If you want to indulge yourself in the world of leather fragrance for the upcoming winter, then nothing feels perfect like the African Leather by Memo Paris.
Well, some people find its price tag a bit elevated and end up looking for the closest alternative to this masterpiece.
Hence, I researched and found several dupes of African Leather that will blow your mind.
So, without any further delay, let’s get into it!
What Does African Leather Memo Paris Smell Like?
African leather has a warm, spicy aroma of cardamom and saffron over a divine floral bouquet of geranium in the heart. Later, the colognes settle in the base of rich leathery hints mingling with oud, patchouli, and vetiver to give it a perfect, wild, and attractive vibe in a man.
Let’s see what the perfumer mixed to formulate African Leather Memo Paris before sharing the detailed smelling profile:
Notes: Cardamom, Leather, Saffron, Cumin, Vetiver, Patchouli, Geranium, Agarwood (Oud), Bergamot and Musk
Memo Paris launched African Leather during the year 2015, and since then, its hype has kept soaring day by day.
It opens with a strong, aromatic smell of two treasure ingredients, cardamom, and saffron, where cumin also adds a spicy, woody hint.
Initially, you will find it a bit striking to your nose, but as the floral geranium and slightly citrusy bergamot emerge with its green notes, the aroma feels light and mesmerizing.
Then, as the cologne mellows, the freshness starts to fade. It is grounded to a rich leathery base where you will see the harmonic balance of the exotic and earthy patchouli, oud, and vetiver.
Moreover, with the sensual presence of musk, the cologne leaves a seductive trail to captivate people’s attention. Not only that, it stays up to 10 hours without any reapplication, which will make your winter days enjoyable.
What Are The Colognes Similar To African Leather Memo Paris?
As you already know, African Leather has a long-lasting, unique aroma that will make a man’s presence appealing and attractive to all.
Well, who doesn’t want that?
So, if you want to collect some more similar aromas like African Leather. Then prepare yourself, as I’m going to introduce some best suitable replacements for this alluring gem.
Here are the top 6 alternatives for African Leather Memo Paris:
1. African Rose Memo Paris
Top Notes: Saffron, Cardamom and Bergamot
Middle Notes: Rose, Geranium and Cumin
Base Notes: Leather, Agarwood (Oud), Vetiver, Patchouli and Musk
While looking for dupes, I found African Rose from the same brand, Memo Paris offers great similarities with African Leather. This woody-spicy fragrance was launched in 2019.
In the first splash, I get a sparkling, zesty aroma of bergamot mingling with a bittersweet, sophisticated tone of saffron and cardamom.
The heart is charmed with a good dose of rose and fruity-floral geranium that spread an enchanting aroma to the surroundings. However, I felt the oriental spiciness of cumin at this phase perfectly enhances the floral part.
Moving to the base, the dominating smell of leather is enough to make it irresistible, although I also appreciate the supporting role of oud and musk.
With African Rose, you will get a long-lasting aura, and I think its remarkable sillage makes it one of the best smell-alikes of African Leather.
Also, as it comes with a unisex label, both you and your partner can share this expensive fragrance and save some bucks.
When to Wear
African Rose Memo Paris is the best fit to enjoy the chilly winter days or fall evenings. However, this could be your perfect wear during overnight parties or special dinner dates.
Why Should You Buy
- Resembles African Leather.
- Spicy-citrusy opening.
- Perfect winter wear.
- Radiates around 8 feet.
- Mass appealing.
- Lasts 12+ hours.
- Good for a signature scent.
2. African Magic Alexandria Fragrances
Looking for the super affordable clone of African Leather? Then, Alexandria Fragrances made the best one, called African Magic, which is worthy of your try.
It came into the market three years after the OG African Leather, and the perfumer Hany Hafez uses his masterful hand to make it 95% similar.
In the first few minutes, you’ll get a light, citrusy-spicy aura of bergamot, cardamom, and saffron that keeps the opening refreshing.
Moments ahead, the aroma starts to flourish, a sweet, creamy smell, which is supposed to be geranium. But this part doesn’t last long as the earthy, spicy aroma of patchouli starts to reveal its presence.
Once the cologne settles, the addictive aroma of leather and musk gives a nice vibe and makes the clone best for colder months.
When to Wear
You can wear this replica, African Magic, during a winter or fall camping or casual friends hangout. It also projects moderately in spring but spray lightly during that time.
Why Should You Buy
- Exact clone of African Leather.
- Offers great performance.
- Cheapest alternative.
- Manly smell.
- Well-blending notes.
- Strong sillage.
3. Royal Oud Creed
Top Notes: Pink Pepper, Lemon, and Sicilian Bergamot
Middle Notes: Cedar, Angelica and Galbanum
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Agarwood (Oud) and Musk
Royal Oud by Creed is an amber fougere fragrance that came into light in the year 2011, and even after 12 years, it still amazes people with its unique blend.
Opening with a tantalizing lemony aroma of bergamot and fiery, sizzling pink pepper, the aroma feels piercing to my nose.
The core has a highlighting note of woodsy cedar mingling with sweet, rooty angelica and balsamic galbanum that flawlessly adds some density to the cologne.
In the dry down, the timbery nuance gets more intensified due to the prominence of creamy sandalwood and musk, which keeps it interesting.
Overall, with Royal Oud, you will be left with a semi-fresh, mildly earthy, intensely spiced wood fragrance with dark nuances swirling in the air for 12 hours.
