Jean Lowe Noir

Scent Breakdown

Jean Lowe Noir opens with a heady rush of frankincense immediately tempered by an artificial raspberry note. It’s less fresh fruit and more akin to a raspberry-flavored hard candy – bordering on medicinal. The heart attempts to ground itself in oud and rose, but the birch throws a curveball, adding an unexpected gasoline accord which is a bit discordant. The base attempts to smooth things over, but the benzoin is too powdery, and the amberwood presents with an obvious synthetic cedar nuance that lacks depth. It lacks the nuanced sweetness present in its muse; the rose feels isolated rather than integral to the composition.

How Long Does it Last?

Longevity is impressive; I got a solid 8 hours on skin. Projection initially fills a room, creating a commanding presence for the first two hours before settling to about an arm's length. Tested on a windy autumn day, it performed admirably, cutting through the brisk air. However, in a closed office environment, its potent projection might overwhelm.

Bottom Line

Wearing Jean Lowe Noir evokes a sense of trying too hard. It attempts to capture the grandeur of a windswept desert landscape but settles for a carefully curated diorama. While the original conveys confident luxury, this one feels like a bold imitation. The wearer gains attention, but loses the subtle sophistication that defines the intended experience. The synthetic facets prevent it from ever truly breathing on the skin.