Defiant Noir

Defiant Noir takes its inspiration from Jo Malone London's Pomegranate Noir, famously described as the right perfume in the wrong line thanks to its unusually dark, moody character within an otherwise light and layerable collection. This dupe leads with bergamot and pink pepper, a reasonable stand-in for the original's dry, peppery pomegranate opening, though it skips the tart raspberry-plum fruit that makes Pomegranate Noir so distinctive. Jasmine and cedarwood in the heart bring a floral-woody balance, while amber, patchouli and leather in the base aim for the smoky incense-and-guaiacwood depth of the original without quite reaching its resinous complexity. The overall effect is warmer and more conventional than Pomegranate Noir's introspective, almost brooding character, and it settles into a soft ambery-woody base scent within a few hours rather than lingering with the original's noted tenacity. A fair everyday alternative for the mood, though purists of the original will miss its tart fruit signature.