by Al-Rehab
Elena by Al-Rehab is a highly polarizing, fruity floral fragrance that evokes strong nostalgia for late 90s and early 2000s perfumes, particularly The Body Shop's Ananya. It opens with a vibrant, almost mouth-watering burst of litchi, peach, and pear, layered over a synthetic grape soda note, creating a clean and cheerful, shampoo-like effect. The mid-phase reveals a rich, mature floral heart dominated by ylang-ylang, jasmine, and tuberose, lending depth and complexity. The dry-down is soft, sweet, and musky, with a lingering bubblegum-like sweetness and tropical undertone. Longevity is moderate to strong, and sillage is noticeable, projecting a fruity, clean presence clearly. The fragrance performs best in cooler weather and struggles in warm or humid conditions, where it can become cloying and synthetic. It is truly personal, with some finding it heavenly and youthful, while others describe it as cheap, overwhelming, or distinctly off-putting.