Upscale Black by Mary Kay
Men 2014
Description
Mary Kay Upscale Black is a men's fragrance from the olfactive family launched in 2014. The top notes combine apple blossom, Italian lemon and white grapefruit; the heart reveals lily of the valley, tonka bean and lavender; while the base notes complete the composition with Mexican vanilla, Javanol, oakmoss and amber.
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When to wear it (votes)
Key notes
-
Top
Apple Blossom
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Heart
lily
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Base
Mexican Vanilla
Community
40 votes
- Positive 90%
- Negative 0%
- Neutral 10%
The olfactory pyramid
A guide to the opening, heart and lasting trail of the fragrance.
The community speaks
Compare the results and tap an answer to add your vote.
In the collection
Leading answer I own it
109 votes
What do you think?
Leading answer Like it
40 votes
Season
Choose severalLeading answer Autumn
72 votes
Time of day
Choose severalLeading answer Night
43 votes
Each question has its own vote count. You can choose several seasons.
Fragrance profile
About Upscale Black
Mary Kay Upscale Black is a men’s fragrance from the olfactive family launched in 2014. The top notes combine apple blossom, Italian lemon and white grapefruit; the heart reveals lily of the valley, tonka bean and lavender; while the base notes complete the composition with Mexican vanilla, Javanol, oakmoss and amber.
Flowers White flowers Spices Woods and mosses Musk, amber and animalic
It may remind you of
Ranked by what the community voted.
More from Mary Kay
Related editions
How it wears
Compare the results and tap an answer to add your vote.
Longevity
Leading answer Moderate
35 votes
Sillage
Leading answer Moderate
33 votes
Character
Leading answer Traditionally masculine
34 votes
Value perception
Leading answer Excellent value
30 votes
Have you worn Upscale Black?
Tell us how it opens, how it settles on your skin, how long it lasts and when you wear it.
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Galviz06
Mary Kay’s Black Horse for men, which many compare to Armani Code due to that powdery vanilla with lavender, but I feel it has several facets that set it apart. What stands out most is that powdery lavender note over a subtle vanilla base, with a crabapple blossom opening that smells a bit like baby cream. In the lavender, I catch echoes of various perfumes; Armani Code could be one, but also the spirit of Gucci Guilty, mind you, only the powdery aspect, not a dupe or trying to be one. For me, it’s a perfume that clearly draws inspiration from others but isn’t a direct dupe, as the floral notes make it stand out. With the notes in the background, it smells like a freshly prepared baby bassinet; it sounds odd, but the crabapple blossom replaces the classic soap smell found in blue fragrances, turning Upscale Black into a hybrid between a blue scent and a sweet daily floral. Where the crabapple controls the opening and then lavender and vanilla take over, accompanied by a hidden synthetic sandalwood base. Longevity is six hours, average projection for the first hour then sillage; it’s clearly an intimate fragrance, not overly masculine. Suitable for daily wear, warm weather with a sweet, clean scent, or evenings; it performs well for dates, being discreet yet charming. It’s a 2/4; it delivers, although the opening has a flaw where I detect some alcohol initially, then it settles. Within the category of catalogue perfumes, it feels like a solid option considering the price.
Galviz06
Mary Kay’s Black Horse for men shares similarities with Armani Code due to its powdery vanilla and lavender notes, yet it possesses its own distinct personality. What truly shines is that powdery lavender note over a subtle vanilla base, with crabapple blossom taking centre stage at the opening; it smells slightly of baby cream. I detect echoes of several perfumes in the lavender, including Armani Code and the powdery spirit of Gucci Guilty, but bear in mind, it is not a dupe nor does it attempt to be. It draws inspiration from others but stands out for its floral character. As it dries down, it smells like a freshly prepared baby nappy bag; it sounds odd, but the crabapple blossom replaces the classic blue soap, turning it into a hybrid between a blue and a sweet daily floral. While the crabapple blossom leads the opening, lavender and vanilla take control, accompanied by a synthetic sandalwood base. It lasts six hours, with average projection for the first hour and then sillage; it is intimate, not overly masculine. Suitable for daytime, for heat with a sweet and clean scent, or for afternoon dates; it is discreet yet charming. I award it 2 out of 4; it delivers, although the opening has a flaw with some alcohol initially. Within its category, it is a solid option given the price.
Fxbian48
To me, it reminds me a little of CH Men in its vanilla aspect, but without the leather. It lasts around four hours on skin. I recommend applying it to clothes, where it leaves an absolutely delicious vanilla scent; it’s excellent as a daytime signature fragrance in cooler months. At night, it lacks a bit of power.
Salvadorguerrro13
I was surprised by the resemblance to Armani Code the moment I applied it; it’s an elegant perfume I see as ideal for evening or cold weather. It lasted six hours on skin, projecting strongly for the first two hours with a moderate trail. I loved it for the price and quality: just 297 Mexican pesos!
Fxbian48
To me, it reminds me slightly of CH Men, that avianilla part but without the leather. Moderate longevity, around four hours on the skin. I recommend wearing it on clothes; it leaves a delicious vanilla scent. Excellent for daily wear in cooler months, though it lacks punch for the evening.
Salvadorguerrro13
I noticed the similarity to Armani Code the moment I applied it; it’s elegant and perfect for evening wear or cold weather. It lasted six hours on my skin, projecting strongly for the first two hours with a moderate trail. I loved it for the price and quality: 297 Mexican pesos.