Al Areeq

Final Thoughts

If you crave Pi's distinctive sweet almond and vanilla vibe but don't want to shell out the big bucks, Al Areeq is a respectable stand-in. It captures the essence of the original, though it lacks some of the finer details. It's a good choice for someone who enjoys sweet, comforting fragrances and isn't overly concerned with chasing hyper-realistic natural ingredients. But for the casual wearer, Al Areeq provides a perfectly acceptable fix.

First Impressions & Dry Down

Al Areeq wants to be Pi. It really does. The opening rushes out a blast of sweet mandarin and herbal tarragon, aiming for that bright, playful, yet sophisticated first impression of the Givenchy classic. It gets *close*. Maybe 90% there. The heart softens with a powdery anise and neroli accord. There's a slightly synthetic edge, a certain flatness compared to the smoother, more rounded Pi. Where it really diverges is the drydown. The almond note is amplified, turning it sweeter, almost marzipan-like. This is definitely a vanilla-tonka bomb, but the vanilla leans slightly artificial.

The Performance Stats

Projection is moderate for the first hour, creating a pleasant bubble. After that, it settles closer to the skin. Longevity is surprisingly decent . Expect around 6-7 hours of noticeable wear.