Francesca Bianchi Perfumes 2016 Extrait

U ££ Acquired

The Dark Side

by Francesca Bianchi

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Francesca Bianchi Perfumes The Dark Side is an Extrait de Parfum launched in 2016, created by Francesca Bianchi. The Dark Side opens with Spicy Notes and Honey, settles into a heart of Iris and Violet, and dries down to a base of Amber, Cedar, Sandalwood, and Vetiver. Francesca Bianchi Perfumes's The Dark Side carries an Acquired verdict, a floral-led wear.

This is a bold, divisive masterpiece. Francesca Bianchi's signature gothic flair delivers a potent blend of honeyed incense and deep woods, but it's not for the faint-hearted. Expect powerful sillage and a unique, challenging experience.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Bold
  • Mysterious
  • Sensual
  • Warm
  • Edgy
£93.90 at Notino 30ml Check price on → Check prices ↓
The Dark Side Extrait bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Projection
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter

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

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date
Also Works:
Formal

Its beast-mode performance and heavy, dark amber-spicy profile make it entirely unsuitable for office wear, where it would overwhelm. However, its deeply sensual and mysterious character makes it ideal for intimate dates or intriguing formal events, especially in cooler weather. Casual wear is possible if applied sparingly for a more subtle expression.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

Declarable under EU Annex III

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

The Dark Side unwraps with a potent hit of dark, syrupy honey, quickly interwoven with rich, church-like incense and a kaleidoscope of warm spices. As it settles, a powdery iris and violet emerge, softening the edges before resolving into a deep, resinous amber and antique wood, evoking ancient spaces and forgotten secrets.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with The Dark Side Extrait - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements The Dark Side Extrait - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom · · checked 2 October

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.