Lattafa Fahkar Black cologne - Full Review & Performance Test

I recently picked up Fahkar Black from Lattafa, a well-known brand from the UAE that I've explored quite a bit in the past. I found this cologne at Burlington for just $25, which is nearly the same price you'd find it online at Joma Shop. The packaging is impressive, as always with Lattafa, emphasizing the experience with its sleek silver box. However, the bottle itself is somewhat of a fingerprint magnet, especially that shiny front part. The fragrance opens with notes of apple, bergamot, and ginger, where the apple stands out the most. Moving into the heart, you get lavender, sage, juniper, and geranium, with the lavender and sage being quite prominent. The base notes include Tonka, cedar, amberwood, and vetiver, giving it a nice woody dry down that lasts around 5-6 hours with good projection.

Fahkar Black is essentially a clone of YSL's Y, but it's an EDP, which means it's a bit more concentrated. This scent is incredibly smooth, lacking any harsh or acidic tones even in the dry down, thanks to the balancing effect of the Tonka bean. It's sweet but not overwhelmingly so, making it versatile for summer, spring, or fall, although I'd say it's best suited for summer. It's a safe blind buy; the fragrance is fresh, bright at the opening, and the base remains very smooth, ensuring it's unlikely anyone would dislike it. However, the one downside I noticed is the longevity; while some claim it lasts up to six hours, for me, it's closer to four, which might not be enough for a full workday.
Overall, I'm really impressed with Fahkar Black and would give it an 8 out of 10. The only real complaint is its staying power, but for the price, which is under $30 even with shipping, it's an absolute steal. It's also a fantastic gift option due to its high-quality presentation and scent. Just be aware, if you care about aesthetics, the bottle does show fingerprints easily. But if you're looking to dip your toes into Middle Eastern fragrances or just want a reliable, masculine scent that won't break the bank, this is definitely one to consider.