Fragrances Similar To Penhaligon's Cairo [Tested 2024]

I wanted to give a fragrance to my brother for his convocation day. In the hope that all the beautiful memories of his big day will show up with each splash of it.

After searching a lot, I bought him Cairo by Penhaligon’s. It is one of the most sophisticated scents in my eyes!

I couldn’t resist figuring out the alternatives to this fantastic sensation. In this article, I will include all the Penhaligon’s Cairo dupe so you can also try this beauty in various forms.

So, stay till the end.

What Does Penhaligon’s Cairo Smell Like?

Cairo by Penhaligon’s has a beautiful powdery sensation of the rose warmed by spicy saffron. The core combines the vanilla with a balsamic hint of labdanum. Eventually, its opulent and polished dry down embraces the woody and buttery sandalwood alongside patchouli and cedar.

This elegant scent was launched in 2019 and composed by the legendary perfumer Christophe Raynaud.

To understand the exquisite aura of Cairo better, first, take a peek at its notes profile:

Top Notes: Damask Rose, Saffron

Middle Notes: Vanilla, Cypriol Oil, Labdanum

Base Notes: Sandalwood, Patchouli, Cedar

Cairo has a clean and powdery nuance of Damask Rose in the opening. Also, saffron sprinkles a soft, earthy, and lightly spicy tinge.

The heart flourishes a sweet and spicy aroma of vanilla with a woody twist of cypriol oil. And a resinous and balsamic hint of labdanum feels enchanting.

As it slowly matures, a creamy and timbering touch of sandalwood makes the sensation more appealing. Later, patchouli and cedar start to set in the base.

Cairo has won the users’ hearts, offering excellent longevity and impressive sillage. Plus, its projection will allure everyone in the room. I think it’s an excellent unisex fragrance you can flaunt in the frosty winter or breezy spring.

What Fragrances Are Similar To Penhaligon’s Cairo?

The elegance of Penhaligon’s Cairo is unparalleled. But does that mean the magnificent world of perfumery hasn’t stored a match for this incredible piece of art?

Definitely, there is. I did my thorough analysis to enlist the best substitutes for Cairo; every clone is remarkable in its own way.

Here are the top 6 dupes of Penhaligon’s Cairo:

1. Rose Prick Tom Ford

Rose Prick is one of the closest clones of Cairo. I picked this beauty due to its similar sensation to Cairo despite the differences in notes.

The opening of Rose Prick gives a spicy aroma of Sichuan pepper, and a warm vibe comes due to the earthy edge of turmeric.

I am really impressed by the uniqueness turmeric has infused in its aura.

After a while, the rosy aroma starts to flourish in the heart. The powdery, floral, and herbal smell of May rose, Bulgarian Rose, and Turkish rose feels mesmerizing to the soul.

Eventually, the dry-down has a prominent smell of patchouli. Plus, I found a sweet and spicy twist of tonka bean beaming slowly.

It gives outstanding projection and sillage. Plus, it lasts around 8 hours.

When to Wear

Rose Prick is a versatile scent. Thus, you can use it in any season and occasion from morning till night. It suits all types of casual meetings.

Why Should You Buy

2. Perpetual Oud Zara

I find Perpetual Oud by Zara an outstanding substitute for Cairo. In fact, it is the most inexpensive replica of it. Although this fragrance is primarily made for women, men can also apply it without hesitation.

Perpetual Oud radiates an intense smell of rose that I found prominent in the dry down as well.

In moments, I got a warm and ambery touch with a hint of leather. Plus, the spicy and earthy aroma of saffron is amplified by the presence of pepper.

At this stage, the scent feels heavily seductive, and you can understand that the way it’s blended gives a beautiful masculine vibe.

As it matures, a woody sensation emerges from the agarwood. Plus, patchouli and vetiver spread a timbering aura in the ambiance over time.

I gifted it to my sister, but my brother-in-law loves it more. In my view, Perpetual Oud is a crowd-pleaser.

It lasted 10 hours on my sister and gave room-filling sillage. Last but not least, its projection will bring you ample praise.

When to Wear

This addictive rose-gourmand perfume is suitable for fall and winter. You can apply the beautiful Perpetual Oud at any family gatherings. However, I don’t recommend it for an office environment.

Why Should You Buy

3. Radical Rose Matiere Premiere

I came across another sophisticated alternative to Cairo. That is Radical Rose by Matiere Premiere.

