Is Maison Alhambra Philos Opus Noir a dupe of Xerjoff Opera?

Opera EDP

Xerjoff by Chris Maurice Original Acquired

Philos Opus Noir EDP

Maison Alhambra   Inspired Acquired
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Opera Eau de Parfum bottle Opera EDP
EDP Concentration EDP
U Gender U
2019 Year 2022
££ Price Tier £
Philos Opus Noir Eau de Parfum bottle Philos Opus Noir EDP
Our Verdict

While both share similar notes, Opera boasts higher quality ingredients and a more refined blend, justifying its higher price. Philos Opus Noir leans heavier on the leather and patchouli, creating a darker, more gothic vibe. Opera offers a sweeter, more fruity experience with better projection. If you prioritize beast-mode performance and a unique, attention-grabbing scent, Opera is the better choice. However, if you're on a budget and prefer a darker, more intense take on the DNA, Philos Opus Noir is a solid alternative, but be cautious of potential skin reactions.

£119.00 from
50ml at Notino
Best value £1.59/ml (100ml)
Buy Opera Check price on →
£7.99 from
100ml at Imperian
Buy Philos Opus Noir Check price on →

Where they differ

Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.

ScentArt

View Liquid → Opera EDP
View Liquid → Philos Opus Noir EDP

Which Should You Buy?

Choose Opera if...
  • You want a sweeter, fruitier take on the profile.
  • You prefer higher quality ingredients and a smoother blend.
  • You want nuclear projection and longevity.
  • You appreciate a more refined and balanced fragrance.
Choose Philos Opus Noir if...
  • You prefer a darker, more intense leather scent.
  • You are on a tight budget and want a similar experience.
  • You like a gothic, slightly challenging fragrance.
  • You enjoy a heavier dose of patchouli.
Our Verdict - Opera EDP
Xerjoff Opera is a polarising beast, a 'love it or hate it' scent that commands attention. Expect nuclear projection and a divisive, confident aura. If you want something unique that isn't afraid to be extra, this is it.
Acquired
Our Verdict - Philos Opus Noir EDP
This one's a proper Gothic romance in a bottle - sophisticated, dark, and sensual, but definitely not for everyone. It's a love-it-or-hate-it scent profile, divisive and intriguing in equal measure, with some even reporting adverse skin reactions. Proceed with caution, but if it works for you, it's a steal.
Acquired

Scent Profile

How they compare
Opera EDP A Philos Opus Noir 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
Opera EDP
Philos Opus Noir EDP

Notes

Shared Notes
Fruity Notes 64% vs 55%
Rose 35% vs 44%
Ylang-Ylang 28% vs 29%
Nutmeg 25% vs 23%
Leather 23% vs 26%
Amber 22% vs 20%
Patchouli 21% vs 22%
Vanilla 21% vs 20%
Musk 21% vs 19%
Cedar 19% vs 16%
Vetiver 15% vs 20%
Shared Notes
Fruity Notes 64% vs 55%
Rose 35% vs 44%
Shared Notes
Ylang-Ylang 28% vs 29%
Nutmeg 25% vs 23%
Leather 23% vs 26%
Amber 22% vs 20%
Shared Notes
Patchouli 21% vs 22%
Vanilla 21% vs 20%
Musk 21% vs 19%
Cedar 19% vs 16%
Vetiver 15% vs 20%

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

Opera Philos Opus Noir
Long (6-10h)
Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Strong
Projection
Moderate
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Season and Occasion Fit

Opera

Seasons

Best For:
Autumn Winter
Also Works:
Spring

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

Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

With its beast-mode performance and strong sillage, Opera is far too assertive for the office or casual wear. It's perfectly suited for formal events and date nights where its opulent, dramatic character can truly shine.

Philos Opus Noir

Seasons

Best For:
Autumn Winter
Also Works:
Spring Summer

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

Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

Given its strong projection and dark, complex profile, this perfume isn't suited for office wear, but perfect for formal events or a romantic date. Its distinctive 'gothic' character, as many reviews highlight, makes it too specific for casual daily use.

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 11 notes is in the original, including Leather, Fruity Notes, Musk

Key Differences

Near-identical note list, differs in proportion

Where to buy

Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.

Opera EDP
Philos Opus Noir EDP
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