Smells the same !!!
Layton Exclusif was launched in 2017. The nose behind this fragrance is Hamid Merati-Kashani. Top notes are Almond, Mandarin Orange, Bergamot and Watery Notes; middle notes are Civet, Rose, Geranium, Gardenia and Water Lily; base notes are Laotian Oud, Guaiac Wood, Vanilla, Coffee, Sandalwood, Amber, Indonesian Patchouli Leaf, Pink Pepper and Oakmoss.
Detour Noir Exclusif was launched in 2024. Top notes are Almond, Mandarin Orange, Watery Notes and Bergamot; middle notes are Civet, Geranium, Rose, Water Lily and Gardenia; base notes are Laotian Oud, Guaiac Wood, Vanilla, Indonesian Patchouli Leaf, Sandalwood, Amber, Oakmoss, Coffee and Pink Pepper.
Despite the slight differences. It is a 99% identical smell on my skin
As a fragrance enthusiast constantly on the hunt for luxurious scents that don't break the bank, the buzz around Layton Exclusif and its supposed dupe, Detour Noir Exclusif, has always intrigued me. I've seen countless discussions about these two, especially regarding the iconic Layton Exclusif black bottle and whether the Detour Noir could truly measure up. So, I decided to conduct my own rigorous side-by-side comparison to see if they really smell 99% identical, as many claim. First, let's talk about the initial impression. Both fragrances open with a delightful blend of almond, mandarin orange, and bergamot, immediately setting a rich and inviting tone. For me, the Layton Exclusif feels slightly smoother and more refined in the opening, a touch more seamless. However, the Haramain Detour Exclusif Noir is incredibly close, perhaps with a very subtle, fleeting sharpness that quickly mellows. Within minutes, it's genuinely hard to distinguish between them without really concentrating. The heart notes, with civet, rose, geranium, and gardenia, are where the complexity truly shines, and again, both fragrances mirror each other beautifully, offering a sophisticated floral-animalic blend. Now, for the dry down – arguably the most important part! This is where the magic truly happens, and where the claim of being 99% identical really holds its ground on my skin. The base notes of Laotian Oud, Guaiac Wood, vanilla, coffee, and amber develop into a warm, creamy, and slightly smoky embrace that is simply intoxicating. I found the longevity of both Layton Exclusif and Detour Noir Exclusif to be exceptional, easily lasting 8-10 hours on my skin, with a moderate to strong sillage that garnered compliments throughout the day. This performance is a huge win for Detour Noir, as dupes often fall short in this crucial area. Visually, the bottles themselves are quite striking. The Layton Exclusif bottle, with its sleek dark aesthetic and the elegant horse emblem, exudes luxury. The Haramain Detour Exclusif Noir bottle also features a dark design, and its unique textured gold-colored cap adds a touch of sophistication that I really appreciate. While not identical twins in appearance, they both have a premium feel that looks fantastic on any fragrance shelf. If you're debating Layton vs Detour Noir, especially considering the price difference, I can confidently say that Detour Noir Exclusif offers an incredible value. It captures the essence, complexity, and performance of Layton Exclusif so remarkably well that it has rightfully earned its place as a true scent twin in my collection. Don't hesitate to give this black bottle beauty a try if you're looking for that luxurious scent profile without the premium price tag!
