Introduction to can you still buy Lauren perfume

The world of fragrance is a fascinating, ephemeral landscape, often marked by iconic scents that leave an indelible impression. Among these, the original Lauren by Ralph Lauren perfume holds a special place in the hearts of many. Launched in 1978, it quickly became a signature scent for a generation, known for its distinctive green, floral, and woody notes. Its timeless appeal has led many to wonder: can you still buy Lauren perfume? The answer, unfortunately for purists, is not in its original formulation. The original Lauren by Ralph Lauren was discontinued, a common fate for many beloved fragrances due to various factors including ingredient availability, regulatory changes, and evolving market trends.

However, the enduring legacy and demand for its unique scent profile have spurred the creation of various alternatives, dupes, and re-interpretations. This comprehensive guide delves into the current landscape for those seeking to recapture the essence of Lauren. We will explore the best available options, from official re-releases and flankers to highly-rated “inspired by” fragrances, helping you navigate the complex world of discontinued perfumes. Our aim is to provide a definitive resource for anyone asking, “can you still buy Lauren perfume?” and more importantly, “what’s the best alternative?”

How We Selected the can you still buy Lauren perfume

Our selection process for identifying the best alternatives and options for “can you still buy Lauren perfume” was rigorous and multi-faceted, focusing on several key criteria to ensure accuracy and relevance:

• Scent Profile Similarity: This was the paramount factor. We prioritized fragrances that closely mimic the original Lauren’s green, floral, woody, and slightly aldehydic character. This involved extensive research into note breakdowns and user reviews.
• Availability and Accessibility: We focused on products that are genuinely available for purchase, either through official channels, reputable online retailers, or well-known niche brands. Obscure or extremely rare vintage bottles were not the primary focus, as their availability is inconsistent and pricing often prohibitive.
• Reputation and Reviews: We consulted numerous fragrance communities, forums, and reputable review sites (e.g., Fragrantica, Basenotes) to gauge public sentiment and identify commonly cited alternatives.
• Brand Credibility: We considered the reputation of the brands producing these alternatives, favoring those known for quality ingredients and accurate scent interpretations.
• Price Point: We aimed to include options across various price ranges to cater to different budgets, from affordable dupes to more premium “inspired by” creations.
• Longevity and Sillage: While subjective, we considered feedback on how long the scent lasts and its projection, as these are important aspects of a wearable fragrance.

By applying these criteria, we’ve curated a list that offers the most promising answers to the question: can you still buy Lauren perfume, or at least a worthy successor?

Top 10 can you still buy Lauren perfume - Complete Rankings

While the original 1978 Lauren is a collector’s item, here are the top alternatives and considerations for those asking, “can you still buy Lauren perfume?“

1. Ralph Lauren Lauren (2000s Re-release/Flanker) - Best for can you still buy Lauren perfume

Description: Around the early 2000s, Ralph Lauren released a version of Lauren that, while not identical to the 1978 original, was marketed as “Lauren” and shared a similar spirit. This version often comes in a slightly different bottle design than the original cube. It aimed to capture the green, fresh, and slightly chypre essence but with a more modernized touch. It’s often debated whether this is a reformulation or a distinct flanker.

Pros:

• Official Release: This is the closest you’ll get to an official Ralph Lauren interpretation of “Lauren” that was widely available after the original discontinuation.
• Brand Quality: Benefits from Ralph Lauren’s established quality in fragrance production.
• Familiarity: Many who loved the original found this to be a passable, albeit not perfect, substitute.
• Availability (Relative): While also discontinued, bottles of this 2000s version are more commonly found on secondary markets than the 1978 original.

Cons:

• Not the Original: It lacks the depth, specific green notes, and aldehydic sparkle of the 1978 formulation. Purists will notice the difference.
• Still Discontinued: While more available, it’s not in continuous production, meaning supply is limited and prices can fluctuate.
• Potentially Dated: For those unfamiliar with the original, it might still smell “vintage” compared to modern releases.

