My father is a big fan of vanilla notes in colognes. So, I intended to buy him a cologne that’s heavy on vanillic smell.
While researching, I came across Althair, a new release by Parfums De Marly. Its formulation seemed pleasing and enriched with vanilla, so I decided to purchase this.
However, the new release was yet to reach the retailers. Thus, I had to wait. In the meantime, I sorted out a few alternatives to Althair. I will include the substitutes in this article.
Without delaying anymore, let’s start!
What Does Althaïr Parfums De Marly Smell Like?
Althair sprinkles a tangy, fresh, and zesty aroma with a floral tint of orange blossom. At heart, the cologne releases a warm, spicy, balsamic, and sweet vibe from the vanilla and elemi. Ultimately, the gourmand praline merges with the ambery and woody sensation with lingering ambroxan.
First, take a look at the notes pyramid of Althair Parfums De Marly:
Top Notes: Cardamom, Cinnamon, Bergamot, Orange Blossom
Middle Notes: Bourbon Vanilla, Elemi
Base Notes: Praline, Musk, Ambroxan, Guaiac Wood
A vivid and warm spiciness of cardamom and cinnamon radiates in the first splash of Althair. Plus, orange blossom adds a floral twist alongside the tanginess of bergamot.
Bourbon vanilla is very potent in the middle, and it circulates a spicy, sweet, and subtle smokey aroma in the atmosphere. Then, a fresh and balsamic sensation of elemi comes to light.
Finally, the dry down of Althair includes a gluttonous hint from the praline. Also, you will perceive a musky and woody vibe from the musk and guaiac wood also ambroxan gives the base a lingering effect.
This fragrance is perfect for the fall and winter. I find it wearable throughout the day. Plus, It offers 7-12 hours of longevity and leaves a minimum of 6 feet length trail.
What Colognes Are Similar To Althaïr Parfums De Marly?
Although Althair is a recent release by Parfums De Marly, its popularity is sky-high. Plus, their pricing is in the expensive range.
Before you buy this timeless cologne, it’s wise to try out some of the inexpensive substitutes for Althair. I will include a few dupes of the fragrance. And, who knows, maybe you already have the replacement in your collection!
Here are the top alternatives to Althair Parfums De Marly:
1. Emporio Armani Stronger With You Intensely Giorgio Armani
Top Notes: Pink Pepper, Juniper, Violet
Middle Notes: Toffee, Cinnamon, Lavender, Sage
Base Notes: Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Amber, Suede
A fantastic clone available for Althair is Emporio Armani Stronger With You Intensely. In fact, it is one of the best-smelling Armani colognes.
It opens with a refreshing and spicy hint of pink pepper. Then, the juniper gives off a pungent, balsamic smell, and a floral vibe comes from the violet.
At heart, toffee infuses a gourmet aroma alongside the spicy twist of cinnamon. Lavender and sage release a lightly aromatic and clean edge in the cologne.
Eventually, it sets in with a sweet and spicy sensation of vanilla. Tonka bean reinforces the sweetness and spiciness, comprising a nutty and woody touch. Later, a musky and ambery vibe comes from the amber and suede in the base.
This trendy cologne offers impressive sillage and longevity.
When to Wear
Stronger With You Intensely is a winter and fall-friendly cologne. I will advise you to apply this at night time. But if you want, you can use this for the day. Plus, it is perfect for a date night.
Why Should You Buy
- Seductive aroma.
- Long-lasting.
- High-quality formulation.
- Pleasing gourmand twist.
2. Vanilla Diorama Dior
Top Notes: Orange, Pink Pepper, Lemon
Middle Notes: Rum, Cacao, Cardamom
Base Notes: Bourbon Vanilla, Sandalwood, Patchouli
Another excellent replica of Althair is Vanilla Diorama Dior. It has exotic vanilla notes, and I love the uniqueness.
The beginning of Vanilla Diorama comes with a citrusy and spicy sensation of orange, pink pepper, and lemon.
After a while, rum and cacao flourish a syrupy and gluttonous vibe at heart. Plus, cardamom infuses a spicy hint.
It’s my brother’s favorite, and the spicy and gourmet blend in the core also made me buy it.
Eventually, the sweet and spicy tinge of bourbon vanilla is potent in the base. Then, a sensual, milky, and woody touch of sandalwood comes to light. On top of that, the smell of patchouli releases a sweet and musky whirl.
Vanilla Diorama lasted around 12 hours on my skin, and the sillage is moderate.
When to Wear
Confused about which cologne to wear at an intimate family gathering? Then go for Vanilla Diorama. This fragrance is an excellent option for winter, fall, and day-to-night.
However, I find it appropriate for warm weather, too. Plus, It fits the office environment.
Why Should You Buy
- Versatile fragrance.
- Tidy & basic packaging.
- Unisex.
- Compliment getter.
- Positive user feedback.
3. Mercedes Benz Club Black Mercedes-Benz
Top Note: Bergamot
Middle Notes: Incense, Jasmine
Base Notes: Vanilla, Benzoin, Woodsy Notes, Ambroxan
In the first sniff of Mercedes Benz Club Black, you will receive a refreshing, citrusy, floral smell of bergamot.
