Olympea by Paco Rabanne is the warmth of fall in an elegant bottle. The first time I encountered this beauty was at a house party. And ever since, it has been one of my go-to perfumes for summer.
But fragrances from iconic luxury brands like Paco Rabanne are pretty pricey.
That’s why I wanted to find other alternatives that smell like Olympea so that I can wear it more frequently.
And during that perfume hunt, I came across a handful of dupes and clones from the same brand and others as well.
So, sit tight and let me enlighten you.
What Does Olympea Smell Like?
Olympea smells like subtle white flowers near an amber tree garden beside the ocean. When the delicate aura of flowers mixes with the warm powdery aroma of amber, it creates an enchanting scent, and that’s what Olympea represents.
After launching in 2015, Olympea quickly caught the attention of perfume lovers who like to try unusual combinations such as vanilla and salt.
Now, let’s see the note composition of Olympea:
Top Notes: Water Jasmine, Green Mandarin, Ginger Flower
Middle Notes: Vanilla, Salt
Base Notes: Ambergris, Cashmere Wood, Sandalwood
As you can see, Anne Flipo, Loc Dong, and Dominique Ropion did a great job combining singular notes.
Olympea opens with the harmonious citrus and tranquil flower aura from water jasmine, fresh yet bitter smell of green mandarin, and the sweetness of ginger flowers.
Then hits the heart with its unique combo of salt and vanilla. It’s rare to see salt as a note, but here, it’s like the ray of sunshine in the dark.
This uplifting perfume gets richer and more intense in the dry down.
With its woody, earthy aroma, Ambergris mingles with the soft dusty tone of cashmere wood. And finally, sandalwood intensifies the base with that hint of spice.
This soft, delicious fragrance stays for 12 hours on my clothes, and I don’t need to reuse it for the whole day. The sillage will get you compliments for sure.
Anyway, not only Olympea, there are several best smelling Paco Rabanne perfumes, so if you are interested, give them a try.
What Perfumes Are Similar to Olympea?
When it comes to amber floral, refreshing fragrances, Olympea has its own fanbase. And let me tell you as one; it’s huge.
Still, trying out other alternative dupes is not a bad idea either. The good news is that the option is not minimal. Even you will find several perfumes from Paco Rabanne that resemble Olympea, including other brands.
Here is the list of perfumes that smells Similar to Olympea:
1. Olympea Aqua Paco Rabanne
Top Notes: Water Notes, Calabrian Bergamot, Orange, Petitgrain
Middle Notes: Ginger Flower, Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Peach, Rose
Base Notes: Salt, Vanilla, Ambergris, Cashmere Wood, Sandalwood
Olympea Aqua, in its stunning frosty white bottle, is an aquatic floral perfume. The cute round shape is another thing I love about this series.
It is similar to the original Olympea but also very different at the same time.
The first thing you will smell at the opening is the watery citrusy, floral, spicy aura of bergamot. Slowly the woody tart characteristic of petitgrain shows off along with orange.
After a few minutes, the sweetness of ginger flower and jasmine will brush through your nose.
Then slowly, you will sense the fresh sourness from the orange blossom, sweetness with a hint of acidity from the peach, and last but not least, the rose.
Here another difference is that the middle has the scent of top notes of the original Olympea.
Anne Flipo, Dominique Ropion, Fanny Bal, and Loc Dong knew what they were doing when they worked together and united these essences.
Finally, the base shows the iconic combination of salt and vanilla along with the soft dusty, warmness of cashmere wood and the earthy hint of sandalwood.
And thus lasts longer with good projection.
When to Wear
Olympéa Aqua Paco Rabanne is a perfect summer and spring fragrance. For any beach party or event, a few pumps are enough.
Why Should You Buy
- Lasts up to 12 hours.
- Strong sillage.
- Reasonable pricing.
- A gentle aquatic opening.
- Enchanting female perfume.
2. In Flames La Rive
Top Notes: Sea Water, Hazelnut, Orange
Middle Notes: Jasmine, Tropical Fruits, Pineapple, Sandalwood, Melon, Heliotrope, Rose
Base Notes: Vanilla, Coconut, Amber, Woody Notes
My sister is a fan of floral fruity perfume and also loves Olympea. Thus, In Flames by La Rive is the right one for her. The day I told her about this dupe, she immediately bought it at a great price range.
