This review is based on the 2013 Nocturnes release that is part of the Caron La Selection collection of fragrances.
WHAT I SMELL: Nocturnes opens bright and beautiful and very similar to one of my all time favorites, Givenchy Ysatis. It’s bold with florals highlighted by gorgeous ylang-ylang and warmed rose with hints of pepper; although this is perfectly blended so that notes are hard to distinguish on their own. Soon enough the Ysatis like boldness upon first application starts to retreat and you start noticing the tuberose a bit more. But it’s a soft tuberose and one that’s rather comforting and pretty. The fragrance doesn’t change much after this except that the vetiver woodiness becomes more prominent. Nocturnes is pretty, close to the skin and an overall lovely surprise.
Nocturnes Notes: Top notes are orange, rose and neroli; middle notes are jasmine, tuberose and ylang-ylang; base notes are sandalwood, vetiver and musk.
WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME: A lilting melody.
THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE NOCTURNES: uncomplicated, pretty, endearing
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT NOCTURNES: Perfume Shrine. I can only find additional reviews for the older version of the fragrance.
BOTTOM LINE: I can’t say how this compares to the older version of the fragrance, but this is really quite pretty, but nothing groundbreaking. Nocturnes is the perfect fragrance for when you just want to feel content and happy as there’s nothing dark about this at all. It would be perfect for the office, or running errands in your jeans. I have read some complaints about the new Caron bottles that are part of the La Selection collection where people thought that the bottles were too boring and masculine. I think they’re better in person than in pictures. They’re simply designed, heavy in weight and the cap is magnetized so that it won’t fall off of the bottle. For me, the new bottles definitely work!
- Bone Rating: 3.5 out of 5 possible bones
- Scent: Floral Woody Musk
- Classification: Feminine
- Expense: $126 for 100ml EdP
The Scented Hound 
February 24, 2014 at 11:41 am
Dearest Hound
Of the latest reformulations, I’d agree that Nocturnes is probably the most faithful, though I do still prefer the older incarnation, it had more presence in the middle stages in the manner of say vintage Caleche.
I don’t mind the new Caron flacons, but I do mind what they’re done with some of the liquids inside them.
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
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February 24, 2014 at 5:29 pm
I’ll have to check out the others to see how they compare Mr. Dandy…thanks for stopping by.
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February 24, 2014 at 10:22 pm
I can’t remember any of the old Caron’s bottles but the first time I looked at the picture you used in the post I immediately thought that it looked cheap and I didn’t like it.
Since I don’t have any favorite perfumes from the line (and I’ve tried just a couple in general) I’m not too upset about reformulations and new bottles but I feel sorry for the brand’s fans.
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February 25, 2014 at 5:28 am
U – Yes, I can see if you’re a long time fan that this new look strays from the traditional. And I agree, the pictures don’t do the bottles justice. I do love their fountain bottles of perfume though. Like little gems.
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February 28, 2014 at 1:19 pm
Hmm, I feel sure I must have tried the older Nocturnes somewhere but cannot bring it to mind. The rereleased one is reeling me in with talk of ylang ylang – indeed all those notes, and the general style, are calling my name. Singing it even!
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March 1, 2014 at 9:10 am
Vanessa, I’m like you. Ylang Ylang is one of those notes that always captures my attention! Just like amber colored juice!
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March 1, 2014 at 4:13 pm
I have never explored Caron and I really don’t have a good reason why. So, if you were to recommend a sampling method (and I have a scary backlog), would you suggest going from more recent and moving back to vintage or the other way around? Which 3 Carons would you suggest I try?
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March 3, 2014 at 7:41 am
Haju – I am hardly the Caron expert, but my recommendation is for you to go down to the boutique on Lexington Avenue since it’s in your backyard. I heard it’s lovely and you can explore the whole line. My favorite thus far is still Nuit de Noel, but many love the more incensey, Parfum Sacre or the legendary Tabac Blanc.
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