My mom had a large collection of Clinique fragrances. Among them, I used to love and adore Aromatics Elixir the most due to its uniqueness.
However, when I tried a recent rendition of this classic gem, it smelled nothing close to what I used to sniff on my mom’s clothes.
Hence, I researched and sorted some Aromatics Elixir dupes that give a similarly nostalgic feel throughout.
So, if you’re also looking for more than just an Aromatics Elixir clone, this article is just for you.
What Does Aromatics Elixir Clinique Smell Like?
At the top, Aromatics Elixir by Clinique has a sensual and embracing smell of chamomile that mingles with ethereal rose, ylang-ylang, and jasmine in the core. Then, the classic perfume settles with the addictive scent trail of oakmoss, patchouli, and vetiver.
Aromatics Elixir is a cult classic fragrance that was created by Bernard Chant.
He used the following hand-picked elements to formulate this gorgeous composition of Aromatics Elixir:
Top Notes: Chamomile, Aldehydes, Clary Sage, Coriander, Geranium, and Lemon Verbena
Middle Notes: Carnation, Rose, Ylang-Ylang, Orris Root, Jasmine, and Tuberose
Base Notes: Oakmoss, Patchouli, Incense, Vetiver, Sandalwood, and Musk
I personally consider Aromatics Elixir as one of the best chypre fragrances that came out in the early seventies. This one smells so nice and is so well-blended that people still look for this gem.
This one starts with a fresh, airy, floral aroma that has a sensual spiciness underneath. Then comes the core, which is filled with rich, elegant flowers such as rose and jasmine.
Finally, a comforting smoky, earthy, woody base aroma finishes it off, making it really inviting for the fall or spring.
Well, as I perceive, this is a classy and strong perfume for mature ladies that lasts over 12 hours.
What Perfumes Smell Similar To Aromatics Elixir Clinique?
It has been more than a decade since Clinique launched Aromatics Elixir. Throughout this period of time, several brands released fragrances in the same vein as this all-time classic perfume.
Well, finding the best one among these numerous options may seem confusing.
But to end your confusion, here are the finest Aromatics Elixir smell-alikes:
1. Chanel No 19
Top Notes: Green Notes, Bergamot, and Neroli
Middle Notes: Iris, Rose, Narcissus, Lily-of-the-Valley, and Ylang-Ylang
Base Notes: Oak Moss, Vetiver, Leather, and Sandalwood
Chanel No 19 EDP is a timeless floral green perfume by Chanel that gives a lovely and refreshing experience from the very beginning.
Well, the notes used in this perfume aren’t totally identical, yet it smells very close. The opening conveys a bitter green quality behind the uplifting bergamot splash.
As it comes to the middle, the aroma becomes heavenly floral, with distinctive rose and ylang-ylang accords.
What I find the most appealing in the core is the dewy, powdery background of the iris. It is beautiful and exerts an amazing luxurious feel.
Finally comes the dry-down that is earthy, musky, woody, and extremely elegant. A subtle hint of smoky leather takes the perfume to another level while giving off a sensual and mature vibe.
Overall, this is an amazing chypre green aroma for grown-up ladies, which also can be a great Aromatics Elixir dupe.
Plus, this premium alternative offers around 12 hours of longevity with great sillage.
When To Wear
Chanel No 19 is extremely versatile, and you can go out wearing this perfume any time of the year.
Why Should You Buy
- Symbolizes elegance and luxury.
- Suitable for almost all types of occasion.
- Unique composition.
- Utterly pleasant floral heart.
- Mature and seductive dry-down.
2. Knowing Estée Lauder
Top Notes: Aldehydes, Mimosa, Rose, Coriander, and Green Notes
Middle Notes: Patchouli, Cardamom, Cedar, Bay Leaf, Orris Root, and Jasmine
Base Notes: Oakmoss, Patchouli, Civet, Spices, Vetiver, Sandalwood, and Amber
Are you looking for an affordable Aromatics Elixir Clinique? Then, Knowing by Estée Lauder will be the best option for you.
This composition by Harry Fremont smells so close to Aromatics that I can’t actually differentiate them from time to time.
This deep, divine chypre perfume has an aldehydic floral opening with a spicy, green undertone. Mimosa and rose will entertain your nose for a while, and then it turns into a damp, mossy, earthy aroma with a sweet, powdery hint.
During the dry-down, it smells musky, resinous, and woody, which also has a seductive, soapy vibe.
Overall, this fragrance offers a flawless aromatic journey that lasts more than a day.
When To Wear
I personally find this perfume immensely classy and mysterious on a cold winter or fall evening. And you can wear it seamlessly at any formal, casual, or romantic meet-up.
Why Should You Buy
- Low price point.
- High in quality.
- 15-plus hours of longevity.
- Well-rounded.
- Smells better than Aromatics Elixir.
- Stunning, clean, and addictive aroma.
3. Magie Noire Lancôme
Top Notes: Galbanum, Cassis, Cassia, Hyacinth, and Bulgarian Rose
Middle Notes: Honey, Narcissus, Cedar, Orris Root, Ylang-Ylang, and Jasmine
Base Notes: Oakmoss, Spices, Civet, Incense, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetiver, and Musk
For me, Magie Noire is a delicious floral, chypre composition by Lancôme. Its rich and complex-smelling tone is the sole reason why I think this could be a great alternative to Aromatics Elixir.
