How We Test

Every dupe is blind tested on skin, scored on 4 dimensions, and rated against the original. No paid rankings. No guesswork.

Fragrance testing setup — every dupe tested on skin against the original
We buy our own samples
Blind tested on skin
No paid rankings

What We Test

Scent Accuracy

Blind tested. We don't know which is which until we score.

How we test this

Original and dupe sprayed on separate test strips and skin. We evaluate opening, dry-down, and base notes separately without knowing which is which.

Longevity

Timed at 2, 4, and 8 hour checkpoints on skin.

How we test this

Every fragrance timed on skin (not fabric). We note when projection fades to skin scent and when it's fully gone.

Room Presence

How far it projects: intimate, moderate, or fills the room.

How we test this

We rate projection as intimate (arm's length), moderate (a few feet), or strong (enters the room before you do). We report what it does so you can match it to your use case.

Value

Performance per dollar. Measured in cost per hour of wear.

How we test this

We weigh scent accuracy, longevity, and projection against price. A $15 dupe that lasts 4 hours can beat a $30 one that lasts 6.

Rating Scale

9-10
Exceptional — Near-identical to original
7-8
Strong — Same family, hard to tell apart
5-6
Decent — Similar vibe, noticeable differences
3-4
Weak — Loosely inspired at best
1-2
Skip — Not worth your money
How we label our picks
  • Recommended — High accuracy with solid longevity. The dupe we'd actually wear.
  • Best Value — Best performance per dollar.
  • Premium Pick — Closest to the original in every dimension.
Transparency and disclosures
  • When a brand sends us a product, we disclose it. Same testing protocol — no special treatment.
  • We earn commissions through affiliate links. This never changes rankings or scores.
  • Our methodology evolves as readers suggest improvements.

Questions about our process? Let us know.