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

I finally got my hands on my bottle and I am totally happy about it! I hoped for a powdery, slightly sweet, a bit leathery, just a touch floral and incense-y, but still dark at the same time and I got what I expected. I am not necessarily a Duran Duran fan and I prefer other artists from the 80s, so I am incapable of associating this gorgeous scent with the band. It's rather giving witchy, Black Metal and gothic vibes, especially due to the incense accord, which is done to perfection. If I could think of any potential artists to associate this perfume with, these artists would be: Lacrimosa, any Norwegian Black Metal band, Sisters of Mercy, Moonspell. Change my mind. Overall, 9.75/10 from all points of view: longevity (all day), sillage (more than a meter away from me), presentation and, above everything, the flavour itself.

“ Hold tight We're going out tonight Under the black moonlight Move to it out of sight Into the black moonlight” - Black Moonlight - Duran Duran I find this scent delightful and captivating. Its charm is striking, and as Xerjoff teaches, it exudes incredible elegance. I'm unsure whether it's the creamy and soft lavender note that brings me comfort or the opulent and enveloping nuances of myrrh that enhance my experience, but this composition feels extraordinarily sensual. It evokes the image of a dance beneath the pale moonlight, wrapped in an aura of mystery, as we walk barefoot and enjoy the warmth of the veiled night. I've added it to my Wishlist. "Figures at Night" by Joan Miró.

I got a 5 ml decant of this for my boyfriend for Xmas and it smells amazing on him. I think it leans slightly masculine but a woman could definitely wear it too. As a matter of fact, I just got a 3 ml vial of it for myself and it smells just as good on me. I'm really hoping to own a full bottle someday. Its opening is a bit sharp but it mellows out fairly quickly. It's a beautiful, sexy, spicy scent perfect for anyone who loves mysterious, gothic fragrances. I agree with the comment down below that this is what I wish Tom Ford's Fucking Fabulous smelled like. 😁 Edit: Just snagged a tester off of eBay for $200! Worth every penny! 🖤

Unbelievable, unique scent. It’s attractive, it’s sexy and beautiful. Just based on the notes, this didn’t sound like my kind of fragrance, but, wow, am I pleasantly surprised. It’s difficult to put into words how the energy that comes off of this fragrance. I have over 200 bottles in my collection and I can’t think of a a single one that smells like this. The patchouli is a little strong, but it is so balanced with the jasmine and florals that it combines to the most amazing scent. It’s now the end of March and this is not really a summer scent, but it will be my go to in the fall.

This ia ambery, resinous, and sweet in a nutshell. Not too sweet. Great! Beautiful bottle. Expensive price point for 50ml. However, I want it. Lasted over 8 hours. Will get you through the day. Great projection for the first two hours. So enjoyable. Another fantastic one from the brand. Awesome from start to finish. The only other fragrance that comes to mind with this is Black Gemstone. They are not the same. But, I get the same emotional connection. Shame that I don't have either in my collection. Yet!

I got this in my Xerjoff sample pack along with the Lamborghini collab samples, and wow. I only chose this cause I'm a big fan of Duran Duran and wanted to see what this would smell like. Well, I didn't expect this, but I am not mad at it at all. It's a dark scent, which is kind of a contrast to most of their songs. It has this incense like smell, almost church like. Very beautiful though.

This perfume is different. It does open up and become sweet but no where near a Naxos way. It has a coldness to it, and the name is very fitting. I find it very unisex, and can imagine a girl wearing this. Noting this perfume comes across slightly sensual to me. It really does smell gothic if gothic had a smell. Definitely not for summer but good for a night out in other seasons.

This fragrance is, without question, a perfect ten out of ten. People are sleeping on it and it is yet to be discovered. Resinous, mysterious and smoky, but also sensual, warm, and a little sweet. This is the best new fragrance of 2025. I own over 30 Xerjoff Fragrances and this would be in the top 5 alongside Alexandria II, Naxos, Richwood, and Torino 21.

Beautiful, warm unisex fragrance and very adaptable to differing environments and occasions. This lasted across my whole work day and was subtly assertive without the scent extravagance that some other known Xerjoff's have. My wife and I both wear this and it is equally beautiful on both of us.. the scent journey on this is smacking 👌

Excellent juice. Does remind me quite a bit of Tony Iommi Deified, which is great in its own right. Interestingly enough, I don't pick up on much outlined in the scent pyramid. Instead I get more of a rose + oud combo with some vanilla underneath it all that doesn't come to the fore until the next day.

