Halston 1-12 vs Encre Noire

Halston 1-12 is celebrated by the r/fragrance community as a massively underrated budget gem with excellent longevity and performance for its price. While the green, soapy aromatic character is beloved by many who grew up with it, some users report inconsistent batches or find the smoky character off-putting, making it somewhat polarizing despite its cult status.

The r/fragrance community views Encre Noire as an excellent value niche fragrance with distinctive character, praised for its woody, cypress-driven composition and quality at its price point. However, it's highly polarizing due to its dark, dry, and uncompromising nature that appeals primarily to fragrance enthusiasts rather than mass audiences. The flankers (Sport and A L'Extreme) offer more wearable alternatives while the original remains the most character-driven option.