Estee Lauder • Tom Ford Black Orchid • Fragrances

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Kit20 on 3/31/2009 9:35:00 PM more reviews by Kit20

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Sprayed this with trepidation as I knew it was liable to be out of my usual comfort zone. It begins very chocolatey/vanilla with echoes of Flowerbomb & Angel. I had just decided it was probably a scrubber when the drydown hit. This is absolutley beautiful. The vanilla softens and a woodiness appears to come through with strong coconut. I got so many compliments that day I went and bought a bottle. So to conclude, do not be put off by the initial gourmande feel of this fragrance - wait ten minutes, and you might love it

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BigglyBoo on 3/22/2009 2:51:00 PM more reviews by BigglyBoo

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

This is a review not for the original, but for a site I found you might enjoy trying out. It's called www.wholesalebodyoils.com.
I ordered a dupe of this along with about 8 other perfumes. So far I have to say Im *very* happy with the staying power and scent of these roll ons.
I got the dupe of Amber Romance, Black Orchid, Very Sexy, Unforgivable, Flowerbomb, Covet and some other elses:)
Really happy with the ones I have tried out so far, and the price for sampling cannot be beat. If you want the *real* deal but don't want to spent a fortune buying a perfume you ultimately don't really wear much, this is a great alternative. I figure I'm going to work my way down their list, which should take me ages:) Then, if you decide the perfume is for you, you can always spring for the expensive real-name brand if you want. So far of the ones I have tested (I own the originals) neither my husband nor I can tell the diff when I put this on one wrist and the real one on the other, and my husband has a great sense of smell. Now I don't own all of the above scents, but I have 3 of them. I ordered some of the scents I already own so I could see how this version compared to the original *on my body and over time*. For 1/3 oz roll on for $1.49 I cannot really believe how well-made these are. The only dupes I've ever smelled/tried were in the drugstores etc. and they were ghastly - nothing like the originals to me and stung my nose.
Give these a try - I got 8 for 20.62 (which includes super fast shipping and they were packed well enough that they all got to me safely.
The roll ons are not a gorgeous bottle to keep out on your dresser/vanity, but I don't care about that one bit - I'm after the usable scent.

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*TOP REVIEWER* essija on 3/19/2009 8:30:00 PM more reviews by essija

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Red   Eyes: Blue    

Luxurious for sure is what you get with Black Orchid. Sweet Black currant and insense, this is to dye for. You must try this, I love it.. Warm and Creamy on my skin. I get so many compliments from both men and women
I will buy this over and over.. MY HG now!!

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kris4life4 on 3/1/2009 9:10:00 PM more reviews by kris4life4

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I like this, but am not yet sure that I like it enough to buy it. It's very deep & spicy/smoky on me...it actually smells like men's cologne on me! That's why I'm not sure about it...not sure I want to smell like a guy.
Good lasting power though...I only used one spray from my little sample vial (about 8 hours ago) and I can still smell it.

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woowoograce on 2/23/2009 10:56:00 AM more reviews by woowoograce

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Harsh, spicy and earthy at first, then the overripe plums come out and flirt with just a touch of weird floral. The plums are not the "fresh & fruity" sort of thing one might expect. It's like summertime when there are so many plums available that one inevitably goes a bit soft on your counter. So when you reach for it, the skin is velvety soft and the flesh gives just a little too much. Your plum feels uncomfortably like human flesh. It's hot and you've punctured the skin and juice leaks onto the counter and the fruit flies are going to have a field day.

On the dry down Black Orchid is a dirty, spicy gourmand. There is some vanilla in there, which I often dislike, but it is vanilla that has been very, very bad, so I like it. The overall effect is delightfully raunchy.

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SKYYStheLimit on 2/20/2009 10:14:00 PM more reviews by SKYYStheLimit

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium, Cool   Hair: Red, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I tried this perfume out of curiousity. I heard it was quite nasty, but I was still curious. I went to Sephora & decided to try it out. I sprayed it and the Black Orchid Voile de Fleur on each wrist and sniffed. They were both admittedly vile, and I was disappointed. So I went on my merry way, after spraying a little makeup remover on my wrists to try to get rid of the stench. I checked out a few more stores, and then as I got into my car a wonderful little breeze of a scent hit me. I wasn't sure where it was coming from, so I just kind of pushed the thought out of my mind. Then my friend also commented on 'what smelled so good?' I hadn't even really thought about the fact that my wrist must still smell like black orchid(s). But at some point during the ride, I must have gotten my hand near my face enough to realize that's where the scent was coming from. Needless to say, we both marvelled about how good the perfume smelled on me. So I decided to go back and use a gift cert to buy it the Black Orchid. I was hoping and praying it was the Black Orchid and not the Black Orchid Voile de Fleur that I wanted, because I couldnt really be sure as they didn't have the Voile de Fleur tester out when I went back. So, I went for it and bought the Black Orchid. I sprayed a tiny bit on, and was repelled immediately. I must have bought the wrong one... damn! Then, within 30 minutes, I realized it was the RIGHT one, and I couldn't stop sniffing myself. Damn this perfume has a wicked dry down! Really, its my new signature scent. I've had a few friends tell me I smell good, and I just smile. From now on, I'm not telling anyone what I am wearing... my friends have a habit of asking me what perfume I'm wearing and then buying the same fragrance. So when we go out we smell like a troupe of french whores. This is MY scent, get your own!

