Is Fragrance World Pepper So Spicy a dupe of Guerlain Epices Volees?
While both Pepper So Spicy and Epices Volees share a spicy, aromatic core, their drydowns diverge significantly. Pepper So Spicy leans into a bold, food-like spice that some find reminiscent of curry, making it a riskier choice. Epices Volees, despite its shared DNA, evokes a more traditionally refined, almost vintage spice, although some perceive it as cheap or even eggy. The key difference lies in how these shared notes manifest, with Pepper So Spicy being the bolder, potentially polarizing option and Epices Volees offering a more classic, but potentially underwhelming, experience.
Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
How it unfolds
Notes
- Epices Volees
- Pepper So Spicy
- in both
Tap a note to light it in both. A+B means both have it
Which Should You Buy?
- You want a fragrance with a unique, unforgettable character.
- You enjoy bold, gourmand-leaning spicy scents.
- You're seeking a statement fragrance that stands out.
- You want something that smells like spices.
- You prefer a more refined and classic spice blend.
- You want a fragrance with a vintage Guerlain vibe.
- You want a safer spicy fragrance for everyday wear.
- You dislike strong food-like scents.
This one's a divisive beast. Some reckon it's a masterpiece, a classic Guerlain spicy aromatic with a classy air. Others, though, smell cheap designer vibes or even, bizarrely, raw egg. Definitely one to try before you buy.
This one's a proper wild card. Spicy and aromatic up top, but the drydown? You're either getting cosy kitchen spices or, for some, a full-on curry. Not for the faint of heart, but could be a unique signature for the right person.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Base Notes
Coriander
27%
vs
29%
Artemisia
27%
vs
29%
Sandalwood
27%
vs
28%
Cardamom
25%
vs
27%
Sage
25%
vs
25%
Clove
25%
vs
19%
Patchouli
24%
vs
20%
Benzoin
24%
vs
24%
Lemon
23%
vs
23%
Rose
23%
vs
27%
Labdanum
23%
vs
28%
Bergamot
20%
vs
17%
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 Brands do not publish formulations.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 sophisticated spicy-woody character lends itself well to formal and date settings, conveying a mature elegance. While not overly loud, some find it too traditional or strong for everyday casual wear or the office, and it's certainly not suited for sport.
Seasons
Built for the cooler edges of the year - autumn and spring pair best.
Occasions
While its uniqueness might appeal for casual or niche date settings, the polarizing 'cooking spice' drydown mentioned in reviews makes it less suitable for formal or office environments. Longevity and projection are average, so it won't overwhelm, but the scent profile is distinct.
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 12 notes is in the original, including Rose, Sandalwood, Patchouli
Near-identical note list, differs in proportion
Where to buy
Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.
Epices Volees EDP
Check price onImport charges may apply
These shops are outside the United States. Prices in your currency are estimates (ECB rate 30 Oct); the shop charges its own price, shown in brackets. How import charges work
Import charges may apply
These shops are outside the United States. Prices in your currency are estimates (ECB rate 30 Oct); the shop charges its own price, shown in brackets. How import charges work
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