Shahd

Scent Breakdown

Shahd opens with a blast of creamy, almost indolic white florals. I get a strong frangipani note, but it's tempered with a slight "bubblegum" sweetness. Compared to Ambree, it's missing that signature Narciso musk right up front; instead, the musk manifests later. The heart develops into a warm amber, but unfortunately, it's less nuanced and more like generic amber accord from a craft store candle. The drydown features a noticeable synthetic cashmeran, giving it a slight dryer sheet vibe mixed with a powdery vanilla. The cedar is barely perceptible. It tries to emulate Ambree's creamy, skin-like musk, but falls short with a plasticky accord that creeps in after an hour.

Projection Power

Longevity is surprisingly decent, clinging to skin for around 6-7 hours. Projection is initially strong, projecting about an arm's length for the first hour, then quickly settling closer to the skin. I tested this at the office and while it didn't offend anyone, it also didn't garner any compliments. It simply existed quietly.

The Verdict

Wearing Shahd versus Ambree is like choosing between a silk scarf and a polyester blend. Shahd gets the general idea across, providing a warm, floral amber scent. However, it lacks the sophistication, depth, and seamless blending of the original. You gain the initial "impression" of Ambree, but you lose the nuanced musk and the overall elevated experience. It's a reasonable facsimile, but the synthetic edges prevent it from truly shining.