Nefertiti

“How Nefertiti comes across in real wear”

Nefertiti opens with a green, bitter shock. The herbal sharpness of cannabis dominates the first few minutes, accompanied by a cool, slightly damp orchid leaf accord. It smells raw and earthy, like stepping into a greenhouse filled with wild vegetation. Some wearers might find this initial blast harsh or overly medicinal, as the green notes do not attempt to be clean or fresh in a traditional soap-like way. Instead, they present a dark, damp texture that commands attention immediately.

As the green opening begins to settle, the fragrance shifts into a dense, sweet floral heart. Jasmine emerges, though it lacks the clean, breezy quality of typical white florals. It feels heavy and thick, coated in a warm layer of wild honey and the dry, maple-like warmth of immortelle. Incense smoke begins to rise through these sweet notes, adding a dry, dusty layer that keeps the sweetness from becoming sticky. In the final hours, the fragrance leaves behind its green and floral facets, drying down to an earthy combination of vetiver, musk, and a subtle oud.

On the skin, the transition between these stages is dramatic. The initial bitterness of cannabis and galbanum-like greenness quickly merges with the honey, creating a sweet and sour contrast that simmers for about an hour. The smoke and resinous accords then wrap around the jasmine, adding depth and a slightly dusty texture. Unfortunately, the late stage of the dry-down relies heavily on synthetic musks. On some skin chemistry, this can turn clean and soapy, almost resembling a laundry dryer sheet, which masks the darker agarwood and vetiver notes.

In terms of performance, Nefertiti is a reliable performer. You can expect seven to nine hours of longevity on skin, with the fragrance easily clinging to clothes for a full day. Sillage is strong during the first three hours, projecting about an arm's length before settling into a warm, persistent scent bubble. Because of the heavy honey, incense, and oud base, this fragrance shines in cooler weather. It is particularly well suited for crisp autumn days or chilly winter nights when the cool air helps contain the sweet and smoky accords.

This is not a safe choice for beginners or those seeking a clean office scent. It fits best in a creative, casual setting, paired with a leather jacket or unstructured autumn knitwear. The unisex appeal is genuine, balancing the sweet florals with dry woods and bitter greens. However, the unconventional note profile means it will polarize people around you.

If you want a safe, clean fragrance, skip Nefertiti. If you are intrigued by a challenging, artistic blend of smoky honey, cannabis, and dark jasmine, buy a sample first. Its unique evolution makes it a fascinating test, even if the synthetic musk base prevents it from being a blind buy.