It’s the start of the new year and the brands are at it again, so in this video I’m walking you through the newest Middle Eastern fragrances in my collection—what actually impressed me, what surprised me, and what was a hard no. I start with a fragrance I kept getting asked about: Na’i Shark from Cotage. I don’t even own the original Bvlgari Baciami because it fades on me, but this one? Baby… it’s like “Baciami times 10” in the best way—everything is amplified, still elegant, still refined, and it actually has presence. I also get into Choco Lake by Paris Corner (PR from Aroma Concepts), and this one shocked me. To my nose it’s giving 70% Milky Musk Oud vibes with about 30% Chocolate Oud energy—musky, a little spicy, sweetened with cacao, and unisex (just a step toward masculine). Then I talk about Lattafa Fire on Ice, inspired by Angel’s Share Paradis, and right now it’s reading very faint and not close out of the bottle—so I’m giving her time to sit and develop. I wrap with two more: Amber Empire from French Avenue (sexy, sophisticated, “boldly intimate,” and a total win), and Zari Amara (also PR), which was a sour, super-green no for me. Lastly, I tried Honey Oud because the reviews were wild—pretty, soft honey-vanilla, best for layering, and a very beginner-friendly oud vibe.