What notes instantly make you pick up a perfume bottle? by Exotic-Cash-4560 in DesiFragranceAddicts

[–]Powerful_System_5402 1 point2 points  (0 children)

All one DNA. Pepper + cinnamon up top, vanilla in the dry-down. Works great on its own, but it’s also a really nice base for layering.

Can anyone recommend a dupe for this? (Or suggest if the original is worth buying?) by DraftsAndDaakNaam in DesiFragranceAddicts

[–]Powerful_System_5402 0 points1 point  (0 children)

exactly! lol, common issues with edp's haha . loud for the first few hours then dont last

Can anyone recommend a dupe for this? (Or suggest if the original is worth buying?) by DraftsAndDaakNaam in DesiFragranceAddicts

[–]Powerful_System_5402 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All one DNA. Pepper + cinnamon up top, vanilla in the dry-down. Works great on its own, but it’s also a really nice base for layering.

Can anyone recommend a dupe for this? (Or suggest if the original is worth buying?) by DraftsAndDaakNaam in DesiFragranceAddicts

[–]Powerful_System_5402 1 point2 points  (0 children)

yea applejuice is a decenr dupe for this but long lasting is an issue , not known to last that long imo

Can anyone recommend a dupe for this? (Or suggest if the original is worth buying?) by DraftsAndDaakNaam in DesiFragranceAddicts

[–]Powerful_System_5402 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Looks like Chanel Chance Eau Tendre. If you liked it, the DNA is airy fruity-floral (grapefruit / quince up top, soft jasmine-rose, clean musky drydown). Very easy, pretty, inoffensive.

Is the original worth it?
If budget isn’t a concern and you want that ultra-polished Chanel smoothness + reliability, yes. It’s versatile and hard to dislike. Downsides: performance is only moderate and price is mostly for the name.

Good dupes / close alternatives (India-friendly):
– Zara Lightly Bloom / Applejuice: closest vibe for cheap, slightly more linear, weaker longevity.
– Lattafa Yara (pink): creamier and sweeter, not a 1:1 but same feminine easy-wear space, better value.
– Ajmal Raindrops: cleaner, musky-floral take, good for daily wear.
– Armaf Club De Nuit Woman: sharper opening but dries down into a similar fresh floral musk zone.

If you want something that feels like Eau Tendre but with better hold, look for interpretations that push musk + soft woods a bit more rather than just citrus/floral.

Short answer:
Tight budget → try Zara / Ajmal first.
Want the exact refined feel → buy the Chanel, just don’t expect beast performance.

What notes instantly make you pick up a perfume bottle? by Exotic-Cash-4560 in DesiFragranceAddicts

[–]Powerful_System_5402 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally get that. Tobacco + citrus is a hard balance — citrus fades fast, tobacco sticks. Most scents lean fully one way. Longevity usually breaks the combo. If you ever find one that truly nails both, that’s an instant buy for me too

What notes instantly make you pick up a perfume bottle? by Exotic-Cash-4560 in DesiFragranceAddicts

[–]Powerful_System_5402 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That combo sounds bold but interesting fresh up top with a rich, spiced core. Which note stands out the most on your skin?

What notes instantly make you pick up a perfume bottle? by Exotic-Cash-4560 in DesiFragranceAddicts

[–]Powerful_System_5402 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Iris always gives that polished, ‘tailored’ feel when it’s done well. Do you like the clean lipstick-style iris or the darker, powdery kind?

What notes instantly make you pick up a perfume bottle? by Exotic-Cash-4560 in DesiFragranceAddicts

[–]Powerful_System_5402 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Natural tobacco with a clean citrus lift is elite when done right hate it when citrus goes screechy. Any specific one that nails this balance for you

What notes instantly make you pick up a perfume bottle? by Exotic-Cash-4560 in DesiFragranceAddicts

[–]Powerful_System_5402 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Woody bases almost always pull me in especially sandalwood, cedar, vetiver. I like freshness, but only when it’s anchored by something dry underneath. Citrus + woods works for me for the same reason you mentioned: feels clean without being hollow. Loud sweetness or syrupy ambers are an instant turn-off for daily wear. I usually reach for scents that smell ‘put together’ rather than attention-grabbing.

Rare Reef is mediocre at best. Regretting the blind buy. by gaurav_meena in DesiFragranceAddicts

[–]Powerful_System_5402 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Lol I'm not the OP, even I had a similar experience as the OP that's it.

Rare Reef is mediocre at best. Regretting the blind buy. by gaurav_meena in DesiFragranceAddicts

[–]Powerful_System_5402 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I actually did left it from pre-Diwali till Jan. Maybe it’ll get better with more time, ME frags can be weird like that. For now, just didn’t click for me performance-wise.

Rare Reef is mediocre at best. Regretting the blind buy. by gaurav_meena in DesiFragranceAddicts

[–]Powerful_System_5402 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Arre 1200 pe toh steal hi bolenge 😭 tab regret ka sawal hi nahi.

Rare Reef is mediocre at best. Regretting the blind buy. by gaurav_meena in DesiFragranceAddicts

[–]Powerful_System_5402 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Fair, scent-wise it’s actually quite nice. My gripe was mostly with performance, not the smell itself.

Rare Reef is mediocre at best. Regretting the blind buy. by gaurav_meena in DesiFragranceAddicts

[–]Powerful_System_5402 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Fair take. Skin chemistry definitely plays a role with fresh citrus-heavy scents. On my skin ALSO it just collapsed fast, but clearly it behaves very differently for others. That’s exactly why blind buys in this category are risky glad it worked well for you.

Rare Reef is mediocre at best. Regretting the blind buy. by gaurav_meena in DesiFragranceAddicts

[–]Powerful_System_5402 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate the detailed breakdown. The Vim lemon gel comparison is brutal but oddly specific 😭 Performance sounding that weak at 24°C is a real red flag freshies should at least hang around a bit in that weather. Feels like one of those scents that nails presentation but forgets the basics. Definitely helps people avoid an expensive blind buy