Is Afnan Highness III a dupe of Creed Royal Oud?
Royal Oud and Highness III both aim for a woody-oud profile, but diverge significantly in execution. Royal Oud emphasizes refined elegance with subtle oud and cedar notes, while Highness III goes for a bolder, more assertive green woody experience. The key difference lies in subtlety versus intensity. Royal Oud caters to those seeking sophisticated restraint, while Highness III appeals to those who want a statement fragrance with a vintage vibe. Price is also a major factor, with Highness III being significantly more affordable. Ultimately, it depends on your preference for refinement versus raw power.
Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
How it unfolds
Notes
- Royal Oud
- Highness III
- in both
Tap a note to light it in both. A+B means both have it
Which Should You Buy?
- You prefer a more refined and subtle oud fragrance.
- You appreciate high-quality ingredients and blending.
- You want a fragrance suitable for formal occasions.
- You prefer a smoother, less challenging scent profile.
- You want a bold, statement-making fragrance.
- You enjoy vintage-style, green woody scents.
- You are on a budget but want a similar vibe.
- You like fragrances with a strong presence.
Royal Oud by Creed is a sophisticated woody scent that whispers 'old money' rather than shouting, making it a firm favourite for those who want elegance without the typical 'oud beast'. Some find it utterly captivating, while others believe its performance doesn't justify the price - you decide.
This one's a divisive beast of a fragrance. If you're after a loud, old-school green woody scent, and you don't mind a bit of a rough edge, this could be your jam. But don't go in expecting Royal Oud, or even a soft ride; it’s a punchy, unapologetic scent that many find too much.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Base Notes
Cedar
23%
vs
18%
Galbanum
11%
vs
13%
Bergamot
10%
vs
6%
Cedar
23%
vs
18%
Galbanum
11%
vs
13%
Angelica
12% share of the perfume
Sandalwood
12% share of the perfume
Note weights are our estimate from each note's place in the pyramid, not the share of the formula. Brands do not publish formulations.
Performance
Season and Occasion Fit
Seasons
A year-round scent - easy to wear in any season.
Occasions
Its refined woody and musky profile, combined with generally moderate projection, makes it highly suitable for office and formal wear. While elegant, its subtle nature means it can be dressed down for casual occasions, yet it lacks the freshness for sport.
Seasons
A cold-weather scent - best worn in autumn and spring.
Occasions
Its beastly performance and strong projection mean you need a light hand for the office, otherwise it will be overwhelming. The mature, sophisticated nature of the woody, oud, and leather accords makes it well-suited for formal occasions and dates. It's too heavy and assertive for most casual or sport activities.
Similarity Breakdown
Our estimate of how alike these two fragrances smell, calculated from their published notes. It is a position on our scale, not a measured percentage of shared smell.
Shares 3 of its 7 notes, including Bergamot, Cedar, Galbanum
Adds angelica and lemon, drops cypress and lavender
Where to buy
Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.
Prices before sales tax, which the shop adds at checkout.
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