Moments ahead, a resinous, spicy, and smoky sensation of incense trails around the surroundings. Jasmine infuses a vibrant, aromatic, sweet, and musky aura.
I found the prominence of jasmine in the core detectable, adding a seductive touch to the scent.
Vanilla and benzoin of the cologne base give a sweet and spicy drying twist. You will perceive a timbered hint of the woodsy notes there. Also, ambroxan injects a musky aroma, making the base long-lasting.
This fragrance offers excellent longevity, and the sillage is room-filling.
When to Wear
I believe the Mercedes Benz Club Black suits the fall-time and winter. It is a great pull for the evening outing with friends and family. I will not suggest it for any formal ambiance.
Why Should You Buy
- Dark & warm scent.
- Affordable dupe of Althaïr.
- Tremendous projection.
- Clean and refreshing opening.
- Popular fragrance.
4. Lafayette Street Bond No 9
Top Notes: Bergamot, Flowers, Coriander
Middle Notes: Apple, Ambroxan, Vanilla
Base Notes: Tonka Bean, Ambergris, Woodsy Notes
Lafayette Street, a sophisticated clone of Althair, will bring at least two people starting conversations praising how you smell.
A tangy, floral, and spicy vibe of bergamot, flowers, and coriander hits the nose from the first spritz of Lafayette Street.
My brother is a big fan of the opening and prefers it on a hot summer day.
In the core, apple flourishes with a fruity and sweet smell. Then, vanilla gives a sweet and spicy sensation besides the musky hint of ambroxan.
While drying, tonka bean amplifies the sweet and spicy twist with a nutty and woody edge. A leathery aroma of ambergris persists, and woodsy notes infuse a timbering aura in this phase.
Many users claim this cologne to be long-lasting, and I found the same.
However, there are some contradictions regarding its longevity. I believe where you apply perfume makes a significant impact on its longevity. Try to follow that.
When to Wear
Lafayette Street is a versatile cologne. Hence, you can wear it all year from dawn to dusk. My man prefers it for date nights.
Also, apply this when you want to feel a bit extra confident.
Why Should You Buy
- More than 8 hours of longevity.
- Impressive sillage.
- Not unsettling to the nose.
- Unique formula.
- Remarkable packaging.
5. Armani Code Absolu Giorgio Armani
Top Notes: Green Mandarin, Apple
Middle Notes: Nutmeg, Orange Blossom, Carrot Seeds
Base Notes: Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Suede, Woody Notes
My partner calls Armani Code Absolu the perfect cologne. And this excellent piece is a substitute for the Althair by Parfums De Marly.
Armani Code Absolu offers a fruity, sweet, and citrusy smell with the presence of green mandarin and apple at the top.
Hereafter, the spicy nutmeg, floral orange blossom, and musky carrot seeds collaborate to produce a very pleasing and intriguing aroma.
The core blend of Armani Code Absolu is gorgeous. Use it before going on a date, and thank me later!
It dries down, forming a sweet, spicy, buttery hint of the vanilla and tonka bean in the base. Plus, a musky, aromatic, and woody twist of suede and woody notes come to light at this stage.
This well-blended masterpiece lasts 12+ hours, and the projection is a room-filler.
When to Wear
I found the Armani Code Absolu multifaceted due to its crisp and bright notes. However, to be safe, consider using it in cooler weather. The cologne suits both the day and night events. You can apply this to the office as well. Just spray lightly.
Why Should You Buy
- A fantastic pick for males over 25.
- All year friendly.
- Decent price point.
- Perfect gift for your partner.
- Quality full ingredients.
6. Desire For a Man Alfred Dunhill
Top Notes: Apple, Lemon, Bergamot, Orange Blossom
Middle Notes: Rose, Teak Wood, Patchouli
Base Notes: Vanilla, Musk
The classic Desire For a Man is one of the best-smelling colognes by Alfred Dunhill.
In the first sniff of Desire For a Man, you will receive a mood-lifting fruity, sweet, and tangy sensation of apple, lemon, and bergamot. Plus, orange blossoms radiate a refreshing floral vibe.
In the middle, the rose gives a powdery edge to the cologne. Also, an exotic aroma flourishes there as the teak wood and patchouli blend, producing a woody, sweet, and musky aura.
Vanilla offers a sweet, spicy, and light smoky dry down. Additionally, the musk releases a musky and animalic vibration into the environment.
This scent suits men of any age. The sillage is amazing, and it also gives massive projection.
When to Wear
Desire for a Man can be used all year round. It’s appropriate for use from morning till night. Plus, this all-in-one cologne goes well with a formal setup.
Why Should You Buy
- Reasonable price.
- A fine touch of masculinity.
- A merge of classic and modern formulas.
- All occasion friendly.
- Impressive sillage & longevity.
End Notes
Althair by Parfums De Marly is a fantastic cologne worth each penny.
The hype of this fragrance is deserving, and I recommend you try the alternatives to Althair if your budget doesn’t permit it.
I hope my recommendations for the dupes of Althair Parfums De Marly come in handy to you. I am looking forward to hearing your feedback.
Take care.