Rifaaqat by PARIS CORNER

Saved me 200€ compared to the perfumer’s sister scent, Eau de Audacity by Penhaligon’s. I got a decant of that and went crazy for that dark vanilla and that slightly plastic note (which is exactly what I love). This one is very close, so for the price, it was a total win. The opening isn’t identical—Penhaligon’s hits you with elemi and orange blossom—but once it dries down, it’s 97% the same, almost indistinguishable. Lasts the same on skin, about 9 hours; all day on clothes. One important detail: when people say ‘plastic vanilla,’ they mean that sweet smell of materials like Croslite on Crocs, that resinous foam. At first, it might remind you of a store full of ethylene-vinyl acetate or TPU foam, but it doesn’t get too exaggerated. 10/10, I’ll buy this every time I run out.

I came here because I bought a decant of BABYCÁT and liked it… but I wasn’t willing to pay that price. However, I confirm there’s a 95% similarity. I still prefer BABYCÁT for one reason: it has a fresher base, which makes it feel less ‘heavy’ in the incense realm (which is the dominant note). If you don’t like the church-like smell, stay away from this perfume. It’s resinous and spicy. Unisex, but apparently more popular among the female public.

At its core, it smells like Babycat, its inspiration, but at the start, the opening and development are super synthetic, with that plastic smell others mention. For the price, you can’t ask for more, although I have a decant and I’m not going to buy the full bottle. EDIT: After several weeks, it improves a lot. It stops being so synthetic and gains a touch I love. The vanilla and incense are clear. Maybe I’ll buy the bottle at the end.

Rifaaqat has an opening that reminds me of plastic, but only for a few minutes. Then the vanilla appears, sweet and comforting, without being cloying. In my opinion, the spicy side of the pepper goes almost unnoticed. It has good sillage and on my skin, it lasts over eight hours. It’s surprisingly cheap for how good it smells, one of those fragrances that justify every euro spent.

Rich and high quality. I’m surprised by the difference in opinions beyond personal taste, because it smells like a real perfume. I smelled Babycat on the same day this one from Paris Corner arrived, and my head exploded; they are identical. It’s a type of scent that hooks you; you want to smell it more and more each time.

Honestly, it’s not what they promised. Smells like cheap plastic with vanilla. The longevity and projection are good, but the scent makes me want to take it off in 5 seconds. I sprayed it 4 times at 2 pm, and by 7:45 pm it had improved significantly, going from a 5 to a 7, but it still isn’t worth it. I tried it in-store and found it unpleasant. Maybe it needs to macerate for 5 months, but I won’t do it. I’ve lost interest. If it’s the same as Babycat, I’m not missing out.

Exquisite fragrance for the price. I’ve been collecting perfumes for over 30 years and I think people have a distorted vision; not everyone is a professional. A perfume like this, very similar to Babycat, only an expert sees slight differences, but for street wear they are identical. Superior quality/price to the original; I own both. It has dry, spiced vanilla, lasts about 6 hours, the bottle is well-finished, and the price is unbeatable. Highly recommended. Everyone perceives it differently, like sight, but it’s a perfume to enjoy for little money.

I truly think 90% of the comments are from paid people or those who think they’re experts. I’m not an expert, but I have a good nose. Those who say it smells like vanilla, wood, subtle, and refined… nothing. Along with Asad Zanzibar, it’s the worst fragrance I’ve owned. It smells like plastic, tar, and car oil factory. I let it macerate for three months and it smells stronger. I haven’t smelled Baby Cat, but I doubt a niche perfume smells like this. It’s disgusting. I gave it to several people and everyone agreed it’s repulsive, smelling of burnt plastic, tar, and oil. Absolutely none of those complimentary comments; it’s impossible.

As you can see in the reviews, this perfume divides opinions. I bought it for the price and the warm, spiced vanilla (which isn’t cloying), wary of the tire-like scent that turns so many people off. I don’t know if my sense of smell is broken, but the opening is shocking and artificial, as happens with many Arab vanillas. After a few minutes, it leaves a delicious vanilla on my skin. I’m happy; it’s for cold seasons and totally unisex. It’s potent for daily wear, so I’ll definitely use it multiple times. I can’t wait for special occasions. 9/10.

Finally tried it: it’s a mix of tire and spiced tar. I put it on 10 minutes ago and I’m still waiting for that mysterious vanilla that never arrives 😅 To me, it smells like a man, with not a single hint of sweetness, which I can’t stand. Not terrible, but the experience was interesting.

I bought 5 perfumes from Paris Corner and this is the one I like the most. Smelling it was an experience; everyone talks about that ‘plastic vanilla’ (yes, it smells like plastic) and I don’t mind it at all. Some might not like it, but after 10 minutes that note fades and leaves a sweet, semi-spiced vanilla scent that’s spectacular. For the super accessible price, I’m more than happy to know this DNA.

Rifaaqat stands out for its unusual character from the first spray. The opening is sharp with resins and woods, reminiscent of the inside of a church with a medicinal touch. A challenging opening, strange for those not used to such ceremonial compositions. Over time, it reveals a warm, enveloping vanilla: not sweet or gourmand, but dark, dry, and elegant, with depth without being cloying. This stage is the most enjoyable for me. It lasts 8 hours on skin with moderate and uniform projection. To me, it’s more masculine than feminine. Although it doesn’t fit my tastes, I value its originality. An interesting option for those seeking personality and something different from the common.

I love it, that’s all. I haven’t tried Babycat and don’t need to. I’m sure the original is wonderful, but this is too, and given the price, it’s crazy not to have it if you like this DNA. They say it smells like plastic and I understand what they mean, but you have to be a real pain in the ass to define it that way; it seems like a negative connotation and to my nose, this is rich. Hoping for autumn-winter to arrive.

Rifaaqat is a gem (not overly mass-produced) that surprises from the first instant. What stands out most is its sweet vanilla: not cloying or juvenile, but caramelized and refined, with smoky touches that add depth and character. It’s not a simple or generic fragrance: it has high-end sophistication without the excessive price. The incredible part is how it feels elegant from the opening to the dry down, without abrupt transitions. The evolution is smooth but gives great presence. That said, it’s not for any occasion. Rifaaqat demands you rise to its level. I don’t recommend it with casual clothes; here, the suit, blazer, or a well-tucked shirt are almost mandatory. It’s one of those fragrances that dresses you, changes your attitude, and makes you walk straighter. Perfect for an elegant date, gala, important meeting, or a warm night, but without a doubt, it works better in cold climates (winter). The trail is moderate but very refined, and the longevity surprised me: 8-9 hours without issue, projecting with class for the first 2 hours. The best part is that warm, enveloping dry down that accompanies you in a discreet but distinguished way. Rifaaqat is a dark, elegant vanilla, ideal for those seeking something with character. A gem from Paris Corner! If you’re looking for something formal, seductive, and mature: this is it!

It’s not the bomb I expected; on me, it stays very close to the skin, almost no projection. In the opening, it’s just like Daimiris from Laboratorio Olfattivo, though the latter is fresher. They share the saffron as an opening note that gives it a touch similar to iodine. Maybe that’s the most complicated part, but it doesn’t make it bad. It’s sweet from start to finish. In the dry down, it leaves a marked resinous scent; I’m surprised that elemi and incense aren’t in the base because on my skin, they’re the ones that stand out the most, along with the vanilla. It’s unisex, maybe more masculine, but a woman can wear it perfectly. For the price I found it at, 20 euros, I’d buy it again, though due to its performance (3-4h) and projection, I’d use it for personal enjoyment.