Carbone de Balmain

This was a blind buy for me based entirely on the reviews on this very page. Like another reviewer I had ordered from a vendor whose image displayed the "Carbone de Balmain" bottle, but instead sent me the "Carbone", which disappointed me somewhat because based on the reviews above I understand that there is a significant difference. Nevertheless, I am wearing it right now and must say that I am very pleasantly surprised. A few years back I was with colleagues at a restaurant in Tokyo when a very distinguished looking European gentleman walked past my table, and as he passed I caught a subtle aroma of the most supremely elegant, masculine and classy scent I have ever smelled in my life. Perhaps the effect was augmented by the qualities of hot sake we had been drinking, but after he returned to his table I summoned to the courage and approached him to ask about the incredible fragrance he was wearing. From the years I spent in Europe I could tell that he was clearly one of those old-school European aristocrats who probably spent the heyday of his formative years on the transatlantic liners, as he was of a certain age, but in a way ageless, and the poise, bearing and demeanour of this impressive gentleman radiated "dignitas" and imperturbable and effortless grace that reminded me of the aristocratic couple I lodged with when I first arrived in Paris many years previously, anyhow he was delighted that I had appreciated the scent he was wearing and said that I was his favourite: it happened to be Ebene - a vintage Balmain creation that is nowadays both extremely hard to find and extremely expensive, but I never forgot the effect that even a gentle hint of that sublime fragrance had on me and ever since I have been obsessed with trying to find something that has a similar "aura". What strikes me about "Carbone" is that the progression is so subtle as to be almost undetectable - to my nose anyway - and the notes are so beautifully complimentary that the overall effect is to evoke the familiar and the exotic at the exact same time, creating an aura of mystery, and class. For me, woods (done well) can be the absolute epitome of masculinity, and by that I don't mean the garish, vulgar, chest-beating, Ron Burgundy "Sex Panther" notion of masculinity but the simple, effortless and classy masculinity of a well-tailored suit, that conjures up images of a wood-panelled library in a stately home or a smoky gentleman's club in the 1920s filled with Chesterfield armchairs and cavendish pipe tobacco. I like "Carbone" thus far mainly because of that woodsy mystery created by the sense of familiar and the exotic, its understated dignity, and the associations that it creates in my mind of classy refined "gentlemanliness". As soon as I am able I will get hold of some of the earlier "Carbone de Balmain" to compare. Edit June 30, 2020: Today I came across an old flacon of Gucci Pour Homme and applied it to experience the trip down memory lane it triggers due to all the fond memories I associate with it. Perusing the Fragrantica reviews for GPH I was quite baffled to read that some people think it’s similar to Bentley Absolute. GPH does not smell anything like Bentley Absolute. If I had to name one fragrance that reminds me of GPH it would be Carbone. I am wearing both right now, on different arms and although there are subtle differences, the two really are remarkably similar. Carbone really does remind me of GPH.

This was a blind buy for me based entirely on the reviews on this very page. Like another reviewer I had ordered from a vendor whose image displayed the "Carbone de Balmain" bottle, but instead sent me the "Carbone", which disappointed me somewhat because based on the reviews above I understand that there is a significant difference. Nevertheless, I am wearing it right now and must say that I am very pleasantly surprised. A few years back I was with colleagues at a restaurant in Tokyo when a very distinguished looking European gentleman walked past my table, and as he passed I caught a subtle aroma of the most supremely elegant, masculine and classy scent I have ever smelled in my life. Perhaps the effect was augmented by the qualities of hot sake we had been drinking, but after he returned to his table I summoned to the courage and approached him to ask about the incredible fragrance he was wearing. From the years I spent in Europe I could tell that he was clearly one of those old-school European aristocrats who probably spent the heyday of his formative years on the transatlantic liners, as he was of a certain age, but in a way ageless, and the poise, bearing and demeanour of this impressive gentleman radiated "dignitas" and imperturbable and effortless grace that reminded me of the aristocratic couple I lodged with when I first arrived in Paris many years previously, anyhow he was delighted that I had appreciated the scent he was wearing and said that I was his favourite: it happened to be Ebene - a vintage Balmain creation that is nowadays both extremely hard to find and extremely expensive, but I never forgot the effect that even a gentle hint of that sublime fragrance had on me and ever since I have been obsessed with trying to find something that has a similar "aura". What strikes me about "Carbone" is that the progression is so subtle as to be almost undetectable - to my nose anyway - and the notes are so beautifully complimentary that the overall effect is to evoke the familiar and the exotic at the exact same time, creating an aura of mystery, and class. For me, woods (done well) can be the absolute epitome of masculinity, and by that I don't mean the garish, vulgar, chest-beating, Ron Burgundy "Sex Panther" notion of masculinity but the simple, effortless and classy masculinity of a well-tailored suit, that conjures up images of a wood-panelled library in a stately home or a smoky gentleman's club in the 1920s filled with Chesterfield armchairs and cavendish pipe tobacco. I like "Carbone" thus far mainly because of that woodsy mystery created by the sense of familiar and the exotic, its understated dignity, and the associations that it creates in my mind of classy refined "gentlemanliness". As soon as I am able I will get hold of some of the earlier "Carbone de Balmain" to compare.

