Creed Original Vetiver vs. Mugler Colgone - truly similar?

[Featherweight]

I've read everywhere how close these two are, with many arguments saying that Original Vetiver is very similar to Mugler Cologne, to a fault. Like they're almost the same scent. Naturally I find this difficult to believe - I've owned and loved OV and found it to be the freshest thing I've ever worn. I've not yet tried Mugler's Cologne, but intend to look into it for the summer months ahead.

All thoughts are welcome. Anyone compare these? Which is the better (as in greener and cleaner) of the two?



...

[StylinLA]

I love OV, but it doesn't have a lot of legs on me. I'd love to hear someone who has tried both weigh in. Get conflicting views on them in Basenotes.
Some say Mugler lasts for days...

Many do say they smell quite similar.

[joshmpdx]

Mugler lasts for days, and is phenomenal!

I haven't used OV, and am annoyingly going to comment on it anyway. I have a hard time imagining the Creed version to have the Mugler 'weird' note that gives folks the impression it's from outerspace (although i hate those references) It's not a huge dose of the 'wierd' note, but it's there.

FWIW, Mugler Cologne is so good i don't need the Creed version.

[barneyb]

I have OV and it is great and one of the best fresh scents. I do think Mugler is close in the opening, but it goes rank on My skin upon drydown. I have never been able to get past it without washing it off. The only scent that has done this.

[Obsessed]

FWIW, Mugler Cologne is so good i don't need the Creed version.

That's what I wanted to hear!


I do think Mugler is close in the opening, but it goes rank on My skin upon drydown. I have never been able to get past it without washing it off. The only scent that has done this.

That's not what I wanted to hear!

[johsa]

I think Mugler Cologne is underrated and it is very cheap. Perfect summer scent.

[Duke of Pall Mall]

They are actually quite different. They are both green juices and share commonalities. The Mugler lasts quite a lot longer but I find the Creed of much higher quality.

[Featherweight]

So far I'm not being convinced here that the Mugler is really all that close.


...

[inkcoffee]

Thierry Mugler will send samples of their stuff out to you, email [email protected] They sent me an AMen and Mugler Cologne sample recently.

[Obsessed]

Ok, so I bought a bottle of Mugler Cologne this morning, despite my ironclad belief that blind buys are a bad idea. (Well, it wasn't totally blind; the clerk sprayed some on a tissue for me, which I dutifully smelled for five seconds. :001_rolle) I wanted something new for spring/summer, and was interested in OV, but since I don't want to shell out Creed $$$ right now, I figured I'd take a chance on the Mugler.

My experience with OV is limited to a couple of test sprays (not counting a decant that I think was either of poor quality or the wrong juice), so I can't offer a full comparison. I can compare the openings, which I do think are very similar and both delightfully grassy. Now that I've had the Mugler on for almost four hours, it's taken on more of a green soapy character. Overall, I'm enjoying it. And the price is obviously much better than the Creed, so I can enjoy being more responsible. :thumbup1:

Don't say I never did anything for you guys! :wink2:

[Featherweight]

Ok, so I bought a bottle of Mugler Cologne this morning, despite my ironclad belief that blind buys are a bad idea. (Well, it wasn't totally blind; the clerk sprayed some on a tissue for me, which I dutifully smelled for five seconds. :001_rolle) I wanted something new for spring/summer, and was interested in OV, but since I don't want to shell out Creed $$$ right now, I figured I'd take a chance on the Mugler.

My experience with OV is limited to a couple of test sprays (not counting a decant that I think was either of poor quality or the wrong juice), so I can't offer a full comparison. I can compare the openings, which I do think are very similar and both delightfully grassy. Now that I've had the Mugler on for almost four hours, it's taken on more of a green soapy character. Overall, I'm enjoying it. And the price is obviously much better than the Creed, so I can enjoy being more responsible. :thumbup1:

Don't say I never did anything for you guys! :wink2:

My god, you didn't actually have to buy a bottle of it! :lol:

I've seen Cologne get compared to soap more often than even OV. Usually it gets compared to Irish Spring. I think in the end, I'll get Mugler just to have a green "soapy" spring scent that resembles any number of reputable toiletries. I'm probably better off not comparing it too much with OV, as I'm sure that in this regard it would disappoint. Better to enjoy it on its own merits. I'll sample it soon.


...

