I sprayed Clive Christian No. 1 on my wrist in a store for the first time to figure out why this fragrance is so expensive after watching it on their website.
This aroma literally amazed me, but the price overshadows it! This disheartens me a lot.
So, keeping that on my wishlist, I thought finding some alternatives would be wise. As a result, my search began, and I found several amazing dupes of No 1.
To know them all, read along!
What Does Clive Christian No 1 Smell Like?
No 1 by Clive Christian is a woody amber scent that opens with a delicious fruity lime and grapefruit. The heart consists of the floral smell of iris and ylang-ylang. Later, it diffuses a woody-earthy smell of cedar, vetiver, and sweet-powdery vanilla, offering an elegant finish.
Before sharing the smelling experience, let me introduce the rich quality ingredients of Clive Christian No. 1:
Top Notes: Cardamom, Nutmeg, Paprika, Lime, Mandarin Orange, Artemisia, Grapefruit and Caraway
Middle Notes: Iris, Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine, Lily-of-the-Valley, Heliotrope and Rose
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Amber, Musk, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Virginia Cedar, and Vetiver
No. 1 by Clive Christian is a luxurious cologne for men that was launched in 2001. The exquisite, rarest ingredients make it a precious fragrance that best suits to portray the aristocratic nature of you.
In the first sniff, I get a strong, aromatic, spicy aura from the prominent presence of treasure ingredients cardamom and nutmeg.
You’ll also get a mouth-watering sweet-citrusy fruit punch perceived from the grapefruit and lime, while artemisia injects a green herbal tint, making a stimulating sensation from the beginning.
Slowly, the floral heart starts to show its charm. You’ll find a dry, powdery iris and a floral yet fruity, romantic ylang-ylang dancing melodiously with a hazy heliotrope.
Though rose and jasmine are enlisted in the notes, Surprisingly, I didn’t get much of their presence.
In the last phase, the aroma takes a different turn. The noticeable presence of woodsy cedar and sandalwood adds a perfect masculine hunch. Alongside a sweet yet nutty tonka bean and vanilla, create a unique aroma.
Overall, this stunning flacon amazed me with its impressive trail and 12+ hours of longevity. Also, it leaves a seductive impression on the wearer, which is really amazing.
What Are The Colognes Similar To Clive Christian No 1?
As most of the Clive Christian fragrances are inclined to the pricey side, its premium blend remains in the fantasy of perfume lovers.
So, everyone can not wear the aroma of their dreams. Thinking about that, in this writing, I sorted out some best replacements for this rich composition.
To fulfill your desire with a similar ambiance to No 1, have a look at the substitute.
Here are the 5 alternatives for Clive Christian No 1:
1. No. 1 KDJ Inspired
Top Notes: Nutmeg, Cardamom, Grapefruit, Mandarin Orange, Lime, Artemisia, Caraway, Paprika
Middle Notes: Ylang-Ylang, Iris, Jasmin, Rose, Lily of The Valley, Heliotrope
Base Notes: Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Vetiver
The first replica, No. 1 KDJ Inspired, literally made me crazy as it shares a similar DNA to Clive Christian No 1. I remember how eagerly I waited for the parcel to arrive after ordering it on their website.
Honestly, my excitement was to find out what they offer at this cheap price, but surprisingly, all my waiting didn’t go in vain.
From the beginning, it offers a similar sparkling fruity hint of citruses with a spicy kick of cardamom and nutmeg. You’ll also find subtle herbaceous artemisia floating in the air magically.
Then the top fades, and the core full of delicate flowers weaves a divine sensation. Here, the sensual jasmine, powdery iris, and lovely jasmine complement each other and do all the work.
This phase of the cologne will take you on a dreamy ride to a flower garden on a spring evening by enveloping you with its cozy, soft floral touch.
Finally, in the dry down, the sensuality becomes vivid as the powdery-sweet vanilla and gourmand smell of tonka bean mingles with earthy-woody vetiver.
