While roaming at a perfume shop on a random window shopping day, the captivating aura of Original Santal suddenly drew my attention.
I took a close look at the flacon of this masterpiece and stepped back. Its hefty price tag was the main obstacle for me.
Consequently, after coming home, I found some alternatives to the Original Santal, as I couldn’t keep that fragrance out of my head.
So, if you are here for the same, stay along!
What Does Creed Original Santal Smell Like?
With a citrusy-spicy accent of bergamot, ginger, and coriander, Original Santal offers a warm, inviting freshness. From the beginning, the sweet, woody smell lingers, mingling with the earthy nuttiness of tonka bean and the cedar.
However, the subtle presence of a floral heart gives the cologne an enchanting depth.
Let’s have a quick glance at the notes of Creed Original Santal:
Top Notes: Juniper Berries, Coriander, Ginger, Rosemary, Mandarin Orange and Bergamot
Middle Notes: Sandalwood, Lavender, Orange Blossom and Geranium
Base Notes: Tonka Bean, Musk, Cedar and Oakmoss
Original Santal is one of the finest blends of Creed. This aroma opens with the sweetness of juniper berries and a bright spark from the citrus king bergamot.
Soon after the first spray, the spicy warmth of ginger with coriander and rosemary enters with a spicy kick.
As the top notes fade, the heart notes step forward, revealing the fragrance’s warmth with an aromatic core of lavender, geranium, and rich, earthy sandalwood.
The reminiscence of other layers is accompanied by a sweet yet nutty, gourmand aroma of tonka bean with a sensual hint of musk and woodsy cedar at the dry down.
To smell elegant, this cologne is worth buying when money is not a barrier, as this frag will give you longevity of more than 12 hours without any reapplication.
However, if you want a fragrance with enormous sillage, this might not be a wise choice at this higher price point.
What Are Colognes Similar To Creed Original Santal?
Original Santal by Creed is a cologne that is hyped for the blend of exquisite ingredients. However, as this is a pricey luxury cologne, everyone can’t afford this gem.
So, my suggestions will definitely give you a smell with a similar tone to Original Santal in a cost-effective manner.
Let’s find out my top 7 alternatives of Creed Original Santal that suit you best:
1.Individuel Montblanc
Top Notes: Lavender, Cinnamon, Pineapple, Juniper Berries, Mint, Bergamot, Rosemary, Cardamom, and Coriander
Middle Notes: Orange Blossom, Violet, Geranium and Jasmine
Base Notes: Raspberry, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Dark Chocolate, Musk, Amber, Patchouli, Vetiver and Oakmoss
While looking for dupes, the first cologne that hit me was Individuel by Montblanc. This substitute contains exactly the same DNA as the Original Santal.
After the first spray, the top ensures a zesty, spicy touch of bergamot mixed with fresh cinnamon and cardamom.
However, the pineapple was not very noticeable to me at this phase.
Next, in the core, the delightful floral accord of refreshing jasmine and geranium plays harmoniously, balancing the spiciness with a sweet, powdery smell that lasts till the end.
As time elapsed, the cheerful blend of vanilla and dark chocolate with raspberry fusion reminded me of my favorite raspberry-filled chocolate.
Individuel has a very strong masculine dry down that consists of sandalwood, musk, vetiver, and amber, which leaves a woody-ambery finish.
This affordable, versatile clone has a very decent sillage, so if you are an Original Santal lover, this fragrance is a must-buy for your regular formal office wear.
You can also check out the best-smelling Montblanc colognes if you are a Montblanc lover like my brother.
When to Wear
Individuel by Montblanc is an ideal pick when you are looking for an all-season, quality blend.
In my experience, it’s not versatile enough to wear in warm conditions, but it is great for office environments and formal outings at both day and night time.
Why Should You Buy
- Fresh and clean smell.
- Office friendly.
- Versatile.
- Great price point.
- Decent sillage and projection.
2. Santal Silk Alexandria Fragrances
Top Notes: Sandalwood, Cinnamon, Coriander, and Juniper Berries
Middle Notes: Lavender, Rosemary, Petitgrain, and Ginger
Base Notes: Vanilla and Tonka Bean
Looking for a cologne with an intoxicating and attractive vibe of sandalwood? You are in the right section.
