Best Shahoor Intense by Al Absar Alternatives & Similar Perfumes

Many ancient cultures revered rubies, believing these sacred stones to be immortal emblems of love, vitality and the unyielding pulse of life itself. Ruby opens with a burst of red berries, pineapple, and juicy, juicy cherries. Much like cherry blossoms, cherries conjure the delicate and fleeting nature of life, a reminder of moments to be savoured. The heart notes swirl with whipped cream and brown sugar, before settling into a rich fusion of musk, amber and benzoin.

“Bain de minuit” is French for “skinny dipping”, and what could be more decadent than a midnight splash au natural in a giant vat of strawberries, cherries and vanilla? The initial fruity-tootiness gives way to a tough ‘n’ tropical accord of monoï oil and leather, with jasmine and praline singing the high and low harmonies.

Perfumer: Julien Plos

The charming and playful dancer warms up before her debut. Talented and passionate she radiates confidence and anticipation. Deliciously, exciting and unexpected. Sweet almond and ripe cherries contrast with sandalwood and vanilla for a floral, sweet and woody intensity. 

Aomassaï is a combination of amer (French for bitter), oriental and Maasai (a reference to the fact that the fragrance had been inspired by Africa with its dry seasons and bushfires as well as voodoo magic). All the ingredients come in some kind of roasted, grilled or burnt state to create a somber and bitter fragrance, a perfect “olfactory bitterness”.

Glowing red in the dusk, this latex cherry is spiced with clove, dusted with heliotrope, rolled in vanilla, smoked in tobacco. It’s cushy and cozy, but just a little wicked. 20359 is the postcode of St Pauli, the Hamburg district where 32.JULI was founded. For centuries, sailors arriving through Hamburg's harbour, artists, musicians and night owls have shaped the neighbourhood's unmistakable character. Known for its independent spirit, iconic nightlife and historic red light district, Sankt Pauli is a place where stories begin. The fragrance captures the anticipation of an evening just unfolding, lifting the cocktail cherry from the first drink of the night.

971 is the international phone code for the United Arab Emirates, a shorthand for the heritage and spirit of the UAE. The inspiration for 971 comes directly from traditions of the homeland: dates, a symbol of Emirati hospitality and abundance; honey, reflecting sweetness and generosity; and cinnamon, adding warmth and spice reminiscent of local flavors. Bold, yet comforting.

Andevalo was born under the blazing sun of western Andalusia. A land where cistus shrubs exude a thick, resinous gum saturated with heat and light. This extrait is built around a trio of labdanum extracts, expressing their full ambery depth. Strawberry CO₂ extract, along with raspberry and black cherry accords, bring a pulpy, sensual brightness, quickly absorbed by supple leather and mineral warmth. Enveloping dark woods and patchouli leave a dense and long-lasting trail of smoke and dark sweetness.

Perfumers: Coralie Spicher and Fabrice Pellegrin 

The perfume was inspired by contemplation at the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park, London.

Nature and people come together to celebrate the summer Solstice. Light tobacco smoke rises above the tall grass, drowning merry people in its sweet cloud.

Ripe berries and plant seeds attract park squirrels and other animals. White Royal swans fall asleep in the pond. A light breeze ripples the surface of the water.
The mystical snake (serpent) rustles on the dewy evening grass and disappears into the fern, frightening the screaming birds.
Everything around is immersed in a bohemian night.

A new perfume by Olfactive Studio, a new collaboration between an established photographer and talented perfumer.

Close-up is an intense dark woody gourmand, the signature theme of Annick Menardo (also the nose behind Black for Bulgari, Bois d'Armenie for Guerlain and Lolita Lempicka among others).

The perfume smells boozy and bitter sweet with a cherry liqueur - tonka nuance going through the structure.  The opening is cool anise and green coffee which then gradually descends into a very dark heart concocted of rose, honeyed Atlas cedar, patchouli and amber. The perfume turns fresher in the drydown of bright musks.

Incredible longevity on skin.

The artwork: Close Up by Suren Manvelyan.

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The Sniff on Close-up:
"This deep and seductive blend combines lots of rich and multifaceted notes to produce a real dark brown bear of a scent. Not for the timid or faint hearted, Close Up is one for the sophisticated gourmandy types."

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From the ethereal perspective of the exquisitely adorned hummingbird, the world is an endless kaleidoscope of colourful, fragrant blooms offering up their tempting delights. An insatiable desire for sweetness propels the hummingbird as it floats from flower to flower, sampling the nectar with a gentle touch of its delicate tongue. Retreating to its lichen and moss-lined nest, it settles into the cozy cocoon and dreams of sweet ambrosia.

Hummingbird mingles light floral tones with delectable fruity nectars to create a harmonious balance. This diaphanous scent alights upon you in a pastel bouquet of honeysuckle, mimosa, lilac and peonies, with just the lightest dusting of natural sugars found in pear, cherry and honey. A finishing dollop of velvety whipped cream melds the tantalizing notes, completing this irresistible and opulent perfume.

Perfumer: Shelley Waddington

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The Sniff on Hummingbird:

"[it] settles beautifully and as it warms more floral notes develop. There was a strong lilac and something that reminds me of Viburnum – a sweet, almost jasmine-like smell."

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