Black Tie by Celine

Black Tie has earned its place on the podium among perfume lovers (especially outside Spain, where things are different), and its success is entirely deserved. It is a vanilla that doesn’t overdo it: not too sweet, not overpowering, not overly feminine or masculine; it sits right in the centre. Perhaps that near-perfect balance is what makes it so universal. The vanilla smells of talc, cream, and almost butter; it must be the iris that gives the sensation of having rubbed a bar of cocoa onto your skin. It smells quite addictive. I also note other ingredients completing the dish: pepper, woods, perhaps a tiny, almost imperceptible hint of incense. They serve to cut the sweetness and prevent it from becoming cloying. There is tremendous refinement; it seems they used the whole bean with all its woody nuances and first-quality iris butter. It’s an intimate, close-range perfume; luckily, it doesn’t invade and only stays within your personal bubble. I believe it reflects the house’s French elegance. Just as Aventus and Elysium are distinct but from the same family, there are others playing in the same league: Mr Thompson, Vanhera, Dior Homme Intense, Lune Feline, After Club by Rabanne. If any of these suit you, give them a try. However, good luck, because it’s so popular they can’t keep up; everything sells out in weeks. It’s difficult to meet demand, plus I’ve been told they use a precious iris butter that isn’t abundant, so they depend on what’s available in the market. An exquisite perfume.

If there is a special vanilla in my collection, it is undoubtedly this one. Powdery, woody, and with a balanced sweetness. Its minimalism makes it unique. The vanilla, iris root, cedar, musk, and moss possess incredible exquisiteness. Its elegance is evident in the moderate trail. Don’t think you won’t be noticed, because you will. But the perfume travels with you, and that makes it truly refined. It makes me feel comfortable, confident, and I know I won’t go unnoticed thanks to that intoxicating aroma. Unisex, leaning towards the feminine side. An adult vanilla. A masterpiece.

It is exquisite, a work of art. I wore it today at 40 degrees in Madrid, and for me, it’s not heavy at all; with the heat of the skin, I believe its potency increases. It has a little of everything I like: sweet, powdery, and even a smoky touch. It feels very elegant and sexy, giving me the sensation that I could conquer the world with this perfume. Its trail isn’t very potent (it feels perfect for the first few hours), but its longevity is good; I have no complaints. Without a doubt, a must if you are a vanilla lover.