Basti87

Continuing with Lattafa, we have a flanker from the Sheikh Al Shuyukh line: The Supreme. It doesn't have much in common with the other releases in the series aside from the name and the bottle. Even though very few have actually rated this fragrance, I can endorse the good reviews, and you get a release that impresses with designer quality. Price-wise, the fragrance is, of course, like all Lattafa's, fantastic at just over €15 for 100ml. For fans of niche DNAs and niche quality, this is not for them, but the craftsmanship is quite pleasing, and at this price, this fragrance can compete with some sweet designer scents. I couldn't specify an exact fragrance twin from the designer sector, but you don't get the feeling that you're receiving something completely new. The indicated twin Scandal pour Homme Absolu aligns somewhat, but here it has significantly more freshness. Overall, a great, likable fragrance that is very convincing.

The bottle is identical to the "Sheikh Shuyukh Luxe Edition (Eau de Parfum) | Lattafa," only in blue milk glass, which probably hints at the freshness. However, the fragrance is still not a true freshie. Visually, it's great with the light blue and the beautiful golden cap. The box is also quite impressive.
The target audience for this fragrance is clearly fans of likable designer DNAs with a decent portion of sweetness. The freshness in the fragrance is rather synthetic, but not really disturbing or appearing very cheap. Even though not much besides Ambroxan indicates freshness in this pyramid, it is particularly noticeable in the opening. Quickly, warm notes like cinnamon, rose, and a very soft caramel note come in, which, however, does not come off as too sticky-sweet. Saffron and patchouli give the creation a slightly edgy-spicy character, and the combination is rather tame and convincing. The woody freshness with Ambroxan is present throughout and makes this quite light with an ease. In the base, warm-sensual-sweet notes of vanilla, amber, and also gourmand caramel come through. Overall, very rounded and modern, but still leaning towards that mainstream designer corner. This fragrance doesn't have a very high recognition value, but it is easy to wear and doesn't clash. Moreover, this DNA will appeal to the majority of the masses due to its not too heavy sweetness. The fragrance is suitable for everyday wear but also for leisure and evening occasions.
Performance is really good with 8-10 hours of longevity and a good sillage in the first 3-4 hours. It doesn't have a high nerve factor from the sillage, and it is well dosed.

Overall, a great cheapie that does its job really well for this fantastic price. With a small budget, you get a great fragrance that radiates a likable sweetness.

New arrival for me: The Angels Share flanker On The Rocks. Now there is the second On The Rocks after "Apple Brandy on the Rocks | Kilian," and this is the third release in this line after the original Angels' Share Eau de Parfum and "Angels' Share Paradis | Kilian." Until now, this brand had no flankers, but this DNA can certainly be "milked" well since it is an absolute bestseller line. There is quite a bit of criticism regarding this freshness concept, even beforehand. This is somewhat understandable, as one might view it as uncreative and exploit this line completely, as is often the case with designers. You can see it however you want, but I really like sweet fragrances in a fresh guise. Also, they become significantly more suitable for everyday wear and don't necessarily remain just autumn and winter fragrances. This idea can logically also work in the niche, like with "Ani X | Nishane," which I find fantastic. The question, of course, is: Is this Kilian worth it, even at this expensive MSRP? My answer is yes and no. I find the demanded €245 for 50ml incredibly overpriced; around €150, I think this flanker is a great addition to the heavy original. With this light freshness in the background, it is significantly lighter and still has that "cozy vibe."

Kilian is, of course, a great brand that is quite catchy and could be categorized in the pleasing niche, at least for most of the range. I find the presentations quite luxurious, even though many fragrances in the community also get their share of criticism. The concept of Kilian Hennessy is, of course, clear: fragrances with boozy notes or light hints of them. The fragrances are marketed not as expected by LVMH, but by Estee Lauder.
The bottle is the same as the original, just in milk glass. There was already criticism that the cap does not match the bottle. Not a big deal; it still looks good as usual. A milk glass cap would have been cooler, though.
As I said, I like a fresh guise with these sweet base DNAs. In my collection, there are many fresh flankers of sweet fragrances, and of course, I was looking forward to this Angels Share, as I already appreciate and enjoy the DNA. The star of the creation is, of course, the fresh top note, which comes across quite wonderfully in the first hour and also has some distinctive vibes with this citrus freshness and the "ice accord." It feels well-cooled, and the citrus notes of lemon, bitter orange, grapefruit, and bergamot feel casual and on ice. The fresh sweet top note slightly reminds me of Uden, but it is distinct and not too much trimmed to Angels Share. This becomes much stronger after about 60 minutes, and the DNA is now completely on point. The ice accord does a good job, and thus this DNA is significantly toned down and also more casual, making it suitable for everyday wear. Cognac, cinnamon, praline/tonka bean, and other warm-spicy notes do their job well, and the fragrance does not just feel diluted but well-balanced and elegant. In the base, there is also this wonderful oak wood that harmonizes really well with the sweetness and the cognac. The fragrance DNA is significantly softer, not just because of the toned-down sillage and sweetness. The scent is, of course, much more versatile than the original, and those who like to wear sweet fragrances in everyday life can do so more stylishly with this flanker. Again, it is extremely unisex, and the fragrance is hard not to like (at least for the broad masses).
That the performance is now worse than the original is not a point of criticism for me. The fragrance lasts well, projects nicely, but just not with the beast mode of the original. Longevity is from 8 hours, sillage is quite good in the first hours, and later stylish and tame.

As a fan of the original, I can recommend this fresher variant. It is not so fresh that one could call it a freshie, but it is a great twist of sweetness and freshness. If there is a good discount, you can grab it; at full price, no recommendation. Additionally, there are cheaper refill bottles, which I think is great for this brand. A blind buy is safe if you don't have unrealistic expectations, as this is, in my opinion, more of a gimmick for the Angels Share fanbase, with which they can certainly make a lot of money.

The "Stronger with you" line has become quite large, and it is especially difficult for laypeople to see which is the suitable and best flanker. I would say there is something for everyone if you like this sweet base DNA and are also more on the pleasing mainstream side. Some are even quite elegant and have class. I really like the line and the associated base DNA, even though I hardly wear fragrances from this line anymore due to the lack of "kick." This Only is responsible for the freshness that has now become common in most sweet releases, also e.g. in the new Angel's Share. I like the twist of sweet autumn-winter fragrances and this fresh touch that makes the DNA wearable even in warmer temperatures and in everyday life. Here with this Only, it is the same, as it brings a casual & cool freshness. This seems to have taken the place of Emporio Armani - Stronger With You Freeze as a fresh flanker, since that one has likely been discontinued and had to make way for this. I find the Freeze a bit better, but the Only does the job quite well too.

In terms of price, this Only flanker is already available at fair prices, available in 50 and 100ml. A great fresh overall concept that comes in the usual bottles & in the well-known packaging.
Of course, the star of this creation is also the glazed chestnut from the original SWY, here surprisingly much fresher, which is already indicated by the grapefruit in the opening. The top note is already casual, paired with the usual sweetness and a juicy-sparkling grapefruit. The relatively fresh notes of lavender and geranium provide a nice fresh and uncomplicated touch of this glazed chestnut. Not much happens in this creation, so the relatively small pyramid already represents the progression quite well. The base becomes sweet as is usual with fresh flankers that contain this sweet base DNA. Here, however, it is noticeably softer, and this complete power is somewhat lacking, making the Only flanker a great scent for in-between or for people who do not like overly sweet flankers. The base leans towards the original and a flanker with glazed chestnut, vanilla, and a soft-sensual sweetness. Of course, in these years, it is no longer something special, but it is still a pleasing base and also has that great fresh start.
Performance is not quite as strong due to the fresher design as the other releases, but it is on a solid path. It lasts maybe 8 hours, although the base sets in significantly earlier and does not have the power of the autumn-winter releases. Satisfactory and absolutely fine.

Overall, a decent release that can convince me, but not enough for a purchase. I own the Freeze flanker, which I like a bit better and also has a bit more power. For a fair price, not a bad catch.

Continuing with the Royal Blend series from French Avenue. Naturally, primarily known for the original "Royal Blend | French Avenue," which is clearly identifiable as an Angels Share dupe, at least visually. Here, with this vintage version, another Kilian from "The Liquors series" is offered: "Old Fashioned | Kilian." A scent that had already piqued my interest, so I got this alternative to roughly get to know this DNA. I do not (yet) know the original from Kilian, but this dupe already makes me excited for the original. However, this dupe can also convince, so the original might be unnecessary. I will check it out when I get the chance. Of course, I also want to report on this great scent that simply delivers if you like boozy notes paired with wood & sweetness. Anyone looking for a great booze scent on a small budget will definitely find a convincing fragrance that stands out from the crowd.

The box is huge, as is often the case with Dubai releases. This seems to be important to the brands to deliver a great presentation that is more luxurious than the price would suggest. The bottle is also quite successful and, of course, visually leans towards Kilian, which is significantly more high-end.
That this scent is a crystal-clear dupe of the Old Fashioned can be trusted by this community, and French Avenue also does quite a good job when it comes to alternatives to niche fragrances. The start is quite brutal and delivers full-on booze. To be precise, whisky, which is quite authentic and something you have to like in fragrances. In autumn/winter, it is definitely a note that appeals to me. The note is already quite tipsy, but quickly becomes very rounded as a wonderful Davana note comes in. After 1-2 hours, this strong alcoholic note becomes a bit softer, and gentle autumn-winter nuances of sweetness, warmth, wood, and also sensuality come through. This boozy note lasts about 3-4 hours but, as mentioned, becomes softer. Creamy tonka bean makes the scent significantly softer, and a wonderful dark cedar note gives the fragrance a stylish appearance. Warm & refined notes of sandalwood, vanilla, amber, and slightly balsamic notes come through in the drydown. Everything is very rounded and quite elegant. I really like it and it smells significantly more expensive than the approximately €30 it is available for. Due to the alcoholic notes, this is more suitable for the evening or leisure time, giving an elegant and elevated impression.
Performance is quite good, but it can definitely be better with these notes. Longevity is about 7-8 hours, sillage is fantastic for the first 2-3 hours and then becomes softer. It is worth it when looking for a cozy autumn-winter scent that makes you stand out.

Overall, a great release that is absolutely worth it at this price. I will test the original when I get the chance, as this dupe is already very promising. Thumbs up for French Avenue.

Here’s a review of a dupe of which I don’t know the original: Island Dreams by Khadlaj, which is said to be a dupe of Symphony by Louis Vuitton. This Dreams line consists of 3 fragrances, with alternatives to Le Beau Le Parfum & Althair added. Khadlaj is a great brand from Dubai that unjustly doesn’t get as much attention here as, for example, in the English-speaking world on social media. I’ve tested a few and the brand can at least keep up with Lattafa and the like. Many American influencers are enthusiastic about this alternative that is said to be very close to the original. As I said, I can’t comment on that, but I still want to report on the wonderful scent as it is truly worth it and a great option for citrus-fresh fragrances. Symphony enjoys a great reputation in the community, but at around €500 for 100ml, many are out when it comes to citrus-fresh scents. Thus, this LV will absolutely not become a hype scent like the already expensive Imagination. Dubai consistently offers great alternatives and I simply ordered this one on a whim due to positive reactions. It’s not exactly cheap like many other "clones" at just over €40, but of course, it’s absolutely reasonable since quality isn’t always cheap.

The packaging and bottle are quite nice, but nothing special and typical for such brands. It looks good and everything works perfectly, the scent should also be the focus with such alternatives.
The Island line is of course not related, and each goes in a different direction. If Symphony goes in a similar direction as Island Dreams, I can understand why it’s well-received, but at that price, it would be significantly too little for me. Of course, it’s also a status symbol, but the linear scent development doesn’t offer that many highlights. However, I like the linear freshness with this citrus freshness kick, and there’s also a subtle fruity sweetness in the background that gives me light Pacific Chill vibes. The combination of citrus notes like bergamot, zesty grapefruit, and a slightly orange note has something very likeable. The spicy ginger note is also convincing, which I particularly enjoy smelling in combination with citrus. The base of musk and ambroxan then brings an extremely clean and also woody base that gently fades the scent and is great for everyday wear. Until then, it’s a wonderful citrus-fruity composition with this light ginger spice. For me, it’s a no-brainer that doesn’t overwhelm and still has that invigorating charm that carries you through sports activities or everyday life. It’s worth it at around €40, although the price will certainly drop a bit over the months. Likeable citrus freshness with a certain charm.
Performance is already very good for a scent of this class and with these notes: longevity easily 8+ hours, sillage is really good for the first 2-3 hours. Towards the clean-woody base, it becomes a bit more subtle, but still in a pleasant range.

I don’t have to or will not test Symphony, as I only test fragrances that are also in consideration for a purchase or that really pique my curiosity. Over €500 for a citrus-fresh scent completely exceeds the limit. With this Island Dreams, I am very satisfied and glad that it is in my collection.