Cuba Orange by Cuba Paris

I own almost all the men’s fragrances from this house, and this was the first one I bought back around 1999/2000 (I’m not sure exactly, perhaps a bit later), and six years ago I bought another bottle (or ‘tobacco’), I think this is the third or fourth. Not so much because I like it (nor dislike it), but because of the ease of purchase and low price. I doubt this fragrance will be in anyone’s top list, but it’s not a bad fragrance (I could mention 3,000 names before saying this one is ‘bad’, which is sometimes overly subjective). Worse has been a fragrance that has been by my side for two decades, as we say in this country: ‘it has pulled my leg out of the mud’ more than once. Now, it has been compared to Alfred Dunhill’s Desire, and I agree. I’ve tried the Dunhill and yes, they are similar. Although the Cuba Paris is more linear and ‘rough’. The curious thing is that although we don’t know the launch date of this Cuba Paris fragrance, we can say it predates the Dunhill, so the Dunhill is the clone of this. Another point is that for many years I didn’t know the true name of this fragrance, as none of the bottles I own say ‘orange’ anywhere. I’ve concluded it was the house’s first fragrance, and they only started calling it ‘orange’ afterwards. There is a photo accompanying this entry that confirms this. It’s a linear aroma, like most from this house, it doesn’t evolve, maintaining the same opening scent, and in this case, it’s a spiced bouquet with woods and a slight floral touch. Thinking about it now, the Dunhill fragrance has an extra citrus note that I don’t detect here. For its low price, it has good performance. Pleasant aroma; if you’re a collector, it can’t be missing from your collection because the price is truly ridiculous. But it’s not a fragrance that will win you compliments, nor complaints from people (unless you abuse the sprays).

I didn’t like it at all; I’m not saying it smells bad, because it doesn’t, but personally it smells like cheap air freshener to me. To be honest, it didn’t appeal to me much. However, the Cuba Winner I bought alongside this one was much more to my liking; it’s a clone of Invictus and smells very similar. Now, Cuba Orange: if you don’t like the way orange smells, don’t buy it, as it’s very synthetic. The other one also sounds synthetic, but less so. In short, it’s a matter of taste. As a final note, I also have Cuba Gold and Cuba Royal, both super great – clones of Le Male and One Million. The worst I’ve tried so far is the Orange. Cheers 🙌🏽

A very lovely, spicy fragrance, perhaps with a hint of tobacco, soft jasmine and cedar. Fragrantica suggests it resembles Alfred Dunhill Desire; I neither confirm nor deny this as I haven’t tried it, but I know that for the price, the quality is good. Long-lasting with moderate sillage, ideal for winter and crisp days. Overall, these Cuba Paris fragrances are rougher, dustier and more rustic than the originals, but given the low price, they are an ideal best value for emergencies or taking to the gym (for those who do, ha,ha).

Opinions are subjective, and mine are too. This perfume gave me nausea and disgust. At first I liked it, but after a week of wearing it, I felt the need to shower to get rid of that scent, which smells like cleaning fluid or Raid. I had to throw it away. The longevity and projection are good, because even though I showered to remove it, it wouldn’t come off. Never again a Cuba, as my rejection seems to stem from a common component across the entire brand.

Everything started well, as previous reviewers said: pleasant, elegant scent without being overpowering, with a lovely creamy sandalwood. But as it dries down, it becomes synthetic and sharp; it reminds me of Raid mosquito sheets! Oh dear! What a great start. It’s not unbearable – it’s cheap – but that commercial smell doesn’t make me happy. I would have hoped the dry-down matched the quality of the opening. Snif!

It smells nice and, considering its low price, I’d say it’s above average. As you’d expect, it doesn’t have a strong trail or lasting power, but for what it costs, it’s more than enough. The scent seems appropriate for hot days; I detect a slight citrus note and something powdery. In my opinion, it’s a good option for smelling great at a very low cost.

A very warm combination of pepper and jasmine with an orange blossom base that evolves into a creamy sandalwood reminiscent of nuts and crunchiness… followed by dry, deep and powdery cedar wood. Excellent price-to-quality ratio, much more rewarding than so many weak, overhyped designer fragrances.

Fresh at first, finishing with a touch of talcum powder. One of the best I’ve tried from this brand. The longevity is short, but it’s worth it. It starts with alcohol, but ultimately leaves a very rich talcum scent. Wear it whenever you’re in a fresh or well-ventilated place. Recommended 🕉️🕉️🕉️

Excellent fragrance, good longevity – about seven hours in my experience; after the third hour, it sits closer to the skin. It smells very rich; at first it’s a bit odd, but afterwards I really enjoy it. One of the best in terms of longevity from Cuba.

It feels like cutting an orange and rubbing it on you. It has lasting scent but only that, and projects about a metre for the first few hours. Something cheap smelling simply like a well-made air freshener but of orange.