Arabian Incense

Olfactory Experience

Arabian Incense aims for Larmes du Desert, and gets respectably close, maybe 85%. The opening blast is noticeably more synthetic though. The incense is there, a touch rougher, less rounded than the original's luxurious feel. Cypress adds a green edge. The heart is where it shines, similar patchouli-guaiac-cedar blend, but slightly muddier, losing some of the original’s clarity. The drydown is a warm, ambery wood, pleasant but lacks the depth and nuance of the Atelier des Ors masterpiece. It's a solid attempt, but the cheapness peeks through.

Bottom Line

Arabian Incense is a winner. If you crave the Larmes du Desert vibe but can't stomach the price tag, this scratches that itch. Yes, there are synthetic edges, yes, it lacks the refined beauty of the original. But the original costs ten times more. This is for the budget-conscious who want a dark, woody incense fragrance without breaking the bank. If you demand perfection, save for the original. If you want a good approximation at a steal, grab this.

Wear time & Sillage

Longevity is decent. I get about 6-7 hours on skin, with moderate projection for the first 2 hours before settling closer. It's not a beast, but it's respectable . It projects less intensely than Larmes du Desert. Don't expect room-filling sillage.