Thé Noir 29 Eau de Parfum

I did not go into Nordstrom today with the intent of buying lingerie, much less a fragrance, yet both occurred. With my birthday approaching and recent weight loss, I decided to try on some NYDJ pants, which led me to lingerie and finally ended up at the fragrance counter. In my scouting for an associate, I patiently waited and smelled different scents. I've been fixated on Giorgio Armani's Si. Nearly 2 years and 5 bottles later to be exact! Upon finishing the last bottle in August, I decided it was time for something more economical, allergen friendly, yet pleasant to my nose. However, this hunt has not be easy and slightly discouraging. What person wants to go without a go-to fragrance for a week much less months? So many perfumes are filled with alcohol and synthetic fragrance that does not mesh with my body chemistry or allergies. I tend to make perfume sweeter or amplify the sweetness when I perspire--this can be annoying and unpleasant to those around me if they are sensitive. You can imagine the days of wearing Bath & Body Works was a nightmare! Moreover, I thought Si was my "big girl" scent until today. I've enjoyed some other perfumes like Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black because I love sandalwood, vanilla, and musk but never purchased--tempted, but just kept looking. Also, I enjoy citrus (lemongrass, orange, nectar, etc.) and a perfume with depth. I tried to love Gucci, Dolce, YSL Black Opium, Viktor&Rolf BonBon, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, and many others. In the past week, I was intrigued by a few scents by Replica as well as Juliette Has a Gun collection, but again, was not overly impressed that I had to have any one of them immediately. I was almost to the point of just wearing lemongrass and sandalwood oils and calling it a day. So, imagine my surprise when I fell for a Le Labo perfume--in the heat of the moment. I had decided to spray a bit of The Noir 29 on my left arm for shiggles while waiting for assistance. Saw a gal I recognized, and we struck a convo. As time passed, I found myself wanting to keep sniffing my left arm (where I had spritzed the Noir). The gal asked what I had sprayed and I showed her. She was equally impressed as she never smelt the Noir before either. A moment later, the Le Labo manager had returned and my curiosity dominated. I had to know anything and everything about this brand, scent, collection, etc. Approximately 30 minutes later, I found myself walking out the Nordstrom doors with not a sample of this fragrance but rather a 3.4 oz glorious bottle of perfume heaven. I swear this gem was created for me. I thought it was just my body chemistry working some magic. The manager had sprayed the tissue in my gift bag so I have literally sniffed Noir for hours and keep desiring more. It truly gets better as time passes. Safe to say my WOW factor was activated. I am eternally grateful and hooked for life! Now, Le Labo, when shall I expect a laundry detergent? There needs to be a full line of The Noir 29. If nobody else cares for it, goody--more for me. Happy birthday to ye! Ha! On a serious note, do not knock it until you try it. Ps. Apologies for the lengthy review, but I just feel you need to know the intensity, joy and warmth of this experience. Hope you enjoy a similar experience yourself. Now go have fun!

Very, very clear that Estee Lauder has reformulated many of le Labo’s scents over the past year or two. I had a bottle of The noir from 2018 and one spray was SO STRONG, and lasted all day. Bought another bottle in December and it does not even last 30 minutes, and the smell itself is not as well rounded either. Same thing happened with Bergamote 22. Such a shame, because the noir was the absolute most stunning fragrance. My heart hurts now trying to find a new scent I love, and definitely has to be a different fragrance house now.