2. Ralph Lauren Safari for Women - Great can you still buy Lauren perfume Choice

Description: Launched in 1990, Safari for Women by Ralph Lauren is not a direct dupe, but it shares a similar green, aldehydic, and slightly woody-floral chypre character with the original Lauren. It’s often cited by fans of Lauren as a fragrance that evokes a similar feeling or era. It’s more overtly floral and less intensely green than Lauren, with prominent notes of galbanum, hyacinth, narcissus, and a warm base of sandalwood and amber.

Pros:

• Ralph Lauren Heritage: Carries the brand’s signature style of elegant and sophisticated scents.
• Widely Available: Unlike Lauren, Safari is still in production and readily available from major retailers.
• Similar Vibe: Offers a classic, green-floral aldehyde profile that scratches a similar itch for those who loved Lauren.
• Good Performance: Known for decent longevity and sillage.

Cons:

• Not a Dupe: It’s a distinct fragrance. While it shares elements, it’s not a substitute for the original Lauren.
• More Complex: Safari has a richer, more opulent floral bouquet that might be overwhelming for those seeking Lauren’s simpler green elegance.
• Price: As a designer fragrance, it’s at a higher price point than many dupes.

3. Dua Fragrances - “Lauren” Inspired Blends - Top Niche Alternative for can you still buy Lauren perfume

Description: Dua Fragrances is well-known in the fragrance community for creating highly concentrated “inspired by” versions of popular, often discontinued, fragrances. They frequently release blends aimed at replicating the scent profile of classic perfumes like the original Lauren. Their offerings are usually extrait de parfum strength.

Pros:

• High Scent Accuracy (Often): Dua aims for very close resemblances, and many users report their Lauren-inspired blends are excellent approximations.
• Concentration: As an extrait de parfum, these typically offer superior longevity and projection compared to EDTs or EDPs.
• Accessibility: Continuously available and easy to order online.
• Cost-Effective (Per Wear): While the initial bottle price might seem high, the concentration means you need less, and it lasts longer.

Cons:

• Not the Original: It’s an interpretation, not a re-creation. Subtle nuances might be missing.
• Subjectivity: Scent perception is subjective; what one person finds accurate, another might not.
• Price Point: Can be moderately expensive for a “dupe” brand.
• No Brand Heritage: Lacks the emotional connection of an official Ralph Lauren product.

4. Perfume Parlour - “R*L Lauren” (UK-Based Dupe) - Affordable can you still buy Lauren perfume Option

Description: Perfume Parlour is a UK-based company specializing in highly affordable “inspired by” fragrances. They offer a vast catalog, and their “R*L Lauren” is specifically designed to emulate the original Lauren scent. They typically come in oil or spray formulations.

Pros:

• Extremely Affordable: One of the most budget-friendly options available.
• Good Scent Match (For the Price): Many users are impressed by the accuracy given the low cost.
• Variety of Formulations: Available in oil, EDP spray, and often other product types.
• Accessible Online: Easy to order internationally.

Cons:

• Varying Longevity/Sillage: Performance can be inconsistent across their range, and may not match the original’s strength.
• Less Sophisticated Blending: While accurate, the nuances and depth might not be as refined as higher-end alternatives.
• Packaging: Basic, utilitarian packaging.
• Not the Original: It’s a clear dupe, not an official re-creation.

5. Oil Perfumery - “Inspired by Ralph Lauren - Lauren” - Pure Oil for can you still buy Lauren perfume

Description: Oil Perfumery offers concentrated perfume oils designed to mimic popular fragrances. Their “Inspired by Ralph Lauren - Lauren” is a roll-on oil that aims to capture the essence of the original. Oil-based perfumes wear differently on the skin than alcohol-based sprays.

Pros:

• Excellent Scent Accuracy (Often): Oils tend to stick closer to the skin and can be very true to the original’s core notes.
• Good Longevity: Oils often