What Is DUA Ancient Vanilla Woods a Dupe Of?

DUA Ancient Vanilla Woods is a clone of Gritti Vanilla Tanà. DUA names that fragrance as its inspiration, so it’s the bottle to sample alongside this one if you’re interested in how the scent was interpreted.

What makes these worth comparing?

Gritti’s vanilla is built with woods and several facets of the vanilla plant. DUA’s baobab wood and pepper give you something to compare beyond the sweetness.

What notes should you look for?

DUA lists Vanilla Orchid, Ylang Ylang, Pink Pepper, Vanilla Absolue, Tonka Bean, Baobab Wood, Vanilla Caviar and Sandalwood. Gritti Vanilla Tanà highlights Vanilla Orchid, Ylang Ylang, Pink Pepper, Vanilla Absolute, Tonka Bean, Baobab Wood, Vanilla Caviar and Sandalwood. Start with Vanilla Orchid, Ylang Ylang, Pink Pepper and Tonka Bean when you compare them. Then see how Vanilla Absolue on DUA’s side and Vanilla Absolute on the original’s side shape the scent around those notes.

How would we compare samples?

If you have samples, give each its own wrist and let the first spray settle. Come back once the notes you enjoy most are easier to pick out. Smelling them twice gives you a better idea of whether the opening is what drew you in or whether the finish is the part you want to wear. Check both on a day when you can keep the rest of your routine unscented. Use a blotter for a first impression if you’re sampling several scents at once. Save a skin test for the two you’re choosing between.

Which one would we try first?

We’d try DUA Ancient Vanilla Woods if the notes above sound like what you want from this scent. If you’ve already worn Gritti Vanilla Tanà and have a particular part of it in mind, start with a small sample so you can compare that detail before buying. Check the size and format shown on the retailer page, and use the delivered price for the bottle you’d actually order. That’s especially helpful when one listing is for a travel size or sample and another is for a full bottle.