Is Zara Velvet Shadow (Into The Gourmand) a dupe of Parfums de Marly Oriana?
Oriana EDP
| EDP | Concentration | EDT |
| F | Gender | F |
| 2021 | Year | 2023 |
| £££££ | Price Tier | £ |
Velvet Shadow (Into The Gourmand) EDT
Oriana is the polished, pricier choice: a fluffy marshmallow-citrus gourmand with more elegance, better balance and a smoother wear. Velvet Shadow goes for the same orange-blossom-marshmallow lane at a fraction of the price, but it is far more divisive and can read synthetic or scratchy on skin. Oriana wins if you want the more refined, easier-to-love version of that scent. Velvet Shadow is the cheaper gamble if you mainly want the vibe for less money and don't mind a riskier, less luxurious finish. It comes down to quality against value: Oriana gives the cleaner, more sophisticated impression, while Velvet Shadow leans louder, rougher and more hit-or-miss.
ScentArt
Which Should You Buy?
- You want the more refined, polished sweet-gourmand scent.
- You prefer a smoother, less synthetic-smelling finish.
- You value the more sophisticated overall impression.
- You want the cheaper take on the marshmallow-orange blossom vibe.
- You do not mind a more synthetic or rougher scent.
- You are happy to gamble for strong value.
Oriana is a divisive one, but mostly a success. An unashamedly sweet, fluffy marshmallow dream with a citrus tang that's both playful and surprisingly sophisticated. Just don't expect it to stick around all day, which is a major sticking point for many.
Velvet Shadow is a divisive one, hyped by some as a brilliant dupe for higher-end marshmallow-orange blossom scents like Oriana, but just as many find it a synthetic scrubber. Don't blind buy unless you're a devout gourmand fan and prepared for a bit of a gamble.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Base Notes
Accords
Performance
Season and Occasion Fit
Seasons
A warm-weather pick - at its best in spring and summer.
Occasions
Its sweet, fluffy nature makes it perfect for dates and casual outings, exuding a fun, appealing aura. However, the projection can be considerable initially, and perceived poor longevity for some makes it less ideal for formal or office settings where subtlety and staying power might be more valued.
Seasons
Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.
Occasions
Its sweet, fluffy gourmand profile makes it suitable for casual wear and date nights, where a playful and feminine scent is appreciated. However, the often-reported weak longevity and prominent sweetness make it less ideal for formal settings or the office, where subtlety and professionalism are key.
Similarity Breakdown
How alike these two fragrances smell, scored from their full scent profiles.
Both lean citrus, sweet, white floral
Adds blackcurrant and cream, drops jasmine
Where to buy
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