Forbidden 2
Created for experienced fragrance enthusiasts and lovers of vintage style compositions, this extrait de parfum delivers a dramatic evening presence. It suits wearers who enjoy complex spice and traditional mossy bases rather than modern sugary sweets. The interplay of earthy patchouli, cedar, and oakmoss creates a grounded, mature backdrop for warm cloves, cumin, and velvety May rose. Wear it during crisp autumn nights, formal winter dinners, or private gatherings where you want a distinct, serious trail. If you appreciate bold oriental florals that balance powdery floral elegance with deep leather and pungent spice, this bottle provides a brooding alternative to mainstream designer releases.
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Performance Metrics
5 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Wearers in the community register moderate performance for this fragrance, indicating roughly 3 to 6 hours of longevity. Sillage also sits in the moderate tier, projecting about an arm's length during the opening before pulling closer to the skin for the remainder of its duration.
Notes Pyramid
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This fragrance functions as a woody oakmoss perfume with a classical oriental floral structure dominated by woody, warm spicy, and mossy accords. It features bright lemon and bergamot at the top, a lush heart of May rose, powdery iris, and pungent cumin, and an earthy base of cedar, oakmoss, and leather.
Main Accords
10 MAPPEDThe scent begins with a prominent clash that brings together a fresh spicy and citrus perfume opening, before warm spicy fragrances take over in the heart alongside powdery florals. As the mid fades, woody, earthy, and mossy accords take over, supported by dry leather and resinous sweetness that ground the trailing scent.
Community Data
7 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
OWNERSHIP STATS
GENDER APPEAL
REVIEW SENTIMENT
When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in spring and fall. The vote picture leans most toward night.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Rich classical blend of spices, florals, and earthy woods
Features authentic oakmoss, leather, and patchouli depth
Extrait de Parfum concentration delivers high oil density
Unisex profile suited for mature, confident wearers
Excellent choice for crisp autumn and winter evenings
Good value for an elusive luxury style composition
Powdery iris and May rose balance the pungent spices
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Cumin and clove notes can smell harsh or polarising
Community wear data is limited to a single logged vote
Lacks the breezy versatility needed for hot summer days
Too heavy and complex for casual everyday office wear
Traditional mossy profile will feel dated to some shoppers
Moderate longevity of 3 to 6 hours may disappoint some extrait fans
Distinct leather and spice make blind buying risky
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“The Dua Brand Forbidden 2 Review: Vintage Spices and Earthy Oakmoss”
Forbidden 2 by The Dua Brand opens with an assertive blast of tart lemon and bergamot, wrapped immediately in a sharp veil of pepper. The citrus is crisp rather than sweet, cutting through the dense concentration of the liquid. Within minutes, the zesty top layer begins to mingle with pungent cumin and dark cloves. It creates an immediate throwback atmosphere, recalling the grand, unapologetic perfumery of decades past.
As the initial brightness subsides, the floral heart steps forward with remarkable weight. May rose and powdery iris dominate the center, accompanied by the exotic sweetness of ylang-ylang and delicate jasmine. Violet adds a cool, chalky texture that contrasts against warm spices. Further into the wear, the scent transitions into a rich base where earthy patchouli, oakmoss, and dry cedar wood establish command. Labdanum provides a resinous warmth, while a firm leather note lends a rugged texture to the trailing dry-down.
The development showcases a clear dialogue between its listed accords, presenting a citrus aromatic fresh spicy perfume in the opening before descending into darker territory. Woody and warm spicy elements remain constant throughout the composition, providing a sturdy backbone. Early on, fresh spicy facets feel sharp and energizing. Over several hours, the powdery floral notes recede, allowing mossy, earthy, and leather accords to govern the scent trail. Subtle hints of immortelle and black currant occasionally surface, lending dry herbal sweetness beneath the heavy woods.
Community performance votes for Forbidden 2 by The Dua Brand currently place both longevity and sillage in the moderate range. That translates to roughly 3 to 6 hours of dependable wear with an arm's length scent bubble before it settles closer to the skin. Because of its dense, spicy nature, this fragrance is ideally suited for cooler seasons like fall and winter, particularly during evening events. The intensity of cumin, cloves, and leather can feel overwhelming in high summer humidity.
