Fragrances inspired by 212 VIP Men Eau de Toilette
The original
212 VIP Men
Carolina Herrera
The two side by side
Our verdict
Editor reviewedWhat they share
Every one of its 8 notes is in the original, including Woody Notes, Lime, Vodka
The main difference
Without gin and pepper
What they share
Every one of its 9 notes is in the original, including Woody Notes, Lime, Pepper
The main difference
Without gin and vodka
What they share
Shares 9 of its 10 notes, including Woody Notes, Lime, Pepper
The main difference
Adds caviar, drops gin and vodka
What they share
Shares 8 of its 11 notes, including Mint, Ginger, Passionfruit
The main difference
Adds gin and lime, drops cinnamon and clove
What they share
Shares 3 of its 9 notes, including Pepper, Leather, Passionfruit
The main difference
Adds cardamom and mandarin, drops amber and gin
Our verdict
While both share a fresh, spicy, and fruity profile, Zara's Tobacco Collection Intense Dark Exclusive leans into a bolder, sweeter, and more affordable experience.
What they share
Shares 2 of its 11 notes, including Pepper, Mint
The main difference
Adds amber and gin, drops apple and basil
Choose Tobacco Collection Intense Dark Exclusive when
You want a bold, sweet tobacco scent.
What they share
Shares 4 of its 9 notes, including Pepper, Spicy Notes, Leather
The main difference
Adds bergamot and plum, drops gin and ginger
What they share
Shares 6 of its 9 notes, including Woody Notes, Pepper, Vodka
The main difference
Adds apple and coumarin, drops gin and leather
Scent profile
How we judge a match
We score each pairing on the two fragrance profiles: shared accords, overlapping notes, longevity and projection, and the occasions each suits. A good inspired-by scent captures the original's character rather than copying it molecule for molecule.
The full method, and what to look for in a dupe. Prices are UK retail and change often. Check before buying.
Inspired-by fragrances. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or produced by Carolina Herrera. Match scores are our estimate of how alike two perfumes smell, calculated from their published notes, not a measurement. How we score similarity.