Invictus EDT by Paco Rabanne

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Paco Rabanne ‘s most famous fragrance is 1 Million, which comes displayed in a gold ingot bottle. However, 1 Million is not this design house’s, only great scent. Invictus is another great fragrance choice for guys who like something that is fresh and sporty.

Since its release, Invictus has been a best seller and a permanent staple for many younger guys. It is one that has become exceedingly popular in bars and night clubs around the word.

This one also comes in a great, and interesting bottle, but I want to focus this review on what’s inside of that container…since that’s what counts, isn’t it?

Quick Overview

My Verdict

Invictus EDT opens with citrus, fruit, aquatic notes, ambergris, and bay leaf. The early stage has a sweet bubblegum-like aroma, but it leans more blue, watery, and salty than candy-like.

As it dries down, the fragrance becomes more marine, soapy, floral, and woody. The jasmine comes forward after a few hours, while the ambergris adds a salty oceanic feel.

This is best for younger guys who want a clean, fresh, versatile scent for casual wear, summer, fall, nights out, and everyday use. It is not the most complex fragrance, but it performs well and gets positive reactions.

🏆 Invictus EDT by Paco Rabanne — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Fresh Aquatic Fruity
Key Notes Grapefruit, Sea Notes, Mandarin Orange, Bay Leaf, Jasmine, Ambergris, Oak Moss, Woods
Season Spring Summer Fall
Occasion Casual Wear, Night Out, Summer Wear, Everyday Use, Bars, Clubs
Longevity About 6-7 hours on skin, sometimes more; can linger much longer on clothing
Sillage Large for the first few hours, then moderate to pretty strong afterward
Rating ★★★★☆ 7.6 / 10
Quick Verdict A fresh, sporty, aquatic-fruity fragrance with citrus, sea notes, ambergris, bay leaf, jasmine, and woods. Best for younger guys who want a clean, versatile, attention-grabbing scent with solid performance.

What does Invictus by Paco Rabanne Smell Like?

invictus

Notes include: grapefruit, sea notes, mandarin orange, bay leaf, jasmine, ambergris, oak moss, and more.

Click here to try: Invictus by Paco Rabanne for Men 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray

My Full Review

There are many scents on the market, which are just all together boring or flat. Sometimes, as men, we need to switch it up and add something with a bit of flair and energy to it. Invictus is a scent, which I feel, does just that.

What I like about the opening, note is how the citrusy/fruity notes captivate the senses, and locks people’s attention solely on you. That isn’t to say that this is a loud or obnoxious fragrance, but it does emanate a certain confidence.

The fruit notes, ambergris, bay leaf, and aquatic elements in Invictus, combine to give the scent a sort of bubblegum like aroma, at the top. It is quite sweet and has that light powdered sugar scent, for a little bit early on.

I didn’t like it all that much, upon my initial tests years ago, but I’ll admit it did grown on me thereafter.

The bubble gum aroma in Invictus, isn’t the same warm spicy kind found in, Ultra Male. It’s got a bit of the same vibe that the edition of 1 Million called, 1 Million Cologne, has.

It’s a an aquatic fruity sweetness, but leans more toward the blue watery end than the candied end of the spectrum.

As it dries down, this Paco Rabanne cologne, moves away from the fruitiness of the opening. The ambergris, really starts to peak through, and adds a saltier touch to the aquatic notes. It feels more oceanic, as it move forward, and less of that clean aqua smell.

Beyond that, the bay leaf comes in a bit more, but especially the jasmine. It’s got a solid floral soapiness, a few hours into it, with a dry woody base. It’s nice, still has a smooth vibe, but I think that I prefer the start over this period of the wear.

In the end, I get a very fresh scent, with lots of citrus (fairly synthetic citrus) and a nice salty marine aroma. It’s clean with a masculine base of wood to tie things all together. It isn’t overly complex, but not all fragrances need to be.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

I do think that this cologne would appeal more to the younger man. (let’s say high school/college age to early 30s), and it is for sure one that captures the attention of girls.

I like it, but females seem to respond to this one more positively, than I do. Why? Who knows? It just works.

If you’re older, you’d almost certainly want to go with something else as your daily wear. If you really love the smell of Invictus, just keep a bottle for yourself when you want to wear it.

Invictus is another great option for summertime wear and even into the fall months. Honestly, though, it’s one that can easily work in all climates. It’s versatility is probably Invictus’ greatest strength.

