
Black Magic
Black Magic by Sebastiane is a bold, unisex floriental launched in 2014. It blends dark blackberry, jasmine, and rose with a grounded base of patchouli, leather, and vetiver. This long-lasting, heavy-projection scent suits those who favor complex, vintage-style compositions over modern trends. It is an assertive choice for evening wear and cool-weather settings.
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Performance Metrics
349 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
This is a high-performance, potent fragrance with exceptional longevity, often exceeding 10 hours. Projection is enormous, filling a room within minutes, making it a beast-mode scent that demands careful, sparing application.
Notes Pyramid
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A deep, moody, and naturalist floriental centered on jammy rose, jasmine, and dark blackberry. It carries a heavy, resinous texture with a green, bitter edge, eventually drying down into a soft, earthy, and worn-leather base punctuated by patchouli.
Main Accords
14 MAPPEDThe floral and fruity accords dominate the skin early on, creating a loud, heady presence. As time passes, the amber and leather accords take over, providing a smooth, resinous, and sinuous structure that feels grounded and slightly smoky.
Community Data
740 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
OWNERSHIP STATS
GENDER APPEAL
REVIEW SENTIMENT
When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in winter and fall. The vote picture leans most toward night.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Exceptional, long-lasting performance.
Unique, vintage-style character.
Deep, high-quality leather base.
Strikingly bold, non-linear development.
Ideal for cold-weather occasions.
Distinctive fruity-floral blend.
High concentration of oils.
Perfect for formal evening events.
Strong sillage for projection lovers.
Well-blended naturalistic notes.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Potentially overwhelming opening blast.
Too loud for office environments.
Not a crowd-pleasing, easy wear.
Requires confident skin chemistry.
Can be too floral for some.
Polarizing scent profile.
Difficult to blind buy safely.
Not suited for high-heat climates.
Can be perceived as too heavy.
Requires very light application.
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Black Magic by Sebastiane: A Deep, Moody Floriental for the Bold”
The opening of Black Magic is an unapologetic, sharp burst of dark blackberry, green stems, and intense floral notes. It does not wait for you to adjust; it immediately fills the space around you with a dense, almost aggressive, naturalist bouquet. There is a distinct, slightly bitter green quality here that catches the back of the throat, setting a tone that is far from the polite, sanitized openings found in modern department store fragrances. If you are looking for subtlety, this is not it.
As the minutes pass, the heart of the fragrance reveals itself through a rich, heady combination of jasmine and rose. These flowers do not smell like fresh cut stems in a vase, but rather like a deep, jammy, and slightly incense-like floral arrangement. The blackberry remains present, acting as a fruity anchor that keeps the florals from becoming too dusty. The transition is steady, with the sharp edges of the opening smoothing out into something more cohesive.
The dry-down brings the base notes to the forefront, where leather, patchouli, and a hint of vetiver settle into the skin. This phase is where the scent feels most sinuous and sophisticated. The leather here is not harsh or synthetic; it feels like the soft, worn material of a vintage saddle or a supple leather purse. The patchouli adds a dark, earthy depth that pairs perfectly with the fading rose. It feels grounded, substantial, and definitely has the character of a classic, vintage-style composition.
Performance is objectively high, bordering on extreme. Most users will find that two sprays provide more than enough scent to last for an entire work day and well into the night. Because of this massive projection, it is a fragrance that requires a cautious hand during application. Wearing it in confined spaces like an office or an elevator is a recipe for overwhelming those nearby.
Black Magic is not for everyone, and that is its main strength. It suits someone who values boldness and is comfortable wearing a scent that demands attention. It is a mature, complex fragrance that works best in cool weather, where the depth of the amber and leather can truly shine without becoming stifling. It is not an everyday scent for the casual wearer; it is a statement piece for the collector.
In the end, this is a fragrance that rewards those who enjoy the journey of a complex, evolving scent on the skin. It is not cheap, it is not subtle, and it is not safe. However, for those who love deep, moody florals that carry a touch of the past into the present, it is a noteworthy addition to any collection.
FAQs
What is the primary scent profile of Black Magic?+
Black Magic is a naturalist floral-fruity scent anchored by deep rose, dark blackberry, and a green, leathery backbone. It is not your average sweet fragrance, offering a complex, heady, and slightly bitter character that appeals to those looking for a substantial, vintage-leaning composition rather than a linear gourmand.
How does the fragrance change from opening to dry-down?+
The opening often hits with a strong, sharp burst of berries and freshly cut flowers with green stems. As it dries down, the intensity softens, and the leather, patchouli, and vetiver emerge to provide a grounded, sinuous, and slightly smoky quality that sits closer to the skin than the opening.
What is the expected longevity of Black Magic?+
Longevity is a standout feature for this perfume. Most users report it is a long-lasting scent that easily stays on the skin for over 8 to 10 hours. Because it is highly concentrated, you should start with one or two sprays to ensure it does not overwhelm your personal space.
How powerful is the sillage?+
This is a potent, room-filling fragrance. In the first few hours, it projects significantly, and two sprays are often enough to make your presence known in any room. If you are sensitive to heavy scents, apply it sparingly, perhaps only to the back of the neck, to control the sillage.
Which seasons are best for wearing this perfume?+
Due to its dense, complex, and slightly dark nature, Black Magic shines in the cooler months of fall and winter. The warm amber, leather, and patchouli notes harmonize with crisp, cold air, whereas the heavy floral-fruity profile might feel stifling or too aggressive in the peak heat of summer.
Is Black Magic suitable for daily office wear?+
This is likely too assertive for a cramped or quiet office environment. Given its enormous projection and heady, vintage-style floral character, it is better suited for evening events, dates, or social gatherings where a bold, confident statement is welcome rather than a subtle, polite office scent.
Does it lean more masculine or feminine?+
While marketed as unisex, many users find it leans feminine, especially during the initial floral-forward hours. However, the base notes of leather, patchouli, and vetiver provide enough grit and backbone that it can be worn effectively by anyone who appreciates a dark, moody floral-oriental structure.
Is this a good blind buy?+
No, Black Magic is not recommended for a blind buy. It is a polarizing, potent composition that smells different on every skin type. You should sample it first to see how the prominent rose and leather notes interact with your chemistry before committing to a full bottle.
What is the best way to test this fragrance?+
Purchase a decant from a reputable indie perfumery. Apply it on your skin, not just paper, and wear it for a full day. Monitor how the blackberry and jasmine heart develops after the initial sharp opening to determine if the blend works for you.
Can Black Magic be layered with other scents?+
Layering is risky because the fragrance is already very complex and potent. If you must layer, pair it with a very simple, single-note vanilla or musk to soften the edges. Do not pair it with other heavy floral or woody perfumes, as the result will likely become chaotic.
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Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCORENo dupes submitted yet. The first useful DupeScore can come from your community.
There are few direct dupes due to its specific naturalist, vintage-inspired composition. For a similar depth of rose and patchouli, try Frederic Malle's Portrait of a Lady, though it is more refined. For leather-centric, vintage-leaning vibes, Guerlain's Shalimar remains the classic reference.
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