If you like
Terre d'Hermès
Hermès · 2006
The reference point for a mineral, earthy vetiver that still smells fresh.
5 indie picks
Undernotes
Comparisons
19 comparisonsOne featured each day
One mainstream fragrance at a time, described in our own words, answered with independent alternatives that share its notes. No dupes, no affiliate links: just small houses working the same accord.
Earth & Moss. Patchouli, vetiver, oakmoss, soil and petrichor.
If you like
Angel
Thierry Mugler · 1992
The patchouli-and-chocolate scent people can smell coming from another room.
4 indie picksIf you like
Aventus
Creed · 2010
The pineapple-and-smoke scent that launched a wave of 'success' fragrances and dupes.
4 indie picksIf you like
La Vie Est Belle
Lancôme · 2012
The pink-bottle floral-gourmand that made iris smell like dessert.
5 indie picks
About these comparisons
Well-known fragrances are named here for one reason: they are the shared vocabulary most people have for a smell. We describe the accord in our own words, then point at independent houses working the same territory. There are no logos, no bottle photographs and no affiliate links, and Undernotes is not affiliated with any house named on these pages.