Is Maison Alhambra Aquilo a dupe of Bvlgari Aqva?
Aqva EDP
| EDP | Concentration | EDP |
| M | Gender | M |
| 2005 | Year | 2022 |
| ££ | Price Tier | £ |
Aquilo EDP
While both Aqva and Aquilo aim for a marine profile, Aqva distinguishes itself with a prominent seaweed note that might not appeal to everyone. Aquilo is a smoother, more approachable aquatic, sacrificing some of Aqva's unique character for broader appeal and a lower price. Performance is where they truly diverge; Aquilo, while pleasant, requires frequent reapplication. Aqva, despite reformulation dips, generally offers better longevity. If you crave a challenging, authentic sea scent, Aqva is the choice. But if you want an easy-to-wear, affordable aquatic, Aquilo is a great pick.
Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
How it unfolds
Notes
- Aqva
- Aquilo
- in both
Tap a note to light it in both. A+B means both have it
Which Should You Buy?
- You want a realistic, salty ocean fragrance.
- You appreciate unique and challenging scents.
- Longevity is a key factor for you.
- You don't mind spending more for quality.
- You want a budget-friendly everyday scent.
- You prefer a smoother, less challenging aquatic.
- You don't mind re-applying fragrance.
- You want something inoffensive for the office.
Aqva by Bvlgari is a deep dive into the sea, divisive perhaps for its unapologetic seaweed note, but for those who love it, it’s a timeless classic. A natural, rugged aquatic that evokes memories of wild coastlines, though performance can be an issue with newer batches.
A budget-friendly freshie that's a dead ringer for Bvlgari Aqva, but don't expect it to last. It's a fantastic scent for the price, but be prepared to respray if you want it to stick around. Some find it a bit too ethereal, but fans swear by its straightforward marine charm.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Base Notes
Seaweed
47%
vs
48%
Mandarin
35%
vs
36%
Orange
34%
vs
31%
Petitgrain
30%
vs
31%
Lavender
27%
vs
24%
Cotton Flower
25%
vs
27%
Cedar
22%
vs
19%
Woody Notes
21%
vs
22%
Patchouli
18%
vs
17%
Clary Sage
18%
vs
21%
Amber
18%
vs
18%
Cedar
22%
vs
19%
Woody Notes
21%
vs
22%
Patchouli
18%
vs
17%
Clary Sage
18%
vs
21%
Amber
18%
vs
18%
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 Brands do not publish formulations.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 warm-weather pick - at its best in summer and spring.
Occasions
Its fresh, aquatic nature makes it perfect for casual and sport settings, especially in warm weather. While many review it as a confident scent, its oceanic ruggedness and varying performance prevent it from being a solid choice for formal events or the office, where it might be too informal or fleeting.
Seasons
A warm-weather pick - at its best in summer and spring.
Occasions
Its fresh, light-bodied nature and generally weak performance make it ideal for casual wear, the office, or sports where a subtle scent is preferred. It lacks the gravitas or longevity for formal events or dates where a more impactful presence is desired.
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.
Every one of its 11 notes is in the original, including Cotton Flower, Woody Notes, Orange
Near-identical note list, differs in proportion
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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