Liwa

This is a stunning scent. Firstly, the presentation is outstanding, with a truly beautiful presentation box and bottle that exudes pure class. It really does look and feel quite special and possibly my favourite flacon out of all the fragrances I own. As for this smelling like BR540, I remember smelling BR540 when it very first came out and I really didn’t like it so either my tastes have changed or this is different enough for me to like it (probably a combination of both). In fact, I get some similarities to CC Matsukita, which I also own. They both have a burnt floral sweetness and woody base although the CC also has a very dominant mate tea note that adds a contrasting bitterness, which this doesn’t have at all. I do find it quite sweet, a little too much at the start with it’s jammy sweetness, although this eventually subsides slightly once the woodier base notes shine through and it’s the drydown that I prefer. There’s a sharpness in the top notes that gives some fresh definition against the sweeter and more floral aspects of the fragrance. A fragrance that really is the sum of its parts. The only way I can describe this fragrance is amber rich burnt sticky sweetness with a floral heart, resting on a bed of smokey wood. It is quite opulent, rich and intense but not in a cloying way because the notes are so delicately balanced. I would imagine it’s even better smelt from the silage than the skin. This won’t be for everyone but there’s no denying that this is classy perfumery and quite an experience, combined with excellent performance. Definitely unisex, perhaps tipping ever so slightly on the feminine side in the top notes, due to the sweetness and florals but slightly more masculine in the bass with the smoky wood. In fact, it makes a great masculine floral. It really is quite beguiling and an exciting find amongst so much mediocracy. Great job Widian, I can see why it gets so many good comments. Edit: personally, I’ve found a lighter spray works best for this fragrance to really bloom. Spraying lighter allows the sweet jasminess to die down and the spicy, woodier aspects to flourish.

Every frag from this house is stunning. It has this gorgeous aura it creates around you that if you're within it, then you smell the fragrance pretty potent, and if you're not, then you can barely smell the fragrance, it hardly leaves a trail. I call that aura the saint authority of Widian, which I've not found any other house to be able to re-create and it's awesome. The fragrance starts off with a nice lovely fresh burst of Bergamot, followed by a hint of jasmine, and all the while the remaining top notes and heart notes start to mingle together and you feel the gorgeous saffron make it's appearance, which lives through the life of the fragrance with the amber and a hint of rose. I don’t really get incense nor oud, I think they are what create the backbone of the fragrance, kinda cushioning it, with the saffron, vetiver and amber being the sort of main players. I say 'sort of' because the fragrance is so well blended and the notes and accords seem to shift from one to the next seamlessly, creating this perfect orchestra of notes and accords. The fragrance is a 100% yes. It is extremely versatile, can be worn anywhere by anyone at any time, although in my books, leans a tiny bit into masculine territory, just a hint. Enjoy and God bless :)

AMAZING scent! Worried about the reviews that say masculine leaning, spicy, and a noticeable strong patchouli, I paused for a while on this one....Until I got my nose to this scent. Fabulous. Very well blended. First this is not BR540. Yes, there are dry down facets of a similar note profile in BR540 and Liwa, but this is a different scent. Yes, BR540 has more sweetness, but don't let that deter you from testing Liwa. The patchouli is actually very nice, almost minty, and it does not overwhelm, and it is a quality patchouli note. Nothing here is dirty/hippie/sweaty whatsoever. I am very impressed. I don't find this scent leaning masculine or feminine. Very balanced. Really like the combo of notes. The artemisia is nice, gives a lovely facet to this fragrance, adds to the blend so nicely. This scent is SEXY, date night, gorgeous well made fragrance. In a world where everyone is wearing BR540 or a clone of....this is stands out. This is a scent to try if you don't like BR540.

I did not buy Widian Liwa because of the comparison to BR540. I have not even smelt Br540 yet. I got Liwa with samples from another fragrance i bought, but i remember really liking it and having smelt nothing like it! I'm not the best at explaining notes, but to me it has a special, somewhat piercing, note that i really like! Overall the frangrance has a sweet undertone without being too sweet! It has an oriental vibe without being too oriental. It's definitely a fragrance that's more suited for nighttime use.. Performance is great with massive longivity and good projection the first few hours. You will smell this on your clothes for at least 24h! It's not cheap, but if your looking for a frangrance that smells of quality, is very intoxicating and has a mysterious seductive vibe about it.. go sample it :-)

I love this. It is like the darker, more mysterious and mature version of Baccarat Rouge 540. BR540 is a lot sweeter and more mainstream. I love them both. I agree with other reviewers that this is not a copy of BC540, but I do find it very similar. EDIT: @ayalew - Liwa is similar to 540 extrait (imo). However the incense and patchouli are really noticeable (at least on me), so this is like a darker/dirtier version of 540 extrait. It almost smells like 540 mixed with rubber?... but in a good way?... maybe i'm crazy but does anyone else get this (at least in the opening). I have not yet smelled OFG or Bakhoor tho so I cannot comment on that.

