Arabian fragrance houses have been in the spotlight lately in the beauty industry, and for good reason. With affordable price points and a reputation for creating dupes or inspired versions of luxury designer perfumes, these brands have gained a firm foothold in the beauty industry. Some of their fragrances, (like Khamrah by Lattafa), have gotten praise for outperforming their designer counterparts.
However, not all Arabian fragrances receive glowing reviews. One such example is the ongoing debate over Suger by Aro-fac. Social media platforms, especially X, feature mixed reviews: some love it, while others liken it to an air freshener.
As a beauty writer, this is my forte, so I decided to test out the fragrance and offer an unbiased perspective on this much-talked-about fragrance.
These are my first impressions of this fragrance, its fragrance composition, packaging, longevity, and overall impressions to determine if it truly lives up to the hype.
First Impressions
Suger’s bottle is simple and minimalistic. It features a sleek matte green colour with a black cap. The white label with black text provides the basic details of the perfume. While it’s not eye-catching or artistic, the packaging is clean and functional. I put the quality of a fragrance over the bottle design, knowing that some perfume enthusiasts appreciate a well-designed bottle that can double as décor on their vanity.
The name, Suger, suggests sweetness. Here’s a breakdown of the listed notes from the company’s website:
- Top Notes: Basil, Plum, Strawberry, Blackcurrant, Peach, Coconut, Apple, Nutmeg
- Middle Notes: Orchid, Jasmine, Rose, Lily of The Valley, Iris
- Base Notes: Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Moss, Patchouli, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Ambergris, Musk
Upon initial application, l could identify the tangy sweetness of plum and blackcurrant. Surprisingly, I also perceive hints of cherry and lychee, although these notes are not listed. The blend of these notes creates a refreshing yet sweet aroma, with the blackcurrant adding a subtle, green freshness.
On my skin, the most dominant notes were jasmine and lily of the valley. Those are classic white floral notes that keep the fragrance sweet yet fresh. These notes further contribute to the green and airy personality of the scent.
In the dry-down, the deeper base notes become more apparent. While Suger’s base notes list rich ingredients like vanilla, tonka bean, patchouli, and sandalwood, the most detectable on my skin were patchouli and tonka bean. The combination of these two added a subtle earthiness and warmth to the fragrance. Surprisingly, I could not detect the presence of vanilla at all, which might disappoint those looking for a gourmand or sweeter base.
Longevity and Sillage
On my skin, Suger lasts about five hours, which is decent but not extraordinary. However, it clings to clothes like no other, lingering until you wash your clothes. The sillage, or how far the fragrance projects, is well-balanced. Anyone within a few steps from you will catch its scent, but it isn’t overwhelming. Also, the perfume creates a light, noticeable scent trail that follows you as you move around.
I believe Suger is best suited for daytime wear, and its fresh, fruity profile makes it a perfect summer fragrance. Its green and airy qualities keep it from being too heavy. It’s a great option for wearing to the office or casual and professional settings.
While marketed as a girly perfume, Suger leans unisex in its execution. The fruity and floral notes don’t translate into a gourmand sweetness, and the warm base notes are subtle, preventing them from becoming sickly sweet or cloying. Instead, it’s a refreshing, green fruity fragrance that would appeal to those who prefer something light yet elegant. Perfect for summer days or the office, Suger is sweet in a way that is understated and versatile.
Price: ₦25,000. Where To Buy: Shop The Flair Store.
If you like Suger, you’d enjoy these:
If you’re intrigued by the concept of Suger and would like to explore other options, several fragrances offer similar scent profiles or their take on fruity and floral scents. Here are some noteworthy alternatives:
Jazaab by Ard Al Zafaaran
If you want a sweet, long-lasting fragrance that will get you tons of compliments, try Jazaab Gold. In my opinion, it’s very girly and perfect for girls who are always looking their best with their hair, nails, and makeup done and can never be caught unfresh. Jazaab is fruity, sweet, and a tad bit spicy.
Keynotes: Citrus notes, Rose, Oud, Grapefruit, Pink Pepper, Amber and Patchouli. Price: ₦25,999. Where To Buy: Shop Fragrances.com
Khair Pistachio by Paris Corner
Some people argue that Khair Pistachio smells even better than the original, a dupe of Kayali's Yum Pistachio Gelato perfume. It almost smells like ice cream, with key notes of pistachio, hazelnut, sweet rum, whipped cream, and marshmallow.
According to my editor, who says ''people frequently ask what scent I'm wearing.'', this fragrance carries through the day softly and layers perfectly under woody scents like Byredo's Super Cedar. Price: ₦30,000. Where To Buy: The Scent Store.
Over 10, I’d give it an 8.5. It’s not a groundbreaking scent, but it’s a solid choice for those who like fresh and fruity perfumes with moderate performance. Ultimately, whether it’s worth the hype depends on your scent preferences, but for me, it’s a win.