Fenrir96

I have tested many niche houses, have various Xerjoffs in my collection, and of course, the Hypetrain-Godfather of Oud couldn't be missing from Alexandria II. Fortunately, I only sought this one out as a 5 ml sample back then.

I must admit, I was a bit disappointed at the time. Not because Alex II wasn't well made - on the contrary - it is an exceptionally crafted fragrance.
Personally, I just don't like the scent composition. And that annoyed me. I wanted to like it, but it just wasn't for me. Too medicinal, the oud a bit too barn-like (I don't want to know how I would react to Alexandria III or Orientale) and overall just "too much."

After I became aware of Somewoody and read some reviews, I ordered it right away because I liked the variant described as "Alexandria-Light." At that price, definitely worth a blind buy.

I really had to laugh; this fragrance combines everything I like about Alexandria and leaves out what doesn't suit my taste.
First, however, there is a slight synthetic note in the first 20 seconds after spraying. But it disappears as quickly as it came. After 5 minutes, everything settles and sorts out, and I smell a truly beautiful sweet-creamy-woody fragrance.

As the rest of the community writes: Regarding the price and quality, one really has to think about it. This fragrance puts the niche houses to shame... sure, the raw materials of the well-known niche houses are more valuable, and of course, it can't compete with the depth and complexity of the original. But it doesn't have to, and what Zara is putting out here for "a pittance" is truly astonishing.

The scent is creamy, the dials seemingly turned down a bit, oudy without being barn-like, and has the unmistakable Alexandria II DNA.
An absolute success; I am really happy.

Now I just have to ask myself whether I really want to wear a €17 Zara cheapy...

...but I fear that's exactly where it's heading..

So here I am, on the hunt for an affordable alternative to the RM.

The RM is by far one of the most beautiful scents I have ever smelled. That was my first “wow moment.”
The perfume smells so fine and floral at the beginning. All the notes are finely woven together, creating a super layered and complex fragrance. Once the top note and the associated floral notes have faded, the most beautiful and creamiest sandalwood note I have ever smelled reveals itself in the drydown and base after about 1 hour. The RM is not my signature scent for nothing.

I have been searching for so long for an affordable alternative that can at least somewhat replicate this experience.

Unfortunately, it is the same here as with ALL the other dupes I have tested so far: I do not understand the sometimes 10/10 ratings.

The scent captures the floral top note very well, albeit a bit more synthetic.

The ratings of “90% similarity to the RM” will probably refer to this.

After the floral top note..
..nothing else happens.

The scent remains linear as it develops and changes only minimally.

It doesn’t smell bad - it’s just unfortunately only the “half” RM.

I really hope to find a fragrance that goes beyond the top note.

So here I am, on the hunt for an affordable alternative to the RM.

The RM is hard to surpass in terms of refinement. The notes are perfectly and completely harmonized. For me, it is definitely one of the most beautiful fragrances there is. Not least because the RM takes the wearer on a journey. From the floral top note, which fades over time, develops one of the most beautiful and creamiest sandalwood notes I have ever smelled. It is my absolute signature scent.

Unfortunately, it's the same with Dua as with ALL the other RM dupes I have smelled so far: I just don't understand the sometimes 10/10 ratings.

The Dua has massive power and lasts easily 10 hours. It also brings compliments.

It replicates the floral top note of the RM very well, albeit a bit more synthetic.

That….
..is about it.

The scent changes only minimally and mostly remains linear. Not bad, but unfortunately just the "half" RM.

I hope to find a dupe someday that can capture the heavenly drydown and the base..

The top note of the perfume opens with a fresh and fruity blend of bergamot, lavender, and apple, which immediately unfolds a revitalizing effect. In the heart, a lush combination of jasmine, rose, and violet leaf develops, giving the fragrance a romantic and floral depth. The base note consists of vanilla, cardamom, cedarwood, and sandalwood, which create a warm and sensual finish, adding a seductive touch to the perfume.

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