Is Zara Bohemian Oud a dupe of Maison Margiela By the Fireplace?
By the Fireplace EDT
| EDT | Concentration | EDP |
| U | Gender | F |
| 2015 | Year | 2022 |
| $$ | Price Tier | $ |
Bohemian Oud EDP
By the Fireplace and Bohemian Oud both aim for a smoky-sweet profile, but their execution differs drastically. By the Fireplace offers a refined, balanced blend of smoky woods and gourmand vanilla, creating a comforting and sophisticated experience. Bohemian Oud, however, can be inconsistent, with some finding a pleasant warmth while others detect an artificial or overly peppery scent. The key difference lies in the quality and balance of ingredients: By the Fireplace justifies its premium price with smoother, more nuanced notes, whereas Bohemian Oud's budget-friendly approach can be hit-or-miss.
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Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
How it unfolds
Notes
- By the Fireplace
- Bohemian Oud
- in both
Tap a note to light it in both. A+B means both have it
Which Should You Buy?
- You want a reliably comforting and high-quality smoky vanilla.
- You prefer smoother, more balanced gourmand fragrances.
- You're willing to invest in a well-regarded, popular scent.
- You want a fragrance that leans toward sophisticated nostalgia.
- You want a very affordable smoky fragrance.
- You enjoy taking risks with unique and potentially divisive scents.
- You're seeking a bolder, spicier take on the smoky-sweet profile.
- You like to experiment with fragrance layering.
A modern cult classic that captures the essence of crackling wood and toasted sweetness. Hugely comforting and atmospheric, By the Fireplace is an enveloping, smoky gourmand that balances nostalgia with sophistication.
A divisive blend that promises cosy, gourmand depths but often delivers a sharp pepper blast or even Knorr stock cube vibes. Some call this a niche-level steal, others a cheap, headache-inducing misstep. Definitely a love-it-or-hate-it affair, so don't blind buy.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Base Notes
Woody Notes
13% share of the perfume
Vanilla
23%
vs
14%
Chestnut
21% share of the perfume
Clove
13% share of the perfume
Pink Pepper
13% share of the perfume
Peru Balsam
10% share of the perfume
Juniper
8% share of the perfume
Guaiac Wood
7% share of the perfume
Cashmeran
3% share of the perfume
Orange Blossom
1% share of the perfume
Incense
20% share of the perfume
Pepper
18% share of the perfume
Cacao Pod
17% share of the perfume
Woody Notes
13% share of the perfume
Leather
11% share of the perfume
Immortelle
6% share of the perfume
Clove
13% share of the perfume
Pink Pepper
13% share of the perfume
Orange Blossom
1% share of the perfume
Vanilla
23% share of the perfume
Peru Balsam
10% share of the perfume
Cashmeran
3% share of the perfume
Woody Notes
13% 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
With its smoky, sweet, and warm balsamic tones, By the Fireplace thrives in cold weather, wrapping the wearer in a cozy aura. The heavy, woody and gourmand aspects can feel cloying in heat but shine in fall and especially winter.
Occasions
Its moderate projection and comforting, inviting profile suit dates and casual outings, while the smoky sweetness works for formal events with personality. The scent is too enveloping and gourmand for sport or high-activity scenarios, and may be too distinctive for conservative offices.
Seasons
A cold-weather scent - best worn in winter and autumn.
Occasions
Its bold, smoky-spicy character and strong initial projection make it less suitable for office wear. However, its warming elements and alluring dry-down are perfect for an autumn/winter date or casual evening wear, though perhaps too informal for most formal occasions.
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 9 notes, including Vanilla
Adds cashmeran and chestnut, drops cacao pod and immortelle
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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