Is Maison Alhambra So Candid a dupe of Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal Elixir?
Scandal Elixir Parfum
Jean Paul Gaultier by Fabrice Pellegrin, Daphné Bugey, Bruno Jovanovic Original AcquiredScandal Elixir and So Candid both lean into gourmand territory, but diverge significantly in their execution. Elixir is a dark, boozy, cherry gourmand, projecting powerfully with a masculine edge, while So Candid is a bright, bubblegum tuberose, creating a sweet, yet potentially overwhelming, unisex experience. If you seek a bold, attention-grabbing, and long-lasting fragrance with a touch of darkness, Elixir is your choice. However, if you prefer a sweeter, more playful, and budget-friendly option, be prepared to make a statement with So Candid.
Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
How it unfolds
Notes
- Scandal Elixir
- So Candid
- in both
Tap a note to light it in both. A+B means both have it
Which Should You Buy?
- You want a long-lasting fragrance.
- You prefer a masculine-leaning scent.
- You enjoy boozy cherry notes.
- You want a powerful projector.
- You're on a budget.
- You love tuberose.
- You want a very sweet fragrance.
- You want something very unique.
Dense, sweet and dark-fruited, with huge staying power for cold nights. Blackberry and blood orange start it, iris and gardenia add flowers, and vanilla and benzoin sink in.
This one is a divisive delight: a LOUD, bubblegum tuberose bomb that's either a sweet, creamy dream or a headache-inducing assault. Get ready for compliments or complaints, there's no in-between.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Jasmine
1%
vs
15%
Iris
36% share of the perfume
Patchouli
11% share of the perfume
Blackberry
11% share of the perfume
Ylang-Ylang
8% share of the perfume
Vanilla
8% share of the perfume
Blood Orange
6% share of the perfume
Pink Pepper
6% share of the perfume
Gardenia
6% share of the perfume
Benzoin
3% share of the perfume
Cinnamon
2% share of the perfume
Bergamot
1% share of the perfume
Blackberry
11% share of the perfume
Blood Orange
6% share of the perfume
Pink Pepper
6% share of the perfume
Bergamot
1% share of the perfume
Orange Blossom
24% share of the perfume
Jasmine
1%
vs
15%
Iris
36% share of the perfume
Ylang-Ylang
8% share of the perfume
Gardenia
6% share of the perfume
Cinnamon
2% share of the perfume
Tuberose
41% share of the perfume
Patchouli
11% share of the perfume
Vanilla
8% share of the perfume
Benzoin
3% share of the perfume
Milk
21% share of the perfume
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
Blackberry, cinnamon, vanilla and benzoin are dense and warm, so winter is its home and autumn a near match. In summer heat it is far too heavy.
Occasions
Strong, sweet and very long-lasting, it is made for date nights and formal evenings. It will overwhelm an office and does not belong at sport.
Seasons
A year-round scent - easy to wear in any season.
Occasions
Given its strong projection and sweet, bubblegum-like character, So Candid is best suited for social settings like dates or casual outings where its loudness can shine without overpowering. It's too potent and distinctive for a professional office environment, and its sweetness makes it less ideal for formal events or athletic activities.
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 4 notes, including Jasmine
Adds milk and orange blossom, drops benzoin and bergamot
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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