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Matière Noire Eau de Parfum bottle Matière Noire EDP
EDP Concentration EDP
F Gender F
2016 Year 2022
£££££ Price Tier £
Essence de Noir Eau de Parfum bottle Essence de Noir EDP
Our Verdict

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.

ScentArt

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View Liquid → Essence de Noir EDP

Which Should You Buy?

Choose Matière Noire if...
  • You appreciate high-quality ingredients and refined blends.
  • You want a luxurious, sophisticated oud rose fragrance.
  • You prefer a smoother, less challenging scent profile.
Choose Essence de Noir if...
  • You're on a budget and want a similar vibe.
  • You enjoy bolder, more challenging fragrances.
  • You prefer a more vintage, potent character.
Our Verdict - Matière Noire EDP
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.
Acquired
Our Verdict - Essence de Noir EDP
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.
Statement

Scent Profile

How They Wear

Showing: Overall Blend

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding
Matière Noire EDP
Essence de Noir EDP

Notes

Only in Matière Noire
Blackcurrant 100%
Shared Notes
Rose 20% vs 34%
Jasmine 20% vs 28%
Only in Essence de Noir
Patchouli 37%

Accords

Matière Noire Essence de Noir
100%
Floral
98%
Powdery
100%
Iris
97%
94%
Rose
80%
92%
Oud
Vanilla
88%
Patchouli
88%
Earthy
84%
Woody
83%
72%
Amber
80%
75%
Fruity
64%
Fresh
64%
58%
Aquatic
57%
Balsamic
Floral shared
100%
98%
100%
97%
Rose shared
94%
80%
Oud
92%
88%
88%
84%
83%
Amber shared
72%
80%
75%
Fresh shared
64%
64%
58%
57%

Performance

Matière Noire Essence de Noir
Long (6-10h)
Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Strong
Projection
Moderate
Strong
Intensity
Moderate

Season and Occasion Fit

Matière Noire

Seasons

Best For:
Autumn Winter
Also Works:
Spring

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

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.

Essence de Noir

Seasons

Best For:
Winter
Also Works:
Autumn

A cold-weather scent - best worn in winter and autumn.

Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

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

How alike these two fragrances smell, scored from their full scent profiles.

Overall scent match
2%
Key Similarities

Both lean floral, rose, amber

Key Differences

Subtle differences in overall composition

Where to buy

Matière Noire EDP
Essence de Noir EDP
100ml
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