If you truly enjoy unusual fragrances, this one is for you! I blind-bought a reasonably priced tester a month or so ago and it is a true powerhouse of wood, smoke and incense. Of course, I've never sniffed a Balmain that I didn't like so it wasn't much of a risky blind buy for me. I don't get the "barbecued beef" odor that others perceive but the pepper, elemi resin and incense do combine to create a "smoke from a camp fire" feeling which I like very much. And I agree with reviewer Rob Frost who says he gets a whiff of "pencil shavings", which I like very much also and normally only get from cedar notes - and I don't see cedar listed among Carbone's notes - go figure. Not that I can parse them out individually but I suspect the ivy and fig notes are what lighten what could have been a solidly bitter mixture. In the midst of the smoke there's a watery/juicy freshness that makes it perfectly appropriate on my female skin. My guess is that if you enjoy the green & woody forest notes in Yatagan you'll like Carbone. And if you love the pencil shaving vibe in Serge Luten's Daim Blond you will LOVE Carbone. A few sprays last 8-10 hours on me and I notice the scent in rooms I've walked through as I move about the house (haven't worn this one out in public yet but I do wear Yatagan to work occasionally, so it won't be long until Carbone makes an appearance).

I have no idea why this happens but there are some peppers I put on and immediately my whole body relaxes. It's almost like a drug! Can't really say what that's about but I'll take it! Anyway, to the point at hand... For me, this frag hits a lot of right marks. I love pepper, incense, figs. I also enjoy cedar as a wood note. What amazes me though is that there's no cedar shown in the notes, but when you concentrate on what's going on, it becomes apparent that with the addition of the elemi, vetiver and green notes joining with the fore mentioned creates a very definite cedar effect especially in the top. That said it carries on into the dry down where the elemi gives the cedar a resinous effect, and it smells dam fine I might add! Almost gummy. It's like a rich gummy cedar. That gummy aspect is aided by the benzoin which adds a very subtle but right on the mark slight sweet vibe. This for me is a great winter scent, it's got a nice toasty warmness and one I have no doubt I'll be turning too often. It's worth every cent you pay for it and well beyond imo. Well pleased.

the feeling you get when you just *know*... the holy grail in my collection, finally! what else to say? i tried this and the Balmain Homme for men on respective arms. it was like day and night in comparison, or rather dusk and dawn. where Balmain Homme was loudmouthed, nightclub-vibe, literally one-in-a-million-scent; Carbone on the other hand spoke in whispers, calm and soothing; "Come closer if you are the man I think you are" I was a little worried that the scent would disappear, but the lady at the store (or maybe the good witch?) reassured me that I wouldn't be disappointed if I chose this. later today when I was out jogging, the scent got even stronger (probably due to the body heat) and even after showering it's still there, again reassuring me "I'm still here, even though I don't fuzz or brag like the other guys on the shelves" Finally, I am glad that I remembered to thank the 'good witch' saying that I was very pleased to see a cologne like this amongst all the common, well-known brands. My new signature scent for sure!

