Emotions N°03 Ebony Wood

Notes & Nuances

Emotions N°03 Ebony Wood opens with a vegetal violet leaf note, starkly similar to fresh-cut green bell peppers. The cardamom attempts to spice it up, but there's a cloying sweetness underneath, like dissolving sugar packets in tepid water. The iris is present, but it's more of a powdered makeup bag accord than a velvety orris butter. The drydown is where it significantly deviates from its inspiration. Instead of creamy sandalwood, it's dominated by a harsh, synthetic cedarwood that clashes with a surprisingly acrid, rubbery leather. The ambrox gives it a noticeable lift, but ends up creating an overall unpleasant, scratchy sensation. The DNA of the original is there, but the execution is flawed, with some off-putting elements.

Is it Worth It?

This is a casual, daytime fragrance best suited for spring and fall. Its unassuming character makes it appropriate for situations where you don't want to command attention, like running errands. However, its synthetic qualities might become grating with prolonged wear, limiting its appeal as a daily driver.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity is moderate, clocking in at around 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is initially within arm's reach, but quickly settles down to a skin scent after the first hour. I tested it in various scenarios, including office settings and outdoor activities, and found its performance to be consistently underwhelming, a faint whimper rather than a confident roar.