50 Shades Of Gray

Overall this is a slightly brighter, more citrus version of the OG which tones down a little of the sophistication for more versatility, I tested them side by side and I would say they are around 90%. I actually prefer Alexandria's version as it's very similar but with added freshness, versatility and MUCH longer performance. The OG projects slightly more but that is expected due to the differences in concentration. If you like the OG, definitely sample this. I'm actually surprised by the sub 4 rating here, but definitely judge it for yourself, for me it's easily a 5 but I like the profile and I'll be picking up a 30 mil bottle soon.

My first thought when I sprayed this was, what have I purchased, I don't like this. I blindly purchased it based on the notes listed and thought it might be interesting as it was different from the fragrances that I usually wear. After the dry down, however, I can't get enough of it. This will be in my fast rotation list from now on...

This fragrance has an exquisite vetiver note. It is very grounding but not too heavy. Compared to Encre Noir, it is a lot less intense and a bit more refined. Comparable to Terre d'Hermes but with no orange. The citrus and sage top notes are pretty transparent here allowing the vetiver to dominate from the get go.

Very high quality copy of TF Grey Vetiver, the level of refinement is excellent and clearly discernible. The only difference that I can perceive is that AF’s version is considerably more potent. This is one of AF’s better dupes. Well worth sampling if you’re a fan of TF GV but constrained by budget.

A favorite among all my “freshies”. Perfect for when I want a clean, simple, soapy frag. I rotate my frags by season, but this one is in permanent rotation.

Can't compare to the original, so this is a review of this alone. I'd give it a 3.5/5. Very unique freshie. Leans on earthy side of vetiver over the smokey or green sides. Pretty niche in the opening, more mainstream as it dries. Opening: Strong hit of citrus and carrot. Like I just pulled a carrot out of rich damp soil and squeezed some citrus on it. I'm assuming the "carrot" is rooty vetiver + sweet amber. I've heard some people say orris root and carrot can smell alike, so maybe that's what's happening here too?? I get a lot of citrus, although I'm not sure I'd call it grapefruit. That could also be the lemongrass-like elements of certain vetivers. Overall, opens very fresh, which beyond the citrus must be the aromatic sage and orange blossom. I don't really pick out either of the later as distinct notes. Mid/Drydown: An earthy amber with a bit soapiness. Still get vague carrot vibe. Earthiness gets more dry and dusty (rather than damp), which I assume is the orris peaking through. Two dominant notes are still amber and vetiver. I never get the woody notes mentioned by others. Overall, I'm glad I got a sample. Don't think I'd wear this enough if I got a full bottle. Encre Noire Sport already fills my need for fresh masculine vetiver. And I'm not really into smelling like carrot.

The opening is beautiful with citrus (lemon and lime), sage, a little pine, cedar and a bare hint of soap. But let’s be real: openings don’t mean sh1t for a person wearing the perfume if the fragrance changes at all into the drydown. To my nose this is very heavy on the spicy wood in the later drydown. I get a strong fresh cut lumber vibe. After the opening, it’s too one-note and sharp for me. I think this could go in any direction and be worn in any season, night or day.

On my skin this is much sweeter with more orange and amber than TF GV when compared side to side. It's a soft, mellow and smooth scent with a lot of orange notes, some amber sweetness with a flowery, floral component which I believe to be the orris root -- and unfortunately for me, not that much wood, moss or vetiver which I hoped for. Quality is good as all of Alexandrias fragrances have been for me so far. If you're looking for TF GV, this is not really on par at least when sprayed on my skin. If you're looking for a sweet orangey daily driver this is a really good perfume quality-wise and I've been getting good response from my partner and others who've smelled it.

This is not a vetiver scent. This is a sparkling burst of grapefruit which last throughout the duration of the scent with mild sweetness from orange blossom and amber. Vetiver is the 4th strongest note IMHO. Does that make this a bad scent? If you are looking for a clone of TF GV then yes. If you want a daily driver for warm weather then no. Longevity and sillage is above average which makes it a lot better than mot in the same category.