What Is DUA Absolutely Essential Oud a Dupe Of?

DUA Absolutely Essential Oud is a clone of Guerlain Oud Essentiel. 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?

Oud, leather and saffron give this comparison a fairly clear direction. Rose, cedar and olibanum are also in DUA’s description, so we’d see how much space they get around the darker notes. If you enjoy rose and oud together, focus on their balance once the first burst of spice has had time to settle.

What notes should you look for?

DUA lists Oud, Saffron, Olibanum, Leather, Rose and Cedar Wood. Guerlain Oud Essentiel highlights Saffron, Geranium, Oud, Rose, Atlas Cedar, Leather, Incense and Guaiac Wood. Start with Oud, Saffron, Leather and Rose when you compare them. Then see how Olibanum and Cedar Wood on DUA’s side and Geranium and Atlas Cedar 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 Absolutely Essential Oud if the notes above sound like what you want from this scent. If you’ve already worn Guerlain Oud Essentiel 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.