Wood Noir by Zara
Men 2016
Main accords
Description
Wood Noir by Zara is a woody fragrance for men. Launched in 2016, this composition evokes the essence of a nocturnal forest with an olfactory structure that combines warm woods and dark spices, creating a mysterious and sophisticated atmosphere.
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When to wear it (votes)
Key notes
-
Notes
Dark Woody Notes
Community
127 votes
- Positive 87%
- Negative 13%
- Neutral 0%
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 want it
311 votes
What do you think?
Leading answer Love it
127 votes
Season
Choose severalLeading answer Winter
147 votes
Time of day
Choose severalLeading answer Night
82 votes
Each question has its own vote count. You can choose several seasons.
Fragrance profile
About Wood Noir
Wood Noir by Zara is a woody fragrance for men. Launched in 2016, this composition evokes the essence of a nocturnal forest with an olfactory structure that combines warm woods and dark spices, creating a mysterious and sophisticated atmosphere.
Flowers Green, herbal and fougère
It may remind you of
Ranked by what the community voted.
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How it wears
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Longevity
Leading answer Long-lasting
67 votes
Sillage
Leading answer Strong
100 votes
Character
Leading answer Traditionally masculine
11 votes
Value perception
Leading answer Good value
10 votes
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Community reviews
7 reviews
Share what you noticed: opening, drydown, sillage and the moments when it works for you.
I’d been hunting for this gem online for three months before finally spotting it on a German eBay listing for just €40, which is a steal. It’s worth a try, though I don’t think it justifies the price; there are far more expensive options of poorer quality. I bought it anyway and I’m sure I’ll keep it. Best wishes, and PS: save this for future anecdotes about overlooked treasures.
I bought it because I loved it in the tester, but be warned: this Zara Oriental trilogy has no names printed on the bottles. Upon opening and applying it, the scent was totally different from what I smelled in the tester. I think the one I liked was a mislabelled Exclusive Oud. Still, I wanted to be smitten, but it just doesn’t quite convince me. It’s super woody (cedar, perhaps?), and while I knew the name suggested that, I expected to feel the other notes. Added to its potency and longevity, it feels very heavy for me. At first, it seems it won’t be so strong, but I’m not sure if it’s the high concentration acting like an oil; once it settles on the skin, it starts to project more. I then tried CH Insignia Men and found it similar, but in a more wearable version. Zara Wood Noir is only for lovers of woody scents.
This is an intense first-class perfume. On my skin, it lasts over 12 hours. Despite it not being listed in the description, it smells of frankincense from start to finish; it’s the note I perceive most throughout the entire development. Without a doubt, it is elegant.
Zara’s blurb states Wood Noir is simply a wood, and it’s not wrong; it’s difficult to add another descriptor. Perhaps it could be described as woody-herbaceous, but the herbs are merely a touch of colour, not the main description. It’s a pleasant and well-made fragrance. It’s not as bold as Zara’s Exclusive Oud, nor do I like it quite as much, yet it still fits within the oriental fragrances I enjoy. The woods (likely oud, guaiac, rosewood, and patchouli) are lightened by lavender, bergamot, and sage, giving it a herbaceous tone with citrus brushstrokes. Highly recommended for quality, packaging, and price. Scent: wonderful woody. Sillage: moderate. Longevity: moderate. Performance: high. Value for money: excellent. Usage: evening/winter.
Zara’s description says Wood Noir is dry wood, and that’s not bad; it’s hard to add another descriptor. Perhaps it’s herbaceous woody, but the herbs are just a touch of colour, not the main description. It’s a pleasant and well-made fragrance. It’s not as bold as Zara’s Exclusive Oud, nor do I like it as much, but it still fits within the oriental fragrances I enjoy. The woods (probably oud, gaia, rosewood and patchouli) are lightened by lavender, bergamot and sage, giving it a herbaceous tone with citrus brushstrokes. Highly recommended for quality, packaging and price. Scent: wonderful woody. Sillage: moderate. Longevity: moderate. Performance: high. Value for money: excellent. Use: evening/winter.
A truly excellent woody fragrance. After reading the previous review, I’m at a loss for words as I share Bofifa’s opinion 100%. The backbone is the wood: dark, spicy notes with an air of mystery, very sinuous and pleasant. At first, I detect bergamot, which adds freshness and acidity, but gradually lavender and sage emerge. Together with the woods, they create a floral aroma, slightly powdery and dusty, which I absolutely adored. In the dry down, it becomes a creamy wood with a spicy and ambered touch, as if containing a bit of undeclared amber. It’s a fragrance to applaud with one’s ears; if a prestigious house had signed it, it would have far more reviews and everyone would be talking about it. Coming from Zara, it might seem like a rip-off, but it’s magnificent, original, and deserves more attention. Moderate-to-high longevity and moderate projection; for the price, one cannot ask for more. Highly recommended.
With this review, I close the trilogy of Zara’s ‘woods’. Perhaps Wood Noir is the most complex and the best, though it ultimately comes down to personal taste in a male line that, given what we’ve seen, deserves applause. There is plenty of wood, and in the opening, the herbal notes make it resemble a 90s classic, one of those jovial fresh spicys without losing masculinity. The woody base is excellent, noticeable from the start, and delights with its nuances, to which a metallic bergamot note gradually joins, present but not overwhelming, pairing perfectly with sandalwood and amber as a duo that closes the composition. Spectacular, contemporary, refined, mature with a youthful spirit, seductive, exclusive, and sophisticated. It loses a bit of exoticism compared to its line-mates but gains in urbanity and presence. It’s one of those fragrances that generate automatic compliments because it fits the bill without losing class. Acceptable projection: not a beast, but noticeable. Longevity above average. I recommend it 100%. Note: 9/10.