What Is DUA Free Yourself a Dupe Of?

DUA Free Yourself is a clone of Xerjoff Mamluk. 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?

Honey and caramel sit alongside oud in DUA’s description, so sweetness is only one part of the comparison. Jasmine, osmanthus and warm balsamic notes give you more to investigate around it. We’d see whether you enjoy the darker wood once the opening settles, particularly if you’re approaching this from a love of gourmand fragrances.

What notes should you look for?

DUA lists Honey, Caramel, Agarwood, Jasmine, Benzoin, Osmanthus, Amber and Musk. Xerjoff Mamluk highlights Caramel, Honey, Calabrian Bergamot, Jasmine, Laotian Benzoin, Osmanthus, Amber and Madagascar Vanilla. Start with Honey, Caramel, Jasmine and Osmanthus when you compare them. Then see how Agarwood and Benzoin on DUA’s side and Calabrian Bergamot and Laotian Benzoin 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 Free Yourself if the notes above sound like what you want from this scent. If you’ve already worn Xerjoff Mamluk 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.