You Are My Fire Rouge

Notes & Nuances

Zakat's You Are My Fire Rouge opens with a blast of candied strawberry. It smells less like fresh fruit and more like a strawberry hard candy left in the sun. The blackberry note is a mere suggestion, quickly overtaken by a sharp, almost medicinal raspberry. This initial phase leans towards a children's cough syrup sweetness. The heart introduces a dry cedar, but it battles with the persistent berry accord, creating a slightly discordant blend. The promised cinnamon is faint, mostly adding a powdery texture rather than distinct spice. The drydown is where this diverges most from its inspiration. Instead of smooth leather, I get a synthetic suede accord – imagine vinyl car seats. The vanilla and tonka struggle to soften the plastic, resulting in a plasticky drydown. It's not unpleasant, but the quality is clearly different.

How Long Does it Last?

Longevity is moderate, clocking in around 5-6 hours. Projection is surprisingly strong for the first hour, easily filling a room. After that, it settles closer to the skin. I tested this during a mild spring day, and it became cloying in warmer temperatures. This scent performs better in cooler weather.

Final Thoughts

If this fragrance were a character, it would be a supporting player in a teen drama, someone with a bright, superficial exterior that masks a somewhat artificial core. Not entirely unlikable, but not exactly memorable either.