I don’t think I’d wear this stuff formally, but it can fit in just about anywhere else, that you’d want to wear it. Mostly for casual situations or a night out.

It projects well without being overbearing (unless you put on too much, but what cologne doesn’t?) and it is a scent which will last for a good amount of time. In fact, I could smell remnants of it on my shirt for a few days after I wore it.

Update: I have smelled this cologne on other guys, a few times in public, in the past year. It is absolutely grating, as they probably doused themselves with it. Avoid that, for the sake of others.

On the skin, it gets about 6-7 hours, and sometimes a bit more. The sillage is quite large for the first few hours, but becomes pretty moderate for me, thereafter. It goes from beast to simply a pretty strong fragrance. The performance is very solid, however.

For an eau de toilette, the strength is good in comparison to others at this price point.

Overall Impression of Invictus EDT

The downside to this cologne? Well, if you’re one who is really into having the most complex and unique scents ever, then you might one to skip this one.

However, if you are a young guy and just want to smell good and have a scent that can work well for any occasion then Invictus is a very good choice.

It is a moderately priced cologne that will leave the wearer feeling clean and fresh, all day long. It delivers a good performance, already has plenty of fans, and has a fine aroma.

It still isn’t a fragrance, that I’m personally crazy about, but I respect it. For me, it is wearable, but for many others Invictus is lovable.

Since this has been released, Invictus has spawned many flankers, including Invictus Intense and Legend. I think both of those are better than the original, not leagues above it, but still quite a bit more well put together than Invictus EDT.

The good news is that you can usually find cheaper bottles of this stuff nowadays, at the discount sellers and the like.

This is still a pretty nice cologne, that can have its place. Though, I feel that it has been surpassed, by members of its own line and by other scents under the Paco Rabanne name.

FAQ: Invictus EDT by Paco Rabanne

What does Invictus EDT smell like?

Invictus EDT smells fresh, aquatic, fruity, sweet, salty, and clean. It opens with citrus, fruit, ambergris, bay leaf, and sea notes, then becomes more marine, soapy, floral, and woody.

Is Invictus EDT good?

Yes, Invictus EDT is a good fragrance if you want something fresh, sporty, youthful, and easy to wear. It is not very complex, but it smells clean, performs well, and works in many casual situations.

How long does Invictus EDT last?

Invictus EDT lasts around 6-7 hours on skin and sometimes a bit more. It can also last much longer on clothing.

Does Invictus EDT project well?

Yes. Invictus EDT has large sillage during the first few hours, then settles into a moderate to pretty strong scent trail.

Is Invictus EDT good for summer?

Yes. Invictus EDT is a strong summer option because of its citrus, aquatic notes, salty ambergris, and clean fresh profile.

Is Invictus EDT good for younger guys?

Yes. Invictus EDT is especially suited for younger men, from high school or college age into the early 30s. It has a youthful, sporty, casual, and nightlife-friendly style.

Is Invictus EDT good for clubs?

Yes. Invictus EDT works well for bars, clubs, nights out, and casual social settings. Just avoid over-spraying, since it can become grating when applied too heavily.

Is Invictus EDT formal?

Not really. Invictus EDT is better for casual wear, summer use, nights out, and everyday situations than formal events.

Is Invictus EDT unique?

Invictus EDT is not especially unique or complex. Its strength is that it is fresh, clean, versatile, youthful, and easy to wear.

Is Invictus EDT worth buying?

Invictus EDT is worth buying if you find it discounted and want a fresh, sporty, aquatic fragrance. It is still good, though some flankers and other Paco Rabanne scents may be better put together.

CK One by Calvin Klein

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In the late 1980s through the mid 1990s, there were few bigger names in popular fashion than Calvin Klein. From the famous jeans advertisements, to the black and white fragrance commercials which stirred up some controversy, CK had  created quite a brand.

The thing is that the line of scents for men and women is still highly popular today, as they are always among the best sellers at any online retailer. Perhaps the most popular of all is one of the unisex fragrances, CK One.

If you’re new to fragrances or too young to remember when this scent was everywhere, you probably have some questions. What does CK One Smell like? How long does it last? Is it still worth a try?

Note: I have updated this review some 8+ years after the original, to expand and add upon it. Check Out: 7 Best Calvin Klein Fragrances for Men

Quick Overview

My Verdict

CK One opens with lots of lemon, bergamot, papaya, and pineapple. The citrus and tropical fruit give it a bright, watery freshness, while green tea and cardamom add a light green-spicy touch.

