Serge Noire by Serge Lutens

Today I am wearing Serge Noire by Sege Lutens.

I absolutely adore this perfume.  It is rich, noticeable, darker than dark, sensuous, striking and long lasting.  Sold as a unisex perfume, I’d love to find a warm, masculine neck wearing this, but sadly I’ve yet to come across one.  It may be a good thing, I could scare him.

It is spicy, woody and leathery – so definitely one for autumn/winter when the leaves start turning and you need to wrap yourself up in something warm.  Although this perfume is bold and daring, I find it strangely comforting, perhaps that’s from the frankincense.

Laced with frankincense and patchouli with a very modest pinch of cinnamon and clove, a dash of sweaty cumin and a good dollop of burning wood, this perfume is not for you if you prefer subtle quieter perfumes.  I can detect ash, smoke and castoreum in here as well and there is an underlying sweetness (from the amber) which almost gets lost, but it’s there, just not shouting as loud as the darker aromas.  Thankfully.

It may be a little scary the first time you wear it – it is initially undecipherable and disconcerting.  

Then you will either fall in love with it or dismiss it, discarding it on to the ‘never again’ list.