Cacharel’s Anaïs Anaïs (1978) is one of those canonical white-floral, powdery perfumes that lives in perfume lovers’ memories — and in forum threads where people swap notes looking for either the original “vintage” character or modern alternatives. Basenotes and Reddit users have long debated which bottles capture Anaïs Anaïs’s green-white-floral heart, powdery musk, and soft woody-amber base. Below I weave together the community recommendations, exact comments and consensus pulls so you can decide what to try next.
Why people seek “similar” Anaïs Anaïs scents
Community threads show two recurring situations:
- For the Vintage Formula: This is by far the most common complaint. Many seasoned perfume lovers claim that the current, post-reformulation version of Anaïs Anaïs has lost its original depth and complexity. They describe the modern version as "screechy," "sharp," or simply not as rich and long-lasting as the one they remember from the '70s and '80s. This leads them to hunt for bottles that capture the "old Anaïs" experience. (Fragrantica)
- For a Lighter or More Modern Profile: Other users are not necessarily looking for an exact dupe but are captivated by the perfume's core structure: a luminous green, aldehydic opening, a lush heart of white florals (especially lily, lily-of-the-valley, and hyacinth), and a soft, powdery, woody base. They want a fragrance with a similar DNA but might seek a version that is less "dated," more wearable in a modern context, or simply more affordable. The emphasis is on finding a "green-white floral + powdery musk" combination. Basenotes)
The short-list: what communities repeatedly recommend
Below are the fragrances most often named by community members as similar to Anaïs Anaïs, plus what people actually say about each.
1. Fragonard — Fragonard
This is arguably the most common and enthusiastically endorsed recommendation for a vintage Anaïs Anaïs alternative. Community members often describe it as a softer, more natural-smelling white floral that shares the same green, aldehydic opening and a creamy, non-synthetic drydown. It's frequently suggested as the closest modern equivalent available. (Fragrantica, Reddit)
Community comments:
- “Try Fragonard by Fragonard, a lot of people think it smells very similar to the original Anais Anais!” — Reddit. (Reddit)
- Fragrantica users also point to Fragonard as a house scent that evokes the older Cacharel style. (Fragrantica)
2. Yves Rocher — Magnolia
Often mentioned in the same breath as Revillon's Turbulences, Yves Rocher's Magnolia is a consistent recommendation on Basenotes and Fragrantica. Posters who remember it from the '80s and '90s describe it as an "almost identical" dupe for Anaïs Anaïs, but with its own distinctive bright, white-floral character. (Basenotes)
Community comment example:
- “Turbulences by Revillon is very close to Anais Anais. And almost identical is Yves Rocher's Magnolia” — Basenotes thread. (Basenotes)
3. Revillon — Turbulences
This fragrance is a a go-to suggestion for those seeking the specific green-floral, mossy-chypre character of a vintage scent from the same era. While now rare and often a "lost treasure" according to some users, it is repeatedly cited on Basenotes as a highly similar fragrance. Its complex, spicy-green opening and floral heart are a perfect match for those who miss the true vintage feel. (Basenotes)
4. Donna Karan — Gold
This fragrance, particularly the original EDP, is recommended for its powerful and unique lily note. While not a dupe, it's suggested as a modern, ambery-lily alternative for those who love the floral heart of Anaïs Anaïs. The notes of lily and amber make it a floral-heavy but warm and luxurious option that can appeal to fans of the classic's base notes. (Basenotes)
5. “Anaïs Anaïs L’Original” (Cacharel variants / EDT / EDP)
The official relaunch of the original perfume, branded as Anaïs Anaïs L’Original, is often the first stop for many users. The consensus is split: some users find the modern L'Original version softer, more wearable, and cleaner, while others feel it lacks the potent oakmoss and intricate floral layers of the vintage bottle. Many forum users recommend trying both the Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum versions as they can differ significantly.
Community comments:
- “Anais Anais L’Original Eau de Toilette… it is softer, more modern, more wearable.” — Fragrantica thread. (Fragrantica)
6. Other names that come up frequently
These are not unanimous favorites, but they appear across threads as worth sniffing if you like the Anaïs structure: Chanel No. 19 (green-floral facet), Chloé (modern powdery floral), Miss Dior (classic floral), L’Air du Temps (vintage white-floral), Dolce & Gabbana Feminine, and more niche or “inspired” bottles mentioned on Basenotes and other forums. Community members also list less-known or regional lines (examples: Arrogance Pour Femme, Avon’s Flower by Cynthia Rowley, and various indie “inspired” fragrances). (Basenotes, Fragrantica)
What users actually complain about — and what that tells you
- Reformulation grief: Many posts begin, “I loved Anaïs Anaïs but they changed it” — leading people to look for older formulations or close alternatives (Fragonard, Yves Rocher Magnolia, Revillon). If you prefer the vintage Anaïs, prioritize forum recommendations that explicitly say “closer to vintage.” (Fragrantica, Reddit)
- Longevity vs. scent match: Several users note that some “dupes” smell very similar but don’t last as long (people recommend testing EDT vs EDP). Fragrantica review snippets and threads discuss EDT/EDP differences and natural vs synthetic impressions.
- Natural / soapy vs. powdery: Some say Fragonard smells more natural (less chemical/harsh) while Anaïs retains a classic powdery or slightly aldehydic character depending on batch. That helps explain why people split between pursuit of an “exact” match and a “better/cleaner” reinterpretation. (Fragrantica)
How to use these community leads (practical next steps)
- Sample before you buy. Forums repeatedly advise testing samples/decants because bottle batches and reformulations vary; many shoppers source samples from decant services or local testers. Basenotes and Fragrantica users often link to swap/sell posts for older vintage bottles.
- Start with Fragonard and Yves Rocher Magnolia. Those two names are the most frequently repeated across platforms as close or “almost identical” to the vintage Anaïs. If you find one that’s close, you’ve likely hit the heart of what people recall. (Fragrantica, Basenotes)
- Consider concentration differences. If you test an EDT and it fades quickly, try seeking the EDP or a perfume extrait where available — or check older production runs. Forum members frequently mention EDT vs EDP differences. (Fragrantica)
Representative community quotes (verbatim, short excerpts)
- “Try Fragonard by Fragonard, a lot of people think it smells very similar to the original Anais Anais!” — Reddit. (Reddit)
- “Turbulences by Revillon is very close to Anais Anais. And almost identical is Yves Rocher's Magnolia.” — Basenotes thread. (Basenotes)
- “Yes it is quite reminiscent of Anais Anais, but somehow Fragonard smells more 'Natural' to me…” — Fragrantica reviews. (Fragrantica)
Final takeaways (quick)
- If your goal is the vintage Anaïs experience, start with Fragonard and the Basenotes-suggested Yves Rocher Magnolia or look for vintage bottles/decants — community members point to these as the closest matches. (Fragrantica, Basenotes)
- If you want a modern, wearable interpretation of the profile, try Anaïs Anaïs L’Original (EDT/EDP) modern releases and related classics like Chloé or Miss Dior depending on whether you prefer powdery vs cleaner floral tones. (Fragrantica)
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