A few days ago, my husband was looking for a perfect summer scent for his daily office wear. So, I considered helping him by choosing something from the Italian luxury brand Xerjoff.
Consequently, I spotted XJ 1861 Renaissance as the best summer scent. But unfortunately, it was a bit expensive for his regular wear.
So, he wanted an affordable substitute; hence, I researched and found him some amazing dupes of Renaissance by Xerjoff. Are you here for the same?
If so, let’s get into it without any further delay!
What Does XJ 1861 Renaissance Xerjoff Smell Like?
XJ 1861 Renaissance is an aromatic, citrusy fragrance that offers a burst of fresh bergamot and tangerine. With the relaxing, cool, minty hint and powdery floral bouquet, the heart creates a heavenly aura. Also, the deeper layers of wood and patchouli give it a complex and interesting finish.
Now, let’s see which ingredients the perfumer selected while composing XJ 1861 Renaissance Xerjoff:
Top Notes: Amalfi Lemon, Tangerine, Bergamot and Petitgrain
Middle Notes: Mint, Lily-of-the-Valley, and Rose
Base Notes: Musk, Virginia Cedar, Amber, and Patchouli
In the first spray, Renaissance by Xerjoff welcomed me with a fruity splash of citruses. The explosion of tantalizing bergamot, lemon, and tangerine makes the opening perfect for a summer day.
Afterward, the heart settles into a dry, powdery floral tone of the lily of the valley while the velvety, sensual smell of rose gives it a feminine hunch.
You’ll also sense the smell of mint and petitgrain, which adds a green, fresh tone to make it relaxing and soothing enough.
As the clock runs, the woody, crispy smell of Virginia cedar makes the base deeper and dark, mingling with the warmth of amber and earthy exotic patchouli in the end.
Ultimately, with this perfect summer citrus scent, you’ll get a 10+ hour longevity and a refreshing trail. So, it can be one of your perfect summer scents if you have a good budget for your fragrance.
What Colognes Are Similar To XJ 1861 Renaissance Xerjoff?
Xerjoff has a unique, harmonious blending story, making it a standout in the realm of perfumery. The rich composition of this alluring gem is hard to match exactly with other aromas.
However, after months of research, my partner and I sorted the best alternatives of XJ 1861 Renaissance, which will undoubtedly help you, too.
So, here are the dupes of XJ 1861 Renaissance Xerjoff:
1. Victorian By The Dua Brand
While looking for the substitutes, the first thing that grabbed my attention was Victorian by The Dua Brand. This is an exact clone of the Xerjoff Renaissance at a very affordable price.
Isn’t it lucrative enough? Let’s see next how similar a smell it offers as they have the same DNA.
Exactly like the OG XJ 1861 Renaissance, the opening of Victorian has a sparkling, citrusy start, which will refresh you from the first sniff.
Surprisingly, this phase vividly reminded me of the special lemonade that I enjoyed while sitting beside Miami Beach during my last summer vacation.
As the aroma settles, you’ll feel the soft, delicate, flowery nuance of the lily of the valley and a sweet-powdery rosy hint. Then, petitgrain and mint join with a green, earthy touch, which you’ll find fairly stimulating for your brain.
Finally, the dry down feels slightly resinous and woodsy from the amber, musk, cedar, and earthy patchouli, making it the perfect mirror of Renaissance by Xerjoff.
This addictive fragrance projects heavily, and it also offers a long-lasting aroma for 8 to 10 hours without reapplying.
So, if you are a Xerjoff Renaissance lover, don’t miss picking this one.
When to Wear
This replica by The Dua Brand is a top-notch pick to enjoy your summer outings. You can also wear this one for spring days, but don’t use it in colder temperatures as it projects less in chilly weather.
Why Should You Buy
- Similar DNA like Renaissance Xerjoff.
- Inexpensive replica.
- Great sillage.
- Long-lasting.
- Perfect summer/spring scent.
2. Guerlain Homme Guerlain
Guerlain Homme by Guerlain was launched in 2008, and the amazing noses behind this formulation are Thierry Wasser and Sylvaine Delacourte.
The cologne starts with a boozy, bright, and citrusy accord of mojito, lime, and mint, creating a magical aroma that keeps hovering in the air for a long time.
Moving further, the geranium starts to take the stage with its floral yet mild fruity smell. You’ll also sense the intoxicating gourmand rum that makes the aura perfectly masculine.
In the finishing part, the woody balsamic cedar balances everything flawlessly with the earthy-leathery vetiver that ensures a great sillage and projection.
As this flacon comes with a great price point, this alternative is good enough to make your journey memorable by offering a similar ambiance to XJ 1861 Renaissance.
Additionally, due to its unique olfactory signature, the hype of the Guerline keeps soaring in the market.
So, if you are a pure lover of their cheerful quality blend, there are also some best-smelling Guerlain Perfumes in their women’s section, which you’ll really adore. Trust me on that.
When to Wear
You will definitely love to wear this alluring masterpiece, Guerlain Homme, during any of your summer occasions or spring festivals. At night, it doesn’t radiate more, so spray accordingly.
Additionally, as the projection is strong, my recommendation is to avoid it in formal events or office environments.
Why Should You Buy
- Mass appealing.
- Strong, citrusy opening.
- Amazing blend.
- Addictive aroma.
- Splendid masculine cologne.
- Affordable.
