Is Swiss Arabian Shaghaf Oud Tonka a dupe of BDK Parfums Velvet Tonka?

Velvet Tonka EDP

BDK Parfums by Alexandra Carlin Original Favourite

Shaghaf Oud Tonka EDP

Swiss Arabian   Inspired Statement
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Velvet Tonka Eau de Parfum bottle Velvet Tonka EDP
EDP Concentration EDP
U Gender U
2021 Year 2023
$$ Price Tier $$
Shaghaf Oud Tonka Eau de Parfum bottle Shaghaf Oud Tonka EDP
Our Verdict

Velvet Tonka by BDK Parfums and Shaghaf Oud Tonka by Swiss Arabian both revolve around intoxicating tonka bean, but they diverge in execution. Velvet Tonka presents a bold almond-vanilla profile that's sweet and rich, perfect for those who adore gourmand scents. However, its intensity can be overwhelming for some, making it a polarizing choice. On the other hand, Shaghaf Oud Tonka leans towards a deeper, more complex blend with oud, offering a warmer, more sophisticated aura. It's an option for those seeking an exotic twist on traditional sweetness. Your choice hinges on your preference for either a straightforward sweet indulgence or a nuanced, oud-infused experience.

$219.99+ tax from
3.4 fl oz (100 ml) at Maple Prime
Buy Velvet Tonka Check price on →
$40.99+ tax from
2.5 fl oz (75 ml) at The Fragrance Outlet
Buy Shaghaf Oud Tonka Check price on →

Where they differ

Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.

ScentArt

Velvet Tonka Eau de Parfum ScentArt View Liquid → Velvet Tonka EDP
Shaghaf Oud Tonka Eau de Parfum ScentArt View Liquid → Shaghaf Oud Tonka EDP

Which Should You Buy?

Choose Velvet Tonka if...
  • You love intense almond-vanilla scents.
  • You enjoy bold, gourmand fragrances.
  • You prefer a straightforward sweet profile.
Choose Shaghaf Oud Tonka if...
  • You like fragrances with oud complexity.
  • You prefer a warmer, sophisticated scent.
  • You want an exotic twist on sweet perfumes.
Our Verdict - Velvet Tonka EDP
Velvet Tonka is a divisive almond-vanilla bomb - some find it velvety and luxurious, others a cloying, chemical mess. If you're after a loud, sweet marzipan dream, this is your ticket, but be warned, it's not a crowd-pleaser for everyone.
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Our Verdict - Shaghaf Oud Tonka EDP
This is a seriously divisive one - you'll either adore its deep, gourmand almond-cherry vibe or find yourself recoiling from a synthetic 'Play-Doh' impression. Potent and long-lasting, it's definitely not a safe blind buy, so sample before committing.
Statement

Scent Profile

How they compare
Velvet Tonka EDP A Shaghaf Oud Tonka EDP B
Where they part company by gap size

How They Wear

Showing: Overall Blend

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding
Velvet Tonka EDP
Shaghaf Oud Tonka EDP

Notes

Shared Notes
Almond Almond 25% vs 24%
Tonka Bean Tonka Bean 15% vs 22%
Vanilla Vanilla 14% vs 17%
Orange Blossom Orange Blossom 10% vs 11%
Amberwood Amberwood 10% vs 3%
Rose Rose 6% vs 11%
Shared Notes
Almond Almond 25% vs 24%
Shared Notes
Tonka Bean Tonka Bean 15% vs 22%
Vanilla Vanilla 14% vs 17%
Amberwood Amberwood 10% vs 3%

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

Velvet Tonka Shaghaf Oud Tonka
Long (6-10h)
Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Moderate
Projection
Strong
Moderate
Intensity
Strong

Season and Occasion Fit

Velvet Tonka

Seasons

Best For:
Autumn Winter

A cold-weather scent - best worn in autumn and winter.

Occasions

Best For:
Date
Also Works:
Office Casual Formal

Its potent projection and intense sweetness make it less suitable for office wear. However, its rich, comforting, and sensual character positions it perfectly for dates and special formal events, especially in colder weather. It's too heavy for casual daytime wear or sport.

Shaghaf Oud Tonka

Seasons

Best For:
Autumn Winter
Also Works:
Spring

A year-round scent - easy to wear in any season.

Occasions

Also Works:
Date Casual Formal

Its beast-mode performance and strong sillage make it overwhelming for office wear unless applied very sparingly. However, its bold, sensual gourmand character is perfect for date nights and special formal occasions, while it can also be a cosy casual scent during colder months.

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.

Overall scent match
86%
Key Similarities

Shares 6 of its 7 notes, including Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Almond

Key Differences

Adds cinnamon, drops amyris and tobacco

Where to buy

Velvet Tonka EDP
Shaghaf Oud Tonka EDP

Prices before sales tax, which the shop adds at checkout.

ScentVerdict earns a commission from purchases - this doesn't affect our verdicts.

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