Santal Silk by Alexandria Fragrances is an essence that begins to flourish with the powdery, spicy cinnamon and woody sweetness of sandalwood, along with juniper berries.
Then, in the middle, an airy, sweet lavender smell comes to light with the rosemary, petitgrain, and gingery accords.
As the liquid settles with the skin, the sweet-softness of vanilla blends more gracefully with the creamy sandalwood and gourmand earthy tonka bean. This makes it a compliment magnet.
With the zingy presence of spicy ginger with sandalwood, the creamy aroma remains at the base. On my skin, the scent lasts for 15+ hours with just a few sprays.
When to Wear
This summer/spring unisex dupe is great for grabbing attention on any occasion. Even on cozy winter or fall nights, I really love the intoxicating vibe it leaves on my partner for a long time.
Why Should You Buy
- Eternal longevity.
- Great for sandalwood lovers.
- Sweet-creamy notes.
- Compliment getter.
- Moderate sillage.
3. Joop! Homme Joop!
Top Notes: Orange Blossom, Mandarin Orange, Bergamot and Amalfi Lemon
Middle Notes: Cinnamon, Heliotrope, Jasmine, Cardamom and Lily-of-the-Valley
Base Notes: Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Honey, Tobacco and Vetiver
Joop! Homme by Joop is a creation of the great perfumer Michel Almairac in the year of 1989. This spicy, sweet masterpiece is a top-notch pick for trend lovers.
The tantalizing citrus burst in the opening felt so freshly appealing when I first sniffed it on my boyfriend.
Soon after some time, the spiciness of cinnamon and cardamom strikes. The fusion of floral ambiance of white-soothing jasmine, along with the lily of the valley, makes a fairly intoxicating aura.
This leaves a spellbound essence at the mid that lingers for more than three to four hours.
Finally, the complex part arrives, a base full of magnificent compositions to make it unique. The smooth sensation of vanilla with exotic patchouli, sandalwood, and the smell of tonka bean takes the stage.
You can also check colognes similar to Joop Homme for a similar ambiance.
Additionally, the warmth of dense honey, united with tobacco and vetiver, makes the finishing story captivating.
Joop! Homme has a surprising longevity of more than 15 hours with just one pump. Its sillage and heavy projection were the reasons why I purchased this inexpensive flacon for my partner.
When to Wear
If you want a perfect winter fragrance for your dinner date, try Joop! Homme by Joop.
This closest replica of the Original Santal will be a perfect pick for the colder season. But don’t overspray it on summer days, as its overpowering citrusy notes might be irritating.
Why Should You Buy
- Resemble Original Santal.
- Amazing citrusy opening.
- Excellent sillage.
- Spicy-sweet graceful blend.
- Longevity for about 15 hours.
4. No 89 Floris
Top Notes: Lavender, Orange, Bergamot, Neroli, Petitgrain and Nutmeg
Middle Notes: Rose, Geranium and Ylang-Ylang
Base Notes: Musk, Oakmoss, Sandalwood, Virginia Cedar, and Vetiver
Moving to my fourth alternative, No 89 by Floris is a pure blend that makes you feel comfortable and calm with just a few sprays.
In the first transition, clean citrus with a little tart twang from petitgrain and bergamot gives a spark to the wearer’s confidence.
According to me, lavender, along with neroli, plays the main role in giving this cologne a classic masculine touch.
Slowly, the floral balance of the geranium and ylang-ylang became my favorite part. At this point, I clearly visualize myself walking inside the flower garden with a peaceful, relaxed mind.
However, this doesn’t stay long. A musky, woody hint of cedar, sandalwood, and musk strikes in at the base.
Soon, the dry down settles the brief floral, engaging accent into a woody, powdery trail.
When to Wear
Apart from cold winter, No 89 is a top-notch pick for warm summer and spring days. As this cologne doesn’t flourish much at night, you must spray a little more for a great formal dinner or night event.
Why Should You Buy
- Relaxing and comforting.
- Affordable.
- Smooth, harmonious base.
- Moderate sillage.
- Traditional summer/spring scent.
- Perfect fit for formal events.
