What Is DUA Emperor Shizu's Muscs a Dupe Of?

DUA Emperor Shizu's Muscs is a clone of Serge Lutens Muscs Koublai Khan. 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?

This is one for people curious about animalic musks. DUA’s description brings civet and musk together with rose, labdanum and warm resins. We’d pay attention to whether that animalic edge is something you enjoy after the opening. Finding the reference name is helpful, but your comfort with that part of the scent will matter far more.

What notes should you look for?

DUA lists Civet, Natural Musk, Ambrette, Vanilla, Patchouli, Caraway, Rose and French Labdanum.

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 Emperor Shizu's Muscs if the notes above sound like what you want from this scent. If you’ve already worn Serge Lutens Muscs Koublai Khan 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.