Nocturnal Life

The Scent Profile

Nocturnal Life opens with a boozy cognac accord, leaning heavily into a spiced cinnamon. The oak is present but subdued, not as refined as the Kilian original. It's immediately apparent that the blend lacks the depth of Angels' Share. The heart introduces tonka bean and praline, creating a gourmand sweetness. However, the hazelnut feels somewhat synthetic, a distinct departure from the smoother, more natural nuttiness in the inspiration. Drydown reveals a vanillic base bolstered by sandalwood and benzoin. It aims for warmth and comfort but comes across as slightly cloying. I'd estimate this is 85% similar to Angels' Share; the main divergence lies in the quality of ingredients. The boozy opening is respectable, but the mid and base notes lack the same nuance.

The Verdict

Nocturnal Life is a decent budget option if you crave the Angels' Share DNA without the hefty price tag. It's a good, not great, clone. If you can tolerate a slightly rougher blend and synthetic edges, it’s a worthwhile purchase. For the casual wearer seeking a similar vibe? This will do. A safe blind buy if you like sweet, boozy fragrances.

Performance Reality Check

Longevity is moderate. I get about 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong for the first hour, then it settles close to the skin. This performs as expected point. Don't expect beast mode.