The 15 Best Dossier Fragrances That Smell Better Than the Original
Fragrance obsessives understand that building a noteworthy collection of scents requires not only a lot of trial and error but also money. That’s not to say you can’t turn heads with affordable perfumes or that you must spend your life savings testing the most expensive fragrances. When it comes to fragrances, quality, affordable ones can be found in an unexpected source: dupes.
Fans of #FragranceTok take perfume shopping seriously—myself included—and perfume dupe culture doesn’t always get the best PR. Honestly, I steered clear of dupes because I didn’t believe an interpretation of a scent could outdo the original. However, one brand, in particular, is changing how shoppers blind-buy fragrances and giving perfume dupes, err, impressions, a better name: Dossier.
“Dossier is a modern fragrance house that makes luxury perfumes without excessive markups. All of our perfumes are made in Grasse, France—the perfume capital of the world—using premium-quality ingredients and all the same traditional practices as designer perfumeries. We’re a fragrance company that is truly for everyone, and we don’t think quality perfumes should be exclusive to those who can spend upwards of $100 or $200 on a fragrance,” says Ines Guein, vice president of operations at Dossier. The brand breaks its inventory into three categories: Dossier Impressions, Dossier Originals, and Dossier Home. Dossier launched in 2019, making a name for itself as the go-to place for designer-inspired scents. However, in 2023, the brand branched out with Dossier Originals, which developed unique fragrances in-house.
If you’re looking to test a popular designer scent but would rather pay a fraction of the cost, or you simply want to discover new scents unlike anything in your collection, Dossier has a lineup brimming with exciting aromas that would make any passerby stop to ask for perfume recommendations. We perused our Dossier collections, consulted Dossier’s VP of operations, and combed through customer reviews to find the 15 best Dossier fragrances you haven’t smelled yet.
Citrus Matcha
Key notes: Bitter orange, matcha tea, fig vetiver, cedarwood, musk
Size: 1.7 fl oz
You don’t have to be a matcha lover to indulge in the delicately sweet goodness that is Citrus Matcha. A bright, alluring take on Le Labo’s Matcha 26, Citrus Matcha invites you to be still and take in every layer of its composition. Of course, the first whiff is tangy bitter orange, which floats softly to connect with matcha and fig. Upon dry-down, the cedarwood and musk deepen the experience.
Dossier rating: 4.2/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Citrus Matcha was the first ever Dossier scent I smelled and it was quite the introduction to the brand’s other gorgeous offerings. As a lover of all things citrus—lemon and orange happen to be my favorite tangy notes in perfumes—Citrus Matcha has an invigorating limey, orange scent that reminds me of the lingering fragrance peeling the juicy fruit leaves behind.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
Oud & Rose on Fire
Key notes: Pink pepper, pear, rose, oud, vanilla
Size: 1.7 fl oz
One of Dossier’s original scents, this is for those who aren’t the biggest fans of rose-scented fragrances but still want to join the bandwagon. Rose softens the deep, sensual scent, powered by warm pink pepper and sultry oud to create a hot, nocturnal scent perfect for date nights out or in.
Dossier rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Something about Oud & Rose on Fire makes me feel like the sexiest-smelling person in the room. And judging by the amount of compliments I’ve received while wearing this, everyone else can agree, too. The most prominent note, to me, is the pink pepper, which tickles my nose in a comforting way; vanilla and oud extend that comfort further, spilling into each other to create a warmth you’ll never want to fade.”—Nerisha Penrose
Orchid & Sandalwood at Dusk
Key notes: Cardamom, incense, orchid, jasmine, sandalwood, patchouli
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Floral perfumes can lean adolescent and sickly-sweet. In this mix, floral notes are sophisticated and dark, fueled by incense, cloves, and sandalwood. Orchid & Sandalwood also has a powdery side; it is short-lived but still memorable.
