Cuir Noir by Giorgio Armani

My first Armani Privé perfume was Rouge Malachite; I am not usually a floral person, but this broke my rules. As I loved it so much, I sought another from the house. I am lucky to have a perfumery nearby with everything to try. On the first visit, I asked the assistant what her favourite was. Although tastes are personal, she knows them better than anyone. She did not hesitate for a second: ‘My favourite is Cuir Noir’. She handed me the spray and I nearly fainted; what a masterpiece, what an intoxicating and seductive perfume, what class and level, what magic… I then tried Musc Shamal and at first glance I liked it more because it was stronger and had an amazing musk. But I returned to test them on my skin to decide, and Cuir Noir took all the votes. It blended with my skin, making me feel marvelled, ecstatic, a living goddess and sensual… I love it! I understood why it was her favourite and now it is mine. The projection is not large, maximum a metre; you have to come close to notice it, but it was no problem; its discretion allows me to wear it anywhere and at any time. It is a flagship perfume, very expensive, that smells of luxury and majesty. The longevity is long, 12 hours or more. What does it smell like? To elegant and delicious leather with a sexy, spiced rose, embraced by a soft vanilla that does not steal the spotlight, and a captivating oud. I swear it carries cocoa too; at some point I feel it is chocolatey.

Armani Privé Cuir Noir: To start, I’d say ‘quality comes at a price’. My wife asked for this for our anniversary; as it’s unisex and I had few excuses to refuse, I’ll be gifting it to her. What an incredible fragrance, a genuine delight. The leather is subtle and crafted with care, it captivates you from the first whiff. Plus, it boasts one of the best vanillas I’ve tried, blending perfectly. It’s super versatile; whether worn by a woman or a man, it exudes power, making you feel superior, comfortable, distinguished and prestigious. I didn’t know what to expect, but it’s a total success. I understand why it’s expensive, and I even think it’s not that pricey for what it offers. It’s not about paying the bare minimum, but being fair: if something is worth it, you must pay for it. I’ll definitely repurchase. Scent: 11. Projection: Moderate to good. Longevity: 8 hours. Price: High, but worth it. Recommended.

While it has other notes for a sensitive nose, the leather is the defining and starring element; a bold, magnificent fragrance with a very pleasant and sensual leather scent. Not for summer, but perfect for autumn and winter, and those early, soft days. It is one of the few that touches on the leather note with both beauty and impact, leaving no room for doubt. A fine scent, as are almost all of Armani Privé.

Cuir Noir is a beautiful and elegant leather with a very well-structured sweet oud base, possessing a European character that feels refined and magnetic, capable of capturing you in minutes. Perfect and discreet for daytime, it projects well without being overwhelming. It’s like smelling a wallet made of the finest leather, although yes, a bit pricey. Rating: 8.