Crystal Noir by Versace was launched in 2004 and projects an elegant and nocturnal image both in its aroma, in the packaging and in the advertising campaign. The declared notes in the Dior website are: resins amber and gardenia.
The opening is nocturnal and quite resinous, with traces of sandalwood, cedar, and florals in the background. The aroma is quite intense and nocturnal, with strong resin, ta residual sandalwood, and cedar, with florals in the background. However, resin is quite intense at this stage, and tends to cover the rest of the notes, but after about 30 minutes, they lower to a reasonable intensity, letting the other ingredients to come out more: there is a intense amber, which indeed ends up replacing resin as main note, floral notes of gardenia, traces of orange and spicy notes that are integrated by wood and amber. In the base notes, amber is accompanied by vegetal tones, like sage and a general aroma of plants that have just been cut. There is a more intense floral presence, especially of violet (very similar to the one in Fahrenheit Dior) and the resin has completely disappeared. There is also the occasional orange and traces of a warm musk.
The resinous and amber style of the perfume feels warm but not dense, and it’s more suitable to the cold winter nights. It reminds of a less dense version of Opium perfume by Yves Saint Laurent. Its intensity however, won’t leave any trial behind, whereas for a use by day it would feel somehow wasted. The resin is attractive and slightly heady, which is promising for a romantic use, especially for the sophisticated and elegant opening and the low-profile, more sensitive end. The age range is starts from a mature lower threshold – 35 and goes up to 55 with the mos appropriate segment between 40 and 50.