Dossier rating: 4.3/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Even though the notes are dark and mystery, this is the type of scent I’d wear during the day. Powdery and soft, yet dark and mysterious, Orchid & Sandalwood at Dusk is my version of a time-release perfume, one that gradually releases each layer of notes throughout the day. It starts off soft with orchid and jasmine but after a few hours, the ‘dusk’ notes truly shine.”—Nerisha Penrose
Aquatic Vanilla
Key notes: Marine notes, rose, vanilla, orchid, coconut, musk, sandalwood
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Sun scents remind you of better times, warm-weather adventures, and the cooling cocktail you could drink repeatedly. Aquatic Vanilla by Dossier, an impression of Juliette Has A Gun’s Vanilla Vibes, marries land and sea; marine notes take the lead before sweet vanilla and musks add a little heat to the airy scent. Coconut swings in to remind you that summer is year-round with this perfume in your arsenal.
Dossier rating: 4.3/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “All I can think about when I smell Aquatic Vanilla is how badly I want to sit on a beach and listen to the sea breeze and ocean waves clashing against the shore. Coconut is one of my favorite summery notes, and I enjoy how mature and playful Aquatic Vanilla is, instead of those cheap, sunscreen-smelling fragrances. This is a clear summer lineup starter, but can definitely be worn no matter the season.”—Nerisha Penrose
Ambery Saffron
Key notes: Saffron, orange blossom, jasmine, plum, cedarwood, oakmoss, fir balsam, amber
Size: 1. 7 fl oz
If you’re chronically online, then you’ve heard of and have bookmarked Baccarat Rouge 540 at some point during your scrolls. Dossier’s impression of the cult-favorite scent is a guaranteed winner; a blend of amber notes, from woods to cherry to vetiver, provides a deep and sensual olfactory experience similar to the scent it is inspired by.
Dossier rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Dossier reviewer said: “I get SO many compliments on ambry saffron!!! People often ask me if I’m wearing baccarat rouge. I have reccomended this brand and scent to a lot of people! You only need a spray or two and it lasts all day:)”
Golden Rum & Amber
Key notes: Bitter almond, rum, clove, cedarwood, vanilla
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Culled from its Speakeasy Collection, Golden Rum & Amber’s aroma offers the same smoky, hot vibe as sitting in a dimly lit corner in a jazz club. It’s mysterious and awakening, and invites you for another round.
Dossier rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Dossier reviewer said: “Very nice. Truly tenderness. Not too feminine and also not too masculine. A complex scent that is INCREDIBLE TO LAYER WITH!”
Fruity Almond
Key notes: Almond, orange blossom, tuberose, tonka bean, vanilla, cocoa
Size: 1.7 fl oz
For a fresh, playful take on Carolina Herrara’s Good Girl, Fruity Almond is a great contender. This perfume packs a burst of fruity florals, like tuberose and orange blossom, as warm vanilla and cocoa round out its sweetness.
Dossier rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Dossier reviewer said: “This is a stunning, sensual fragrance. I like to wear it in the evenings, especially when it’s chilly outside. This one is rich and gourmand, a real attention-grabber.”
Aquatic Coconut
Key notes: Bergamot, pink pepper, lemon, ylang ylang, coconut, musks, cedarwood
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Another sunkissed scent, Aquatic Coconut takes cues from Maison Margiela’s Beach Walk, evoking a calming, airy, summery aroma with coconut, aquatic accord, and lemon. On the deeper end, musks and cedarwood emerge as the star players.
Dossier rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Dossier reviewer said: “This is another very special fragrance that is very close to the original. It also lasts all day without having to reapply. Truly transports you to a sunny summer day at the pool or beach. Very quickly it has become one of my go tos for this season.”
Fruity Jasmine
Key notes: Mandarin, sweet pea, jasmine, ylang ylang, peach, sandalwood, musk
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Fruit Jasmine is fun and flirty, a bright scent that smells like the last few days of spring, when the air is crisp and ripe with the scent of florals in bloom. The blooms in question are sweet pea and jasmine; there’s a hint of fruit via peach and mandarin, but ultimately, the woody notes round out the sensorial adventure.
Dossier rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Dossier reviewer said: “At first its very mature, but it softens to a clean, fresh, floral scent. I do not get much sweetness or fruitiness, but its still nice. The sweet pea and jasmine are prominent to me.”
Floral Marshmallow
Key notes: Marshmallow, orange blossom, jasmine, amber, vanilla, musk
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Even without the rumors that Rihanna’s favorite Kilian scent was Love, Don’t Be Shy, the scent was a clear standout in anyone’s fragrance collection—and now this Dossier impression of the scent can be in yours. The delicate marshmallow fragrance gets heartier with the help of vanilla, amber, and musk.
