Azora

Is it Worth It?

Azora provides a decent alternative for those seeking the Fleur Narcotique experience on a budget. While it lacks the refinement and natural-smelling quality of Ex Nihilo's masterpiece, its performance is acceptable. If you crave the real thing, stick with the original. The original is undeniably superior in scent quality and blend. For the budget-conscious who enjoy a slightly sweeter, powdery rendition, Azora is a viable option. Not a dupe, but a respectable interpretation.

The Scent Profile

Azora opens with a bright, almost aggressively citrusy bergamot. The lychee is present, though leaning towards a candied sweetness compared to Fleur Narcotique's fresher interpretation. Peach is a noticeable addition here, softening the initial sharpness. The heart attempts to mimic the original's airy floral blend, but the jasmine and peony feel less photorealistic, more abstract. A noticeable synthetic edge creeps in. The orange blossom is dialed up, adding a powdery quality. The drydown is where the divergence is most apparent. Instead of a sheer, clean musk, Azora leans heavily on a sweet bourbon vanilla, adding a gourmand touch absent in the original. The woody notes are a generic blend. Overall, Azora captures about 93% of Fleur Narcotique's DNA but with cheaper ingredients.

Performance Reality Check

Longevity is surprisingly good. I get around 6-7 hours on skin. Projection is moderate for the first two hours, then it settles closer to the skin. It projects a respectable arms length. Respraying after 4 hours breathes new life into the fragrance.