Ghazala of Arabia

The Verdict

If this scent were a character in a movie, it would be the enthusiastic but slightly awkward understudy trying too hard to play the lead role.

Scent Breakdown

Ghazala of Arabia launches with a potent cinnamon blast – less ground spice, more Big Red gum. The cardamom is present, but subdued beneath a sugary wave. The bergamot adds a fleeting citrus brightness, quickly overtaken by the gourmand heart. The vanilla is undeniably there, yet it lacks the boozy depth of a good bourbon; instead, it presents a slightly plasticky, artificial vanilla extract note. Elemi adds a touch of resinous complexity, but it's fighting a losing battle. The drydown is where it truly deviates, settling into a praline accord that's more akin to burnt sugar than rich nuttiness. The musk is a vague clean sheet scent, and the ambroxan provides a slightly scratchy, ambergris-like hum. It mimics Althair's general vibe, but misses the mark in the nuances, opting for a sweeter, less refined profile.

Performance Reality Check

I achieved approximately 5 hours of noticeable longevity on skin. The projection is moderate for the first hour, extending about an arm's length, then quickly retracts to a skin scent. I tested this during a day of running errands and found it became cloying in warmer environments.