Teriaq Intense

Olfactory Experience

Teriaq Intense kicks off with a blast of cinnamon and rum, a boozy, spicy start that’s surprisingly close to Side Effect. You get about 91% of the way there in the opening. The heart reveals a tobacco and saffron blend. Here's where the differences emerge. Teriaq Intense has a slightly rougher, more synthetic tobacco note compared to the smoother, more refined Initio. The dry down is vanilla and sandalwood, a warm, comforting base. It leans a bit sweeter in the Lattafa, almost cloying if oversprayed. The hedione is detectable, contributing to the airy quality of the scent.

How Long Does it Last?

Projection is good for the first 2 hours, leaving a noticeable scent trail. After that, it settles closer to the skin. Longevity is respectable; expect around 6-8 hours on skin, longer on clothes. It outperforms many fragrances in this price range, a definite plus. Don't expect nuclear performance.

The Verdict

Teriaq Intense is a solid alternative to Side Effect. If you crave that boozy, spicy-sweet DNA but can’t stomach the Initio price tag, this is worth a look. The synthetic edge is present, especially in the tobacco, but it's not a deal-breaker. Is Side Effect 10 times better? No. It's smoother and more refined, sure, but not 10x the value. Buy this if you want a good approximation of a high-end scent without breaking the bank. A safe blind buy for those who enjoy sweet, spicy fragrances.