Quick Verdict

By the Fireplace is the better fragrance overall if you want a nuanced, smoky-sweet scent that feels like an experience. It’s perfect for cooler months and occasions where you want to make a statement. Cheirosa 62 is a fantastic budget-friendly option that’s sweet, nutty, and great for casual wear or layering. It lacks the depth and longevity of By the Fireplace but offers more versatility for warm weather. Choose based on your priority: sophistication (By the Fireplace) or easygoing fun (Cheirosa 62).

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Scent Profile Compared

Maison Margiela Replica By the Fireplace opens with a burst of pink pepper and orange blossom that quickly settles into a rich, smoky heart of clove oil, chestnut accord, and guaiac wood. The base is a comforting blend of vanillin, peru balsam, and cashmeran. It smells exactly like sitting by a crackling fire on a cold night, roasted marshmallows, charred wood, and a hint of sweetness. The dry-down is warm, slightly incense-like, with a creamy vanilla undertone.

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62 is a sweeter, more straightforward gourmand. Top notes are pistachio and almond, immediately giving a nutty, marzipan-like opening. The heart features heliotrope and jasmine, which add a soft floral powderiness, but the star is the caramelly, salted caramel base with sandalwood and vanilla. It’s like a warm, buttery cookie, very dessert-like, with a touch of salt to balance. No smoke or woodiness here, just unabashed sweetness.

By the Fireplace is complex and evolves on the skin; Cheirosa 62 is linear but pleasant.

Longevity and Sillage

By the Fireplace lasts 6-8 hours on my skin, with moderate projection that stays close after 3-4 hours. The sillage is noticeable but not overwhelming, it creates a cozy aura. On clothes, it can linger into the next day.

Cheirosa 62 is an eau de parfum but performs like an eau de toilette. It lasts 3-5 hours on skin, with soft projection that becomes a skin scent within two hours. The sillage is intimate, better for close encounters. Reapplication is likely if you want it to last through a night out.

By the Fireplace wins on longevity and sillage, but Cheirosa 62 is easier to respray without being overbearing.

Best Occasions and Seasons

By the Fireplace is ideal for fall and winter, think bonfire nights, cozy dinners, date nights, or any occasion where you want to feel warm and enveloping. It’s too heavy for hot, humid days. Works well for evening wear or when you want to evoke a specific mood.

Cheirosa 62 shines in spring and summer, especially for daytime activities like brunch, beach trips, or casual errands. Its sweet, nutty scent is uplifting and not too serious. It can also be used year-round as a layering base for other perfumes. Not suited for formal events or professional settings where sweetness might be overwhelming.

Price and Value

By the Fireplace is a premium luxury fragrance, higher price point but exceptional quality and complexity. It’s an investment piece. Cheirosa 62 is a drugstore-friendly option that offers great value for everyday wear. You can check current price on Amazon to compare the two. By the Fireplace is pricier per ounce, but you get more concentration and performance. Cheirosa 62 is affordable enough to use liberally, making it a good budget-friendly option if you’re not looking for longevity.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy By the Fireplace if: you love smoky, woody gourmands, want a signature scent for cold weather, or appreciate complex storytelling in a perfume. It’s for someone who wants to feel cozy and sophisticated.

Buy Cheirosa 62 if: you want a sweet, comforting scent for warm weather, need an affordable everyday perfume, or you enjoy playful, dessert-like fragrances. It’s perfect for casual use and layering.

If you can afford both, they complement each other beautifully. But if you have to choose, By the Fireplace offers more depth and longevity; Cheirosa 62 is a fun, light alternative.