If there's one thing the fragrance world can't seem to get enough of right now, it's gourmand scents. And Lattafa, the UAE-based powerhouse known for delivering niche-quality fragrances at accessible prices, has leaned all the way into our collective sweet tooth with its Give Me Gourmand collection. The standout of the lineup? Berry on Top — a fragrance that doesn't just hint at dessert; it practically serves you a plate of it.
Launched in 2025 as part of the playful Give Me Gourmand collection, Berry on Top is a Floral Fruity Gourmand fragrance designed for women but widely appreciated as unisex. The nose behind this creation is Dalia Izem. So what does it actually smell like? Let's dig in.
First Impressions: Strawberries and Cream, Bottled
Right from the first spritz, Berry on Top makes its intentions clear. The opening is a bright, juicy burst of fresh strawberry folded into airy Chantilly cream — a gourmand first impression that feels both indulgent and light. It's not an overly complex or challenging opening, but that's precisely the point: this fragrance wants to charm you immediately, and for the most part, it succeeds.
The effect is reminiscent of whipped cream spooned over perfectly ripe berries — joyful, feminine, and immediately addictive. If you've ever caught yourself craving a strawberry shortcake or those nostalgic strawberry-shaped hard candies your grandmother kept in a glass jar, Berry on Top will take you right back there. In fact, many wearers compare it to the nostalgic scent of Strawberry Shortcake dolls or strawberry pound cake.
The Evolution: From Fresh to Jammy
As the initial brightness settles, the fragrance deepens into its heart. This is where the gourmand personality truly shines. Warm cooked sugar and luscious strawberry jam melt together, creating a glossy, candied richness that feels decadent without becoming heavy. A soft veil of white flowers floats through the middle, adding a subtle romantic lift that keeps the composition refined and balanced.
The transition from fresh strawberry to cooked strawberry jam is what gives Berry on Top its staying power as more than just a simple fruity scent. It adds dimension and a slight syrupy quality that gourmand lovers will recognize and appreciate. It's sweet, yes — but it's a grown-up sweet, softened by the floral heart rather than veering into juvenile candy territory.
Finally, the dry-down arrives: a cozy, smooth blend of creamy vanilla and soft musk that lingers close to the skin. The vanilla here is warm and comforting rather than overwhelmingly sugary, and the musk adds just enough depth to keep things interesting. On skin, it dries down to a creamy, musky vanilla with a lingering hint of candied strawberry.
Performance: A Gentle, Delicious Aura
Let's set realistic expectations here: Berry on Top is not a beast-mode fragrance. It's a skin scent — meaning it stays close to you rather than projecting across a room and announcing your arrival before you've even walked in. This makes it perfect for intimate settings, casual daytime outings, or any moment when you want something comforting just for yourself.
Longevity is moderate, clocking in at approximately 3 to 4 hours on average before it becomes a whisper. Sillage is similarly restrained — noticeable to you and anyone close enough for a hug, but not trailing dramatically behind you. For some, this will be a drawback; for others, it's exactly the point. Not every fragrance needs to dominate a room, and Berry on Top seems to understand its lane and stay in it.
As for when to wear it: Berry on Top is recommended for spring and summer daytime wear. The brightness of the strawberry keeps it from feeling too heavy, while the creamy base gives it enough warmth for cooler evenings. It's incredibly versatile — appropriate for casual outings, lunch dates, or even just lounging at home when you want to feel put-together without being overpowering.
The Maceration Factor: Patience Pays Off
Here's an important tip that every Lattafa buyer should know: let it macerate.
When this fragrance first arrived in the hands of eager reviewers, reactions were mixed. Many noted that the initial berry accord felt a bit sharp, almost artificial — not quite the juicy realism they'd hoped for. But here's the thing about Middle Eastern fragrances: they often benefit from a process called maceration. Essentially, after spraying the bottle a few times to introduce air, you let it sit for a few weeks or months. This allows the notes to blend and deepen, often enhancing both the scent profile and performance.
The difference is reportedly significant. What starts as a slightly synthetic strawberry note can mellow into a much more realistic, juicy strawberry jam. So if you blind-buy Berry on Top and aren't immediately in love, give it some time. A few weeks of patience might transform it into exactly what you were hoping for.
That said, not everyone is won over. Some reviewers remain unconvinced, describing the strawberry as "maximally synthetic, as if you mixed artificial strawberries with plastic and then poured sugar over it". As with any fragrance, your mileage will vary depending on skin chemistry and personal taste.
The Packaging: Dessert-Inspired Charm
One area where Lattafa rarely misses is presentation, and Berry on Top is no exception. The glass bottle is designed to resemble a strawberry dessert — with a pink base, a brown drizzle pattern, a white cream-like cap, and a vibrant red strawberry perched right on top. It looks good enough to eat, and the light pink and white striped box only reinforces the sweet, playful theme.
It's a bottle that will stand out on any vanity — whimsical without being tacky, and perfectly aligned with the gourmand scent housed inside.
Price and Availability
Berry on Top comes in a 75 ml Eau de Parfum format and is widely available through online fragrance retailers. Depending on where you shop, the recommended retail price sits at around €49.95, though it's frequently available for less — prices as low as £29.99 in the UK or around €34–40 across European retailers are not uncommon. In Qatar, it retails around QAR 135.92.
Sample sizes (1 ml to 10 ml) are also widely available from decant sites, making it easy to test before committing to a full bottle.
Final Verdict: Who Is This For?
Berry on Top is for the gourmand lover who craves something sweet, creamy, and approachable without venturing into heavy caramel or chocolate territory. It's for the person who wants to smell delightful and refined rather than loud and demanding. As one reviewer put it, it's a fragrance that balances playful gourmand sweetness with an elegant, sensual finish.
If you're a fan of realistic strawberry notes, creamy vanilla, and sugary sweetness in your perfumes, this is one to explore. Just remember: give it time to macerate, keep your projection expectations in check, and enjoy the gentle, delicious aura it creates.
Pros:
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Affordable price point for an Eau de Parfum
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Playful, dessert-inspired bottle design
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Versatile for daytime and casual wear
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Soft, crowd-pleasing gourmand profile
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Improves significantly with maceration
Cons:
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Moderate longevity (3–4 hours)
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Low projection (skin scent territory)
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Initial sharpness may disappoint before maceration
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Not for those seeking a complex or challenging scent
So, would I recommend Berry on Top? If you're in the market for an affordable, cheerful gourmand that smells like a strawberry dessert without taking itself too seriously — absolutely. Just spray it, stash it for a few weeks, and let the magic happen.