Description
Twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen launch a fashion brand named Elizabeth and James after their remaining siblings, which presents two dynamic, contradictory personalities merged into an outstanding balance – “Elizabeth’s uptown sophistication and feminine detail is paired with James’ laidback, downtown edge and masculine tailoring.” They are launching two new fragrances under this brand – Nirvana White and Nirvana Black.
Both perfumes are described as sensual, edgy and mysterious. Nirvana Black is a woody fragrance, dark and somewhat masculine although intended for both genders. It is created by perfumer Pierre Negrin. The fragrance is built around accords of violet, sandalwood and vanilla.
Bottle design strives for simplicity, sensuality, luxury and modern but not too modern look. The fragrances are available as 30 and 50 ml Eau de Parfum with additional mini rollerball edition.
Nirvana Black was launched in 2013.
xsander – :
Deep, dark and woody, with very little vanilla on my skin. At least it lives up to the name! I was hoping for something a bit softer, but this is very dry and even leather-y on me. Sometimes, dry leather and wood combos make me a little nauseated (lump at the back of the throat kind of feeling), and this is what happens with Nirvana Black. It’s a no-go for me.
VESOVOY – :
I’m wearing Nirvana Black to work today and have already received two enthusiastic compliments on it. I’m not sure if people are responding to the sandalwood or the vanilla or what. Probably both, because I feel these notes are in equal parts in Nirvana Black. On me, it starts off very woody and then becomes sweeter and more powdery in time. This is very smooth, reminds me of vanillas like S by Shakira or Manifesto by YSL… maybe Atelier Vanille Insensee. What I’m saying with those three comparisons is that this is not a sweet gourmand vanilla at all. It’s a dry woody vanilla for the serious types. So far I have really enjoyed everything I’ve tried from Elizabeth & James.
gzm923speagoessenda – :
For the initial five minutes I smelled nothing. I was so disappointed but then I finally started smelling a woody note and an incense type of smell. This became very masculine on me. I ended up not liking it.
I bought the big bottle blind but it’s going to have to be returned. I was a huge fan of Nirvana White and Nirvana Rose so I thought maybe I would like this too. This is not a safe blind buy. It’s different and nice in a way but not for me. Not the perfumes fault. I just have different taste. I lean more towards “safe” perfumes. This one is a little too bold for me despite only having three notes.
lexa1066 – :
This is simple but nice. I’ve sampled a few Elizabeth and James fragrances and I like this one the best so far. Soft and creamy sandalwood is definitely the star of this one. I do get some powdery violet in the beginning and warm but not sweet vanilla comes in later. Good unisex scent for fall.
Shalnoy86 – :
This is a great juice. I love the sandalwood in it, as it reminded me of TF santal blush, however, i find it a bit dry as if there is a heavy tobacco note in the base. A little goes along way. Perfect for colder months.
exster5 – :
The opener is a blast of vanilla and sandalwood, then it’s mostly vanilla, vanilla and vanilla. I don’t mind a bit of vanilla but the vanilla here is overpowering and makes it very young – too young for me. Also, I don’t think the sandalwood is high quality. Thankfully, I got this as a sample. For me, at least, it’s just too much vanilla, and nothing dark and mysterious about it.
kristaps215 – :
My first E&J fragrance. This fragrance is the epitome of the Olsen twins today, which is mysterious, sophisticated, and glamorous. Nirvana Black is also unisex smelling. The box clearly says “for her” on it, but Tom Ford’s Dark Orchid is for women too and that has a unisex feel to it as well. Nirvana White is the more feminine counterpart to the Nirvana line and I believe it’s suited for women. Nirvana Black can be shared as it’s more woody but still a sweet fragrance. The main notes I get are sandalwood and vanilla, in fact, this is a strong dark vanilla scent. It’s sweet, but not sugary sweet. The violet adds a nice powdery touch and probably adds to the sweetness. This is one of my new favorite scents, the Olsen twins have become quite the innovative fragrance makers.
munika25 – :
Seductive spicy fragrance. Not very unique but it’s beautiful on skin. Worth a try.
rustikal112 – :
Creamy and deep. I tested Nirvana Black overseas a year ago and fell in love, but loved Nirvana White more. For my birthday I begged for a bottle of this and it’s soo lovely.
