Pride

The Verdict

Pride by Maison Alhambra is a respectable alternative to Lancôme's Idôle. It doesn't have the same seamless quality but it captures the essence of the scent . This is perfect for someone who wants that clean, floral, and modern feel without breaking the bank. If you crave the ultimate sophistication and have the budget, go for Idôle. It's for the girl next door, effortlessly chic and quietly confident.

Notes & Nuances

Pride opens with a juicy pear, a tad sharper than Idôle's more refined sweetness. The bergamot adds a fleeting brightness, not as sparkling as the original. The rose heart is where Pride finds its footing. It’s a powdery Turkish rose mainly, with hints of jasmine. It captures about 88% of Idôle's elegant floral character. The dry down is pleasant, a clean white musk and a touch of vanilla. It lacks the cedarwood note present in Idôle which makes it feel a little bit less sophisticated but still quite nice.

Performance Reality Check

Projection is moderate for the first hour; it creates a subtle aura. Longevity is surprisingly decent; I get around 5-6 hours on skin, a solid 7-8 on clothing. It sits closer to the skin after the initial blast, becoming a soft, comforting scent.