To many haters in here, now let me tell you the facts and the truth is that THIS FRAGRANCE WILL GET YOU MORE COMPLIMENTS THAN MONKEY SPECIAL and I personally think it's 1000 times better. I did a VS between monkey special and Duran Duran Black Moonlight, 20+ women preferred Duran Duran Black Moonlight.

Luxurious makeup / baby powder smell. Its very smooth smelling and cozy. It make people want to come close to smell. Very hard to despcribe this as a spicy scent but to me its more powdery. Its highquality and alluring. Comes to my head the word "Glam" for this. Unique. I will one it one day.

This could be a stand alone release from Xerjoff. Easily (for me anyway) the best release of 2025 , went straight in my top5. This has one of the best saffron notes combined with that sweetish hazelnut , amber base. Very warm and comforting and a bit dark. Love it this release by Xerjoff.

Really really good but too similar to Moresque Soul Batik to justify the price albeit Black Moonlight is a bit fruitier and floral. They are almost identical and Soul Batik is cheaper. Take my word for it! Not to mention this definitely has similarities to Fragrance Du Bois Cavort.

Exceptionally well blended fragrance which possesses a sombre majesty. Duran's 'To the Shore' in bottled form; a narcotic devil's phyltre which flits across the invisible boundary of light between light and dark. An absolute triumph.

One of if not the best xerjoff this year, only complaint is that the saffron could be toned down. Initially it’s a really floral, amber scent but in the dry down after an hour or two it’s just nothing but saffron.

Very nice. A more floral, powdery version of Richwood. If you like Richwood, you'll like this. Very Patchouli heavy. Leans more male, but either sex can wear this. Performance is as you'd expect from Xerjoff.

So many reviews already summed it up perfectly. So far, it’s one of the most underrated scents of the decade. Most people may need some time to let it be grown.

One of the best Xerjoff creations. A beautiful warm ambery fragrance. The dry down kinda reminds me of Blonde Amber by Clive Christian. Truly a masterpiece.

im in love with this fragrance, it smells so unique and im hoping to buy it one day.... Literally a dark feminine fragrance, saffron is so strong

This is a top 5 fragrance from xerjoff. it is jaw-droppingly beautiful. UNDOUBTEDLY the best fragrance release of 2025.

HOOOOLLLY SHIIIIIIT i was doing backflips in the store after smelling this

This is fucking gorgeous. A truly captivating and artistic statement.

It reminds me of Xerjoff Muse, but less leathery and more aromatic

Yeah nice 👍 first review for xerjoffs new fragrance 😎

Black Moonlight is much softer than the reviews suggest. Very odd that there are so many people who claim this fragrance is strong with eternal longevity. Black Moonlight has a presence, but I am not perceiving it the way others have. While it is dark and moody, this is not a full bodied fragrance. It is somewhat transparent, but may awaken in certain temperatures or climates. The attendance of myrrh and labdanum gives the effect of burning lavender (heart note). Cardamom plays well into the drama with its herbal, spicy, camphoraceous qualities. There are sweet, powdery undertones that are likely received from tonka. However, tolu balsam may also be responsible for the subtle sweetness that becomes more apparent in the dry down. At times I am reminded of L'Artisan's Mechant Loup due to slight nuttiness of hazelnut. There is a freshness that imparts from floral notes, like rays of light that emit from a storm cloud. As the fragrance unfolds, I am now understanding how the notes reflect the title.

Intriguing and unlike anything else I have. I definitely agree that this smell starts citrus forward and sweet, but you can already tell there’s more underneath. Over time, I definitely sense a bergamot, incense, and subtle floral smell that’s more appropriate for cooler nights. (If I were to name smells that I don’t see in the description, I’d mention pomelo, leather, and caramel.) The longevity and sillage are on the stronger side, especially with that citrus-leather backed by myrrh, tonka, and labdanum. Unless I go very light with it, I see myself wearing this after sunset in fall or winter weather. I imagine dark clubs or upscale evening events on crisp autumn nights. For that, it’s lovely and unique.

