Fans of
Arabians Tonka finally have an affordable alternative here.
This is now my second AT "twin" that I have tested and I have to say it is the one that is most similar to the original.
There are certainly differences, but the AT DNA is clearly recognizable.
About the fragrance:
This opens very sweet, with a good portion of saffron as you know it from Instant Crush, BR540 etc, but of course in a sweeter version.
Shortly afterwards, you notice a very woody, dark rose, which also somehow becomes more leathery over time.
For me, the most prominent notes in DD are saffron and rose.
The woody notes are slightly reminiscent of oud and give the fragrance an oriental touch.
There is also a hint of tonka bean in the air.
I would have liked to be able to detect the chocolate, as I really like chocolate in fragrances, but the note is totally lost here, at least to my nose.
The fruity notes are also not present in my opinion.
Nevertheless, the fragrance is quite sweet, but I can't explain what smells so sweet here, apart from the tonka bean.
The performance is surprisingly good for such a cheapie.
On my skin, Secret Musk lasts at least 12 hours before it becomes so faint that you have to search for it.
Even after washing once, I could still smell it very slightly on my skin after 20 hours.
The longevity is definitely top, Secret Musk doesn't have to hide from the original.
In terms of radiance, however, the original has the edge.
Not that SM is weak, but the original is simply a beast, few fragrances can keep up with it.
It must also be said that many people become scent-blind to the note of saffron, which could also be the case for me.
Because after 3 hours of good radiance, I hardly notice it anymore, although the durability is great as I said.
But my batch is only 3 months old, it still needs time to mature and then I'm sure it will be a beast.
Because you can already tell that the charisma is above average.
Secret musk is unisex, just like Arabians Tonka, but I would say that men will like it more than women.
Some ladies might find it a little too masculine.
I also see it more on a man than a woman, but as I said, it's still unisex.
When and where?
Everyone has to decide where for themselves, I just wouldn't wear it to the gym xD
But the when is easy to answer.
SM is more for the colder temperatures.
In summer, it's just far too cute for temperatures above 20 degrees.
My conclusion: A solid alternative to one of the most popular niche fragrances ever, therefore worth every penny.
Although Arabians Tonka is so popular, I would not say that this DNA is safe and suitable for the masses.
That's why it's better to test Khadlaj first before blindly buying it.
You just have to look where you get it.
There is a site that sells it for 70€+.
I paid much less and am happy with it.