Black Orchid
Black Orchid by Tom Ford is an unisex eau de parfum from 2006 in the luxury price tier. It opens with blackcurrant, bergamot and mandarin, moves into orchid, gardenia and jasmine and dries down to patchouli, vanilla, chocolate and incense. Expect around 11 hours of wear, and it projects very strongly.
Notes, explained
Opening
- Blackcurrant Tart, dark and slightly catty. Adds bite to florals.
- Bergamot Sharp citrus with a faint bitter edge. The opening of about half of all men's fragrances.
- Mandarin Soft, sweet, almost powdery citrus. Gentler than orange.
Heart
- Orchid Creamy, sweet and slightly synthetic. A modern florals staple.
- Gardenia Creamy white floral with a mushroomy edge. Lush and old-Hollywood.
- Jasmine Heady, sweet and slightly animal underneath. Rarely subtle.
Dry-down
- Patchouli Damp earth and dark chocolate. Either you love it or it's your least favourite note.
- Vanilla Sweet, creamy and warm. The most comforting note in perfumery.
- Chocolate Sweet, dusty and rich. Can go milk-bar or dark-and-bitter.
- Incense Smoky, dry and meditative. Adds gravity to anything.
Smells like this
- Nina Ricci Premier Jour
- Zara Orchid
- Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb
- Lake & Skye Citrus Blonde
- Jo Malone Dark Amber & Ginger Lily
- Elizabeth Arden Untold
Cheaper alternatives
All 3 cheaper alternatives to Black Orchid
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