Cardinal Eau de Parfum bottle Cardinal
Edp Concentration Edp
U Gender U
- Year 2024
££ Price Tier £££££
Black Lacquer Eau de Parfum bottle Black Lacquer

ScentArt

A
Cardinal
B
Black Lacquer
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Which Should You Buy?

Our Verdict - Cardinal Eau de Parfum
This is the 'clean incense' everyone raves about; a bright, airy take on churchy notes that's less gloomy cathedral, more sun-drenched chapel. It's often compared to other incense giants, but Cardinal offers a unique, refined transparency.
Favourite
Our Verdict - Black Lacquer Eau de Parfum
Divisive, dark, and utterly distinctive. Black Lacquer isn't for everyone, but if you're chasing that 'industrial goth meets ancient temple' vibe, you've found your signature. It's a love-it-or-hate-it affair, but for those who get it, it's a masterpiece.
Acquired

Scent Profile

Citrus Floral Fruity Green Sweet Warm Woody Earthy Animalic Fresh
Citrus 1% 5%
Floral 4% 5%
Fruity 1% 5%
Green 2% 1%
Sweet 13% 12%
Warm 33% 22%
Woody 19% 17%
Earthy 31% 21%
Animalic 6% 1%
Fresh 11% 11%

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding
Cardinal EdP
Black Lacquer EdP

Notes

Shared Notes
Pepper 35% vs 23%
Only in Cardinal Eau de Parfum
Linen 38% Pink Pepper 27%
Only in Black Lacquer Eau de Parfum
Ink 29% Vinyl 28% Rum 21%
Only in Cardinal Eau de Parfum
Myrrh 37% Frankincense 33% Labdanum 29%
Only in Black Lacquer Eau de Parfum
Ebony 36% Elemi 28% Apricot 19% Peony 18%
Only in Cardinal Eau de Parfum
Amber 35% Patchouli 33% Vetiver 32%
Only in Black Lacquer Eau de Parfum
Frankincense 100%

Accords

Cardinal Eau de Parfum Black Lacquer Eau de Parfum
100%
Amber
62%
47%
Woody
100%
Aromatic
87%
52%
Fresh Spicy
76%
55%
Warm Spicy
65%
Vinyl
64%
48%
Balsamic
48%
Rum
46%
Amber shared
100%
62%
Woody shared
47%
100%
87%
Fresh Spicy shared
52%
76%
Warm Spicy shared
55%
65%
64%
Balsamic shared
48%
48%
Rum
46%

Performance

Cardinal Eau de Parfum Black Lacquer Eau de Parfum
Moderate (4-6h)
Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Moderate
Projection
Moderate
Moderate
Intensity
Strong

Season and Occasion Fit

Cardinal Eau de Parfum

Seasons

Best For:
Autumn Winter
Also Works:
Spring

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

Occasions

Best For:
Office Casual
Also Works:
Date Formal

Its intimate sillage and clean, airy nature make it remarkably versatile, even for office wear where heavier incenses wouldn't fly. While light, its sophisticated profile makes it suitable for relaxed formal events, though its lack of massive projection might be a downside for high-impact social settings.

Black Lacquer Eau de Parfum

Seasons

Best For:
Autumn Winter

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

Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

This is a strong, dark, and complex fragrance, making it far too intense for office wear. Its mysterious and alluring nature, coupled with its excellent longevity and projection, makes it perfect for date nights and formal evening events. It's too unique and heavy for casual daytime wear or anything active.

Similarity Breakdown

Overall
83%
Olfactory
97%
Notes
75%
Accord
73%
Key Similarities

Both share Amber, Warm Spicy, Fresh Spicy accords and Pepper, Frankincense notes

Key Differences

Subtle differences in overall composition

Where to buy

Cardinal Eau de Parfum
Black Lacquer Eau de Parfum
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