Diptyque’s Tempo is the best patchouli-based fragrance I’ve ever encountered. Its rich, aromatic vibe never fails to amaze me.
From premium quality to praise-worthy performance, this perfume has a lot to offer.
But what stops me from naming this fragrance as a flawless gem is the high price tag it carries. So, I researched and sorted a bunch of low-priced scents that stay in the same vicinity as Tempo by Diptyque.
Stay put as now, I’m gonna discuss them in detail.
What Does Diptyque Tempo Smell Like?
Tempo Eau de Parfum by Diptyque has an elegant, woody spicy smell along with the warm earthiness of Indonesian patchouli. This enveloping fragrance is further elevated by the fresh, sophisticated blend of mate, violet leaf, and clary sage.
To understand its aroma better, let’s see the notes present in Tempo by Diptyque:
Notes: Indonesian Patchouli, Mate, Clary Sage, Pink Pepper, Violet Leaf, Bergamot
It opens with a light ambery, sweet aroma with a subtle citrusy bergamot undertone. Then, the powdery violet leaf gives the opening a smooth and rich texture.
Soon, the star of the show, earthy, warm patchouli appears, infusing the fragrance with an exotic allure. Meanwhile, mate contributes a woody, green tone, deepening the aroma while enhancing its richness.
The fragrance finally settles down with earthy patchouli balanced and refined with some serene clary sage nuances.
The dry-down also gives a resinous cacao-like feel that I love to sniff on my husband, especially on our romantic fall or winter date nights. I find this aroma extremely attractive.
Overall, Tempo EDP is a mind-blowing patchouli composition perfect for those who wanna stand out with their classy and sophisticated aura.
However, it’s quite expensive. And if you need some cheap alternatives to Tempo, feel free to explore the next segment.
What Fragrances Smell Similar To Diptyque Tempo?
Tempo by Diptyque is one of the best compositions that bring out the earthy, woody patchouli aroma in the richest way possible.
I love this gorgeous Diptyque fragrance so much that I wanted to experience its sophisticated earthiness throughout the year.
Hence, I found some budget-friendly and all-year usable replacements for this gem.
So, let’s check out the best Diptyque Tempo alternatives:
1. L’Instant de Guerlain pour Homme EDT
Top Notes: Lemon, Star Anise, Bergamot, Elemi, Pepper
Middle Notes: Tea, Hibiscus, Smoke, Jasmine
Base Note: Cacao Pod, Patchouli, Sandalwood
L’Instant de Guerlain pour Homme EDT is the first affordable option that beautifully captures the woody, earthy essence of Tempo by Diptyque. However, this Guerlain masterpiece stands out with the addition of some spicy, warm accords.
It has the citrusy freshness of bergamot and lemon in the opening, along with the invigorating spiciness of star anise and pepper.
Star anise becomes more prominent and warmer as the fragrance starts to settle. Instead of mate, here, cacao pod and tea notes create the woody, green, slightly herbal facet tha you get from the Diptyque one.
Meanwhile, sandalwood and jasmine along with a subtle smoky undertone give the aroma a smooth, powdery nature.
The most-awaited earthy smell of patchouli finally arrives in the dry-down, creating a dusty, warm, and immensely seductive ambiance. Except for the star anise’s spiciness, I find LIDGE almost 70% similar to Tempo by Diptyque.
On top of that, this affordable dupe stays on my skin for over 10 hours with a moderate sillage.
When To Wear
The original L’Instant de Guerlain pour Homme has a balanced woody, patchouli aroma. So, whether it’s winter, fall, or spring, you can wear this gorgeous aroma on any occasion throughout the year.
Why Should You Buy
- Rich, pure, and seductive aroma.
- Sophisticated and inviting composition.
- Masterclass woody, patchouli release from Guerlain.
- Mass-pleasing and unique cologne.
- Versatile and affordable.
- Suitable for office and date nights.