[Obsessed]

My god, you didn't actually have to buy a bottle of it! :lol:

I've seen Cologne get compared to soap more often than even OV. Usually it gets compared to Irish Spring. I think in the end, I'll get Mugler just to have a green "soapy" spring scent that resembles any number of reputable toiletries. I'm probably better off not comparing it too much with OV, as I'm sure that in this regard it would disappoint. Better to enjoy it on its own merits. I'll sample it soon.


...

Buying a bottle was a strategy intended to keep me from buying something more expensive. :lol:

The Mugler is definitely soapy. I've tried other so-called "clean" frags that really do smell like deoderant soap, which is not something I want. This is almost there, but not quite; there's enough "something else" there, including some residual grassiness, to make it more interesting than Lever 2000.

[Featherweight]

Buying a bottle was a strategy intended to keep me from buying something more expensive. :lol:

The Mugler is definitely soapy. I've tried other so-called "clean" frags that really do smell like deoderant soap, which is not something I want. This is almost there, but not quite; there's enough "something else" there, including some residual grassiness, to make it more interesting than Lever 2000.

Fragrances that smell like laundry detergent/deodorant are not really my thing. However, I actually do have a soft spot for frags that mimic strong soap. Stuff like Lapidus pour Homme and Original Vetiver have those qualities. Mugler's comparison to Irish Spring soap is a + in my view. I've never understood why the company that makes Irish Spring never capitalized on that scent and released it in perfume form. I've read the formula for it is called "Ulster". Mugler probably doesn't smell just like that or anything else, but if there's a resemblance then it gets points.


...

[whitebar]

I used to have both and on many occasions I would spray Mugler on one wrist and OV on the other just so I could compare the two. While there is no doubt that they are very similar (especially in the opening) I always found the OV to be more complex and to have more depth after an hour or so.

In the end I sold off the Mugler and kept the OV. I also will admit that neither are even close to being a favorite scent these days and so I rarely wear the OV. It has probably been worn twice in the last couple of years.

[2b1ask1]

Thierry Mugler will send samples of their stuff out to you, email [email protected] They sent me an AMen and Mugler Cologne sample recently.

Mine is on the way! Thanks for the info!

[Obsessed]

I had he chance to give myself a decent test spray of OV today.

It certainly is very, very similar to Mugler Cologne, but subtler and more natural smelling. The immediate openings are virtually identical, with OV having a more natural grassy smell. The OV drydown seems somewhat less soapy that the Mugler, and the soapiness is greener and a little less synthetic. It seems like the longevity of the OV will be worse.

Ultimately, OV is probably a little nicer than MC. It seem to me that if this is a scent you really, really like, then it might be worth investing in the OV. If not, or if you just don'y want to spend the money, I think the Mugler would be a good substitute. For me, I think the Mugler will do just fine; if I'm going to spend money on Creed, it will be on something else.

[StylinLA]

Good thread. I do like soapy scents and though I like Creed OV, it sounds like Mugler Cologne will make it into my collection when warmer weather hits. OV wears a bit light on me.

Lovers of soapy scents might want to consider Prada Infusion d'Homme. Has become a fast favorite of mine with longevity that doesn't quit. Prada makes three scents known for their soapy quality: Amber Pour Homme, Infusion d'Homme and Infusion de Vetiver. They are kind of similar to each other and Infusion d'Homme would seem to have the most fans. They're modern without being aquatic or lightweight imo. The Amber may be a bit too "precious" for some.

[Featherweight]

Thanks for the breakdown obsession. I guess it is in the top notes that the two are truly alike. I'm exploring Eau de Campagne by Sisley and possibly even Gendarme Green for further variations on the green soapy theme.


...

[Archerfire]

Here is my take on the two from a previous post in another thread back in January:

In my opinion, OV is definitely quite a bit like Mugler Cologne. They certainly smell similar. Most of the basenotes reviews comparing the two seem to be spot on to me. sjohnjay's review of OV says, "Basically, its a richer, full-bodied version of Mugler Cologne (higher quality, too)." I agree with that.

The Mugler smells more synthetic to my nose and I'd bet money the Creed uses more naturals. OV lasts longer on me, which is to be expected, but not much longer. Based on what I've read, I believe I may get more longevity out of the Mugler than most.

My wife actually prefers the Mugler because it is lighter, which is typically what she goes for. I like both but the nod goes to the 'fuller-bodied' (which makes it a bit better smelling imo) and longer lasting OV.

Could I see purchasing Mugler Cologne if I didn't want to drop the coin on the Creed? Yes, I could and I could certainly understand those who think the higher priced Creed doesn't warrant the purchase when the Mugler is available.

