Imperial Leather

I love this stuff, it's a nostalgia bomb to me, as is Imperial Leather soap. Becoming harder and harder to find now, but I don't really wear it, just like to smell it from time to time as an olfactory warm hug. I do wish Cussons would bring it back though, even as a limited edition. The smell isn't as cheap as some would expect, it's based on Bayley's of Bond Street Imperiale Russe, which was specially created for a Russian, Count Olaf (and no I'm not making that up as a nod to Lemony Snickett 😂.) Imperial Leather itself was called Russian Leather originally.

A nice classic fougere with a slightly sweet opening. Although the origins of this fragrance may be traceable to 18th Century Imperial Russia in it's current form as Cussons Imperial Leather Aftershave it has been around since the 1970s. It compliments the Cussons range of hygiene products, the best known of which is the Cussons Imperial Leather soap. This aftershave has it's own DNA and it has a nice fresh opening with notes of vanilla, musk and moss. The lavender comes through early and as it blends with the vanilla it gives me a vague reminder of Caron Pour un Homme. As it begins to dry down there is a sweet citrus note that lingers for a short while, then the dry down becomes warm, more woody and mossy. The later dry-down sees this fragrance become a warm, classic barbershop scent with what I perceive as a faint leather accord. Cussons Imperial Leather Aftershave is a mild projecting fragrance and lasts as a skin scent for about 3 or 4 hours, not unreasonable for a supermarket brand aftershave. Also given that this is an aftershave in a splash bottle there is a good amount of rubbing alcohol which is noted in the opening, but it is not harsh or overpowering. Cussons Imperial Leather Aftershave is a very decent fresh, classic men's scent. Though it's release in this product range dates from the 1970s, this scent definitely links back to an earlier age of subtle, yet masculine mens fragrances. It is not as bold and heavy on the moss like typical masculine fougeres of the 70s. A good scent for an older gent and a nice change from Old Spice. In the context of what it is, a cheap, supermarket brand classic aftershave, I rate Cussons Imperial Leather Aftershave 4/5.

Cussons Imperial Leather... ... It's hard to believe that this scent has been around since 1768. Lavender, wood, moss and amber are the most prominent notes. It is a contemporary fragrance and it doesn't feel out of place even these days. Interestingly the talcum powder has a completely different fragrance profile. It contains f.ex. rose and musk and is overall softer and more unisex. The Imperial Leather No1 is definitely a classic but contemporary male scent. Nevertheless i do believe that there are no real male, female and unisex scents. A scent is a scent and the biggest mistake is to link a scent to a gender, a money value and time.

I'm a woman, and while this is a clean, masculine barbershop style scent, it is also soothing and refreshing in hot weather. I decant it into a spray bottle and wear it around the house or while gardening. Sometimes I add a few drops to a hot bath, and the whole room smells mossy and green for hours. I've just picked up a new bottle from the local grocery store on sale for $8.50 AU. At that price, it's worth buying just to try a classic fougere style cologne.

I love and appreciate the fresh shave feeling I have when I use Imperial Leather. The bottle is great because it fits in the pocket against your leg with its curve. It's a great product and it makes me feel really clean and classy, although it's a shame that it's so affordable it's not impressive to anyone and won't gain much attention for being a unique and attractive smell to others when I go out.