I've tested every perfume Kayali has offered since I've ventured into this magnificent journey that is perfume. When I heard they were releasing a limited edition set of two, I never hesitated and went straight for the samplers.
This one is as dark as its bottle suggests. It's also a bit on the heavier side (think Middle Eastern perfumes) and plenty sensual. The jasmine in here is a little less floral and offers more of a powdery accord that mingles well with the rest of the notes. Cedarwood, benzoin and sandalwood stand as the clear stars of this perfume (I never smelled the tea note to my dismay). Those three notes give off this woody, almost smoky aspect to the perfume which reminded me of Killian's Angel Share (that I have previously tested). I know that Mona's husband Hassan Elamin was the one who worked on this perfume and I think it fits him quite well: ebony dark, a refined man with a heavier musky scent. It's heavy, but has a little bit less of a sillage if I compare it to Santal. The perfume also layers itself quite well with its lighter couterpart, lending a heavier woody and musk accord that tempers the sparkling sweetness accord.
I think the marketing is spot on when referring to the fact that Mona and her husband Hassan worked on it specially for their special day. I don't necessarily think it's a fragrance for a wedding as I'd see people wearing it daily. Although it does lean more masculine, I think anyone can pull it off. The perfume is a bit more linear than its counterpart, but offers a nice depth to it nonetheless. I'm not a great fan of smoky, incense type of perfumes so it won't be making my collection, but I'm glad I got to test it out.
