The Modern Nuit by Estee Lauder was created to represent glamour and mystery. However, the perfumer ended by adding a darker, noir twist to the fragrance. The EDP is the perfect blend of floral scents with woody, muskier scents. This is not all that makes this perfume unique, but the ingredients used in the perfume aren't common features in perfumes.

The top notes of the perfume open the fragrance with the fresh addition of mandarin orange blended perfect with cassis. The heart of the perfume lies in the calming chamomile tea, soothing Chinese jasmine, and heliotrope. The base notes of vanilla, sandalwood, amber, and patchouli give the perfume another complex layer of scent.