| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2 (4.5/5) |
| Top Notes | Grapefruit, Bergamot, Pepper |
| Middle Notes | Rose, Geranium, Patchouli |
| Base Notes | Amber, Musk, Leather |
| Fragrantica Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5, 900 votes) |
| Sephora Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2 (4.3/5, 35 reviews) |
| Amazon Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5, 75 reviews) |
| Longevity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5 Out of 5) |
| Sillage | ⭐⭐⭐(3 Out of 5) |
| Masculinity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4 Out of 5) |
| Price Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4 Out of 5) |
| Best For | Fall/Winter, Evening, Formal |
| Sprays | 2-3 sprays |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rich and sexy feel | Bad for Summer Beach Days |
| Subtly masculine | Very Different to original Noir |
| Great longevity | Complex for beginners |
When I first encountered Tom Ford Noir Extreme, I expected a generic version of the original Tom Ford Noir, a possible cash grab capitalizing on the success of its predecessor. To my pleasant surprise, Noir Extreme turned out to be a unique fragrance with a captivating sweet, spicy, and slightly sticky note that I didn’t find in the original. The scent exudes a rich and sexy feel, subtly masculine, and boasts impressive longevity.
That being said, Noir Extreme does fall slightly behind the original in my personal ranking, and it’s not the most optimal choice for warm summer days due to its stickiness. While I initially thought that the bottle seemed a bit overpriced, the complexity of the scent and its uniqueness eventually justified the cost. It’s a fantastic option for those who love to expand their fragrance collection or have the budget to experiment.
In conclusion, I’m giving Tom Ford Noir Extreme a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating. Its main pros are its rich, sexy feel, subtle masculinity, and impressive longevity, while its cons lie in its lack of suitability for summer wear and differing from the original Noir. Although it may seem complex for fragrance beginners, I believe it’s worth trying for users looking to explore a unique and luxurious scent.
First Experiences
Bottle and Packaging
The presentation of Tom Ford Noir Extreme is simply luxurious. The bottle itself has a sleek and elegant design, making it a wonderful addition to my collection. The packaging is also in line with the high-end Tom Ford brand, showcasing its quality and exclusivity. But although the packaging was great, the bottle design did feel a little basic and plastic for the price of the product. But as always, it’s the inside that counts the most!
Scent Profile
Overall
As a big fan of Tom Ford fragrances, I recently tried Tom Ford Noir Extreme and was pleasantly surprised. It’s a sensual, gourmand, and woody scent that’s warm, rich, and subtly masculine. The overall rating I would give it is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Top Notes
Upon the first spray, the fragrance opens with a beautiful citrus opening, featuring notes of spicy cardamom, and a hint of orange blossom, very similar to that of YSL MYSLF. The warm spices blend effortlessly with the citrus elements, creating an inviting and captivating start to the fragrance.
Middle Notes
As the top notes settle, the heart of the fragrance reveals itself with a blend of nutmeg, saffron, jasmine, and neroli. The middle notes enrich the scent, giving it a more exotic and mysterious vibe. The gourmand aspect comes to life with the introduction of the unique ingredient: kulfi. This traditional Indian dessert adds a delightful creaminess, blending perfectly with the warm spices.
Dry Down
In the dry down, the fragrance reaches its full potential and becomes truly irresistible. The base notes of amber, vanilla, woody sandalwood, and creamy kulfi come together in perfect harmony. They create a warm, sexy, and inviting scent that’s perfect for a nighttime outing or a romantic encounter.
Pros:
- Rich and sexy feel
- Subtly masculine
- Great longevity
Cons:
- Not great for summer beach
- Not as good as the original noir
- A little too complex for fragrance beginners
Initially, I expected a generic version of the original Tom Ford Noir, just as a cash grab by Tom Ford. However, Noir Extreme proved to be a unique sweet, spicy fragrance that was not present in the original. I also noticed its impressive staying power and the compliments I received while wearing it. Although I still think it isn’t quite as good as the original and doesn’t suit warm summer days, the complex scent and its uniqueness make it worth trying for those with the budget and curiosity.
Who Should Buy it?
From my experience, Tom Ford Noir Extreme is a great choice for those looking for a casual masculine fragrance that provides a rich and sexy feel. It is perfect for men who appreciate a subtly masculine scent that is also long-lasting. I find it great for evening wear and special occasions, but could also see it great as an everyday signature scent for others.
Its target demographic is men who want a unique scent that sets them apart from the crowd, while also keeping enough subtlety to not be too noticeable.
Performance
Longevity (5 Out of 5)
In my experience, Tom Ford Noir Extreme offers great longevity. I found that the rich and sexy feel of the fragrance lasted throughout the entire evening, with subtle masculinity that captured attention. The fragrance doesn’t fade away too quickly, which makes it suitable for special occasions or long events, without the need for constant reapplication.
Sillage & Projection(3 out of 5)
The sillage of Noir Extreme is moderate, as it leaves a trail that is intimate but not overpowering. Even though it doesn’t have a strong projection, the aroma is noticeable to those who come within a few feet. This makes it an excellent choice for evening wear or for anyone looking to smell great, but not extroverted enough to let the whole room know about it.
| Type | Performance |
|---|---|
| Longevity | 6 to 7 Hours |
| Sillage | 1 Metre |
Price Value
When I first came across the price tag for Tom Ford Noir Extreme, I initially thought it was a bit overpriced. However, after experiencing its complexity and uniqueness, I believe it is well worth the investment for those who have the budget to experiment with different fragrances.
It might not be the best choice if you’re on a strict budget or if it would be your only cologne. But, if you’re a collector or can afford to indulge, Noir Extreme is a remarkable addition to your arsenal.
Comparison and Verdict
Vs Original Noir
I have to admit, when I first got my hands on a bottle of Tom Ford Noir Extreme, I was expecting a generic version of the original Tom Ford Noir. To my pleasant surprise, it turned out to be a unique and sophisticated fragrance that has now become my go-to evening cologne. But the question still remains, how does it stack up against the OG?
Main Pros:
- Rich and sexy feel
- Subtly masculine
- Great longevity
Main Cons:
- Not suitable for summer beach
- Not as good as original noir
- A little too complex for fragrance beginners
Noir Extreme introduces a sweet, spicy, and sticky note that I didn’t find in the original Tom Ford Noir. Its complexity and refined profile quickly grew on me, garnering compliments left and right. Yet, I still believe it doesn’t quite surpass the original Noir.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Conclusion
Initially, the bottle seemed a bit overpriced, but after experiencing the unique and complex scent firsthand, I can say it’s worth the investment—especially for those who have the budget to experiment or have a growing fragrance collection. However, if you’re limited in your fragrance choices, then this might not be the best option, as there are more versatile and beginner-friendly options out there.
In summary, Tom Ford Noir Extreme is a unique, sophisticated, and highly enjoyable fragrance that might be worth trying if you’re looking to expand your collection or are seeking a distinct evening scent. Just be prepared for its complexity and richness, as it might not be the best option for everyone.
