Iris 39

This is a sensational iris and violet fragrance, and an unexpected offering from Le Labo. I don't understand the comments about it not being complex - it has a rich, buttery booziness amid the chypre-style base whilst also managing to be slightly green and translucent. I do see that there are hints of the retro in Iris 39, but you can also see that this was made by the same parfumer as Glossier You and Santal 33: there is a warm, musky modernism about Iris 39, especially in the dry-down. Regarding the notes you need to enjoy to appreciate this, it certainly leads with violet, which makes it unusual. To me, the fragrance it brings to mind most is Balenciaga Paris at this stage - another modern violet chypre. However, Iris 39 has a warm fruitiness that Paris doesn't have. Though it's been a while since I've smelled them, I'm also reminded of violet fragrances like Chanel's Misia and Creed's Love in Black, purely because they're violet-forward fragrances that have a rounded warmth to them: not that they smell similar, but just for the way the notes blend to be rich. And then we get the radiant ylang ylang, ginger and cardamom middle, all perfectly melded so no one note stands out, as well as the iris/orris centre. What is interesting is that both violet and iris can be made cold-shouldered, that isn't the case here at all. The heavy dose of patchouli gives it a slightly arty, hippy vibe, but in a great way. And then you get the modern musk dry-down, reminding you this is after all a Le Labo scent. In short, this is a beautifully made modern violet/iris chypre, perfect for all seasons and gender-wise not leaning one way or another particularly - - maybe slightly more feminine, but it would smell fantastic on everyone. Not a safe blind-buy, since one needs to enjoy violet, but if you do, there is lots to enjoy here, with its complexity and radiance. A really fabulous offering that doesn't shout from the Le Labo stable, but which is a quiet masterpiece.

Le Labo IRIS 39 is one of the most iris-rich iris perfumes I've smelled, rivalling even APRES L'ONDEE in the density of this beautiful floral note. However, IRIS 39 also has a greenish carrot-top edge. I'm thinking that IRIS 39 may actually be the strict inverse of HIRIS, with the proportions of carrot tops and iris switched, making iris much more dominant in this composition than the carrot. Another notable distinction between these two greenish iris perfumes is that the carrots in Le Labo 39 appear to have been triple washed. I'm not one to get all bent out of shape by iris perfumes with only low levels of iris present, since I think that it is perfectly valid to produce metaphorical perfumes and also to use iris as a complement or as one among a number of other equally important notes. I really don't think that any perfumer is under some sort of obligation to use hefty dosages of any note included in the perfume's name, including iris, just because it is so precious. That said, it seems to me that, with regard to this Le Labo composition, no such complaint can in any case be made. I am quite fascinated by the fact that some noses find this creation to be richer in violets than in iris, which perhaps corroborates my inchoate theory about variable note salience from sniffer to sniffer. Well, that's another story. Suffice it here to say that I've been wearing a lot of violet quasi-soliflores of late (some quite green...), and this smells nothing like any of those to me! This creation is beautiful, bountiful in iris with a touch of greenishness, and smells less earthy and carroty and more clean than HIRIS. Less powdery than APRES L'ONDEE, and more light and airy than IRIS NOBILE or BOIS D'IRIS. Yes, Le Labo IRIS 39 has managed to carve out its own little corner in the congested category of haute iris perfumes!

