We all have a note (possibly notes) that do not agree with us. This may mean that a note like honey goes “kitty piss” on you. Or it may mean that you don’t like the smell lavender just because you don’t. In this world, there are a few smells that I can’t stand: bacon and maple syrup. Maybe it’s strange that I dislike these but I can guarantee there are other people that hate these smells too. So, in the world of fragrance there is a note that makes me sick. It’s immortelle. This floral is dry, aromatic, sweet like maple syrup and known to smell a bit like smoked pork. So, yeah, it makes sense that I hate it.

When it comes to perfume, I try my best to keep an open mind. I don’t want to say “I hate all immortelle perfumes.” Because, I may not. A sample of Eau Noire was given to me by a perfume friend that loves this fragrance. He knew I would dislike it but hey, it’s worth a try right? This just may be the immortelle perfume that I may love. Sorry, but the answer is no.

The opening is very cool and herbal. It’s borderline antibacterial because I get lavender, thyme and sage. It’s very “fresh” and at this stage I can see why this is a cologne. There is a sticky sweetness. A toasted sugar and gooey honey. I get a damp, wet cedar that keeps this toasted sugar from getting too sweet at this stage. When I think I could like Eau Noire, bad things start to happen. Actually, a bad person enters the room, immortelle. And it’s not alone. It’s immortelle curry. So, the fragrance becomes smoky leather + maple syrup + all you can eat Indian buffet. I’m not happy with this at all. The base is one of the best vanillas ever and it reminds me of a root beer float. It’s wonderful but not enough to make me want to wear Eau Noire.

Eau Noire is a fragrance in the Dior La Collection Privée. So, it’s not easy to find. And the bottles can be huge. There’s actually a 15 oz bottle! I know it’s a cologne but it’s long-lasting. That vanilla sticks to my skin for 12+ hours. It seems all of the fragrances you dislike are the ones that last the longest…

Notes listed include sage, anise, lavender, Virginian cedar, coffee, leather, vanilla, and violet. (on-line note lists vary) PERFUMER – Francis Kurkdjian

Give Eau Noire a try if you want to smell like sweet curry or if you like fragrances like Divine L’Homme Sage, Huitieme Art Fareb, Serge Lutens Chene and/or Etat Libre d’Orange Like This.

You can find more info about this fragrance at Dior. And I forget which Dior boutiques in the U.S. carry it. Sorry.

Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Maple syrup, leather, curry. I really dislike this fragrance because I don’t everlasting flower/immortelle. BUT I can see people liking this. It’s an interesting cologne that is well done. I don’t like it because I don’t have to 🙂

Want more reviews? Try…

Bois de Jasmin

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Pere de Pierre

Beauty On the Outside