It’s definitely not gourmand but has a creamy, rich vanilla that add’s just the perfect amount of sweetness to this scent. Violets are not very powdery or candied and the sandalwood is the star. Warm and hugs you.
For three notes, it’s amazing. It blends in a simplistic way but has so much depth and warmth it’s amazing. Yes can be masculine, however, I just feel feminine and mature whilst wearing! Perfect for date nights, meetings and winter days.
izum28 – :
This is very masculine and dry on me. I can smell the violets, but it’s so woody – I smell more like a campfire that’s been put out. I’m going to try it again in the Fall, because it’s too strong for me right now (Summer nights).
ирина серый11 – :
Initially I was browsing Sephora when I saw the intriguing shape of the roller-ball bottles. I haden’t intended to buy perfume on that trip but I couldn’t resist sampling the amethyst and black versions of Nirvana by Elizabeth and James because of the almost minimalist design. I took two strips of paper and sprayed both versions on the paper. Took a sniff of the bourbon version but decided it was very much not for me. i went home and allowed the papers to sit for a while while I went about my life. Weeks later, I decided to go back and pick up both. There’s just something so intriguing about the amethyst and black versions. I see them as almost a good/bad opposition. The amethyst is decidedly feminine to me with a sweet woody twinkle of honeysuckle. At the same time it is belying a spicy bed of tobacco and mystery.Amethyst is sweet and charming.
Nirvana black truly has my heart.
I think both men and women find this scent oh so fascinating. The sandalwood and smoke are so beguiling, it’s hard not to fall for its charm. Like a mysterious stranger, it hides its violet accords behind a unisex cover. This scent made my dad say “Woah, I like that a lot” and that to me made me smile. He said it smelled expensive and I couldn’t agree more. A scent for sophisticated people.
determined4851 – :
This is my first fragrance review.
I decided to review it because I fell in love with it again today.
I really love sandalwood scents and this one is nice and creamy. Another thing I love is powdery scents and it delivers there as well. The vanilla ties it all together nicely. I was smelling a spicyness in it today that I didn’t really notice before.
This fragrance is not strong or irritating to me at all like some of my others. I could wear it all the time and not get bothered by it.
The only thing I don’t like is that it doesn’t last or seem to project for very long for the price. However, I will gladly reapply this fragrance.
I love layering with it and find that it is an excellent base for many fragrances that I feel could use a little something without being overpowered by it.
ию65 – :
I’m not good with describing notes, but luckily this only has 3 so it’ll be easy. The vanilla and sandalwood are what sell this to me. I don’t really get violet, but I can sense a little bit of it. I find this very different from other fragrances I’ve smelled, but maybe it’s cause I haven’t smelled too many yet. All in all, amazing scent and my favourite from the E&J house so far. Worth a smell.
erozona.biz – :
I’m surprised to see the reviews on this one, I bought the rollerball so maybe it’s a different experience.
I can see how people would find this to be a masculine scent, the violets and sandalwood are strong but I don’t find it unpleasant. It’s not a gourmand, not a floral, not really that spicy to me but a good medium of slightly sweet and a dark floral (if that makes sense). I put it in the same category as Tom Ford’s Black Orchid but much easier to wear, the floral is the first thing you smell but the dry down is slightly powdery from the sandalwood and you get the vanilla in there as well. Overall, the scent lasts maybe 4-5 hours on me, I do like it as a winter fragrance. Not entirely sure if I’d repurchase since I already have Black Orchid.
DenQ – :
Nirvana Black is sexy, subtle, soft, spicy and sophisticated. It starts off kind of sharp and green but then the sandalwood warms up soon thereafter. Black smells a bit like a cashmere sweater. It reminds very much of Organza Indecence.
burikdenis – :
I like the way it smells but the sillage is absent. Only a skin scent.
kismet – :
I blind bought this based on the reviews, just hate it. So cheap and masculine. Only dirty sandalwood for hours, and then light warm vanilla. I think that might make it slightly feminine. Good that I have only a rollerball.
