Good morning to the fragrance family on this frigid, snowy Chicago morning. The city is wrapped in white, the holiday glow is starting to fade, and it’s back to the grind after celebrating Christmas. I hope everyone had a blessed holiday with loved ones and is easing back into work mode as smoothly as possible. There’s something about cold, quiet mornings like this that makes reaching for a bold scent feel especially fitting. Today’s scent of the day is a first wear and first impression of Hawas Black by Rasasi. This was a TJ Maxx pickup, one of those spur-of-the-moment buys meant to scratch that new fragrance itch we all know too well. Going in with an open mind, the opening definitely caught me off guard. Right off the spray it came across a bit screechy and slightly harsh, with a sharpness that made me pause and wonder where it was headed. The first few minutes were loud and attention-grabbing, almost challenging the wearer to stick with it. As it began to settle, I could clearly see why people draw comparisons to Hacivat by Nishane. There’s a similar bright, assertive character and that confident, modern DNA that cuts through cold air effortlessly. However, once past that initial blast, Hawas Black starts to carve out its own lane. It smooths out, gains depth, and the rough edges soften, allowing the fragrance to feel more cohesive and wearable. It still makes a statement, but now it’s more controlled and intentional rather than raw. In its own right, Hawas Black is fantastic. It projects confidence and presence, especially in colder weather like today, and it feels like a fragrance that wants to be noticed. That said, when comparing the two, Hacivat remains the better blended and more well-rounded composition, with a refinement and polish that’s hard to beat. Hawas Black may not have that same level of finesse, but it offers impressive performance and character, especially considering the value and accessibility of the buy. Overall, this first wear leaves a strong impression. It’s bold, modern, and satisfying once it settles into its groove. For me, Hawas Black earns a solid 8.3 rating. Definitely a worthy addition for those days when you want something that cuts through the cold and announces your presence as you step back into the post-holiday routine.

I was looking to wear something bright today on this gloomy weather. Blue Talisman DNA worked out wonderfully. That juicy pear opening made the morning smooth