Two perfume bottles in 30ml and 50ml sizes on a neutral surface in soft natural light

Dupe Perfumes & Aftershaves Explained: Numbered Scents + How to Choose

Dupe Perfumes & Aftershaves Explained: Numbered Scents + How to Choose

If you love the vibe of popular fragrances but want a more budget-friendly option, designer-inspired perfumes and aftershaves are a brilliant way to explore new scents.

At Clarky Candles, our perfume and aftershave scents are numbered to keep things simple. In this guide, we'll explain what that means, how to choose the right one, and whether you should go for 30ml or 50ml.

What does "designer-inspired" mean?

Designer-inspired fragrances are created to capture a similar scent profile to well-known perfumes and aftershaves without using brand names on the label. Think of it as: you get the style of scent you love (sweet, fresh, woody, floral) without paying for the designer branding.

Why we use numbered scents

Numbering keeps things clear and avoids trademark issues. It also makes it easy to re-order your favourite: once you know your number, you're set.

When choosing, focus on:

  • Vibe: sweet, fresh, clean, cosy, bold, or soft
  • When you'll wear it: everyday, nights out, work, weekends
  • Season: lighter scents in spring/summer, richer scents in autumn/winter

How to choose the right scent (quick guide)

If you like sweet, warm, and cosy

Go for scents that feel smooth, comforting, and slightly dressed up perfect for evenings or colder months.

If you like fresh, clean, and just showered

Look for crisp, airy profiles that work brilliantly as everyday scents.

If you like fruity, playful, and compliment-getting

Fruity-floral styles are great for daily wear and feel easy to love.

If you like bold, woody, and confidence scents

Choose deeper profiles that feel strong, modern, and long-lasting.

Tip: If you tell us what you currently wear (or what notes you love vanilla, cherry, citrus, fresh laundry, oud, etc.), we can point you to a few numbered options that match your taste.

30ml vs 50ml: which size should you get?

Both sizes are great it just depends on how you like to shop.

Choose 30ml if you want to:

  • Try a new scent without committing to a bigger bottle
  • Build a small wardrobe of scents for different moods
  • Keep one in your bag or travel kit

Choose 50ml if you want to:

  • Stock up on a scent you already love
  • Get better value per ml
  • Have an everyday signature fragrance at home

How to apply for the best results

  • Apply to pulse points (wrists, neck, inner elbows)
  • Dont rub your wrists together it can dull the top notes
  • For longer wear, apply after moisturising (dry skin can eat fragrance faster)

CTA: Shop 30ml or 50ml designer-inspired scents

Whether you're testing a new number or stocking up on your favourite, we've got two easy sizes to choose from:

Want a recommendation? Message us with sweet vs fresh and daytime vs evening, and we'll suggest a few numbered options.

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