Layali by Swiss Arabian

Whenever I take a shower and apply this oil, I instantly relax. I love that initial plum and tart currant scent that slowly evolves into a woody oud base. It’s not super projective or long-lasting, but as a fragrance base, it’s fantastic—especially with fruity scents, which it intensifies. I do recommend it; it’s very personal, intimate, and since it’s so affordable, even more so.

I almost returned the meal after that first whiff… I gave it to the first person who walked by, literally on the same day.

I wanted to try an Arabic perfume and dove in blind, without a parachute. The bottle is gorgeous, and when I sprayed it, I nearly fell over; it smelled weird. But then the magic happened: I like it, you can smell the black currant and oud. To my nose, it’s like a mix of Miss Dior and Black Orchid, fruity yet earthy and mysterious. I think there’s pepper in there; it’s a bit spicy. As Karina says, it’s potent. I’d wear it on cold nights with two sprays and that’s enough. It’s not a spray; I thought it was a dropper. Don’t buy it blind, but if you find it cheap, it’s worth it. Prepare yourself because it’s not easy.

I bought it blind; I’d never used oil before. Although they say currant and plum, on my skin it smells like a piña colada with cider. It’s not overwhelming but noticeable. It lasts all day, sometimes less, but when you turn around… there it is, sweeter and soapy. It smells more in summer. Once I used it on a bad-mood day and nothing came through, zero. I keep it for the aroma and the bottle: heavy and gorgeous.

Smells like sweat and air freshener, nothing pleasant. I thought it was floral, but it doesn’t stand out at all; it’s a very strange and clearly feminine scent. I wore it yesterday and got nauseous while eating dinner; it’s incredibly potent, leaves a huge trail, and makes me dizzy. I won’t be using it again.

The bottle is a jewel. It smells like flowers and a bit of insecticide. I didn’t like it, but my sister did, and that counts. Clearly feminine. I give it a 5.