I’ll be fair to Dua Fragrances — I don’t think their best work is always the “inspired by” stuff. Where they really shine for me is their originals and especially their hybrids. Here’s why I think Dua actually excels when they’re creating their own blends: 1) Their hybrids feel like a real lane, not just cloning. A lot of brands copy one scent and call it a day. Dua’s hybrids usually take DNA from two (or more) familiar profiles and mash them into something that feels genuinely new. Sometimes it’s hit-or-miss, but when it hits, it’s a fun “what if these two had a baby?” kind of scent. 2) “Beast mode” is basically their signature. Even if someone doesn’t love the refinement, it’s hard to deny the longevity and projection. Their originals/hybrids are usually built to perform like crazy, which is a big reason people become fans in the first place. 3) Their originals tend to smell richer than people expect. When Dua is on, their blends come across smooth, dense, and saturated, like they’re not afraid of using heavier materials or pushing sweetness/woods/ambers harder than a lot of designers. You can tell the goal is impact. 4) They’ve got real “concept scents,” not just copy-paste profiles. Some of their originals lean into a specific vibe—spa-clean, candy/gourmand, nostalgic, etc.—and commit to it. Stuff like Luxurious Spa Day or Spell Of Cotton Candy, as well as the other originals and one hybrid I took pictures of. (if you like that style) are good examples of Dua doing something that feels intentionally themed, not just “close enough to X.” 5) Value is a huge part of the appeal. End of the day: you’re getting niche-style intensity and weird/fun creativity without paying niche-house pricing. Not everything is going to be perfectly refined, but for performance + creativity, the originals/hybrids are legit. I would basically rate all the originals and hybrids a minimum of 8/10 Plus!!! I have to edit this to include pictures from my phone!!!

Late post today. Running errands etc and forgot that I didn’t. I decided on New York today. I’ve owned and worn this a ton. Obviously has a “few” notes. 😂 sweet floral. Slightly spicy and woody/resinous. I’m not sure how I missed this but I’ve been struggling with one of my budget frags for awhile as to why I know “that” profile. It hit me today and I felt soooo stupid. It’s Oud 07 by Swiss Arabian. No it’s not 1:1 although it’s absolutely a similar profile of notes especially on the opening. Every time I wear Oud 07 I’m thinking “I know this profile but where”???? Finally I figured it out. This is absolutely not a cheap frag at $295 USD/50ml. Because of that I feel it gets a bad rap in reviews. Bottle and cap are beautiful. Atomizer is the one area of presentation I feel could be better although it’s still good. At this price it should be excellent. The performance you ask? Amazing Sillage is wonderful with a fantastic bubble that is envelopes you with a 3 ft (1 meter for you non Americans. 😂 ) Projection is not “beast mode” but also excellent. Longevity with 2-3 sprays is a solid 8-10 hours before becoming a skin scent. Clothing is days. Of the Saphire line from Widian, three of the four are absolute banger must have, FBW for me. The only one not FBW imho is Grenada and why I don’t own it. @Nick Clemente we talked a bit ago about “Oudish frags” and I completely forgot about this one to recommend to you. I think this would be right up your alley. Does it have actual Oud? Absolutely not. Almost no frag out there has real oud anymore. (Including Greed Oud Zarian). But the ingredients used and masterful blending make this a must try. Or if on a budget I recommend Oud 07/Swiss Arabian for the dna of this. What say you brothers? Tried it or own it?