Is Swiss Arabian Casablanca a dupe of Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle?
La Belle EDP
| EDP | Concentration | EDP |
| F | Gender | F |
| 2019 | Year | 2016 |
| $$ | Price Tier | $$ |
Casablanca EDP
La Belle and Casablanca both aim for gourmand sweetness, but they diverge significantly in execution. La Belle focuses on a creamy vanilla and pear, offering a smoother, more traditionally feminine experience. Casablanca, in contrast, is a bold, fruity caramel that leans unisex. The key difference lies in Casablanca's polarizing nature; its synthetic edge and beast-mode projection can be overwhelming. La Belle is the safer, more mass-appealing choice, while Casablanca caters to those seeking a unique, unapologetically loud caramel scent.
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Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
How it unfolds
Notes
- La Belle
- Casablanca
- in both
Tap a note to light it in both. A+B means both have it
Which Should You Buy?
- You prefer a smoother, more refined gourmand experience.
- You want a sweeter vanilla and pear fragrance.
- You desire a more traditionally feminine scent.
- You prefer recognizable designer fragrances.
- You want a bold, unique, and polarizing fragrance.
- You love powerhouse projection and longevity.
- You are looking for an affordable beast-mode caramel.
- You appreciate a more unisex gourmand profile.
Sweet floral-vanilla, with a clean marine twist, loud enough for an evening out. Sea water and bergamot start it fresh, and peony and violet sweeten it. Violet in the heart gives a cool powder, and it carries well despite its lighter longevity.
A beast-mode fruity caramel that's truly polarising: some find it a gorgeous, addictive scent, others get a synthetic, headache-inducing mess. Be warned, it often needs serious maceration.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Heart Notes
Heart Notes
Musk
7%
vs
8%
Rose
24% share of the perfume
Peony
20% share of the perfume
Sea Water
17% share of the perfume
Vanilla
16% share of the perfume
Violet
11% share of the perfume
Bergamot
4% share of the perfume
Cedar
1% share of the perfume
Caramel
14% share of the perfume
Woody Notes
13% share of the perfume
Apple
13% share of the perfume
Suede
10% share of the perfume
Wine Grape
9% share of the perfume
Patchouli
9% share of the perfume
Iris
8% share of the perfume
Amber
8% share of the perfume
Peru Balsam
7% share of the perfume
Rose
24% share of the perfume
Peony
20% share of the perfume
Violet
11% share of the perfume
Woody Notes
13% share of the perfume
Patchouli
9% share of the perfume
Iris
8% share of the perfume
Musk
7%
vs
8%
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
Vanilla, musk and cedar suit autumn and winter, with peony and sea water giving enough lift for spring. Hot summer days are too much for it.
Occasions
Sweet and projecting, it works best for dates and nights out. At the office it needs a light hand, and it is too strong for exercise.
Seasons
A cold-weather scent - best worn in autumn and winter.
Occasions
Casablanca's strong projection and longevity, combined with its sweet, warm nature, make it less ideal for office wear but perfect for dates and evening events. It's versatile enough for casual autumn and winter outings, though its intensity might be too much for formal settings if oversprayed.
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 1 of its 10 notes, including Musk
Adds amber and apple, drops bergamot and cedar
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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