From this No. 1 KDJ Inspired clone, you’ll get a room-filling projection also, its 8 hours of longevity makes it the best one on my list.
So what are you waiting for? Grab this cheapest alternative before it is stocked out in the market to enjoy its great performance.
When to Wear
No. 1 by KDJ Inspired is perfect for fall, winter, and spring days. You can wear this on any special occasion or a friend’s hangout to smell rich and classy.
But I get it emits less during summer, so avoid using it in high heat conditions.
Why Should You Buy
- Reminiscent of OG No 1.
- Perfect spicy, fruity opening.
- Room-filling projection.
- Less price than the original
- Delicate floral heart.
- Last long.
2. No. 1 Palermo Perfumes
Top Notes: Nutmeg, Cardamom, Mandarin Orange, Lime, Artemisia
Middle Notes: Iris, Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine, Heliotrope and Rose
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Amber, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Virginia Cedar, and Vetiver
No. 1 Palermo Perfumes was a kind of blind buy for me. My brother suggested this affordable cologne when he saw me looking for the smell-alikes of No 1 Clive Christian.
The first splash of this dupe greeted me with an energizing citrusy aura of juicy mandarin orange and tantalizing lime.
Also, the airy smell of cardamom, along with the aromatic nutmeg, evokes a pleasing aroma that refreshes me in a second.
Moving further, the inviting aroma of jasmine, ylang-ylang, and the powdery green nuance of the iris makes the heart cheerful. Plus, you’ll sense the rose and heliotrope offer a sweet floral scent with a hint of almonds.
As the fragrance mellows, the woody sandalwood and cedar intensify the dry-down, and amber and vanilla ensure a sweet, warm sensation.
I get a 6-hour backup from this affordable substitute with a moderate trial, and if you want to get some extra coverage, try to spray a little bit more or carry an atomizer when you are out for a long time.
When to Wear
After using it several times, I found it perfectly versatile to use all year round on any occasion. Plus, it shines best at night, so don’t forget to wear it during dinner dates or night parties to enjoy some head-turns.
Why Should You Buy
- Cheapest clone.
- Smells rich and elegant.
- Perfect nightwear scent.
- Above average sillage.
- Projects heavily.
- Amazing blend.
3. Reckless Pour Homme Roja Dove
Top Notes: Bay Leaf, Lavender, Bergamot and Lemon
Middle Notes: Artemisia, Jasmine and Rose
Base Notes: Cypress, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Labdanum, Incense, Cedar, Ginger, Sandalwood, Musk, Tonka Bean
Formulated by British perfumer Roja Dove, Roja aromas are widely known as the world’s most luxurious fragrance house. Before starting, let me inform it comes with a pricey tag, so watch your wallet before purchasing.
Despite the excessive price, it’s my partner’s favorite brand. And it assures a perfect masculine, classy, and luxurious vibe.
Starting with a very faint lemony tint of citruses and an explosive bay leaf, the cologne begins its journey. I also enjoyed the subtle presence of fresh lavender, offering a natural feel.
The fresh herbal note of artemisia, jasmine, and rose makes a floral balance in the core that adds a perfect sweet rush.
In the dry down, the labdanum gives a warm, resinous vibe, collaborating with roasted gourmand tonka bean while the celestial incense infuses a different twist, creating a smokey ambiance in the end.
If you are a No 1 Clive Christian admirer, this best-smelling Roja Dove cologne will impress you blindly whenever you want to feel special and get appreciated by all.
When to Wear
Reckless Pour Homme by Roja Dove is an excellent pick for the colder months. This is definitely a cologne for your special days.
I would recommend keeping it in your November tray to enjoy its outstanding masculine vibe.
Why Should You Buy
- Lasts for 14+ hours.
- Radiates more than 8 feet.
- Splendid masculine aura.
- Fresh-citrusy opening.
