Monaliza

Monaliza by Alexandria Fragrances evokes a warm, spicy rose with prominent clove and patchouli, layered over an amber and balsamic base. While it shares stylistic DNA with Portrait of a Lady, the scent tends to unfold as a robust, musky rose with a drydown that leans more toward incense and patchouli than rose. The opening features a bold presence of black currant and cinnamon, with a distinct spicy pepperiness that gives it character. Over time, the scent settles into a moderately long-lasting, moderately projecting composition with a faintly soapy or slightly moist quality reported by some, though most agree the drydown is satisfyingly plush rather than synthetic. It holds remarkably well on skin and fabric, making it a strong daily choice. Widely considered unisex, it's favored for evening wear, and forthrightly praised as a cost-effective alternative to the original. Overall, it feels like a sturdy, confident interpretation with a slightly different balance than the original, particularly in the reduced incense and stronger initial spiciness.