As it dries down, CK One becomes more musky, woody, floral, and slightly soapy. Jasmine and lily-of-the-valley give it a softer unisex feel, while cedar and musk keep it clean and balanced.

This is best as an inexpensive everyday fragrance, especially for spring, summer, casual wear, class, errands, and warm days. It is not exciting or niche, but it remains fresh, nostalgic, versatile, and easy to wear.

🍋 CK One by Calvin Klein — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Fresh Citrus Musk
Key Notes Papaya, Bergamot, Lemon, Pineapple, Green Tea, Cardamom, Jasmine, Musk, Cedar, Amber
Season Spring Summer
Occasion Daily Wear, Casual Wear, Class, Errands, Warm Days, Everyday Freshness
Longevity About 6-7 hours
Sillage Light to moderate — stronger for the first 1-2 hours, then becomes much lighter
Rating ★★★★☆ 7.6 / 10
Quick Verdict A clean, youthful, unisex citrus fragrance with tropical fruit, green tea, musk, soft florals, and a woody base. Great as an inexpensive everyday scent, but better at a discount than full retail.

My Full Review

ck one

Notes: papaya, bergamot, lemon, cedar, cardamom, musk, green tea, pineapple and jasmine. green tea and amber

Click here to try: Calvin Klein ck one Eau de Toilette, 6.7 Fl Oz

My Full Review

As a unisex fragrance, CK One had to tiptoe the line between being too masculine and too feminine in the risk of alienating one gender or the other of its customer base.

It just so happens that they accomplished, almost perfectly, a scent which would appeal to both and enjoy massive popularity.

This is what makes CK One such a great starter fragrance or inexpensive every day wearer, its universality. It can be put on and enjoyed by almost anyone.

Its notes are a blend of fruit and more earthy or woodsy ones. However, CK One doesn’t have a heavy or rugged aroma to it, it is clean and warm instead. The papaya and pineapple help to give this scent a light sweetness, which I think plays a major part in its appeal.

The opening is a blast of citrus and the tropical fruits. Lots of lemon and bergamot, that is matched up with papaya and the pineapple.

The is also a hint of green tea with cardamom giving it a slight spice (and perhaps a further lemony tinge). That spice doesn’t hang around too long nor get too intense, but it is there.

The citrus notes feel pretty watery and the musk and floral notes come in rather quickly to generate a soapy quality to CK One.

It’s really not overly soapy, in my mind as I’ve come across fragrances that do it to a much greater extent, but it definitely provides that lighter lathery freshness.

As it dries down, the intensity of the opening citrus notes begin to subside, and it becomes much more green and floral. The base is still musky and woody with the cedar note, but on top of that, is mostly jasmine and lily-of-the-valley.

This is probably the most ‘feminine’ part of the wear, but even still, CK One manages to straddle that line so well. I think that the lemony citrus and the base notes, sort of offset the floral aspects of this fragrance, even when a powdery element emerges.

What I get in the end is, a just out of the shower freshness, with lemon and papaya notes that are met by green floral ingredients. There is a light musk and a woody base holding the whole thing together.

The floral elements are a nice touch. Not too heavy, but a soft jasmine and lily influence, really helps to balance this scent out. Enough to give One, its unisex designation.

One thing that I really like about CK One, is that even after 20 years since its release, its still feels modern and fresh. It really hasn’t lost its luster to me. The notes just give off this crisp energy which invigorates your senses and gathers complements from those around you.

Again, this is not a niche fragrance, which will be a unique find or only some people will enjoy but that doesn’t make a bad scent, it is a best-seller for a reason.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it is a light to moderate fragrance. The sillage isn’t super strong, but it was always noticeable. Boy, did you get to notice this stuff back in the 90s, it was on nearly everyone it seems.

For me, One is pretty strong for about 1-2 hours, then becomes much lighter. The initial citrus and tropical fruit, does lend itself to having the illusion of a greater sillage, than may actually be the case.

The longevity is solid, 6-7 hours still seems capable with this stuff, perhaps vintage bottle went even longer.

Seasonally, it was always more of a spring/summer scent, but this was around all the time and can go year round. Super unisex, depending on what part of the wear it leans one way or the other.

This one is very youthful and casual. I’d wear it on a warm day, just hanging around, or out for errands. It’s one of those scents that is great for teenagers and college students to wear to class or wherever.

