Tribal Gold

Bottom Line

Tribal Gold is a solid option if you want the Le Male Elixir vibe without breaking the bank. The synthetic opening might put off some, but it quickly fades. If you're obsessed with hyper-realistic scents, stick to the original. But if you're a value-seeker who enjoys sweet, warm fragrances and wants a good approximation Tribal Gold is worth a shot. For casual wear, this does the job admirably.

Notes & Nuances

Tribal Gold kicks off with a blast of lavender and mint, not quite as refined as Le Male Elixir. There's a definite synthetic edge in the opening, a bit sharper, less rounded. The heart leans heavily into vanilla – very sweet, bordering on cloying if oversprayed. The benzoin adds a slight resinous touch. Drydown is where it gets interesting. The honey and tonka bean combo is pretty well done, mimicking the warm, comforting feel of the original. The tobacco note is muted; barely there. Overall, it's about 90% similar, missing the smooth blending and depth of Elixir, especially in the initial spray.

Projection Power

Longevity is surprisingly good . I get a solid 6-7 hours on skin. Projection is moderate for the first hour, then settles closer to the skin. It won’t fill a room, but leaves a pleasant scent bubble. Don't expect beast mode performance; it's a more intimate fragrance.