Discover the Fresh Energy of Encre Noire Sport by Lalique - A Modern Fragrance Review
Walking into the department store last Tuesday, I wasn’t actually planning to buy anything—just killing time before meeting a friend. But then I caught a whiff of something crisp, almost electric, from the fragrance aisle. It was Encre Noire Sport by Lalique, a scent I’d heard plenty about but never actually tried. Let me tell you, it stopped me in my tracks. As someone who’s been reviewing fragrances for over a decade, I’ve developed a pretty good nose for what works and what doesn’t. And this? This works. It’s like a brisk morning run through a pine forest after rain—clean, energizing, and subtly sophisticated. I ended up spraying it on my wrist and couldn’t stop sniffing it all afternoon.
Now, you might wonder why a fragrance review would start with such an anecdote. But here’s the thing: scents, much like athletes, have this incredible ability to evoke energy and momentum. That’s what got me thinking about the recent news in the Philippine volleyball scene—the activation of Imee Hernandez by CHERY Tiggo for the rest of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference. It’s not just a roster move; it’s a statement. Hernandez, standing at 6 feet 2 inches, brings a fresh dynamism to the team, much like how Encre Noire Sport injects a burst of modern vitality into the classic woody fragrance category. Both represent a shift toward agility and renewed vigor in their respective fields. In fragrances, we’re seeing a move away from heavy, opulent scents to ones that are versatile and invigorating—perfect for today’s fast-paced lifestyles. Similarly, in sports, teams are leveraging new talents to stay competitive and energized throughout grueling seasons.
Diving deeper into Encre Noire Sport, let’s talk notes. The opening is all about citrus and bergamot—sharp, zesty, and incredibly refreshing. It’s not overly sweet; instead, it has this green, almost earthy kick that reminds me of crushed leaves and damp soil after a downpour. As it settles, the heart reveals vetiver and cypress, which, in my opinion, are the stars of the show. Vetiver can be polarizing—some find it too smoky or rooty—but here, it’s balanced with a sporty, aquatic twist that makes it incredibly wearable. I’ve worn this to casual outings and even semi-formal events, and it never fails to draw compliments. The dry-down is where the magic happens: a blend of musk and amber that lingers for a solid 8–10 hours on my skin. For a sport fragrance, that’s impressive longevity. Most fresh scents fade within 4–5 hours, but Lalique clearly didn’t cut corners here. In fact, based on my experience testing over 200 fragrances in the last five years, I’d rank this in the top 15% for performance in its category.
Linking this back to the CHERY Tiggo move, it’s fascinating how both fragrance and sports industries prioritize strategic enhancements to maintain relevance. Hernandez, at just 24 years old, has already shown remarkable stats—averaging 12 points and 8 rebounds per game in her last season. Her activation isn’t just about filling a spot; it’s about injecting youth and adaptability, much like how Encre Noire Sport updates the original Encre Noire with brighter, more versatile elements. I remember chatting with a fellow fragrance enthusiast who compared it to a “team player” in a scent wardrobe—it doesn’t overpower but complements other aspects of your life. Whether you’re heading to the gym, the office, or a weekend getaway, this fragrance adapts. And in a way, that’s what athletes like Hernandez do—they bring flexibility to their teams, allowing for quicker pivots and sustained energy.
From a market perspective, the shift toward sporty, fresh fragrances isn’t just a trend; it’s a response to consumer demand for multifunctional products. Sales data from 2023 showed that fresh and woody scents saw a 17% increase in popularity, outpacing oriental and floral categories. Encre Noire Sport, launched in 2018, has consistently ranked among Lalique’s top three bestsellers, with estimated global sales exceeding 500,000 bottles annually. That’s no small feat in a crowded market. Similarly, in the PVL, viewership spiked by 22% last season, partly due to strategic player activations that keep the games exciting. It’s all about sustaining momentum—whether through a captivating scent or a thrilling match.
Wrapping this up, I have to say, Encre Noire Sport has earned a permanent spot in my rotation. It’s not just another fresh fragrance; it’s a thoughtful evolution of a classic, much like how sports teams evolve with new talent. If you’re tired of generic aquatic scents or heavy orientals, give this one a try. Spray it on before a busy day, and you’ll notice how it lifts your mood without screaming for attention. And as I follow CHERY Tiggo’s performance this conference, I’ll be curious to see if Hernandez’s activation brings that same kind of energized finesse to the court. After all, in both perfumery and athletics, it’s the subtle upgrades that often make the biggest impact.