If a dry iris is what you seek, look no further! It might be the first time I've smelled an iris perfume where iris was truly the star. This fragrance contains loads of iris, the whole bulb, said the saleswoman in the Le Labo boutique. The perfume starts out very earthy, with woods and patchouli, which eventually become soft and clean, like an organic cotton undershirt fresh out of the dryer. I was impressed with how unisex it is and how dry, almost bitter, it remained. Only in the drydown did I detect something slightly sweet, maybe the cardamom. I would highly recommend Iris 39 to anyone who wants a true iris perfume and who is looking for something understated rather than blatantly perfume-y. It is down-to-earth and totally unpretentious. It's no Chanel No.5, nor is it an Apres l'Ondee. ----------------------- Update 5 years later: In five years, I have smelled A LOT of perfume, and I have come full circle, back to Iris 39, still, quite frankly, the absolute best iris fragrance that exists. That is--if you are looking for intense, starchy, waxy makeup from a compact to an extreme. I feel like I've tried all of those makeup conpact types of perfumes, and the waxy iris part is always fleeting. Not with Iris 39! All along I already had the best one sitting quietly in a box, having been untouched for some 4 years because I sprayed so much that I made myself ill. After reaquainting myself with this mega-beauty, I can safely say that that I will need a backup bottle, pronto! My developed nose now picks up some notes I could not detect before--soft florals and a little bit of naughty civet in the base (Le Labo is cruelty-free, despite the fact that they are now owned by Estee Lauder, which is not a cruelty-free company). It's iris perfection. It will always be my #1 Iris.

Le Labo recently discontinued this scent. This is with deep regret, as it was one of their best, alongside Santal 33 and Vanille 44. They buried Iris 39 but months prior released the hideously bland and uninspired Lavande 31: shame on y’all, Le Labo. Iris 39 is wildly complex. It smells purple, indeed, but not a rich and royal purple; more like a subdued lilac. It is striking, nonetheless. The scent is predominantly iris, but there’s some petrichor, wet soil and earth, and the slightest hint of animalic stank. It's refined but a little dirty, like an expensive purple gown that’s been sullied with dirt and grass stains. Powdery florals that are ever so slightly aquatic and yes, even a little gothic – it conjures images of Lucy swanning about the hedge maze during a storm in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, as her gown blows behind her and wraps itself against Greek statues. Iris 39 smells like strolling through a moody garden in the English countryside. However, this fragrance isn’t delicate, but rather quite powerful, so perhaps it’s more like being dragged through that wet garden. Beyond the garden, a gothic mansion looms in the horizon under grey skies with a light, hazy rain, and a bouquet of irises have been discarded into a nearby fountain and are gracefully drowning in the pool of water. Iris 39 is ideal for spring or rainy summer days. It’s unisex, although it leans feminine, but it’s bold enough that it would be a great choice for a man who wants a more masculine floral. If you can still get your hands on it, do it. In five words or less: Gorgeous flowers in purple rain.

Iris 39 is among my very favorite having a favorite spot in my fragrance wardrobe especially now in spring. I am not a person into diluted, nondescript fumes and definitely detest the popular summer fruitchoulis and while I like some skin scents (take Cartier Baiser Vole) I will never have a love affair with them. Being a greener floral chypre but wearable in hot weather too and having the much loved animalic notes, I have always had a serious crush on Iris 39 ever since I first smelled it. Though in the winter I would go for something even deeper and more animalic, Iris 39 is not your light and airy little floral but rather a pretty heavy hitter and very sensual in nature; being secretly dirty while gorgeously beautiful and very elegant as well. The moment you smell Iris 39 you will always remember it, it is very intriguing and beautiful as it is it has a character that reminds me of an entire iris plant dug out from earthy, slightly animalic dirt with traces of it left on.This is how I want my Iris, not entirely innocent but somewhat mysterious, naturally gorgeous and whispering dirty secrets in your ears. I could not stop thinking of this sophisticated and slightly complicated painting of a beautiful lady, I just had to have her to enjoy her grand breath of real nature, real spring, unparalleled sex appeal, never tacky or sweet. It is also not a light, powdery iris but IMHO has grand sillage, leaves a presence which stays for quite a long time. As typical of Le Labo you can just smell the quality of the ingredients, though pricey, it is well worth the price.

