Shiyaaka Red

Scent Breakdown

Shiyaaka Red attempts a bright, somewhat soapy opening. I get rosemary and a peppery citrus blast that veers into lemon cleaner territory. The initial stages are harsh, with a noticeable rubbing alcohol tang that detracts from the intended refinement. As it settles, a floral heart emerges. The jasmine is muted, more like jasmine tea than blooming jasmine, while the neroli adds a slight sweetness. Orris root is detectable, but imparts a powdery, chalky texture rather than sophisticated iris butter. The dry down is a basic woody accord, dominated by sandalwood and cedar, resulting in a vague pencil shavings impression. There's also a lingering synthetic musk that dulls the experience. Compared to the inspiration, the opening lacks depth and complexity, and the materials read as considerably cheaper. The powdery orris here lacks the creamy quality of the original.

Bottom Line

If Shiyaaka Red were a movie character, it would be a background extra trying to imitate the leading man - recognizable from a distance, but lacking the charisma and presence upon closer inspection.

The Performance Stats

Shiyaaka Red lasts a solid 6-7 hours on my skin, though it becomes a skin scent after the initial two hours. Projection is moderate for the first hour, extending about an arm's length, then quickly fades to a more intimate bubble. I wore it during a day of errands and found it quickly became unremarkable.