Casa Blanca vs The Noir: Which One Wins?

Tea Soul: Comparing Casa Blanca House of BŌ and The Noir Le Labo

When it comes to choosing between two sophisticated tea-based perfumes—Casa Blanca by House of BŌ and The Noir 29 by Le Labo—I knew I had to test them both on my skin to feel the true essence each one offers. My goal was to see which one would suit different moods, seasons, and personalities. So here’s how these two incredible fragrances performed on me—and how they compare when worn side by side.

A Spa for the Soul: Casa Blanca by House of BŌ

On my skin, Casa Blanca unfolds like a spa ritual at a minimalist coastal retreat. The creamy minerals, white tea, and soft labdanum give me this powdery, calm opening—clean and quietly powerful. Then comes this smoky fig and suede phase, where I feel like I’m walking through a sunlit meditation room, grounded and peaceful. Hours later, the drydown leaves a warm blend of white oud, tobacco, and bourbon vanilla that hugs my skin gently. It’s incredibly long-lasting easily over 8 hours and its quiet elegance feels unisex and spiritual. I wear it when I want to feel centered and composed.

Twilight in a Bottle: The Noir by Le Labo

The Noir 29 immediately draws me in with a sharper, darker edge. On my skin, the opening fig, bergamot, and bay leaf create a crisp, almost nostalgic mood—like the air just before nightfall. The cedar and vetiver heart is smooth and earthy, grounding the scent in a way that feels effortlessly stylish. As it dries down, it becomes this tobacco-infused tea with touches of hay and amber—addictive and leathery but never overpowering. It wears beautifully across seasons and lasts around 6–8 hours on me. It’s the scent I reach for when I want to feel intriguing, confident, and seen.

Which Tea Are You Brewing: Comparing Casa Blanca to The Noir 29

Wearing both, I noticed how The Noir 29 Lelabo elevates the tea-and-fig idea into something darker, bolder, and more emotionally complex. On me, it felt magnetic—like people actually stop to ask what I’m wearing. That leathery tea, hay, and musky depth just unfold with finesse. Meanwhile, Casa Blanca stays closer to the skin, whispering instead of speaking. It’s a meditative, skin-scent type of fragrance—perfectly sculpted, but quieter. Both are exquisite, but The Noir’s balance of light and dark gives it more presence, while Casa Blanca’s purity and softness make it ideal for private, introspective moments.

In the end, it’s not about which perfume is “better,” but about what you’re seeking at that moment. The Noir 29 is all about contrast and charisma—it adapts beautifully and always gets noticed. Casa Blanca, on the other hand, is where I go when I want peace, softness, and a moment of silence on my skin. One is smoky seduction, the other is spiritual calm. If you're choosing between the two, ask yourself: do you want to captivate others… or comfort yourself?

Informed perspective from Dmitrii

The fragrance Thé Noir 29 by Le Labo is truly exceptional. Its composition is incredibly refined, with the interplay of black tea, fig, and tobacco evolving and breathing throughout the wear. The transitions between bright, earthy, dry, and smoky notes are seamless, without any confusion. The fragrance is both clean and complex, managing to be both soft and deeply captivating. The quality of the materials is evident, and the longevity is impressive, lasting for more than eight hours with a controlled projection that never overwhelms, but instead lingers beautifully. In comparison, Casa Blanca by House of BŌ is a more meditative and minimalist fragrance, featuring creamy mineral and fig notes. However, it stays close to the skin and lacks the same depth and emotional range. It is peaceful, but not particularly memorable.

FAQ

What’s the standout accord in The Noir by Lelabo?

A beautifully extracted black-tea heart that oscillates between bergamot & fig brightness and deep tobacco-hay rest—tenacious and sensuous

How intense is The Noir Lelabo projection?

Moderate and refined—creates an enveloping aura without announcing itself loudly; ideal for close-contact interactions

Does The Noir Lelabo combine with other Le Labo fragrances when layered?

Certainly. It functions as a refined, earthy base—e.g., layering with lighter citrus or floral Le Labo lines brings dimension.

Is The Noir Lelabo gender-neutral?

Yes—marketed unisex, fitting both men and women; its smoky-woody complexity appeals to a wide audience.