Is Armaf Black Onyx a dupe of Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche?
Rive Gauche EDT
| EDT | Concentration | EDP |
| F | Gender | U |
| 1971 | Year | - |
| $$ | Price Tier | $$ |
Black Onyx EDP
Rive Gauche and Black Onyx both make a statement, but in very different ways. Rive Gauche is a cool, metallic floral, while Black Onyx leans heavily into spicy, herbal territory. Rive Gauche is more traditionally feminine with its aldehyde opening, whereas Black Onyx is a bolder, more traditionally masculine aromatic experience. The choice boils down to preference: a sophisticated, icy edge, or a potent, old-school barbershop vibe. If you want vintage charm with a modern twist, Rive Gauche is the winner. For intense spice, Black Onyx is the pick.
Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
How it unfolds
Notes
- Rive Gauche
- Black Onyx
- in both
Tap a note to light it in both. A+B means both have it
Which Should You Buy?
- You prefer a cooler, more refined scent profile.
- You enjoy metallic and aldehydic fragrances.
- You want a timeless classic with a modern edge.
- You want a more feminine-leaning unisex fragrance.
- You love strong, spicy cardamom scents.
- You prefer a more masculine-leaning fragrance.
- You enjoy 'old school barbershop' style scents.
- You want a powerful and long-lasting fragrance.
A crisp, cool, classic floral with real presence, suited to spring, the office and formal days. Aldehydes and green notes give the chill, and oakmoss and vetiver add the dry finish.
Black Onyx is a love-it-or-hate-it spicy powerhouse. Many find it a unique, classic masculine scent, while others recoil from its intense cardamom and dry, herbal qualities, often describing it as an 'old school barbershop'. Not for the faint of heart, it's a statement piece.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Aldehydes
14% share of the perfume
Green Notes
8% share of the perfume
Bergamot
5% share of the perfume
Peach
5% share of the perfume
Lemon
4% share of the perfume
Honeysuckle
3% share of the perfume
Heart Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Musk
6%
vs
10%
Amber
4%
vs
10%
Lemon
4%
vs
8%
Aldehydes
14% share of the perfume
Green Notes
8% share of the perfume
Rose
8% share of the perfume
Oakmoss
8% share of the perfume
Iris
7% share of the perfume
Vetiver
6% share of the perfume
Bergamot
5% share of the perfume
Peach
5% share of the perfume
Jasmine
5% share of the perfume
Sandalwood
5% share of the perfume
Geranium
4% share of the perfume
Honeysuckle
3% share of the perfume
Lily of the Valley
2% share of the perfume
Gardenia
2% share of the perfume
Ylang-Ylang
1% share of the perfume
Tonka Bean
1% share of the perfume
Magnolia
1% share of the perfume
Lemon
4%
vs
8%
Aldehydes
14% share of the perfume
Green Notes
8% share of the perfume
Bergamot
5% share of the perfume
Peach
5% share of the perfume
Honeysuckle
3% share of the perfume
Rose
8% share of the perfume
Iris
7% share of the perfume
Jasmine
5% share of the perfume
Geranium
4% share of the perfume
Lily of the Valley
2% share of the perfume
Gardenia
2% share of the perfume
Ylang-Ylang
1% share of the perfume
Magnolia
1% share of the perfume
Myrrh
20% share of the perfume
Musk
6%
vs
10%
Amber
4%
vs
10%
Oakmoss
8% share of the perfume
Vetiver
6% share of the perfume
Sandalwood
5% share of the perfume
Tonka Bean
1% share of the perfume
Patchouli
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
Green notes, aldehydes and lily of the valley are most at home in spring, while the oakmoss base lets it carry through autumn and into winter.
Occasions
Crisp and polished, it suits the office when lightly applied and is at home at formal events. Casual afternoons feel a little relaxed for it.
Seasons
A year-round scent - easy to wear in any season.
Occasions
Its potent projection and intense, divisive spicy profile make it less suitable for office wear where subtlety is key. However, its strong performance and unique character lend themselves well to evening dates and formal events, particularly in cooler weather, though some find it casual enough for a relaxed weekend.
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 Musk, Amber, Lemon
Adds cardamom and cinnamon, drops aldehydes and bergamot
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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