Ashar

Reading the negative reviews here honestly made me pause. It also made me realize how many truly special fragrances I might have skipped over in the past just because of opinions that, in this case at least, feel completely off the mark. I sampled Asher Sekor out of curiosity and it instantly stopped me in my tracks. This is easily one of the most beautiful fragrances I have ever smelled. What really stands out is how effortlessly balanced it is. Fresh without being sharp, floral without being loud or powdery, and refined without trying too hard. There is a luminous opening that feels clean and slightly green, followed by an elegant floral heart that feels airy, modern, and smooth rather than vintage or heavy. Underneath, there is a soft woody and musky base that gives it body and persistence without ever turning sweet or dense. This is one of those rare scents that truly works year round. It projects confidently, leaves a refined trail, and still feels tasteful and composed. Not shouty, not thin, just beautifully present. The sillage is noticeable but classy, and the performance is genuinely impressive for something that feels this clean and natural. If you are someone who appreciates freshness with depth, florals done with restraint, and a scent that smells expensive without being obvious, do not let the reviews put you off. Get a sample if you can. I have a strong feeling many people who try it properly will be just as surprised as I was.

As a disclaimer: I haven’t tried it on my skin. The reason for this is because I found the scent just too off putting. I was so excited for the citrus and fresh green notes and I absolutely love Lilly of the valley but once I tested it, It opened strongly floral and intense. I could feel the animalic musky notes and it felt rather heavy instead of fresh, citrusy and light as I expected. This is a perfume I could see an old lady wearing that is going to an opera and in her excitement put on too much perfume. It has a posh but somehow very intrusive scent. On the dry down the powdery notes became more prominent and at this point I’ve let my flatmates try it. They as well had the strong old lady association but now it was rather a retirement home smell or a scent that lingers on old furniture used by an elderly couple. I guess I should try it in a different setting and on skin but I feel it’s just not up my alley. PS: I have nothing against elder women, I love them <33

A floral musk by the new niche brand from Bangladesh signed by Sultan Pasha. The scent begins with a heavy floral accord inspired by the Kadam flower with a background of citrus. The heart is tea, bamboo and rice. The perfume settles into a base of synthetic musk and ambroxan with some slight supporting animalic notes. The overall effect is very reminiscent of Pasha’s earlier work for Zoologist, Sacred Scarab. The heavy floral accord dominates the scent from start to finish with the musky notes taking over after a time, leaving an effect no different from Kiehl’s musk. Some of the more romantic notes listed like petrichor are very hidden if indeed present. The slight feminine leaning scent has moderate projection and good longevity. A mixed bag for sure, given its price point, but lovers of musky florals may appreciate more than me.

The Lily of the Valley note ruins a fragrance for me every time. However, I would like to explore that Kadam note a big more. The petrichor vibe I like.

A fresh and clean fragrance that leans floral-musky with a subtle green aquatic character. Unisex overall, although it leans slightly feminine to my nose. It's pleasant and well composed, although I would probably prefer smelling it on someone else than wearing it myself. Thumbs up.