Overall Impressions of CK One

Overall, CK One is a great scent for those who want something youthful, those who want a versatile everyday wearer, those who like clean and energetic scents that aren’t too manly or too girly, and those who just appreciate a good fragrance.

It was a massive success when it came out and is still selling bottle to this day. Is it super amazing? I mean, nowadays, it is commonplace and isn’t all that exciting. It is pleasant, fresh, and very nostalgic. It still performs and has a scent that people have always enjoyed.

Nonetheless, I still like CK One, and enjoy revisiting this scent from time to time. There are a lot of fragrances from the 1990s, that aren’t around anymore, but this one keeps chugging along.

It’s for sure still worth checking out, if not just for nostalgic reasons. I will say, I’d want a discount versus paying full retail for it. That’s usually not too difficult to accomplish, but full price seems like a bit of a stretch nowadays.

FAQ: CK One by Calvin Klein

What does CK One smell like?

CK One smells fresh, clean, citrusy, lightly fruity, green, musky, and slightly soapy. It opens with lemon, bergamot, papaya, and pineapple, then dries down into green tea, jasmine, musk, cedar, and amber.

Is CK One for men or women?

CK One is a unisex fragrance. It balances citrus, fruit, green tea, florals, musk, and woods in a way that can work for both men and women.

How long does CK One last?

CK One lasts around 6-7 hours. It is stronger for the first 1-2 hours, then becomes much lighter.

Does CK One project well?

CK One has light to moderate projection. It is noticeable early on, but it is not a heavy or room-filling fragrance.

Is CK One still worth buying?

Yes, CK One is still worth buying if you want a clean, affordable, easy everyday fragrance. It is not very exciting now, but it remains pleasant, fresh, nostalgic, and versatile.

Is CK One good for summer?

Yes. CK One is especially good for spring and summer because of its citrus, tropical fruit, green tea, musk, and watery freshness.

Is CK One good for school or college?

Yes. CK One is a good school or college fragrance because it is youthful, casual, clean, and not too overpowering.

Is CK One a good everyday fragrance?

Yes. CK One works well as an everyday scent for casual use, errands, warm weather, and relaxed daytime wear.

Is CK One soapy?

CK One has a light soapy quality from the musk and floral notes. It is not overly soapy, but it does have that clean, just-out-of-the-shower feel.

Should I buy CK One at full price?

It is better to buy CK One at a discount. The scent is still good, but full retail feels like a stretch compared with the many affordable fresh fragrances available now.

Man Rain Essence by Bvlgari

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Rain Essence is a 2023 release, that is a part of the Essence series of fragrances by Bvlgari. I have already reviewed the others that have been put out thus far.

So, I bought a sample of Rain, to try and keep up to date with this lineup. How does it smell? Does is last long? Is it worth a try?

Quick Overview

My Verdict

Bvlgari Man Rain Essence is best when the citrus, green tea, lotus, and watery accord are the main focus. That early stage gives it the rain-like effect promised by the name, with a fresh, light, ozonic quality.

As it dries down, it becomes muskier, soapier, and more like a clean body wash scent. There is also some warmth and smoky spice from the guaiac wood, but the fragrance stays light overall.

It works best in spring and summer, especially outdoors during the day. The scent is clean, safe, and somewhat unique, but the performance is only decent and the price makes it a tougher recommendation.

If you want a cheaper alternative, The Dua Brand has: His Rain Drops

🌧️ Bvlgari Man Rain Essence — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Fresh Woody Musk
Key Notes Orange, Green Tea, Lotus, Musk, Guaiac Wood, Amber
Season Spring Summer
Occasion Daytime, Office, Casual Wear, Outdoors, Warm Weather
Longevity About 5-7 hours
Sillage Moderate — projects around 4-6 feet at first, then closer to 3 feet
Rating ★★★★☆ 7.2 / 10
Quick Verdict A clean, light, ozonic fragrance with green tea, lotus, citrus, musk, and watery freshness. Best in spring and summer, but performance is only moderate and the price makes it harder to recommend at retail.

What does Rain Essence Smell Like?

Notes include: orange, green tea, lotus, musk, guaiac wood, amber

Click here to try: Rain Essence

My Full Review

Here’s how Bvlgari describes it: An ode to the transformative force of rain. A fresh and woody musk signature, signed by Master Perfumer Alberto Morillas.

The opening is a very ozonic and green tea heavy start. The ‘rain’ feeling is there. This one is light with an aquatic watery accord. This is made up by the citrus, tea, and lotus.

