KEMI BLENDING MAGIC
HAYAT

2014

PERFUMER
Chris Maurice

Bitter Orange
Lavender
Saffron

Cardamom
Amber
Cinnamon

Oud
Cedar
Cypriol
Patchouli

Hayat was first released in 2014, then re-released under the Xerjoff branding in 2023. Kemi Blending Magic is a division of Xerjoff, with a separate line of bottles. Kemi – Hayat (2023) marks the first time a Kemi Blending Magic fragrance is released in a Xerjoff bottle.

Hayat is the only Kemi (a daughter-brand of Xerjoff) that I’ve tried at the time of writing and while it’s not really up my alley, I could definitely appreciate it.

Maybe it’s in my head, but I feel like I can smell the Xerjoff influence, as Hayat has some cues that remind me of Alexandria II for example. It has a Tom Ford Oud Wood DNA with a more Middle Eastern-heavy twist, making it a slightly heavier and more demanding wear.

The opening is dry and pungent, texture-wise reminding me of Frederic Malle Promise; earthy with a lot of spices (cardamom and lavender are prominent to me).

As mentioned, this one was not really up my alley on first impression, as I’ve never been a fan of the Oud Wood or Alexandria DNA’s. The quality is there though and I’m eager to further explore Kemi at some point in the future.