John Varvatos 2010 EDP

M ££ Favourite

Artisan Black

by Rodrigo Flores-Roux

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John Varvatos Artisan Black is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2010, created by Rodrigo Flores-Roux. Artisan Black opens with Lemon, Blood Orange, Watermelon, and Tangerine, settles into a heart of Neroli, Orange Blossom, Jasmine, and Cardamom, and dries down to a base of Woody Notes, Musk, Leather, and Amber. John Varvatos's Artisan Black carries a Favourite verdict, a fresh-led wear.

This one's a divisive beast, a cult favourite for its unique dark citrus, woody charm contrasted with its tragically poor longevity. It's a genuine shame because the scent profile consistently garners high praise, but wearers warn you'll be constantly re-spraying.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Modern
  • Sophisticated
  • Fresh
  • Sensual
  • Mysterious
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Artisan Black Eau de Parfum 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
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer
Also Works:
Fall

A warm-weather pick - at its best in spring and summer.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Casual
Also Works:
Office Formal

Its poor longevity means it's safe for office wear, as it dissipates quickly. The sensual, dark citrus makes it an ideal choice for dates and casual outings, though not quite formal affairs given its relaxed undertones.

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.

In standard patch-test panels

  • Citral Geranial from Lemon

Other declarable allergens

  • Bitter orange peel Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil from Neroli
  • Neroli Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil from Neroli
  • Synthetic musk Hexamethylindanopyran from Musk

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

Artisan Black opens with a brisk, juicy splash of blood orange and watermelon, instantly invigorating. This vibrant citrus quickly deepens into a more complex heart of sweet neroli and spicy ginger, lending an aromatic warmth. The drydown reveals a masculine base of soft leather, earthy patchouli, and vetiver, creating a sophisticated yet subtly rugged feel. It's a refined interpretation of fresh that evolves into something richer.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with Artisan Black Eau de Parfum - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Artisan Black Eau de Parfum - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom ·

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