Is Maison Alhambra The Artist No. 2 a dupe of Frédéric Malle The Night?
While both share a similar oud, rose, and sandalwood DNA, Frédéric Malle's The Night justifies its ultra-luxury price with a refined, albeit challenging, complexity. Maison Alhambra's The Artist No. 2, on the other hand, is a bolder, more direct interpretation, sacrificing some nuance for a powerful, budget-friendly statement. The Night demands patience, rewarding those who appreciate its evolution, while The Artist No. 2 offers instant gratification for those seeking a potent and affordable alternative. Ultimately, it comes down to preference and budget.
Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
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Which Should You Buy?
- You appreciate nuanced, evolving fragrances.
- You're willing to invest in quality ingredients.
- You want a more refined oud experience.
- You prefer a fragrance with greater complexity.
- You want a powerful oud rose fragrance on a budget.
- You prefer a bolder, more immediate scent.
- You want to make a statement.
- You want a similar scent profile for less.
This is a masterpiece that divides as much as it delights. Be warned: the opening can be challenging, but if you can survive the notorious barnyard oud, you're in for a luxurious, uncompromising ride. Just ignore the eye-watering price tag.
This one is an absolute bruiser, inspiring fervent devotion and outright disgust in equal measure. If you're after a shy floral, look elsewhere. For a bold, take-no-prisoners statement, this might just be your beast.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Top Notes
Base Notes
Base Notes
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 Brands do not publish formulations.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 cold-weather scent - best worn in winter and autumn.
Occasions
Its potent projection and intense animalic opening make it unsuitable for office wear or casual daytime use. However, its luxurious oud-rose profile and strong sillage are perfect for making a statement on a sophisticated date or a grand formal event.
Seasons
A cold-weather scent - best worn in winter and autumn.
Occasions
This powerful and divisive scent, with reports of beast mode performance post-maceration, is far too imposing for an office or casual setting. It’s perfect for formal, authoritative occasions or a daring evening date where you want to make an unforgettable statement.
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 4 of its 5 notes, including Rose, Sandalwood, Saffron
Adds frankincense, drops amber and incense
Where to buy
Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.
The Night EDP
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Import charges may apply
These shops deliver to the United Kingdom from the United Arab Emirates. How import charges work
The Artist No. 2 EDP
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International (2)
Import charges may apply
These shops deliver to the United Kingdom from the United Arab Emirates. How import charges work