- Mass appealing.
- Luxurious and modern vibe.
- Excellent packaging.
4. Reflection Man Amouage
Top Notes: Rosemary, Pink Pepper, and Petitgrain
Middle Notes: Jasmine, Neroli, Orris Root and Ylang-Ylang
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Vetiver, Cedar and Patchouli
Reflection Man Amouage is one of the smells that I fell in love with right after the first sniff. It opens with a perfect strike of pink pepper, rosemary, and green aroma with a citrusy zest of petitgrain.
At the top, this cologne doesn’t resemble the No 1 Clive Christian much No.1 Clive Christian, but as it clings close to the skin, the uplifting jasmine, neroli, and creamy ylang-ylang become prominent, mirroring the aroma of No 1 vividly.
After a few hours, the heart notes get warmer, resting to the base of exotic patchouli, crispy-woody cedar, and vetiver.
Reflection Man Amouage is famous for its impressive longevity, you can go hours without taking the hassle of any reapplication.
My partner loves to wear this fragrance, particularly on our special days, and I clearly remember how it totally made me crazy for him during our last year summer vacation in Jacksonville Beach.
So, to enhance your self-confidence by invoking a sense of empowerment and luxury, you can try some colognes similar to Reflection Man Amouage without thinking twice.
When to Wear
If you are looking for a cologne that is inoffensive in formal meetings and presentations, this substitute of No. 1 will be a top-notch pick.
However, you can also wear it at weddings, parties, and special outings to smell modern and trendy.
Why Should You Buy
- Compliment getter.
- Office friendly.
- Sophisticated and classy.
- Heavenly floral composition.
- Enormous trail.
- Longevity of 10 to 12 hours.
5. Ambre Topkapi MDCI Parfums
Top Notes: Lavender, Pineapple, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Nutmeg, Melon, Wormwood, Ginger, Caraway, Cardamom, Basil and Cinnamon
Middle Notes: Lily-of-the-Valley, Violet, Jasmine and Thyme
Base Notes: Musk, Amber, Oakmoss, Leather, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vanilla and Vetiver
After the popularity of No 1, I found the hidden gem Ambre Topkapi MDCI Parfums as one of its close replacements.
The first transition gave me a bright, citrusy aura from the dazzling bergamot and juicy pineapple, along with a lot of herbal, spicy hints of cardamom, cinnamon, and fizzy ginger.
The top is full of a fruity-spicy burst that really makes the aura feel intense and soothing to my nose.
After a while, the juicy-fruity splash settles on the beautiful subtle floral hint of jasmine and the lily of the valley. Moreover, you’ll get a captivating smell of thyme in the background, adding a perfect balance to the whole composition.
Ultimately, in the base, the sensual, soothing touch of musk and the best harmonizer vanilla, mingling with woodsy leathery accords, evokes a feeling of addiction towards the wearer.
Ambre Topkapi settles down fast, giving you a subtle soft aura throughout the day. And it is a bit expensive, so if the price tag suits you, you can have a look at this flacon undoubtedly.
When to Wear
Apart from winter/summer days, this substitute offers great performance in fall and spring when the temperature remains moderate.
This can be incorporated into your daily wear fragrance if you really have a good budget for your fragrance.
Why Should You Buy
- Seamless fusion.
- Rich and unique ingredients.
- Easy to wear.
- Fresh, uplifting aroma.
- Last for 6 to 8 hours.
- Great daytime cologne.
- Decent sillage and projection.
Parting Thoughts
No elegance is possible without a good fragrance. So, to smell royal and elegant, Clive Christian No. 1 is an aroma that talks for its own in the realm of perfumery.
However, the only pain point about this gorgeous flacon is its hefty price tag.
So, to enjoy the majestic vibe in a cost-effective way, check out the substitutes that I listed down. Don’t forget to let me know about the one you pick from the list.
See you in the next one. Bye!