Another blind buy for me. I've been having a great deal of luck lately! This scent is delightful. If you know what the opening of Gucci Pour Homme smells like, you will have an idea of how this will smell. Spicy, slightly sweet pencil shavings dominate and carry through the life of this scent. It never develops into the rich, incense character of GPH, but I did find the pepper note to become quite noticeable as the day wore on. Don't take me evaluation to imply it is a straight copy of GPH, just that it shares part of its DNA. It is a warm, mature scent with a fairly linear character. I've been testing this on cold winter days, projection seems restrained but I do notice it on and off through its life. Longevity is average, maybe 4-5 hours on my clothes and neck, 6-8 on my wrists. Given the price and quality of the scent, I can easily look past its relatively average performance. If this one were to be discontinued, I would stock up without hesitation! Scent: 9/10 Sillage: 6/10 Longevity: 7/10 Price: 9/10 Overall: 8/10

I got it in my head that Balmain didn't make masculine or even Unisex fragrances but I was obviously mistaken. I have to say I adore this fragrance it's magic! Huge dose of peppery woods and dry synthetic cedar and vetiver but that's telling the story in reverse. The opening is a curious, aniseed, resiny, elemi, (what I assume is) fig, incense vibe then pepper coming on stronger. Very darkly fruity this one and a musky, lightly smoked effect to it also...very very interesting and right up my street. Then it gets a little disappointing the immediate comparison on the drydown is to Encre Noire and that takes a good hour or two to progress past that opening to the familiarity of vetiver and pepper. Not a bad thing to smell like but for me the opening shows more promise and interest. Average longevity and subtle projection...well worth checking out for those who like a arty, not all the way dark fragrance.

Four words: mysterious, intriguing, unique, genius. When I smelled this for the very first time, I was blown away. I had to smell it again and again because I couldn't name a single note of it, yet it smelled so nice. I was just lost and utterly intrigued. I have concluded, though, that to me the incense note is the most prominent. Carbone is not very sweet, but not heavy either, its balance is just perfect. It's "fresh in an incense way" if that makes any sense to you. And Carbone takes a certain kind of wearer, someone who does not give a sh## if someone's eyes keep following them like "that is so weird, WHAT are you wearing?". Carbone's sillage and longevity are both moderate and it's an amazing perfume, masterful work by Balmain. I think you do Carbone justice by wearing it in spring or autumn.

As a "connoisseur" of fragrance - since I was a young girl - I tried & succeeded in getting my sons (20 & 18) away from the horrible Axes & Old Spice scents out there! Every birthday & Christmas I buy them an array of scents - usually samples, then what ever is the best I buy them full bottles! They have from Addidas to Dior! Out of EVERY scent, THIS is the SEXIEST of them all! I am challenged describing this - when my boys are the ones that wear it! But the only way I can describe it is using terms like Primal, Deep, Dark, Sensual etc. I don't smell pencil shavings, I do smell pepper (which usually I'm not a fan of) but BOY is this the scent of the year for me! I'm on the fence about buying full bottles for them - as I don't want them to be attacked! LOL I'm sure they wont mind though!

One real and (by now) a very rare gem from the House of Balmain. It unconsciously turns heads and flares up nostrils of everyone around you, including yourself. The warmth and seduction of elemi/incense/benzoin glides over the juicy, ripe fig fruit and smooth peppery vetiver, like the unhurried hand of a handsome frenchmen husband over my clean sweaty back after a hot bath, not really initiating, just suggesting a prospect of a good time to come. It feels safe and comforting but it is very, very naughty.... A scent that can bring any man into a serious sensual trouble with the opposite (and/or same!!!) sex, if confined in the small inclosure of any kind...but beware- it is gone from the shops shelves (unfortunately) forever.

This bottle reminds me of a big square ice cube in a Dewer's highball -- only, the good stuff lies within the ice cube. Which is not so ironic that after the initial notes start to wear off, I get something a little boozy, maybe from the bourbon pepper. I enjoy it because it doesn't scream at you, maybe due to the moderate sillage, but there's an earthiness there, maybe the combination of the vetiver, fig, incense and musk that creates something pheromone-like. I've had two instances where women asked me what I was wearing because they wanted their present and future male companions to smell like me. I'm not exactly sure how I'm supposed to take that, but I like how I smell and that's what counts.