LisaRoseFox – :
No, just no. I thought the notes were very interesting, but theres something sharp in this that turns my stomach. I kept smelling it in disbelief because I’ve read so many great things about it. From first spray, it smells of some kind of cheap incense perfume with a major bite. I waited for it to warm on my skin at which point it got almost sickeningly sweet…there was no other notable change in scent after 30 minutes. I am very sure that this perfume is not for my body chemistry. I actually like the white one better. I don’t normally like the notes on that one, but it smells pretty decent on me. Maybe for these to smell good, you should pick the opposite of what you normally like…weird.
qwx805speagoessenda – :
I blind swapped for this and I couldn’t be happier. I love sandal and this one is great. Sweet delicate violet, creamy sandal, warm vanilla. It’s the perfect blend of masculine and feminine, I see this as being a great couples fragrance. The silage is so-so crossing my fingers for longevity
armanincognita – :
Smells like stale violet freezer burn and musk. A no go for me.
mitia58 – :
This is probably my signature scent. I love how wearable it is and fairly affordable so I don’t feel bad buying multiple bottles. It is pretty straightforward, with heavy sandalwood and vanilla, but I don’t get a lot of the violet. The whole combo just means comfort and familiarity, and obviously, I wear this year-round, day and night. I also love their bourbon and amethyst scents, their “darker” fragrances are all up my alley!
PrototipX29A – :
I received this in an Ipsy bag about a year ago, opened the cap, sniffed, replaced the cap. Havent thought of it again, until today. In fairness at that time I was fully immersed in a fruity phase (thank god thats over) so this had no chance in hell. For awhile I have been loving everything sweet and warm and boy does this fit into that category!!! It’s thick, rich, warm, sweet and totally addictive in the best way possible. To me, this is not powdery nor is it masculine, unisex, sure. I am no expert but its very similar to Madonna’s Truth or Dare Naked. Not exact but same overall comfy, wrapped in a blanket feel. It is just beautiful!!
MartinaKrany – :
I don’t know how I feel about this perfume. The main note on me is sandalwood with some sweetness from the vanilla (very similar to the amount of sweetness in Nirvana Bourbon). The prominent sandalwood is where my hesitation lies, I think. I’m not really a fan of sandalwood in fragrances, but this is blended so beautifully with the vanilla, it’s hard not to like.
The same good sillage and lasting power you would expect from an E&J perfume.
I think I like it, but I’m a bit shy as I jump into a whole new world of sandalwood-based perfume. This’ll be a rollerball buy for me, but I’m excited to grow into this beautiful fragrance.
zhjcnm1981 – :
This is my all-time favorite fragrance. It’s very dark, woody and sultry but the violet adds a beautiful touch of floral to the mix. This is by far the sexiest smelling perfume I have ever come across. The men in my life love it lol! It is reminiscent of Tom Ford Black Orchid but there is less floral in this scent and more spicy, woody smells. It’s truly lovely. Best worn in the fall/winter as it is a very warm fragrance.
Ksiusha_pa – :
Am I the only one who smells a lot of Tom Ford’s Black Orchid in this?
ypo227speagoessenda – :
Very unique, and definitely SULTRY. This is definitely a Cold Weather Fragrance, for me ~ or one that I would wear at night… ROMANTIC Evenings, in particular. It seems to be a Love-It or Hate-It fragrance — not much middle ground with this one. I happen to love it.
smit4 – :
I blindly bought Nirvana Rose after seeing a write-up online. I fell in love with it immediately. It is probably my most favourite perfume of all time and that’s saying a lot, as I get bored quickly and move on.
Only when I came to review Rose, did I find out there were three others in the Nirvana line. I thought about Bourbon, but the notes made it sound too similar to other scents I’ve owned in the past, so I took a look at Black and White.
Either would have done. I came across an awesome price on Black and went for it.
Disappointed is the best I can say. It smells almost like nothing. I’m not sure how that’s possible. I mean there’s a smell, it’s not like I’m putting on water, it just has no stand out smell, on me.
My husband’s only comment was “good, now you won’t waste money on Black Orchid.” Indeed, I won’t. Back to the drawing board.
