Black Shine

Scent Breakdown

Black Shine opens with a familiar spiced warmth. Nutmeg and cinnamon take center stage, mirroring the Elixir inspiration. The cardamom is dialed back, creating a slightly less sharp opening. The lavender heart is present but feels a bit subdued compared to Dior’s version. The drydown is where it diverges most. The licorice note is amped up, giving it a sweeter, almost gourmand feel, alongside the sandalwood and amber. I'd say it's about 92% similar, losing some of the refined edges and replacing them with a slightly more synthetic sweetness.

Conclusion

Black Shine is a solid alternative for those seeking the Sauvage Elixir vibe without the designer price tag. It lacks some of the original's sophistication and leans a bit synthetic in the drydown. If you want something with a bold, sweet profile, then try it. This clone offers a similar experience but it’s a party cologne instead of a black tie event cologne.

The Performance Stats

Longevity is impressive. I got a solid 8 hours on skin, projecting moderately for the first 3-4. The base notes linger as a sweet skin scent for hours afterwards. Be warned: this one could choke out a small room if oversprayed. Less is definitely more.