Wafa

First Impressions & Dry Down

Wafa comes on strong with that nutmeg and apple. It's trying its best to be Carlisle, but the opening has a slightly sharper, more synthetic edge. Think Carlisle's boozy apple pie, but made with slightly cheaper ingredients. The heart leans heavily into the tonka and a whisper of rose. It warms up nicely, gets a bit powdery, but still lacks the depth of the OG. The drydown is where Wafa shines. You get a comforting vanilla-patchouli blend, pretty close to Carlisle's base. I'd say it's about 80% similar overall, especially after the first hour.

Projection Power

This stuff projects! For the first two hours, you'll definitely be noticed. After that, it settles into a pleasant skin scent. Longevity is decent – I get a solid 6-7 hours on my skin. On clothes, it lasts even longer. Not beast mode, but respectable .

To Buy or Not to Buy?

If you're a Carlisle fanatic on a budget, Wafa is a no-brainer. It's a solid daily driver, especially for fall and winter. That said, the synthetic opening might bother some. If you want that smoother, higher-quality experience, Carlisle is worth the splurge. But if you need something for work or running errands and don't want to deplete your Carlisle, Wafa is a great alternative.