2. Patchouli Mania Essential Parfums
Top Notes: Hazelnut, Davana, Coriander
Middle Notes: Cacao, Tea, Clearwood
Base Notes: Patchouli, Vetiver, Cetalox
After Tempo by Diptyque, Patchouli Mania by Essential Parfums is another perfume that gives me an awesome patchouli experience. But what it offers more, is the smooth, creamy hazelnut and the freshness of vetiver.
You’ll feel the savory nuttiness of hazelnut, the moment you spray this fragrance. With the right touch of green davana, the opening almost reminds me of smelling fresh peanuts in the middle of a muddy green forest.
Much like Tempo, the core of this scent smells green, herby, and a little bit woody.
The aroma becomes earthy green as soon as it reaches the dry-down. Here, the exotic patchouli mingles with balsamic cacao and fresh, woody vetiver, creating a sophisticated vibe that lasts for over 8 hours.
Simply put, this is a smooth, alluring, and very classy patchouli composition that I enjoy during the cold.
When To Wear
The mesmerizing earthy, woody aroma of Patchouli Mania will be an ideal choice for formal or casual wear during the winter and fall days. Its green aromatic tone goes brilliantly with springtime adventures as well.
Why Should You Buy
- Classy and well-balanced formulation.
- Interesting hazelnut accord.
- Greener and spicier than Tempo Diptyque.
- Offers an excellent value for the money.
- Seductive musky, woody undertone.
3. Kokorico Jean Paul Gaultier
Top Note: Fig Leaf
Middle Notes: Cacao, Patchouli
Base Notes: Vetiver, Virginia Cedar
Staying in the same vein as Tempo Diptyque, Kokorico by Jean Paul Gaultier conveys a spicier, and woodier patchouli vibe throughout its 10 hours of longevity.
If you love patchouli scents with a little bit more depth and allure, there won’t be any better affordable options than JPG Kokorico. Plus, the fact that it was beautifully composed by Olivier Cresp, makes this fragrance even more desirable.
It opens with the fresh, energetic, crispy greenness of fig leaf amazingly balanced with the balsamic creaminess of cacao.
The core smells like almost a replica of Tempo Diptyque, as here you’ll feel the earthy, dusty darkness of patchouli beautifully blended with spicy, gourmand cacao essence.
Also, fig leaf somewhat mimics the green mate essence of Tempo.
Prominent patchouli persists even in the base. Meanwhile, earthy, woody vetiver combines with cedar lending smooth, powdery, and extremely captivating facets to the dry-down.
Overall, I find this cologne slightly sharper and more youthful. And if you’re short on budget, Kokorico can be a great Tempo substitute for you.
Also, it will provide you with incredible projection and sillage.
When To Wear
From romantic winter dates to formal and casual gatherings in the fall, Kokorico can make you smell elegantly seductive throughout the seasons.
Why Should You Buy
- Inexpensive if compared to Tempo Diptyque.
- Chocolatey patchouli aroma.
- Broad projection.
- Attracts both men and women.
- Brings compliments.
- High-quality fragrance.
- Unique bottle design.
4. Vetiver Patchouli Montale
Top Notes: Carrot, Pink Pepper
Middle Notes: Vetiver, Jasmine
Base Note: Patchouli Leaf
In my point of view, Vetiver Patchouli by Montale is more like an earthier and woodier clone of Tempo by Diptyque.
Its fresh opening with spicy floral pink pepper and earthy powdery carrot essence will lighten your mood from the very first spritz.
The dark earthy tone is further enhanced by the prominent vetiver in the heart. The way clean woody vetiver nuance blends with lush jasmine aroma never fails to enchant me.
Its base is all about earthy, green patchouli. The dry-down is dark, edgy, slightly sweet, and extremely addictive. Finally, the aroma leaves a smooth, comforting scent trail that I love the most about this fragrance.
Moreover, this composition offers one of the best patchouli-vetiver duos in the market. It’s quite affordable and offers 8 hours of longevity.
