Matiere Noire Clones

"### Notes & Nuances Jean Lowe Matiere kicks off with a juicy black currant. It's sweet, but not cloying thanks to a noticeable watery accord that keeps it fresh. The rose in the heart isn’t your grandma's powdery rose. It's jammy, blended with a green, slightly metallic cyclamen note. The dry down leans into a woody, earthy patchouli and a touch of incense. This clone does a decent job mirroring Matiere Noire, maybe hitting around 92% accuracy. The main difference? This has a slightly sharper, more synthetic edge in the opening compared to the smoother, more refined original. ### The Performance Stats For a clone, the performance is respectable. I get around 6-7 hours on my skin. Projection is moderate for the first two hours, then settles closer to the body. It's not a room filler but creates a noticeable scent bubble. ### Bottom Line If you love the idea of Matiere Noire but can't stomach the Louis Vuitton price tag, Jean Lowe Matiere is a worthy alternative. Sure, it's not a perfect replica, and the synthetic opening is a minor drawback. But it's a solid daily wear. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys fruity-rose-patchouli fragrances. This gets you close enough for everyday wear."

"### Olfactory Experience Essence De Noir opens with a juicy, almost candied black currant. It’s less the refined black currant syrup of Matiere Noire and more a sticky, playful interpretation. The watery notes are present, but they lend a slightly synthetic feel, a bit like air freshener initially. The heart blooms with a jammy rose, alongside powdery cyclamen and a supporting cast of narcissus. This floral bouquet is where Essence De Noir diverges most significantly. The original has a darker rose, almost wine-like. Here, it's brighter and sweeter. The dry down attempts the woody depth of Matiere Noire with agarwood and patchouli but lacks the same sophistication. Incense adds a smoky dimension, but the oud is noticeably less refined, with a slight medicinal edge. Overall, this is about 84% of the original, with a more youthful, fruity spin. ### How Long Does it Last? Essence De Noir projects moderately for the first 2 hours. It leaves a noticeable scent trail, but it won't fill a room. Longevity is decent, clinging to skin for around 6-7 hours. The dry down becomes a skin scent after about 4 hours. ### Bottom Line If you crave the vibe of Matiere Noire but can't justify the price tag, Essence De Noir offers a passable alternative. It's a good choice for someone who enjoys sweeter, fruitier takes on rose-oud combinations. However, be prepared for some synthetic edges, particularly in the opening."