Coco Noir… Narciso For Her… Sí Intense. Aromatics in Black… Jasmin Noir… I could go on for a few more lines. What is that one thing that they all share, the common denominator? The colour black, of course. Is it just me or does the fragrance in a black bottle really smell better than the rest?
Now, I am not into Gothic or black metal or anything like that. Not that there is anything wrong with being into Gothic or dark music – I truly admire and even envy the style of those who are. Alas, I am just a cute little ginger who loves monochrome. My wardrobe consists of mostly black and white items. Boring? Maybe. But also both classical and classy. I love my black (just not coffee: that I love white)!
I have recently noticed my attraction towards perfume bottled in black vessels. From the above list I either own most perfumes of have them on my want list. I have recently ordered a sample of Sisley’s Soir d’Orient, which I am very excited to review more thoroughly as soon as it arrives so expect a looong review any day now! Again, that wonderful fume rests in a gorgeous black and golden bottle, which makes me think whether the colour black really carries a special significance in the world of perfume.
When you think about Tom Ford’s Black Orchid, what is the first thing that pops up in the eye of your mind? It is sleek. It is serious. It is sexy. It is intoxicating and dangerous. Same thing with Jasmin Noir, for example – that combo of black glass and a golden cap almost screams class. You would imagine a Hollywood diva wearing it. Actually, I remember having read somewhere that this used to be Angelina Jolie’s sig before Mon Guerlain (?).
So black is the colour for this autumn. Below I will give you a list of the five best sensual, sexy perfumes clad in black that make my heart beat faster and will make you feel like like a queen.
Chanel Coco Noir
Noir in a perfume usually indicates a heavier-than-normal dose of musk or patchouli, or both, which definitely is the case here. Inspired by Venice, Coco Noir is the elder, more extravagant sister of Coco Mademoiselle. It is basically Mademoiselle but better, keeping the fresh edge, with all the notes amped up to the max, some added grapefruit in the opening, peach and a very prominent geranium in the heart, and some added resins and spices in the drydown. This perfume is basically sex in a bottle! Criminally delicious. Best for evening wear, but not inappropriate for work or formal settings either.
Tom Ford Black Orchid
Not for the faint of heart. I somehow cannot make up my mind about this whether it is pure genius or pure stinker. Must be the truffle, methinks. I have already mentioned some of the characteristics in my Valentino Valentina post; black truffle aka tuber usually smells like wet earth or undergrowth, very robust, sometimes bittersweet. In Black Orchid the truffle really owns the whole sent: it is rich and opulent, dark, all wet earth and ripe fruit. Then there is the mythical black orchid that does not exist in real life: this is a child of Tom Ford’s imagination. Just think orchid and amp it up, add some sour berries and dark, dark chocolate. This perfume is extravagant and outstanding. Like I said, not for the faint of heart: this is a statement perfume with a unique aura!
Gucci Gucci Oud
This is probably one of the headiest perfumes I have ever smelled. Fun fact: it was hidden away from the main counter, I actually had to ask the sales assistant for the black bottle. Gucci Oud is marketed as a unisex frag but is this a masculine scent? Nope. Oud can go either way but here it is definitely something for a dark, sultry woman, or whoever wants to channel one. The perfume opens with a juicy burst of pear, raspberry and saffron that almost knocks you out (in a good way), with an ever-present undercurrent of soft oud, musk and patchuli, and slowly fades into a musky skin scent. This is not a skanky oud, nor a skanky patch. They both behave, fear not. Gucci Oud has a powdery quality too that keeps in from becoming head-ache inducing. Over-all this is a wonderful, festive scent for going out and sharing special moments with a special someone!
Jo Malone Velvet Rose and Oud
Another oud perfume here. My favourite Jo Malone ever. Every time I spray this I think, “Like they use to make ’em in the old times.” I do not mean this is old-fashioned: it simply has an air of a classic oriental that might as well have been created fifty years ago. This is technically a cologne but nothing short of a longevity and projection of an eau de parfum. Velvet Rose and Oud is a heady oriental, thick and golden. It has an oily consistency and actually leaves stains, so beware! Anything rose totally rocks my personal little boat and paired with oud and a bit of praline… ahhhh! Amazing. If you find the Gucci one too much, go for this one. Such a warm, enveloping, sensual scent for a confident woman.
Bvlari Splendida Jasmin Noir
I am completely impartial to this scent. It restored my faith in perfume. I would basically pour the whole bottle over myself, if it was not so expensive, and if it was even remotely socially acceptable. The old Jasmin Noir was great but a bit too sharp for my taste; by omitting a few ingredients and changing the ratio of the remaining ones, Bvlari has created a true masterpiece: a heady, green jasmine top that slowly fades into a most sensual tonka and sandalwood base. Incredibly complex too, considering it only has five ingredients. Long-lasting and chic, one for a true lady. Everything here is absolutely to die for and this perfume has rocketed straight into the top of my want list! Too late for my birthday but Santa, baby?!
Disclaimer: image 1 Indian Make Up and Beauty Blog. Image 2 Pinterest. Image 3 and 4 Fragrantica. Image 5 Souq.