Let’s dive deep into the notes of this La Rive perfume.
The top comes with the salty freshness of sea water, tangy orange, and the roasted sweetness of hazelnut.
When the top fades, the floral-fruity heart comes to light.
The first smell you will get is the powdery richness of jasmine, and then the juiciness of tropical fruits hits off, along with the sweet yet vinegary aroma of pineapple.
Also, sandalwood creates that warm spicy aura that adds a bit more depth.
In the dry down, you will be amazed by the mix of sweet vanilla and refreshing coconut with the woody warmth of amber and woody notes.
When to Wear
You can wear this affordable Olympea dupe on fall and spring days. It also goes well during winter and summer times.
Why Should You Buy
- Budget-friendly.
- Good longevity on skin and clothes.
- A comforting skin scent.
- Moderate sillage.
3. Olympea Intense Paco Rabanne
You can’t go wrong with the Olympea series. Each perfume has similar notes yet gives a slightly distinct vibe.
Similarly, Olympea Intense is another Paco Rabanne edition that also resembles a salty vanillic fragrance.
Right off the opening of this dark amber color perfume, you will smell salty vanilla and amber.
Slowly, its powdery animalic accords show up. I love that it has Orange Blossom. It’s sour and fresh and neutralizes the saltiness, and moves towards the sweeter side.
The best part of this 2016’s perfume is that it’s not overly sweet and gourmand. For me, it’s toned down nature is a work of art.
As time goes by, you will smell the earthy, musky scent of Ambergris and the freshness of Grapefruit blossom from this budget-friendly, high-quality fragrance.
When to Wear
Whether it’s winter or fall night, Olympea Intense will serve you very well. It also works in the daytime too.
Why Should You Buy
- A bold and sweet women’s perfume.
- Budget-friendly.
- Best suited for colder days.
- Long-lasting effect.
- Strong sillage.
4. Pure XS For Her Paco Rabanne
Looking for another Paco Rabanne perfume besides the Olympea series? Then Pure XS For Her is the one for you.
This amber floral fragrance was launched in 2018, and the nose behind this perfume is Quentin Bisch. After his trip to Reunion Island, he got the inspiration to formulate Pure XS For Her.
At the first sniff, you will get a savory popcorn smell along with the sweetness of vanilla and coconut.
After some time, the exotic deep floral note will hit your nose. And the depth shows by the presence of white musk, sandalwood, and ambrette.
Moreover, with all these exciting mixtures of ingredients Pure XS For Her lasts up to 12 hours, and its sillage is quite good.
When to Wear
Pure XS For Her can be your best companion if you plan to attend a winter or fall night party. For daytime, it’s not bad at all.
Why Should You Buy
- Interesting and unique female fragrance.
- Great longevity.
- Affordable seductive perfume.
- Stimulating aroma.
- Complement magnet.
5. Olympea Extrait de Parfum Paco Rabanne
Olympea Extrait de Parfum was launched in 2015. This amber floral perfume is not the exact clone of Olympea but smells like it.
The first notable thing is that its notes are pretty simple.
You will smell the spicy smoked vanilla at the opening with a subtle sweetness. The salty notes will also be very present.
If you are a fan of floral tones, you will love the musky sultry aroma from jasmine sambac, which mingles perfectly with the rich woody notes.
It’s clear that the formulation of Olympea Extrait de Parfum is simple and transparent. Also, this amazing perfume has a long-lasting effect with enormous sillage, drawing attention to you.
But, keep in mind its high price range. And if you want to give your boyfriend something refreshing, check out the best smelling Paco Rabanne colognes.
When to Wear
To turn heads at every winter and fall night party Olympea Extrait de Parfum is an ideal pick. It works fine during daytime use. You can wear this in summer also.
Why Should You Buy
- Enormous sillage.
- Lasts up to 12 hours.
- Subtle sweet opening.
- Amazing floral perfume.
6. Kenzo World Power Kenzo
Top Note: Cypress
Middle Note: Sea Salt
Base Note: Tonka Bean
If you are looking for a simple woody aromatic perfume that smells like Olympea, then you will love Kenzo World Power.
This women’s fragrance was launched in 2019. And Jérôme di Marino is behind the perfect notes in this masterpiece.