You must be wondering why I am hyping about a fragrance so much that doesn’t even have plenty of notes. Actually, its beautiful and detectable blend of notes is phenomenal.

From the first splash of Radical Rose, you can perceive the dominance of the rose. It releases a clean, powdery, and woody nuance.

Then, I received a spicy and warm smell radiating from the blend of saffron and pepper. In this phase, the entire aroma becomes heavily captivating.

It develops into a woody vibe flourishing from the patchouli. The dry down of this scent is a combination of the balsamic labdanum and timbering patchouli aura.

It lasted more than 10 hours for my brother and gave a similar performance to my friend. The sillage and projection of this cologne are impressive.

When to Wear

Radical Rose is multifaceted. So consider wearing it during any season or time of the day. In my opinion, it’s a wonderful pick for the wedding festivities. Plus, my friend applies it before going to work, but he sprays a generous amount, not to make it overpowering.

Why Should You Buy

4. Cuir Noir Giorgio Armani

Cuir Noir by Giorgio Armani is a fantastic substitute for Cairo. I believe it deserves to be among the best-smelling Armani colognes.

Cuir Noir radiates a powdery sensation of rose from the beginning. Plus, I received a spicy hint coming from the nutmeg.

It has a potent aroma of vanilla and benzoin. A sweet and spicy vanilla hint and the leathery smell infuse a dark vibe to the scent.

You will perceive a strong aura of agarwood, which lingers until it dries.

Also, ambergris produces an animalic twist that gives the cologne a sensual feel.

Finally, it dries down with a woody tint of guaiac wood and sandalwood. Sandalwood has a creamy buttery hunch that offers a pleasing tone.

I love Cuir Noir on my partner, and he gets enormous compliments every time he applies it.

Its performance is mediocre. It lasts roughly 7-8 hours and leaves a trail of an arm’s length. Also, the projection is decent.

When to Wear

The perfectly blended Cuir Noir suits the cooler months of winter and fall. It’s great for an outing with your friends but not recommended for any formal setting.

Why Should You Buy

5. Noir De Noir Tom Ford

Noir de Noir by Tom Ford is a fabulous clone of Cairo. Also, if you are looking for the best-smelling Tom Ford cologne, it is one of them.

In the first sniff of Noir De Noir, you will perceive a warming, spicy sensation of saffron.

The core infuses a lovely powdery aroma of black rose, and the floral notes reinforce its beauty. Plus, the animalic edge of the truffle adds a dirty touch to the scent.

In the base, a sweet and spicy smell of vanilla comes to light. Later, patchouli produces a timbering aura, and a charming woody twist of agarwood spreads in the environment.

I got a little hint of the earthy oakmoss, but it’s not that strong to be detectable to everyone.

It lasted for 10 hours effortlessly, and the sillage was massive. Also, I found this scent giving enormous projection. So, you will draw lots of attention just by spraying it 2-3 times.

When to Wear

Noir De Noir is an excellent cologne to pull off on evening events during the fall and winter. Plus, it fits the formal setup very nicely. My brother loves it for date night.

Why Should You Buy

6. The One Mysterious Night Dolce & Gabbana

The One Mysterious Night by Dolce&Gabbana can’t be considered as a replica of Cairo, but I found its aroma profoundly similar.

The One Mysterious Night radiates a zesty and tangy hint of saffron and grapefruit. Also, the opening is warm and very pleasing to the nose.

The heart of this fragrance has a beautiful prominence of rose. Plus, the refreshing and green nuance of clary sage makes the aura enticing. Later, a woody vibe comes from the agarwood.

Ultimately, the drying of this cologne consists of an ambery tint and a balsamic touch of labdanum. Then, a timbering twist of precious woods and spicy tonka bean comes to light.

It’s my friend’s favorite scent, and according to him, it lasts 10 hours on him effortlessly. I have noticed how many perfume sprays you apply makes a big difference in its performance.

Also, it gives tremendous projection, and the sillage is enormous.

When to Wear

The One Mysterious Night is best suited for the freezing, breezy nights of winter and fall. This seductive masterpiece can be your go-to fragrance for date nights.

Why Should You Buy

Parting Thoughts

While researching, I have noticed many brands create pseudo-hype using social media nowadays. Hence, your attention gets hooked on something entirely different.

For this reason, I have included my suggestion for Penhaligon’s Cairo dupe after testing them for a while in this well-written piece.

It took me some extra time, but I am assured of my recommendations. Let me know your opinion about the one you choose.

Sending you my good wishes and love. Take care!