The lotus gives this one a further floral and stem-like green aroma in the background. I like the freshness that this one starts out with.

Then, Rain Essence will start to lose much of the orange note that presented up top. The fragrance begins to transition into its musky phase. A phase, that will last for the duration.

It’s still light, but less ozonic, with a soapier finish to it (and hints of powder, at times).

Rain Essence is clean, but warmer, and there is a spice/smoky aspect from the guaiac wood in the base. Basically, what you’re getting is a woody musk fragrance with the remaining lotus, some green tea, and maybe a slight remnant of the orange note.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This does keep to a lighter feeling, much like the name suggests. It’s not going to be a heavy cologne that leaves a massive scent trail. Though, it projects well enough. 4-6 feet, at the start. Around, 3, after that.

Not great, but it doesn’t need to be a monster.

The longevity is fine, but again, not great. Somewhere in the 5-7 hour range, is what I got out of Rain Essence during testing. It hits the bare minimum, of what I’d expect for something at a bit of a lower price.

For what this costs? It probably should be better.

This is one that you’d want to wait until spring and summertime to wear. Outdoors, in the sun, Rain Essence holds up very well and it’s at its best.

It does have good versatility as a daytime fragrance for those seasons. Safe to wear at the office or just around town casually. It’s not offensive or super pungent in any way, quite safe and clean, with a fairly unique profile.

Man Rain Essence isn’t one that’s going to dominate the nightlife or be labeled as being particularly ‘sexy’.

Overall Impressions of Rain Essence

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Eh, it’s okay. In this Essence series, this one is at the bottom for me, along with Glacial. I might have more of a preference for Rain Essence, but not by much of a margin.

So far, I’d rank them like this: Wood, Terrae, Rain, Glacial. I would’ve figured beforehand that Rain and Glacial would’ve been my favorites based on the concept. Even so, I’m not a massive fan of any of these Bvlgari scents. I like the idea, more than the execution.

Again, if you want a cheaper alternative, try: His Rain Drops

It does manage to create a rain-like effect, especially early on in the wear. That’s probably the highlight of the whole thing, for me.

I like it a lot more when I have citrus, tea, and lotus as the main focus. Very nice ozonic/aquatic fragrance. After that, it’s muskier, more like a soapy or body wash type of clean. Not bad, just nothing great.

Performance is also pretty mid. So, that’s not even a saving grace.

Beyond all that, though, this retails for over $100 per bottle. At that price, it’s a strong pass from me. Personally, I probably wouldn’t buy a full bottle even with a heavy discount, but you should wait until it hits the discounters if this is a cologne that you want to try.

FAQ: Bvlgari Man Rain Essence

What does Bvlgari Man Rain Essence smell like?

Bvlgari Man Rain Essence smells fresh, watery, ozonic, green, and musky. It opens with orange, green tea, lotus, and an aquatic rain-like accord, then dries down into clean musk, guaiac wood, amber, and a soapier finish.

Is Bvlgari Man Rain Essence good?

It is decent, but not a must-buy. The opening is the best part, especially when the citrus, tea, lotus, and watery freshness are strongest. The dry down is clean and wearable, but less exciting.

How long does Bvlgari Man Rain Essence last?

Bvlgari Man Rain Essence lasts around 5-7 hours based on testing. That is acceptable, but not especially strong for the price.

Does Bvlgari Man Rain Essence project well?

It projects well enough, but it is not a heavy fragrance. It can reach around 4-6 feet early on, then settles closer to about 3 feet.

When should you wear Bvlgari Man Rain Essence?

Wear it during spring and summer, especially during the daytime. It works well outdoors, at the office, around town, or in casual warm-weather situations.

Is Bvlgari Man Rain Essence good for the office?

Yes. It is clean, light, safe, and not overly pungent, which makes it a good office fragrance.

Is Bvlgari Man Rain Essence good for summer?

Yes. Summer is one of its best seasons. The citrus, green tea, lotus, musk, and aquatic freshness fit warm weather well.

Is Bvlgari Man Rain Essence sexy?

Not really. It is clean and pleasant, but it is not especially sexy, bold, or nightlife-focused.

Is Bvlgari Man Rain Essence worth buying?

It is worth trying if you like clean aquatic musk fragrances, but it is hard to recommend at full retail price. It makes more sense if you find it discounted.

Which Bvlgari Essence fragrance is best?

Man Wood Essence is the best in my opinion. Man Terrae Essence ranks above Rain Essence, while Rain Essence is next up before Glacial.

