Crystal Noir (2004)
by Versace

Crystal Noir is sexy, dark and rich with textures and it is unbelievably alive. It is not only dark, but original and dangerous at the same time.

Its power comes from the subtlety of the notes, and how they transform over the time. It is most certainly an evening fragrance, to dinner, and definitely to the bed later that night. That irresistible gardenia note is very apparent from the get-go. Although one would expect the scent to be very white-floral because of it, the heavy amber and musk notes at the base of the scent takes it to a very rich and dark level, and that's what makes it intoxicating. A well-balanced floral accord, enriched with a much lighter fruity blend (it feels like something tropical, or maybe figs??) arriving to the rich base that is heavy enough to carry all the white flowers at the top.

Simply lovely. It feels slightly synthetic, but in a good way, like Gucci Eau de Parfum or Prada. In fact, I think this is Versace's answer to Gucci Eau de Parfum, since both were definitely created for the same woman. I feel if Versace had promoted its fragrances as well as Gucci, Dolce or Chanel always do, this could easily be among the great and most popular dark florals out there. Yet I guess all is well, since not that many people know about it and that makes it even more special.

I am a guy, and along with Black Orchid, I wear this as well. Not too much though, sparingly... It feels nice on my skin: I especially enjoy the amber notes on me. Sometimes, I layer it with some Guerlain Vetiver, or a little bit of Gucci Pour Homme, and it instantly becomes a dark and dry masculine scent. So many compliments from both sexes, because it just feels sexy.

Finally, I still remember the great advertising for this fragrance with the model Isabeli Fontana lying on the floor with two male models looking quite dazed and 'high' because of the smell I assume. I get the concept, because this scent makes me feel like that as well. It is multifaceted and sparkling like its name. And it is, by far, the greatest, chicest, and most dangerous looking commercial fragrance bottle I have ever seen.

I stumbled across this particular scent only because it happened to be next to the Burberry I'd originally gone in to test. I was looking for a more grown-up, sensual scent, so of course the dark bottle struck me. On a whim, I sprayed some on and was very glad I did. The top notes are very in-your face: an oriental sort of floral, gardenia and clove were the two that stuck out to me the most. As it started to cool down, it started to smell more and more like wine. Very rich, very sophisticated, and long lasting (I could still smell it faintly on my wrist the morning after.) I haven't decided yet whether to buy a bottle, since I was hoping for something a little less floral, a little more spice, but it's definitely made the short list!

Ugh. I read all about this, and when I went to Macy's, I was thrilled to try it. I sprayed a card, and sniffed away as i shopped around. There was something comforting about it. I smelled creamy coconut. Somewhat convinced that it might be a "me" fragrance, i sprayed it on my arm. OK, it's good. But oh no! Even hours later, I could still smell it, and I was becoming sick of it. Coconut, coconut, driving me coconuts-o! It seemed to be flat. No interesting notes here, just plain coconut, overpowering everything else. Frankly, it is sickening.

Screechy, loud white floral. Ghastly.

A white floral. A very light white floral that sort of resembles gardenia but not quite; more along the lines of a mix of some kind of fruit (mango? peach?) and some musk and woods. Despite its lightness, it feels dark and sensuous. Pleasant floral-esque scent with going into "scented candle" territory.

It is not very often that I would come across a perfume that takes me on a journey - as a die hard fan of cK's Euphoria, I just did not think I would find something as transcending as my Euphoria. Enter Crystal Noir. I stumbled across it by mistake - my fiance showed it to me and I was not convinced the first time I tested it. When I had a whiff of the top notes, I did not immediately like the top notes but I could tell that they were promising to turn into something that I was going to fall in love with.....and it didn't disappoint. I always loved Gucci Rush's gardenia notes but I did not buy the scent itself because I felt it lacked depth. Well, Crystal Noir filled up where Rush failed - the gardenia has a sexy, sultry, mysterious and dark depth to it. It goes have elements of both Gucci Rush and cK's Euphoria to it, but it puts a dark and dangerous twist to it. I am a fan of florientals and orientals and woods so this is just up my alley. It is quiet potent but I would wear it in autumn and winter - the heady spicy notes might be too much for my clients......in a good but not professional way. I love it and I am getting it for Valentine's Day. Either that or come the 15th of February, I will be a single woman and a certain man will have a broken heart and future.