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Angélique Noire
by Guerlain
Angélique Noire is a masterfully composed, elegant fragrance that begins with a vibrant, herbal green opening centered around angelica, softened by pear and pink pepper. This initial burst is fresh and herbaceous, with a distinct bitterness that lingers in the foreground for the first hour or so, making it highly distinctive. Over time, the angelica mellows and the creamy, soft vanilla becomes dominant, creating a warm, softly sweet, and slightly powdery vanilla base that lingers gracefully on the skin. The vanilla is never cloying or overly gourmand; it is refined, cool-toned, and genuinely balanced. The integration of caraway, cedar, and jasmine is subtle and harmonious, enhancing the green-wooded depth without overshadowing the central vanilla note. The fragrance's performance is its strongest aspect, with exceptional longevity that lasts well over 10 hours, often outlasting other Guerlain fragrances. Its sillage is moderate to strong initially, with the dry-down becoming intimate and skin-sensitive. Although it is associated with female specters by many, it is effectively unisex in character, with a cool, modern elegance that appeals to both genders. The bottle design is classic Guerlain, with a sleek silhouette and elegant branding.
Pros
- +Longevity and performance are exceptional, lasting over 10 hours and often being noticeable hours after application.
- +The vanilla is delicately balanced, soft, cool-toned, and never cloying or overly sweet.
- +The herbal green opening is vivid and distinctive, offering a unique olfactory journey.
- +The fragrance appeals to a broad audience, being unisex in character and frequently praised as a personal favorite or 'holy grail' scent.
- +The composition is refined and elegant, creating a sense of timeless sophistication.
Cons
- −The initial green, herbal bitterness can be overwhelming for those sensitive to strong herbal notes or find it too assertive.
- −Performance and longevity are inconsistent across different formulations, especially in reformulated bottles; some find it overly brief.
- −A significant number of users perceive it as ultimately too sweet or gourmand, especially in the vanilla's dominant presence.
- −Direct comparisons to other niche perfumes like Eau Duelle or Spiritueuse Double Vanille are common, implying it may not be entirely unique for some.