Afaq

The Scent Profile

Afaq hits you with a big, floral tuberose right away, mimicking Rouge Malachite's creamy sweetness. The pink pepper adds a slight zing, but it's more subdued here. Clary sage is a welcome touch, providing a herbal, green counterpoint. In the heart, the jasmine and ylang-ylang amp up the floral intensity, a little less refined than the Armani. The drydown is where it deviates most; a noticeable amber note emerges, making it warmer and slightly denser than Rouge Malachite's cleaner tuberose finish. I'd say it captures around 90% of the original's DNA, trading some sophistication for affordability.

The Performance Stats

Projection is moderate for the first hour, creating a noticeable scent bubble. After that, it settles closer to the skin, becoming a pleasant, lingering floral. Longevity is respectable; I get around 6-7 hours on my skin, which is solid . Don't expect beast mode, but it's definitely office-appropriate after the initial blast.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

Afaq is a solid option for those who appreciate the Rouge Malachite DNA but balk at the price tag. It's not a perfect dupe, lacking some of the original's elegance. However, for roughly a tenth of the cost, it delivers a very satisfying and wearable tuberose experience. Skip it if you demand absolute perfection.