Royal Tonka

I was lucky enough to score a 10-ml decant of Shalimar Millésime Tonka, a limited-edition Shalimar flanker that sold out very quickly and is increasingly hard to find now. I sprayed one paper test strip with my decant of the genuine EDP, and another paper test strip with the Dua Royal Tonka dupe. The Dua dupe is much, much closer to the Guerlain than I thought it would or could be, thereby fulfilling what is to me the primary objective of the dupe and its optimal expression: to recreate beloved fragrances that are no longer in production. I could probably tell the SMT and the Dua Royal Tonka apart if you blindfolded me--the fragrances become more similar during the drydown, but the initial blast of the Dua can be a bit alarming, whereas the Guerlain is characteristically gorgeous from the get-go. On paper, during the drydown, the Shalimar Millésime Tonka is more velvety, more "rich" smelling--intoxicating, at least to my nose. The Dua starts off sharper, like a crude caricature, but then softens within the first half-hour or so. A couple of hours in, I would be hard pressed to tell them apart. A beautiful simulacrum of one of the prettiest Shalimar flankers. Update: wearing it on skin, about a month later, I'm really confused as to how people think this is *not* like Shalimar Millésime Tonka. On my right arm I'm wearing the original (of which I have a 10-ml decant, thanks to the same generous friend who introduced me to the fragrance in the first place); on my left arm I have the same number of sprays of Dua Royal Tonka. They were ever so slightly different on first spray, but that could also be partly because the SMT is older and has mellowed longer. But now that I have been wearing both for an hour or so, I can't tell them apart. I hate that I cannot because it reminds me that I am not a true nose, or even close to being one, but this is close enough for me that I would not need to spend a small fortune to get some of the discontinued Guerlain on eBay, and it also makes me feel less of a pang every time I spray some of my SMT. While it's true that the SMT is a limited resource, it's good to know that this exists. Unless Dua discontinues it, too, which would be a real kick in the pants! (Please do not discontinue this, Dua.)

Bought this during their Black Friday sale, have had the top off since then. This is glorious; rich and nutty tonka with almond liqueur and lots of vanilla. Very close to Shalimar Millésime Tonka, I agree with @rene.saller's assessment of the original being more velvety upon the opening. Lasts all day on skin and forever on clothes, two sprays at the most. Projects immensely, appropriate all year long save warm spring and all of summer.

Just now checking out Dua products- so, I have no history.. Received this and another, today. Initial impression is that it is lovely- we will see how long it lasts. I am told with Dua and know from experience with some brands, that you have to spray a few sprays and let it macerate. I am going to do this and check back later. First impression is good.

Recheck of the product after week of sitting- Tonka Royal is a hit. Exquisite.. Lasts a good 8-10 hrs... Blind buy worthy..

This is 10/10. Not a direct dupe for shalimar millisme tonka though. This to me is a combination of guerlain shalimar millésime tonka/iris fused with Van Cleef & Arpels Reve De Cashmere. This has that baby wipes faucet to it but I love this frag.

This is very beautiful. I haven't had a chance to smell the og, but it feels very luxurious and complex. I do admire the OG's house in general and feel that they set themselves apart from other brands- the journey each perfume tells is truly noteworthy. I can feel the deepness in the tonka and dryness of almonds with rich vanilla and projection+ performance is also very good. It did give me a great intro to the Dua brand. & the atomizer it just superb! One of the best I came across! Something stops me from wearing it though - it feels too masculine for my liking, I think I will gift this to my dad it suits him better.