by Alexandria Fragrances
Royal Equestrian is a highly regarded clone of PDM Layton, noted for its bright, sweet apple-vanilla opening with warm spicy and woody accords. The fragrance opens with a sharp, citrussy apple that is more synthetic than natural, but mellows into a creamy, spicy vanilla dry down. It has a noticeable menthol quality in the early stages, which some find overpowering, though others appreciate for its fresh, cooling effect. Longevity is strong, often lasting 8+ hours and lingering on clothes for weeks. Sillage is moderate to strong, projecting well without being overwhelming. While some perceive it as slightly less rich or deep than Layton, it consistently earns praise for its performance, projection, and affordability, with users reporting strong compliments and satisfaction. It is particularly popular in cooler seasons and suits a broad appeal, though some consider its success primarily due to its value rather than unique originality. Overall, it feels like an accessible, crowd-pleasing interpretation of a classic niche scent that wears exceptionally well.