I will only purchase White and Bourbon if I find a can’t pass it up price.
ol4ik2222 – :
I started wearing the Nirvana Bourbon variety first, then found I had a rollerball of this stashed away I’d forgotten about. Needless to say, this smells just as delicious on me as the Bourbon did! I actually found out that Caress’ “Passionate Spell” body wash smells just like Nirvana Black, so if you use that first, then layer with the perfume, the smell lasts far beyond a full work day! I find this intoxicating and rich when on my skin. One of my favorites in rotation right now!
senan – :
For an affordable alternative to this great scent, try mixing/layering Pacifica’s Sandalwood, Island Vanilla, and Indian Coconut Nectar fragrances. The last one isn’t necessary but if you want a more tropical take on Nirvana Black, then definitely give it a try. Pacifica’s scents are a good deal cheaper and Nirvana Black stays quite linear on my skin and doesn’t seem worth the price tag anyway.
slavian12 – :
this smells similar to an arabian roller ball oil-‘christina by nabeel’ it is $2 for 6ml and it is thick and concentrated and lasts forever-and it is deeper and richer than this is…this isn’t bad but if you really like sandalwood nabeel does one, a little better than this, called king of sandal wood’
this is pretty, but there isn’t really spectacular about it. there are better sandalwood scents for far less….
feik – :
How do people get “deep”,”dark”, “masculine”, and “heavy” out of this?? LOL all I smell is Play-Doh! Vanilla scented Play-Doh. I actually really like that smell so I am enjoying my samples. Is my nose broken? haha!
Soulless_God – :
Not a fan. Unfortunately this line of fragrances just don’t sit well on my skin. It’s so dry and powdery, with a sugary fake vanilla as a foundation. There is nothing unique or interesting about the perfume. There is something really nice and warm and smoky right down to the skin, but you’ve got to put your nose to the pulse point to ascertain that (what’s up with all of these having a low smoky note? I sort of feel like they took the same perfume and just changed 1 note and sent it out as it’s own thing)… 5/10? I feel like it’s really hard to place judgement on something that comes across as so unfinished. The bottle design for this collection is lovely, though.
doctor89s – :
I don’t get into telling you what it takes after regarding what it’s made of, but I do know I like it, not just when it’s first put on, but after it has settled down onto my skin or clothing. Gentle enough my sinus’ don’t go all wild on me. I have to be careful or a huge headache will come on all of a sudden. This is one I will be wanting next.
I have some what I call cheap fragrances from Avon, and I am getting to the point they all have the same base smell to them, and they must just vary a small amount to give them different names. But now it’s time for ‘big girl fragrances’! Black is what I like. Need to check out White now.
Nalli – :
I have a rollerball of this and wear it now and then but lately have been appreciating it more.
It starts with a very smooth, traditional sandalwood, cold and not too sweet.
As it warms on the skin, the smell of vanilla pods come through and again its not too sweet which i love. Violet is also present and adds a cold powdery feel.
Together it smells a little balsamic but when it has full dried down it becomes a little sweeter and powdery and throughout the day i get whiffs of it and it smells divine.
I love it because its simply beautiful and classy and i see it as a bit of a “gothic” scent because of the cold powderyness and bitterness of the vanilla pod and sandalwood.
karamelka1410 – :
I really liked this because it reminded me of two scents I really like Estée Lauder Sensuous and Adam Levine for women. That said, both the aforementioned scents are far longer lasting and work better on my skin than Nirvana Black. I would have also expected more originality from a fragrance with such a sizable price tag. Please don’t misunderstand me or interpret this review as negative, quite contrary… it is very similar to two of my all time favorites and I quite liked it! I just won’t be purchasing a FB because I have no need for another fragrance of this “style” or “vibe” or however you say it.
I think this is a great fragrance for warm sandalwood lovers! Worth a test, absolutely. No question.
leonidkal1967 – :
FYI about this fragrance for me. I love it, but yes it leans a bit toward the masculine side. However, it’s amazing to layer with. I can layer it with almost any floral or floral fruity perfume and get a wonder concoction! If it isn’t working for you try experimenting with it by layering. You may be very pleasantly surprised with the results like I was.
kostik11 – :
You can’t get Elizabeth and James where I’m from, so whilst on holidays in the US I took myself to sephora and tested them all. Now, I ended up buying Nirvana White because I felt it was more me and wearable. But this one is so good and different, it needs a review.
First spray is awfully masculine. It was quite eugh. I walked around, ate some dinner and came back to my hand 2 hours later and it was heaven! Obviously woody yes, but not dry. It has an extreme powder element to it but is also sweet and rich from the vanilla. Gorgeously intoxicating. And if I had the room, this one would be a buy just to wear when I’m feeling mysterious.
wdx704Bessinepome – :
I’m just discovering that I really love sandalwood. This is a great scent to layer. I like it with pinrose pillow talk poet. It’s really good.
