03/03/2018
Elysium
815 Reviews
Elysium
Helpful Review
3
The Harmless Black Wood
To me, all three Exclusive Oud, Wood Noir, and Ambré Noble, which are part of the "Exclusive Accords" collection, are similar in a way. They all share the same oriental vibe underneath and rather linear. If Ambré Noble is a creamy rose and Exclusive oud is a medicinal syrup, Wood Noir is all about waxy wood.
Wood Noir introduces itself with the woody accord, not so prevalent in the top notes, very mysterious and profound, with a sort of black ebony wood essence. There is a hint of resinous wood from the very first whiff blended with bright bergamot. Resin nuance reminds me of beeswax; it's honeyed, musky, softly sweet and intimate, sometimes with hints of pollen. After a few minutes, when the initial blast tones down, aromatic lavender and creamy bergamot melt and get clearer.
The initial woodiness then flows into a very rosy floral vibe after about half an hour, which could be off-putting to some, though I have no issues with it. Happily, it mellows into a more woodsy scent polished by the floral lavender, which, in turn, has now lost a little of its rosiness and found a bit of its aromaticness. The heart decorates with an aromatic green sage, which melts harmoniously with the lingering wood and rosy facets. The velvety sage leaves create a sort of soapy accord together with the lavender blossoms. What started with a waxy facet, now turns into a powdery touch. Perhaps, this is the stage I like the most.
From this point forward, it remains a delightful scent. A sweet, woody aroma that enfolds you and creates an enigmatic aura all around you. Not overpowering, warming, calming, and soothing. Don't think of the forest smell, because the woodiness is smooth, cosy, and creamy.
Initially, you might think it targets aged people, but after a while, the smell turns into something modern and contemporary, suitable for younger people, either. Its woodiness and warmness make it adapt to fall and winter seasons, day and evening. I wear it in the office, and I got no complaints. Yet, the fantastic longevity and moderate sillage make it very versatile for office and spare time. Just another jewel in the ZARA collection!
I'm basing my review and opinion on a bottle I've owned since 2016.
-Elysium
Wood Noir introduces itself with the woody accord, not so prevalent in the top notes, very mysterious and profound, with a sort of black ebony wood essence. There is a hint of resinous wood from the very first whiff blended with bright bergamot. Resin nuance reminds me of beeswax; it's honeyed, musky, softly sweet and intimate, sometimes with hints of pollen. After a few minutes, when the initial blast tones down, aromatic lavender and creamy bergamot melt and get clearer.
The initial woodiness then flows into a very rosy floral vibe after about half an hour, which could be off-putting to some, though I have no issues with it. Happily, it mellows into a more woodsy scent polished by the floral lavender, which, in turn, has now lost a little of its rosiness and found a bit of its aromaticness. The heart decorates with an aromatic green sage, which melts harmoniously with the lingering wood and rosy facets. The velvety sage leaves create a sort of soapy accord together with the lavender blossoms. What started with a waxy facet, now turns into a powdery touch. Perhaps, this is the stage I like the most.
From this point forward, it remains a delightful scent. A sweet, woody aroma that enfolds you and creates an enigmatic aura all around you. Not overpowering, warming, calming, and soothing. Don't think of the forest smell, because the woodiness is smooth, cosy, and creamy.
Initially, you might think it targets aged people, but after a while, the smell turns into something modern and contemporary, suitable for younger people, either. Its woodiness and warmness make it adapt to fall and winter seasons, day and evening. I wear it in the office, and I got no complaints. Yet, the fantastic longevity and moderate sillage make it very versatile for office and spare time. Just another jewel in the ZARA collection!
I'm basing my review and opinion on a bottle I've owned since 2016.
-Elysium
Elysium