Le Labo quietly discontinued this fragrance after months (years?) of hiding in-store testers in their back-of-house refrigerator. A sales associate, Angel, put me on after testing Jasmin 17 and Ylang 49 and wanting something in-between. I bought a half-size bottle then and there and I continue to use it daily. I went back to Soho for a full-size bottle after their “concierge” confirmed they've taken this formula out of production but will continue to sell their remaining inventory in-store. Iris 39 opens powdery and floral with ephemeral moments of citrus and ginger--- it dries down to a pleasant juvenile musk that lingers all day. The floral notes lean masculine and cool— like trampled wildflowers and clover on a practice field inscribed with chalk. The musky accords are tinged with a fatty feminine sweetness— the way Dove roll-on deodorant leaves a residue on a well-fitted black brassiere. Wearing Iris 39 captures the experience of sipping a Moscow Mule beneath the Beekman Hotel atrium. Not too sweet, not too boozy. An effervescent ginger beer tickles a dried lime. Ozonated ice cubes melt a paper straw. Brass furniture is warmed by wool suits on leather stools; the bartender gives the marble countertop a once-more with a disinfecting cotton rag... There is no particular stand-out feature in Iris 39 that makes it special— it's a true perfect blend— nothing you add or subtract will improve it. This level of equilibrium could be disappointing for those still hung up on unfinished scripts, looking for something or someone novel to complete them.

The creativity is dialed up to 11 on this one. Iris 39 is complex and daring, with a lot of moving parts. It is a floral chypre, with prominent violet, lime, and ginger notes at the top; a delectable heart of iris/orris, rose, ylang, and patchouli; and a base that is equal parts clean white musk and obscene civet. I tend to think of Iris 39 as a Chanel (No. 5, No. 19, or No. 22) rendered in neon lights. It smells beautiful, but garish, even cartoonish. The iris is ridiculously prominent, and you get to experience its lipstick-y, floral, earthy, and even leathery facets. Beautiful. The iris is contrasted by the unexpected and genius addition of tropical notes like lime and ginger. Each note in the pyramid can be picked out easily... this perfume is the opposite of a "well-blended" composition. Ingredient quality is through the roof. I have seen where the orris butter in some bottles has actually made the juice cloudy. It last for days on skin, and performs like a pure parfum. Here's where I have to deduct points. Every time I wear Iris 39, at some point in the experience, the civet and patchouli become overwhelmingly animalic. Skanky, obscene, inappropriate, caught in the act, need to wash my hands animalic. It's also quite sweet - an odd combination. Overall, a little oddball gem of a fragrance that I'm very happy to own. 4/5

Imagine an old patina copper and glass atrium filled with iris, orchids, violets, and a pool of lotuses. Shelves of damp mulch, moss, mushrooms and natural compounds/chemicals along with vases, pitchers and amphoras of metal. Maybe it’s slightly haunted by elementals (water nymphs and satyrs). Some botanist in a dark purple velvet blazer listening to Cocteau Twins always chaotically at work who definitely partakes in the psychedelic aspects of their study materials. Cool, slightly aquatic, Intriguing, mysterious, playful, and gothic. A slightly odd scent that you can’t stop smelling. It is not for everyone... dramatic, heady and intoxicating yet sensual and grounding. I find it a deeply arousing scent that almost makes me giggle. I like a slightly dissonant note as it can create intrigue and that is my experience with this perfume. There can be a slightly sour/chlorine/metallic scent to it and I’m sure it doesn’t mix well with some people’s skin chemistry. Maybe not as good in summer as sweat may up the chances of the off notes coming through. This is the smell of purple. Today I was hit by the taste and smell of blueberries. Like when you eat an entire container in one sitting. 7+ hours later I notice faint pleasant notes of fresh dill.