In the beginning, Kenzo World Power starts with a woody, smoky aroma that is dry and earthy simultaneously.
As time goes by, you will smell the iconic sea salt flavor.
In the dry down, tonka bean takes over with its heavy woody, vanillic almondy aura that I love the most. It gives a different vibe than any other alternatives of Olympea.
And, do you know this perfume lasts over 12 hours and has a good sillage, so you don’t have to worry about reusing it any time soon once you wear it.
When to Wear
It is perfect for fall days and nights and goes well in summer, winter, and spring. So, its versatility is out of the question.
Why Should You Buy
- Long-lasting effect.
- Great sillage.
- Strong and addictive aroma.
- Good price range.
- Gives a refreshing and expensive feeling.
7. To Be Miss Beat Police
Top Notes: Black Currant, Lily-of-the-Valley, Coconut Blossom
Middle Notes: Heliotrope, White Peach, Rose
Base Notes: Vanilla, Amber, Cashmere Wood, Woody Notes
To Be Miss Beat by Police was launched in 2017. This fragrance has an uncommon packaging which got my attention at first.
At the first sniff, you will sense the light, fruity and woody tones of black currant, followed by the watery freshness from the lily of the valley and a sweet beachy vibe from the coconut blossom.
The heart comes with almond-like heliotrope, fresh surgery white peach, and the enchanting smell of rose.
In the dry down, vanilla and amber adds a blast of sweetness and warmth. The dusty, woody sensation from cashmere wood and woody notes brings out a comfortable vibe for the fall and springtime.
Here the salty tone is missing, but still, other notes make up for it.
When to Wear
This amber floral perfume is best for spring and fall days. It also goes well in summer and winter.
Why Should You Buy
- Moderate sillage and longevity.
- Great price range.
- Fruity, flowery opening.
- A beautiful dupe of Olympea.
8. Olympea Aqua Eau de Parfum Légère Paco Rabanne
Top Notes: Clementine, Lemon Blossom
Middle Notes: Water Jasmine, Solar Notes, Water Lily
Base Notes: Salt, Vanilla, Ambergris, Cashmere Wood
Olympea Aqua Eau de Parfum Légère came to the market in 2018. It starts with a crispy, citrusy top and an airy light smell of lemon blossom.
After the top fades away comes the heart. Here you will sense the vibrant citrusy aroma of water jasmine, which blends with solar notes and water lily in the most perfect way.
In the dry down, the salty-sweet vanilla blends with the richness of ambergris and the woody goodness of Cashmere Wood.
Moreover, despite several strong ingredients, it’s not overpowering but more subtle.
When to Wear
This floral aquatic perfume is best for summer and spring daytime. So, before any hangouts, spray a few pumps, and you are good to go.
Why Should You Buy
- A beautiful fruity floral opening.
- Long-lasting light perfume.
- Moderate sillage.
- Affordable.
9. Lumiere Fiorucci
Top Note: Water Jasmine
Middle Note: Vanilla
Base Notes: Amber, Cashmeran, Sandalwood
Lumiere by Fiorucci is another smell-alike perfume of Olympea that has very simple notes. This fragrance was launched in 2017.
The top starts with water jasmine. So, just after the first spray, you will feel the balance of citrusy and rosy tones.
Then comes the heart with the amazing sweetness of vanilla. For vanilla lovers, the middle will be the jam.
Finally, in the dry down, the powdery warm amber mingles with the distinct scent of cashmeran with its musky undertone along with a sweet earthy aura of sandalwood.
It also lacks that salty smell yet resembles Olympea with its note combination.
When to Wear
Lumiere Fiorucci works best during fall and winter nights and days. You can also attend parties and functions in the spring wearing this amber floral fragrance.
Why Should You Buy
- A tangy floral opening.
- Great price range.
- Moderate sillage and longevity.
- Suitable for colder seasons.
Parting Thoughts
Olympea resembles a modern-day Greek Goddess who knows how to slay and what to get. Its beautiful blend of unusual notes stands out from the very beginning.
Though Olympea Paco Rabanne is a fantastic amber and floral perfume, I have listed the top 9 alternatives which will remind you of this original beauty on a budget.
So, try them and let me know which one you opted for and which one quite didn’t work for you.