Moonstone Noire

I noticed this little ditty on the black hole that is Vinted. After being intrigued by it's bottle style, with a massive black moon on it, I nipped over to Fragrantica to see what all the fuss was about. The reviews for it were interesting and polarising enough for me to have a go on it. So, I offered a lowball price (my tried and tested Vinted strategy) and to my surprise, the seller sold me Moonstone Noir for a paltry £6. The reviews in general make for very interesting reading; hugely contrasting and split right down the middle, between admiration and disgust. This gave me the motivation I needed to buy it, as scents that are despicable to some, but also adored by others, are the exact type of scents that I want in my collection. For me, I was expecting more of a shocking start. The scent has a clumsy, boring opening of spiced old wood and nuances of old, dull refined men. But then, the fun begins, as this scent kicks off louder than a pissed off Karen in a shitty restaurant. It becomes a right twisty bastard of a rollercoaster ride! It's got spice, it's got wood, it's got polish, it's got worn leather, it's got grandad's tool shed and it's got earthy, ecological tones. At one point, I was absolutely sure that I was getting moments of Inexcusable Evil by Toskovet! Imagine that! For fuck all money! Then, it twisted again, revealing the heart notes, by becoming a straight-up, classy posh leather scent. After a period of twanging on your olfactory nerves like a double bass player on phet, it all comes to a comforting, slow end, with the arrival of oud and vanilla in the base. Just when you think the ride is over, the final twist comes out, like a magician's encore, with a patchouli-esque sweet, goodbye kiss. It's sillage is magnificent; it casually detonates a fragrance bomb, that fills the entire room with ease. The longevity is there too; 8 hours in this perfume's presence from a single application. Oof, yer filthy bastud yer! 8/10. It is a bit of a wild ride when it gets going, but the clumsy start makes it lose two points.

Nose Note #538 Can't say if I'm dissapointed or not, because so far it smells quite similar to Tom Ford Ombre Leather, but I was expecting something new, just something else, and not another Ombre Leather clone. It has same nutty leather note. It is different, of course, because there's some sweetness to it from vanilla. And honestly I like it more than Ombre Leather, but still I was blind buying and expecting perhaps an Encelede clone, and it is not. Encelede is a minty beer barf. Of course you can say it has something in common with Encelede. Moonstone is slightly minty too. Yet again, this is better than the absolutely disgusting Encelede. I have never even heard of Old Library Dark Tales and I have no idea where to buy a sample. Moonstone Noire already has quadriple the amount of votes Old Library has. I can't believe FA are cloning something that unknown. Does Moonstone smell like an old library, i.e. an old book? Well... at a stretch. To conclude, this is one of the easiest and most likeable "all leather heavy leather" type of scents. The more I wear it, the more I like it. Blind buy? If you've never had anything close to Ombre Leather or any similar heavy leather scents, than probably not, but this could actually be a fantastic fragrance to get acquainted with leather. French Avenue doesn't miss UPD after half a year: Man, how could have I been so blind. This is absolutely an Encelede dupe!!! I love it 8.5/10, easiest heavy leather

Got my hands on both of the moonstones recently, despite the Noire version being disliked on the forums (at least that's what I saw). Nevertheless, the name and presentation intrigued me quite a bit, so when I saw it available in my area, I decided to get it. What can I say the negative reaction I saw was unjustified. This smells quite nice and is surprisingly versatile, for evening perfume that is. Key players here are leather (which is quite floral, similar to Elysian from the same house) and moderately sweet vanilla with hints of vetiver. While I found the Bleu version's sillage nuclear, this one is more intimate and sits closer to the skin. Overall, I believe this is a great evening perfume perfectly suited for formal events but could be pulled off and rocked pretty much anytime except those hot summer days. In short, inoffensive, classy leather with a side of appealing vanilla. Oh and its unisex as well

This fragrance has made me realize how differing peoples tastes really are, I read all the reviews for this saying about how "this is a scent for older men, if you are a young boy do NOT buy this fragrance" "IF YOU ARE NOT OVER 55 THEN DON'T BUY THIS" "this smells like motor oil and is not your BDC so if you're not used to sophisticated niche smelling fragrances then don't get this" I have no idea how you could get any of that from this fragrance, whilst yes it is a mature scent and isn't just an average designer fragrance, it doesn't mean that you can't wear this if you are a younger guy such as myself. After wearing this and getting responses from people, even though it's an older scent it doesn't mean it's exclusive, and just because it smells different it doesn't mean that it isn't going to be generally liked as I've gotten complimented on this all day. Amazing fragrance, new signature scent, 9.5/10

