Decadence by Marc Jacobs

Best Decadence by Marc Jacobs Alternatives & Similar Perfumes

Decadence by Marc Jacobs is an oriental floral fragrance defined by rich prunes, warm saffron, and powdery orris. Jasmine and rose add a floral softness, while papyrus and liquidambar contribute earthy, resinous depth. Vetiver grounds the composition with a dry, green nuance. Those drawn to this perfume should focus on its blend of fruity sweetness, floral elegance, and smoky, woody undertones for a complex yet wearable scent.

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1
The Smart Set

The Smart Set by MINT £170.00

Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £8.00
  • Key notes:
  • coffee
  • prunes
  • vetiver
  • Aromagroups:
  • edible
  • woody

The Jade line

Perfumer: Nathale Lorson

In this formula velvety woods meet for dark smooth coffee and take their time lounging in the spicy vetiver shade.

2
Absolue d’Osmanthe

Absolue d’Osmanthe by Perris Monte Carlo £160.00

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  • Key notes:
  • osmanthus
  • prunes
  • vanilla
  • Tags:
  • #animalic
  • Aromagroups:
  • floral
  • leather

Osmanthus in this perfume is harvested deep within Guilin province in China. Absolute d’Osmanthe is a modern take on the centuries old essence. The flowers bloom between October and November filling the entire valley with a dreamy fragrance. For the past 2000 years, this fragrant flower with an aroma reminiscent of apricot has been part of perfumers pallette. 

3
Moth
  • Key notes:
  • ambergris
  • cinnamon
  • gaiac / guaiac wood
  • heliotrope
  • honey
  • incense
  • orris (iris root)
  • rose
  • saffron
  • smoke
  • Tags:
  • #smoky
  • #sweet
  • Aromagroups:
  • woody

Perfumer: Tomoo Inaba

Rich and gothic Moth starts with a heavy dose of dark spices to jolt your senses before settling into a dusting of honey-sweet rose and powdery florals. Slowly, it tests its wings, taking flight on an exotic journey of nagarmotha, guaiac wood and patchouli. Beneath it all lingers a smoky undertone that serves as a constant reminder to fluttering creatures of the danger in the tantalizing flame.

4
Mathilde

Mathilde by Rance 1795 £110.00

Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £6.00
  • Key notes:
  • jasmine
  • lily-of-the-valley
  • narcissus
  • neroli
  • orris (iris root)
  • passion fruit
  • rose
  • sandalwood
  • tangerine
  • ylang-ylang
  • Tags:
  • #sexy
  • Aromagroups:
  • floral
  • fruity

Matilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon I, was known for her breasts (“le plus beau décolleté”) and her talent as a painter. She also hosted a celebrated 19th-century Parisian salon attended by the greatest artists and writers of her time. This namesake perfume is an olfactory salon of provocative white florals (ylang-ylang, narcissus, jasmine) given tropical succulence with passion fruit and papaya. Mathilde’s heady brightness is softened by iris and sandalwood.

5
Venice Rococo

Venice Rococo by Arquiste £195.00

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  • Key notes:
  • aldehydes
  • jasmine
  • orris (iris root)
  • powdery notes
  • rose
  • violet
  • Tags:
  • #animalic
  • #beast
  • #powdery
  • Aromagroups:
  • floral
  • vintage/old school
  • woody

September 1757, Casino Venier, Venice

A powdery floral fragrance based on authentic 18th century cosmetic formulas.

A coquettish floral capturing the decadence of 18th century Venice, its rococo interiors and clandestine affairs: a powdery blend of black violet, blush rose, and chamomile nestled on an impossibly soft base of dusty iris and subtle, animalic amber. 

