Bleu Noir Parfum by Narciso Rodriguez

Bleu Noir is a series from Narciso Rodriguez that I’ve been meaning to do full reviews on, for a while now. I bought samples of EDP and today’s entry released in 2022, Bleu Noir parfum. I’d already come across this before, but wanted to do a deeper dive into how it smells and if it’s actually worth buying.

What does Bleu Noir Parfum for Him Smell Like?

Notes include: iris, musk, cardamom, cypress, bergamot, mandarin orange, suede, tonka bean, leather, vetiver, cedar

Click here to try: Bleu Noir Parfum

My Full Review

Here’s how Narciso Rodriguez describes it: mysterious and audacious. Iris notes. Sensual musk. Addictive wood.

From the start, you do get the similarities to Dior Homme Intense. Not exactly the same, by any means, but elements are there. However, the opening act here doesn’t touch that of Intense, which is fantastic. This has similarities, but isn’t nearly as enticing as the Dior.

The iris is present early, as is the signature Narciso Rodriguez musk note. I do get light touches of citrus which gives this one a brightness. The cypress and cardamom notes really do alter it from the same path as the Dior, though.

I’m not a massive fan of cypress and paired with cardamom, Bleu Parfum has an aroma similar to AdG Profondo Lights sans the sea notes (those aren’t the only two overlapping notes). A fragrance that I really don’t care for. So, it is like a tug of war between Dior Homme Intense and Profondo Lights and the musk/woods of Bleu EDP.

The fragrance will transition into its next stage, that is much smoother with a falling away of the cardamom especially (also much of the cypress). Here, we get the suede/leather combination, tonka bean to sweeten and add powder to the iris, and a general musky woods base.

Clean with some slightly soapy qualities.

With Bleu Noir EDP, I get a much more defined use of the vetiver and cedar notes than with Parfum. It’s like the original formula sitting underneath the iris and leathery notes. That’s essentially how it dries down.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here isn’t heavy feeling, more moderate, but it does have the ability to project itself quite a ways. Solidly above average and I got a longer time with this level of power before it began to diminish, unlike some other popular iris colognes.

On my skin Bleu Parfum lasts over 8 hours, each time. It can hit the 9-9.5 hour mark too, but that didn’t seem consistent. With a full bottle, I’d say it will get to that upper band more. Either way, the performance is not an issue here.

Parfum is almost a year round scent, outside of the extreme heat of summer or if you’re going to be outside in a more tropical environment. It’s nice enough, when it’s warm out, but I do prefer it in the cooler temperatures that you’d get in autumn or winter.

The good news continues, as this Narciso Rodriguez cologne is also very versatile. You could wear this day or night, casual or more dressed up. It’s clean enough to fit in most places and not too overbearing, as to cause offense.

Overall Impressions of Bleu Noir Parfum

Overall, do I like Bleu Noir Parfum? Yes, but I don’t think that it is better than the fragrances that it gets compared to. The Parfum version is better than the EDP, however.

The opening act is fine, just my least favorite aspect of this fragrance. The reminder of Profondo Lights versus what I get with Dior Homme Intense, just doesn’t hold up head to head.

Though, the middle act and dry down of Bleu Noir Parfum is more enjoyable, more unique, and very good. Plus, you do get plenty of time to spend with it, since the performance is long lasting and not at all weak.

I wouldn’t be opposed to getting this one versus the Dior, since it is usually a bit cheaper, but not always. If that’s not an option, I’m getting the Dior. Nonetheless, Bleu Noir Parfum is a very good entry and well worth checking out.

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.