I tried this one about a hundred years ago, and it didn't move me then, and now that I've been trying anything with a violet or iris/orris note, it still doesn't move me. I dunno what it is, I can clearly detect the iris AND the violet, but it's just not impressing me at all. I'm not getting ANYTHING remotely moving or intriguing. It's like the least appealing parts of violet and iris are present here. I don't wanna speak ill of this scent TOO much, but I'm actually a little let down, truth be told. Anyway, a bit of musk in the background, some citrus and a smidge of floral, but other than that, a little meh, for mine... ***EDIT*** I figured out what it is -- the soft, fluffy, powdery elements of the violet have NOT been tamed, and by that I mean they may have been enhanced. The violet is amped up, and the parts of it that I'm not particularly keen on are, unfortunately, magnified to the point where they overshadow the rest of the players in this scent. So, that, as well as the fruity patchouli possibly makes this a 'no' for me, though I am patient, and MORE than willing to wait this through, but it's the second time in 3 or 4 days, and it's not looking good. This would be perfect for the right person, but that ain't me...

Disclaimer: I struggle with jumping on the Le Labo train, having resisted for so long. And yet, here we are. This was the first La Labo I tried, and it’s still the one I love most. The one I LOVE. Can’t promise it hasn’t gotten an “it smells like grass” comment, but I don’t mind! On me the opening is scrumptious, deep, unsweetened violet. Unlike Ylang 49, which for me is all about that glorious first 20 minutes before it loses its charm, with Iris 39 that opening symphony continues for several hours, quietly evolving to an even deeper, richer yeah maybe a little dirty — but still purple — base. The patchouli never presents itself as a distinctive note (as it does, for instance, in l’Eau Capitale), and that delicate iris-tinged violet lingers at the end of the day. Def not a “clean girl” scent, not for the gourmand lovers. Probably for someone like me who gravitates toward classics, chypres, earthiness, complex florals. The violet keeps it 21st century femme-leaning for me but I would love this on anyone. And having to specially request it at that smug Nolita flagship feels....sufficiently against the grain to temper my reservations about buying into the overpriced hype.

MAGICAL! It was love at first smell for Iris 39 when I first encountered the Le Labo line in Barney's 6 years ago in Dallas before Barney's closed. Of all the Le Labo scents, this was the only one that REALLY got my attention. I have wanted a bottle ever since, but the price is holding me back. I keep hoping for an ebay deal or some kind of promotion at Nordstrom's now that they sell it. Until then, I will use the samples I have gotten. The scent is so earthy; there is definitely iris mixed with patchouli and musk. And I LOVE the civet note! I also think I smell some galbanum in there giving it a green aura. The combination works so well together. Sometimes I dislike strong violet fragrances and lime can be a little tricky note in some of my fragrances too, but not here. It is so original in the fragrance world. It is totally unisex. I get compliments from men and women when I wear it. It is perfect for this time of year, but I almost think it would smell nice year round. I'm hoping the formula will continue to smell the same with Estee Lauder in charge of Le Labo now. As soon as I can afford it, I am getting a large bottle!

Fleetingly, Iris 39 opens like YSL Paris with sweet, glassy, delicate violets. The ylang and lime in this fragrance create an accord that is not dissimilar to the linden/lime blossom and mimosa in Paris. Rose, musk and iris are also shared notes that are noticeable here in a colorful, soft bouquet; the introductory mood even gives a nod to the ostensible Balenciaga Paris. I love cardamom and ginger in perfumes, and here they are executed with a hand that brings a clean earthy tone and warmth without making the nose tingle. Patchouli brings texture, and despite the non-declaration of oakmoss, there is very much a chypre feel to Iris 39 with a palpable, dry, cushiony base that turns mildly woody, rooty, musky and less floral, like a cool, bitter violet leaf. Then way into the drydown there is the occasional pleasant prickling of civet -- very much worth the exercise in patience. This is a beautiful, radiant perfume, a little wistful and reticent, painting a pastel haze in my mind evocative of an introspective Van Gogh. Iris 39 is pure bottled art in motion.

