Eqaab

Olfactory Experience

Eqaab throws a tidal wave of salty grapefruit at you right off the bat. It's less photorealistic sea air, more like someone spilled grapefruit soda on a fishing net. The opening blast shares some DNA with Invictus Legend, but the original has a smoother, almost effervescent quality. This is harsher, with a synthetic edge. As it dries down, the bay leaf and geranium emerge, but are overshadowed by a cloying sweetness. The spiced heart smells less like fresh spices and more like potpourri. The base is a plasticky amber accord with a medicinal guaiac wood note that lingers unpleasantly. It deviates from the original's smoother, ambergris-like finish into something more acrid.

The Verdict

Wearing Eqaab is like listening to a cover band play your favorite song. You recognize the tune, but the nuances are missing, and the overall quality is diminished. While it captures some of the same freshness and sweetness, the rough edges and synthetic undertones detract from the experience. You get the overall vibe, but the sophistication and balance of the original are lost in translation.

Performance Reality Check

On my skin, Eqaab lasts about 6 hours, projecting strongly for the first 2. It's noticeable, creating a scent bubble about an arm's length wide. I wore it during a casual day of errands and felt it was too assertive for close quarters. It would be better suited for outdoor activities where the sillage can dissipate somewhat.