Dry and sharp, smoky and peppery, Carbone smells like - yes, yes - charcoal. It is highly original, but not eccentric. It is refined, classy and masculine to the bone. Surprisingly, such a masculine fragrance goes wonderfully with an elegantly gowned woman, too. I've stolen it from my father and spritzed myself with it a few times on more formal occasions and received a number of compliments. As for my father, Carbone has become his signature almost instantly - it was a love at first sniff. It matches a middle-aged man in business attire nicely. The only bad thing about Carbone is its longevity - it disappears off of both my father's skin and mine in two to three hours.

almost missed out on this based on the negative review by Brettyboy whose opinions I held in high esteem.well once I got it I was hooked and can only add a little to what others have already said here.this is great for fall and winter evenings or nites.I actually wear this to lull me to sleep.the incense,black fig,elemi and pepper are very addictive. I find this very long lasting unlike on the skins of others.the only other smell I have that comes close to this is Graphite by Claude Montana.they really are very close but this is more compelling. Do give it a try if you come across it and do not be swayed by any negative review.Not for kids though

I like Carbone a lot; I think it smells great. The best way I can think of to describe this scent is to say that it reminds me a lot of pencil shavings (with a touch of balmy, resinous sweetness). I'm surprised that no one has made this association yet (that is, here on Fragrantica; I've read it a couple of times elsewhere on the net). I don't really get some of the notes that others get from Carbone (beef marinade, barbecued beef, male body odor). Goes to show (once more) how different noses work and/or how different the associations are that our brains make with certain smells. Update: Smells exactly like Olfactive Studio's Autoportrait.

Probably one of the 'darkest' fragrances I've ever owned. The name tells you all you need to know about this scent - it's coal. It's dark, metallic, grey and dark all in one. It's like rubbing yourself with coal or graphite ... at the beginning it takes you some time to adapt to it... because it's strong and somehow weird, but after you let the strong spices and pepper do their work, you will know and understand that in fact you're not wearing the fragrance... it's wearing you. I'm not going to lie... it is incredibly strong and heavy. It's not for everyone, but I guess the people at 'Balmain' had that in mind from the beginning.

A great fragrance! On one hand, woody (vetiver, benzoin ..), on the other hand spicy (pepper, incense ...). Fully in balance! The colors of the spice woody chord harmony ... For me this is a signature fragrance! The fragrance is present throughout the day, but a discreet SILLAGE ... Unlike today's fashion fragrance from a unique phenomenon! Great job on his fashion house! And the crown of the clear glass which is a bit "old" memories of times, but completely "pure" form! Based on the color of excessive odor associate juice but not !!! How pleasant surprise .... Love it!!

I'm in love with the burnt tyre smell I get with the initial spritz. A few hours down, and it's only the incense note I get, faintly. I put it down as a poor performer/sillage, until I get asked 'what is this, it's elegant', 6 hrs after I put it on, so I guess it was only me, but the sillage and longevity get a thumbs up Back onto the list, A/W season only.

This magical scent is very hard to find now, but for those who’s bottle is nearing end or if you want to try something similar, I recently tested L'Occitane’s Olivier Ondé Eau de Parfum and my mind immediately went to Carbone, especially the woody resinous aspects. It’s most certainly worth testing if you are looking for a replacement.

I like it very much. It's different, original. It smells like pencil shaving (very woody / carbon). It's an EDT, but to me the scent itself looks more to be like an EDP (a little bit strong), although the performance matches better the EDT standards. Better for Fall / Winter / fresh days and evenings. Highly recommended.

Why bothering yourself killing people around with pencil the way john wick does.wear this fragrance and it will do so. Perhaps the best pencil shaving fragrance ever which brings you many compliment no doubt. I love this one. Perfect for autumn nights. 4.5/5 Age;+30 Moderate projection and lasting.

This so far has to be my Fav for several reasons 1 its not over bearing 2 its not so soft that you have to use a bunch of it.I feel its good for romantic dinners taking that special someone out or just even snuggling up to the fire place.has a sweet smell like fresh baked pumpkin pie.

just got this one today first impressions a very good scent creamy, boozy, spicey, woody all in one package it reminds me of Gucci pour home 1 so ifyou like that kind of scent you will love this one. It has moderate projection, longevity 7 hours tops a night time fragrance

It is great! I can ́t perceive any beef or barbecue; perhaps because I was not hungry when I tried it,.. Brettyboy certainly had a strong incompatibility between his skin and sweat with Carbone. Don ́t take me wrong, but this is for perfume lovers, not for kitchen chefs.

