IF by R.K.

Wow, IF by R.K. is what I would have liked Gris Charnel by BDK to smell like on me. A delicious, smooth and ultra creamy sandalwood plus cashmeran forward fragrance with a delicious, sweet fig note. Fig is rarely a note I enjoy in fragrances but in IF by R.K. and in Ortigia by Ciatu (a brand originally from peninsula Ortigia, Syracuse, east coast of Sicily) it’s really nicely done. These two fragrances are the only ones where I can genuinely say love fig! IF is the perfect fall or rainy day scent. It’s so comforting and soothing, warm and soft, with a prominent hint of fruitiness coming from fig and bergamot plus a mild spicy side coming from a blend of cinnamon, ginger and black pepper. But what I get the most from IF is the softest, most expensive smelling mix of sandalwood, smoky guaiac wood and sweetened by tonka beans. Absolutely delightful creation that represents for me the best sandalwood-fig combination I’ve encountered in a fragrance so far! Performance wise seems to be on par with the other Frapin I’ve tested recently, 1270, moderate as far as longevity and projection goes. Seems like this French house creates absolutely gorgeous smelling perfumes but not that high performing. The ratio between quality and price is very fair, their perfumes sell for less than designer perfumes sell in 2024! If you’re like me and tried to make BDK’s Gris Charnel and the Extrait version work for you but it wasn’t your cup of tea, it was too masculine leaning, get a sample of IF by R.K.. This is the amazing quality, more feminine smelling in my opinion and it’s a cheaper version of that scent profile. And nobody speaks about this online.. It’s a true gem! Edit December 24: Got a bottle of If on a good sale. Couldn’t be happier every time I wear it.

I do not know how I stumbled upon a sample of this. I don't remember selecting it for any of my subscriptions but somehow I have it...and I am not disappointed. I am a lover of anything dark, spicy, woodsy, and incense like. This clicks all the boxes for me personally. First spray is immediately fresh with top notes of the bergamot and ginger. As it dries the spicy goodness starts to mature, the cinnamon and sandalwood are pretty strong. This is a unisex scent, if I had a man in my life I would definitely be asking him to try this on (spicy notes on men is always a turn on in my opinion). It is a powerhouse when it comes to longevity I sprayed it last night and it's still clinging to my sweater. However its pretty low when it comes to sillage. It stays pretty close to the skin and you'll get random whiffs every once in a while. This honestly might be my new fall/winter signature. If your looking for something cozy and a little sexy I definitely suggest this one. Update: I was wearing this with the new sol de Janeiro 59 and I had a co-worker male look at me and say "something smells good" "is that you...it is" He proceeded to say I smell like a fresh cinnamon bun/ He also said I smell like fall. Will definitely be saving the rest of this for fall now.

A gorgeous creamy, figgy sandalwood scent. Opening leans masculine but quickly evolves into a beautiful, unisex guaiac and sandalwood scent. All the notes are of supreme quality and expertly blended. Perfect for a warm Fall day, but can imagine IF working in any season. Price is fair, $165 for 100ml. My only wish is for a 50 ml size which I don’t think the brand makes. Long lasting too. If it’s not obvious, I’m in love with this exotic and intoxicating perfume. Edit: first purchase in many months, after only one wearing..... EDIT 11.13.22 Turning into one of the most complimented scents I’ve ever worn. Last week I made three decants for colleagues, and my students love it too.

If is a fragrance that is difficult to describe, it doesn't smell like anything you imagine. What's more, it changes at every moment. I discovered it in La Rinascente in Rome, when I was trying to buy a bottle of Caron pour Homme. The saleswoman suggested I try it and told me the history of Frapin perfumes. I walked around the store for about half an hour trying to understand it, but I couldn't. In the end, I decided to buy it and it has been a journey up, because at first I wasn't completely convinced. Before it's finished I want to get a new bottle, the feeling is incredible, it surrounds you and embraces you. You're barely forgetting it and it comes back again. Wonderful!

For me, this is the most realistic Palo Santo, aka guaiac wood. The start is sharp, slightly pungent ginger. Then creamy sandalwood with lactonic pulp of overripe figs, diluted with coconut milk. Later, dry talc-powdery patchouli seasoned with ionones, periodically violet-iris associations slip through. the palo santo flavor starts to emerge from the bottom without the smoky part. After twenty minutes, the spice and sharp edges are completely gone, leaving only a meditative vibe.