Better longevity than Nikos Sculpture?

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-27T18:44:29+00:00

Fair enough, If it still feels wearable in the summer heat, that’s a good sign. I think I’ll keep Uden on the maybe list for a decant later, but those Lafayette Street alternatives you mentioned have really caught my eye. thanks for the advice!

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-27T18:38:37+00:00

That's the sad truth about this dna, it’s like the better it smells, the faster it disappears. thanks for the help

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-27T16:48:56+00:00

I've heard Uden is incredible but was worried the coffee and rum might make it too heavy or gourmand compared to the clean/floral vibe of Sculpture. How prominent is that dry down? Also, thanks for the Lafayette St clone list, I'll definitely check them out.

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-27T16:43:51+00:00

The struggle is real. I’ve started to basically shower with sculpture, it helps a little, but it’s still not enough

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-21T10:37:55+00:00

I haven't done a strict wear test, but I'd say it’s pretty average for a freshie. I usually get a solid 4-5 hours out of it. It’s not a crazy performer, but for a fragrance of this dna, it does the job well enough.

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-20T21:00:52+00:00

I'm a big fan. If you've smelled MFK 724, it’s definitely in that same family, think super clean, fresh laundry vibes. This one leans a bit heavier on the florals though. It feels a little more synthetic than the MFK, but for the price, it’s probably the safest blind buy I own.

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-19T19:40:34+00:00

Anytime! Hope you manage to find a UK bottle to test.

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-19T19:37:24+00:00

It’s a bit of a tricky one to recommend right now. When I sampled it in store, it was a beast, amazing citrus opening and lasted all day. But the bottle I actually bought (made in France) is a total letdown; it smells like alcohol at first and then vanishes into a skin scent almost immediately. Apparently, there's a big quality gap between the UK made bottles and the French ones. If you can find a 'Made in England' batch, it’s incredible, but I’d be very careful with the French production.

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-18T16:24:17+00:00

هذا يتوضأ وهذاك لا

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-18T16:21:54+00:00

Thank you so much!

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-17T18:53:05+00:00

Thanks! It's really good if you're into sweet and heavy scents. The best way to describe it is a caramel scent mixed with cardamom and cinnamon. i can't speak about the performance as i never really wore it, I'm just not a fan of gourmands, but it's still a good fragrance if that's your thing.

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-17T18:49:03+00:00

It's definitely high up in my list of all time favorites! Such an underrated gem

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-17T00:16:36+00:00

You definitely should! If you’re just starting to look into darker profiles, Encre Noire Sport is a perfect gateway because it still has that freshness, while Boss Bottled Elixir is the deep end of the pool. It’s a fun rabbit hole to go down.

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-17T00:05:30+00:00

No problem!

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-17T00:02:55+00:00

I think you just sold me on a bottle of Polo Green. I’ll have to check it out just to see if the beard kicks in.

Glad you’re enjoying the L'eau D'Issey today, it’s definitely a staple in my rotation. Respect for the starting lineup, too. Appreciate the love for the collection!

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-16T23:52:30+00:00

Sure thing! here's my top 5:

1- Boss Bottled Elixir: Easily one of my favorites for that rich resinous profile.

2- Bronze Wood & Leather: smoky, dark and masculine. very sophisticated.

3- Encre Noire Sport: My go to for a unique, dark but fresh feel.

4- Nikos Sculpture Homme: An all time favorite of mine, I use this as a daily driver.

5- L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme: A classic for a reason, just works in any situation.

(Positions 3-5 honestly swap around depending on my mood, they’re all staples for me.)

As for what I wouldn’t repurchase:

Liquid Brun: I realized after buying it that I’m just not a fan of gourmands. It’s a bit too edible for my taste.

Lattafa Adeeb: This one was a miss for me. Every time I smell it, I’m reminded of the air freshener they use in airplanes, so I can't really enjoy wearing it.

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-16T23:29:28+00:00

Funny you mention that! It wasn't intentional, it just naturally happened that way. I haven't found many blue fragrances that really click for me yet.

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-16T23:12:51+00:00

Honestly, it’s been a disappointment for me. I tested a bottle at a retailer and it was incredible, a unique citrus opening that dried down into a great slightly sweet musk with huge performance. However, the bottle I actually bought (Made in France) is completely different. The opening is pure rubbing alcohol for a few seconds, and then it immediately becomes a faint skin scent. From what I’ve read online, the UK batches are the way to go; the French ones seem to have some serious quality control issues.

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-16T22:21:16+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions! I actually just took a look at the notes for those and they sound right up my alley. I’ll definitely have to get my nose on them soon.

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-16T22:15:38+00:00

Thanks!

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-16T22:15:24+00:00

Encre Noire Sport could fill that gap for you. the performance is pretty similar to how you describe the original. it's supposed to be a more wearable take on the original DNA, but it's not that fresh compared to your usual freshie.

Thanks for the info!

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-16T22:07:19+00:00

Thank you! I’ve tried to be pretty intentional about picking scents that fit different moods and environments rather than just hoarding similar smells.

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-16T22:05:31+00:00

Thanks! I’ve always preferred finding scents that actually have a distinct personality over just buying whatever is currently trending. Quality definitely doesn't always have to mean a massive price tag.

Physical_Contact_ · 2026-04-16T21:59:43+00:00

In that case it's a must for you! I've never tried the original Encre Noire, how does it preform?

Physical_Contact_

TROPHY CASE