DeMon1991 – :
Theres something really offensive in this that smells like gasoline to me… its just like the reaction I got from rihanna rogue..ugh. I haaaaaate it! Ive tried to like this but I cant get passed that awful note!
averkov2011 – :
Wow! A lot of distaste on here for this one! I am a little surprised considering other ‘commercial’ scents that can be found at the mall often get great reviews despite not offering much that is truly special. But there seem to be some people who like it despite its simplicity.
I keep thinking Nirvana Black is more complex that it is. When I smell it, it surprises me that there are only 3 notes. Then I take another sniff and think, “Oh. Okay, I could see that”. So Black is not breaking any new ground and it’s not trying to say anything special. But what it’s saying is enough.
It’s a little dark, a little sweet, and a little spicy. It does not excel in any of those things (and there is a synthetic note to it that I have come to realize I don’t like). However that makes this fragrance very wearable: For work, for dates, for every day. It’s on the approachable side of mysterious. It’s not off-putting with any intense, strange notes. It’s not trying to surprise you. Though, there is a whiff of alcohol in the beginning. I could totally see this becoming someone’s signature scent or staple in their collection.
All in all, this fragrance does have limitations, but they are no different than much better-selling ones. I think it’s important to not set your expectations too high. Nirvana Black has simple goals and simple executions. And it doesn’t hurt that the full-size bottle is a cool shape.
UPDATE: This is one of the few fragrances I get complimented on when I wear it. It gets noticed, for sure!
diss1111 – :
Nirvana Black is a pleasant fragrance but not terribly dark. I have real trouble classifying anything with a major vanilla note as ‘dark’. The sandalwood is mild and lacks a smoky note that might have given the scent more depth and darkness. The violet note is just not dark at all. At. All. Maybe they should have called it ‘Nirvana Violet’. Its just not ‘black’.
What it IS, is a mild, non-offensive daytime scent. The sillage is moderate so you won’t kill people nearby and longevity is okay too. It lasted on me from about 7am to about 1:30-2pm- so maybe 6 hours. It IS probably more of a traditionally feminine scent but a confident guy could wear it. I would enjoy it on a man.
It is somewhat offbeat for modern scents so you will be a bit out of the mainstream if you wear it. I’m personally a fan of ‘out of the mainstream’.
mmmalena – :
The nicest thing I can say is that there is a hint of unobjectionable vanilla hidden somewhere underneath a badly synthesized sandalwood-like scent. I wouldn’t press this perfume on anyone I liked.
The ammonia component of some (almost all) synthetic sandalwood scents is repulsive, totally unmistakable, and Nirvana absolutely reeks with the stuff. Ugh! It smells of manboy-ass: that odor you get when a young male with rollicking testosterone levels liberally splashes on a shitty cologne then stress sweats from armpits and groin for many hours. You can smell them from 3 yards away at the end of the day. So gross.
Real sandalwood, any of the varieties, is a soft, sensual delight. Had the Nirvana included just a little of the real stuff it probably would have been quite lovely. Instead it smells cheap and nasty.
narDahPyday – :
I love this! It smells like a smokier, gentler Estee Lauder Sensuous. It’s vanilla-sweetened powdery sandalwood. There’s a nice sweetness to it, but it will not get cloying in heat like the honey in Sensuous. It has a dark mysteriousness to it that’s not overbearing. Maybe Nirvana Gray would be a better name, as this isn’t the darkest of the dark when it comes to perfume. It’s still absolutely beautiful and very long lasting! It doesn’t smell like a celebrity perfume, but I wish it had a celebrity perfume price! I do think it can be unisex, it however leans feminine. My boyfriend really likes it!
olya7850 – :
I must have receive a bad bad bad batch of this in the rollerball set. To me, just sniffing the bottle smelled like stale cat urine or maybe alleys in the city where people pee and sweat and have illicit quickies. On the other hand I love the Bourbon version. Has anyone else had that rancid experience with Black? I may have to go to the shop and smell a fresh bottle to see.
