CA Perfume Impression of Amber Rouge Saffron for Women and Men Long Lasting Unisex Fragrance Eau De Parfum 1.7 Fl Oz 50ml

Killian’s Back to Black Aphrodisiac has had a chokehold on me since 2010, which is shortly after its release. I read an article about it in O Magazine and Oprah - or maybe a beauty/fragrance editor - wrote a quick review about how amazing it is. In 2010, Killian fragrances were only sold at higher-end department stores like Saks or Neiman Marcus and I didn’t live within striking distance of being able to try it before I bought it. Despite the hefty price tag, I decided to buy it. Let me tell you, it was absolute love at first smell.It became my “signature scent” despite the price. It was my luxury although it was hard to justify the cost. I can’t recall the price at the time, but it now retails for around $375 for a 3.4 OZ bottle. I actually think it used to be more expensive or maybe I’m thinking about the larger bottle that you can use as a refill.Regardless, the price was a stretch back then, but my husband and I lived in a modest home and both had jobs that allowed for some splurges and a sprinkle of luxury.10 years ago, we bought our dream home, which required sacrifices to make a reality. Now, we are working on owning our home and being ready for retirement. So, now a luxury purchase is a nice couch, new flooring, a vacation, or even a full-price movie w/ popcorn & a drink and/or a really nice dinner out. Our priorities have shifted.Other than one surprise bottle at Christmas a couple years ago, I said goodbye to Back to Black and found more budget-friendly options. While I’ve found some I really like, nothing in my price range ever compared to my love of B to B.I have worn my surprise Christmas bottle sparingly. If the bottle was a gas tank, my light would be flashing that I’m dangerously close to empty.After discovering CA, I had high hopes that I might get close to my favorite scent for under $40. My CA’s impression of Back to Black arrived today.Before giving my thoughts, let me say that the scent profile might not be everyone’s cup of tea. It’s a slightly sweet honey / tobacco scent that dries down to a boozy (in a good way) vanilla mixed with a cherry tobacco vibe. I’m sure there’s better explanations than that available but that’s my take on the original.The scent has amazing silage without being overpowering. It’s a warm, sensual, and unique fragrance that has garnered more compliments than anything else I’ve ever worn - at any price point - in my life.So, how did CA compare?At first spray, I wasn’t 100% sold. I sprayed one wrist with my almost gone original and the other wrist with CA’s impression. It was CLOSE but not what I’d call a twin. More like a second cousin.After 10-15 minutes, I smelled each wrist. Damn near identical twins. I was stunned. I was giddy. I was gobsmacked.What is this sorcery?It’s now been about 8 hours since I spritzed both wrists. The two scents are still twinning and has become even more alluring.Oh, also I had my husband do a smell test. He thought I was trying to trick him and both wrists had the same fragrance. He nodded in absolute approval when I showed him the CA bottle as proof. He was SUPER pleased when I told him the price because he knows how much I love it, but I refused to pay the OG asking price. He has encouraged me to splurge on the OG over the years, but understood why I refused to because we have financial goals that don’t align with such extravagance.The CA impression of Back to Black is absolutely stunning and I’d wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who loves the OG or thinks the scent profile sounds appealing. 1000/10.Also, the bottle is well made with no leakage. It sprays perfectly. Amazing value.I’ll definitely be wearing my “signature scent”again as long as CA makes this fabulous product. I might stockpile a few just in case! So glad I bought the larger bottle rather than the roller ball.BTW: They also included a vial you can use to fill with the fragrance for travel. Such a nice touch.FYI: although the scent is amazing on its own, I do like occasionally layering it, especially with a great vanilla (like Kayali Vanilla 28.) The Kayali 28 was a gift from my BFF and has been my main go to when I was trying to make my B to B last as long as possible.Another thing to add: I’ve bought other CA impressions - mostly rollerball sizes - and like them very much, especially their versions of Love Don’t Be Shy and Baccarat Rouge. Great fragrances but my heart (and nose) belongs to B to B.I waited to get Back to Black because I was low key afraid of being disappointed. This was my first side-by-side comparison, and I now have complete confidence in their scent library. I wouldn’t hesitate to try their other products if I wanted to mix things up and can do without Back to Black for a day.

A friend told me about this product when I said “OMG, you’re wearing baccarat?” He let me in on his little secret and now I set up a subscription of this fragrance. I get compliments on it all the time. Most fragrances give me a headache, but this one does not. I kind of feel like the fragrance doesn’t last extremely long, but when I think the fragrance has faded, people still tell me, I smell good. The packaging and free gift in each box is kind of sweet too. Perfect size for throwing some extra fragrance in my clutch for on the go.

Packaging is very beautiful and fit for a gift. The bottle leaks after 1st few sprays (and this was a replacement). It’s came with a rollerball gift (Amber Rouge Saffron)—the roller ball is cheap: gets stuck, does not roll, quite difficult for oil to come out, which is unfortunate because the roller ball gift smells absolutely amazing like my Baccarat Rouge. Also comes with an atomizer, which is great and reliable. I’m not digging this version of By The Fireplace though. Yes and no/hit or miss..sometimes i truly thought it smelled better against the real one and other times i not sure if it projects like the real one. At first spray, I needed to let it settle before i could compare. I’ll see how it macerates over time before I decide where i’ll get it from here or just get the actual bottle. When I sprayed it inside my elbow (🤔 inner elbow right? where your arm bends lol) it smelled AMAZING after drying. So it makes me think it’ll do well in heat over time… compared to the original being good in cool weather. Still need time. I ordered the sample in a spray bottle—saw bad reviews but will see for myself. Hoping the spray bottle is as good and long lasting as the rollerball oil.Update: The Amber Saffron bottle just arrived and it’s been USED—the bottle and the automizer had liquid in it and the rollerball gift missing. What a disappointment. :/ Photos added.2nd Update: Amber Saffron is a legit dupe but doesn’t last long—more like body mist.By The Fire Place dupe is less characteristics of the actual perfum—yet it smells good after having sprayed several times and letting it sit.It has projection and lasts on skin for few hours for sure. I’ve used it as room and pillow spray. I’d say get the original but i believe it’s hit or miss on longevity (reformulation i heard). Original has 3 layers of character and dupe is 2 layers.