I swear the fragrance game has turned into Uber. Not literally, obviously—but the whole vibe is the same: everyone’s jumping in, the market is flooded, pricing feels random, and hype basically sets the “rate” more than actual quality. Back then, it felt like there was a clearer ladder: designers → niche → the really expensive stuff. Now it’s like: - $40 clone that screams for 12 hours - $150 designer that lasts 4–6 - $300 niche that’s smoother but “quiet.” - $500+ luxury line that’s basically paying for branding + bottle + exclusivity And the crazy part is… the price difference isn’t always reflected in how “good” it smells to the average person, especially with how people judge fragrances now. Because honestly, a lot of people have started equating performance with quality. So you get this whole trend where people are convinced that cheaper clones are better than the originals. And I get why they think that: - Louder + longer = “better” (especially for newer hobbyists) - Clones often nail the opening, and that’s all many people really judge - If you’re not doing side-by-side testing, a clone can smell “identical” in the air - Paying $50 and getting “close enough” feels like a win… paying $300 for something subtle feels like you got scammed - Social media rewards hot takes like “THIS IS BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL,” so it becomes a flex to say it But when you actually compare them properly, it’s usually the same story: Originals tend to be smoother, more balanced, better blended, and have a nicer drydown. Clones tend to be louder, simpler, and more linear, and sometimes have that harsh/chemical/musky “clone DNA” after an hour. The way I see it: Clones win in the first 30–60 minutes and on loud compliments. Originals win after hour 2 when you actually care about how it wears up close. And that’s why the market feels “Uber-ified” now. It’s less about artistry and more about volume, hype, and “surge pricing” driven by FOMO and influencers. Everyone’s just trying to get the biggest hit of scent for the cheapest ride.

For my friend, @Mike Penzenik this line has blown me away, and Very inexpensive at discounters!!! The highest oils and the original twists make the scent profiles exceptional!!! I will start with the House of Jo Milano - Roll It 7 — Mediterranean citrus-aquatic. Bergamot/mandarin/sicilian orange over fresh marine accords + clean musk. - Game of Spades Full House — fresh citrus + spicy-neroli backbone. Bergamot/orange/citron → neroli/ginger/cinnamon → black tea/ambroxan/woods. - Game of Spades Bonus — sparkling citrus + minty-aromatic lift. Citron/mint/orange/lemon + black currant/coriander, then fruity-herbal heart, musky-fig/date drydown. - Game of Spades Emerald — bright grapefruit-bergamot + ginger + clean musk. Citrus/ginger up top, neroli/orange blossom in the middle, musky/ambrette base. - Game of Spades High Roller — fresh grapefruit/bergamot with warm-spicy edges. Citrus + black currant up top, then ginger/cinnamon/citron/cardamom, finishing with pink pepper + patchouli. - Roll It 1 — fruity-fresh mango/lemon/ginger with a warmer oud/musk/amber base (fresh opening, richer drydown). In the Middle East Category, I will give you this; it can also be substituted with Alexandria fragrances as a great clone or Montagne!!! - Amouage Reflection Man — the “expensive clean soap” vibe. - Amouage Beach Hut Man — minty-green fresh with niche character. Also in the inexpensive Middle Eastern category from Swiss Arabian and Gissah - Musk 01 (clean citrus + soft white musk) - Rose 01 (lychee/bergamot + rosy-musky) - Incense 01 (incense theme; more resinous than fresh) From the house of Gissah: 1) Capri Vibe: lemon + marine “out the shower” freshNotes: Sorrento lemon + marine notes + blue ginger, then sandalwood/apple/patchouli, drying to dry amber/vetiver/incense. 2) Calabria Vibe: crisp bergamot/green-apple fresh, smooth “clean woods” drydown. Notes: bergamot (and listed in details with pink pepper + green apple), cashmere/iris/patchouli, amberwood/tonka/vetiver.