Enigma by Roja (and others)
Ask a hardcore perfume lover — a true fraghead — about their favorite fragrance, and get ready for a masterclass on perfumery. I’m guilty as charged! But if you genuinely want to know what perfumes reign supreme in someone’s heart, skip the Q&A and peek inside their perfume wardrobe. The clues are out in the open: untouched bottles gathering dust, half-used treasures, well-loved staples drained to the last drop. Our collection is a spectrum — from those we wear on special occasions, to the ones we finish in record time. Watch what we actually wear, not just what we rave about. And sometimes, we finish bottles not for love, but because we never want to smell them again.
Here are the bottles I’ve completely finished — each with its own story.
1. Nishane Hacivat — Nishane, a renowned Turkish niche house, casts a spell over perfume aficionados worldwide. My personal favorite from their lineup is a vetiver masterpiece, but Hacivat deserves its spotlight. Often called the “Creed Aventus clone,” Hacivat goes beyond mere imitation — it’s a full-fledged chypre, layering oakmoss, patchouli, and bergamot for a classic yet modern take with a beautiful pineapple note. It’s got depth, but wow, is it a crowd pleaser. Case in point: A stranger stopped me on the wild streets of Las Vegas, asking about the incredible scent trailing behind me and demanding to know where she could buy it. No surprise — I backfilled my 50ml with a bigger 100ml bottle. This one’s a keeper.
Image courtesy: rojalondon.com
2. Roja Creation-E / Enigma — Known as Creation-E in the US and Enigma elsewhere, this Roja Dove creation is proof that not everything that Roja made is a reinterpretation of a classic. Enigma stands as one of the top boozy fragrances — think whisky, rum, gin, and so on. It’s a rich waft of tobacco and cognac with an unexpected twist: a fizzy, cola-like vibe that’s absolutely addictive. When I finished my bottle, I wanted more — just stronger. So I picked up the Enigma Parfum after a YouTube reviewer compared the Cologne to Diet Coke and the Parfum to classic Coke (and Cherry Coke, too). Fragrance nerds get it.
3. Francesca Bianchi Sticky Fingers — If Francesca Bianchi has a signature, it’s her love affair with orris root. But her Sticky Fingers is a Patchouli bomb in the best possible way. Patchouli, the earthy, rebellious note that defined hippie culture of the ’70s, comes alive here with an incense undertone. Sticky Fingers might not be my ultimate patchouli, but it nails that free-spirited vibe. My bottle’s long gone; I’m eyeing Profumum Roma’s Patchouly as its successor.
4. Rasasi La Yuqawam Pour Homme — Leather scents can be a minefield — forgettable or phenomenal. Rasasi’s La Yuqawam is often touted as a dupe for Tom Ford’s Tuscan Leather (famed for its raspberry-leather combo), and let’s just say: I’m usually skeptical of clones. But I will make exceptions for exceptional houses like Rasasi. Athena is another house that is on my list of unoriginal yet awesome. Sometimes, trying alternatives pays off.
A Few Flacons That Are Going Fast — But Not Quite Finished
- Lalique Encre Noire L’Extreme: Holding out to grab the Sport version.
- Nishane Ani: Not my style, won’t repurchase.
- Guerlain Vetiver: Legendary vetiver, just too simple for my taste.
- Bentley for Men Intense: Will absolutely buy again.
- 1920 The Origin by Tous: Jasmine perfection.
- Bel Ami by Hermes: Waiting to score Bel Ami Vetiver.