Xclusif Oud Bleu

Olfactory Experience

Xclusif Oud Bleu comes on strong, a crisp apple and bergamot blast aiming for Layton's sophistication but landing a bit…brighter. The lavender is amped up here, almost soapy, a slight detour from Layton's smoother opening. The heart does a decent job mimicking the floral spice of the original. I get the geranium and violet, though they lack the refined polish of Parfums de Marly. It’s in the base where the differences are most apparent. The vanilla is sweeter, more synthetic, and the guaiac wood lacks the nuanced smokiness of Layton's cardamom and sandalwood. Overall, it captures about 85% of Layton's DNA.

Conclusion

Xclusif Oud Bleu is for the guy who wants the Layton vibe without the Layton price tag. It's a good alternative for everyday wear, especially in cooler weather. If you demand absolute note-for-note accuracy and crave the highest quality ingredients, stick with the original. But if you're after a well-performing, mass-appealing fragrance that won't break the bank, this is worth a try.

How Long Does it Last?

Longevity is surprisingly good. I get a solid 7-8 hours on skin, with moderate projection for the first 2-3. It settles closer to the skin after that, leaving a pleasant, if somewhat less complex, vanilla-woody trail. This isn't a beast mode fragrance, but it definitely makes its presence known.