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.

This is the best fig scent out there and second comes Gris Charnel and all the other fig scents suck very hard especially with green notes added. Had to send my first bottle back because it smelled weird and not like the sample at all and got my money back and wanted another bottle but too scared it was like the first one but it didn't and is how it's suppose to be that creamy sandelwood with that amazing fig and wonderful cashmeran it to die for.

This is really nice. The opening is lovely and fresh, lots of ginger and bergamot plus a tiny zing from pepper. It then morphs into a smooth cashmere/sandalwood scent, very comforting but still elevated. I don’t get too much fig or patchouli, but they do (subtly) add a slight green character. Overall refined, smooth, and expensive smelling. But my main complaint is the silage is very soft!! Becomes a skin scent after 1-2 hours.

This is the first Frapin I have ever tried. I have only had it on about 15 min but so far it is truly a creamy scent. Seems like it has a grown up coconut aspect which is probably the fig. Not cloying at all. I usually hate coconut scents and don’t love fig perfumes either. The sandalwood also did not turn sour on me as it often does. This is soft and comforting, and seems very well balanced.

This is pure class. Didn't impress me at first, couldn't really smell anything after the initial spray. A month later I decided to wear it out and longevity was surprisingly good, 9 hours & still punching. However, projection isn't loud or anything, as it stays very very close to the skin. Other then that, the Fig & Woody notes has become my favourite classy combination.

This is gorgeous. I get the comparison to Gris Charnel bc of the notes but they're not that similar to me. Gris Charnel is a cardamom bomb to my nose while this one opens up with a much softer spice of pepper and ginger. The balance between creamy and crisp is really nice and makes for a comforting and cozy scent that still makes me feel fresh wearing it.

creamy woods with a sweet touch, and IMHO boozy accord that's addictive... WOW! The fig note gives a coconutty swing in the background and reminds me of some kind of dark rum cocktail. And the creaminess of the sandalwwod is to die for... full bottle worthy, for those cool relaxing nights.

I adore this. It’s not strong, but it lasts, which is my favorite combination. It wears like a patina, stronger than a skin scent but similarly subdued. It’s complex, equally lactonic, woody, green, spicy, and sweet. It’s calming, cozy, and a touch mysterious. My favorite from Frapin.

Very unique, one of the fragrances which can take you to places you think you have visited, but in reality have not. It should be named " Deja Vu " lol Quite polarizing, given the price point not a good idea for blind buying. Not offensive but not mass appealing either.

A bubbly opening. Remains a very creamy and woody musky sandalwood fragrance for the rest of its life. Beautiful for fall and winter. Could also pass for the cooler spring days as well. Longevity is quite good, but not insane. This one is a love.

def one of the top tier sandalwood perfumes i've tried; very smooth, understated, and lux. the opening is very sweet and gourmandy. notes of tonka, cream, and cookies. dry down is woody. only complaint is that it does not last long!

This is a masterpiece. Creamy sandalwood with booze, coconut and fig. Will be buying a full bottle ASAP

This fragrance has a smooth wood and creamier texture. There is sweetness from the fig in the opening which can feel a bit much, but it becomes more wood-forward in the drydown, with guaiac wood and sandalwood becoming more prominent, which is the phase I prefer. The supporting notes like cashmere and pepper add nuance and give it a somewhat unique and elegant profile. The scent leans on the warmer side and fits well in colder environments, while still being versatile for most occasions. Sits close to the skin, although the longevity is above average. Tends to be compared to Gris Charnel, although this feels more toned down and better to me.

چوب صَندل عنصر اصلی عطر به حساب میاد که نُت های دیگه صرفا برای تغییر چهره‌ی صندل میان و میرن و در نهایت چیزی که باقی می‌مونه و میشه نام برد؛چوب صندله در شروع ترکیب صندل با انجیر یک ترکیب واقعا عجیب رو رقم زده که گاهی حس روغن نارگیل بهم می‌داد و گاهی هم بوی عود های چوب صندل صندل هم نرم و خامه ای نیست ابدا.ترکیب سایر نُت ها مثل پچولی و گایاک و ... باعث شده وجه چوبی و تَراشه ای پررنگ تری داشته باشه و بینی رو بگزه رایحه نسبتا خطی ای داره و تغییرات‌اش کمه :) حس خونه قدیمی ومادربزگی داره برام اما نمی دونم چرا -تست شده از نسخه‌ی 2020- **************** scent:7.5/10 longevity:9/10 sillage:8.5/10 purchase value:5/10 ******** overall:7.5/10

This is beautiful, but it’s a touch too creamy-sweet for me. It’s not as good as Gris Charnel (but lasts longer at least) and isn’t quite as good as my favourite non-green sweet fig scent (Dambrosia by Profumum Roma). It’s the booze in this one that sets it apart from the other warm figs (and it’s probably this boozy-base that I’m not enjoying as much). This booze is a sweet, brown liquor that you only bring out at Christmas. But it’s lovely and rich with a spicy oriental smoulder. Very good, it just crosses over the line of my sweetness limits for me.

