Ombre Black

First Impressions & Dry Down

Ombre Black launches with a bracing incense note, but it's not churchy; more like the inside of a headshop after someone spilled artificial raspberry flavoring. That initial sweetness quickly gives way to a medicinal oud and birch accord. It lacks the smoky, leather depth of its inspiration, instead presenting a more astringent, almost antiseptic quality. The rose is buried deep, barely a whisper. As it dries, a sweet, cloying amberwood note takes over, fighting with the lingering medicinal oud. The benzoin adds a syrupy texture, but it doesn't save the overall experience from being slightly abrasive. The geranium attempts to add a bit of green freshness, but it is quickly subdued by the intense, saccharine amberwood. There is a vague echo of the original, but it leans heavily on a synthetic sharpness that is hard to ignore.

Bottom Line

This is strictly for cool weather evenings, and only if you enjoy being the center of attention. It's far too intense for daytime wear. A crowded club or a very casual outdoor gathering are the only situations where I could see this working. The aggressive sweetness and synthetic edge make it unsuitable for professional settings or intimate encounters. Proceed with extreme caution.

Longevity & Projection

I got about 6 hours on my skin. Projection is strong for the first hour, easily filling a small room. After that, it sits closer, maybe a half arm's length. I wore it during an evening out, and it became a headache inducer within three hours. I also tested it on fabric, where it lasted closer to 8 hours, projecting stubbornly, the medicinal oud refusing to dissipate.