Our take
What does Noa smell like?
Cacharel launched Noa in 1998, composed by Olivier Cresp. The pebble-shaped bottle with a pearl sealed inside is recognisable at a glance. The perfume opens on a fresh, slightly green white peony with freesia and a discreet peach. Everything stays sheer. The heart holds a surprise. A light, almost toasted coffee note slips between lily of the valley and jasmine, while blackcurrant leaf adds a sharp green edge. The coffee does not make it gourmand. Instead it adds a soft shadow, like the dregs of a cup forgotten on a desk. The base takes longest to fade. Musk dominates, clean and cottony. Benzoin, incense and a light vanilla surround it. Retailers place the coffee in the heart or the base depending on the listing, which says a lot about how quiet it is. Noa is still on sale.
When to wear it
Spring and autumn, for daytime and the office. Three or four sprays, as it sits very close to the skin.
It belongs to the Floral, Woody, Musky family. Noa is one of 20 creations by Cacharel in our encyclopedia.