A sweet and pleasant aromatic gourmand scent this is an interesting composition from the house of Frapin. The scent is meant to evoke the smells of colonial India covered in the writings of Rudyard Kipling. The perfume opens with citrusy aromatic notes of bergamot, ginger and pepper. The heart is fig, cinnamon and cashmeran. The perfume settles into a sweet powdery base of tonka bean, sandalwood, guaiac and patchouli. Unisex with moderate sillage and good projection. A very pleasant and somewhat unique scent offering. Enjoy!

Nice, comforting smell. Upens up woody and citrusy, dries down to a creamy/milky, woody, little green/fruity smell with hints of spiciness in the background. I would say this has some hints of Dyptique Philosykos with added woodyness and spiciness. Unisex fragrance, definitely worth trying.

A light green and delicate pine opening, turning more soft and a little powdery as it dries down, with a hint of sweetness coming out. In testing this blind, this was pretty much a wall flower with a delicate skin scent giving an air of fragrance without really making itself known. Even the wood elements which come out later are very subtle and barely there. However, this ghost of a fragrance does hang around quite consistently. For as light and airy as it is, I found its longevity surprisingly long, always a skin to nose whiff away, even twelve hours later. By this time it's more of a residual warm wood. Looking at the notes now, all I can say is I guess it's sandalwood. It's so subtle there's no distinction towards any wood species. And while the hint of pine in the opening is probably the tiniest bit of cinnamon, pepper, and ginger, and maybe the sweet pinch is from the fig, none of these are really there in any recognizable way. Which is a shame because I'd be pretty interested if these notes were more prominent. Still, there's enough there to get a long lasting woodsy vibe that is very intimate. This makes it fall into the category of a fragrance for people who hate fragrance, or want to wear a fragrance without feeling like they are, being barely there, but definitely there. Take is an understatement here.

Chronologically; Sweet fig/coconut fresh creamy, some powder, some wood, some red fruit, some more wood, a hint of soap (that must be sandalwood/patchouli), coconut and cream is gone, fig's still there. Not gourmand anymore, it's fruity soft soap on wood now. All the while something musky is lurking in the background waiting to strike, but never does. It's quite friendly after all. It's actually pretty good. Very good. Maybe I should have this as a very interesting evening scent. I should add that it lasts for eternity and would recommend it for cold weather only.

Yes, IF by R.K. is in the same vein as Gris Charnel and Santal Blanc, they all have the same main notes which are fig and sandalwood. Gris Charnel has tea and more spices; Santal Blanc is softer and a bit floral; IF by R.K. is woodier and more powdery. Many of my friends love IF by R.K., but I think it's too powdery, maybe it's from Tonka Beans or Cashmeran? The fig turns into dry fruits after one hour, and with the sandalwood, it settles into a fluffy cookie scent. Not bad but not what I am looking for.

This is quite similar to Gris Charnel, though lacking the spicy zing that made that scent so delectable to me. Still, they are 90% the same-- cashmeran cheapens this a tiny bit, but if you aren't into the cardamom top notes, it's hard to notice. If by RK is more of a cozy, musky sandalwood, probably best in the warmer spring/fall months as cool weather makes this feel dull and muted until you sniff up close.

Definitely not a dupe for Gris Charnel. This smells like sandalwood mixed with liquor with pineapple-like sweetness. It’s sharp from the ginger and the pepper in the beginning but slowly grows into a creamy sandalwood. It’s okay, nothing special, didn’t wow me

Very pungent and resinous, at first spray. The ginger and pepper are also quite prominent. I don't get any fruit or fig scent. After an hour, everything disappeared and it was barely a skin scent.

