| Characteristic | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★ |
| Top Notes | Pineapple, Bergamot |
| Middle Notes | Birch, Tobacco |
| Base Notes | Oak, Musk |
| Longevity | ★★★★ |
| Sillage | ★★★★ |
| Price | $20-40/100mL |
| Price Value | ★★★★ |
| Online Rating | 3.5/5 (500+ votes) |
| Uniqueness | ★ |
| Masculinity | ★★★ |
| Lasts | 6-8 hours |
| Best Suited | Daytime/Casual |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable price for quality | Longevity could be better |
| Fruity opening is pleasant | Lacks complexity of original Aventus |
| Good performance for price | Opening too simple, linear |
The Essence Vault’s Inspired by Aventus 200 is an homage to the legendary Aventus fragrance from Creed. It’s designed to recreate the aroma of Aventus while providing a more affordable choice for those who appreciate the luxurious scent but may not have the budget for the original.
Now although the sentiment is a good one, Brands like the Essence Vault have caused a divide in the perfume industry, with some appreciating their sentiment, while others see their products as unoriginal and cheap imitations.
However, for this review, I’ve decided to put all bias aside and assess this cologne as would I would any other, strictly on its performance and scent. So, here we go!
To find out more about the difference between designer and niche colognes, check out this article here!
Essence Vault Review
Opening Impressions of Perfume
When I received the perfume from The Essence Vault, I noticed the packaging was decent enough. A paper white box, with skinny black writing on the cover. The bottle and nozzle itself were also quite simplistic, but as we know, it’s the scent that matters most!
Upon first spraying the Aventus-inspired fragrance, I initially picked up hints of bergamot and blackcurrant, which gave it a fresh and invigorating start. The opening was quite similar to the original Aventus, but more bright and less intense.
Drydown of High-Quality Scent
As the perfume began to settle on my skin, I started sensing the birch and jasmine notes coming through, creating a subtle smokiness and floral touch that really complemented the fruity opening. The drydown also revealed hints of oakmoss, patchouli, and ambergris, giving the perfume a well-rounded, masculine quality. I must say that, although not identical, the parallels to the original Aventus were definitely there, a really pleasant surprise considering its more affordable price range.
Overall Impression of Fragrance
Here are some of the key factors of the Aventus-inspired fragrance that I found:
- Scent profile: fruity, smoky, and slightly woody with a masculine edge
- Notes: bergamot, blackcurrant, birch, jasmine, oakmoss, patchouli, and ambergris
- Similarity to Aventus: It’s not a perfect clone but comes quite close in scent profile and overall impression
Overall, I enjoyed the scent and found it quite appealing, although slightly less complex and vibrant than the original Aventus.
Perfume’s Performance
Now, let’s dive into the performance aspect of the fragrance:
- Longevity: I noticed that the perfume lasted around 4-5 hours on my skin, with the strongest projection during the first 1-2 hours. It’s worth mentioning that some users on Reddit reported shorter durations and weaker performances.
- Projection: The projection was moderate, but it decreased quite significantly after the 4 or 5 hours. It’s suitable for daily wear but might not be as noticeable as some people would like.
In conclusion, The Essence Vault’s Aventus-inspired fragrance provides a relatively close alternative to the original scent at a more affordable price point. While it may not have the lasting power and projection of the original Aventus, it’s a really good option for those who enjoy the scent profile but don’t want to break the bank.
To learn more about the important factors for buying a cologne, check out our in-depth Buying Guide Here!
Should You Purchase?
From my experience and the reviews I’ve read, it seems as if the Inspired by Aventus 200 has mixed opinions. I came across a Reddit post where a user mentioned that the Aventus clone smelled like toilet cleaner or lemon-ish dish soap1. On the other hand, I found it a decent dupe, a reviews on the Essence Vault website often describe it as that too.
Personally, I think it’s important to consider what kind of scents you enjoy before making a decision. If you are a fan of strong, versatile fragrances, you might like the Inspired by Aventus 200. A decent copyy-cat for a highly acclaimed scent that is considered a signature fragrance for many people3.
And hey, if you’re on a budget, a more affordable option, would definitely be a 5ml sample, with prices starting at just £4.95.
Remember, it’s essential to find a scent that suits your personal preferences and makes you feel confident. While reviews and opinions can help guide your decision, ultimately, the choice comes down to what you enjoy.
