Aromatics In Black

Clinique Aromatics in Black dupe, inspired by the original

Clinique Aromatics in Black is a modern, darker take on the Aromatics idea, richer and smokier than the original. Our interpretation carries that character in a long lasting Eau de Parfum, made in the EU.

The Story Behind the Scent

Aromatics in Black arrived as a flanker to the 1971 Aromatics Elixir, recasting the iconic chypre into darker fruity territory. The brief was a modern dark interpretation built around pink grapefruit at the opening, jasmine, osmanthus and plum at the heart, and a base of myrrh, vetiver and woody notes. Where the original Aromatics Elixir leans aromatic chypre, Aromatics in Black pulls the line into fruity floral oriental territory with smoky myrrh resin grounding the composition. The flanker had a limited release and has become harder to source through standard retail channels over the years. Our interpretation brings the composition back at proper concentration.

How Our Version Compares to the Original

Fruity floral oriental compositions like Aromatics in Black reward concentration because the myrrh vetiver base needs density to balance the bright fruity opening. Our European Union production at 40 percent perfume oil concentration handles the composition well, with the grapefruit plum opening sparkling cleanly, the jasmine osmanthus heart holding through the wearing, and the myrrh vetiver drydown lasting well into the next day on clothing.

Who It’s For

It suits anyone who enjoys a woody chypre scent with real presence, easy to wear and long lasting.

Notes

Top: Pink Grapefruit, Plum

Heart: Jasmine, Osmanthus

Base: Myrrh, Vetiver, Woody Notes

How it Smells

The opening is bright and slightly tart, pink grapefruit leading with its juicy bittersweet citrus character, plum adding a deeper fruity sweetness, and a quiet floral edge appearing through the early phase. Within fifteen minutes the floral heart unfolds: jasmine takes a leading role with its creamy slightly indolic character, osmanthus adds a quiet apricot-tea floral nuance that distinguishes the composition from typical jasmine compositions, and the plum continues threading through the middle. The base is where Aromatics in Black reveals its dark identity. Myrrh provides smoky resinous depth (rendered as polished and slightly sweet rather than churchy heavy), vetiver adds earthy mineral support, and a quiet woody character grounds the drydown. The overall impression is dark fruit floral with smoky resinous depth.

Common Questions

How does it compare to the original Aromatics Elixir?
Significantly different. The original is a confident aromatic chypre with patchouli and oakmoss. Aromatics in Black is a darker fruity floral oriental with myrrh and plum. They share a brand heritage but represent different perfume directions.

Is the myrrh note prominent?
Yes, distinctly. Myrrh provides the perfume’s signature dark resinous depth, threading through the heart and into the drydown. It is what gives Aromatics in Black its name and its darker mood compared to other Aromatics line variants.

Is the original still in production?
Distribution has narrowed considerably. The flanker has been pulled from many retail channels and now circulates primarily through specialist retailers and resale platforms. Fresh stock is harder to source than for the main Aromatics Elixir.

Best season?
Autumn and winter especially, when the dark fruity myrrh character reads at its best. Evening occasions suit the composition particularly well. The dense character can feel slightly heavy in summer weather.

Disclaimer

Clinique and Aromatics in Black are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Clinique in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.