39
Top Review
Simply a masterpiece, the comparison of both ISHQ versions...
Right from the start, I want to mention that this is my very first review, but my enthusiasm for this fragrance is so overwhelming that I simply can't help but share my impressions with the community.....
I can already call myself a proud owner of the regular Anfas ISHQ variant and have been thrilled with it for a long time. I also greatly appreciate all other works by Asim Al Qassim. When I learned that a limited edition would be released, I could hardly contain my excitement. In a livestream by Marc Gebauer, I found out that the "Special Edition" essentially has the same scent, but with a higher concentration of fragrance oil and a more intense formulation. This significantly increased my joy, as I didn't want a completely reformulated version of the fragrance - for me, the regular version was already TOP, TOP, TOP in every aspect.
When I finally held the special edition in my hands, I couldn't wait to compare it with the regular version. So, here we go... on the left side, the regular version, and on the right side of my arm, the special edition sprayed - I began the comparison:
Upon the first spray, I noticed that the regular edition emitted a stronger strawberry scent in the top notes, very sweet and sticky, while the special edition was more characterized by saffron, similar to (Extrait) Baccarat Rouge by Maison Francis Kurkdjian.
The sweet strawberry note of the regular edition lasted a long time, whereas the special edition had a long-lasting spicy note that reminded me of something from Spirito Fiorentino by Tiziana Terenzi. For me, the special edition seems more masculine, but it remains unisex at its core. I think the comparison can be quite well drawn with Baccarat Rouge in the Eau de Parfum and Extrait versions, where the former is more suitable for women and the latter for men; the comparison holds true for Ishq as well. The longevity and sillage of both editions are impressive - just two to three sprays are enough to accompany me all day. I find the special edition to be even a bit stronger in this regard, which is definitely worth mentioning, simply a BEAST!! (e.g., just took fresh clothes out of the laundry and I could still perceive the "special" scent)
The bottle is simply stunning, and every time I am fascinated by the masterful craftsmanship behind it. For me, it is even one of the most beautiful bottles ever. (BOTH)
Now the exciting question arises whether it is worth acquiring the limited edition....
Here is my very personal recommendation:
If you do not yet own an "Ishq" fragrance and have a penchant for saffron scents with hints of strawberry that remind you of Baccarat Rouge, then my answer is quite clear - yes. The limited version is even excellent as a blind purchase, without any reservations.
On the other hand, if you are already a proud owner of the regular version, I tend to lean towards a "yes-no" approach. Because as mentioned, it is essentially the same fragrance, but it has subtle differences that are hardly noticeable to an average nose. It is important to keep an eye on the budget and consider whether you are a passionate collector. In such a case, the purchase of the limited edition can definitely be justified due to its exclusivity and limited availability, as I have done.
It is also worth mentioning that even the regular version, although it is not labeled as "special" or "limited," is only available once a year in limited quantities. Once it is sold out, it remains unavailable until the next restock. As it stands, the standard ISHQ has already been sold out everywhere for several months and will only be available again in spring 2024. The price difference is not significant either; the regular version is around €305.00, while the exclusive edition is priced at €360.00. The price difference of €60.00 is, as mentioned, due to the exclusivity (low quantities) and the slight increase in fragrance oil concentration.
In short, for me, the limited version is simply perfect and corresponds 100% to my taste. Saffron & strawberry harmonize flawlessly together. This interplay, the balance of sweetness, powdery notes & oriental spiciness, makes this fragrance a masterpiece for me personally.
*Reupload from 04.11.2023, as it was mistakenly deleted*
Best regards
yours, Richard =)
I can already call myself a proud owner of the regular Anfas ISHQ variant and have been thrilled with it for a long time. I also greatly appreciate all other works by Asim Al Qassim. When I learned that a limited edition would be released, I could hardly contain my excitement. In a livestream by Marc Gebauer, I found out that the "Special Edition" essentially has the same scent, but with a higher concentration of fragrance oil and a more intense formulation. This significantly increased my joy, as I didn't want a completely reformulated version of the fragrance - for me, the regular version was already TOP, TOP, TOP in every aspect.
When I finally held the special edition in my hands, I couldn't wait to compare it with the regular version. So, here we go... on the left side, the regular version, and on the right side of my arm, the special edition sprayed - I began the comparison:
Upon the first spray, I noticed that the regular edition emitted a stronger strawberry scent in the top notes, very sweet and sticky, while the special edition was more characterized by saffron, similar to (Extrait) Baccarat Rouge by Maison Francis Kurkdjian.
The sweet strawberry note of the regular edition lasted a long time, whereas the special edition had a long-lasting spicy note that reminded me of something from Spirito Fiorentino by Tiziana Terenzi. For me, the special edition seems more masculine, but it remains unisex at its core. I think the comparison can be quite well drawn with Baccarat Rouge in the Eau de Parfum and Extrait versions, where the former is more suitable for women and the latter for men; the comparison holds true for Ishq as well. The longevity and sillage of both editions are impressive - just two to three sprays are enough to accompany me all day. I find the special edition to be even a bit stronger in this regard, which is definitely worth mentioning, simply a BEAST!! (e.g., just took fresh clothes out of the laundry and I could still perceive the "special" scent)
The bottle is simply stunning, and every time I am fascinated by the masterful craftsmanship behind it. For me, it is even one of the most beautiful bottles ever. (BOTH)
Now the exciting question arises whether it is worth acquiring the limited edition....
Here is my very personal recommendation:
If you do not yet own an "Ishq" fragrance and have a penchant for saffron scents with hints of strawberry that remind you of Baccarat Rouge, then my answer is quite clear - yes. The limited version is even excellent as a blind purchase, without any reservations.
On the other hand, if you are already a proud owner of the regular version, I tend to lean towards a "yes-no" approach. Because as mentioned, it is essentially the same fragrance, but it has subtle differences that are hardly noticeable to an average nose. It is important to keep an eye on the budget and consider whether you are a passionate collector. In such a case, the purchase of the limited edition can definitely be justified due to its exclusivity and limited availability, as I have done.
It is also worth mentioning that even the regular version, although it is not labeled as "special" or "limited," is only available once a year in limited quantities. Once it is sold out, it remains unavailable until the next restock. As it stands, the standard ISHQ has already been sold out everywhere for several months and will only be available again in spring 2024. The price difference is not significant either; the regular version is around €305.00, while the exclusive edition is priced at €360.00. The price difference of €60.00 is, as mentioned, due to the exclusivity (low quantities) and the slight increase in fragrance oil concentration.
In short, for me, the limited version is simply perfect and corresponds 100% to my taste. Saffron & strawberry harmonize flawlessly together. This interplay, the balance of sweetness, powdery notes & oriental spiciness, makes this fragrance a masterpiece for me personally.
*Reupload from 04.11.2023, as it was mistakenly deleted*
Best regards
yours, Richard =)
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