank. It's a decent representation, but not a perfect substitute.