This is my go to-scent for sunny early spring days. Starta off with a blast of blackpepper, then proceds into incense and mellows down to a ripe fig. I know many people regard this as a mens scent, but i have no problem wearing it tough i'm a woman in my twenties.

Wow!! What a wonderful fragrance Carbone de Balmain is. I wore it for the first time this morning. It is soft and gentle with woody and spicy notes. I get a wiff now and then and it makes me and my nose very happy. This is already one of my favorite fragrances.

حس تراشیدن مداد که با فلفل سیاه توام شده و در یک بستر محبوس و گنگ و مه آلود، جلوه گری میکند ----------- Scent & Quality: 10/10 Longevity: 8/10 Sillage: 7/10 Creativity & Uniqueness: 9/10 Affordability: 8/10 ----------- Overall: 8.4/10

It opens with a loud pencil note, which i personally don't like too much but.... after few minutes Carbone becomes a very classy fragrance: deep,warm,refined, to be used preferably in the winter. Good job Balmain !!!

Smoky and woody with a hint of vetiver. Very close to the masterpiece GPH 2003. Probably the best alternative as it has great performance as well. I agree that cedar is in here somewhere. Perfect for fall and winter.

Look for the version with the label: "CARBONE de BALMAIN Paris". The new version of the reformulation is the inscription: "BALMAIN Paris Carbone" Much worse and weaker. Too bad ..

just amazing and unique! a true gem rare nowdays and very lasting as well! keep coming more like this! i love this amazing scent.

Great scent by balmain perfect for the fall & winter! A true hidden gem. The perfumer was Natalie lorson💝 great job👌

A great woody spicy frag for night & day : casual, elegant and very classy. Thumbs up Balmain!

a very unique scent and nice! tough to find it nowdays!!!!

one of my Favorite Designer scent. 9/10.

I like this contemporary creation from Balmain. 'Carbone'...indeed! As defined: "A naturally abundant nonmetallic element that occurs in many inorganic and in all organic compounds, exists freely as graphite." Charcoal, lead pencil shavings and other known associations will waft to the wearer's nose - but not far beyond. This is a skin scent. Two full sprays on my forearm and I get (10-15 minutes in) about 8-12" of projection, even a touch less at the hour mark. For a scent like this...not necessarily a bad thing. Question - does someone want to walk into a room and project this scent loudly? I don't think so - I certainly don't. This is intimate...an aura scent, and should not be over-applied. Nathalie Lorson (the perfumer who also created the now iconic black flacon of Encre Noire) is the nose here. In this, one will find a warm, deep and smoky, resinous base of incense, benzoin, vetiver and a light musk that provide a nice foundation for the scent. The elemi resin (a note I love) is used well here - it is a fragrant, piney and citrus-infused note. It goes well with pepper and there is a wonderful note of fresh bourbon pepper that is a great top note here - it lasts well into the heart. I am enjoying this as it draws comparisons to other scents, but is entirely on its own due to the incorporation of the nice black fig (lightly sweet), violet leaf and the lifted green note of ivy that comes in at the end of the top and into the heart. Great reviews by Buysblind and Cassiano with nice added insight/perspective from polka and Jack_Hunter. I don't like to put down other reviewers as olfactory perspective is entirely subjective, but there is no food or meat notes in here at all. To me, it is a spicy, woody/resinous composition that blends in some interesting greenery and a black fig note that fades out about 45-60 minutes in along with the pepper, violet leaf and ivy. The dry down is deep, smoky and actually rather focused. While some compositions like this become muddled, the vetiver does well here in keeping a bit of sharpness. I am pretty sure Iso E Super is in here - if so, it is not over-used. This has a natural feel and does not project loudly, as some Iso E Super scents can jump off your skin. The elemi resin (which I find in the heart), along with the benzoin strengthen the base of incense and waft up plumes to your nose. Very nice. This is good quality fragrance - and very well-priced. Unique, but familiar - I guess that's how I would describe my immediate connection to it. I waited on getting this and will enjoy future full wearing of this soon. The more it is on me, the more I appreciate it. I don't see (at 90 minutes in), longevity being short-lived. I also don't feel it is too quiet. A scent for a confident man (and possibly, woman). Sophisticated, intelligent & mature fragrance. Well done. 8/10. Recommended.

