Is Perfume Parlour Water Excel II a dupe of Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte?

Water Excel II EDP

Perfume Parlour   Inspired Favourite
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Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte Cologne bottle Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte EDC
EDC Concentration EDP
U Gender M
2021 Year -
£££££ Price Tier £
Water Excel II Eau de Parfum bottle Water Excel II EDP
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Where they differ

Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.

ScentArt

View Liquid → Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte EDC
View Liquid → Water Excel II EDP

Which Should You Buy?

Our Verdict - Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte EDC
This one is a proper head-scratcher. It's either the absolute pinnacle of clean, fresh perfumery, or it smells like budget cleaning products and urine. There's no in-between, so sample first, and brace yourself for the full Marmite experience.
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Our Verdict - Water Excel II EDP
Perfume Parlour's affordable interpretation of Maison Francis Kurkdijan Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte - a citrus fragrance led by Bergamot, with musky depth. The dupe trades some of the original's depth and longevity for a wallet-friendly price, keeping the recognisable character.
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Scent Profile

How they compare
Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte EDC A Water Excel II 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
Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte EDC
Water Excel II EDP

Notes

Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte
Water Excel II

Base Notes

Base Notes

Shared Notes
Musk 100% vs 100%
Bergamot 100% vs 100%
Sweet Pea 55% vs 53%
Mock Orange 44% vs 46%
Shared Notes
Bergamot 100% vs 100%
Shared Notes
Sweet Pea 55% vs 53%
Mock Orange 44% vs 46%
Shared Notes
Musk 100% vs 100%

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 Brands do not publish formulations.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

Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte Water Excel II
Moderate (4-6h)
Longevity
Short (2-4h)
Moderate
Projection
Intimate
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Season and Occasion Fit

Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte

Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer

A warm-weather pick - at its best in summer and spring.

Occasions

Best For:
Office Casual Sport
Also Works:
Date

Its clean, fresh profile makes it ideal for casual wear, office settings, and post-gym freshness. While some find its longevity surprising for a 'freshie', its overall light character makes it less suited for formal events or intimate dates where something more captivating might be preferred.

Water Excel II

Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer

Reach for it across spring and summer, where the citrus signature sits most naturally; outside those months its softer projection thins out faster.

Occasions

Best For:
Date Casual
Also Works:
Office Sport

This one suits casual and daily settings; the easy, breezy character keeps it versatile for date rotation too.

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 4 notes is in the original, including Mock Orange, Sweet Pea, Musk

Key Differences

Near-identical note list, differs in proportion

Where to buy

Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte EDC
Water Excel II EDP
No price data

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