I Found a $38 Dupe for Replica By the Fireplace by Maison Margiela

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I have to admit, smoky vanilla scents have never been my go-to. I usually gravitate toward fresh, floral, or lightly gourmand fragrances—something that doesn’t feel too heavy or overpowering. But every now and then, a scent comes along that makes me rethink my preferences. That’s exactly what happened when I got my hands on Phlur’s Vanilla Smoke.

If you’re a fan of Maison Margiela’s Replica By the Fireplace but aren’t keen on the price tag, Vanilla Smoke might just be the answer. Both fragrances share that warm, smoky, and cozy feel, making them perfect for fall and winter.

But is Vanilla Smoke truly a dupe?

Let’s break it down.

What Makes 'By the Fireplace' So Special?

Maison Margiela’s By the Fireplace is a cult favorite for a reason. It captures the feeling of being wrapped in a soft blanket near a crackling fire, sipping on something warm while the scent of burning wood and roasted chestnuts fills the air. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and surprisingly wearable for both men and women.

The fragrance features:

Top Notes: Pink pepper, orange blossom, clove oil
Middle Notes: Chestnut, guaiac wood, cade oil
Base Notes: Vanilla, Peru balsam, cashmere

The result is a scent that starts off spicy and slightly smoky before settling into a warm, creamy vanilla base. It’s sophisticated yet cozy—perfect for those colder months when you want something that feels like a hug in a bottle.

The downside? It’s pricey. A full-size bottle can set you back over $140, which isn’t exactly budget-friendly. That’s where Phlur’s Vanilla Smoke comes in.

Phlur Vanilla Smoke: A More Affordable Alternative

When I first sprayed Vanilla Smoke, I wasn’t expecting much. But within seconds, I could tell this was something special. The initial burst of bergamot and pink pepper felt bright and fresh, cutting through the depth of the fragrance in a way that made the smokiness feel less intense. As it settled, the vanilla and cacao blanc came through, adding a rich and creamy warmth that made me do a double take.

Vanilla Smoke’s key notes include:

Top Notes: Bergamot, pink pepper
Middle Notes: Cacao blanc, tonka bean, cashmere vanilla
Base Notes: Birch tar, Peru balsam, amber

While it doesn’t have the exact chestnut note that makes By the Fireplace so distinctive, Vanilla Smoke replicates the overall mood beautifully. It has that same cozy, slightly smoky vanilla vibe but in a way that’s a bit softer and more approachable.

Instead of leaning heavily into the burning wood aspect, it feels like a warm vanilla candle flickering next to a smoldering fire—a little sweeter, a little less intense, but still carrying that signature depth.

Performance and Wearability

One of the biggest surprises with Vanilla Smoke was its performance. For a body mist, I wasn’t expecting much longevity, but Phlur has a way of making their mists last longer than most. While it doesn’t have the staying power of an eau de parfum, I found that it lingered on my skin for a good four to five hours before needing a refresh. On clothes, it lasted even longer.

By the Fireplace, on the other hand, is known for its impressive longevity. You can still smell traces of it on your skin well into the evening, and if you spritz it on a sweater, you might catch whiffs of it days later. If you’re looking for something that lasts all day, the Replica fragrance wins in that category, but for the price, Vanilla Smoke holds its own surprisingly well.

Final Verdict - Who Should Try Vanilla Smoke?

If you love the idea of By the Fireplace but don’t want to commit to the price—or if you find its smokiness a little too strong—Vanilla Smoke is a fantastic alternative. It’s a bit more wearable for those who prefer their fragrances to lean slightly sweeter rather than intensely woody.

That said, if you’re someone who loves a bold, in-your-face smoky scent, you might find Vanilla Smoke to be a bit too soft. But for those looking for something cozy, warm, and easy to wear, it’s a great option.

I won’t lie—smoky vanilla fragrances aren’t my usual thing. But even I have to admit that Phlur’s Vanilla Smoke is an impressive dupe for By the Fireplace. It captures the essence of the original but makes it a bit more wearable and accessible. While it doesn’t have the exact same complexity, it nails the overall vibe at a fraction of the cost.

If you’re curious about trying a smoky vanilla scent but don’t want to splurge on Maison Margiela, Vanilla Smoke is absolutely worth checking out. Who knows? Maybe, like me, you’ll surprise yourself.

Love,

Rae

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