Dossier rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Dossier reviewer said: “My favorite Dossier perfume. Sweet and complex at the same time. Love the longevity.”
Caramelized Lavender & Hazelnut
Key notes: Salted caramel, hazel accord, lavender, violet, orange flower, patchouli, vetiver, suede, ambroxan
Size: 1.7 fl oz
This scent is exciting and sweet, but not in a cloying, childish way. Gourmand is the prominent note family in this perfume, anchored by vanilla and hazelnut, before lavender enhances the flavor palette further.
Dossier rating: 3/5 stars
A Dossier reviewer said: “The one almost makes you smell like a candle, but in the best way possible. A gorgeous blend of melty hazelnut with a generous wave of lavender makes this scent intoxicating!”
Floral Lavender
Key notes: Mandarin, neroli, jasmine, lavender, orange blossom, vanilla, musk
Size: 1.7 fl oz
If you love YSL Libre, take this Dossier impression for a spin. Floral Lavender is a seesaw of tangy and warm notes. On the tangy side, neroli, orange blossom, and mandarin give the rather sophisticated scent a playful edge. Speaking of sophistication, deeper notes like vanilla, musk, and amber lift up the sultriness of the composition.
Dossier rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Dossier reviewer said: “I NEVER write reviews but absolutely had to for this one. (especially bc I relied so heavily on these reviews before buying it) to say I’m obsessed is an understatement. I worked a whole bartending shift, went to bed, and woke up STILL being able to smell this perfume on my skin. This is an exact replica of YSL libre and will forever be my staple scent <3”
Woody Sage
Key notes: Marine notes, ambrette, clary sage, grapefruit
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Allow this scent to take you deep into the damp woods. Marine notes and mineral salty accord mimic the scent of dew on the leaves, while amber and sage create a minty, refreshing aroma perfect for spring mornings.
Dossier rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Dossier reviewer said: “This scent is very fresh. I have been carrying this scent with me when I am out and about, spraying myself before I enter any business. I love catching whiffs of this scent during the day.”
Ambery Cherry
Key notes: Cherry, almond, cloves, tonka bean, vanilla
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Anyone who’s smelled Tom Ford’s Lost Cherry knows it’s a scent that stops you in your tracks. Dossier’s iteration of the scent amps up the cherry, making it dark and intriguing to complement the deep woods in the profile.
Dossier rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Dossier reviewer said: “Spot on to the original Tom Ford scent! Last a long time. I get lots of compliments. I am very much enjoying this fragrance.”
How does Dossier work?
Dossier allows customers to Scent Quiz to introduce them to a Dossier scent tailored to their palette.
“If you really don’t know where to start, we have a scent quiz on Dossier.com that asks a few questions to gauge what you like (and dislike) and recommends scents we know you’ll love based on these preferences. Once you get your recommendations, we also recommend complimentary scents you can layer with to create your signature scent,” Guein explains. Even better, Dossier doesn't believe in gendering its scents, so everyone can mix and match freely.
“I always say, each of our fragrances can be worn by anyone. I’m a big believer that fragrance shouldn’t be gendered, which is the concept behind our Dossier Originals. Each collection within Dossier Originals features perfumes that were designed to be totally unisex. This is even more obvious in our Genderless Collection, which blends traditionally ‘feminine’ with traditionally ‘masculine’ scents for unique blends that can be worn by anyone at any time. Our price point is also super accessible with our fragrances starting at $29. We really believe discovering luxury, premium perfumes shouldn’t cost an exorbitant price,” Guein adds.
How do you find your personal scent?
The ‘perfect scent’ is so personal! I recommend smelling different scents to find what you’re drawn to. Then, I would start testing different perfumes with those ingredients. Once you feel comfortable, play around with layering fragrances to create a scent that is unique to you. Fragrance reacts differently with everyone’s pheromones, so a perfume you love on your best friend you may not like on yourself. Finding your perfect scent is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you,” Guein says.
Meet the expert
Inez Guein is the VP of operations at Dossier.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose personally tested a few Dossier scents and consulted a fragrance expert to find the best Dossier fragrances on the market.
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