Fragrances inspired by Matière Noire Eau de Parfum
The original
Matière Noire
Louis Vuitton
The two side by side
Our verdict
Editor reviewedWhat they share
Shares 5 of its 9 notes, including Rose, Jasmine, Cyclamen
The main difference
Adds benzoin and incense, drops rain
What they share
Shares 5 of its 10 notes, including Rose, Jasmine, Cyclamen
The main difference
Adds aquatic and benzoin, drops rain
Our verdict
Jean Lowe Matière and Matière Noire both explore the rose-oud pairing, but diverge significantly in price and refinement.
What they share
Shares 4 of its 7 notes, including Rose, Jasmine, Cyclamen
The main difference
Adds frankincense and oud, drops blackcurrant and rain
Choose Jean Lowe Matière when
You want a budget-friendly rose-oud fragrance.
Our verdict
While both fragrances aim for a dark, floral experience, Matière Noire and Essence de Noir differ significantly in price and execution.
What they share
Shares 4 of its 9 notes, including Rose, Jasmine, Cyclamen
The main difference
Adds amber and iris, drops narcissus and rain
Choose Essence de Noir when
You're on a budget and want a similar vibe.
What they share
Shares 1 of its 4 notes, including Blackcurrant
The main difference
Adds fruity notes and peony, drops cyclamen and jasmine
What they share
Shares 3 of its 7 notes, including Rose, Jasmine, Blackcurrant
The main difference
Adds musk and peony, drops cyclamen and narcissus
What they share
Shares 2 of its 8 notes, including Rose, Blackcurrant
The main difference
Adds ambroxan and freesia, drops cyclamen and jasmine
What they share
Shares 2 of its 5 notes, including Rose, Blackcurrant
The main difference
Adds musk and peony, drops cyclamen and jasmine
Scent profile
How we judge a match
We score each pairing on the two fragrance profiles: shared accords, overlapping notes, longevity and projection, and the occasions each suits. A good inspired-by scent captures the original's character rather than copying it molecule for molecule.
The full method, and what to look for in a dupe. Prices are UK retail and change often. Check before buying.
Inspired-by fragrances. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or produced by Louis Vuitton. Match scores are our estimate of how alike two perfumes smell, calculated from their published notes, not a measurement. How we score similarity.