This only comes out at night, literally NOIR with capitals. Vampire or batman stuff. Not your usual fragrance, you can be sure no one else will smell like you in a 100km radius, trust me. The vanilla note is present but don't be fooled, this ain't a sweet playful scent. Not a crowd pleaser. This is a very mature scent, for men over 40 surely. Both longevity and sillage are NUCLEAR, easy with the sprayer. Last but not least, if you know what I mean: This fills the room easily with 3 sprays and it smells different and better in the air compared to your skin. Scent 9/10 Uniqueness 10/10 Performance 100/10 stellar. This was a successful blind buy for me but be warned: This scent is the definition of not blind buy safe, but again if you find it for 25$ as i did, you got almost nothing to lose.

Blind Buy King Review #4: Rare W for oud. Not a scent I'm usually drawn to, but French Avenue has changed the narrative on this player for me. A surprisingly sweet take on leather, the vanilla notes are mature and carry the scent out of the bottle, providing a tasteful, sweet leathery smell pleasant to the user. Cedarwood creeps out in the background, making itself known slowly but surely. Very masculine scent despite being a sweet scent, perfect for social occasions. It radiates warmth and confidence at the same time. Overall, very mature scent, a great addition to the collection, but not to be wasted sitting on the shelf. I will undoubtedly dry this bottle out. 9/10 because the box and bottle are both works of art.

I was searching for a perfume similar to beautiful and discontinued Bvlgari Black for some time, and this is the first one that comes close. They are not identical though. Black has more a white-floral undercurrent, Noire is more vetiver and earthy. What they share is that industrial rubbery/leathery bitterness softened with dry and subtle vanilla. Ishq Gold is also somewhat similar, but it's a more simple fragrance with stronger vanilla component, which is maybe less controversial and also less intriguing. I suggest layering it with some gentle flowery summer fragrance like YSL MYSLF, if you need more of that B.Black vibe. Performance and sillage is nothing to worry about, it lasts more than you probably need.

This is beyond beautiful. Amazing ultra niche fragrance that would get hated only by those who can't tell what it is about. For me to picture it in the best way for you to understand, this is something Dr. Hannibal Lecter would wear. Someone who is always reading, highly intellectual, dark, always around books (just like the OG fragrance name is), someone who is always 10 steps ahead of you. It's crazy we live in times where you can get this level of sophistication in a 50$ fragrance.

Batman scent. Not for everyone but for those who like dark, leathery, unique scents. It's not simply leather and dust and smoke like people say, the vanilla is evident giving it a sweet/calm undertone. Definetely agree it has a plasticky feel to it but its very addictive, and the oud is slightly bitter - almost like an old book page but in blend with the vanilla it becomes something great Strong performance and longevity, great for the colder seasons - do not wear this in heat.

Wow. This is absolutely niche quality. Imagine BVLGARI Black mixed with a touch of Parfum De Marly Oajan. It's a touch sweet, yet rubbery/smokey and a bit synthetic in a good way. Then a nice vanilla backbone with a oily garage vibe going on. Like sitting in a nice bentley in a high end garage. All leather interior. Engine is fired up. Fresh wheels being installed. Doors wide open and you have a nice vanilla air freshener hanging on the mirror. Special stuff!

I have over 40 perfumes but this is one of my favorites, very good description with Batman 😂, since I read that comment I feel that way. Overall the combination of vanilla with oud is brilliant, it is not in blind buy and it is not to everyone's liking, the siage is modest but it is perfect and the longevity is the strong point of this masterpiece.Underrated fragrance tbh.

Do not buy this if you are a little boy, you will hate it. Only the grown-ups will like this as it is very masculine and unapologetically different, a nice leathery fragrance with charcoal smoke in the back, very dark and complex. Great for winter/autumn, do not blind buy this if you are not prepared to dislike this scent, it's not BdC, it's not for everyone.

Same vibe as Old Library but that's about it. It's sweeter and more wearable. For an arabic brand this is very unique and quasi ultra niche. Very well made and definitely smells more expensive than it costs. Not many people know about this and it's a shame it went under the radar.

