Is Alexandria Fragrances The Runway 45 a dupe of Amouage Reflection 45 Man?
Reflection 45 Man Extrait
| Extrait | Concentration | Extrait |
| M | Gender | M |
| 2021 | Year | 2024 |
| £££££ | Price Tier | ££ |
The Runway 45 Extrait
While both share a spicy-woody foundation, The Runway 45 offers a fresher, more versatile experience, making it suitable for everyday wear. Reflection 45 Man leans into maturity with a more refined profile, but its polarizing nature means it isn't a safe blind buy. The key difference lies in their overall complexity and price point. Runway 45 is an accessible, modern option, while Reflection 45 demands a deeper appreciation (and a much bigger budget) for its nuanced character.
Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
How it unfolds
Notes
- Reflection 45 Man
- The Runway 45
- in both
Tap a note to light it in both. A+B means both have it
Which Should You Buy?
- You prefer a versatile fragrance for everyday wear.
- You want a modern scent with a balance of spice and freshness.
- You are on a mid-range budget.
- You like accessible scents with broad appeal.
- You seek a mature, refined take on the original Reflection Man.
- You appreciate complex, polarizing fragrances.
- You want a fragrance with a unique, challenging character.
- You're willing to invest in an ultra-luxury fragrance.
Reflection 45 is a divisive beast. While many hail it as a masterpiece - a more mature, refined version of the original - others find its strength cloying, its projection lacking, or its character too derivative. This isn't a safe blind buy, so sample before you splash the cash.
A versatile fragrance balancing spice and freshness, making it ideal for those who want a modern scent with depth.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Base Notes
Lavender
22%
vs
15%
Cardamom
16%
vs
46%
Cedar
15%
vs
35%
Sandalwood
14%
vs
26%
Vetiver
14%
vs
40%
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 Brands do not publish formulations.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
Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.
Occasions
Its exceptional longevity and high oil concentration make it too potent for casual wear or sport, potentially overwhelming in warm conditions. However, this same impressive performance and sophisticated profile are well-suited for formal events and date nights, commanding attention without being overtly loud. It can work for office wear in moderation due to its clean yet dense character.
Seasons
The blend of spices and woods make it ideal for fall and spring, providing warmth without being too heavy for milder weather. It has a depth suitable for cooler seasons but lacks the bright notes preferred in summer.
Occasions
Its moderate projection makes it suitable for casual and date scenarios, offering presence without overwhelming others - less ideal for formal or sporty settings due to its spice-forward character.
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 5 of its 9 notes, including Lavender, Cedar, Sandalwood
Adds amber and bergamot, drops angelica and benzoin
Where to buy
Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.
Prices before sales tax, which the shop adds at checkout.
ScentVerdict earns a commission from purchases - this doesn't affect our verdicts.