Black Orchid Eau de Toilette bottle Black Orchid
Edt Concentration Edp
U Gender U
2015 Year 1980
££ Price Tier £
La Belle de Russie Eau de Parfum bottle La Belle de Russie

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Black Orchid
B
La Belle de Russie
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Which Should You Buy?

Our Verdict - Black Orchid Eau de Toilette
Tom Ford Black Orchid EDT is a divisive classic - a love-it-or-hate-it scent. It's heralded by fans as a smoother, more wearable version of the EDP, but still embodies that signature dark mysterious allure. Not for everyone, but those who love it, really love it.
Acquired
Our Verdict - La Belle de Russie Eau de Parfum
A fascinating, divisive relic from the Soviet Union, La Belle de Russie is either an incredible, affordable dupe for Dior's Midnight Poison or a cheap, urine-tinged disappointment. It's a risk worth taking for those curious about its historical context and potential for sophisticated depth.
Favourite

Scent Profile

Citrus Floral Fruity Green Sweet Warm Woody Earthy Animalic Fresh
Citrus 6% 0%
Floral 30% 27%
Fruity 17% 21%
Green 5% 6%
Sweet 24% 27%
Warm 6% 7%
Woody 11% 15%
Earthy 20% 12%
Animalic 10% 7%
Fresh 7% 11%

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding
Black Orchid EdT
La Belle de Russie EdP

Notes

Shared Notes
Blackcurrant 21% vs 40%
Only in Black Orchid Eau de Toilette
Truffle 37% Ylang-Ylang 23% Bergamot 19%
Only in La Belle de Russie Eau de Parfum
Carnation 33% Lotus 27%
Only in Black Orchid Eau de Toilette
Orchid 37% Tuberose 32% Fruity 31%
Only in La Belle de Russie Eau de Parfum
Apricot 37% Iris 22% Musk 21% Jasmine 20%
Shared Notes
Patchouli 20% vs 26%
Sandalwood 17% vs 19%
Vanilla 16% vs 18%
Only in Black Orchid Eau de Toilette
Incense 18% Vetiver 15% Lotus 13%
Only in La Belle de Russie Eau de Parfum
Amber 18% Cedar 17%

Accords

Black Orchid Eau de Toilette La Belle de Russie Eau de Parfum
100%
Woody
100%
98%
Earthy
52%
69%
Fruity
86%
58%
Powdery
79%
63%
Patchouli
72%
66%
Warm Spicy
71%
70%
Floral
58%
69%
Sweet
60%
Balsamic
50%
55%
Tuberose
Vanilla
49%
Amber
46%
Woody shared
100%
100%
Earthy shared
98%
52%
Fruity shared
69%
86%
Powdery shared
58%
79%
Patchouli shared
63%
72%
Warm Spicy shared
66%
71%
Floral shared
70%
58%
69%
Balsamic shared
60%
50%
55%
49%
46%

Performance

Black Orchid Eau de Toilette La Belle de Russie Eau de Parfum
Long (6-10h)
Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Strong
Projection
Moderate
Strong
Intensity
Moderate

Season and Occasion Fit

Black Orchid Eau de Toilette

Seasons

Best For:
Autumn Winter

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

Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

Its strong projection and dark, complex accords make it less ideal for office wear, though some reviewers find it acceptable if lightly applied. It truly shines on dates and formal occasions where its sensual and sophisticated character can make a bold statement.

La Belle de Russie Eau de Parfum

Seasons

Best For:
Autumn Winter
Also Works:
Spring Summer

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

Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal
Also Works:
Casual

Its rich, woody, and balsamic accords make it excellent for evening and formal wear, including dates. Some find it light enough for daytime, but its depth and potential for strong sillage might be too much for an office setting or casual daytime activities.

Similarity Breakdown

Overall
88%
Olfactory
97%
Notes
84%
Accord
85%
Key Similarities

Both share Woody, Fruity, Powdery accords and Blackcurrant, Lotus notes

Key Differences

Subtle differences in overall composition

Where to buy

Black Orchid Eau de Toilette
La Belle de Russie Eau de Parfum
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