Noa (1998)
by Cacharel

I couldn’t at first make out why so many reviewers refer to Noa as “light” and “sheer.” If you ask me, Noa’s fruity floral top notes are bright and potent, and maybe even a little bit crass, though also pretty in a buxom, ponytail-twirling, bottle blond kind of way. Honeyed ylang-ylang, green jasmine, some discreet spices, and a soapy white musk soon establish a new accord that’s much more refined than the brash opening, though still nothing I’d refer to as quiet or subtle.

It’s only after a half an hour to an hour’s wear that Noa transforms, rather abruptly, into the scent that everybody else describes. The content doesn’t alter so much as rearrange itself. The ylang-ylang takes a step back and the spices blur, while the soapy aspect of the musk intensifies, resulting in a smoother texture and a marked reduction in volume. It’s as if, presto-change-o, the saucy gal of the opening puts her hair up, takes off her costume jewelry, dabs away some of her makeup, and transforms in plain sight into a staid and respectable corporate manager. The metamorphosis is impressive, but neither phase completely satisfies me: the first is coarser than I'd prefer, and the second is just a bit too smooth, bordering on faceless. I understand the appeal, but remain unmoved.

Noa is an absolutely beautiful scent. It is my favorite, although it's getting harder and harder to find. I've gotten many compliments and actually had a man at work stand in the back of my office just enjoying the scent. I don't like harsh smells and I don't like those citrusy scents that have been popular over the past few years. Plus, I don't like smelling like everyone else.

A little too... aldehydic (maybe?) in the beginning, but it quickly turns into a moorish, wearable warm, herbal-powdery-woody musk with a hint of spice. If this was produced by a niche house, it'd be lauded as a cult scent.

The longevity is good, the dry-down brings out a touch of sweetness, but this doesn't feel like a gourmand on my skin; it feels very subtle, attractive yet persistent. Not even slightly sickly. The musks cross into laundry-territory, but they're the fuzzy and warm kind. I'm impressed. Slightly puzzled as to why this hasn't become more popular, but perhaps the top notes are to blame. Either that or poor marketing. The good news is, you can now grab Noa for the price of a nice lunch, so get it while you can.

Noa is very subtle and hard to describe when you first spray it on. After Noa settles on my skin, it is a soft floral with a powdery base. Noa is sheer, fresh, and clean. It has a feminine quality to it, and it smells soooooooo good. IMO, Noa is elegant and posesses a unique quality that makes it special. The soft delicate scent of Noa has amazing sillage. Very light, crisp, and airy. I have received many compliments with Noa...It captivates the attention of others even when I can't smell it anymore....definately a fragrance worth trying.

I was introduced to this scent by a friend, and for the first few months I owned it, it was the only scent I would wear. Soft, delicate, and very feminine - I love it.

I love Noa. This is one of my favourite musks. It is soft, warm, a little floral, and lasts really well. I try to always have this on hand, and like to wear this when I'm travelling, because it calms me.