After seeing several posts hyping clones and seeing the divisiveness around them, I decided to share my thoughts. When reviewing something like Dua or another clone brand, I think it is fair to acknowledge the original it is inspired by, because that gives proper context. I also think it helps keep the conversation honest instead of making it sound like the clone is basically the OG. Most of the reviews I see tend to hype the clone as if it is just as good as the original, and I think that is where a lot of the confusion starts. A few things I think are worth keeping in mind: - Most clone brands do not really compare to the original once you look at refinement, balance, smoothness, and quality of materials. - Dua can still compete with or even beat plenty of designer fragrances, especially in terms of scent profile and performance. - That is where brands like Dua make the most sense to me: niche-inspired scents at a more affordable price. - A clone may capture the general vibe, but it usually cannot capture the complete profile of the original. - Saying a clone is good for the money is fair. Saying it is better than the OG or describing the quality as close to the OG is where things start getting misleading. It may compete with other clones for the most part, but not the OG. I think where some reviewers and even some members of the Brotherhood of Scent lose people is when they hype clones up like they actually surpass the original. In most cases, that is just not true if you have real experience with perfumery. A clone can absolutely be a good value, a good daily wear option, or a way to enjoy a similar style without the price tag, but that still does not mean it matches the original in refinement, composition, balance, or material quality. This is not me knocking clones or the people who enjoy them. I understand the appeal. I just think the conversation is better when we keep the comparison honest and give people proper context instead of letting hype blur the line between inspired-by and original quality.

Good Blessed Sunday Morning Fragrance Family. I am up preparing for worship on this rainy, windy morning here in Chicago. We are beginning that slow transition toward spring, but the weather is reminding us that winter has not fully let go just yet. Today will be wet and blustery and the temperatures are expected to drop quite a bit over the next couple of days. Such is life in the Chi. My scent of the day is Oud Aquilaria by Omanluxury, a fragrance I have reviewed before. This one is beautiful on multiple levels. It is spicy, rich, floral, woody and finished with just the right touch of sweetness. The depth and balance in this composition make it a truly enjoyable wear and every time I reach for it I am reminded that I need to wear it more often. Wishing everyone a blessed Sunday. Enjoy your fragrances and make it a great day.

One of my all time favorite fragrances is Initio’s Oud for Greatness, but I didn’t replace it when my supply was used up, but instead went to Lattafa’s Oud for Glory.Both are composed of Oud, lavender, saffron, patchouli, musk and nutmeg and are super close in smell and longevity. Even the bottles are quite similar. Only the mass difference in price is what separates them. Both are rich and woody but may not be suitable to anyone who doesn’t like Oud. My choice for dinner date tonight.

Good Morning Fragrance Family. Hope everyone is off to a great start today. It’s going to be a busy one on my end, but as always we might as well smell amazing while getting it done. My scent of the day is Boss Bastard by Aaron Terence Hughes and this is my first full wear. Right out of the gate it comes across bright, woody, and musky with a slight touch of spice that gives it a nice character. It feels clean, confident, and well balanced so far. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how this one develops throughout the day. Wishing everyone a productive and blessed day. Stay safe and smell fantastic.

So I was scanning OfferUp and this came across my feed. Since my wife doesn’t own any PDM I wanted to get one for her. The lady had this listed at $60 so I was VERY skeptical, and offered $40 which she jumped on. Turned out to be an older lady from New Orleans who has recently moved here. Her husband bought this for her for Valentines Day and she didn’t like it because she doesn’t like “strong” fragrances. It had been sprayed once! Everything seems to check out. Batch # on the bottle and bottom of box. Heavy metal cap with intricate engraving. Man I feel like I stole this!