Luna Rossa Carbon by Prada Review

In this review, I have one of the flanker fragrances from Prada’s Luna Rossa line, named: Carbon. In this post, I am going to relay my thoughts about this particular cologne after wearing around. How does it smell? How does it perform? When should it be worn? Is it even worth a purchase?

What does Luna Rossa Carbon Smell Like?

Notes include: lavender, ambroxan, metallic notes, pepper, patchouli, coal, bergamot

Click here to try: Prada Luna Rossa CARBON for Men Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 ounce

My Full Wear Review

All right, so, Luna Rossa Carbon gets compared a lot to Sauvage by Dior. While I get, the comparison, and there are a lot of similarities…the two are still distinct from one another. I’ll do a whole break down in another post, but for now, I just want to focus on Carbon. (Carbon vs. Sauvage)

The opening of Luna Rossa Carbon features that Sauvage-like ambroxan, pepper, bergamot, and lavender. I suppose there is a slight metallic note to the opening, but nothing like that found in something such as Hugo Red.

The bergamot strikes me as the strongest top note at first, but it fades into the background within 5 minutes. Though, it does provide a nice citrus support throughout.

I really do like the citrus and the way that it plays off of the pepper and the metallic. The mix is just better for me, than it is in Sauvage.

After the initial wave, I get the feeling of an earthy kind of soap or shaving cream. The lavender note is the main attraction here and it really starts to show up as the fragrance moves along in its life cycle.

If you’re someone who really enjoys the smells of lavender, this cologne is probably as good as it gets. At least, in a mainstream fragrance, that doesn’t extract that note in isolation.

Luna Rossa Carbon is pretty linear throughout the wear but not entirely. The lavender is a constant but different notes sort of dance around in the background of it.

At times, I get a breakthrough of patchouli. Then, more ambroxan. Then, the pepper. There is also times when it becomes difficult to distinguish between the ingredients and it does produce an aroma that brings to mind a metal…like carbon.

That coal/metallic note is kind of a weird addition, but it isn’t that heavy, and actually feels like it’s a solid fit within the composition.

Sillage, How Long Does it Last, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s not crazy loud, but it performs well. I’d say on the upper end of moderate. With a few sprays, you’ll be fine. It can be strong in the first 30 minutes or so, as such, you may need to give it a bit of time to settle if you’re really putting on the sprays.

While Luna Rossa Carbon, is not a projection beast, it does sit on my skin for a long, long time. I catch whiffs into the evening after an early morning application. Depending on the circumstances, I’d say in the 7-11 hour range. That’s after I’ve been coming back to it, over the past few years. Very nice performance, not crazy, but solid all around.

What I really like about Carbon, is just how versatile it is. It is understated enough to be safe for work or casual wear. It’s mature enough for formal wear.

Plus, it is really damn attractive or even sexy enough to wear on nights out at the club. Also, it doesn’t feel restricted to any particular season for me. Personally, I have enjoyed wearing it in more moderate or warmer temperatures. That’s when Carbon feels like it is at its best.

Overall Impression of Luna Rossa Carbon

Overall, do I recommend Carbon? Yes, it’s quite nice. I’m not sure how much of a spot it’ll have in my personal rotation, as I’m not always in the mood to smell lavender. However, it does everything very well, and still manages to be an attractive cologne.

I’ve got a whole mini sprayer, so, I’ll probably be spending plenty of time with it, in the future. Update: Carbon has become one that I now wear sporadically, but I’ve come to enjoy it more and more.

It’s still not a favorite of mine, but it does have strengths that I appreciate. I like the metallic edge, the citrus opening, and the lavender now feels fresher to my nose. To me, it’s better than Sauvage EDT, and a great easy wear especially in spring or summertime.

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.