Hella manly smell and definitely not for everyone, 35 yr +, mainly leather and smoke, lasts very long, not a blind buy,Most accurate disciption would be as someone written down in previous comments ... It smells like batman, 2 spays and my room smell like leather jackets shop

For me: almost 100% Bvlgari Black, this rubber tire, which rolled 15 years ago. Welcome back, I missed you

Straight up batman vibes. Another analogy would be to imagine Hogwarts Library on a rainy night.

Remind me of Van Cleef and Arpels Midnight in Paris, very good.

Smells like gasoline mixed with ink 😊👍😎🙌 Im Beavis btw

* Very nice original leather forward fragrance * Good blend of sweet, leather, woody, vanilla, vetiver and light oud notes * Love child of Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille and Ombre Leather * Makes a normally polarizing note (leather) very appealing * Great for leather DNA lovers * Good intro to leather fragrances for new users * Great for older users * Good for cool weather use * Cool presentation * Good performer * Might not appeal to younger users * Not unisex * Underrated and underappreciated Fragrance World's Moonstone Noire is an original fragrance that isn't really cloning anything, though it will certainly give off Tom Ford vibes. It smells like a layering of Tobacco Vanille and Ombre Leather. This is a good blend of sweet, leather, vanilla, wood and vetiver notes with an accent of light oud. This makes the normally polarizing note of leather very appealing which is an accomplishment in and of itself. Still, it's leather forward which means it will appeal more to older users than younger ones. Despite the unisex marketing, this is very much a masculine fragrance. That said, the vanilla sweetness smooths out the leather, wood and oud quite a bit so female users might want to give it a try. This is great for use in cool weather, has good performance, and has a very cool presentation. Note that the moon shaped bottle topper isn't glass and is more fragile than the bottle itself. This is very much an underrated and underappreciated fragrance. It's a great intro to the leather fragrance DNA for new users and those who already love that DNA should enjoy this. Recommended.

I def agree that this is dark, rich, unique, and mysterious... batman juice. It has powdery, warm sweetness, laced with leather. However, to achieve that rich, powderiness... they had to resort to using oud. Hence, the animalic lean.... and I can't stand the oud that smells animalic. I find it a bit sickening. An image that flashes into my mind.... imagine taking unpasteurised milk, and letting it stand in the sun for a day..... it would get that rich, warm, sweet, 'off' nauseating smell. That is how I smell the oud in this fragrance. Pity, because the idea of this fragrance is fantastic. The idea is a 'love'... but the execution is not. There is a YouTube influencer, who emphasizes the difference between 'middle-eastern oud' (skanky, animalic, barnyard) and 'western oud' (far less offensive). Perhaps a simple switch out of the type of oud would make the world of difference. However... I must learn to pass on any middle-eastern fragrances with oud. I keep on pushing myself to experience them... almost trying to force myself to like them (i.o.w. to learn to like their oud). But I must accept defeat..... ;)

It starts with a plasticky vanilla and like some kind of can spray that they use at the mechanics'. Later on the plastic smell is gone but it's giving car scent. Coconuty vanilla car air freshner. There's something addicting about it. Like smelling gasoline at the gas station - you know it's not supposed to be pleasant but you can't help but enjoy it. Well, i just knew this gonna perform well as soon as i smelled the intense opening. For winter definately. Pretty good even though it has that synthetic feeling. Simillar vibe as Mancera Aoud Vanille but different.

Honestly really nice. I got this because it's supposedly similar to the "Old Library" fragrance. And I have to say I would be pretty happy if my room smelled like this, as for me it's a little more masculine from that I usually wear but it might be sweeter once it sits a little. Overall smooth sweet wood that's a tiny bit spicy, the leather and the oud aren't overbearing or funky at all. If it were to be an old library it would probably belong to a wizard that's into baking on the side. 😸😸

This sure is a fragrance of all times. The notes you see are the notes you get. You get hit with this woody-leathery combo as if you've opened your grandpa's old wardrobe full of his old leather rave gear that has sat for the last 30 years, which eventualy softens up and allows this sweet vanilic scent to caress your nostrils. I don't hate it but it sure is a scent that is NOT a safe blind buy, despite it's affordable price.

The first time, I didn’t understand it at all — I only liked the opening. But around the third try, it started to be likable for me. The fuel and oily nuances are part of the composition here, and they’re pleasant. It’s probably a kind of leather, but it’s an unfamiliar type to me. Dark and beautiful. The last time, I could smell the sillage for about three hours, and it was lasting on my skin for more than 12 hours.

