Istanbul

Istanbul by Unique'e Luxury is a rich, gourmand floral with a sweet, syrupy opening dominated by juicy grapes, sugary citruses, and creamy neroli. The central accord features a deep toffee and vanilla base that gives the fragrance a warm, slightly burnt caramel texture, reminiscent of high-quality European candy. Subtle geranium and pink pepper add green and aromatic nuances, balancing the sweetness without making it cloying. The drydown reveals a smooth, slightly musky woody base with soft vanilla and a powdery floral aura, creating an elegant, long-lasting finish. It performs exceptionally well—longevity is excellent, with most users reporting 10–12 hours on skin, and sillage remains strong even after the initial hour, often resulting in noticeable trails. The fragrance is often described as a near-dupe to Kilian Love Don’t Be Shy, with similar sweetness, floral balance, and toffee depth—but Istanbul’s base is more resilient, and its complexity, where the grape and tea notes add depth, makes it feel more refined and mature than its counterpart. It leans feminine, but has enough aromatic and woody depth to be wearable by confident individuals of any gender. That said, several users report a significant and notable change in the new formulation: the scent is weaker, less projecting, and lacks the long-lasting intensity of the original version. This newer version appears dimmer, greener, and somewhat diminished in sillage and longevity, leading to disappointment among long-time users who prefer the earlier batch. The original version is highly praised for its performance and rich concentration, while the reformulated version receives strong criticism for failing to match the original quality and price. Overall, Istanbul stands as one of the brand’s most acclaimed releases—particularly valued for its luxurious texture, smooth sillage, and exceptional performance. It is ideal for those who enjoy high-quality sweet floral gourmands, particularly fans of Love Don’t Be Shy or Velour Vanilla. It suits daytime and evening wear, especially in cooler seasons, and remains one of the most impressive fragrances in its tiny collection.