Top 6 Colognes Similar To The Moon Frederic Malle [2024]

While sitting in a coffee shop on a cozy winter morning, my phone suddenly blinked with a notification. It’s my man’s birthday, knocking at the door!

Well, when it comes to picking a present, to me, nothing feels better than his favorite fragrance, The Moon by Frederic Malle, which has a Middle Eastern twist.

He always prefers to use this scent, but as it fell out of my budget, I preferred researching the closest alternatives to this luxurious gem and got some.

So, to know about several outstanding dupes of The Moon, tag along!

What Does The Moon Frederic Malle Smell Like?

The Moon opens with a delicious fruitiness of raspberry, litchi, and the rich bittersweet aroma of saffron. In the heart, the aura flourishes a seductive smell of rose, berries, and olibanum, where the woody-leathery base of sandalwood amber ensures a comforting touch on colder days.

Before moving to detail smell, first have a glimpse of the note pyramid of The Moon Frederic Malle for a clear concept:

Top Notes: Raspberry, Litchi and Saffron

Middle Notes: Turkish Rose, Red Berries, Olibanum, Red Currant and Violet

Base Notes: Agarwood (Oud), Leather, Patchouli, Amber and Sandalwood

Julien Rasquinet formulated this amber floral fragrance in 2019 with a unisex label, but due to its rich woody dry down, it leans more towards men.

After the first spray, the tangy yet sweet aura of raspberry and litchi will guide you toward the bittersweet, elegant hint of saffron.

In the heart, the harmonic dance of the romantic rose and the vibrant berry creates an alluring touch. Here, the divine aroma of olibanum and red currant is embraced by the powdery violet to make it more intoxicating.

The base is packed with a warm, inviting aroma of leather and oud, where patchouli draws the closing line, mingling with a woody-ambery hint.

Whenever my partner wears this piece of art, he receives a lot of compliments with just one spray. Not only that, during a cold, chilly night, it projects massively with a solid 12+ hours of longevity.

What Are Colognes Similar To The Moon Frederic Malle?

The Moon Frederic Malle is an oriental masterpiece that every man craves to wear, but unfortunately, due to its unique and sophisticated blend, it comes with a hefty price tag.

Well, disheartened after checking the price point?

Honestly, you don’t have to worry much, as I have penned down the suitable substitutes of The Moon that offer the same vibe and, at the same time, save you some bucks.

So, here are the 6 alternatives of The Moon by Frederic Malle:

1. Apollo By The Dua Brand

The Dua Brand launched its inspired clone, Apollo, in the following year, 2020. Keeping the same composition, they replicated The Moon at a quarter price.

Perhaps you are thinking how it’s going to perform. Well, let me clarify.

This fragrance is specifically designed for the masculine gender and has a captivating fruity aroma from the splash of red berries, red currant, and raspberry at the start.

Slowly, the aroma will take you on a floral ride where the rose and the aromatic iris welcome you with their soft touch.

Finally, Apollo resides on the base of a smokey-woody aroma of agarwood and olibanum. Then, the cordial tone of amber makes it a perfect cologne to illuminate your colder days magnificently.

Moreover, when you are on a tight budget, Apollo will be your lucky charm that offers 10 hours of longevity with an impressive trail. So, I think it’s a must-keep aroma that is definitely worth your try.

When to Wear

Apollo is best suited for the chilly winter months. You can wear it in the fall, too.

Why Should You Buy

2. The Moon Shadow Maison de Noya

I found the newly released hidden gem, The Moon Shadow, by Maison de Noya, in a comment section while looking for alternatives to The Moon, and my curious mind instantly pushed me to order it.

Trying for the first time, it unleashed a citric aroma of grapefruit and rose. Plus, the dusty, sweet tint of violet ensures an invigorating top for a few minutes.

As the middle strikes, the juice of raspberry keeps the refreshing fruit flowing, and you will also enjoy the celestial and enchanting smokey depth of the leading player oud and olibanum.

Ultimately, the base comes along blending with the woody, creamy sandalwood and the moisty patchouli, making it lean towards the male.

With this imitation of The Moon, you will enjoy a great performance also, the affordable price point feels satisfactory when you want to smell elegant, bold and attractive without spending much.

