What Is DUA Garden of Thorns a Dupe Of?

DUA Garden of Thorns is a clone of Louis Vuitton Cactus Garden. 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?

Maté and lemongrass give this a different direction from a straightforward citrus fragrance. DUA also lists Calabrian bergamot, so there’s a clear fresh starting point. We’d compare how the grassy and tea-like elements sit around it. If those are what drew you to Cactus Garden, keep checking for them after the citrus has calmed down.

What notes should you look for?

DUA lists Calabrian Bergamot, Lemongrass and Maté.

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 Garden of Thorns if the notes above sound like what you want from this scent. If you’ve already worn Louis Vuitton Cactus Garden 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.