Darley by Parfums De Marly

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Parfums de Marly is a high end brand, that I’ve extensively covered on the site. I’ve for whatever reason, never got around to using my sample of Darley, probably because I have so many other. This one was released by PdM in 2009.

Recently, I began testing Darley, and wanted to post my Darley review here today. What’s it like? What’s inside? How does it perform?

Quick Overview

My Verdict

Darley opens with lemon, lavender, cinnamon, and mint. It has a fresh spicy feel that immediately brings Le Male to mind, though it is not an exact clone.

As it develops, the citrus fades and the mint, lavender, and rose become more important. The sandalwood, tonka bean, amber, and patchouli give it a smooth, sweet, creamy warmth.

It is clean, elegant, and versatile, with good longevity and a softer but noticeable scent bubble. It is enjoyable, but not necessarily the best Parfums de Marly to buy at full bottle pricing.

🐎 Darley by Parfums de Marly — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Fresh Spicy Aromatic Fougère
Key Notes Lemon, Lavender, Mint, Cinnamon, Rose, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Amber, Patchouli
Season Fall Winter Spring
Occasion Casual Wear, Work, Night Out, Romantic Wear, Mild Weather, Cold Weather
Longevity About 8-10 hours
Sillage Moderate — creates an airy scent bubble, but not a heavy room-filling cloud
Rating ★★★★☆ 7.7 / 10
Quick Verdict A clean, elegant, warm fougère with lemon, lavender, mint, cinnamon, rose, sandalwood, tonka bean, amber, and patchouli. It is versatile and long lasting, but sample first before paying full Parfums de Marly pricing.

What does Darley by PdM Smell Like?

Notes include: mint, tonka bean, lemon, sandalwood, lavender, rose, cinnamon, amber, patchouli, and more

Click here to try: PARFUMS DE MARLY Darley, 4.2 Fl Oz 

My Full Review

Before we get into my review of Darley, let’s see how Parfums de Marly describes it: Darley, inspired by the refined Arabian stallion, bred for speed, is embodied through this masculine fougere scent, with lavender and rose notes unfolding unto a sensuous oriental base.

The opening of Darley gives me: lemon, lavender, cinnamon, and mint. This immediately brings to mind Le Male by JPG (review). Are they exact clones of one another? No, but it’s hard to miss the overlap between them. 

The sharpness of the lemon is kept in check by the lavender’s influence, which allows for the spices (mostly cinnamon) to give Darley a warm freshness. 

One of the main distinctions between this and Le Male, is the presence of the rose note. It’s not super loud, but it does have a further softening effect on the composition, when brought together with lavender.

As it moves further along, the citrus begins to fade, mint takes over as the dominant spice, and the base notes come through. Amber, sandalwood, and patchouli. 

Darley becomes warmer, with a smooth and sweet creaminess, provided by the sandalwood and tonka bean. The notes on top are mint, lavender, and rose.

That’s what I get for the rest of the time. A trio of lavender/rose/mint, with an amber laden sandlwood, tonka bean, and a dash of patchouli. 

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This is a fairly soft fragrance, but it actually does project itself well. I kept getting whiffs of this scent, while walking outside, on a mild day. It was really great. It’s not a room-filler, mind you, but it will create a nice airy scent bubble around you. Not a thick cloud.

Actually, kind of does have the same level of strength as my bottle of Le Male.

The longevity is really good. 8-10 hours, on my skin, and not a completely weak performance during that time either. This isn’t meant to be a heavy or bold cologne, but I can say that it is quite good, with how long it lasts.

Is this a versatile scent? Yes, it is. Darley can be worn casually, at work, out at night, or romantically. It’s not a super sexy type of cologne, but on that is indeed very attractive, and will get noticed. 

Seasonally, it will work well almost year round. Not for extreme heat, but in the mild temperatures and cold, it works perfectly. So, I’d call it autumn through springtime. Pick something else up for the summer months.

Overall Impression of Darley

Do I like this scent? Yes, it’s not the best Parfums de Marly fragrance, but it is a very enjoyable one. If you like Le Male, you’ll like this, it’s of better quality and with a different take. 

Not way better, in terms of smell versus the Gaultier fragrance, if at all. Sure, more sophisticated, but Le Male can be a very nice fragrance to wear at times.

I really like the cinnamon in the opening. Also, when the sandalwood, rose, lavender, and mint are working in conjunction…it’s great.

