No. 2 Men

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a cheap and cheerful daily driver that smells similar to 212, No. 2 Men is a solid option. It's perfect for the office or casual wear in warmer weather. If you just want that clean, fresh vibe without breaking the bank, this clone will do the trick.

Olfactory Experience

No. 2 Men by Maison Alhambra wants to be 212, and it gets pretty close. The opening is a blast of fresh, slightly bitter grapefruit alongside some vague "green notes." I pick up the spice, but it's a bit muted compared to the sharper, almost metallic edge of the original. The heart softens with a powdery violet note and a touch of ginger. The gardenia is barely there for me. The drydown is where it differs most. It leans heavier on a clean musk and sandalwood, while the incense takes a backseat. It's 89% in the ballpark of 212, but the synthetic edges are a little more apparent, especially up close.

Longevity & Projection

This isn't a beast mode fragrance, which is fine. It projects moderately for the first hour or so, creating a nice scent bubble. After that, it settles closer to the skin. I get around 5-6 hours of wear on my skin, which is decent for a freshie. Reapplication might be needed for a full day.