This is woman power in a bottle. I imagine Beyoncé smelling like this on stage. Completely fierce, badass, a woman who knows her worth, hard working, and intelligent. This smells extremely expensive, sexy and sweet spicy. I can definitely smell the saffron, that's the note that makes the whole perfume so memorable. This is indescribable, one has to smell this for themselves to experience this. It honestly is an experience, this perfume. It's 100% a head turner, going to last you so long, you'll smell it the next day as if you've just applied it. Don't overspray, it will choke you and the people around you, so keep that in mind.

i was immediately blown away by this perfume, and i prayed that the intoxicating sweetness that contrasts the woody earthiness from the patchouli and oud stays. it does. the jasmine really shines here and it's accompanied by perfect amount of spice. kinda get baccarat rouge deep into the drydown but liwa remains its own distinct fragrance. i haven't smelled oud for greatness as it doesn't seem like my thing so i can't comment on the supposed similarity there. mmmmmm liwa is so good i love it! can totally see this for a date night, formal event, or just when you want to feel extra put together, sophisticated, and powerful.

Instant heart eyes for this. Reminiscent of Tom Ford's Jasmine Rouge but so much better! This is a woody ambered jasmine. Simultaneously spicy and fresh, this glamorous extrait is classy and sophisticated; a true floriental. There is a delightful burst of fruitiness presumably from the bergamot which juxtaposes the amber, spices and florals beautifully. I have an inexplicable sense of a 'me-in-a-bottle' affinity with this. Unisex leaning feminine with wonderfully robust performance. Swiftly and firmly *adding to wishlist*

Simply gorgeous, as if the red fruity sweetness of Oud for Greatness was isolated and amped. The patchouli and darker elements are stripped away, but there is an underlying old school masculinity. Grail material, it warrants its price tag with undeniable quality of its components and a meticulously refined smoothness and richness. Finding Liwa after years of collecting justified every bad blind buy and accumulation of questionable bottles in my collection. Perhaps the apex of my journey, an absolute love.

I just love this perfume. Sillage is fantastic, longevity is superb(eternal just like the most of you had voted) I love the uniqueness of the scent, absolutely a niche perfume with its spicy/rare undertones. Overall sweet, but not too sweet like your cheap american chocolate. Very sophisticated -smt.I bought blindly, reading your reviews but glad I did..... "London" widian was a disaster to me, after one spray was clear -the ingredients are not for me, very masculine. This one is a gem!

Exactly what I've been searching for. I love the scent profile of Oud for Greatness and Haltane, but found them both a touch too masculine for myself. This has the same underlying DNA but more fruity and aromatic while still retaining that dark, almost smoky woodiness. If Fragrantica is to be believed, I am surprised that this actually came out before OFG - what an underrated gem. My hunt for that sexy and mysterious cold-weather scent is finally over.

Liwa instantly takes me back to my visits to Saudi Arabia and Makkah. The combination of saffron, amber, incense and woods reminds me of the beautiful scent of bakhoor and fine perfumes drifting through the air around the Haram, hotels and shops. It feels warm, elegant and almost atmospheric rather than note driven. More than anything, it smells like a memory. A truly special fragrance.

Quite an alluring scent. Classy, elegant, opulent, demands respect. Reminds me of NOTHING ELSE. It takes me to places with a lot of sunlight and culture. Sensual. Easily wearable everywhere.. everyday in the office , when attending events, clubbing or during sex. I'm impressed.

This is my absolute favourite fragrance, been wearing it since 2017. Very very long lasting have a shirt that got some liwa on it and after two washes can still smell it strong. Lasts a good 20 hours on my skin. If you haven’t tried this get a sample it’s amazing.

If BR540 had a dream of becoming a successful business owner that has yacht money, this is what that dream would be. It's that good. Compliment monster. Perfect for date nights or when you want to make a statement at social gatherings. 10/10 full bottle worthy

Smoky magnetism of exotic honeyed flowers laced in dry spices with an overdose of sweetness in the heart that seduces my olfactive senses over and over again. Like perfumed dunes flying in the desert, I honestly can’t get enough of Liwa.

In my opinion there should be 2 entries for this fragrance one for the extrait and one for the edp as the 2 are very different I terms 9f performance etc anyway fragrance is fire 10/10 for me

It’s only a slight masculinity over feminine smell,No matter the gender this will smell absolutely divine. I might be glazing but this is one of the best niche fragrances I’ve ever smelt😭

Beautiful. Unisex. Unique. Sexy. Powerful. I can’t identify any note in it, I don’t what’s in it but all together it creates magic:) sophistication!

If Xerjoff Alexandria II, Initio’s Oud for Greatness and Baccarat Rouge 540 had a baby this would be the result