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TahneeT on 2/18/2009 12:33:00 AM more reviews by TahneeT

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

Weird. Distinctive. Not for everyone. Get compliments when wearing which surprises me because I'm not sure I even like it. It has a sharpness to it that reminds me of Fendi or Picasso. Until it wears down, it's as if there's only scent that comes screaming through. After it wears down I smell pipe tobacco. I'm so on the fence with this is one I cannot say if I'd buy it again... I think I could find another fragrance I could pinpoint better.

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*TOP REVIEWER* May_Bee on 2/16/2009 5:34:00 AM more reviews by May_Bee

Age: 30-35   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Stomach-churningly vile. I sprayed this on with caution but was still forced to sit in the back of the car on the way home, with two windows open (it is February). I can't even blame my boyfriend for his lack of compassion, because the smell actually made my friend's baby cry, and he is not fussy when it comes to odours. Pure evil. Toxic.

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Sayers on 2/15/2009 4:22:00 PM more reviews by Sayers

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

So difficult to rate this fragrance since it is sooooo expensive ($230.00) and I'd never spend that much on perfume unless I won a lottery. But I do like this alot. It's got everything going on, dark, soft, slightly bitter, floral, sweet....seems it depends which way the wind catches it. I can't really pinpoint any one note, they all work in unison and they do it awfully well. Happily a little goes a long way in fact this is a spray and walk-through scent so my meager samples will last for some time.

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laurenmillie on 2/5/2009 2:58:00 AM more reviews by laurenmillie

Age: Unknown   Skin: Sensitive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I will start by saying this is my HG!!! Ever ever ever... I took one whiff when it first debuted and I knew it would smell like heaven on me, and it does. People stop me and ask what I am wearing (and I am not liberal with my squirts) all it takes is one with this one!! It is woodsy and floral and heavy and just magical. If you like Dior Addict you will love this it is like Dior addict times 10!! I love how it drys down to a sexy soft warm rich spicy oriental wood on me. Now I know that perfume is a very personal thing so to each her own...but this is it to me. This is everything MY perfume should be...

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*TOP REVIEWER* tragicglamour83 on 1/10/2009 7:41:00 PM more reviews by tragicglamour83

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Red, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I'll admit, I was pretty sure I would be in love with this long before I ever smelled it. I love Tom Ford's exquisite fashion vision, and when I saw the ad campaign upon Black Orchid's debut, I swooned. The art deco bottle itself is to die- jet black with an engraved gold label- the dressing table of a breathy film noir fatale comes to mind. This fragrance is not for the wallflower. Heady, dark, and exotic- this perfume makes quite a statement. Black Orchid takes sweet and spicy to a whole new level of sophistication- very sultry. Perhaps a bit overwhelming at first spray, the drydown is divine and the scent lingers long into the night. Some may choke at the price (about $140 for a 3.4oz bottle) but a little goes a long way, and this is not a scent one chooses for everyday wear. For me, this luxurious perfume has earned its place as one of my all-time favorites.

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cosmogirl64 on 1/2/2009 10:09:00 PM more reviews by cosmogirl64

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Tan   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

This is my absolute favorite fragrance and can't live without it. Again the packaging could have been better for sure. I have a huge mount of perfume but this is my staple. Also check out BBW black amethyst the wallflower smells very close to it!

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sisterscarlette on 1/2/2009 10:03:00 PM more reviews by sisterscarlette

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

WOW. I cannot honestly say I have experienced a fragrance so complex. The orchid is there but swathed in some sort of smokey, dingy something. It's classy, but in a very noir femme-fatale sort of way. Like dead flowers in a crystal vase preserved by incense and cigarettes in a root cellar. Complements me very well, I LOVE this scent! My only complaint is the packaging is just ugly, even if it is black glass supposedly hand made and numbered. The bottle is more like a men's cologne design - in my opinion it should be a more voluptuous design for such a sensuous fragrance. I gave it a 4 ONLY because I am not sure if it is my "signature" yet - Definitely more for a night out than for daily wear.

