Is Maison Alhambra Signatures No II a dupe of Parfums de Marly Carlisle?
Carlisle EDP
| EDP | Concentration | EDP |
| U | Gender | U |
| 2015 | Year | 2022 |
| ££ | Price Tier | £ |
Signatures No II EDP
Carlisle and Signatures No II share a similar warm spicy DNA, but diverge in execution. Carlisle offers a refined, spiced apple and vanilla experience with a smoother patchouli, justifying its higher price. Signatures No II, as a budget clone, aims for the same profile but can present a harsher, more ashy opening and nuclear projection. The choice boils down to budget versus refinement. If you want a sophisticated, balanced scent, go for Carlisle. If you're after a powerful, affordable alternative and don't mind a potentially challenging opening, Signatures No II might suffice.
Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
How it unfolds
Notes
- Carlisle
- Signatures No II
- 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 fragrance.
- You appreciate higher-quality ingredients and blending.
- You want a safer, more crowd-pleasing scent profile.
- You don't mind spending more for a premium experience.
- You want a powerful scent on a tight budget.
- You enjoy bold, slightly challenging fragrance profiles.
- You're looking for a fragrance with strong projection.
- You want a cheaper alternative to Carlisle.
A regal, intoxicating blend of spiced apple and creamy vanilla swirled with dark patchouli. Carlisle is a statement scent for those who want to be noticed and enveloped in plush sophistication.
This budget clone is a bold, divisive beast. Many find it a superb dupe for PDM Carlisle or Exclusif Tabac after a harsh opening, but others are put off by a 'used ash tray' vibe and nuclear intensity. Definitely not a blind buy.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Patchouli
35%
vs
57%
Vanilla
35%
vs
15%
Nutmeg
35%
vs
16%
Apple
35%
vs
12%
Saffron
28%
vs
14%
Jasmine
42%
Tobacco
20%
Cinnamon
19%
Sandalwood
14%
Amber
14%
Musk
14%
Oud
13%
Incense
13%
Guaiac Wood
12%
Pear
11%
Vetiver
11%
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 Brands do not publish formulations.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
Carlisle's rich vanilla, patchouli, and spicy gourmand notes shine in cool to cold weather, making it ideal for fall and winter. The heavy, opulent composition can be cloying in high heat but feels comforting and enveloping in spring evenings.
Occasions
Carlisle projects strongly and delivers a luxurious, seductive presence, best suited for evening dates and formal events. Its intensity may overwhelm in close office environments or gym settings.
Seasons
A cold-weather scent - best worn in winter and autumn.
Occasions
Its exceptional longevity and strong sillage, coupled with its intense and rich tobacco and oud accords, make it too overwhelming for an office setting. It's much better suited for evening dates or formal events where its character can shine without dominating the room.
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 5 of its 16 notes, including Vanilla, Patchouli, Apple
Adds amber and cinnamon, drops davana and opoponax
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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