6
PG21 Felanilla

PG21 Felanilla by Pierre Guillaume - Parfumerie Générale £140.00

Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £6.00
  • Key notes:
  • amber
  • orris (iris root)
  • saffron
  • vanilla
  • Tags:
  • #animalic
  • #sexy
  • Aromagroups:
  • leather
  • spicy
  • vintage/old school
  • woody

Felanilla  is a combination of feline and vanilla. It’s a seemingly relaxed arrangement of saffron, vanilla (two rare and precious varieties: Bourbon and Taihitian), hay and sweet woods but it’s a feline prowl of a scent. This vanilla is for grown-ups and is neither girly nor smells of patisserie. A precious, generous and racy combination of three absolutes (hay, iris and vanilla) resting on a fruity woods base.

7
The Naga

The Naga by Param Sara £155.00

Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £8.00
  • Key notes:
  • cypriol
  • orris (iris root)
  • saffron
  • Aromagroups:
  • leather
  • spicy

Naga are divine male half-human, half-serpent beings from Hindu and Buddhist mythology, revered as guardians of treasure. In this eau de parfum, saffron's glowing spice and fiery Sri Lankan black pepper awaken the scent. Out of this heat, Indian cypriol root arises, shapeshifting between leather, frankincense and vetiver. This is where the snake coils back on itself, entwining with the powdered caress of orris absolute and musk.

8
Lawrence

Lawrence by Carine Roitfeld £190.00

Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £8.00
  • Key notes:
  • jasmine
  • oud
  • saffron
  • Tags:
  • #animalic
  • Aromagroups:
  • floral
  • woody

Among the colorful silks and glazed pottery, we loved to lose ourselves in the voluptuous atmosphere of the spices. Sheathed in my leather dress, I can see myself surrounded by all the mysterious, colorful flacons. You chose one exhaling the irresistible notes of oud and trickled two small drops into the hollow of my neck.

A magnetic, very leathery, spicy perfume. A composition of Egyptian jasmine absolute aroused by a complex of soft, sensual, highly textured balsams – tolu balsam, musk and agarwood – and softened by the warm, aromatic notes of cumin, coriander and saffron. Oud base notes define and complete this sultry, flamboyant fragrance.

9
502 Limited Cocoa Edition

502 Limited Cocoa Edition by Bon Parfumeur £60.00

Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £7.00
  • Key notes:
  • eucalyptus
  • mandarin
  • papyrus
  • rum
  • sandalwood
  • vetiver
  • Tags:
  • #sexy
  • #sweet
  • Aromagroups:
  • fruity
  • woody

Extending a moment held in time. At dawn, hand in hand.
Images cross and softly intertwine.
Zesty tangerine, fresh eucalyptus, enveloped by cocoa. A loving memory.

10
Anti-Blues

Anti-Blues by Pierre Guillaume Black Collection £195.00

Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £8.00
  • Key notes:
  • cocoa
  • dark chocolate
  • incense
  • saffron
  • tobacco
  • vanilla
  • vetiver
  • Tags:
  • #beast
  • #sweet
  • Aromagroups:
  • edible
  • leather
  • unconventional
  • woody

A socially acceptable way to smell like you spend your downtime writhing naked in milky melted chocolate, spiced with saffron, smoked by tobacco, caressed by vanilla. Cue eyes-rolling-back-in-their-head pleasure for anyone who smells you.

About Decadence by Marc Jacobs

How does Decadence differ from these similar fragrances?
Decadence balances rich fruity prunes with spicy saffron and powdery orris, layered over floral jasmine and rose, plus woody papyrus and vetiver. The fragrances listed highlight some of these notes but vary in additional accords like coffee, oud, or aldehydes, resulting in distinct scent profiles rather than exact matches.
Which notes define Decadence's oriental floral character?
The oriental floral nature of Decadence is defined by a combination of warm saffron, powdery orris, and rich rose and jasmine florals. These are balanced by fruity prunes and grounded with woody papyrus and vetiver, creating a deep, complex scent.
Are any of these fragrances suitable for someone who enjoys smoky scents?
Yes, several fragrances here incorporate smoky elements, such as Moth with incense and honey, Id with labdanum and oud, and Lawrence featuring oud. These add a resinous, smoky depth that complements the spicy and floral notes reminiscent of Decadence.