So, if you want some other colognes similar to Creed Royal Oud for yourself or your beloved, then go for it blindly. And trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
When to Wear
Royal Oud Creed shines best during autumn and winter. My partner prefers to wear this before heading to business meetings or presentations, and he thinks it perfectly boosts his self-confidence.
Why Should You Buy
- Stays more than 10 hours.
- Ideal for the fall season.
- Luxurious and refined composition.
- Sillage radiates up to 6 feet.
- Offer a mature and confident look.
- High quality and unique aroma.
4. Layton Parfums de Marly
Top Notes: Apple, Lavender, Bergamot, and Mandarin Orange
Middle Notes: Geranium, Violet and Jasmine
Base Notes: Vanilla, Cardamom, Sandalwood, Pepper, Patchouli and Guaiac Wood
If you are a lover of fruity-spicy fragrance that grabs a lot of compliments, then my fourth substitute, Layton by Parfums de Marly, is highly dedicated to you.
After spraying for the first time, you will get a mouthwatering fruit punch of apple, bergamot, and mandarin orange. Honestly, it reminded me of enjoying a bowl of delicious, creamy fruit custard on a beautiful fall evening.
Moving to the middle, you’ll see the perfumer Hamid Merati-Kashani prepares a mindblowing, delicate floral composition with powdery violet, geranium, and angelic jasmine.
To me, Layton shines best in the last phase. Here, the great harmonizer vanilla radiates a sweet sensation in the air, mingling with different woods and spices.
This stunning composition of PDM is a great substitute to wear in any special event, such as wedding parties or intimate dates, and with its unique blend, it makes the people bound to compliment you every now and then.
Additionally, you can also have a look at some fragrances similar to Layton Parfums de Marly that offer impressive performance in a cost-effective manner.
When to Wear
Apart from the excessive summer heat, you can wear Layton during any season of the year. Plus, I recommend storing this expensive piece to wear on your special occasions rather than casual wear.
Why Should You Buy
- Rich smelling.
- Appealing and addictive aroma.
- Fruity-vanilla composition.
- Pulls compliments.
- Masculine enough.
- Projects heavily.
- 8 to 12 hours of longevity.
5. Dusk to Dawn Galleria Parfums
Top Notes: Cardamom, Pomelo, Sicilian Bergamot
Middle Notes: Leather, Tobacco, Peony, Cyclamen, and Lily-of-the-Valley
Base Notes: Myrrh, Indonesian Patchouli Leaf, Ambergris, Vanilla, Virginia Cedar, Haitian Vetiver and Papyrus
Dusk to Dawn Galleria Parfums is one of my cousin’s favorite colognes, and after catching a whiff, I also find it great as it feels quite similar to African Leather.
This cologne starts its journey with a subtle, fresh vibe. The top comprises a sensual, addictive aroma of cardamom, pomelo, and bergamot. And you will find the opening soothing your heart magically.
Slowly, the heart starts to radiate a masculine hint where the sweet yet smoky smell of tobacco mingles with the animalic, dark, leathery aroma.
Well, it doesn’t end here. The real twist arrives as the light aquatic freshness of cyclamen and lily of the valley joins the chorus that tones down the animalic edge and makes it a melodious composition.
Ultimately, the finish feels complex and intriguing as the balsamic yet sweet aura of myrrh mingles with vanilla and woody notes that radiate for about 8 hours.
When to Wear
If you are looking for a top-notch option of African Leather to wear during winter and fall night events, then you can get a hand on Dusk to Dawn and enjoy its charm to the fullest.
Why Should You Buy
- Eight hours of lasting power.
- Complex heart notes.
- Splendid nighttime cologne.
- Inoffensive dupe.
- Well-crafted.
- Classy and elegant.
6. Oud Mood Elixir Lattafa Perfumes
Top Notes: Saffron, Nutmeg and Cinnamon
Middle Notes: Agarwood (Oud), Suede and Sandalwood
Base Notes: Amber and Vanilla
Before introducing my last replacement, Oud Mood Elixir by Lattafa Perfumes, let me ensure you are going to love it if you are a true lover of African Leather.
Oud Mood Elixir starts with a fizzy, spicy aroma of nutmeg, powdery cinnamon, and an elegant aura of saffron.
Then, the velvety, smooth aroma of suede and the creaminess of sandalwood and oud leave a buttery trail on the skin, which is adored by all.
As time elapsed, the warm, inviting tone of amber evokes a great cozy feeling, while vanilla infuses a sweet, captivating smell in the air.
Oud Mood Elixir has a decent sillage and projection with more than 6 hours of lasting power, so keep in mind you have to carry an atomizer while you are out for the whole day tour.
When to Wear
Oud Mood Elixir by Lattafa Perfumes is an ideal option for winter and fall. Whether day or night, the aroma flourishes amazingly to make your presence memorable to all.
Why Should You Buy
- Warm-spicy opening.
- Affordable dupe of African Leather.
- Strong and intense.
- Lasts for 7+ hours.
- Decent sillage.
- Amazing smooth, dry down.
Parting Thoughts
In the upshot, you will get a lot of branded colognes that offer a similar aroma of African Leather with some added twist, and that’s where you are going to get perplexed.
But don’t worry much, as I have penned down the best substitutes that resemble this jewel.
Undoubtedly, this writing piece will make the job easy for you. So, try them and comment below to share your experience.