slavik79 – :
Nirvana Black is the perfect name for this deep, dark, mysterious and gorgeous perfume. It’s heavenly! I love it to death. It’s beautiful. Sensuous, soft and comforting. The sandalwood is fantastic. So smoky and warm and delicious. I think it’s a fabulous creation. LOVE!!!
andrjukha – :
On paper this is my ideal scent but in reality it made me feel almost sick. It reminds me of when a guy is sweaty and musky but it hasn’t developed to full on body odour. I don’t smell violet (my favourite note) I just get sandalwood muskiness that makes me think sweat. Really disappointed. Everyone raves about it but my chemistry must be really off. It smells vile on me.
sergeym14 – :
definitely unisex but still delicate enough if you like feminine scents. powdery, not too sweet.
evgeniy_minus – :
Great nose behind this perfume. It’s Defintly unisex. The sandalwood is milky and delicious. I think it’s a great release. The bottle is super cool as well.
gbplf – :
Snells a little sophomoric, a little like a department store sepora vision of what a sexy, sultry perfume should be, but doesn’t stray too far away from a britney-spears and pop-music kind of demographic. I guess, it is more universal and has broader appeal than the fragrances that interest me most. Still, it is one of the few fragrances I first added to my collection while unemployed and broke and I wear it occasionally.
It reminds me of nothing so much as Morrocanoil hair products, including their original oil that was all the rage in the earlymillenium. It is not nearly as sophisticated a scent in terms of notes as I would have wished, but the ones used are expertly employed, it has a beautiful evolution that goes to a dry, powdery drydown (is that the right term) without any nasty surprises or weirdness halfway through. It doesn’t last on fabric all that much longer than on skin.
It does have a ‘skin’ scent and a sensual element that many niche perfumes that I love and think are great for night or are sexy seem to lack; an expensive skin element that smells like it must have been made by a nose that really knew what it was doing thrugh and through. In that sense it smells expensive and classy. But it isn’t grande-dame; nor too bright, as my initial sentneces might have suggested.
I smelled it first in one of those nasty scented aper samples in a women’s magazine. I think that summarizes its niche: it is on the other corner of what such a magazine might still cater to, what its readership might like. But it stood out by a mile from any of the other, eye-glazing, nose-violating scents that those folder papers of offensive perfumey fakery usually carry. It was a rare and authentic and different fragrance in a sea of mainstream. But it doesn’t leave that mainsteam entirely.
Very powdery, very vanilla, very skin. Your partner will likely think it smells sexy on you or even think it is mostly just how you yourself smell–vs discering the perfume too strongly–unless they are a trained nose and want you to smell like R’Oud Elements by Kerosene, or something [and if you DO know such a person, who is single, please refer them to me–I’m 29 yrs old, female, bi mostly straight, bay area].
Vassylalk – :
This fragrance is nice. When I first spray it, I’m hit with the scent of black liquorice, soft, but very distinct. As it dries, I get the warm vanilla and spice scent, that reminds me of a milder, more subtle version of Obsession, fading into a leather note that I like best of all.
I enjoy this scent, but I’m far more likely to reach for my Obsession or Ambre Nue by Atelier if I want to enjoy a spicy warmth. Nirvana Black fades much faster than expected on me. it just feels too weak to be truly great.
koc_18 – :
Verrry manly smell ! Not For me. I smell tobacco.
Antelsnuloush – :
I really wanted to like this scent. The bottle is very sleek. It seemed pretty simple — sandalwood, violet, and vanilla – all things I like.
After I put it on, it started to grow and became magnetic, cashmere-like, peppery, balsamic…then whiffs of melting plastic, sharp, acrid.
It was a scent that definitely to be noticed- like a young aspiring (and somewhat desperate) starlet at a cocktail party who is looking around for whom she can connect with next.
Then I realized it was the exact scent of someone I had met before that I could never quite put my finger on, which interestingly enough- I thought to myself- I want to like this smell, but there was just something off about it.
I actually took a shower within moments of trying it on from a sample to remove it.
19petrovich81 – :
Product: Elizabeth and James, Nirvana Black, for Her.
This is really nice scent. Creamy French vanilla, like a really high end version of Coty Vanilla Fields. A little bit masculine. One of the more expensive perfumes in Sephora (and Nordstrom) right on par with the price point of Gucci, Dior.
