Fragrances inspired by Rouge Velours Eau de Parfum
The original
Rouge Velours
Yves Saint Laurent
The two side by side
Our verdict
Editor reviewedOur verdict
Rouge Velours and Velvet Rouge are extremely similar rose-patchouli fragrances, but the key difference lies in price and refinement.
What they share
Every one of its 8 notes is in the original, including Rose, Iris, Jasmine
The main difference
Near-identical note list, differs in proportion
Choose Velvet Rouge when
You're on a tight budget.
Our verdict
While both share rose and patchouli, Rouge Velours is a bolder, darker rose-patchouli bomb, whereas Anaqeed Red leans into powdery iris with earthy undertones.
What they share
Every one of its 8 notes is in the original, including Rose, Iris, Jasmine
The main difference
Near-identical note list, differs in proportion
Choose Anaqeed (Red) when
You prefer a powdery iris-centered fragrance.
What they share
Shares 5 of its 11 notes, including Rose, Jasmine, Vetiver
The main difference
Adds ambrette and cedar, drops iris and musk
What they share
Shares 5 of its 8 notes, including Rose, Jasmine, Patchouli
The main difference
Adds iris and musk, drops cedar and freesia
What they share
Shares 4 of its 9 notes, including Rose, Jasmine, Vetiver
The main difference
Adds coriander and freesia, drops iris and musk
What they share
Shares 4 of its 9 notes, including Rose, Iris, Vetiver
The main difference
Adds carrot seeds and frankincense, drops jasmine and musk
What they share
Shares 5 of its 8 notes, including Rose, Vetiver, Patchouli
The main difference
Adds bergamot and cedar, drops iris and jasmine
What they share
Shares 4 of its 10 notes, including Rose, Jasmine, Patchouli
The main difference
Adds cascalone and geranium, drops iris and pink pepper
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.