While the sillage isn’t huge, it does hang around the wearer, and will last a full work day. Occasionally, I have gotten it to that 10 hour mark. I just wouldn’t count on that being the norm. 

Very clean and elegant. I’ll definitely be wearing the rest of this sample, over the next little while.

Is it worth the full bottle? Maybe. I’d get a sample and test it out for yourself before dropping $300+. Again, there are better Parfums de Marly scents. Personally, I went with Oajan before this, and would go with others ahead of it as well.

FAQ: Darley by Parfums de Marly

What does Darley by Parfums de Marly smell like?

Darley smells fresh, spicy, clean, creamy, and warm. It opens with lemon, lavender, cinnamon, and mint, then dries down into rose, sandalwood, tonka bean, amber, and patchouli.

Is Darley similar to Le Male?

Yes, Darley has some overlap with Le Male because of the mint, lavender, spice, and sweet warmth. It is not an exact clone, but the resemblance is noticeable.

How long does Darley last?

Darley lasts around 8-10 hours on skin. It is not a heavy fragrance, but the longevity is very good.

Does Darley project well?

Darley projects fairly well, but it is not a room-filling scent. It creates a pleasant airy scent bubble around the wearer.

When should you wear Darley?

Darley works well casually, at work, out at night, and romantically. It is best in fall, winter, spring, and mild temperatures.

Is Darley good for summer?

Darley is not the best choice for extreme summer heat. It can work in mild weather, but hotter days call for something fresher and lighter.

Is Darley worth buying?

Darley is worth trying if you like clean, warm, aromatic fougère fragrances. However, because of the high Parfums de Marly price, sampling first is the smarter move.

Is Darley a good office fragrance?

Yes, Darley can work well at the office. It is clean, elegant, and noticeable without being too loud.

Is Darley a sexy fragrance?

Darley is attractive, but not super sexy in a bold or seductive way. It is more clean, elegant, and refined.

Is Darley one of the best Parfums de Marly fragrances?

Darley is enjoyable, but not one of the very best Parfums de Marly scents. It is good, versatile, and well-made, but there are stronger options in the brand’s lineup.

Matière Noire by Louis Vuitton

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Matière Noire is going to be yet another entry into the Louis Vuitton fragrance reviews, that I’m going to be posting on the site over the next few months. I’ve already made some headway in getting a solid number up and today’s is this release from 2016.

What does Matière Noire smell like? How long does it last? When should it be worn? Is it even worth a try?

Quick Overview

My Verdict

Matière Noire opens with a noticeable but controlled oud note paired with fruity blackcurrant. The oud is present in a large amount, but it does not feel overly heavy or overwhelming.

As it develops, the rose, jasmine, and cyclamen become more important while the blackcurrant fades. The floral notes have a dewy feel, sitting over a smoky, woody, darker base.

It is a good option if you want a lighter, more floral oud scent that can work beyond just cold weather. However, it is not the most exciting Louis Vuitton fragrance and is probably not a true daily wear scent for most people.

 

 

🌑 Matière Noire by Louis Vuitton — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Floral Oud Woods
Key Notes Oud, Blackcurrant, Rose, Jasmine, Cyclamen, Narcissus, Patchouli, Incense
Season Spring Fall Winter
Occasion Evening, Dressed-Up Wear, Cool Weather, Mild Spring Days, Special Occasions
Longevity About 8-9 hours on skin; longer on fabric
Sillage Pretty powerful, but not overwhelming or monstrous
Rating ★★★★☆ 7.9 / 10
Quick Verdict A lighter floral oud fragrance with blackcurrant, rose, jasmine, cyclamen, smoky woods, patchouli, and incense. It performs well and has a pleasant dark floral style, but it is more above average than truly great.

What does Matière Noire Smell Like?

Notes include: jasmine, agarwood, narcissus, patchouli, blackcurrant, rose, cyclamen, incense

My Full Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see what Louis Vuitton has to say about this fragrance: A blend of dark wood and white flowers ventures into a world of mystery. Exploring the universe is the ultimate travel fantasy and most thrilling adventure. Matière Noire plumbs intangible depths with a journey through the darkest, most precious woods, namely patchouli and agarwood. The agarwood’s animal notes are intensified by blackcurrant and contrasted with the whiteness of narcissus and jasmine, a floral vibration that cuts the darkness like a comet. Plumes of sacred notes unfurl on the skin. The disruption is total, almost mystical.

