Vibrant Sensual Saffron

How it Smells

Vibrant Sensual Saffron jumps right in with that distinctive saffron and grapefruit combo, attempting the Byredo's Black Saffron opening. It gets pretty close, maybe 91% there. The grapefruit is a touch sharper, less natural. The heart brings in a leathery violet, where the clone deviates most. It's a simpler, slightly harsher leather than the original's smooth suede impression. The dry down is where this clone really shines; the raspberry, cashmeran and vetiver blend gives a warm, comforting feel, a bit sweeter than the Byredo, but pleasant nonetheless.

Longevity & Projection

Don't expect beast mode. On my skin, it projects moderately for about an hour, then settles into a skin scent. Longevity is decent; I get about 5-6 hours total. It's perfectly acceptable but if you need all day performance, prepare to reapply.

Bottom Line

Vibrant Sensual Saffron is a solid option. If you're curious about Black Saffron but can't justify the Byredo price tag, this will scratch the itch. It's not a perfect replica, lacking some of the original's nuanced complexity and smoothness, but it captures the overall vibe. For those on a budget who appreciate a sweet, leathery saffron scent, this is a worthy contender. For the value hunter, this is a smart buy.