This beast is from another part of the forest. I have had Carbone de Balmain for about a month now. I've worn it four times and I just cannot decide how to go with it. Do I love it or does IT hate me? I think it is a mood changer and what do I mean by that. Well this scent is so unusual so quirky that when I wear it I find my mood is altered, twice for the good, once for the dark side and today somewhere in the middle. The in the review below by Rob Frost, he hit it right on the head, Pencil Shavings! BANG, that's it! That is the first thing out of the box and boy is it an original bold olfactory statement. As the top notes fade I find myself locked in a cedar closet. It might even be the one Kurt Russell was supposed to build for Goldie Hawn in “Overboard”! The odd thing is there is no cedar in this formulation just like there was no cedar in the closet Kurt built for Goldie. Well then it must be the incense that has me so incensed! Or am I just intrigued by that spicy bomb of elemi, bourbon pepper, and benzoin. Not to mention the black fig doing a jig with the musty musk in a field of violet leaves, vetiver and ivy. Okay, okay this is all over the place so down to brass tacks. This is the woodiest of the Woods that I have in my collection. I mean there is a forest in that bottle and it is haunted. And at best haunted forests must be approached with caution. It is a chameleon, it is a challenge, and it is undeniably unique. It is ORIGINAL! It is to be admired for its boldness, for its very strong masculine flair and panache. It projects like canon fire in the heat of battle, and it lasts for days on my skin. (About 12 hours) So bottom line guys it is baseline borderline beatifically wicked. Not for every taste and I am not sure it is for my taste but I didn’t care for avocados my first time around the dinner table with them either. But I stuck with them and over time I grew to love the avocado, and I am sticking with Carbone de Balmain too. I like a good challenge, I like originality, and sometimes I like the dark side, but maybe not until autumn rolls around. Three gold stars **** (Maybe four stars in October? I'll let you know.) Update November 6, 2012 (YES it gets even better with time and cooler weather) FIVE GOLD STARS *****

There's a candy called "Nik-L-Nips" which are essentially little wax bottles filled with colored fruit flavored sugar water. The opening of Carbone smells very much like these candies to my nose. But since that's an obscure, personal reference, I'll put it in simpler terms. Carbone opens with a slightly sweet, slightly dark fruit note (fig, I guess) over some woods which predominantly smell of cedar and possess a definite waxiness. It reminds me very much of a new pencil with an eraser, freshly sharpened with some of the shavings still lying around. However, the incense, elemi, and benzoin are blended very well with the woods, and maintain a certain kind of low vibration which envelopes the cedar and restrains it. What results is a soft, round fragrance that is accentuated by just a touch of sweetness. Carbone is quiet and stays close to the skin. I wouldn't mind if it were a little bit louder, but there is something I appreciate about its reservedness as well. It is easy to wear and I can't see it ever becoming intrusive or offending anyone. A nice, casual choice for Fall and Winter wear, Carbone bears some resemblance to Gucci Pour Homme,Eau Des Baux, and even Tommy Bahama original, though it is quieter and ultimately different than both. As stated earlier, projection is soft to moderate. Longevity is moderate also. The bottle is nothing to write home about and I find the cap and atomizer below average. Still, a 100ml bottle can be had for under $35, and in my opinion, it's worth the juice inside.

