Our take
What does Santal Noir smell like?
Santal Noir joined La Collection Privée Christian Dior in 2018. François Demachy, then the house perfumer-creator, composed it. The official list is short: sandalwood, rose and ambrette, around a leather accord. Ambrette opens it, musky with a faint pear note, next to a sandalwood that is already creamy. Turkish rose appears quickly. Almost jammy, it tints the wood a dark red. Then leather settles in and darkens everything without making it harsh. Some wearers pick up spice and a fruity liqueur facet that is not on the official list. Le Labo's Santal 33 is drier, with more saddle leather. Santal Noir is rounder and more floral. It lasts a long time and stays elegant from start to finish. The price limits it to committed fans, especially for a pyramid of four materials.
When to wear it
A woody scent for autumn and winter, made for evenings or dinner. Two sprays are enough, since the base grows.
It belongs to the Woody, Leather family. Santal Noir is one of 72 creations by Dior in our encyclopedia.
