Head to head
Lalique Encre Noire and Guerlain Vétiver are often compared by people choosing between the two. Both belong to the woody family, and they share vetiver. They are related in style but clearly different once you smell them side by side.
Encre Noire stands apart with cypress, musk and cashmere wood, while Vétiver brings bergamot, lemon and mandarin. Encre Noire lasts longer (long-lasting against moderate), and they project about the same (moderate). Encre Noire is the cheaper one: about $35 against $110 for a standard bottle.
How we picked. We put the two fragrances side by side using the data in our catalog: notes, olfactory family, longevity, projection, the seasons and occasions each one suits and its typical price. A fragrance smells different on each person, so try both on skin if you can. Prices are typical US retail prices and may differ at checkout.
| Encre NoireLalique | VétiverGuerlain | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $35 · 3.4 oz | $110 · 3.4 oz |
| Concentration | Eau de Toilette | Eau de Toilette |
| Launched | 2006 | 1959 |
| Family | Woody | Woody, Citrus |
| Top notes | Cypress | Bergamot, Lemon, Mandarin, Neroli |
| Heart notes | Vetiver | Vetiver, Pepper, Nutmeg |
| Base notes | Musk, Cashmere wood | Tobacco, Tonka bean, Oakmoss |
| Longevity | Long-lasting | Moderate |
| Projection | Moderate | Moderate |
| Best seasons | Fall, Winter | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Occasions | Office, Formal event | Office, Everyday, Formal event |
| Style | Mysterious, Natural | Classic, Natural, Elegant |
Lalique
$35 · 3.4 oz · EDT · Men · Woody
Dark, earthy vetiver like ink on paper. A cult classic, introspective and surprisingly affordable.
Choose Encre Noire if you want a lower price, longer wear and something better suited to cold weather.
Guerlain
$110 · 3.4 oz · EDT · Men · Woody
Crisp citrus, earthy vetiver root and a trace of tobacco. A dry, green classic that has set the standard for vetiver for decades.
Choose Vétiver if you want something better suited to warm weather, a fragrance that covers more occasions and a more classic and elegant character.
Answer 7 quick questions about the person and the occasion, and we will match the fragrances that fit best.
Take the quizEncre Noire lasts longer (long-lasting against moderate), and they project about the same (moderate). Longevity also depends on your skin and on how much you apply.
Encre Noire is the cheaper one: about $35 against $110 for a standard bottle. These are typical US retail prices for a standard bottle and change often, so check the current price before buying.
They share vetiver. They are related in style but clearly different once you smell them side by side.
For spring and summer, Vétiver is the better fit. For fall and winter, Encre Noire is the better fit. Encre Noire is at its best in fall and winter, and Vétiver in spring, summer and fall.
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