Versace Crystal Noir makes me feel like an Italian movie star

The top notes of Versace Crystal Noir are lively: a combo of cardamom, pepper and ginger. You’re most likely to smell them as soon as you spray them. Once it dries a little, you are greeted by a floral hunter – the scent of gardenia, peony and orange blossom. After a night out, you’ll find the scent has mellowed into a sweet aroma of amber and sandalwood – taking the whole experience from spicy and sexy to pretty and soothing.

How I tested it

I’ve worn Versace Crystal Noir to a few evening events – drinks with friends and New Year’s Eve parties. The scent seemed to go best with a tight black dress, heels, and deep burgundy lipstick (and I did as she ordered). The compliments were plentiful, but even without turning heads, I felt confident wearing the scent.

With a spritz split between both wrists and another on the décolleté, it lasted several hours at its peppery, attention-grabbing best – before mellowing into a delicate, warm floral aroma.

After doing it multiple times around town at night, I spotted a TikTok recommending layering it with Tom Ford Soleil Blanc. I happened to have this in my collection, so I gave it a try and was blown away by the transformation of the jumpsuit. It instantly transported this sexy nighttime scent into a summer day, adding a hint of vanilla and coconut to the rich floral notes of Crystal Noir.

My sincere thoughts

Versace Crystal Noir is not a wallflower. She’s a movie star: elegant, rich, and honestly, a bit intimidating. She would never start something but she would absolutely finish it, put her lipstick back on and be on her way (to the next paparazzi-laden party, no doubt). The embodiment of a strong woman in stilettos – Sophia Loren or Gina Lollabrigida.

Given the serious boost in confidence, Versace Crystal Noir is my new go-to scent for any night out. I love how sexy it feels without veering into musky, mature territory (which is often present when we’re talking about femme fatale scents). It kind of sits on the line between dark and soft, probably thanks to the delicate floral notes that become more pronounced the longer you wear it.

I wish I could bottle the layered combination of Versace Crystal Noir and Tom Ford Soleil Blanc. It’s more playful and suitable for everyday use, although buying both and layering them daily is unfortunately not a cost-effective way to live.

Where to buy it

Versace Crystal Noir is widely available at your favorite beauty stores – Sephora and Ulta – as well as several high-end department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom.