MAXIMUS26

Here it is. It’s the best. I’ll go even further. It’s better than its predecessor.

I’ve tested them all. From Essence de Blanc, Haramain Amber Oud Aqua Dubai, Art of Arabia I and all the others out there. I think this one has it all.

Let’s focus on the fact that this is a tea scent. Just like its predecessor. But without all the frills. I mean, for example: the soap in Aqua Dubai, the mint in AoA 1, or the strong ginger in essence. This one is simply black tea, with lemon. Of course, it’s a bit enhanced with musk and bergamot.

The longevity could always be a bit better, to be fair, I’ve read many complaints about the longevity. I can’t complain about my batch. Sillage is also top-notch.

I would love to gatekeep it, but the hype around a good Imagination clone is too strong haha!

Still, it’s fresh, it’s pleasant, delicious. Just great!

High quality. Sillage & longevity are absolutely insane. I haven't been this impressed in a long time.

The scent starts like a Sunday morning with a good dark Earl Grey tea. But instead of lemon, you get a fig added to the tea.

And now came my "wooooohhh" moment. 10 minutes later, the lemon also made an appearance. The fragrance transforms. It truly unfolds. Another 10 minutes later - the tea is in the foreground, figs and lemon are applauding in the background.

What a brilliant composition!

I must note, though: the fig is always very present. You have to like it, but that's what makes this scent so special. I think without the fig, the difference to Imagination or perhaps even Mandarino di Amalfi Eau de Parfum wouldn't be that significant.

Longevity and sillage are incredible. Especially for a fresh scent! And speaking of Imagination - layered with that, summer can come!

…I asked a colleague a few years ago. He said: Prada Luna Rossa, the red one.

I was shockingly in love with this scent, I know of no better for myself.

Even after all these years, I am still so incredibly taken with this fragrance composition.

It starts sweet and powdery, with Tonka and amber in the foreground, along with a bit of lavender and vanilla.
As it develops, it becomes calmer and musk takes over. I can hardly imagine how anyone could not like this scent haha!

Unmistakably a wonderful fragrance, definitely worthy of being a signature scent. I always hoped it would remain a hidden gem, but Prada has made an entire series out of it. For me, this one still remains the best of all.

Vibrant Leather Tobacco Elixir is one of the more interesting interpretations from the Zara range for me. The scent starts warm and slightly sweet, with a clear tobacco note that feels soft and pleasant rather than harsh or edgy. There is also a subtle vanilla that adds depth without coming off as cheap. I should mention that it could also be honey. Hence my association with Naxos.

As it develops, the scent remains quite linear, which I don’t see as a negative here. It doesn’t present any major surprises but instead feels consistently harmonious and wearable. The leather note is more in the background and seems to be overshadowed by the tobacco.

Longevity and sillage are solid for the price, I would even say at niche level. Overall, it’s a rounded, mature fragrance that works particularly well in the cooler seasons and shows that Zara can deliver independent, well-crafted scents beyond just pure dupe vibes.