Lavender fragrances can usually be classified as something shrill/high-pitched/cool, think like traditional eau de colognes or lavandin soaps. Or they can be what I call “low-pitched”/warm and slumbering like Serge Lutens Gris Clair or L’Artisan Parfumeur Mon Numero 4. Phoenix Botanicals Lavender Noir is one that fits into the latter. It’s a mellow, calm lavender.
Lavender Noir opens with a mandarin citrus over a musky lavender. Lavender is the main theme of this fragrance. Once the juicy citrus fades, Lavender Noir becomes a smoky lavender. This is when it starts to remind me of “hazy” summer evenings. Being winter, I need a reminder of warmth and summer. In Washington, lavender is usually harvested in late July or early August. And Lavender Noir reminds me of that time of the year. This is one of those perfumes that gets louder with wear. It needs some heat to bloom. It wears as a hazy lavender…like a lavender with steam. And then it dries down to a more subtle version of the heart. Except there’s more of a tonka bean/tobacco thing going on.
Overall, the fragrance is really “chill” and laid-back.
Notes listed include bergamot, lavender, wildflower petals, tonka, smoke, mushrooms and oakmoss. Launched 2013. PERFUMER – Irina Adam
Give Lavender Noir a try if you like “dark” lavenders. Or perfumes like Serge Lutens Gris Clair, Elizabeth W Lavender, Caron Pour Un Homme de Caron, D.S. & Durga Burning Barbershop and/or DSH Perfumes Sweet Dreams. Lavender Noir is unisex, actually leans more towards the masculine. “Regular” (AKA non-perfume people) folks are going to think this is crazy, but some perfume people wear perfumes to slumber. Lavender Noir would be perfect as a “sleep scent”.
Projection is below average and wears close to the skin. Longevity is average.
The 1/4 oz perfume oil retails for $48 at Phoenix Botanicals. Samples are also available for purchase.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – A hazy lavender. Lavender is a note that people love or hate. Personally, I like lavender. This is a lavender fragrance – a mellow, sleeping lavender.
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