Ind. Smoke

Thank you for finally adding this to the Fragrantica database! I've been waiting for literal years to write a rave review on this hidden gem cheapie. Smoke is a fragrance that smells leaps and bounds more expensive than what it is. It's nutty (almost almondy), it's soft and spicy, it's got a powdery incense feeling in the vein of Shalimar, but with a more stripped down and modern feel. The touch of vetiver and orange keep it wearable as a man's cologne as well, but in my opinion, it leans more sensual and feminine. I suggested Funfair Evening as a similar fragrance for Smoke, but it's certainly not a dupe for Funfair, as Smoke is a lot more, well smoky and sensual, but if you like the sexy vanilla and anise feel of Funfair Evening, you will love this, as this takes it to night time and makes it more of a boudoir scent. The star anise mixed with the creamy incense here is absolutely irresistible, and you can easily trick people into thinking you're wearing a Guerlain or Serge Lutens scent wearing this. Apart from being more linear, it really does smell that quality and good. I own this as its original name (Mx. Smoke), then Urban Outfitters got a cease and desist as it seems some other beauty brand goes by Mx., and now this fragrance goes by Ind. Smoke. It comes in and out of stock over the years so get it while it's in stock as inventory seems to be erratic. I love, love, love, love. Don't sleep on Urban Outfitters/Anthropologie/Free People fragrances, and certainly not this Ind line, which is a cut above the rest. I used to be a fan of the Gourmand line too, but it's nothing but, well, boring sugary scents now. These are truly hidden gems!

I was in Urban Outfitters today, looking for some after Christmas deals and saw some fragrances in the Men's section. I've only ever seen the super sweet, fruity perfumes before so figured I would stop and check out this new stuff. I am glad I did because this scent is incredibly sexy. Like it's name implies, it is very smokey but carries a sweet undercurrent which stops it from being too abrasive. It really invites you in and envelops you. As someone who is generally drawn to gourmand and fruity perfumes: this feels dangerous and edgy. I feel like a sexy super spy, with a gun hidden beneath her black velvet gown a la Mr. and Mrs. Smith. For me this is a date night scent for sure. On Men this feels a lot more casual and has a bit more of a cozy feel. Less of an elegant smoke and more of a coming home at the end of a long day.

I smelled this very quickly in the store and was immediately taken aback. This smells so expensive and complex for being so cheap, and it smells better than I expected. I ended up buying a bottle online afterwards because I loved it so much! Complex and alluring through and through. I didn't get much of a smoke smell compared to the spice and sweetness that I mostly could smell. The star anise and amberwood really shine in this. Great longevity and decent sillage, just a great cheapie I would for sure buy again!

I tried this in store, and initially was very tempted to buy because it smells amazing, spicy, incensey, oriental, and rich. However, it sits very intimately on the skin and doesn't last, despite the fact that I used 5 sprays on one spot on my arm so that it would be concentrated. It disappeared within 2 hours and I had to put my arm up to my nose to smell it. Unless it's on sale, I wouldn't say that it's worth the price.

Not a unique fragrance, this is so similar to Vanilla Noir from Bath and Body Works, from 10 years ago. It's a bit lighter, but I smelled them together and it's very close. Although it's called Smoke, but there is NO smokiness at all, kind of an odd name choice. It's a nice vanilla, sweet and ambery, but not spicy. It's a good option for the price.