Extra XIII

Extra XIII opens on a soft, slightly fruity shimmer of amyl salicylate and pear over a big dose of Iso E Super, instantly recalling Le Labo Another 13's airy, almost metallic freshness. The heart is all clean musk and ambergris-style warmth, the transparent ambroxan accord that made the original a phenomenon, rounded by powdery ambrette in the drydown. On skin it wears as a refined, versatile clean-musk, light and skin-like and easy in any setting. Because Another 13 is famously minimal and linear, the dupe's divergence is small, mostly a slightly cruder synthetic edge and quicker fade, with projection staying close. Longevity is the main compromise against the original's sometimes-marathon wear, but for office days, casual outings and daytime dates it offers a faithful, affordable take on a modern minimalist favourite.