Ambre Noir

I think Brecourt could do with a bit more publicity. I own two of their perfumes , and my boyfriend has bought Contre-Pouvoir. The presentation is excellent. Each perfume comes with 4 extra items : a small spray with the cologne version of the perfume, another one with the « absolu » version of the perfume, and two rollers with two chosen « accords » as they say, which you can use to customize your experience. For the price I find it generous. That being said, what counts the most is what’s inside the bottle. I had a sample of Ambre Noir. After trying it several times since May, I found it marvelous each time. And with fall approaching, I finally bought the full bottle this week. It’s a well balanced amber, not too strong, not very oriental. I cannot say why I like it so much and why, for instance, Ambre Sultan never appealed to me so much. Is it because of the myrrh? I also think it’s unisex and not feminine leaning. That, plus an extremely good longevity, will make it a good companion for fall and winter. I highly recommend everyone to discover this brand!

Ambre Noir first reminded me of Thierry Mugler's Angel, but it's not at all as overwhelming. After testing them a while I think Brecourt's Haram is much more similar to Angel than Ambre Noir. At first Ambre Noir is very gourmand, with notes of saffron in it, but it's not at all cloying, it is sweet and warm but at the same time very refreshing. After a while, there are definite tones of pepper, but the sillage is soft, warm and still at the same time fresh. Hard to describe! I imagine it's the sandalwood, patchouly and balms, and I do like it. The drydown is gorgeous, a soft gourmand with a bit of powder, and it all ends in a beautiful vanilla... yum! I'm often told I smell nice when I wear it :-) After using Ambre Noir for a few months it has become one of my very favourite perfumes, and to my surprise it works well in summer as well as during the chilly seasons.

It seems I'm the only one who feels this way, but this immediately reminded me of Christian Dior Ambre Nuit. I'm comparing them side by side now, and the amber in each - which dominates in both - is very similar. Ambre Nuit is a bit more resinous and has that lovely rose in the background, while Ambre Noir is a little smoother and sweeter with the vanilla. I think I prefer the Dior for me as it's a tad more masculine, but I really enjoy both. The vanillic amber in this also made me think of Omnia Ambra - if you like this but want something less smoky with more prominent vanilla, try that.

This isn't a typical amber scent. At first spray I already had a deja-vù. I find this a darker version of Shalimar Parfum initial (which I love) myrrh tinted flower (but just a minimal hint of flower), dark smoked woods, without the sweetness and way less vanilla. I would have wished for more magnolia, maybe in autumn will be more obvious. I swear I can smell opoponax, maybe due to an intense musk note. It is a lovely unisex cold season fragrance that goes each time. Edit September 2020: labdanum and magnolia are coming so beautifully through in colder weather, exactly as I hoped for.

Exceptionnel !!! Un coup de coeur olfactif, ce parfum est une pépite , très sous coté ! Il n'est pas du tout 'féminin' totalement mixte L'ambre est l'un des plus beau que j'ai sentit jusqu' ici L'odeur est envoûtante et addictive ! Le parfum porte tellement bien son nom , on a à faire à quelque chose de sombre , de précieux , de rare ! La projection et le sillage ainsi que la tenue de ce parfum sont exceptionnels et c'est rare quand je dis cela !!! Banger totale 💫