Although I admire the scent, I probably would not purchase because this is a Olsen Twins product. They have come a long way from their Walmart products.
By the way, the Olsen twins clothing line (The Row) is also one of the most expensive runway clothing lines on par with Chanel, YSL, and St. John Knits.
“Elizabeth and James” is the name of the Olsen twins younger siblings, its considered “less exclusive” than “The Row”.
source – Sephora samples included with my order . Just now getting around to trying them.
review by Cyco Eva 2016
Gundufol – :
This smells like close to 100% ISO E Super with a touch of vanilla! That’s not a bad thing, just pretty simple and linear. Surprisingly decent.
boots456 – :
I adore this fragrance. I have been wearing this for some time now and I just Love the way it smells!
On my skin it wears very feminine. There is a sensual and mysterious energy about it.
vadims666 – :
Too bad that only a handful of guys have wrote reviews. This is a CDG like scent IMO and is similar to Carner El Born. It has that light incense vibe but contrasting sweetness that probably appeals more to women than men as most men only like “beast” mode scents. This would be perfect for dates and work and pretty much anytime of the year as it does not stray too far away from the skin. I have gotten out of the whole beast mode scents and do appreciate more low key scents such as this. I would grab a bottle if it ever showed up at the discount sites but that seems unlikely.. Sad Face…
Tilkus – :
Ugh, if I ever had to choose a scent to wear every day, this would be it. Sexy and dark but so warm and comfortable.
It’s dirty and almost smoky, like the sandalwood was charred a bit before it was cut and used. It’s a very “alive” scent that makes itself right at home on my skin.
I know there’s more to those accords than they’re letting on… But I guess that’s part of the mystery. And I enjoy this mystery. This violet and vanilla infused sandalwood mystery.
You go’head and tease me, Nirvana Black. Make me figure out that mystery. Boss me around a little. Tell me I’m a dirty girl. I like it.
fineless – :
Musky sandalwood and an almost candylike violet. Its much too soft and musky to be called noir. The composition overall reminds me of blue raspberry go-gurt. I don’t think it has enough kick.
KapustaWynikQ – :
It was a pleasure getting to know this perfume, I do like it and it does remind me of a scent from days past, I’m not sure what.
Id like to say fendi theorama but not really, but nivana does remind me of damp wood in the forrest. I’ve enjoyed it for almost two weeks now, one spray is enough with this one.
BlinDDD – :
I’ve been wearing this A LOT over the past year, my bottle at this point is half empty, and I’ve sent many little samples of Black along with swaps, simply because I like it so much and I want others to try it as well.
The pros, for me, are: I can wear it to work, the silage is low but I can smell it on my person all day, it is dark and woody but still modern, and it wears great in all seasons, a plus, since where I live it can be 0 degrees in winter, or 100 degrees and humid in the summer.
I wish I could find a true note list for Black, because there is more going on here than just violets, vanilla, and sandalwood. The topnotes are almost chocolatey, a chocolate violet scent, which sounds a little weird, but it really works. That topnote vanishes pretty fast, and the middle is very musky, darkly musky, I think this is the part that many people find ‘masculine.’ It’s a dark musk with a hint of flowery sweetness (not violet, I have no idea what the other flower notes are) and sandalwood on the bottom. The flower-dark musk accord wears down after an hour or two, and the drydown is basic, a nice sandalwood with a dusting of powder and darkish-floral vanilla, and it works as a your-skin-but-better type of thing. Yeah, they can’t use real Indian sandalwood anymore, and the Australian(?) kind is thinner and less dynamic that the sandalwoods of yore, but the drydown has identifiable sandalwood there, and not some crappy aromachemical standing in for a woody base. (Maybe it’s a really good aromachemical, I don’t know, but it actually smells like sandalwood.)
Oh, and, if you are into layering, this goes FANTASTICALLY with Narciso Rodriguez for Her in EDT (the black bottle.) Like orgasmically wonderful.
Anyway, good job Olsens! I look forward to your next releases.
griff8m – :
This an absolutely lovely, stylish scent- sophisticated warmth from the sandalwood that meets a touch of sweetness from the vanilla, with a hint of violet to round it out. (although on myself personally, the violet doesn’t really come through all that well) It’s very wearable and inoffensiv