Our take
What does Aromatics in Black smell like?
Clinique launched Aromatics in Black in 2015, more than four decades after Aromatics Elixir. The brand does not name a perfumer. The black bottle says it all: the idea is to take the older chypre and make it darker. The opening blends a plum leaf accord with pink grapefruit and bergamot. It smells green and slightly sour, with a fruity shade. Osmanthus sits at the heart and brings a hint of apricot and soft leather. Jasmine and neroli lift it without adding sugar. The base relies on myrrh, a bitter resin that feels almost smoky. Vetiver keeps it dry and tonka adds a little roundness. Aromatics Elixir from 1971 is more herbal and heavier with its rose and patchouli. Aromatics in Black feels more modern and less divisive. It still has real density, far from the fruity scents launched that same year.
When to wear it
One or two sprays carry a winter evening. For the office, keep it to the wrists because the myrrh projects.
It belongs to the Chypre family. Aromatics in Black is one of 4 creations by Clinique in our encyclopedia.
