Pure Black

Pure Black is a woody floral masculine from Mandarina Duck, created by Nathalie Lorson and released in 2009. Wood and flowers are what nearly everyone describes, with about two thirds also finding it sweet and citrusy and a third picking up spice.

The materials explain that balance. Bergamot and tangerine give it a bright citrus edge, while pepper adds a dry sting. Orange blossom and tiare flower bring the floral side, white and slightly creamy rather than powdery, which is unusual in a masculine and gives the scent its soft, clean character. Underneath, cedar and sandalwood build a smooth woody frame, and vanilla with tonka bean adds the gentle sweetness that rounds everything off.

The result sits between a fresh woody scent and a soft, orange-blossom floral, more polished than loud. It is the kind of composition that works when a man wants something clean and slightly sweet without leaning on heavy spice or dark woods.

Pure Black — for men fragrance by Mandarina Duck (released 2009). Notes: African Orange Flower, Bergamot, Cedar, Orange Blossom, Pepper, Sandalwood, Tangerine, Tiare Flower, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Virginia Cedar. — Parfica open fragrance database