Fragrances inspired by Les Absolus d'Orient Oud Essentiel Eau de Parfum
The original
Les Absolus d'Orient Oud Essentiel
Guerlain
The two side by side
Our verdict
Editor reviewedOur verdict
Qaa'ed Al Shabaab and Oud Essentiel both feature leather and oud, but cater to different preferences.
What they share
Shares 2 of its 8 notes, including Leather, Cedar
The main difference
Adds frankincense and geranium, drops osmanthus and ylang-ylang
Choose Qaa'ed Al Shabaab when
You want a bold, unapologetic leather experience.
What they share
Shares 5 of its 8 notes, including Oud, Rose, Cedar
The main difference
Adds amber and bergamot, drops frankincense and geranium
What they share
Shares 4 of its 8 notes, including Leather, Oud, Rose
The main difference
Adds cedar and frankincense, drops amber and bergamot
What they share
Shares 3 of its 8 notes, including Saffron, Leather, Rose
The main difference
Adds cedar and frankincense, drops angelica and ebony
What they share
Shares 3 of its 6 notes, including Oud, Rose, Saffron
The main difference
Adds amber and incense, drops cedar and frankincense
What they share
Shares 4 of its 7 notes, including Oud, Rose, Cedar
The main difference
Adds labdanum and patchouli, drops frankincense and geranium
What they share
Shares 4 of its 8 notes, including Oud, Rose, Leather
The main difference
Adds amber and benzoin, drops cedar and frankincense
What they share
Shares 4 of its 7 notes, including Oud, Rose, Leather
The main difference
Adds pink pepper and plum, drops cedar and frankincense
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 Guerlain. Match scores are our estimate of how alike two perfumes smell, calculated from their published notes, not a measurement. How we score similarity.