The perfume begins with a smooth and refreshing tuning of cassis, hyacinth, rose, and galbanum. The core is lightly honeyed and releases a powdery, floral aroma, adding a sophisticated touch.
Magie Noire stands out with its incense, ambery dry down. There’s a lot to unfold here.
The aroma smells seductively earthy, and also has a woody, spicy vibe till the end. The spellbinding aroma of Magie Noire lasts over 15 hours with strong sillage and projection.
When To Wear
Magie Noire is a balanced fragrance that smells comforting during any evening time occasion throughout the fall or winter. However, I think it smells equally great on a romantic spring day.
Why Should You Buy
- Offers about 80% similarity to Aromatics Elixir.
- Eternal longevity.
- Enormous projection.
- Masterful blend.
- Every note comes out homogeneously.
- Soothing, classy, and attractive aroma.
- Gets compliments.
4. Aramis 900 By Aramis
Top Notes: Coriander, Green Notes, Brazilian Rosewood, Bergamot, and Lemon
Middle Notes: Rose, Carnation, Geranium, Lily-of-the-Valley, Jasmine, and Orris Root
Base Notes: Oakmoss, Civet, Patchouli, Vetiver, Sandalwood, and Amber
Aramis 900 by Aramis is another mind-blowing creation by Bernard Chant. Well, I think this would be a great male counterpart for Aromatics Elixir.
It starts with a bright, green coriander aroma that soon changes into a gorgeous floral bouquet. Rose dictates the heart, which feels elegant, along with the smell of jasmine and powdery orris root.
The radiant aroma gets a blissful, earthy, woody turn in the dry-down. The warm woodiness is almost similar to what you feel in the Aromatics Elixir. However, this version is very masculine and offers an enriched musky tone of civet.
Overall, I think Aramis 900 is by far the closest smelling Aromatics Elixir alternative. Plus, you can enjoy its nostalgic aroma for over 10 hours with good sillage.
When To Wear
The mature and manly vibe of Aramis 900 goes perfectly with all the formal or classy gatherings all year round.
Why Should You Buy
- Versatile and engaging.
- Sexy yet mature aroma.
- Smells like a confident man.
- Best manly version of Aromatics Elixir.
- Affordable.
- Top-notch quality.
5. Lumiere Noire Pour Femme Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Lumiere Noire Pour Femme is a premium fragrance by Maison Francis Kurkdjian that perfectly captures the signature chypre floral essence of Aromatics Elixir.
MFK’s Lumiere Noire opens, spreading the elegance of rose and indolic narcissus, nuanced with some curry spices.
After a while, you’ll detect a green, earthy, woody smell of patchouli layered with the spiciness of caraway. This balanced woodiness makes Lumiere Noire one of the best smelling Maison Francis Kurkdjian perfumes of all time.
Finally, with the seductive touch of musk, the closing will give you an elusive and invigorating smell for the next 12 hours.
Overall, Lumiere Noire Pour Femme is a wonderfully complex perfume that could easily be the face of well-formulated niche scents.
When To Wear
Except for the summer, MFK Lumiere Noire can be worn at any event throughout the year. I think formal and dressy occasions are more suitable to pull off this gorgeous perfume.
Why Should You Buy
- Niche quality.
- Mesmerizing blend.
- Modernized and rosier Aromatics Elixir dupe.
- Sexy and posh perfume.
6. Beloved Woman Amouage
Top Notes: Chamomile, Rose, Clary Sage, Lavender, Cardamom, and Jasmine
Middle Notes: Immortelle, Patchouli, Benzoin, Ylang-Ylang, and Violet
Base Notes: Civet, Castoreum, Leather, Ambergris, Musk, and Sandalwood
I think it would be perfect to describe Beloved Woman by Amouage as a softer and warmer Aromatics Elixir substitute. This is definitely not a clone, but their reminiscence is undeniable.
The moment I spray this fragrance, I can only sniff the elegance of rose and chamomile, tinged with lavender and clary sage.
Behind the airy, sweet floral tone, there is an underlined spiciness of cardamom that gives all the interesting elements that’s all you can ask for in a sexy feminine scent.
Patchouli, benzoin, and ylang-ylang work together to bring a passionate, warm texture to the core. Finally, it presents a woody, musky, slightly dirty base aroma to complete the journey with sophistication and fineness.
I totally adore this classic beauty. Plus, its strong, sweetly woody scent trail lasts on my skin for the whole day.
When To Wear
To make a long-lasting impact on everyone, wear Beloved Woman at any elegant party, special dinner, or formal gathering during the fall, winter, or spring evenings.
Why Should You Buy
- Luxurious and feminine composition.
- Trendy and hugely celebrated aroma.
- Classic chypre floral blend.
- Outstanding performance.
- Smooth and fascinating dry-down.
Final Words
Aromatics Elixir is more like elegance, freshness, purity, and femininity, all put together in a single bottle. However, this is a vintage scent, so it is really tough to get your hands on this classic beauty.
But don’t worry, as you can use any of the above-mentioned fragrances as a substitute for Aromatics Elixir.
All the noted dupes convey a similar chypre floral aura, twisted and modified in their own way. So, just check them out and make your purchase.
Stay tuned for more updates.