With the DNA of Ex Nihilo's Blue Talisman, my journey into the world of dupes began. One of the first dupes I really noticed was Lattafa's Art of Universe, which I still really enjoy wearing two years later.
By now, I have several of the well-known Blue Talisman dupes, so I can say that Nautilus definitely belongs in the top tier of alternatives.
Right at the beginning, it captures the pear that is so characteristic of the Blue Talisman fragrance world, into which bergamot and ginger then blend. In the drydown, the pear remains, while the bergamot gives way to lightly floral notes and then musk, vanilla and amber.
For me, it is still one of the best DNAs ever, although Mykonos is more of a subtle interpretation. Well balanced, it is not quite as room-filling as an Art of Universe, but that does not make it any worse. A wonderful fragrance.
