Fragrances inspired by Exquisite Musk Eau de Parfum
The original
Exquisite Musk
Yves Saint Laurent
The two side by side
Our verdict
Editor reviewedWhat they share
Every one of its 8 notes is in the original, including Rose, Nutmeg, Cinnamon
The main difference
Near-identical note list, differs in proportion
What they share
Shares 4 of its 8 notes, including Rose, Patchouli, Musk
The main difference
Adds ambergris and benzoin, drops amber and clove
What they share
Shares 5 of its 8 notes, including Musk, Patchouli, Cinnamon
The main difference
Adds ambergris and benzoin, drops amber and cardamom
What they share
Shares 4 of its 8 notes, including Musk, Patchouli, Cinnamon
The main difference
Adds ambergris and benzoin, drops amber and carnation
What they share
Shares 4 of its 8 notes, including Musk, Patchouli, Nutmeg
The main difference
Adds ambergris and benzoin, drops cashmere wood and pepper
What they share
Shares 1 of its 8 notes, including Ginger
The main difference
Adds ambergris and benzoin, drops amber and apple
What they share
Shares 4 of its 8 notes, including Musk, Patchouli, Cinnamon
The main difference
Adds ambergris and benzoin, drops amber and bergamot
What they share
Shares 4 of its 8 notes, including Patchouli, Musk, Rose
The main difference
Adds ambergris and benzoin, drops amber and clove
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 Yves Saint Laurent. Match scores are our estimate of how alike two perfumes smell, calculated from their published notes, not a measurement. How we score similarity.