I am by no means a fragrance expert by any stretch of the imagination, but thus ends my .02!

[Featherweight]

OV has startling longevity. It seems to disappear after two hours. Then four or five hours later someone compliments my scent. Invariably, even while getting the compliment, I can't smell it myself. Creed's little disappearing act, evidently something that happens to other Creed wearers, is actually not disappearance at all. I wonder if the types of synthetics Creed uses are responsible for this effect - Cis 3 Hexanol and Ambroxan probably play games with noses that are closer than two feet away.


...

[StylinLA]

OV has startling longevity. It seems to disappear after two hours. Then four or five hours later someone compliments my scent. Invariably, even while getting the compliment, I can't smell it myself. Creed's little disappearing act, evidently something that happens to other Creed wearers, is actually not disappearance at all. I wonder if the types of synthetics Creed uses are responsible for this effect - Cis 3 Hexanol and Ambroxan probably play games with noses that are closer than two feet away.


...

(*(&*^$ !!! This is what happens to me with Aventus. I can't smell it and people compliment me on it. You may be onto something.

[Featherweight]

(*(&*^$ !!! This is what happens to me with Aventus. I can't smell it and people compliment me on it. You may be onto something.

I swear it's yet another reason Creed gets a bad rap. So many people on Basenotes complaining about pathetic longevity from Creed. Meanwhile they're blithely gassing everyone around them. I admit that when I first started wearing Creed, I thought the longevity sucked as well, but then after a few months and several dozen compliments later, it dawned on me that something else was going on.

BTW - the #1 reason Creed gets a bad rap (namely on Basenotes) is that most of them are buying fakes off ebay. Just by reading the reviews, it's glaringly evident.


...

[Obsessed]

I sprayed OV on one arm and Aventus on the other maybe four hours ago. I can barely smell the OV (that arm just smells clean), but the Aventus is still going strong.

[Featherweight]

I really want to try Aventus badly now. As of two weeks ago, not so much, but after considerable reading on it, it seems like a very interesting addition to the Creed library.

I think OV has an evanescent quality inherent to its scent profile that a lot of other masculine-type scents don't really have. Something about citrus, cut grass, iris, and ambergirs spells "fleeting" to me. Which is to say that, while it may seem to be gone, someone across the room may still get a good whiff.

...

[StylinLA]

I really want to try Aventus badly now. As of two weeks ago, not so much, but after considerable reading on it, it seems like a very interesting addition to the Creed library.

I think OV has an evanescent quality inherent to its scent profile that a lot of other masculine-type scents don't really have. Something about citrus, cut grass, iris, and ambergirs spells "fleeting" to me. Which is to say that, while it may seem to be gone, someone across the room may still get a good whiff.

...

Would love to hear your take on it. I've mouthed off about it a lot. I get about an hour or so and then- poof - nothing. But a lot of women notice it and comment. Not saying they're throwing themselves at me or anything like that, but some pretty youngish women for a guy my age make note of it. I've seen other comments on it like yours with OV- it comes and goes to the nose of the wearer.

As to rap on Creed at Basenotes, there's probably a good deal of what you say about fakes. But I also tend to think as probably the most successful niche perfumer with a sketchy "history" - their share of market kind of makes them the "Gillette" of fragrance over there. Many newbies stumble in due to having discovered Creed and it seems to rankle many there.

[Featherweight]

Would love to hear your take on it. I've mouthed off about it a lot. I get about an hour or so and then- poof - nothing. But a lot of women notice it and comment. Not saying they're throwing themselves at me or anything like that, but some pretty youngish women for a guy my age make note of it. I've seen other comments on it like yours with OV- it comes and goes to the nose of the wearer.

As to rap on Creed at Basenotes, there's probably a good deal of what you say about fakes. But I also tend to think as probably the most successful niche perfumer with a sketchy "history" - their share of market kind of makes them the "Gillette" of fragrance over there. Many newbies stumble in due to having discovered Creed and it seems to rankle many there.

I may go down to the Creed boutique this week and try it (I'm on vacation). I'll let you know what I think. It will probably be the first "fruity" chypre I've ever tried. Not a genre I get into very much.

People over on basenotes have a very kneejerk negative reaction to anything Creed, which frankly I find a little strange. But you're right, newbies and their recent Creed discoveries are the cause, overwhelmingly, for this sort of ire. I wonder - if as many newcomers were ga-ga over Guerlain, if that house would sink in the collective esteem as much as Creed has.



...

