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If you’re looking to invest in one of the most beloved fragrance brands on the market, there’s no better place to start than by trying one of the best Le Labo perfumes. They’ve created some of the most iconic perfumes on the market, including Santal 33 and Thé Noir 29, yet still somehow manage to retain their sense of authenticity, offering a bespoke experience to customers. “Le Labo stands out as a brand for a few reasons–their story, the unique-to-you customizable packaging, and their simple approach to creating fresh, finely blended fragrances,” says Autumne West, Nordstrom’s National Beauty Director. All their perfumes list the number of ingredients in the name–Santal 33, for example, has 33 ingredients–and that combination of ingredients helps create their unique blends.
Whether you prefer sweet vanilla perfumes or fresh sandalwood scents, Le Labo’s collection has it all. We tried, tested, and lusted over the entire Le Labo assortment of fragrances to find our very favorite ones. Here, shop the nine best Le Labo we can’t get enough of.
Le Labo Thé Matcha 26 Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May smell strong initially
If you love sipping your morning matcha latte, why not opt to have it in spray form, too? This calming perfume contains sweet fig, contrasted with smooth bergamot and deep vetiver.
Notes: Fig, bergamot, bitter orange, sesame, cedarwood, vetiver, matcha tea
Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “It’s a creamy, tiny bit citrusy, very light scent to be noticed by someone intimately. My husband loves this scent, said it was pleasant and calm so I am buying a full bottle. Don’t expect it to be something for people around you to notice. It’s perfect for a relaxing day, cuddle and hug your loved one. Also suitable for work because it lingers long yet only for you to enjoy it.”
Le Labo Bergamote 22 Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Long lasting
Cons
- Can feel masculine to some
If you know that bergamot is one of your go-to scent notes, it makes sense to opt for this fragrance. It’s rich and citrusy, with hints of musk and cedar to keep it grounded.
Notes: Orange blossom, grapefruit, petitgrain, amber, bergamot, vetiver, cedar, musk
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I ordered this without first smelling it–a risk. This is now one of my all time favorite fragrances. It is seductive while at the same time very clean smelling. I have not loved a scent this much in YEARS. Quality product. I also have the body lotion to layer the scent.”
Le Labo Tonka 25 Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Long lasting
Cons
- Can smell intense for some
For a light, sensual fragrance, opt for Tonka 25. It’s a spicier perfume that still manages to feel fresh and light. If it’s date night, a spritz of this will seal the deal.
Notes: Orange, flower absolue, cedar atlas, styrax resin, tonka, musk
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This is a great cologne. If you want a unique, yet subtly bold fragrance this is it. It seems like the fragrances are layered. At times it’s bold, then it mellows out. You don’t need much 2 or 3 sprays to last all day. The scent has a reprise that will hit you at 7 PM even though it may have been applied much earlier in the day. Worth every penny!”
Le Labo Thé Noir 29 Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Sensual
Cons
- May need to reapply throughout the day
“Thé Noir 29 is fresh, but with notes of musk and tea to give it depth," says West. With contrasting notes like bergamot and tobacco, it manages to keep the balance between masculine and feminine.
An ELLE Editor says: “If you loved Santal 33 but found it to be too popular, consider this to be the runner-up. This is the Le Labo scent I consider to be the second-most recognizable. The fragrance is tea-inspired, but without a sense of primness, like taking a deep inhale in a canister of black tea. This is entirely my opinion, but it also smells a little like smoking luxury weed to me–a little earthy and sweet, too.” –Kathleen Hou, ELLE beauty director
Notes: Bergamot, bay leaves, black tea, fig, hay, tobacco, cedarwood, vetiver, musk
Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5 stars
Le Labo Lys 41 Eau de Parfum
Pros
Cons
- May need to reapply throughout the day
Floral fragrances are classic, and this scent is packed with a wide variety, giving the sense that you are an entire bouquet. “I am a firm believer that there is a floral fragrance for everyone. Lys 41 is mine because it feels feminine but is not overly sweet,” says West.
Notes: Lily, jasmine, tuberose, absolute, ambrette, vanilla, musk
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “My youngest daughter bought this for me as a Christmas gift and ever since, I have been enchanted by the scent. It seems too, that wherever I go, someone is asking me what perfume I am wearing. Le Labo does a wonderful job crafting their perfumes!”
