First off, let me tell ya, finding a PERFECT match is tough. Like, unicorn levels of tough. Santal 33 has this weird, woody, spicy thing going on that’s just… unique. It smells like a sophisticated lumberjack. Or maybe a really rich person who just chopped wood for fun. Either way, it’s intoxicating. So, don’t expect a carbon copy. Think more like… a cousin. A cool cousin who smells *similar*, but not exactly the same.
One that keeps popping up is Clean Reserve Sel Santal. I haven’t actually tried it myself yet (it’s on the list!), but from what I’ve read, it’s supposed to be pretty darn close. It’s got that sandalwood thing going on, but apparently it’s a bit cleaner, maybe a little less… intense? Which, honestly, might be a good thing. Santal 33 can be a *lot*. Sometimes, less is more, ya know?
Then there’s the whole world of “vibe” dupes. These aren’t necessarily trying to smell *exactly* like Santal 33, but they give you that same kind of feeling. That sophisticated, unisex, “I have my life together (even if I don’t)” kinda vibe. Finding *these* is the fun part, because it opens you up to a whole bunch of fragrances you might not have considered otherwise. I saw one article mentioning a few… I should probably bookmark that one… hang on…
Okay, I’m back. Honestly, I get so sidetracked. Anyway, the key thing here is *experimentation*. Don’t just blind-buy something because some random internet person (hi, that’s me!) told you to. Go to a store, sniff around (safely, of course!), and see what *you* like. Your nose is unique, your skin chemistry is unique, and what smells amazing on me might smell like… well, not Santal 33… on you.
And honestly? Who cares if it’s an exact dupe? The point is to find something that *you* love and that makes you feel good. If it happens to save you a ton of money in the process? Even better. Think of all the fancy coffees you can buy with the savings! Or, you know, put towards actual rent. Whatever.