The opening of this fragrance has a very noticeable amount of oud and it is paired with a fruity blackcurrant note. Now, the oud itself doesn’t feel overwhelming or heavy, but it is there in a rather large amount…on my skin at least. 

With that, is a rose and jasmine blend, which will later become rose and cyclamen. When the floral notes really come in, the blackcurrant has faded quite a bit to my nose. The floral notes feel a bit dewy, which plays off of the smoky and woody darkness emanating from the base. 

Narcissus is there. I found that on my skin, it’s almost non-existent. Though, what I put on an old t-shirt, did have more of a balanced floral aroma that featured narcissus. Oh and the final dry down, of the fragrance on a t-shirt, feels fairly powdery mixed with oud.

Matière Noire finally moves into its later phase on the skin, where it is patchouli, oud, smokiness, and a combination of the floral notes (jasmine seems strongest to me, at this stage). Not a super complex fragrance, but it does have some depth and development beyond the first hour.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is pretty powerful, but again, I never feel overwhelmed with it on. The oud isn’t allowed to really run wild and overall it isn’t monstrous with how it projects itself. You won’t need to spray a lot, but it doesn’t bomb either.

The longevity is very good, but not elite. It goes 8-9 hours on my skin, a lot more on fabric, like most other perfumes out there on the market.

Matière Noire is marketed more as a women’s fragrance, though, it is pretty unisex for much of the wear. Maybe the more floral moments, may scare some men off, but it isn’t ever that one sided with how it presents itself. 

Seasonally, it isn’t relegated to the colder weather like most other oud scents. Still, I wouldn’t venture into the high heat with it either. Though, for most places in the springtime this would be acceptable right through May at least. 

I don’t personally find Matière Noire to be a sexy perfume. Most people will probably find it to be pleasant and it can fit into enough situations, to not be a completely niche wear. 

 

Overall Impressions of Matiere Noire

Do I like Matière Noire? I sort of do, but I’m not blown away by it. I do see how it’s sort of along the lines of Noir de Noir by Tom Ford. The thing is, that is a much better scent than this one. Matière Noire doesn’t do anything particularly bad, but it’s not that exciting.

The blackcurrant is nice, but short-lived for me. The rose and cyclamen pairing is pretty interesting and the performance is more than passable.

All in all, it strikes me as an above average scent, just not one that ever truly draws me into it. If you’re a oud fan, that wants a lighter and floral example which can venture into the springtime, Matière Noire might be worth a look.

If you’re looking for a true daily wear, this isn’t going to be it for the vast majority of people out there.

FAQ: Matière Noire by Louis Vuitton

What does Matière Noire by Louis Vuitton smell like?

Matière Noire smells like a floral oud fragrance with fruity blackcurrant, rose, jasmine, cyclamen, patchouli, smoky woods, and incense. The oud is noticeable, but it is controlled rather than overwhelming.

Is Matière Noire a women’s fragrance?

Matière Noire is marketed more toward women, but it wears pretty unisex for much of the fragrance. The floral moments may lean feminine to some people, but the oud, patchouli, smoke, and woods keep it from feeling one-sided.

How long does Matière Noire last?

Matière Noire lasts around 8-9 hours on skin and can last much longer on clothing.

Does Matière Noire project well?

Yes. The sillage is pretty powerful, but it does not feel overwhelming. It has noticeable projection without becoming a heavy oud bomb.

Is Matière Noire good for daily wear?

For most people, Matière Noire is not a true daily wear fragrance. It is more suited to dressed-up wear, cooler weather, evenings, or situations where a darker floral oud scent fits.

What seasons are best for Matière Noire?

Matière Noire is best for fall, winter, and mild spring weather. It is more flexible than many oud fragrances, but it is not ideal for high heat.

Is Matière Noire similar to Noir de Noir?

It has some similarities to Tom Ford Noir de Noir because of the dark floral style, but Noir de Noir is the better scent, in my opinion.

Is Matière Noire worth buying?

Matière Noire is worth trying if you want a lighter floral oud fragrance with good performance. However, it is not a blind-buy recommendation and may not be exciting enough to justify the price for everyone.

Is Matière Noire a sexy fragrance?

Not really. It is pleasant and elegant, but your review does not frame it as a particularly sexy perfume.

Should men wear Matière Noire?

Men can wear Matière Noire if they enjoy floral oud fragrances. It has enough smoke, patchouli, oud, and woods to work as a unisex scent, though the floral side may not appeal to everyone.