Versace Bright Crystal vs Crystal Noir

So, in today’s head to head match up, we have two popular perfumes from the Versace ladies’ lineup: Bright Crystal vs. Crystal Noir. Now, I want to state that I am going to be using the reformulated Crystal Noir EDT version, for this comparison. That is the one that is most available now and what most are going to come across when trying to purchase. Now, it’s time to break down, which of these scents smells the best.

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Noir or Bright Crystal? Tale of the Tape

Bright Crystal

Notes include: yuzo, peony, pomegranate, musk, magnolia, iced accord, lotus, amber

Click Here to try Bright Crystal: Versace Bright Crystal Eau de Toilette Spray for Women, 3 Ounce

Read my review: Versace Bright Crystal

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Crystal Noir

Notes include: black currant, fig, violet, tuberose, frangipani, jasmine, sandalwood, cashmeran, vanilla, heliotrope

Click here to try: Versace Crystal Noir by Versace for Women – 3 Ounce EDT Spray

Read my review: Crystal Noir

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Opening

Crystal Noir EDT opens with a fairly sharp black currant note, fig, and floral notes. Tuberose and violet are apart of the host of flowers found in this composition. It smells like the black currant and fig are sitting on top of a bed of the floral notes and it gives off this creamy and slightly woody aroma.

Bright Crystal opens with a juicy pomegranate and yuzo, which is quite refreshing with the intro of the cold ice accord. It is a very upbeat fragrance with neither the floral notes or the fruits becoming to powerful within the scent, Bright Crystal is quite balanced at the start.

Which smells better? I have to say that I like the opening of Bright Crystal much more. The fruit notes are better, you still get floral notes, and the ice accord is a really great element to help set things apart.

I do like a good fig note, so, I am tempted to give the nod to Noir. Though, it loses me, with the floral accord.

Edge: Bright Crystal

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Projection

Both of these perfumes are light to moderate. I really don’t notice a difference in the sillage of either, they’ll stay about 3-6 feet from you skin, and unless you go crazy with the sprays the scent won’t travel further than that.

Bright Crystal can seem more powerful, up top. However, that’s really just a function of the pomegranate and citrus, which can have that intensity from the sharpness.

It really doesn’t project itself any further, it just makes itself seem as if it does. No real issue with either, in this realm. But, also no clear cut winner.

Edge: Push

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Longevity

Bright Crystal lasted a solid 8 hours on my skin and I could get it up to 10 hours in testing. Meanwhile, Crystal Noir, was at 6-8 hours of wear.

Crystal Noir is probably slightly above average with its performance. I’m never astounded by it, but it can usually make it close to a full workday.

Bright Crystal does have the ability to go long distance, but only sometimes. Kind of dependent on the climate and one’s own body chemistry, really.

Edge: Bright Crystal

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Versatility

Both of these scents have great versatility in terms of the seasons that they can be worn in. Bright Crystal holds up better in the heat, than does Crystal Noir, but that one… isn’t completely terrible in the summer.

Crystal Noir feels more mature, like it can be worn professionally or for an evening out. Neither is super sexy, but both are quite attractive and pretty.

Again, this is a category in which there isn’t much distinction between them. They both do similar things, but can be used for different occasions and none has the clear advantage.

Edge: Push

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Overall Scent

This is actually a really close competition, as both perfumes have such similarities in performance and versatility. To me, it all comes down to which smells better, as you will get the same sort of value proposition out of each.

Ultimately, I find Bright Crystal to be the more enjoyable Versace. Bright Crystal is for those who want a juicy fruit, floral, and somewhat aquatic scent.

It starts out with the delicious pomegranate and yuzo, but then, the peony note starts to emerge and lead the way. It is very pleasant and elegant and a great everyday wear option for women.

Crystal Noir, is a very nice perfume. It is much more floral based, with woody and spiced undertones. If you prefer notes like tuberose, jasmine, and frangipani; then this will probably be the better option. Plenty of sandalwood and fig, with a touch of vanilla creamy sweetness.

Winner: Bright Crystal