Huh. French Avenue's production of Moonstone Noire must be highly variable, because my experience with this fragrance diverges sharply from those of other reviewers. Right out of the gate is a massive schwack of artificial vanilla backed by a sweet lactonic note. vanilla + sugar + milk = vanilla Nesquik Several of the reviews below mention Batman. For me, the only way Moonstone Noire evokes Batman is through memories of sitting on the living room floor after school enjoying a milky drink while watching "Batman: The Animated Series". My wife seems to like when I wear it, so I can't complain too much. Not sure if leather or oud will show up with some age like a scrawny tween sprouting a chest hair, but for the moment it's fairly androgynous.

I am not sure how anyone is able to smell anything buy WD40. Perhaps it needs to set, but for me, this smells almost exactly like WD40. One spray lasts over 20 hours, probably it is oil lubricant.

Smells like gasoline mixed with ink 🤢

people banging on about batman and i can't wade into that one, i've never met the bloke, but this stuff is heat. both the moonstones are, and it's great to see a 'line' of quality releases from the middle east aimed squarely at an older demographic. if these are anything to go by i'd buy blind, sniff later. been on the shelf about four months. briefcase/book cover leather, supple, very present but not overpowering, vanilla to give it some depth without dragging it into anything too dark, although def a winter frag. serious without going dour. distinctly faceted with rounded edges gives a smoothness you mightn't expect. personally think the 'compliment' factor is absolute horseshit when buying frags, but if you do subscribe to that nonsense this one gets comments from strangers and acquaintances alike. honestly would be happier if the tech specs had a little more oomph - longevity and sillage are fine, but it's moreish and i wish it had longer legs. minor quibble but they're on the wish list. wouldn't recommend blind buying, would def recommend hunting down a sample. if you can't tell, i reckon this stuff is gas. get on it.

I'm so glad to have blind bought this fragrance! On the other hand, this recent trend of gatekeeping scents by sex and age is shocking. Half, or maybe less than half, of the comments describe the actual scent, and the rest just gives demographic rules instead of perceiving what they smell. This is lovely if you like leathers and some wildness, however the wild part here doesn't come from the well-behaved leather, and has decent strength and lasting power. It's not nearly as wild as some other leathers, from Bandit to Leather Oud or Aoud Cuir d'Arabie. It is quite a comforting scent compared to those. The composition brings Fucking Fabulous to my mind; they are not similar, but there is a tame, playful, edible, creamy leather in both, but here a sweet oud accord, very typical of Arabic fragrances, is added instead of the aromatics. I also like Ishq Al Shuyukh Gold and Babycat; they are heavier on the car tyre accord and way less sweet, so this is markedly different. I love it so far.

This is a sweet, dark, leather heavy vanilla fragrance with a small but very stinky amount of oud. The oud placement is very off in this fragrance, it's almost not even oud -- it just smells like something fermented, maybe fermented plum or some other fruit. This note should have been replaced by amber or a richer type of wood. I can't say I like it --even if it's well blended, this is definitely not an easy wear and it's an acquired taste. Maybe I'll grow to like it, but the stinky plummy-rotten jam-facet note together with the leather prevents this fragrance from being as good as it could be. However, the bottle is beautiful and the scent itself is very unique -- but it's not for everyone and unfortunately, it's not for me.

This was one of the most perfect blind buys for me. I get why people say it smells a bit like motor oil , it smells like 20 seconds like that when you first spray. But then, one of the most beautiful vanillas ive smellt. Beautiful vanilla oud scent. I agree with the user below saying this is a Batman smell. Really mysterious night vanilla scent Amazing sillage and longevity. Even after hours it screams. 10/10 for me

Smoky, rubbery, inky, peppery, with sharp metallic, gasoline and dark leather interior seating. This smells like a niche fragrance marketed towards smelling like a F1 race car. Also has this slight WD40/garage smell that really seals the deal on that F1 race car vibe.

Woody, Old leather, and Vanilla.....Love it very niche dark vibes. As it drys you get the old leather back books. Interesting smell and unique.

This was a blind buy. First thing I said when I smelled it wow. Very masculine

So what does this smell like and what exactly is it cloning?

This is what you wear when you want to assert dominance.

The Best perfume vanilla in word.