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Vol de Nuit
by Guerlain
Vol de Nuit by Guerlain is a deeply complex and evocative fragrance that unfolds like a quiet journey into a moonlit forest or a vintage aircraft cockpit. It begins with a crisp, aromatic burst of citrus, galbanum, and green notes that evoke a sense of flight, with an almost medicinal, resinous sharpness from galbanum. Over time, this gives way to a delicate floral heart dominated by iris, with hints of narcisus and jasmine, all wrapped in a creamy, velvety warmth suggestive of aged sandalwood and vanilla. The dry down is a softly powdery, mossy chypre that lingers close to the skin with a quiet elegance, leaving a faint yet persistent trail of earthy, animalic, and slightly sweet notes. While it lacks strong projection or long-lasting sillage, it is deeply personal and intimate. The modern Eau de Toilette version shows rapid decline and fading, though pairing it with a vintage extrait can enhance the longevity and depth. The fragrance captures a timeless, introspective beauty, unique to its era — listen to the wind, feel the night sky — it is not for everyone, but for those seeking a thoughtful, elegantly mysterious scent that connects with memory and atmosphere, it is unmatched.
Pros
- +Complex and shifting character that evolves subtly over time
- +Intimate, close-to-skin wear that feels personal and private
- +Artistic, poetic, and evocative with a strong historical and imaginative narrative behind it
- +Rich, well-blended texture that feels luxurious and authentic, especially in vintage formulations
- +Unisex appeal with no overt sweetness, making it accessible to all tastes
Cons
- −Extremely weak sillage and short longevity in the modern EDT version, requiring frequent reapplication
- −Can be initially harsh or overpowering with sharp notes like galbanum and oakmoss
- −The modern EDT version is consistently described as watery, diluted, and lacking depth
- −Not ideal for those wanting bold projection or a dramatic presence in the room