Shaghaf Oud Royal

How it Smells

Shaghaf Oud Royal tries hard to be Oud for Greatness, and honestly, it gets pretty close. The opening blast of saffron and nutmeg is there, but it’s a bit harsher, a touch more synthetic than the Initio. The lavender is less prominent, which actually makes it a little more wearable for some. The oud itself is the star here, as it should be, but it lacks the refined smoothness of the original. The drydown leans heavily into a musky patchouli. It's good, but not groundbreaking. I'd say it's about 88% similar overall.

The Verdict

If you're looking for Oud for Greatness on a budget, this is a solid contender. It's not a perfect replica, the synthetic edges are noticeable up close, and the smoothness isn't quite there. However, considering it costs a tenth of the price, it's a steal. If you are someone who loves the *idea* of Oud for Greatness, but can't stomach the price or are relatively new to fragrance this is a brilliant entry point.

Projection Power

This is where Shaghaf Oud Royal shines. It lasts a solid 7-8 hours on my skin with moderate projection for the first 2-3. Don’t expect beast mode, but it definitely makes its presence known. It lingers on clothes for days. the performance is exceptional.