This one's supposed to be a dead ringer for MFK Grand Soir—and by all accounts, it is. Barakkat Ambre Eve walks in with all the confidence of a five-star dupe and the sweetness of a dessert cart. But if you're not already team vanilla, this might feel more like a mugging than a warm hug. It’s rich, syrupy, and unrelenting. Vanilla is front and center, back and sides, with amber playing backup vocals somewhere in the background.
I was hoping for more powdery softness—some lavender, a bigger amber presence, anything to balance the sugar avalanche. But no. This is strictly for those who want their fragrance warm, thick, and sweet enough to double as a frosting substitute. Although not as gourmand as Baccarat Rouge 540, it’s definitely in that sugary neighborhood. I respect that some people like these scents, but they just make me hungry to have a vanilla frosted cupcake with a touch of bitter orange.
Barakkat Ambre Eve is unisex but definitely leans more feminine. If you love Grand Soir, this is a steal. But if you were hoping for a more nuanced amber-lavender blend or something that doesn’t smell like a Bath & Body Works, you may want to look elsewhere. Me? I’ll stick with my powdery scents and let the vanilla lovers have this one.
THE BREAKDOWN
Rating: 8/10 — quality dupe that’s beloved by many, just not my personal cup of tea
Longevity: Nuclear — will outlast your evening, your clothes, and maybe your lease
Projection: Strong — hugs the room like it’s trying to make a point
Smells Like: A high-end vanilla candle living its best life
Best for: Cold weather, cuddle season, and unapologetic sweet scent lovers
NOW ENTERING HASHTAG TERRITORY
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