Top 5 “Inspired-By” Perfume Brands (Compared) — And the One I Told My Best Friend to Buy

Out of all the perfume brands we reviewed, Riviera Privé instantly stood apart. From the very first unboxing, the packaging felt premium and magnetic — a sleek, luxurious vibe that no other brand came close to.

Each scent is crafted with premium French oils used by the same designer brands, creating smooth, balanced blends that evolve beautifully from the first spray to the final dry-down.

Testers consistently reported 8–10 hours of wear, soft yet noticeable projection, and refined compositions that earned compliments all day. Standout favorites included Adventure (inspired by Aventus), Opulent Night (inspired by Black Opium, YSL), and Bouquet Red (inspired by Baccarat Rouge 540) — all priced at just AED 75 for 100 ml.

During their exclusive Black Friday access, customers can also create their own set of 3 × 100 ml, bringing the price down to AED 59 each — ideal for variety or gifting.

Craftier Perfumes quickly gained popularity in the UAE for its wide range of “inspired-by” fragrances that deliver a familiar luxury scent at an accessible price. The scents perform fairly well — most testers reported 6–8 hours of wear with moderate projection and enjoyable openings that closely mimic designer perfumes.

When compared to Riviera Privé, however, the differences became clear. While both offer strong value, Riviera delivers a smoother, more refined blend and even comes at a lower price point — suggesting the brand prioritizes quality and reach over profit margins. Craftier’s 7-day return policy and slightly inconsistent packaging kept it from taking the top spot. Still a very good alternative.

Match Perfumes has made a huge splash in the GCC fragrance scene, investing millions of dirhams in influencer campaigns and advertising. The brand offers a wide range of “inspired-by” scents priced at AED 75 for 50 ml only.

Performance-wise, Match scents deliver a moderate 6–7 hours of wear with decent projection and crowd-pleasing openings. However, the dry-down leans more synthetic and less refined than Riviera’s smoother, natural finishes.

Unlike top-ranked brands, Match has no guarantee or refund policy — returns are only accepted in their original, unopened condition. Delivery typically takes 3–5 days across the UAE and KSA. The brand’s pricing and policies may reflect an effort to cover its massive marketing costs rather than focusing on long-term customer trust.

Still, for those drawn to its trendy image and accessible range, Match offers a fair experience — just not the most balanced one.

Parfum AE is a well-known “inspired-by” brand in the UAE with a wide lineup and some customization options. Pricing averages AED 165 for 100 ml — noticeably higher than value-driven competitors like Riviera Privé (AED 75 for 100 ml).

Feedback points to lighter strength and shorter wear compared to top performers, with many users noting it needs improvement in projection and longevity. There are also reports of leakage/atomizer issues. The brand does not offer a money-back guarantee; returns are typically accepted only if unopened and in original condition.

ScentsCreation positions itself as a niche, “inspired-by” alternative with a curated lineup. Pricing sits on the higher end at AED 190–220 for 100 ml.

Returns are flexible within 7 days if you don’t like the scent, but customer proof is limited — the brand currently shows about 19 reviews, which makes consistency harder to assess versus more established names.

Overall, a boutique option for those willing to pay premium pricing, though the value comparison leans toward brands like Riviera Privé at AED 75 for 100 ml with a 30-day guarantee.