Francesca Bianchi The Dark Side Extrait

Description

The Dark Side is a honeyed incense built on resins, woods and a smoky, oud-style accord. Released in 2016 by Italian perfumer Francesca Bianchi, who composes every scent in her Amsterdam-based line herself, it was inspired by two trips to Marrakesh and the markets and streets she found there. Honey, spices, iris and violet lead into sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver, amber, styrax, incense, patchouli and vanilla. Reviewers describe a smooth, creamy woody-amber, a little smoky, brightened by the honey. People tend to love it or not at all.

Fragrance Pyramid

• Top: Honey, Spices
• Heart: Iris, Violet
• Base: Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Vetiver, Amber, Styrax, Incense, Patchouli, Vanilla

Note: the house publishes these notes in two tiers (honey, spices, iris and violet above; the woods and resins below). The split between top and heart follows how the scent unfolds.

Performance

Longevity: Very long. It is a 25% extrait and the house rates it among its longest-lasting; skin will vary, but it usually outlasts a full day on fabric.
Sillage: Moderate, rich rather than loud.
Projection: Arm's length at first, then a close, warm aura.

An honest note: a little goes a long way. One or two sprays is plenty.

Best Occasions & Season

Built for Fall and Winter evenings, dinners and nights out. Unisex. Skip it for summer heat or a small shared office: honey and incense grow dense in warm, still air.

Concentration & Provenance

Concentration: Extrait de Parfum
Perfumer: Francesca Bianchi
House: Francesca Bianchi Perfumes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Launched: 2016, with no reformulation on record

100% Authentic

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FAQ

Does The Dark Side contain oud?
Not agarwood. The house built its dark core around an oud-style accord of its own, with incense, styrax and amber supplying the depth.

What does it smell like?
Honey and spice over smoky incense, then a creamy, resinous amber with sandalwood and vanilla.

Is it men's or women's?
Unisex.

Can I try it before buying the bottle?
Yes. Venba also sells The Dark Side as hand-poured samples on a separate sample listing.