I don't have anything in my collection that i can compare this to...at least not off the top of my head, when i get home, i'll try a few to see what it come to it(Update: Midnight in Paris). I love the smokiness, fig, benzoin and spice notes. This will be perfect for the cold winter months. The frag maxs out at six hours, but that's fine. Just carry a travel atomizer and you're good to go. It has a strong fig note, that's a bit sweet along with the incense note...Mannnnn! This is a must have if you want to try something new. But if you have never had a fragrance from the UAE or had something with Incense like Midnight In Paris. You might not like this. I used six sprays...both wrist, back & front of my neck, chest and front of my shirt. Will I buy this again?...Yes(If i can get another bottle at this price). Should You Skipped It, Sample It First or Blind Buy It? Sample it first(this fragrance is not for beginners starting there collection) Can you use it as a unisex scent?...No(Too smokey)! Is it the old or new formulation? New(White box and white label). SKU Number: 33890046152 Batch Number: 09F24F139 (Production Date: May 19, 2015) Age: 21+ From: Amazon Size: 100 ML Scent: 8.5/10 (Nice). Value: 9/10 (Cost $30.59). Sillage: 7/10 (Three feet). Longevity: 6.5/10 (Six hours plus). Creativity: 8/10 (Smokey, fruity & spicy). Projection: 7/10 (90 minutes). Versatility: 10/10 (Anytime & anywhere). Compliments: NA/10 (None yet). Until next time, I'll catch you on the flipside.

Gentlemen; It is quite interesting how the blend of ingredients make some fragrances so similar to others, even when they share just one or two notes. Sometimes, none. Even if it is for a mere couple of seconds. I have noticed Carnone smells close to Eau des Baux by L'Occitane en Provence when trying the first notes. I had the chance to test them side by side on skin and it was a very interesting experience. Pepper is definitely the strongest note in Carbone, followed by incense, both responsible for its pencil shavings chord which is present in Eaux de Baux, in the begining, but very briefly because this aspect is delivered by other notes. But things change: where Eau des Baux kills the pencil shavings chord and keeps a vanilla note dominating the wood and cypress notes, that is supported by pepper, incense and (perharps) fig in Carbone, making it keep the pencil shavings chord - its best feature. And where Eaux des Baux is joyfull, sweeter, younger and closer to nature, Carbone is nocturnal, drier, a little older, and indoors. Longevity and diffusion are very decent on warm, regular or oily skin and warm weather. In cool temperatures, it calms down and sits close to skin. Suitable for those moments of intimacy with your special one, when the smell of skin and some fragrance stimulate a lot. It is a divine masculine fragrance. Nothing agressive. Discreet, subtle and elegant; like making a statement in a low voice. I recommend it.

Well, its quite unusual / unique concoction compare to a lot of flankers that occupied markets shelves lately... I didn't detect so much incense and this note sounds quite mild on me. I like vetiver and black fig notes in it. There's nothing so groundbreaking, but it still quite nice light balsamic & spicy fragrance based on respectable woody platform. It has a little bit of herbal vibe in it too. During the developing of fragrance there's something that reminds a little bit the smell of freshly spiced and peppered raw beef steak... Thank God this stage ends very quickly! Overall its all about aromatic peppery character nicely layered with other notes in this composition. It is reminds sometimes little bit of "Encre Noir" of Lalique! The longevity is moderate and sits closer to skin. Not bad Balmain, not bad at all!... :) Upd: I agree with other comments that the name "Carbone" suits it very well, there's something dark-grey and mysterious about it. -------------------------------------------------------- * Top Notes: Bourbon Pepper , Resin Elemi , Green Ivy. * Heart / Middle Notes: Violet Leaf absolute , Fig Leaf , Incense. * Base / Bottom Notes: Benzoin , Vetiver , Musk. --------------------------------------------------------

After more wearings of this. I have completely changed my mind from love hate to LOVE LOVE. Even my wife finds this to be super sexy and attractive and she is an aquatic fan go figure. The initial 15 minutes or so used to have me concerned that this was going to turn into some old man pepper and vanilla patchouli bomb, but the more I have worn it this fall the more I have come to realize is that after the 15 minutes of darkness comes out this beautiful fig, ivy slightly smokey and very slight sweetness from the vanilla with a Fahrenheit like benzoin notes that all mingling together is very pleasant and dances from light to dark. It's amazing and complex yet inoffensive and a bit close to the skin as to not offend. When your lover comes close though, watch out...It's sexy time with this one. It's really quickly become my top 5 out of close to 100 bottles of cologne. Great stuff and such a great price. I have a feeling that since this is discontinued and bottles start to disappear the remaining ones are going to be of significant value.

