#sotd... Aquatica by Rayhaan... This opens with a blast of Lime. Very good projection for about 1.5 hours. As it starts to settle down, the coconut makes its way forward to take over from there. To my nose, those are the two main characters in this fragrance... I did pickup on some sweetness and very little bit of a musky scent. I got between 6 to 7 hours before it dropped into of musky scent to finish it off.

Picked this up a few weeks ago, the second release this year from Armani's SWY Line and I really like it. A warm Oriental Spicey edp that adds a touch of fiery ruggedness too the classic DNA. Although it's bottled like many of those Dubai limited editions, I can see this becoming a full time staple in the SWY line up. Like many of these releases, marketed by L'oreal, they don't credit the perfumer, abort Cécile Matton was the nose behind many of these flankers! It shifts away from the pure gourmand sweetness of its predecessors, designed to replace some of the syrupy facets of the original with a desert inspired aesthetic and a resinous warmth that feels more mature than the Original edt. Spices begins with a sharp, energizing burst of black pepper balanced by the zesty, citrusy brightness of bergamot & mandarin, for an immediate spark that sets a vibrant tone. As the fragrance transitions into the heart, it unveils a complex trio of hot spices consisting of clove, cinnamon & saffron, which are tempered by the inclusion of Lavender Diva essence & a subtle, jammy apricot note. This xore phase is where the Spices moniker truly shines, offering a dry heat. The dry-down settles into the signature base of the collection, that sugared chestnut accord, but here it is deepened by smoky leather, ambery woods & a luxurious Bourbon vanilla extract. The addition of a date note in the base provides a dark, fruity/leather sweetness that anchors the spices, creating a textured trail that lasts for ages. Spices as you could imagine is a serious contender, offering heavy projection. On the skin, it boasts impressive longevity, I get a solid 8 hours, and it clings to clothes forever. Due to its dense, spicy, and resinous profile, this fragrance is best suited for the colder months of autumn and winter, where the crisp air allows the warmth of the cinnamon and amber to bloom beautifully. It is an ideal choice for formal evening events, winter dates, or high-profile social gatherings. Easily my favourite release of the year so far.

Picked this one up yesterday in my local Lidl, never seen it before, no surprises where the influence for this came from. It's an aromatic Fourgere, in the vain of the classic Le Male, and to be honest for approx €5, it ain't half bad. G. Belini is the German brand that do the Lidl range of fragrances, some are clear misses, but then Some are super good. Their versions of boss Bottled and Jazz club are tops, and Saylor fits I to this category. Released around 2021 as a buget friendly alternative. Saylor closely mirrors the classic DNA it aims to replicate, focusing on a blend of freshness and warmth. In the opening, you are greeted with a sharp, invigorating burst of mint & lavender, accented by a hint of cardamom that provides an immediate cooling sensation. As the fragrance transitions into the heart, the aromatic profile deepens with a spicy touch of cinnamon & orange blossom, to add a creamy, floral sweetness that bridges the gap between the fresh top & the heavy base. The dry-down is where the fragrance truly settles, dominated by a rich and comforting base of vanilla, amber & tonka bean. These base notes work together to create a powdery, slightly gourmand finish that feels smooth on the skin. For an edp of those price, performance ain't half bad. Ove gotten a solid 5hrs on my skin. Projection is moderate but noticeable; it radiates well within an arm's length for the first 60m before settling into a consistent scent bubble that is pleasant without being overpowering. Best suited for cooler seasons like autumn and winter, though its minty opening allows it to transition well into spring evenings. It is a versatile choice for casual daytime wear or the office. I'll be keeping an eye out for a back up bottle of this, I'm really impressed with this one. My Rating 7/10 Scent 2.5 Longevity 2 Sillage 1.5 Y/N 1