Carbone de Balmain is a fragrance by Pierre Balmain. Released in 2010. The notes are Benzoin, Elemi, Fig, Incense, Ivy, Musk, Pepper, Vetiver, Violet Leaf.
I got it in my head that Balmain didn't make masculine or even Unisex fragrances but I was obviously mistaken. I have to say I adore this fragrance it's magic! Huge dose of peppery woods and dry synthetic cedar and vetiver but that's telling the story in reverse. The opening is a curious, aniseed, resiny, elemi, (what I assume is) fig, incense vibe then pepper coming on stronger. Very darkly fruity this one and a musky, lightly smoked effect to it also...very very interesting and right up my street. Then it gets a little disappointing the immediate comparison on the drydown is to Encre Noire and that takes a good hour or two to progress past that opening to the familiarity of vetiver and pepper. Not a bad thing to smell like but for me the opening shows more promise and interest. Average longevity and subtle projection...well worth checking out for those who like a arty, not all the way dark fragrance.
I got it in my head that Balmain didn't make masculine or even Unisex fragrances but I was obviously mistaken. I have to say I adore this fragrance it's magic! Huge dose of peppery woods and dry synthetic cedar and vetiver but that's telling the story in reverse. The opening is a curious, aniseed, resiny, elemi, (what I assume is) fig, incense vibe then pepper coming on stronger. Very darkly fruity this one and a musky, lightly smoked effect to it also...very very interesting and right up my street. Then it gets a little disappointing the immediate comparison on the drydown is to Encre Noire and that takes a good hour or two to progress past that opening to the familiarity of vetiver and pepper. Not a bad thing to smell like but for me the opening shows more promise and interest. Average longevity and subtle projection...well worth checking out for those who like a arty, not all the way dark fragrance.