EXTREMELY NOT BLIND BUY SAFE Whatever you think this smells like, be prepared for it to smell different. *I really enjoy this,* it's unique, inky, and very artistic. This is a fragrance for fragheads... But it isn't a fragrance for Gen Pop. Off the rip, smells like a mandarin orange with a bunch of freshly inked tattoos, in a new leather jacket. Madarin quickly fades giving way to rich resinous amber accord while maintaining inkyness. My FWB said "ughhh you smell like a sneeze" lmao, and promptly demanded I scrub this scent off. To it's credit, after 3 scrubs I could still smell it faintly on my skin so I'm sure this one has lasting power.

A very beautiful fragrance, but an extremely expensive one. It genuinely feels like a niche product. I already own Starlight from the same house, and I’m convinced they are very similar. Black Moonlight is simply a little more masculine, darker, and more expensive. Starlight leans slightly more toward the gourmand side. When I smelled them side by side on my skin, I noticed the similarity almost immediately after the first 10 minutes, and as they dried down, they became even closer.

I've had it for some time now, but just recently gave it a full wearing. Beautiful scent and projects well. Longevity is also very good...lasts about 8-9 h on me. The only thing that bothers me is the Ylang-Ylang in this that makes it very feminine to my nose. Didn't bother me at first, but once on skin it didn't feel at all masculine so not sure if I will be wearing it much which is a shame really.

I adore Tony Iommi Xerjoffs so I came with high expectations for this one. On my skin it's mainly tolu balsam scent, spicy ambery with some incense. Not unique or special nor great, but it does smell good. 7/10.

Agreeing completely with skane1685 (2 reviews below) ! This is how I wish Tony Iommi Deified smelled like !

this is an improved, more dense and potent 1888

Both of the Duran Duran collabs with Xerjoff have been a firm reminder for me that some fragrances are not good blind buys. I picked up both in the sampler from Xerjoff. And I am glad, because this was a reminder that fragrances can respond in unpredictable ways to different people's skin chemistry. Both fragrances went directly to the base notes on my skin - i got only the barest hint of citrus. The balsam, patchouli and tonka hit me like a Mack truck. There might have been a hint of cardamom, but i won't swear to it. I don't hate it, but I don't love it either. She's moody, and dark - warm, cloying, with a hint of spice. Similar to Neo Rio, I will be tucking this away until cooler weather in hopes of a better reaction. Both went extremely woody on me - and I'm not usually big on patchouli or woody fragrances. And it lasts - it took me forever to get it off my skin! That being said - don't let me stop you from trying it if the notes speak to you. It was definitely worth picking up the sampler - but for me - no. its a no. I have come to admit i simply detest the smell of them both.

I sprayed 2 sprayed in my elbow. On the initial spray, the citruses and florals gave off a F&N ice cream soda vibe in the air. As it dries down, it becomes resinous and balsamic with a jammy floral smell. With a name like black moonlight, you would expect a dark scent but its pretty light and effervescent. Not heavy and overly sweet. I feel like you could wear it day or night in cooler weather or slightly warm weather cause its got good projection and its not too massive but it also has good longevity. Leaves a really good trail. Definitely unisex too. Can see this being worn by anyone. Overall, its a pretty chill scent.

This is not a love for me. This is very similar to Iommi in that both are super heavy on the tonka and patchouli from start to finish, especially in the base. But, where Iommi has a great gourmande affect with the caramel, this one has a more "jammy", sickly sweet note in it, similar to rose or a red berry but not quite. Maybe from the combo of florals and incense. Disappointing because I like most all these notes, but combined, it's a slight miss. I don't hate it, and I'm sure many will love this, but it's not similar to any of the Clives listed above.

It's so interesting that people are describing this as strong because neither the sales assistant nor I could really smell it and it seemed to disappear after 15 minutes. Maybe they're using one of those aroma chemicals that a certain percentage of the population are anosmic to. It is pleasant while it lasts, though, sort of a spicy amber.

Una salida con olor a detergente cítrico especiado. Ya en el secado aparecen el patchouli y la tonka, mejorando en algo el aroma. A diferencia del Monkey Special de Tony Iommi (que es una maravilla), este de Duran Duran es un 6/10.

im 22, definitely NOT for someone in there 20s. Beware!

