Faqqua Iris

Truly a lovely cause and perfume. I haven’t had a chance to try many of Rook’s works, I’ve tried two that unfortunately weren’t quite for me. But this perfume is truly inspired. Almost candied violets at the front, balanced by soft, powdery, iris. On a backbone of an almost spicy combination of oakmoss and amber. I’ve tried a few violet and iris based perfumes, to less than great results, so I knew it was a bit of a leap of faith buying this, but I’m happy I did. This is a wonderful fragrance, that lives well up to its noble namesake. Crowe has a unique voice in his perfumes, and I need to try some more when I get the chance! I also think it’s quite a commendable thing for him to put his money where is mouth is, and to potentially risk his footing on social media for being as outspoken as he is. Edit: I have since reviewing this, went back to the two that weren’t as much of my taste at first. And now one is an absolute love, and the other I’d say I appreciate. I’ve also worked my way through the discovery set, and I really would emphasize my last paragraph. He has a very unique voice in perfumery, and I recommend giving work a try. I love quite a few of the ones I’ve tried.

I've been eyeing some full-size Rook Perfumes for a while now, but I put them on hold so that I could contribute to the Faqqua Iris campaign. It was my first blind buy in a while and I wasn't too sure what to expect, but I've always liked how Nadeem does his green notes so I was sure I'd be a fan. Fast forward a few weeks and it's my most reached-for spring fragrance. The violet opening is almost fruity and transitions easily into the powdery iris. The oakmoss and amberwood add balance and a much-needed earthy edge to the sugary florals. I've been enjoying powdery and creamy notes in my green fragrances lately, and this is no exception. Like most of the Rook collection, Faqqua Iris has incredible longevity. I sprayed it once in the morning and it's easily lasted for at least 7-8 hours. It lingers but it's not overwhelming; I can easily wear this to work, on the train, etc. without offending anyone. I'd argue it's one of the more universal Rook scents, a crowd pleaser that still retains its uniqueness and charm. A beautiful tribute and a worthy cause.

One of the first perfumes I ever loved that started me on this journey. I bought it blind because I liked that the proceeds go to Gaza relief, and when I got it I loved it so much I bought a backup bottle. An absolute stunner. Violet, powdery, would like more iris but it’s still lovely. Full-bodied without being heavy. Sweet but the oak moss brings it down a little. I definitely get a petrichor note out of this that isn’t explicitly stated in the description. Like wet stone, or maybe wet grass. To me this is kind of like the coveted Nosferatu from Heretic, but where that one is airy and earthy this is more forward and sweet.

Very beautiful. The violet is more prominent than iris but blended together with the green notes and oakmoss the overall effect is an appeallingly soft sweetness. Oddly, my impression from the tester was that there was a touch of the barbershop about this, but from the bottle there is much more of a cosmetic powder vibe.

This is quite different from any other fragrance I know. The opening is dominated by the iris, and what an individual iris it is too. As that eases down the fragrance becomes deep and complex, and eventually becomes certainly unisex and possibly more masculine. Longevity is well over 8 hours for me.

With Faqqua Iris, proceeds support the people of Gaza, and you smell like Palestine after the rain. Free Palestine, stop the genocide!

This is a beautiful scent for a good cause. All proceeds go to charities to help the people in Gaza. This opens with a sugary violet that dries into a powdery iris. The amber and oak moss help keep the scent from getting too sweet. The sillage and longevity are great. You only need a couple of sprays.

I purchased it without smelling it, which is something I never do, only because I wanted to support the cause. For the first time, and for obvious reasons, I really don't want to say anything bad about a perfume, but I have to be honest. The initial spray isn't pleasant. It smells sort of, hum, animalic. It smells like one of those flowers with an animalic edge; some even smell like, well, male secretions IYKWIM. Sorry! Thankfully, that goes away very quickly, and what's left is a slightly powdery, green, earthy aroma. The Iris here smells raw. It's not like any Iris scent out there; the only perfume I smelled that's slightly similar is Bagheera from Malbrum Parfums. I don't get amber or any sweetness whatsoever. The scent is "cool", earthy, green, and powdery. It lasts fine, with low projection. It's a nice everyday scent for the warm weather, but you have to learn to get past the initial smell.

Super smooth. Somewhat mysterious. Not really my cup of tea though unfortunately. While unisex, I think I'd enjoy this a bit more on a female.

I don't normally do this but I blind bought this perfume at full price and paid for shipping to the US to support Rook Perfumes on this one. I figured going in there was no way I was going to like it, so I just considered it a donation with a bonus gift. I figured I'd be able to sell it if needed. I was pleasantly surprised! I usually hate green notes and oakmoss but this is very well done. This is very clean and light without being too soapy or citrusy. It's not too floral or powdery, just airy and transparent with some edge and a hint of sweetness. I'm no perfume expert but I've just recently gotten into niche perfumes and it smells very unique to me. It's unisex leaning masculine but not overly so. I want to keep my collection small so I will probably still sell this one so I hope someone is able to truly enjoy it! Edited to add, my bottle has sold!

This is OUTSTANDING!!! I bought it to support the Palestinians and treat myself to something for summer. It arrived today, 2 days after ordering and I love it. The quality is wonderful and it smells fabulous!! Proper perfume. It reminds me of Serge Lutens Iris Silver Mist which in its old formulation is discontinued. I loved it but couldn’t afford it. This opens with a heavy powdery dose of real Iris Palladia which is the very best Iris concrete. It has a floral veil which weaves in and over it but generally is an iris through and through. My favourite note in perfumery. Outstanding!!!! My congratulations to Rook perfumes. I’ll buy another bottle as backup in case they discontinue, or in case there’s peace in Palestine🙏🙏🙏

I cannot praise the concept of the perfume enough. The message, cause and scent are simply beautiful. On to the fragrance itself: it is soft, green and lush from the outset and dries down to a subtle and sophisticated iris. My skin tends to eat up perfumes, and though this is no exception, it does linger. An early birthday present to myself, ahead of the actual day which is the Spring Equinox. It represents hope, especially for the people who have shown the world what hope and humanity truly means, in the face of inhumanity and injustice.

Ravishing resistance. A scent that catapults you to another place, filled with beauty, humility, and the most genuine love amid a time of calamity. Yet the people of Gaza rise, like the Faqqua Iris. When I smell this scent, I sense a candied violet, like a watermelon confection, which then transforms into a beautiful iris musk scent. The iris doesn't fade immediately but gently dims until the final hours of wearing the fragrance. It lasts all day. Very powerful like its testament. Truly a scent for the people. 🍉🇵🇸❤️

First blast is like palma violet sweets but the sweetness disappears very quickly, then it becomes more floral and green, with something like petrichor or wet stone behind it. I don't really feel any amber, it becomes dusty/creamy musky iris. Unisex, slightly more masculine. As a mood I expected it to be melacholy (given iris & violet) but it's more just thoughtful and content, grounded.

More about the violet than the iris for sure, but it's such a well-done violet. Normally with violet you're either getting something gasoline-y or a sweet, candied Choward's thing, this really avoids being either and takes the violet into a more watery, green territory, tempered by the dryness of the iris. Really beautiful stuff.

I just bought it to support Gaza but I love this fragrance. It feels like a flower warmly hugged you. I want to support Rook perfumes more because I thought this was a cool thing for them to do, so if you have any recommendations from them please PM me!