The 10-second wrist test: how to judge any dupe like a pro

The 10-second wrist test: how to judge any dupe like a pro

Every week someone asks how we score our dupes. Here's the whole method — steal it.

Step 1: the 10-second test. Original on left wrist, dupe on right, sniff alternately for ten seconds. If you have to think about which is which, you're already at 80%+.

Step 2: the one-hour check. Most dupes nail the opening — top notes are cheap. The heart is where budgets die. Same DNA at hour one earns the next 10%.

Step 3: the shirt test. Spray both on cotton, smell the next morning. Base notes are the most expensive part of a formula, and this is where €300 originals usually keep their last advantage.

Scoring: opening match 40%, heart 30%, drydown 20%, performance 10%. Anything above 85% is wallet-safe. Below 70% is "inspired by." Now go test your collection and prepare for feelings.

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