Oud Fleur vs Noir de Noir Comparison

After doing my review of Oud Fleur yesterday, I had to do a comparison post, with its similar counterpart Noir de Noir. These two Tom Ford fragrances, can often be the final two choices for some folks, but which is the one to go with? Which perfume smells better? Which lasts longer? Which of these oud based Tom Ford scents, is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Oud Fleur vs. Noir de Noir

Noir de Noir

Notes include: rose, oud, patchouli, black truffle, tree moss

Click here to try: Tom Ford Private Blend Noir De Noir Eau De Parfum Spray Edp 3.4 Fl / 100 Ml

My original review: Noir de Noir

Oud Fleur

Notes include: oud, sandalwood, resin, patchouli, rose

Click here to try: Oud Fleur by Tom Ford for unisex – 3.4 Ounce edp spray 

My review: Oud Fleur

Opening

Noir de Noir opens up with rose and patchouli, as its main notes. The oud sits underneath, those two, and isn’t all that prevalent. The rose has a nice sweetness that pairs nicely with the earthy and spicy patchouli.

Oud Fleur opens up in a very similar manner. Rose leads the way, but it is paired with mostly the sandalwood note and a resinous amber. The similarities between the two, go much further, as oud and patchouli are also present in Oud Fleur.

Which is better? Again, they’re quite close, but I like the start of Oud Fleur more. The sandalwood and resin set it apart. To me, the opening of Noir de Noir, is its weakest quality. It becomes much better later on.

Edge: Oud Fleur

Projection

For the duration of the wear, both of these are mostly moderate fragrances, in terms of sillage. The aren’t going to project, in an extreme way. I will say, that Oud Fleur is stronger on my skin, for the first few hours than is, Noir. After that, they are about equal.

Edge: Oud Fleur

Longevity

Both of these perfumes, last for 8-9 hours, on my skin. I haven’t noticed any differences in this regard, during testing. Each is very good, though, not elite.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Noir de Noir and Oud Fleur are relegated mostly to colder weather. You can go somewhat into the temperate climates, with these, but should avoid the heat.

Now, both of these are unisex, technically. Oud Fleur leans more feminine and Noir de Noir, while more masculine, probably has the wider appeal. More men and women could enjoy it.

Noir de Noir is probably better for nightlife and I would consider it to be sexier. Oud Fleur, is probably the more formal or elegant type of perfume. I’d give the edge to Noir, in this category.

Edge: Noir

Overall Scent

It is admittedly, a pretty evenly matched bout up to this point. There’s so much overlap between these Tom Ford fragrances, that it can indeed be a difficult choice.

Oud Fleur has a nice sandalwood and resinous quality that I enjoy. It’s spicy profile, is a highlight, and its a great option if you love the agarwood smell. Particularly, if you’re a female. The performance is solid all around, but it can be a pretty linear scent.

To me, Noir de Noir is the better fragrance. The opening isn’t all that amazing, but this one really gets going during the dry down. During the latter stages, it becomes earthier and dirtier, so to speak. The oud isn’t super powerful, but you get a mossy note, to go along with patchouli.

Also, there is vanilla and truffle which gives Noir de Noir, a sweet and creamy aroma. It has a depth and personality, that Oud Fleur lacks, in my opinion. The performance is pretty much on par with its competitor too. Plus, it is more of a viable wear for most men and women, as well.

Winner: Noir de Noir

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.