The drydown does smell like pickles, kind of reminds me of a softer SJP Stash

Very nice fragrance, but not really my cup of tea. It’s in the same vein as fragrances such as Gris Charnel, being a soft sandalwood type of fragrance. However, much like Meander by Amouage, IF has its own spin on this type of fragrance. Meander uses incense & slightly ‘green’ notes to set itself apart; personally I find that IF has more of a ‘woody’ presence than Gris Charnel that is detectable right from the top. It’s not overly woody, just enough to set itself apart from Gris Charnel. Unfortunately soft sandalwood fragrances aren’t for me. I’m also not a fan of the coconut-like note that I detect throughout the mid, but that’s something that I personally don’t want to smell in a fragrance (on myself). Otherwise, this is a beautiful scent that I’m sure many would be (and currently are) happy to wear. Well done, Frapin.

Oh wow.. this is good, think Gris Charnel but make it edgier, a tiny bit middle eastern with the spices and woodier. While Gris Charnel is super blended with this one you can pick up many notes plus a much needed sweetness. Both were released at the same time so we don’t know who copied who. I’ll report back about performance. So, it dried down initially very powdery, but I did what I do when something like this happens: Shake the bottle. Tried again, the drydown is very woody still creamy going the Santal 33 route, not as beastly as that one but very long lasting. Great addition for a unisex woody fig frag.

This is a gourgie! Creamy, boozy fig fluff. I have promised myself to always have a creamy sandalwood fall perfume and this is the next one. It is so cozy I find myself thinking of it those days I don't were it. Spray, wrap yourself in a scarf and take a walk, or snuggle up in the sofa, read a book and drink some tea. It is charming, calming and it makes me happy. Some may say the sweetness makes it femme, but I find it unisex. Moderate projection and longevity is from moderate to long lasting. Don't miss it!

Blind buy based on notes/reviews. Now my most treasured/signature scent. I adore this. It's quite similar to Gris Charnel, but with more punch/sandalwood. Entirely unisex. As a female I crave somewhat masculine soft yet spicy, woody scents with some sweetness to tie everything together. It's fresh and cosy. Put together yet entirely casual. Long lasting with respectable silage. As you'd expect for the price. Gorgeous bottle/presentation. Beautiful fragrance which pairs perfectly with RK's poem.

This is a lovely perfume, but it hasn’t really taken my breath away in the same way Gris Charnel did at first sniff. I get the bergamot right off the top and I can see how others may take issue with how chemical the cashmeran smells. I don’t think this is a dupe for Gris Charnel. They’re close cousins, though. There is a creaminess to this fragrance, and the fig comes through quite clearly. Despite being warm, I think there’s a freshness to it.

man this was love at first sniff really. creamy, perfect mix between sweet & green, and it smells even better on skin and in the whiffs you get from its sillage. also very nice on women imo!!! it's kind of if BDK's gris charnel and diptyque's tam dao had a gorgeous well-rounded perfume baby. could work as an everyday scent in cooler climates, or as an evening / night scent.

Very subtle indeed. Sandalwood with some oud, but the oud is very quiet too. I'm not really getting fig but there is a softly milky quality to this. Just a touch cinnamon, and a bit sweet but not really gourmand. Nothing revolutionary but definitely nice and very wearable, probably blind buy safe that oud which may be bothersome to some is barely there.

What a masterpiece. A lot of these notes are often harsh in fragrances. Frapin managed to make something elegant and pleasant. I can't get enough of this. I only have a sample, but I will be buying a full bottle. I love the sweet and spicy elements. The sandalwood reminds me of mysore oil I used to use in my diffuser. Love Love Love!!!!!!

This is a sweet, creamy wood that I find comforting and safe but not at all uninteresting. A very slight spice from the Ginger, cinnamon, and Black Pepper is hardly noticeable (to me) but helps to counterpoint the gorgeous dry fruitiness of fig (I pick up coconut as well). Lasts 24+ hours, but projection and silage seem pretty low.

Omg, this does not smell like Gris Charnel. At all. This has no fruity opening. It doesn't have that dark woodiness. It is very woody, woodier, than Gris Charnel, but it's a different kind of wood. This reminds me more of L' Ombre Des Merveilles. It has something 'mineral' in it.

I’m surprised that no one has mentioned about the pineapple note in it. The perfume smells like a woody-based virgin colada to me, with both juicy coconut and pineapple. It’s overall a very fresh and delightful woody scent!

This is a fruit tart. The opening smells like peach or apricot with a pastry-like note. I'd call this an amber gourmand. It's a pleasant smell. Rich and smooth. I would wear this occasionally but not often.

To me it reminds me of cappuccino late creamy milk nutty drink. Not in love, but with dry down it gets better.

All I can smell is a soft sandalwood and nothing else. It’s okay. Sample first.

A very luxurious, beautiful, unique scent. فول7500

Faint creamy synthetic sandalwood, but pleasant.