Finding one that strikes the perfect balance between affordability, performance, and versatility is like discovering a hidden gem. A Middle Eastern fragrance house release that has taken the fragrance community by storm. With its striking similarity to Jean Paul Gaultier’s Ultra Male, this fragrance has earned a cult following for being a budget-friendly powerhouse that’s sweet, seductive, and long-lasting.
The Brand: Who Is Afnan?
A Dubai-based fragrance house known for creating high-quality perfumes at accessible prices. Unlike luxury designer houses that often charge for branding and marketing, Afnan focuses on delivering luxury-style scents with impressive performance at a fraction of the cost. Many of their releases take inspiration from popular designer fragrances but add a Middle Eastern twist that often emphasizes richness, longevity, and projection.
Released in 2020, is one of their most popular offerings, and for good reason—it captures the DNA of a high-end clubbing fragrance and repackages it into an affordable, accessible bottle.
First Impressions: Packaging and Presentation
A sleek, rectangular glass bottle with a modern black-and-burgundy gradient design. The styling is minimal but elegant, signaling that this fragrance is made for evening wear. The atomizer is surprisingly strong, delivering a wide mist—important for a scent that’s meant to project.
At first glance, the presentation feels more upscale than its modest price tag suggests, immediately giving off the impression of a fragrance that belongs in a higher price tier.
Scent Profile: What Does Afnan 9 PM Smell Like?
The magic of 9 PM lies in its sweet, spicy, and sensual composition. Here’s the breakdown:
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Top Notes: Apple, Cinnamon, Wild Lavender, Bergamot
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Heart Notes: Orange Blossom, Lily of the Valley
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Base Notes: Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Amber, Patchouli
The Opening
The first spray greets you with a sweet blast of apple and vanilla, balanced by a slightly spicy cinnamon note. There’s also a hint of bergamot that adds freshness, but make no mistake—this is a sweet fragrance right from the start.
The Mid
As the fragrance settles, the orange blossom emerges, giving it a slightly floral yet creamy character. This phase is where 9 PM begins to feel warm, cozy, and inviting.
The Dry Down
The base is dominated by vanilla and tonka bean, supported by amber and patchouli. It’s smooth, creamy, and sweet with a seductive edge—perfect for date nights and colder evenings.
In short, this is a sweet, spicy, and creamy gourmand fragrance with a seductive vibe, often compared directly to Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male.
Performance: Longevity, Projection, and Sillage
One of the reasons gets so much hype is its beastly performance, especially considering its price point.
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Longevity: 8–10 hours on average, with some users reporting up to 12 hours.
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Projection: Strong within the first 2–3 hours; people around you will notice it.
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Sillage: Leaves a noticeable scent trail, making it perfect for parties, clubs, or crowded spaces.
Compared to many designer fragrances that cost double or triple the price, 9 PM easily competes in terms of strength and staying power.
When and Where to Wear Afnan 9 PM
This fragrance is not what you’d call “office safe” or “subtle.” It’s loud, sweet, and attention-grabbing, making it best suited for specific situations:
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Best Occasions: Night outs, dates, clubbing, parties, special evenings.
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Best Seasons: Fall, winter, and cooler spring nights.
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Best Time of Day: Evening and nighttime wear.
For daily office wear or hot summer days, it may feel overwhelming. But if you’re looking for something that draws compliments in social settings, it’s an excellent choice.
Who Should Wear It?
This is marketed as a men’s fragrance, but its sweet vanilla-forward profile makes it versatile enough for women who enjoy gourmand scents.
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Ideal for men in their 20s and 30s who go out frequently and want a compliment-puller.
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Great for women who enjoy bold, sweet, and spicy perfumes.
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Best for confident personalities—this fragrance makes a statement and works best if you embrace its loudness.
Comparisons: Afnan 9 PM vs Designer Alternatives
Afnan 9 PM vs Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male
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Similarity: Extremely close—many call it a “clone.”
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Performance: 9 PM often lasts longer and projects more.
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Price: Ultra Male costs around $90–$120, while 9 PM averages $30–$40.
Afnan 9 PM vs Versace Eros
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Both are sweet, seductive clubbing scents.
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9 PM is creamier with more vanilla, while Eros leans minty and fresh.
Afnan 9 PM vs Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Man
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CDNIM is a fresh, smoky citrus fragrance (inspired by Creed Aventus).
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9 PM is a sweet, gourmand fragrance. Both are affordable alternatives, but for different moods.
Price and Value
Perhaps the strongest selling point is its incredible value for money. Depending on the retailer, you can often find a 100ml bottle for $30–$40 USD (₱1,700–₱2,200 in the Philippines).
Considering its performance rivals designer fragrances three times the price, it’s one of the best bargains in the fragrance world right now.
Pros and Cons of Afnan 9 PM
Pros:
✅ Incredible performance (8–10+ hours).
✅ Affordable price.
✅ Strong compliment factor.
✅ Stylish bottle design.
✅ Perfect for nights out and cold weather.
Cons:
❌ Too sweet for summer or office wear.
❌ Not the most versatile daily fragrance.
❌ Lacks originality (close to Ultra Male).
Final Verdict: Is Afnan 9 PM Worth It?
If you’re searching for an affordable, long-lasting evening fragrance that gets you noticed, this is an absolute winner. It combines the best qualities of high-end clubbing scents with the accessibility and value of a budget fragrance. While it may not be the most versatile option for everyday wear, it shines as a date-night and party fragrance that guarantees compliments.
Whether you’re new to fragrances or a seasoned collector, this scent delivers beyond expectations and deserves its reputation as one of the best affordable evening fragrances on the market today.
