Pure Black by Mandarina Duck bottle
Mandarina Duck

Pure Black

4.3/5 · 988 votes Masculine 2009
Main accords
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Fragrance notes

Top notes
Heart notes
Base notes

Character

Longevity3.2/5
Sillage2.8/5
Day78
Night89
Fall100
Winter87
Spring68
Summer30
Our take

Pure Black opens with a brisk twist of tangerine, bergamot, and pepper, giving the first spray a bright, lightly heated edge. The citrus feels smooth and polished, while the pepper adds a quick spark that keeps the opening lively. As it settles, tonka bean brings a soft sweetness, joined by the creamy lift of tiare flower and African orange flower. The white florals are present without turning the scent airy or delicate, adding a clean, rounded texture to the blend.

The drydown is where Pure Black finds its identity. Vanilla spreads over sandalwood and Virginia cedar, creating a warm, powdery finish with a gentle amber feel. The wood is smooth and tidy, with cedar lending shape beneath the sweeter tonka and vanilla. Imagine a dark wooden desk catching a strip of late sunlight, its surface warmed by spice and citrus. That image suits the fragrance’s balance of polish and comfort.

Pure Black has moderate staying power, and its sillage forms a modest bubble around the wearer. It works especially well for autumn and winter, with enough citrus lift to make spring a natural setting too. Evening wear brings out its richer side, though the clean opening also suits a dressed-up daytime occasion. Men who enjoy sweet woods, soft spice, and a controlled white-floral touch will find plenty to like here. Those seeking a dry, austere cedar scent may find the vanilla and tonka too plush. The composition was created by Nathalie Lorson and launched in 2009.

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