Le Labo Another 13 Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Subtle
Cons
- May take time to get used to
While the scent notes in Another 13 may sound familiar, the end result is something very unique. It’s a subtle, clean scent with hints of spice and woods. “Another 13 is spicy, but still extremely light with a bit of sweetness,” says West. Plus, it smells slightly different on everyone's skin.
Notes: Ambrox, musk, amber, jasmine, moss, ambrette seeds
Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “A subtle skin scent that is what I imagine a paper mill or printing press warehouse would smell like. Upon first spray, you can catch a hint of jasmine and pear, then it quickly settles into clean, crisp white woods, and an almost metallic sharpness. I suspect this smells a little different on everyone as it mixes with your own skin musk. It’s sillage is soft enough to not overwhelm–I almost forget I’m wearing it. However, it clearly lingers since I’ve received compliments and inquiries on what fragrance I’m wearing. If you’re used to wearing potent, heady, room-filling perfumes, this is definitely not for you. If you would enjoy an understated fragrance that inspires you to cozy up on a leather couch and read a weathered library book, Another 13 might be up your alley.”
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Sensual
Cons
- Some prefer less popular fragrances
Whether you’re a perfume aficionado or a newcomer to the scent world, odds are you’ve heard of Santal 33. It’s a sensual, creamy perfume with just the right hints of florals and woods to keep it balanced.
Notes: Australian sandalwood, cedarwood, cardamom, iris, violet, smoky wood alloy, ambrox, leather accord, musk
Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars
An ELLE Editor says: “For a period of time in the 2000s, every luxury hotel in NYC and anyone who lived in SoHo smelled like this scent. The original inspiration was this fragrance was allegedly the American West, and once you smell its mix of smokey, woodsy, sexy notes, you never forget it. Particularly because someone you probably know is still wearing it. Whether it’s cult or classic, is up to you.” –Kathleen Hou
Le Labo Lavande 31 Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Soft scent
Cons
- Some expect more lavender
Le Labo’s newest addition to their perfume collection is this springtime must-have. With head notes of lavender, mellowed by musk and tonka, the end result is an impeccably fresh scent.
Notes: Lavender, bergamot, neroli, amber, musk, tonka
Nordstrom rating: 3.7/5 stars
An ELLE Editor say: “This is my new favorite Le Labo scent–every time I smell it on someone (the last person was Women’s Health Beauty Director, Brian Underwood), I instantly ask, ‘You smell so good, what is that?’ Don’t come to this expecting any sort of spa or massage connotation from the lavender. To me, this smells like the fresh, clean notes of your favorite men’s perfume, combined with that dirty, sexy edge that Le Labo is so known for.” –Kathleen Hou
Le Labo Rose 31 Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Well balanced
Cons
- May need to reapply throughout the day
While the idea of a rose perfume might sound outdated or excessively feminine, Le Labo managed to create one that’s juxtaposed with woods and spice, completely changing the narrative.
Notes: Rose, cumin, vetiver, musks, cedar, agarwood, olibanium, amber, guaiacwood, cistus
Nordstrom rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Don’t let the cumin burst at first spray scare you! It turned me off of this for years and I recently gave it another go round and this is the most gorgeous woody, soft rose. Not stuffy but very intriguing. I love it.”
Why are people obsessed with Le Labo perfumes?
While there are so many beloved perfume brands today, Le Labo stands out as a go-to not just for fragrance lovers, but for the everyday consumer. “Even with its growing popularity, Le Labo still feels niche and unique. It is a brand founded in the US and has a limited distribution, which I believe adds to the appeal of discovery,” says West. That, combined with their unique collection of scents, can begin to explain why the brand has retained its iconic fixture in the scent scene. “Le Labo stands out as a brand for a few reasons–their story, the unique-to-you customizable packaging, and their simple approach to creating fresh, finely blended fragrances,” West adds.
How should people shop Le Labo perfumes?
If you haven’t had the chance to try a Le Labo scent for yourself and are having trouble with the decision, in-store shopping allows you to test them all out. “It is important to keep an open mind when approaching any brand, but specifically with Le Labo. It is a journey to discover what notes you like and work for you with an expert behind the counter guiding you through different scents to inspire you. I always recommend trying fragrance with a sample first to see if you like the wear and notes as they interact with your natural body scent. Nordstrom will always have samples ready and waiting for you!” says West.
Why trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Tatjana Freund tested a few top-rated Le Labo perfumes and pored over reviews for dozens of others, evaluating each on their features and customer feedback.
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