5. 212 Sexy Men Carolina Herrera
Top Notes: Mandarin Orange, Bergamot, and Green Notes
Middle Notes: Pepper, Flowers and Cardamom
Base Notes: Vanilla, Guaiac Wood, Sandalwood, Musk and Amber
This flanker of Carolina Herrera is extremely energetic and bright right from the opening.
The strong, dewy green notes with mandarin orange and bergamot create the opening chaotic enough to start a day.
To me, the middle appears with a sweet, powdery, flowery nuance where the pepper merges with light cardamom, grasping the whole composition flawlessly.
At last comes the appealing dry down with a classy blend of sandalwood, musk, and amber.
The base has a warm, silky vanillic finish that blends seamlessly on my skin, giving me longevity for 12 hours. However, in case of sillage, this dupe will give you a moderate trail.
Additionally, if you want the best Carolina Herrera perfumes, you can check out their women’s fragrances, readily available in the market.
When to Wear
212 Sexy Men by Carolina Herrera is a splendid party/clubbing fragrance for fall and winter nights. This is a sweet bomb to avoid in high heat, so try to avoid using it during summer.
Why Should You Buy
- Silky smooth vanilla composition.
- Perfect spicy twist.
- Decent sillage.
- 10 to 12 hours longevity.
- Good value for money.
6. Giardinodiercole Agatho Parfum
Top Notes: Juniper Berries, Labdanum, Bergamot, Lavender
Middle Notes: Incense, Black Pepper, Saffron, Sage and Pimento
Base Notes: Virginia Cedar, Sandalwood, Labdanum, Amber, Cashmeran, Patchouli and Musk
Giardinodiercole by Agatho Parfum was a love at first-sniff to me. This expensive substitute of Original Santal makes me amazed with its impressive blending story.
The initial phase purely displays the subtle floral smell of lavender with the warmth of resinous labdanum and fruity punch.
After 10 minutes, the smoky incense mingles with spicy black pepper. While the smell of saffron in the background equalizes the middle note.
Apparently, you’ll feel the smokey tint in the grounding part as well. The crispy, dark, woodsy composition fuses with amber, cashmeran, and musk smoothly.
Hence, these accords at the dry down, strengthen the cologne, and add a tempting ambiance to the essence that lasts longer.
However, as this is a luxury version of Original Santal, it will be better to watch your pocket before purchasing.
When to Wear
This is a versatile cologne that can be worn all year round. However, from family outings to holiday tours, this elegant piece will help you to smell fresh all day long.
Why Should You Buy
- Bright, sweet blend.
- More male leaning.
- Radiates to a few feet.
- Classy and refined.
7. Sakura Ormonde Jayne
Top Notes: Green Notes, Bergamot, Lime, Pink Pepper, Coriander and Mandarin Orange
Middle Notes: Cherry Blossom, Cyclamen, Freesia, Osmanthus, Water Lily, Violet and Rose
Base Notes: Cedar, Sandalwood, Musk, Amber, Tonka Bean and Madagascar Vanilla
As a green lover, Sakura by Ormonde Jayne is a blessing that always gives me a feeling of being closer to nature. The vividness of this replica boosts my inner self just in the first splash.
In the beginning, the herbal green opening is amazingly toned down with a mild peppery spiciness of pink pepper.
At the second layer, the heart settles into a lovely, delicate, floral, powdery essence of rose, cherry blossom, and peachy osmanthus.
Isn’t it a heavenly composition?
Immediately after that, the seductive, smooth vanillic touch enhances the musky, dark, woody accord so perfectly in the base.
Are you an office-going person? If so, Sakura is an ideal choice to uplift your mood in a work environment. It offers very decent sillage and projection without being too overwhelming.
When to Wear
Sakura by Ormonde Jayne is best suited for summer or spring formal occasions. It doesn’t project well in winter on me, so I suggest choosing another one for the cold season would be wise.
Why Should You Buy
- Elegant and modern vibe.
- Intoxicating drydown.
- Delicate composition.
- Lasts for more than 8 hours.
- Mesmerizing for green lovers.
Concluding Touch
Searching for clones of your desired smell is definitely a tough job for a perfume enthusiast. But I did the task easy for you.
Reading thoroughly, the substitutes I offered will surely be worth buying due to their fascinating blend and performance. Hope you will choose the best among these.
Don’t forget to knock me in the comment section to share your experience.
Till then, stay safe.