Incense fragrances and their dupes
Incense is a base note that smells smoky, resinous and slightly peppery, like church frankincense: cool, spiritual and a little austere. The closest incense dupe in our data is Maison Alhambra The Artist No.1, an 86% note match for Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady, at $30 instead of $420.
What incense smells like
Smoky, resinous and slightly peppery, like church frankincense: cool, spiritual and a little austere.
Incense is a base note that adds a smoky, meditative depth. It is central to many niche and ambery-woody scents, and matching that specific resinous smoke is what makes those dupes feel atmospheric rather than flat.
In the fragrance pyramid, incense is typically a base note in the resinous family.
The 6 fragrances we track with incense, and their dupes
Ranked by note match. Average match 83%, average saving $260 a bottle. A ✓ marks a dupe that shares the incense note itself.
Incense in fragrance, answered
What does incense smell like in perfume?
Smoky, resinous and slightly peppery, like church frankincense: cool, spiritual and a little austere. Incense is a base note that adds a smoky, meditative depth. It is central to many niche and ambery-woody scents, and matching that specific resinous smoke is what makes those dupes feel atmospheric rather than flat.
Is incense a top, heart or base note?
Incense usually sits as a base note, in the resinous family. Base notes last longest and anchor the dry-down for hours.
What is the closest incense fragrance dupe?
Maison Alhambra The Artist No.1, an 86% note match for Portrait of a Lady, at $30 instead of $420.
What is the cheapest incense dupe?
Lattafa Khurafi at $25, a dupe for Aquolina Black Sugar.
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