[Obsessed]

I sprayed OV on one arm and Aventus on the other maybe four hours ago. I can barely smell the OV (that arm just smells clean), but the Aventus is still going strong.

It's now thirteen hours after application and I can still smell the Aventus.

[Featherweight]

It's now thirteen hours after application and I can still smell the Aventus.

Nice. Is the smell good enough to make this kind of longevity enjoyable?


...

[Obsessed]

Nice. Is the smell good enough to make this kind of longevity enjoyable?

Every time I've tried Aventus, I find myself thinking that it's nice but not quite for me. But I aIways seem to want to try it again.

BTW, I also think the knee-jerk anti Creed reaction is a little silly. Yes, their marketing and prices are annoying, but I think they have a lot of really nice fragrances. But I happen to like the house "vibe," as StylinLA has put it. I can see where people who don't would find the whole Creed thing to be a load of malarky.

[StylinLA]

Because of this thread, I wore Aventus yesterday. Same experience as always. Bupkus. Did I just get a bad bottle from their early runs?

Yeah, Creed has done plenty to create some distrust, but they're not the giant enterprise many would think. Did a little research for a debate over at Basenotes. Their current sales worldwide are estimated to be about $60 million, with a profit of about 12%. As another reference, Chanel's sales (of all items; not just frags) are estimated to be about $2.3-$3billion.

I like a lot of their scents whether any of the history is true or not. I find it interesting that though they sell to both men and women, the men's scents seem to dominate.
They may have been selling scents for years, but I still think GIT is the one where they broke out and gained a real foothold in the high end frag market.

[Featherweight]

Because of this thread, I wore Aventus yesterday. Same experience as always. Bupkus. Did I just get a bad bottle from their early runs?

Yeah, Creed has done plenty to create some distrust, but they're not the giant enterprise many would think. Did a little research for a debate over at Basenotes. Their current sales worldwide are estimated to be about $60 million, with a profit of about 12%. As another reference, Chanel's sales (of all items; not just frags) are estimated to be about $2.3-$3billion.

I like a lot of their scents whether any of the history is true or not. I find it interesting that though they sell to both men and women, the men's scents seem to dominate.
They may have been selling scents for years, but I still think GIT is the one where they broke out and gained a real foothold in the high end frag market.

The intriguing thing about Creed for me is how "friendly" their scents smell. It's very hard not to like them. That said, they're certainly not all "must-have" or lovable. I go by MOONB on basenotes, and I've reviewed Royal Water, Tabarome Milliseme, and EROLFA less than favorably. In truth, I found those particular fragrances all nice and comfortable to wear. But for the money, they left quite a bit to be desired. Bois du Portugal strikes me as a grossly overrated Creed - it's well made, powerful, and quite nice, but honestly it bores me even more than Green Irish Tweed. Original Vetiver - the very first Creed I ever tried - remains the one Creed that I love. There's a bias in play; I prefer very green scents. Green Irish Tweed reminds me too much of Cool Water (still want to try Green Valley) and I guess I'm still on the hunt for another Creed I love. Creed isn't the only house I focus on, though. There's too much out there!

Big business = Guerlain, Chanel, Estee Lauder, YSL . . . billions and billions sold.

People rightfully love these houses, but their bottles aren't handmade blown glass, they lack "lot numbers", and they aren't subject to harvest inconsistencies that come from small batches. Basenoters claim to love niche, and Creed strikes me as one of the few houses that wears its niche status on its sleeve, yet basenoters poo-poo Creed. Go figure.


...

[A. Homme]

Thierry Mugler will send samples of their stuff out to you, email [email protected] They sent me an AMen and Mugler Cologne sample recently.

Thanks for the info! I've been wearing OV for quite a while now, and wanted to compare Mugler to it. I requested a sample of their new Pure Havanae, too. We'll see how it goes. :D

Thanks again!

[Obsessed]

[
I really want to try Aventus badly now.


It will probably be the first "fruity" chypre I've ever tried. Not a genre I get into very much.


Every time I've tried Aventus, I find myself thinking that it's nice but not quite for me. But I aIways seem to want to try it again.


I finally got hold of a sample vial, so I've had a chance to wear it for a few days now instead of just getting a test spray. I have to say it's growing on me. My biggest concern has been the pineapple component that seems to risk overhwlming the rest of the fragrance, but it's now seweming a little more balanced to me. Maybe I'm just getting used to it.


Original Vetiver - the very first Creed I ever tried - remains the one Creed that I love.

