Nuit d’Issey

I was thoroughly impressed by the reviews here, leading me to impulsively purchase this perfume as my go-to night scent for a reasonable 20 euros in Berlin. Unfortunately, I'm left disappointed, as it comes across as overly synthetic and overpowering. As someone who typically enjoys deep, dark scents that make a statement, this one falls short of my expectations.

The aroma is quite impressive, earning a score of 9 out of 10 from me. Although it's not particularly long-lasting on the skin, I'd rate its projection at an average 8 out of 10. What really stands out to me is how well-suited this fragrance is for evening wear - it has a rich, smoky quality that's reminiscent of leather and feels perfect for night-time application.

The reason I acquired Nuit d'Issey was due to an advertisement in Wired, dating back several years. Upon first sniffing it, I developed a strong affinity for the scent and subsequently purchased it at a local mall; I continued to use it frequently. However, issues arose during my travels as the bottle is somewhat cumbersome due to its large size relative to the fragrance's volume. Following my third purchase, I suddenly found myself growing tired of it - it lacked character. A fitting description for Nuit d'Issey would be 'boring'. Ultimately, I determined that I needed to expand my exploration and haven't looked back since then.

All I perceive are woody, incense-like notes with a dense, potentially leathery accord. This scent wouldn't be suitable for me unless I were in my mid-30s and attending an evening event.

A timeless fragrance with a potent opening, featuring dark woods and spices harmoniously balanced with the sweetness of tonka bean. The initial blast can be overwhelming, so it's essential to allow the scent to unfold in the air rather than sniffing it directly after application. As the top and middle notes fade away within an hour, the drydown emerges, softening into a creamy, velvety smoothness courtesy of the tonka bean. I've yet to encounter a woman who isn't impressed by its unique charm. Women, in particular, seem more attuned to fragrances than men, so it's crucial not to overwhelm their senses. The sillage is exceptional, but be cautious when spraying – too close proximity can lead to fatigue from the woody and suede accords. This fragrance demands respect, unlike some modern, shallow perfumes. It's truly a scent for formal occasions, best suited for suits and ties rather than casual wear. When I put on a suit, this is my go-to fragrance, and it always receives rave reviews from friends who consider it my signature scent.