Is French Avenue Essence de Noir a dupe of Louis Vuitton Matière Noire?
Matière Noire EDP
| EDP | Concentration | EDP |
| F | Gender | F |
| 2016 | Year | 2022 |
| £££££ | Price Tier | £ |
Essence de Noir EDP
While both fragrances aim for a dark, floral experience, Matière Noire and Essence de Noir differ significantly in price and execution. Matière Noire boasts a smoother, more refined blend of rose and oud, justifying its ultra-luxury price. Essence de Noir, on the other hand, offers a bolder, more challenging experience at a budget-friendly price point. The key difference lies in the quality of ingredients and overall complexity; Matière Noire is a sophisticated symphony, while Essence de Noir is a more raw, untamed composition. If money is no object, Matière Noire is the clear winner for its artistry. Otherwise, Essence de Noir provides a similar vibe for a fraction of the cost.
Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
How it unfolds
Notes
- Matière Noire
- Essence de Noir
- in both
Tap a note to light it in both. A+B means both have it
Which Should You Buy?
- You appreciate high-quality ingredients and refined blends.
- You want a luxurious, sophisticated oud rose fragrance.
- You prefer a smoother, less challenging scent profile.
- You're on a budget and want a similar vibe.
- You enjoy bolder, more challenging fragrances.
- You prefer a more vintage, potent character.
Divisive, intriguing, and undeniably luxurious, Matière Noire is a complex beast. Some find its oud too challenging and its rose too mature, while others adore its dark, sensual elegance. Definitely not a blind buy, but a must-try for those daring enough for a darkly sophisticated floral oud.
Divisive, and not just because the listed notes seem to be wrong. This is for those who embrace the mature and mysterious, with a definite 'love it or hate it' response to its vintage, potent character. If you're after a safe crowd-pleaser, look elsewhere.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Base Notes
Note weights are our estimate from each note's place in the pyramid, not the share of the formula. Brands do not publish formulations.
Performance
Season and Occasion Fit
Seasons
Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.
Occasions
Its sophisticated oud and floral character makes it too bold for casual or office wear, excelling instead in formal and date settings. The strong sillage and deep notes contribute to its suitability for evening and special occasions.
Seasons
A cold-weather scent - best worn in winter and autumn.
Occasions
Given its strong, vintage character and the mention of sharp patchouli, this isn't an office-appropriate scent; it demands more space. It's best suited for evening wear, adding an air of mystery to dates or sophisticated formal events.
Similarity Breakdown
Our estimate of how alike these two fragrances smell, calculated from their published notes. It is a position on our scale, not a measured percentage of shared smell.
Shares 4 of its 9 notes, including Cyclamen, Rose, Jasmine
Adds amber and iris, drops narcissus and rain
Where to buy
Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.
Prices before sales tax, which the shop adds at checkout.
ScentVerdict earns a commission from purchases - this doesn't affect our verdicts.