Just a quick write-up today. I haven’t had much to say about the (still rather new) Louis Vuitton collection of fragrances. I’ve tried a few at my local Louis Vuitton boutique when I’ve had the time. Nothing was catching my attention or working with my skin chemistry, until this one!

Matière Noire is a fruity/rose/patchouli. I wasn’t overly interested in this one until I realized there’s another note worth paying attention to here: incense. I first catch a sniff of it in the opening, which comes across as a slightly smoked blackberry jam. It’s a weird and interesting sensation. The incense then appears again, weaving its way through the floral heart notes, and making way for a slightly smokey oud and patchouli base.

Incense usually comes across as very subtle and quiet on my skin, so I don’t often think of it as a major player for me. It’s nicely noticeable here, but it always stays in balance with the rest of the composition. It makes for a clever addition to this fragrance and adds some real interest.

My only complaint is that I wish we could have a leather note here in the base as well. It would work so well with the incense. I’ll just have to try layering this one with a leather-centric fragrance!

________________

I received a sample of Matière Noire in person from the SAs at my local Louis Vuitton boutique. The photo above is taken by me.