Noa (1998)
by Cacharel

Noa is a "transformer!" The start is rather generic and, dare I say it, a little
boring. But wait - it blossoms on the skin and morphs into a soft, nuzzly,
addictive little gem. I too have skin that turns it slightly coconutty and the combination
with the coffee not is truly scrumptious.

Olivier Cresp was the perfumer and he got it so right. Why this isn't flying off the shelves
I have no idea..... Maybe it's inoffensive charm doesn't cut the mustard in these go-getting times.

I see this as a lazy Sunday morning scent. THe roast is cooking in the oven, the papers have been collected and it's coffee time.

22nd June, 2011.

I have been eager to try Noa for quite some time now, so when I finally spied this fragrance in the shop, it was quite difficult to control my excitement. I was like a child let loose in a candy shop.

My initial response to Noa was that it smelt quite fresh and delicate. Like a good bar of soap or the smell of wet hair just after you've washed it was how Noa smelt to me.

The scent actually didn't change dramatically since those first few seconds. It remained clean, soft and pretty.

Noa certainly isn't a loud and offensive scent, it's rather quiet and unobtrusive. I liked the fragrance, however I couldn't help craving a certain kick or a hint of something slightly different to break this fragrance's silence.

Hours later I got what I was looking for, a waft of a coffee note drifting up from my wrist to my nose. Noa suddenly became a mug of hot coffee with frothy milk breaking the surface. It was the warmth that I desired.

It is the loveliness and subtlety which is part of Noa's widespread appeal. The scent is pleasant and tame, perfect for the fragrance wearer that doesn't want their perfume choice to be the talk of the town. Noa blends in well with any occasion or situation.

If you love the smell of your skin the moment you step out of the shower or the scent of warm milk and cream, this fragrance is definitely for you.

3rd June, 2011.

Oh my, this is a delightful little gem of a scent! I picked this up tonight after reading all its reviews. Precious bottle that fits its personality perfectly...

After a white floral opening, Noa turned into a creamy & buttery musk with powdered coffee and traces of rose and ylang-ylang. The musk was soft yet undeniably sexy...

This fragrance is just like the bottle: you think it's just an innocent little pearl inside, but don't be fooled by its demureness!

Jan
08
2009

28th March, 2011.

Nice daytime wear, a good perfume for people who dont like perfume as its very soft and subtle

27th March, 2010.

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. A marginally more refined accord of honeyed ylang-ylang, green jasmine, some discreet spices, and a soapy white musk steps in for the brash opening, but it’s still nothing I’d refer to as quiet or subtle.

For me 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.

11th December, 2009.

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.

9th June, 2009.