3. Folha de Laranjeira Granado
Top Notes: Sicilian Lemon, Bergamot, Petitgrain and Mandarin Orange
Middle Notes: Petitgrain, Mint, and Peony
Base Notes: Musk, Iris, Patchouli, and Moss
The third replacement on my list is Folha de Laranjeira by Granado. This amber floral fragrance begins with lots of fresh green smells, which will surely captivate you from the start.
The melodic collaboration of Sicilian lemon, zesty bergamot, and sweet yet tangy mandarin orange make up an inviting and uplifting aura at the top.
Gradually, the scent develops into a dark green nuance in the core. I felt this phase was a little different from the Renaissance, with a prominent presence of petitgrain mingling with herbal, cool mint.
However, after a few moments, the peony equalizes the core with its sweet floral hint, thus preventing the aroma from getting too dark.
This unisex yet more male-leaning aroma is a great formulation of the perfumer Carmita Magalhães. She artistically balances the sharp, citrusy edge from the top into a beautiful softness of body notes.
Moving to dry down, the creamy, sweet musk merges with powdery iris and earthy patchouli, sketching an attractive, natural end line to the aroma.
My brother really loves this fragrance as this offers a very decent sillage and longevity without getting too overwhelming. But as this needs reapplication, don’t forget to carry an atomizer while going out.
When to Wear
If you are looking for a subtle, fresh vibe in your daily wear scent, Folha de Laranjeira is a good option. This is a great day scent that will be in-offensive to wear in formal or semi-formal lunches and meetings.
Why Should You Buy
- Offers a captivating freshness.
- Perfect office wear.
- Great price point.
- Moderate sillage.
- Lasts up to 8 hours.
4. Guerlain Homme L’Eau Guerlain
Guerlain Homme L’Eau by Guerlain starts fantastically with a unique, mood-lifting combination of lime and mint.
Are you a fragrance collector? If the answer is yes, then this cologne will surely be a great addition to your summer fragrance tray.
The fruity rush of grapefruit and citrusy, dazzling bergamot makes the aura a delicious treat that is appreciated by all. I particularly love to smell this one on my man as it offers a seductive vibe on our special date.
As soon as the fruity rush fades, you will get the evocating, irresistible rum notes that add a tempting desire toward the wearer at this phase.
Also, the floral, sweet geranium offers a divine sensual trail that lingers for more than 8 feet and stays 12+ hours on my skin with just 2 sprays at the wrist.
The smooth transition of each layer makes it an enchanting composition. However, it doesn’t have a woodsy undertone like the Xerjoff Renaissance, but I found this one feels way better as it clings to my skin chemistry.
Moreover, you will get this best-smelling Guerlain cologne at a great price point. So you can purchase one for you or your beloved without pondering.
When to Wear
Guerlain Homme L’Eau is ideal for hot weather and summer. This cologne feels clean and classy with its refined, unique fusion. It feels comfortable and soothing on the skin, which makes it versatile enough for various occasions.
Why Should You Buy
- Unique and classy.
- Longevity for 12 hours.
- Easy wear.
- Radiates well.
- Inexpensive.
5. Naked Neroli BORNTOSTANDOUT®
Top Notes: Citron, Mint, Bergamot, and Mandarin Orange
Middle Notes: Neroli, Petitgrain Paraguay, Bulgarian Rose, Tuberose, Orange Blossom
Base Notes: Jasmine, Musk, Guaiac Wood, Basil
Launched in 2022, the last alternative on my list is Naked Neroli by BORNTOSTANDOUT®.
In the initial spray, I got a burst of bitter citrus from the citron, bergamot, and Mandarin orange. Which straightforwardly gives a sensation of using the original Renaissance by Xerjoff.
The heart is clearly on the sweet floral side that will attract you to its sensual smell of delicate white florals dancing gracefully with petitgrain.
Here, the charming aroma of rose and neroli will take you on the journey to a nice flower garden while sipping on fresh orange juice. Isn’t it quite refreshing?
Then, slowly, the tuberose and orange blossom enhance the calmness by adding more depth to its core.
Once it dries down, you will sense the show’s star, Neroli, is still at the back, along with a fresh oriental jasmine smell. That captivated me engrossingly towards the end.
Although, in the core, I didn’t get it as a replica of Xerjoff Renaissance. But as soon as the base emerges, the aura feels like a perfect imitation of the OG Renaissance to me.
Then, the subtle, noticeable presence of musk, basil, and guaiac wood sums up the base, giving a different creamy yet herbal and woodsy dimension that lasts eternally on my skin.
With just a few pumps of Naked Neroli, l got a room-filled aroma that totally amazed me and made me feel my money was worth spending on this fancy flanker.
When to Wear
In my opinion, Naked Neroli will offer a great performance on hot summer days as the fragrance sets close to the skin and radiates massively when it gets warm.
However, you can carry it on spring and fall days as well to enjoy a perfect beach party or casual friends hangout.
Why Should You Buy
- Excellent packaging.
- A great choice for citrus lovers.
- Excellent longevity.
- Floral heart.
- Drydown is male-leaning.
Parting Notes
When all is said and done, now you have an authentic, vivid description of some alluring dupes of XJ 1861 Renaissance by Xerjoff. These smell-alikes won’t disappoint you with their mesmerizing aura.
I have shared the detailed experience after trying each of them individually. Hope this will ease your purchase decision and you will find the best of all.
So, check the list and let me know in the comments about the one you pick. Till then, stay safe!