Néroli Outrenoir by Guerlain

For the price, I walked in skeptical, expecting the black tea to repel me or sound weird. Spoiler: it doesn’t. It’s a gorgeous black-and-white blend that never clashes. The neroli and tea work beautifully together. It reminds me of a sunlit winter garden viewed from the inside, with the lights on. Elegant and unpretentious.

An exquisite and elegant perfume, just like Guerlain knows how to make.

Simply wonderful. A work of art. The smoky black tea is the star and is utterly addictive. It’s now a bottle. Yes, the price is steep, but the scent is sublime. Elegant.

I was gifted a decant and I have to say, I’d describe it in one word: ELEGANT. It smells citrusy and neroli-like, but with a base of tea and smoke that gives it a dark edge. It makes me think of an expensive, luxurious hotel where everything smells clean, fresh, and refined. It felt majestic. Though I don’t think I’ll buy the full bottle, it would be a great investment for the quality and performance.

Arrived as a decant gift and straight to the point: Neroli Outrenoir is the best neroli I’ve ever tried, even though I usually don’t like that note. Plus, it’s one of the best tea scents I’ve ever smelled; it doesn’t even envy brands like Floraiku or State of Mind. The opening keeps sweet citrus and white flowers that become dense thanks to the black tea. It evolves with a smoky nuance and a resinous base that makes it unique (myrrh is very prominent). Longevity and projection are impressive for a summer fragrance, but I think it works well in fresh weather too. Many might find it feminine due to the sweet nuances, but I see it as super unisex for casual or semi-formal occasions. Debatable if the price is fair, but I think it’s worth it for the quality, originality, and performance. Rating: 10/10.

Neroli at an exquisite level. It’s a fragrance where neroli is cooked to perfection in perfumery, with that warm orangey touch from the bitter orange that adds zest. The one that best portrays that note is Neroli by Profumum Roma, respecting the natural, cozy, citrusy character of that scent—a ‘homey’ aroma. But Guerlain, with Outrenoir, takes a different path. A drier, earthier, more complex and elaborate neroli, sophisticated overall. It’s neroli dressed in design, with class and sobriety, adding infinite elegance. It reminds me of the lovely ‘Arancia di Sicilia’; while more familiar, they share something in common due to the contrast with other ingredients. As a neroli lover, this is a 10.

Opens with a fragrant, refreshing note of fine neroli, nothing piercing, linked with tea leaves that add a measured, warm herbal green note thanks to the union with the smoky, semi-woody, and damp vibe of oakmoss, which blends deliciously with myrrh. Right there, the fragrance turns sweet, slightly balsamic, with a spicy touch and launches into a clean, translucent, sweet musk accompanied by vanilla. It’s not a complex or difficult composition, nor just another citrus. It’s a perfectly blended aroma where the elegance of simplicity lies; less is more. Timeless, usable in any weather, as its combination creates a sweet yet sophisticated, fine, and classy trail that attracts others with just four sprays, intensifying gradually. Needless to say, I want to keep it with me always.