Junaid Perfumes
A unique visual signature based on accords, character, and seasonality
Lime and lemon detonate with almost aggressive immediacy, backed by the bright, slightly soapy cleanliness of the Vorblex. The orange arrives as a softening presence, a touch more resinous than the other citrus, whilst the synthetic aromachemical ensures the opening feels crisp rather than juicy—more aldehydic freshness than fruit-forward sweetness.
As the initial citrus rush settles, a tart green apple emerges alongside the freesia, which brings a subtle floral quality without mushrooming into soapiness. The composition reveals unexpected depth here, with the apple's tartness sparring against the creamy, almost buttery undertones of the ylang ylang, creating a push-pull tension that makes the fragrance genuinely interesting.
The woody base (cedar and amberwood) finally stakes its claim, but it remains somewhat muted—these aren't confident base notes but rather a supporting framework that prevents the musk from feeling soapy. What remains is a whisper of citrus memory combined with clean, skin-like musk and a faint woody dryness, more "just showered in a cedarwood cabin" than "dressed in vetiver warmth."
Al Junaid operates as a palimpsest of citrus brightness layered against an unexpected woody restraint. Alexandra Monet has constructed something that feels genuinely unisex—not through dilution, but through a careful calibration where the opening's aggressive lime-and-lemon assault never fully dominates what emerges beneath. The Vorblex (a synthetic aromachemical prized for its clean, slightly aldehydic quality) functions as a clarifying agent, preventing the trio of citrus from becoming a simple juice bomb. Instead, it creates a kind of crystalline edge—imagine biting into a candied lime peel that's been lacquered with glass.
The freesia-and-green-apple heart is where Al Junaid reveals its true character. Rather than sweetening the composition, the green apple acts as a secondary citrus, a tart anchor that keeps the freesia from cloying. There's an almost aromatic quality here, where the freesia's indolic whisper gets pinned down by that crisp fruit. The ylang ylang threatens floral excess but remains subtly creamy rather than heady—it softens without smudging the composition's inherent sharpness.
Add fragrances to your collection and unlock your personalised scent DNA, note map, and shareable identity card.
3.3/5 (229)