The one that always stands out for me is Silver Mountain Water. I just think it's the most unique of the Creeds I've tried.

[Featherweight]

[
The one that always stands out for me is Silver Mountain Water. I just think it's the most unique of the Creeds I've tried.

SMW is probably going to be my next Creed, unless something else pops out over it (doubtful but anything's possible). I'm going to wear it next fall/winter. Looks like I'll be skipping a summer Creed this year - just got Patrick by Fragrances of Ireland, and it doesn't get any greener. Not bad getting a 3.3 oz bottle of a well-made niche fragrance for $40. This stuff is like standing in a thatched cottage on the coast of Donegal. It's got that pervasively green Irish Spring element going strong in there, but there's a realistic earthiness, probably from the hay note, that sets this apart from anything else I've ever smelled before. I spent a lot of time in Ireland and once spent a month in Donegal exploring the hills there, so I'm all-too familiar with the essence of what Patrick gets across. Highly recommended (consider this my review of the scent!) Sorry to hijack my own thread btw :lol:



...

[Archerfire]

just got Patrick by Fragrances of Ireland, and it doesn't get any greener. Not bad getting a 3.3 oz bottle of a well-made niche fragrance for $40. This stuff is like standing in a thatched cottage on the coast of Donegal. It's got that pervasively green Irish Spring element going strong in there, but there's a realistic earthiness, probably from the hay note, that sets this apart from anything else I've ever smelled before. I spent a lot of time in Ireland and once spent a month in Donegal exploring the hills there, so I'm all-too familiar with the essence of what Patrick gets across. Highly recommended (consider this my review of the scent!) Sorry to hijack my own thread btw :lol:
...

Oh.... GREAT. NOW look what you've went and done! I just read this then I went and read other reviews. 'Green' frags are probably my absolute favorites. I do believe I must have this. Gee, thanks! :laugh: Sorry to jump on the hijack wagon with you.. but good grief, man.... it's your fault!

[Featherweight]

Oh.... GREAT. NOW look what you've went and done! I just read this then I went and read other reviews. 'Green' frags are probably my absolute favorites. I do believe I must have this. Gee, thanks! :laugh: Sorry to jump on the hijack wagon with you.. but good grief, man.... it's your fault!

Oh, I know. I'm not sorry. :biggrin1:

Patrick, Original Vetiver, and Grey Flannel are the greenest frags I've ever experienced, with Guerlain Vetiver as runner up. I still think OV takes the prize, but Patrick is intriguing beyond virtually everything else.

As someone who has yet to try Eau de Campagne, you ought to take my recommendations with a grain of salt. From what I understand, that one is THE greenest green ever grown.


...

[emiramrul]

|-
|
| valign="top" |
|-
| width="490" valign="top" |
|-
| valign="top" | Imperial Perfumes- Triomphe by Rance http://www.rance1795.com/eng/ProfumiImperialiTriomphe.asp
|-


|-


|-

[noirdrakkar]

I'd say they are 50 to 75% similar. Mugler Cologne is brighter and fresher, more citrus based. Original Vetiver is a little darker, but more vetiver based.

I'd say Original Vetiver is the better scent because it is mature and safe to wear at the same time. Mugler Cologne is synthetic, shrill and smells like hospital bandages - it's one of the least safe fragrances out there (especially considering most people say it smells like soap and water).

But Mugler Cologne is the better value for the average consumer. Original Vetiver is 50% better for 250% more money. It depends on where your priorities lie and how important the hobby is to you.

[Featherweight]

I agree, Mugler is brighter, fresher, while OV is deeper and more complex.

I disagree that Mugler Cologne is one of the least safe fragrances out there - to my nose nothing could be less offensive than MC. For hospital bandages, see Creed's Baie de Genievre.

Agree again that MC is better value - unless you really appreciate the complexity of OV. That's kind of the Catch-22 here, you can save the money on MC and be fine with it, getting very close to the exact same "effect" as OV, but OV's complexity yields a different experience for the wearer, one where, with liberal application, you feel you've got a patch of grass growing out of your shirt and waving in the morning breeze, which equates to the freshest, greenest, grassiest, and yet somehow soapiest EDP on the market, so one wonders if the value for the money, despite paying through the nose, is greater with the Creed. Go broke and smell great, or save and just smell OK.

It's the reason I've not purchased either of these scents since owning and using up one bottle of OV, and repeatedly sampling MC at Macy's. I don't feel like putting myself through the indecision and analytics these fragrances generate in my mind.



.....