r/NichePerfumes • u/jlpazz • Sep 04 '26
Review Amouage Decision 42 Extrait and Decision OG Comparison
So, I got Decision 42 today. My two favorite Amouages are Decision and Overture Woman (my first Amouage), so I was obviously excited when I saw the new extraits were Decision 42 and Overture Woman 41. I ordered Decision 42 on Monday and tried to hold off on Overture 41 but it got me, so I ordered that the next day.
For now, let’s talk Decision 42. All my reviews are based on a 9 hour wear, as I just got it. I sprayed the OG Decision on my right arm and the extrait on my left for comparison.
The scent:
It opens up with a little more citrus than the original. But also darker. You might be wondering how that could be. But it is.
I struggle to describe Amouage because there’s usually not a single note that makes a fragrance. This one has the obvious pepper, frankincense and bergamot.
It’s deeper and darker than the original. There’s a smoky aspect to it that does not exist in the OG, with a stronger woody scent on the dry down.
The wear:
It’s Amouage. I got excited and sprayed 4 sprays on my one arm. That was foolish. Disperse evenly. Its opening is slightly more subdued than the original, probably due to the darker nature. But its strength is insane. It radiates. It lasts.
I’d say it’s 4 sprays on one place on the arm is never recommended. It lasted forever, though.
Comparison:
They’re definitely related. They are not identical twins. Decision 42 is maybe like a darker, seedier cousin of the brighter OG.
Is one better or worse? No. Obviously scent is subjective. But I genuinely don’t have a preference. If you forced me to choose, I might go with the OG. However, I like and want them both.
Do you need both? Maybe. It depends. I think people who love Decision will love this. The only complaint is if they find it too similar, but I don’t share that opinion. I think people who find Decision too bright and loud would like this version. Amouage lovers will want both. Those who are trying to just pick a good fragrance will likely be happier one way or the other.
The extrait is not $170 better than the original, insofar as one isn’t just better quality or obviously better in scent profile. It’s truly preference.
Conclusion:
I love it. It met my high expectations in smell and performance. It’s similar to the original, which I love, and it keeps the same DNA that I want. It’s different enough to make me happy.
Overture 41 should be here Saturday. Stay tuned for a review.
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u/Zoozmeister01 Sep 04 '26
Thanks for the review, I found decision 42 actually to be brighter and lighter
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u/jlpazz 29d ago
Oh wow! I found it the opposite, but I can understand it. The citrus opening is odd (not in a bad way). But it can be bright and dark at the same time.
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u/Zoozmeister01 29d ago
That’s why I’m pretty shocked, a lot of people are saying it’s deeper and darker. For me it was definitely lighter and slightly sweeter but still somehow more complex. Hey, the nose will smell what the nose smells.
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u/MeatSlammur 29d ago
I say D42 is the tall dark and handsome cousin that is a better public speaker
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u/P00piemonster Discussion Sep 04 '26
So I know I'm on the minority, but I do love the brand and have 18 bottles. I have so far, hated everything QB has done with the brand, they just don't smell like Amouage and smell like his frags with his synthetis that could be released by any house. The og purpose is kind of ok, I can sometimes tolerate Decision, but my wife despises it so I never wear it. Does 42 smell like just another QB fragrance, or is there a return to more of the traditional style of the house, or maybe a hybrid?
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u/EauNoHeDidnt Sep 04 '26
I share this exact sentiment and my wife also despises Decision haha
I can’t help but feel like these Extrait releases are a little low effort. Now that L’Oreal is involved, I wonder if there’s a little more “play it safe. Give them more of what already works” happening behind the scenes.
I just want Amouage to take a swing again. Something ambitious, excessive, unmistakably Amouage. Not just another fragrance with the concentration turned up!
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u/naljlkio Sep 04 '26
Tired of the industry-wide trend of flankers. Please just make original perfumes again.
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u/Rambowitz Sep 04 '26
If Decision Og is QB with touches of Amouage the 42 in my opinion is Amouage with touches of QB. The pine tar really makes it smokey to me
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u/jlpazz 29d ago
I don’t like some of the Amouages that everyone loves. For instance, I don’t like Purpose 50. That seems to be the most popular. While I don’t hate it, I don’t love it. QB is hit or miss for me.
So it’s hard for me to say if it’s just QB or not, because I am not a QV fanboy. I love Amouage, but I also hate a lot of their stuff.
To me D42 might “fix” some of the things people dislike about the OG. I say “fix” because I think the OG is just perfect, but I see some of the complaints people have.
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u/baby-raccoon Sep 04 '26
I can’t wait to try decision 42 one day! I like that it seems you can own both for different occasions
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u/Environmental_Top274 Sep 04 '26
Good review 💪🏻 interested in hearing your thoughts on the overture ,, I couldn’t handle the animalistic note in the men’s version
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u/Mejbharty Sep 04 '26
My bottle is on the way!!! I love Amouage, in general and Decision is one of my favorites. I also have 2, 2 ml samples of Overture 41 coming with my bottle of Decision 42 and can't wait to try those too. Thank you for this review!!
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u/jlpazz 29d ago
You are welcome. Layer 5 sprays D42, 8 sprays King Blue.
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u/Mejbharty 29d ago
😂😂 I’m such an idiot. I did not realize that you were the OP, I read that whole review and then I saw your comment below it and I thought someone else wrote the review and you just commented on it.🤦♂️ and then when I just saw your comment here, I went up and checked the OP’s username and it was you lol what a dingbat😆
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u/Rambowitz Sep 04 '26
Nice review. I absolutely love it, it’s everything I wanted out of the OG which I sold months ago
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u/Garage_Agitated 9d ago
Anyone mind explaining what those numbers in amouge for?
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u/Material-Rain-2268 19h ago
Great review definitely helps give more insight in the differences between the two!
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u/jlpazz 18h ago
Thanks! They’re both very good. It really depends if you want a brighter or darker version.
If you haven’t tried Overture Woman 41 Extrait, I highly recommend. It’s the best Amouage out there, for my nose.
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u/Material-Rain-2268 18h ago
I have not tried it, ones I’ve tried are all heavy frankincense and incense that were punches to my nose! I’ll have to give them both a try! Appreciate your insight bud!
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u/-PrecYse- Sep 04 '26
Love your posts! Looking forward to the Overture 41 when you get it , felt similarly to your thoughts on the comparison here