Athoor Al Alam Anaqeed Rouge

First Impressions & Dry Down

Anaqeed Rouge kicks off with a surprisingly bright white tea note, quickly followed by a sharp pink pepper that gives it a fizzy, almost citrusy opening. The rose isn't a photorealistic bloom; instead, it's a candied rose, dipped in powdered sugar. The jasmine is subtle, blending into the rose without making much of a statement. I get a whisper of iris, lending a powdery texture rather than distinct iris aroma. The dry down is where it diverges, trading in the sophisticated depth for a sweeter, almost cloying musk and the vetiver emerges as a grassy afterthought to the patchouli. It lacks the nuanced earthiness of the scent it's emulating.

Performance Reality Check

I got about 6-7 hours of wear. Projection is moderate; within arm's reach for the first two hours, then it settles closer to the skin. I wore it to a casual work gathering and found it suitable, but a bit loud when initially applied. It's best suited for cooler weather.

Is it Worth It?

If Anaqeed Rouge was a character, it would be the bubbly but slightly naive protagonist in a romantic comedy, the one who means well but hasn't quite figured everything out.