*UPDATE!*

I just jumped on an insane deal for a 50mL bottle of the eau de toilette "voile de fleur." This smells WAY different than the parfum ( apparently referred to as the "gold label"). The depth of the parfum is lost in this toilette to me. it's close, but no cigar, even though it's tolerable after drydown. just a warning, the bottle looks almost the same but IT IS NOT THE SAME.

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zindylou on 12/31/2008 11:24:00 AM more reviews by zindylou

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Hazel    

I adore this. The people I know that smell it seem to love it but several of them wouldn't wear it but say it's good for me, which I think is interesting. This is something I wear everywhere I go, next to my skin, LIGHTLY sprayed. I could see how it would be overwhelming if you double-spritzed this or wore it on your clothes, like some people do. It is really long lasting and I would guess that the bottle will last quite a long time. This is so bewitching, but use a light hand or it will be overpowering. I am glad this came out because I am so tired of people smelling like desserts and fruit trees. Also, I am very prone to horrible 3 day migraines brought on by flowery perfume (Laura Ashley, ewwww)
worn by other people. This does not give me any kind of headache at all. Thank God!

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ElvisDiva on 12/29/2008 9:32:00 PM more reviews by ElvisDiva

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Hazel    

I am a perfume addict...and this is definitely one of my top fragrances. I first smelled the men's version and instantly fell in love w/ the exotic notes. I had to have it. And thus far, have not been disappointed. Smells divine!

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clvwake on 12/28/2008 2:47:00 PM more reviews by clvwake

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

This is my first review ever here, which should already speak for the fragrance itself! This, in addition to Angel, are my go-to fragrances for a night out, be with it my girlfriends or my husband. Every single time I wear this fragrance, women ask me what it is and men tell me how good I smell. It really is an intoxicating, sexy, provocative, grown-up scent. I instantly feel put together and ready to go when I spritz it on. Definitely not a daytime or work fragrance in my opinion, but who knows, maybe just a little spritz would work fine! I'm definitely not a fragrance expert, but just to help, my other favorite fragrances (which I will always repurchase) are Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, Stella by Stella McCartney, and Lolita Lempicka.

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*TOP REVIEWER* nettimacs on 12/22/2008 5:17:00 PM more reviews by nettimacs

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Tan, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

OMG, i don't need to decribe it.. earlier they did amazingly... i just wanted to say about it how much i am love with it..
my absolute grown up signature scent... :)))))
earlier i used to love gucci rush.... but now it is over...
or maybe i am just a tom ford addict.. when GR debuted he was the creative director of gucci.. :))))

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RichGirlofGA on 11/15/2008 11:18:00 PM more reviews by RichGirlofGA

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

My first experience with TFBO was when my gf bought it, she of exquisite vintage fashion sense, a native of San Francisco's Boho-est, hippest area. I waited, Goddess help me, until she moved back to California to make this MY signature scent (I couldn't bear to offend her) and WOW this lives up to everything I hoped on my skin (and my hair and my clothes). EVERYWHERE I GO, I get compliments on this, especially from men. It is the richest, coolest, hottest thing I've ever worn, edging out YSL's Opium, which is saying something. I want the finishing oil, too, but it's always out of stock. If I had this, Coty Chypre or Guerlain Mitsouko, Opium, and Chanel No. 22, they would be all the fragrances I needed for LIFE!

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*TOP REVIEWER* evakser on 10/7/2008 12:48:00 PM more reviews by evakser

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I tried this at Nordstrom's today after reading the reviews. It's a love it or hate it fragrance, no sitting on the fence with this one. I sprayed it on and initially, I found it way too sharp - it was almost painful, I smelled my arm and recoiled, thinking I made a mistake trying this scent. I left it alone for a while, sniffed it again later, and found it had lightened a little, but was still too sharp for my taste. After about an hour, I smelled it again and it did mellow into a less pungent smell. It rounded out into a powdery, woodsy, earthy - floral scent. On me, it reminds me of the old perfume, Chantilly, though Black Orchid is stronger and earthier. While this scent is not for me, on someone with the right body chemistry it can be nice. I just smell too much powder for my taste. I will update if the drydown changes my mind about this scent!

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whiterabbit23 on 10/5/2008 4:48:00 PM more reviews by whiterabbit23

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

My favorite perfume--ever. I don't know what I'd do without it. It lasts all day and, to me, is a very woodsy/mossy magical scent. Not a perfume for everyone, but definitely for me. :)

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