Black Orchid Eau de Toilette

After a long drive to Neiman Marcus for Creed-related purposes, I nearly walked right past this beauty, sitting in a sad, dark, lonely corner. I'm glad I caught it out of the corner of my eye and ran over, "Ohh! The Eau de Toilette!" I became school-girl giddy at the opportunity to try this one, but sadly I had dozens of Creeds all up and down my forearms.. So, I only got to smell it on the card. First, so you know where my perspective is coming from - Black Orchid EDP is probably my absolute favorite. Though, admittedly, it's a once in a while, special occasion kind of fragrance. (It's more of a secret weapon!) Black Orchid gives you that just-fallen-hard-in-love stomach ache that sends your head swirling in a way you feel like you can't control. But wait a sec, I'm here to comment on the Eau de Toilette! The EDT smells, to me, almost exactly like the Parfum, just without that swirly, weak-in-the-knees witchcraft element. Oh, it's still plenty sly, seductive, and likewise gives you that tingly sensation after smelling it, but overall it's much more concise, approachable, and makes less of a fuss about itself. If you like Black Orchid, but don't feel up to making the statement it requires, EDT would be the perfect fit. It's a bit softer, with a little less smoke and a little more fruit, and altogether less polarizing. It's also more of a feminine take on Black Orchid, whereas the EDP seems rather unisex to me. All in all, if you dig the EDP, you'll almost certainly dig the EDT. They're both otherworldly lovely and unique.

I own this and the EDP, and quite honestly the only reason I purchased the EDT was because I got a good deal. I don’t believe it’s necessary to own both, BUT I have to say I prefer the EDT and do find it has a slightly different character than the EDP. Like the EDP, it’s is bold, complex, and dense with monster performance. However, I find it brighter and lighter than the EDP, likely due to the inclusion of bergamot and ylang-lang. The ylang-ylang stays prominent from the opening through the dry down. I find the fruity accord akin to dried fruits as opposed to fresh ones. The base notes have a similar impact as the EDP, just less concentrated. That said, it’s still a beast- just not as commandeering as the EDP. I also find it leans a bit more feminine, but still a solid unisex. All in all, this is a fresher/brighter take on the EDP that’s slightly easier to wear. Typically, I’ll wear it during the evening on a date or to a bar when I want to smell distinct and bold. Update: A man told me that he never usually compliments one’s perfume, but he said that BO smelled amazing on me and asked me for the name of the fragrance. This scent is divisive (although less than the EDP I believe) but I really think it’s a masterpiece of perfumery.

Got to sample this the other day, agreed it smells just like the parfum except lighter. So it does live up to the EDT label; I find here with the EDT that differentiates it from the EDP is that w/ the EDT first spray u don't get that super bitter opening like the EDP. The EDT initial spray is the dry down of the EDP. IMO I feel a lil more florals stand out here but it pretty much is the same. I did a side by side test of them both (owning the EDP) I did one spray on each arm. Must say they smelled pretty identical only the EDP was a lot more intense. Found the EDT kinda stuck more to the skin quickly where the EDP still stayed trucking strong. I'd say if you're torn b/t the two just go by whether or not you like your scents to be stronger or lighter. There's no real difference to me.. I enjoy them both && if I didn't already have the EDP I'd maybe get the EDT only for liking the all matte black bottle better lol, but for the $$ spent I want my stuff to last so with the EDP I stick. :)

Black Orchid EDT does just what it should: It is a somehow lighter version of Black Orchid that smells still very much like the original. In my opinion it’s easily wearable for day- or nighttime, more so than the EDP. Just don’t overspray, as it’s not a weak or soft scent. I feel like all the listed notes are clearly noticeable in this fragrance. The characteristic black truffle note of Black Orchid is very strong, just like in the EDP. With patchouli and vanilla it also has a similar chocolatey feel to it. It’s smokey, earthy, mysterious and dark, but compared to the EDP, the tropical florals and especially the fruity notes are stronger. I even get a hint of watery freshness from the lotus. Overall, it feels a little less heady, fresher and less gourmand-leaning in the drydown. It’s a well blended, complex and beautiful perfume. I’m very happy to own a bottle of this and like it more than the original because of its wearability and versatility.

I once said, somewhat jokingly, that whenever I’m wearing this, I feel like a thirty year old lesbian with a baking addiction and a small backyard garden. I’m a cishet man in his twenties, so understandably this is quite unusual, but I stand by what I said. It’s soft, yearn-y, and somewhat sweet- probably due to the lasting impression vanilla had on me. At first I thought it was too femme-leaning for me, but then I said “fuck it” and wore it a couple times. I ended up falling in love with it. It makes me feel more confident, in a soft, lowkey sense. Definitely not for a traditional “manly man”, and even if you’re not that, it takes a bit of daring. A little dark, a little sweeter and softer on the nose than the EDP, and hey- the bottle looks amazing.