I blind bought due to the glowing reviews, and now I feel like I’ve been grifted. It doesn’t smell anything like the above listed, especially Blonde Amber, that’s just ridiculous. It’s also not as strong as many make it out to be. I’m starting to question if the reviews here are paid, as this collection was heavily gifted out to “influencers”. It’s a very medical saffron fragrance with a powdery, dark, inky vibe akin to Mortal Skin. The powdered florals dominate, with some spice and earthy touches. I will be selling on as it’s not my thing, or that exciting. I asked my colleagues, and they were like meh, it’s alright. So yeah, don’t fall for hype like I did. Sample first.

Xerjoff Duran Duran Black Moonlight is simply magnificent! From the very first spray, it reveals itself as a true olfactory masterpiece. The opening is vibrant and luminous, blending the sparkling freshness of bergamot and mandarin with the refined spiciness of cardamom and saffron. This contrast immediately captivates the senses and sets the stage for the elegance that follows. At the heart, the fragrance unfolds with depth and mystery: the resinous warmth of myrrh intertwines with the exotic allure of sambac jasmine, the creamy delicacy of ylang-ylang, and the aromatic freshness of lavender. Together, they create an enveloping, intriguing, and comforting aura that balances sophistication with sensuality. The base is nothing short of spectacular. Earthy patchouli adds strength and character, while balsam of tolu and labdanum introduce a balsamic, resinous richness. Rounded by the sweet warmth of tonka bean, the dry down leaves a captivating and unforgettable signature that lingers beautifully on the skin. More than just a perfume, Duran Duran Black Moonlight is an olfactory experience — versatile, elegant, and mysterious. It is luxury bottled, offering a refined scent that stands out both for special occasions and for those moments when only true sophistication will do.

I’m not sure if it’s a dark vanilla or an amber citrus here? It says amber? But wonder if that vanilla has reached amber status yet or not?? The citrus is not fresh, It’s more candied orange to me....And then Anyone who knows anything about Xerjoff’s “Starlight” Should see it!! Or shall I say SMELL IT!!! The cardamom is the 1st thing listed here ya’ll!!! I have Starlight & know it’s a cardamom bomb & Just like that one, There’s a ton of it in here!! I like it & like this too, But have to be in the mood for it,It has to be cold weather, And have to be carefull of the trigger & keep it off the neck & away from the face, So that it doesn’t wear you! & This is the same way of Starlight in that aspect as well. I see A little of the overrated Blonde Amber & extremely overrated Nishane Ani possibly in the mix, But this is Starlight...The remix Possibly trying to improve on it? Did they?? I dunno maybe, I did get a complement the very first time I wore it, But although I like Starlight, I will never run out of that little 1.7 bottle & Dont think I need something so similar...But there you have it! Y’all don’t need to continue on now saying it smells like shit that it don’t lol

[Tested on skin] Black Moonlight opens with a dark, sweet, and spicy burst of balsams (that add some booziness) and amber. Within about 5 minutes, a slight powdery development starts. Spices come to the foreground, smoothly blended with the balsams and sweetness, with faint flowers in the background. I don't detect much citrus. By about 30 minutes, the scent becomes less sweet (less, but it's still clearly there), alongside saffron, spices, and balsams. Jasmine is now easier to detect, though still very much in the background. The fragrance is woody and dark, with an ambery feel mixed with the balsams, and a noticeable incense presence. I like this fragrance. It's deep, dark, and interesting—perfect for a cozy winter night by the fireplace. After about an hour, it remains a sweet balsamic, ambery scent with the incense giving it more depth. The spices now support from the background, and the flowers have all but gone.

A warm night, where the earth opens up and the greens and soil emanates in the silence. Upon first spray it is dark and alluring, I find the cardamom, balsam and myrrh to be very forward until it slowly heightens with some greener depth. It is smooth in the sense of being blended in complete harmony. Beautiful and alluring.

I’ll agree with one thing with 2Pacs ghost there down below. As much as I love Black Sabbath Toni Iommi smells like a Roman Catholic Priest. I had one woman that said it smells like something her Grandma would wear. And I’m hungry like the wolf. Well, I couldn’t afford groceries this week. Spent the money on this cologne.