Is French Avenue Sultry Woods a dupe of Nishane Shem?

Shem EDP

Nishane by Lucas Sieuzac Original Acquired

Sultry Woods EDP

French Avenue by Carole Calmettes Inspired Acquired
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Shem Eau de Parfum bottle Shem EDP
EDP Concentration EDP
U Gender F
2021 Year 2024
£££££ Price Tier ££
Sultry Woods Eau de Parfum bottle Sultry Woods EDP
Our Verdict

Sultry Woods and Shem are strikingly similar, sharing nearly identical accords and notes. The crucial difference lies in the price and overall refinement. Sultry Woods offers a similar experience at a fraction of the cost, though it may lack the nuanced complexity of Shem. If budget is no object and you seek the highest quality ingredients and a slightly more polished scent profile, Shem is the choice. However, Sultry Woods provides a compelling alternative for those seeking a similar vibe without the ultra-luxury price tag.

£501.10 from
50ml at Notino
Buy Shem Check price on →
£22.80 from
80ml at Imperian
Buy Sultry Woods Check price on →

Where they differ

Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.

ScentArt

View Liquid → Shem EDP
View Liquid → Sultry Woods EDP

Which Should You Buy?

Choose Shem if...
  • You want a similar scent for much less money.
  • You enjoy bold scents but are budget-conscious.
  • You want a unique, challenging fragrance.
  • You prefer a slightly rougher, more raw feel.
Choose Sultry Woods if...
  • You demand the highest quality ingredients.
  • You appreciate nuanced and complex fragrances.
  • Price is not a concern for you.
  • You prefer a smoother, more polished composition.
Our Verdict - Shem EDP
This is a bold, divisive beast. Shem demands attention with its unique, challenging blend of leathery rose and earthy notes. Not for everyone, but those who 'get' it absolutely adore its powerful, sophisticated aura.
Acquired
Our Verdict - Sultry Woods EDP
Divisive and unapologetically bold, Sultry Woods is a love-it-or-hate-it scent. If you're after something truly individual with niche quality at a fraction of the usual price tag, this challenging rose and leather beast is one to experience.
Acquired

Scent Profile

How they compare
Shem EDP A Sultry Woods 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
Shem EDP
Sultry Woods EDP

Notes

Shared Notes
Leather 43% vs 44%
Rose 43% vs 39%
Geranium 32% vs 32%
Vetiver 28% vs 33%
Osmanthus 28% vs 32%
Elemi 27% vs 22%
Amber 27% vs 26%
Cardamom 23% vs 28%
Shared Notes
Rose 43% vs 39%
Geranium 32% vs 32%
Cardamom 23% vs 28%
Shared Notes
Osmanthus 28% vs 32%
Amber 27% vs 26%
Shared Notes
Leather 43% vs 44%
Vetiver 28% vs 33%
Elemi 27% vs 22%

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

Shem Sultry Woods
Long (6-10h)
Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Strong
Projection
Strong
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Season and Occasion Fit

Shem

Seasons

Best For:
Autumn Winter

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

Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

Shem's beast-mode performance and strong, oriental leather-rose profile make it completely unsuitable for the office or casual day wear. However, its luxurious, unique aroma is perfect for making a statement on a sophisticated date night or formal event, where its intensity can be appreciated.

Sultry Woods

Seasons

Best For:
Spring Autumn Winter
Also Works:
Summer

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

Given its strong performance and unique, challenging profile, Sultry Woods isn't suited for office wear, but its depth and confident aura make it ideal for a memorable date night or a formal occasion where you want to stand out. It's a bit too 'niche' for everyday casual wear but could work if you're feeling adventurous.

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
93%
Key Similarities

Every one of its 9 notes is in the original, including Cypriol Oil or Nagarmotha, Leather, Amber

Key Differences

Near-identical note list, differs in proportion

Where to buy

Shem EDP
Sultry Woods EDP
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