Short answer: D&E Karenina is our Extrait de Parfum take on Creed Carmina. Prices run from £14.99 (5ml sample) to £44.95 (50ml), against an RRP of about £275 for 75ml of the original. Shop Karenina →
- Smells like: black cherry, saffron and rose over a smooth incense and musk base.
- Best for: evenings, special occasions and anyone who likes rich, romantic florals.
- Honest note: inspired by, not an exact clone.
Creed Carmina is a floral fragrance from the famous British-French house, known for its deep, jewel-toned character. It has a loyal following and an RRP of about £275 for 75ml, which puts it firmly in luxury territory and explains why people search for a Creed Carmina dupe in the UK.
What does Creed Carmina actually smell like?
- Top: Pink Pepper, Black Cherry, Saffron
- Heart: Rose de Mai, Violet, Peony, Cashmere Wood
- Base: Myrrh, Frankincense, Ambroxan, Musk
It opens with a spicy, dark-fruit burst of pink pepper, cherry and saffron, moves into a velvety heart of rose, violet and peony, and dries down to a warm resinous base of myrrh and frankincense softened with musk.
Why people look for a Creed Carmina dupe
Price is the obvious reason. A Creed bottle at around £275 is a big commitment, particularly for a scent you have not worn before. Some shoppers also find Carmina hard to track down, with retailers selling out of stock. A 5ml sample at £14.99 lets you try the style first, and the larger sizes make it affordable to wear regularly.
Creed Carmina vs Karenina at a glance
| Creed Carmina | D&E Karenina | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | RRP about £275 for 75ml | £14.99 (5ml) to £44.95 (50ml) |
| Concentration | Eau de Parfum | Extrait de Parfum |
| Style | Dark cherry, rose and incense floral | Dark cherry, rose and incense floral |
| Sizes | 75ml | 5ml, 12ml roller, 15ml, 30ml, 50ml |
Introducing Karenina - Insp by Creed Carmina
Karenina follows the same idea: black cherry and saffron, a rich rose and violet heart, and a resinous, musky base. It costs £14.99 for a 5ml sample, £19.99 for the 12ml roller or 15ml, £34.99 for 30ml and £44.95 for 50ml. As an Extrait de Parfum it has a higher concentration of perfume oil than a standard Eau de Parfum, which generally gives more depth and staying power. Try Karenina from £14.99 →
Being upfront about the comparison
Karenina is inspired by Creed Carmina, not an exact clone or replica. It is our own composition in the same fragrance family, so the balance of cherry, rose and incense may differ from the original. We would always suggest starting with the 5ml sample to see how it wears on you.
Longevity and projection
Rich floral-resin fragrances with an Extrait concentration generally last well on skin, with a noticeable but refined trail. Expect several hours of wear, with the best performance on warmer skin and in cooler weather. Results vary with skin type and how you apply it.
The verdict
If Creed Carmina appeals but £275 does not, Karenina is an easy way to enjoy a dark cherry, rose and incense floral from just £14.99. It will not be identical, but it captures the same moody elegance. Fans of Creed may also like our Creed Queen of Silk dupe guide. Shop Karenina →
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Creed and Carmina are trademarks of their respective owners. D&E Fragrances is not affiliated with them. Karenina is its own original composition inspired by the fragrance family.