So, if you need a cheap Tempo Diptyque dupe that can make you smell mysterious and addictive throughout the day, go for Vetiver Patchouli by Montale.
When To Wear
Vetiver Patchouli by Montale has both warmth and freshness in it. So, this lovely aroma can be your ideal choice for any casual to formal hangouts all year long.
Why Should You Buy
- Praiseworthy pricing.
- Rich and sexy aroma.
- Intriguing spicy, sweet opening.
- Profound vetiver nuance.
- Refined and captivating patchouli base.
- Offers a perfect balance of maturity and youthfulness.
5. Lord of Misrule Lush
If you need smoother, creamier, and a little bit less green Tempo EDP dupe along with luxurious quality, try Lord of Misrule by Lush. Introduced in 2014, this is a brilliant chypre composition by Simon Constantine.
Initially, after spraying, this fragrance offers a fresh, earthy-green patchouli aroma with a subtle spicy black pepper undertone.
As time goes by, patchouli’s earthiness starts to become warmer and a bit chocolaty towards the core.
After a few minutes, vanilla comes forward, lending a rich, creamy character to the whole composition.
I adore the way it settles on my skin as the base eventually brings out more interesting facets of patchouli and vanilla. Together, they create a dark, mischievous, and sexy ambiance in the dry-down.
In my opinion, Lord of Misrule can beat Tempo EDP in quality, performance, and overall aroma. So, just grab it when you wanna add more luxuriousness to your aura.
Additionally, for more exotic cozy experiences, try fragrances that smell similar to Lord Of Misrule Lush.
When To Wear
The ambery, earthy aroma of Lord of Misrule is an ideal option for winter and fall days. It has a cozy, playful vibe that I find perfect for holidays and festive occasions. Aside from that, it can be your scent for intimate blind dates.
Why Should You Buy
- Simple yet elegant composition.
- 13+ hours of longevity.
- Strong musky, woody sillage.
- Edgy, spicy twist of black pepper.
6. Ligno Jeroboam
Top Notes: Patchouli, Pine, Clary Sage, Geranium, Bergamot
Middle Notes: Indonesian Patchouli Leaf, Castoreum, Saffron, Orris
Base Notes: Patchouli, Ambergris, Labdanum, Ambroxan, Musk
I know some can’t just resist trying luxurious niche compositions, even if they are looking for replacements. That’s why I’ve put Ligno from the house of Jeroboam on this list.
It begins with a piney, green, earthy essence of patchouli and clary sage. You’ll also feel a subtle bergamot aroma, giving a citrusy punch to the opening.
The fragrance becomes utterly refined and seductive as soon as it reaches the core. Here, a smooth, earthy, boozy patchouli essence layered with castoreum and powdery orris will give you an enticing yet comforting feel.
Meanwhile, saffron gives the heart notes a spicy, addictive personality.
It finally settles with a warm, musky, woody base aroma where ambergris and patchouli prevail.
Actually, Ligno Jeroboam gives me a more cozy, seductive vibe than Tempo.
Being a niche scent, it’s very expensive but worth a try for sure. So, if you’re looking for a unique and complex Tempo dupe, this amazing fragrance can do the work for you.
When To Wear
Ligno Jeroboam has a warm, cozy, and classy aura that can make your winter or fall days more enjoyable. It’s pretty versatile and adapts to any kind of event, from romantic dinners to formal meetings.
Why Should You Buy
- More profound patchouli aroma.
- Luxurious and sophisticated Tempo alternative.
- Musky, animalic undertone.
- Gives off a classy and gentle, masculine vibe.
- Lasts on the skin for 12+ hours.
Wrap Up
So far I’ve given you all the best Tempo Eau de Parfum by Diptyque smell-alikes that will give you a similar woody, patchouli experience.
Most of them are affordable yet stand out in quality and composition. To give you a more enriched experience, I included some premium options as well.
So, just pick any scent from the list according to your budget and preference.
And don’t forget to cheer me up by leaving a comment below.