When to Wear

The Moon Shadow is a night-time aroma that shines best during winter and fall. You can find this clone great to wear on any occasion or night out parties.

Why Should You Buy

3. The Moon by KDJ Inspired

If you are well aware of the perfume house KDJ Inspired, then you surely have an idea about their perfect masterful replication of high-end fragrances. The Moon by KDJ Inspired is such a kind!

In the beginning, it offers the exact same refreshing aroma of the delicious fruit and saffron.

The heart has a charming fusion of Turkish rose, berries, and olibanum, which gives you a vibe of welcoming the fall.

Moving to the base, the velvety, rich aroma of leather, amber, and agarwood will leave an addictive sensation that will mesmerize you for 6+ hours.

Also, it has an above-average sillage and projection to make your nearby people aware of your presence within a few feet.

When to Wear

The Moon by KDJ Inspired is mainly a winter cologne, but the amber-floral aroma also flourishes best during fall night events.

Why Should You Buy

4. Aquila Absolute Electimuss

Aquila Absolute was launched in 2023, perfumer Julien Rasquinet created this inoffensive cologne that feels versatile to wear in any season or occasion.

Its opening has a light, airy, spicy hint of cardamom and jamminess of raspberry.

As the aroma proceeds, the sassy floral heart of the powdery rose and the creamy hint of geranium mingle together in the core, which boosts the sensuality of a man.

Once the aroma settles, the appealing, resinous labdanum and the smooth, timbery nuance of white oud kick in. Besides, patchouli and leather combine together to enhance the alluring aroma.

The natural and vegan ingredients of this cologne are best for all green note lovers. And as it remains eternally on the skin with a strong, seductive trail, it has become my brother’s signature scent.

When to Wear

Due to the multifaceted offering of Aquila Absolute by Electimuss, it can be used all year round without thinking much. But my brother loves to wear it with a leather jacket before heading out in autumn.

Why Should You Buy

5. Fidelis Histoires de Parfums

Introducing another best replacement of The Moon called Fidelis by Histoires de Parfums. In 2015, it hit the market and became a hyped fragrance for oud lovers.

Unlike the OG, The Moon, Fidelis has a dark and spicy opening. Along with a subtle sensual smell of saffron and cardamom, the coffee adds a gourmand bitter tone in the first whiff.

To tame the bitterness, the perfumer, Julien Rasquinet, fuses rose with raspberry, which conjointly evokes a magical feeling throughout the core.

In the dry down, the woodiness of oud and the exotic swampiness of patchouli and amber warm up the settling process and give it a 12-hour longevity.

When to Wear

In my preference, the warm and cozy vibe of Fidelis is a top-notch pick when you are looking for a cologne to rock your winter/fall days.

Plus, you can wear it on spring nights, too, but don’t forget to spray lightly to enjoy its authentic composition.

Why Should You Buy

6. H The Exclusive Black Tier Roja Dove

When I sniffed H The Exclusive Black Tier for the first time, it clearly gave me the visual depiction of a black-suited man stepping out of a Bugatti to attend a gorgeous wedding party.

Initially, a tantalizing citrusy aroma of bergamot makes the top refreshing and soothing enough.

In the heart, you will get a gorgeous dose of rose de mai and angelic jasmine that dances melodically with the sweet, tarty aroma of raspberry. Honestly, its peaceful aroma feels like a composition made in heaven.

In the base, the delightful harmonizer vanilla and benzoin are cuddled with a leathery, smooth suede.

Also, the rich, high-quality sandalwood, musk, and patchouli will readily grasp people’s attention to make you the show star without getting overpowering.

This cologne offers remarkable performance, so you can add it to the best-smelling Roja Dove colognes list.

When to Wear

H The Exclusive Black Tier is an expensive aroma that I think is ideal for special occasions or high-profile events in colder months.

Why Should You Buy

Wrap Up

The moon astoundingly offers a modern and addictive touch that is hard to resist by anyone. Whenever it comes to finding a replacement for such a unique piece, it becomes a tad bit hard.

Keeping all the ins and outs in mind, I tried to find the closest cost-effective dupes to ease your journey.

Therefore, buy the one you feel best, and don’t miss to share your experience in the comment box below. Adios!