Rifaaqat

The Scent Profile

Rifaaqat kicks off with a surprising, almost medicinal blast of pepper – think pink peppercorns crushed into cherry cough syrup. The elemi adds a resinous lift, but it's quickly overtaken by the heart's smoky olibanum. This incense note isn't churchy; it's more like a bonfire smoldering after the party's over. The saffron lends a leathery nuance that flirts with gasoline. Where it deviates from its inspiration is in the base. The vanilla is a tad synthetic, lacking the rich depth. The suede accord is more like a plasticky imitation leather, and the cedar emerges strongly, creating a drier, sharper finish than expected.

Performance Reality Check

On my skin, Rifaaqat lasts a solid 6-7 hours. Projection is moderate; it creates a noticeable scent bubble for the first 2 hours, then settles closer to the skin. I wore this on a chilly evening walk and found it held up well against the cool air. It got me through dinner afterwards with just a skin scent remaining.

Bottom Line

Rifaaqat is best suited for cooler weather, specifically fall evenings. The smoky incense and peppery spice would be cloying in the heat. It's a bold choice for a night out, but also works surprisingly well for a relaxed evening at home. I wouldn't recommend it for the office; it's a bit too assertive.