Shurooq Al Hind by Lattafa Perfumes

This Lattafa is the middle ground: it doesn’t repel me, but it doesn’t blow me away either; it’s just okay. If I’d known before buying it blind, I might have passed, but since I already have it, I’ll keep it. Its name means ‘Dawn in India,’ and if I’m brave enough to say it, it doesn’t smell like that. It starts strong with an acidic fruit note, like a berry compote, cherry, and raspberry, but far from being a modern gourmand, it does it in a classic style, like a Dior Poison with plums and wild berries—be careful! They have nothing to do with each other; only the execution is similar. For me, this opening is very feminine, which is why it doesn’t fully convince me. Then the fruit fades, and vague floral notes emerge, all so mixed it’s hard to distinguish; it seems like neroli, jasmine, or white flowers with a touch of musk, wood, and warmth. From there, the scent stays the same, just dropping in intensity until it’s skin-scent. In short: spicy acidic cherries with florals over a warm, musky base. It’s a good perfume, but more for women. I don’t know what Fragrantica put in the profile; it has nothing to do with what I smell. To me, the opening is very feminine and clashes with me; it’s hard to wear, so it’s not entirely to my liking, though it smells good and is high quality, better suited for a woman. Since I have it, I’ll keep using it. Performance is decent, though not the best from the house. It lasts about 7 to 8 hours, with a marked sillage at the start that quickly fades to moderate and then to skin-scent. It’s for fall, winter, and night; the strong fruit note doesn’t seem right for heat, depending on the wearer. I recommend it to women looking for a fruity oriental without the cloyingness of current gourmands. For men, only if you’re open-minded and enjoy scents like Poison, Opium, Shalimar, or Black Orchid. Watch out! I’m not saying it resembles them, but if you like wearing those perfumes.