What Is DUA Intense Leather a Dupe Of?

DUA Intense Leather is a clone of Guerlain Les Absolus d'Orient Cuir Intense. That’s the original behind this pairing and the bottle to compare it with if you’re deciding which version of the scent to try.

What kind of scent is it going for?

Cuir Intense is the original behind this pairing. DUA names osmanthus, ylang-ylang, tobacco, cedar, sandalwood and musk, while the original’s list also names leather. We’d look at the flowers alongside the tobacco and woods. That’s a more useful way to approach a sample than assuming everything about the scent can be explained by the word leather.

How do the notes compare?

DUA Intense Leather lists Tobacco, Sandalwood from Mysore, Osmanthus, Musk Accord, Ylang-Ylang and Virginian Cedar Wood. Guerlain Les Absolus d'Orient Cuir Intense lists Osmanthus, Ylang-Ylang, Leather, Musk, Tobacco, Sandalwood and Virginian Cedar.

Both lists include Tobacco, Osmanthus and Ylang-Ylang, giving you a few clear points to follow in a sample. For DUA Intense Leather, also look for Sandalwood from Mysore, Musk Accord and Virginian Cedar Wood. The original’s list also includes Leather, Musk, Sandalwood and Virginian Cedar.

What would we look for in a sample?

Try a similar amount of each on separate wrists and give them some time. Come back to both after the first burst has settled, then check them again later. We’d focus on the notes that made you interested in the pairing in the first place.

Which one would we buy?

We’d start with DUA Intense Leather if you want DUA’s interpretation of this scent. If the original’s exact balance is what you love, Guerlain Les Absolus d'Orient Cuir Intense is the reference to try. Compare the available bottle sizes, shipping cost and return terms before choosing. A sample or smaller bottle can be a good first purchase, especially when one particular note is the reason you’re interested. Current retailer options are shown above. Use the price for the size you actually plan to order, and check the delivery estimate if you need the fragrance for a particular date.