This perfume will appeal most to experienced collectors who revere classical chypres, vintage orientals, and complex spice profiles. Wearers who enjoy mature, powdery roses framed by oakmoss and woods will find much to admire. Conversely, anyone seeking a modern, sugary gourmand or an airy, clean office freshie should skip this release. The animalic tinge of cumin and the dry bitterness of oakmoss can easily alienate noses accustomed to contemporary minimalist scents.
Forbidden 2 delivers a bold, nostalgic composition that honors traditional oriental floral structures. While community testing remains limited to a single logged rating, the Extrait de Parfum delivers a satisfying, multifaceted wear for those who appreciate deep spices and old-school mossy woods.
FAQs
What does Forbidden 2 smell like?+
Forbidden 2 smells like a vintage oriental floral defined by bright citrus, powdery rose, pungent spices, and an earthy oakmoss base. It opens with lemon and bergamot before unveiling a spicy floral heart of May rose, cumin, and cloves. The final hours feature a classic base of cedar, patchouli, leather, and oakmoss.
How long does Forbidden 2 last on skin?+
Forbidden 2 lasts approximately 3 to 6 hours on skin based on community performance votes. The single recorded community vote places its longevity in the moderate band. While its Extrait de Parfum concentration contains heavy base notes of cedar, oakmoss, and leather, wearers should expect a moderate rather than eternal lifespan.
How strong is the projection of Forbidden 2?+
Forbidden 2 has a moderate projection that radiates about an arm's length from the wearer. The community votes record a moderate sillage rating. The bright citrus and fresh pepper provide an initial burst upon spraying, but the heavier spices and florals quickly settle into a controlled, personal scent bubble.
Is Forbidden 2 suitable for men or women?+
Forbidden 2 is a unisex fragrance that works equally well for men and women. Community gender appeal votes classify it as unisex. The balance between powdery florals like May rose and iris against traditionally masculine elements like cedar wood, cumin, and rugged leather gives it an adaptable, gender-neutral character.
What perfume is Forbidden 2 inspired by?+
Forbidden 2 is inspired by the elusive Parfum Royale No. 2 from Roja Parfums. The Dua Brand created this formulation to replicate the rare original's complex blend of fresh citrus, spicy May rose, and classic chypre base notes of oakmoss, labdanum, and leather at a much more accessible price.
What season is best for wearing Forbidden 2?+
Forbidden 2 performs best during the cooler temperatures of fall and winter. Seasonal community votes show equal favor for winter, fall, and spring, with zero votes for summer. The dense warmth of cloves, cumin, patchouli, and leather can become overwhelming during humid, high-heat summer weather.
What occasions suit Forbidden 2 best?+
Forbidden 2 is best suited for evening events, formal dinners, and special nights out. Its complex, spicy character and powdery floral dry-down project a serious, elegant mood. Because the cumin and leather accords carry noticeable intensity, it is less fitting for the gym or relaxed casual daytime wear.
Does Forbidden 2 make a safe blind buy?+
Forbidden 2 is not a safe blind buy for most casual fragrance buyers. Its combination of animalic cumin, pungent cloves, and traditional bitter oakmoss makes it a polarising scent profile. Unless you already love complex vintage chypres or Roja Parfums creations, testing a sample first is strongly recommended.
How should you apply Forbidden 2 for the best results?+
Apply two to three sprays of Forbidden 2 directly to warm pulse points like the neck and wrists. Because this is an Extrait de Parfum with potent spice notes like cumin and cloves, over-spraying can overwhelm those nearby. Keeping application measured allows the intricate floral and woody layers to unfold naturally.
Is Forbidden 2 considered a good value?+
Yes, community voters rate Forbidden 2 as a good value purchase. As an indie extrait de parfum recreation of a rare, high-cost luxury release, it offers intricate niche perfumery without the four-figure price tag of the original. However, the limited number of community reviews means individual expectations may vary.
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Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCOREForbidden 2 is directly inspired by Parfum Royale No. 2 by Roja Parfums, aiming to recreate that fragrance's rare blend of citrus, rich May rose, pungent spices, and mossy leather base. While the Roja original is known for ultra-luxurious, exclusive distribution, this Dua interpretation provides a more accessible route to the same dense, vintage chypre DNA.
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