Black by AXE

I would never have labeled this deodorant ‘BLACK’; it smells more ‘Marine’ than what Axe sells under that name today. But beyond being marine, it’s totally fruity and luminous, like a summer smoothie. As for the cedar? Thanks… it reminded me of Banderas’ King of Seduction, though no one noticed. I picture it on a teenager or pre-teen, but it feels weird for anyone over 20. It’s unisex: it has a masculine side, but a girl could wear it without it looking odd.

Clarification: I smelled the ‘Remixed’ version by BZRP, not the classic Black (they’re similar, just this one has a different dry-down). It’s like an Ultramale body spray, just a bit lower toned. I didn’t detect watermelon; over time it becomes musky. The opening is pure bergamot with pear, then cedar comes out and fades after a couple of hours. Not bad for the price; it works as a deodorant too. For the classic Black, I prefer the white bottle (the antiperspirant): it projects less but lasts longer and is versatile. Rating: 65/100.

I have the body spray. Opening is pear, with a marked cedar base. It has aromatic notes, like sage. For some reason, it reminds me of Carlo Corinto Classic (raspberry, leather, woods, 80s herbs). I don’t perceive watermelon, just a fresh pear that darkens the wood and aromatic tone. Maybe cardamom, though don’t hold your breath. Good for intermediate or cold seasons. I also recommend Black Night: it’s like a gourmand but more masculine Versace Eros, with robust woods and citrus. Blessings.

One of the few Axe fragrances I tolerate (along with Marine), I have the body spray, not the EDT. I can’t distinguish the notes well, but I sense something citrusy and fruity (I did catch the watermelon) and slightly spicy (more noticeable over time). It reminds me of several fragrances but doesn’t imitate any specific one; it doesn’t clash if used with fresh or fruity perfumes. It’s not very potent, so it doesn’t ‘eat’ the perfume you’re wearing. Edit (26/03/2023): I got the EDT, and despite its ridiculous price, I was surprised. The scent is the same as the deodorant but with acceptable performance; it’s not far from what some designer brands sell (who seem to take us for fools). It smells quite like classic Acqua di Gio, but simpler, with a standout watermelon note that’s pleasant. It also reminded me of several CK Summer scents. With the shower gel and body spray, it outperforms the previous ones costing less than half. Recommended purchase if you like these aromas and want to spend the minimum. Cheers.

A proper perfume that changes a lot depending on whether you smell it in the bottle versus on skin. I didn’t use it much for a while because it smelled rancid and strong right from the cap; on skin, it’s pleasant, and you mainly notice the watermelon. Ideal for climates not exceeding 20°C. I use it when working outdoors or going out quickly to smell good. A bit youthful due to the watermelon, which is well-executed. On skin, it lasts 5-7h; the projection isn’t great, but for the price, I’ll spray 10 times all over my body. In cold climates, it’s not annoying: it’s intense at first but becomes very soft.

I use the EDT and it pairs perfectly with fragrances featuring vetiver and oakmoss. Ideal for evening wear.

Before checking the ingredients, I thought: ‘this smells like pepper, I guess some similar spice,’ and I also catch the watermelon… and I was right. That spicy scent was the cardamom, and the watermelon is there too. It might not be a pleasant aroma, but it’s not unbearable. It’s more recommended for cold climates and less hot seasons, because such an aroma doesn’t develop well in the heat; it can even smell worse if used on rainy and cold days. Important to apply moderately. In summary, I’d give it a 6: barely passes, but definitely not the most pleasant aroma.

Watch out: Axe Black isn’t just one scent; it’s a line including Alive, Myth, and Hysteria. The bottle here is Alive, and the photos are from the campaign. Notes: watermelon, cardamom, and pear at the start (can give you a headache if you keep the window open), then patchouli, musk, and cedar explode with a delicious pear touch. At some point, it smells like Abercrombie’s Fierce but softer. Lasts 7-9 hours with moderate sillage (1 meter). Perfect for cold weather or fall/winter; too heavy for daytime, better for night. Great value at $9, but only comes in a limited 50ml, what a pity.