What Is Swiss Arabian Shaghaf Oud Tonka a Dupe Of?

Swiss Arabian Shaghaf Oud Tonka is a clone of BDK Velvet Tonka Eau de Parfum. Almond, orange blossom, rose and a sweet tonka-and-vanilla base are the connection. If the name had you expecting lots of smoky oud, the note list tells a different story: this one puts almond and warm sweetness first.

Why Velvet Tonka is the match

Both fragrances start with almond and bring orange blossom and rose into the mix. Their bases also share tonka bean, vanilla and amberwood. That's a fairly specific set of similarities, and it gives the comparison more substance than simply calling both perfumes sweet.

The appeal is that soft, almond-pastry direction, with flowers keeping it from being all dessert. Think of Shaghaf Oud Tonka as a way to explore that combination if you're curious about Velvet Tonka's style. The reference here is the original EDP; Velvet Tonka Extrait is a separate fragrance.

Where the note lists differ

Shaghaf Oud Tonka lists cinnamon alongside Tunisian orange blossom and Turkish rose in its heart. BDK lists tobacco and rose, with orange blossom in the opening and amyris in the base. The cinnamon gives the Swiss Arabian profile a spicy angle on paper, while tobacco is a point to pay attention to when comparing the BDK.

Those differences matter even with so much overlap. Shared notes don't tell us the balance of almond, flowers and sweetness in each blend, or how either will develop on your skin. The side-by-side pyramids below make the overlap easy to spot without treating the two formulas as identical.

Which one makes sense for you?

We'd put Shaghaf Oud Tonka on your list if almond, vanilla and tonka are what brought you to Velvet Tonka. If BDK's tobacco detail is the part you love, compare samples before deciding that the Swiss Arabian will fill exactly the same spot.

Use the retailer cards to compare the bottle sizes and current listings. You can also browse our Velvet Tonka clones and alternatives guide for other options in this style.