Najdia

Notes & Nuances

Najdia comes on strong with that grapefruit and marine accord, like Invictus Aqua '16, but with a slightly sharper, more synthetic edge. It's not bad, just noticeably cheaper. The mandarin adds a touch of sweetness, keeping it from being a complete citrus bomb. The heart is where it deviates a bit more. The bay leaf is toned down, and I get more of the violet leaf. The drydown is fairly similar to the original, though. Ambergris and guaiac wood provide a pleasant, slightly woody base, though that synthetic vibe lingers. I'd say it's about 80% similar to Invictus Aqua. It's close enough .

Bottom Line

Yes, it's a clone, and you can tell in the opening. But the drydown is close, and the performance is decent. This is a great grab-and-go summer scent for anyone on a budget. Is Invictus Aqua ten times better? Absolutely not. This one is a no-brainer .

Performance Reality Check

This stuff performs pretty well, especially considering the cost. I get a solid 6-7 hours on my skin. Projection is moderate for the first couple of hours, then it settles closer to the skin. Perfect for the office or running errands. It won't fill a room, but it will definitely leave a noticeable scent bubble.