Carmine

A great addition to any collection. Very long lasting and most importantly, different. Carmine is a really interesting fragrance because on the surface it has that typical 'rose/oud' combo that we've seen quite a lot. However, this does it differently, in a much safer and mass appealing way. Right off the top that lemon gives this fragrance an interesting edge which I quite enjoy, making this an easy wear for me in the day as well as in the evening. As the fragrance develops, that leather and sandalwood really push through giving it a nice base, with quite a lot of depth. You can tell that this has had some thought put into it; with great consideration to where fragrance is going at the moment (especially in the designer world), with everything being so similar. Projection and longevity is really good, that first blast is a room filler on my skin. If you care about compliments, it gets those too. Overall, it's a 4/5

Carmine to me smells undoubtedly like a much more affordable version of Aoud by Roja Dove. It opens straight away with that iconic combination of geranium, lemon and saffron which is sharp and captivating as it is smooth and seductive. From here a smooth leather, oud and rose sets in to darken the scent. It definitely smells like there is ambergris in here, although not listed. That for me is what brings it closer to Aoud, the soft and salty ambergris is incredibly addicting and works perfectly with the oud and saffron. For the price I am very impressed with this fragrance, it is undeniably close to Aoud and so you can save a lot of money by getting this instead. Of course the quality doesn’t quite match up to the Roja, and the blending isn’t quite as impressive but it still smells beautiful and considering the difference in price you really can’t complain.

Carmine is a very special creation indeed. At first glance, the composition seems like a classic rose and oud combo. Right off the bat I can tell you that Carmine isn’t like any other rose/oud perfume I’ve ever tried. This is a rich, opulent smelling concoction with a hint of booziness somehow. It smells like an expensive wine and aged oak to my nose and I find that incredibly appealing. The leather here is dark and almost textural, not animalic or funky. The bright, warm opening lingers on the skin even as it’s joined by the velvety heart of rose with the oud nudging into view. In fact, I would say that this is a fairly linear fragrance - from about 10 minutes in, what you smell is the whole experience and it’s superbly well blended. It definitely has a smooth, resinous warmth pervading throughout which lends itself beautifully to the cooler months. Longevity is epic too. For those who value “beast mode” fragrances, you need to check out Carmine. One or two sprays are all I need for an all day experience with this one and, actually, this would be killer for festive nights out - several sprays at the start of the evening would ensure compliments galore and last till at least lunchtime the next day I reckon. Projection and sillage are also both solid. Carmine is perfectly unisex, the notes so well balanced that it leans neither masculine nor feminine. It’s a little bit decadent, definitely classy and elegant but also makes a statement. My favourite from Soma Parfums so far.

This is pretty much straight up Middle Eastern market fragrance. I wouldn't call it yet another uninteresting tried and tested rose oud combo but still this scent definitely reminds you of that good old attars. This could be interesting for those who haven't smelled Eastern perfume oils in their lifetime, doesn't know much about classic Orientals. People who are pretty much familiar with those, I don't think there's anything special for you here. This definitely smells like UAE, Bahrain or you name the country and that stereotypical oil rich person.

Disagree with RGH01 re quality. I have both Roja Aoud and Carmine on side by side. The difference in quality is undetectable. Carmine smells 5x its RRP.