Essence No. 2 Gardenia vs Alien

The r/fragrance community strongly endorses Essence No. 2 Gardenia as one of the most authentic and realistic gardenia fragrances available, with particular praise for its woody florality and impressive longevity. Users consistently recommend it as a standout within the Elie Saab Essences line and a worthy alternative to more expensive gardenia options, though some note it performs similarly to comparable fragrances like Gardenia Pétale.

Mugler Alien is a divisive fragrance with a passionate but divided fanbase. While dedicated fans praise its distinctive jasmine character and strong performance, a significant portion of the community finds it overhyped, with the Goddess flanker particularly criticized for having an unpleasant sunscreen-like quality. The fragrance's polarizing nature makes it a risky blind buy despite its iconic status.