Now this turned out to be quite different from what I expected. Somehow from the name and previous reviews I had expectations of a sharp, dark and stinging scent that would give me a gloomy aura of mystique. Agreed, the opening is slightly sharp, synthetic and edgy, a sort of graphite cedary pencilshaving with some menthol and pepper, but after a short while this actually turns out to be a nice, creamy and semi-sweet scent with a slight incense on my skin. I was quite certain it contained vanilla until I realised this was the benzoin. If I were to compare it to other widely known scents, I'd agree that the opening is slightly like the Gucci PH but the drydown actually reminds me more of some popular sweeter scents like, say, Muglers Pure Malt or YSL Body Kouros. Overall it's very nice, I really enjoy it.

Hypermasculine (Nathalie Lorson, 2010) Scentrack: Frank Sinatra: I Guess I'll Have to Dream the Rest I was surprise when I realized how hypermasculine, woody and smoky this fragrance is for a 2010 designer release. Strong pepper, green ivy, a lots of Iso E Super cedar, overripe fig fruit and extreme smokey note. Like grilling a fig fruit over a hot coal. Very brave for a designer house, much appreciated. It strongly reminds me of late Gucci pour Homme, but without its sophistication and charisma. Furthermore, the vibe reminds me of Dirty English, but with more depth and quality. Interesting cold weather fragrance by Natalie Lorson. Like a part of CDG line, but devoid of niche fullness. Ideal for sipping a glass of Cognac at home during winter, while wearing your favorite slippers Rating: 7/10

Take Gucci Pour Homme (2003 version). Make it smoother, less deep and fresher. Then you have Carbone de Balmain. I love GPH, it's one of my favorites. The only issue I had with it, was that it's a difficult everyday fragrance for me to wear to work etc. It can be quite polarizing. Carbone is a smoother and lighter version of GPH, though they certainly differ. GPH is very dry, where as Carbone has a creaminess to it, that is also noticeable in Bentley For Men. The incense is lighter, and so is the cedar/pencil shavings accord. GPH is a masterpiece in my opinion, but Carbone de Balmain is no slouch, and - along with CDG 2 Man - provides a nice substite for GPH instead of paying the inflated used prices. Rating: 8.5/10

Super realistic (if slightly plushed and hazed-out) shavings from a cedar pencil. Remember banging out the lever-operated pencil sharpeners in school? GPH, Dirty English, Greyland, Graphite comparisons are apt. A typical minimalistic, accord-thieving Lorson "composition." But it's super pleasant with a touch of real-life woody sweetness. Bogglingly expensive now that it is discontinued, just like Monsieur Balmain.

This one is dry, then gets round and creamy, with a little incense, spices, fig, and violet leaf. This is pretty much a more polished, incensy version of Graphite without the sour dill note and a nice fig note. Yeah, it overall smells better than Graphite, but the discontinued price tag does not change the fact that its the exact same scent profile that could be had for peanuts. Great scent nontheless.

85) Nathalie a créé pour trois marques différentes le même parfum (et presque le même nom en plus), c'est un peu bête non? Graphite=Carbone de Balmain=Autoportrait d'OlfactiveStudio. Heureusement c'est un beau parfum, un Hyper-boisé adoucit d'ambre-santal et une accentuation sur l'aspect fumé de l'encens et du vétiver. Tenue moyenne et très faible projection, parfum de peau.

Wow! Simply Wow! I get the bees wax, honey, pencil shaivings, cedar, incense & (i think figs) but I don't get any of the BO or BBQ type Meat smells from this. I admit not having given a full wearing to this, but just from the small sample I've been given I'd have to say that this will be my new favourite frag. In fact I've just ordered a 100 ml bottle!

I think this is very nice, it took me a while to decide getting it, but I am not disappointed, I got a compliment already, but I think is fading out pretty fast. The one I got has a white label, I wonder if the black label was before reformulation and if there is any significant difference on the smell and performance, has anybody around tested both?

I was in today in one of the London's central shops, and guy told me this is coming out soon! yet he gave me a sample. Start... nothing standing out of the crowd, but after a while dry down it exactly reminds me of Givenchy Play (black version). If you like Givenchy this is more expensive version of it. 7/10