Duran Duran Black Moonlight

If you're a fan of Monkey Special, you'll absolutely adore this fragrance. It begins with a crisp, fresh citrus that takes center stage, gently mingling with a floral note that quietly lingers in the background. The sharp citrus fades away fairly quickly, allowing the floral aspect to balance out with the citrus. It's not an overwhelming floral, so if that's not your preference, you’ll still enjoy it. The floral note is definitely lavender-forward, but it's subtle and not overpowering—just the way I like it, especially since I'm not a fan of strong lavender. As it dries down, the fragrance starts to resemble Monkey Special in a lighter way. The patchouli adds a nice earthy depth, while the tonka bean becomes more prominent, with the landamum rounding out the composition perfectly. I bought this on a whim since it’s a brand new release with no reviews yet. Monkey Special is one of my all-time favorite fragrances, and this one offers a fresh take on it. While they share quite a few similarities, they’re different enough that it’s not a redundant purchase. The opening and middle stages are quite distinct from Monkey Special, so layering the two would definitely create something unique. Overall, if you enjoy this kind of fragrance profile, this is a very safe blind buy.

At first, this reminded me of Molinard Habanita. With more time on skin and a direct comparison, that initial association fades quickly. Black Moonlight reveals a completely different character. What defines this fragrance for me is the interaction between myrrh and tonka. Together, they create a powerful nutmeg-like impression. I don’t know whether nutmeg is actually present in the formula, but that is unmistakably what my nose perceives. In my collection, this is the most nutmeg-forward scent I own. That warm, spiced core dominates the composition, supported by gentle powdery floral touches that soften the structure without pulling focus away from it. There is a clear sense of originality here. The sweetness is restrained and intentional, never indulgent. After the first ten minutes, a delicate sensuality begins to surface. The scent stays dark in tone, yet it feels polished, intimate, and quietly magnetic. Black Moonlight is deeply sensual and alluring. It reads as fully unisex to me, with a slight softness that may lean feminine, though it remains entirely wearable and convincing on a man. A beautiful creation, executed with confidence and precision.

I bought it blind and never expected it to be this good. It opens with a freshness from citrus and a wonderful saffron, while cardamom softens the sharpness and harshness of the saffron in the top notes. In the middle notes, jasmine and ylang-ylang shift the perfume from masculine to unisex, while myrrh and lavender prevent it from becoming too feminine. The top notes are still very clearly noticeable. As for the base notes, I have nothing to say; they are all very clearly present, resulting in a fantastic perfume. Overall, the longevity and sillage are amazing. In general, the perfume is balsamic, moderately sweet and spicy. When I say spicy, please don't think of anything like Spicebomb. If you love amber and myrrh like me, this is definitely a perfume you shouldn't miss. If you liked Xerjoff Deca, you'll most likely like this one too. It's one of the best Xerjoffs I've ever bought.

Finally got my nose on it and it smells like how I originally wanted and imagined 1888. Over time, 1888 became too loud for me especially the ylang-ylang. Black Moonlight takes the same idea and refines it into something calmer and more controlled. The opening feels dark, cold and inky, with notes hard to separate at first more of a black, abstract impression than a clear structure. May be the name its name dictates the image. There is a subtle hint of cigarette smoke, similar to Neo Rio, Royal Tobacco, but here it stays very muted and never dominates. After a few hours, cardamom and saffron slowly appear, adding warmth without sharpness. Jasmine is present in a very reduced, reminds me white floras from Al-Khat. The drydown is soft, powdery and elegant. Overall, Black Moonlight is a restrained, sophisticated fragrance that never shouts and reveals its complexity quietly over time.

Duranie reporting for duty. I wanted to try one of the Xerjoff collabs with Duran Duran, and decided on this one. I chose wisely! Phenomenal. My Xerjoff Top 5 list is complete now. This one’s right up there with Naxos, Ivory Route, Pikovaya Dama, and Torino 21. It’s supremely powdery on me. Powdery in the best way. The quintessential powdery perfume for cold weather comfort. Powder for the powder haters. Unique, CREAMY powder. Very reminiscent of a tin of cream deodorant I loved the scent of as a teen. Black Moonlight is expertly blended powder, leather, and smoke - an extraordinarily gorgeous trio here. I smell Mitsouko in there! Sensuous, complex, aromatic, resinous, and ambery. Fruits and florals give a little lift. Robust, enveloping, and long lasting on me. It is so exquisite and special. I want a bottle really badly. MASTERPIECE