Ekhtiari

Is it Worth It?

Ekhtiari is a good, not great, dupe. If you adore Idole but can't justify the price tag, this is a reasonable alternative. It captures the essence without the high-end refinement. But if you're on a budget and just want that clean, rosy vibe, Ekhtiari will scratch the itch. It's a solid daily wear fragrance that won't break the bank.

First Impressions & Dry Down

Ekhtiari aims for Lancome's Idole, and lands somewhere in the neighborhood. The initial blast of pear and bergamot is bright, but immediately shows its budget. It's a tad more synthetic than Idole's refined fruitiness. The rose heart is pleasant, a mix of Turkish and May rose giving it a powdery, feminine feel. It tries to capture that clean jasmine note of Idole but lacks the same sparkle. The drydown is a soft, musky vanilla. It differs most from Idole here, becoming creamier and less sharp. I'd say it gets about 88% of the way there, but the initial cheaper ingredients give it away.

Wear time & Sillage

Longevity is surprisingly decent. I get about 5-6 hours on skin, longer on clothes. Projection is moderate, a gentle bubble around you for the first hour, then it settles closer to the skin. It's not a powerhouse, but it doesn't disappear immediately either. the performance is acceptable.