Roxana Illuminated Perfumes Figure 1 Noir is a natural perfume inspired by the bewitching quality of patchouli. If you didn’t know by now, you should know that I’m a patch-head. I love patchouli, especially a dirty patchouli. When I heard of this one, I couldn’t wait to try it. Much of the market has been flooded with “clean” patchoulis (which I do indulge in from time to time) but I knew that this one wouldn’t be clean or sterile. I’ve been longing for a patchouli for patch-heads.
Figure 1 Noir is an earthy and yes a truly “dark” scent. It actually deserves the “noir” title. It opens with a green bitterness that reminds me of unroasted coffee beans and raw cocoa. Figure 1 Noir is a patchouli heavy fragrance, a damp patchouli. To me, it sets a scene in a Lovecraft tale – dark, mysterious and galvanizing. Patchouli is softened by ambrette but made spicier by nigella. This middle/dry-down is exactly what I look for in a patchouli perfume. It’s dirty-cozy, think earth and fur. Because of the high concentration of traditional base notes, Figure 1 Noir wears rather linear as a musky, woodsy patchouli in the middle to base. The earthiness of patchouli is further heightened by a damp orris.
Out of the Roxana Illuminated Perfumes that I’ve tried, Figure 1 Noir is my favorite. But, remember I’m a closet goth and a patch-head. I think I may like this just as much as my beloved Serge Lutens Borneo 1834. I feel if I were to have had Roxana make me a bespoke perfume, it would have came out very much like Figure 1 Noir.
Notes listed include botanical musk, patchouli, vetiver, Mysore sandalwood, orris, valerian, buchu, black cumin, green cognac and davana. Launch date 2013. PERFUMER – Roxana Villa
Give Figure 1 Noir a try if you LOVE patchouli. Or if you like perfumes like Serge Lutens Borneo 1834, L’Artisan Parfumeur Patchouil Patch, Nobile 1942 Patchouli Nobile, DSH Perfumes Vintage Patchouly and/or Esscentual Alchemy Patchouli Creme. Figure 1 Noir is unisex and a must try for anyone that loves patchouli. And if you don’t like a rich patchouli, then don’t bother sampling this one.
Projection and longevity are above average for a natural perfume. I can apply a few small drops and they last for 8+ hours. That’s the power of patchouli.
Figure 1 Noir is available as a solid, parfum or an EDP. I’ve reviewed the EDP which is available in a variety of sizes. A small size retails for $75 at Roxana Illuminated Perfumes’ etsy shop. Samples are also available for purchase.
*I will probably end up buying the solid perfume locket in this fragrance. The woman looks so much like my mother when she was younger that’s is creepy. Greg Spalenka is the talented artist. That’s Roxana’s husband. And the locket is filled with a great patchouli perfume. I need this.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – A dark, earthy and witchy patchouli. One of the few fragrances that actually deserves it’s “Noir” title. This is a must dry for those of us that are tired of our patchoulis undergoing unnecessary makeovers. We love our patchoulis for who they are.
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You had me at Lovecraft. This is a must-try!
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Oh, it’s Lovecraft in smell-o-vision. Which does make it awesome.
What a splendid review! I am the model that was used on the locket and for the Figure 1: Noir illuminations, and although I don’t normally comment on the reviews, I have to leave a quick note to let you know how much I loved your review! This line is what made me have to comment: “To me, it sets a scene in a Lovecraft tale – dark, mysterious and galvanizing.” I could not have thought of a better way to describe it, myself! I never thought to see any mention of Lovecraft in a perfume review, but it seems so incredibly appropriate for this one! I’m so excited that autumn is finally here; for me, there seems no better season for this scent than fall.
I am linking to your review on my Facebook page; please feel free to contact me if you would like anything revised, or if you would like to include any additional information where I have you mentioned.
P.S. I am so happy you like the locket design! Greg Spalenka does amazing work! I am happy it reminds you of someone you cherish. 🙂
Thank you for commenting!
I love the fragrance. It’s like it was made for me. I wouldn’t change a thing. And of course I love the art associated with it. The art really fits the fragrance as well.
I’m trying to find the pic of my mother in her late teens. I don’t know if I have it or if my grandmother does. I promise that I’m not making this up 😉 Other people in the family are agreeing with me.
Thank YOU for the spectacularly fitting review!
I do hope you can someday find that picture. Now I’m really curious! No worries if you can’t find it, of course. I believe you; I’m just trying to selfishly sate my own curiosity. 🙂
I will share it with you when we find a copy. I’m sure grandmother has it. And getting her to remember where she put it is the challenge.
Great review Victoria, I must try this because I love me some patch! Roxana Illuminated Perfumes To Bee has been on my to-try list since it came out. I’ll have to order samples of both . How cool is it to have a comment from the beautiful model!
I haven’t tried To Bee but I love the idea of it. This one was great in my opinion but I love patchouli and patchouli loves me. I also like how long this one lasted. Most naturals fade rather quickly. This one stayed with me throughout the day.
I love that Jessica commented. We often see people used in marketing, etc. and have no clue who they are. It’s nice to have a name associated with the face.
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[…] EauMG – This perfume sets the scene for a Lovecraft tale. Here’s a deep patchouli scent by Roxana Illuminated Perfumes. […]
I just found your blog from today’s Lipstick League post. I’m so glad I found it to read this specific review! I love patchouli and am very intrigued by your description of the fragrance. I will have to check it out for sure.
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I think any patch-head will love this stuff. It’s so dark and mysterious.
[…] EauMG – This perfume sets the scene for a Lovecraft tale. Here’s a deep patchouli scent by Roxana Illuminated Perfumes. […]
I totally agree with you, Victoria. The middle-dry down is magical, dark, cozy but rough. I’ve fallen in love with it.
I’ve recently tried a smoothest and sweet patch: Les Nereides Patchouli Antique. I think it is a good example of indulgent patch. Did you try it?
Thanks for sharing our review!
Cheers
Oh, another patch to try! No, I haven’t tried that one but I looked up the notes and they sound perfect.
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