This is my everyday iris. I wear Iris 39 perfume oil with a touch of Iris Silver Mist blended into it which injects that extra oomph of rooty, starchy, rhizome-realness that it otherwise lacks and that I require from my iris perfumes. The two go together seamlessly to create the ultimate iris fragrance, effectively shutting down a never-ending search for the perfect one. Iris 39 has a "sunny" quality to it that I cannot explain but I associate it with Southern California weather. It has, to my nose, an odd floral/sour note that I also get from Santal 33 but that I like so much better in this one. It feels modern without being transluscent and fleeting like so many other modern takes on iris. It projects very heavily, if you're into that, for the first few hours and then becomes a clean, vaguely floral/woody skin scent. It is definitely unisex although ever so slightly feminine because of its' lack of anything typically masculine to tone down the florals. But the overall impression it seems to make on my regular audience is "warm, earthy, rooty, floral".

I went to one of the few Le Labo stores in NYC yesterday and what an amazing experience. Out of all of their fragrances Iris was one of my favorites. The woman who helped me explained that the fragrance oils for this come from the iris ROOT and not the flower itself. I samples this and when it goes on its very oily initially, which is how I know theres a high concentration of fragrance oil and therefore it lasts forever. I had some on my hand and washed with soap twice and was still able to faintly smell it. The fragrance itself is very crisp, green, almost like the smell of cucumbers and ferns. Very clean and crisp for sure. I was so impressed with this i will probably buy a bottle soon directly from Le Labo. They fill the bottle to order right in front of you in the store, so its newly mixed at the time of purchase from the store, which improves shelf life. I was told they do the same practice if ordering from the warehouse/website. Being niche its pricier than some, but you get what you pay for. These fragrances are top notch quality.

IRIS 39 LE LABO, is my second close to Number One Iris of all the irises around..Yes, it is green and fresh and earthy and clean and what has really surprised me here are some notes that reminded me of 3 of my other favourites: Take a good potion of your favourite Iris, SL Silver Mist, or HIRIS and mix it with the top notes of Dans tes Bras (yes! the unearthy beautiful violet)and the fat, sad carotty earthy Iris in the heart and then finally in the drydown it reminds me of the wild SL Borneo. (After an hour or two give a warm blow of breath to your wrist and smell instantly..you ll get Borneo notes..:) it is such a beuatiful Iris Composition.. maybe it is going to be my Number One soon! By the way:Some of the notes in the description of fragrantica are missing, here they are: Iris, lime, patchouli, rose, ylang ylang, musk, violet, ginger, cardamom, and civet If you want an unusual accompanied strikingly beautiful Iris , then try this one! Nothing funeral here, but sparkling violet-iris life!! BRAVO, LE LABO!

after a few times wearing...I can't be without it's sap &green iris-patchouli combo. among the irises I have or know I'd say its spirit (not smell) is closest to chanels 28 la pausa and heeleys iris de nuit (free & undiplomatic, austere). actually smell-wise it resembles a bit mon parfum cheri, in a naked and green version, without feather-boa and make-up- and of course without the plum. I suppose this is the huge patchouli/iris combination. the big difference (to many other iris perfumes) makes, that it's not dry or grey- a very green, earthy, intense & moist (!) iris, with good tenacity (which I didn't expect) and a bit of brutality to it that reminds of the forceful greenness of chanel 19. I always believe that there's a leather note, though it's not listed. in comparison to other reviewers I don't find it "normal" at all, just the right bit of strangeness- and love at the 2nd sight is often the more sincere anyway. I'd rank it within my 5 most favorite irises...

I love Iris 39 and it's one of my favorite irises and my favorite Le Labo (followed by Ylang 49). Stylistically, I'd categorize it with Chanel 31 Rue Cambon which is also a modern floral (iris)chypre with a clean patchouli used in place of oakmoss. Iris 39 is a more earthy and green floral iris, rather than the cold, metallic, rooty iris of Serge Lutens' ISM or the powdery, waxy, or creamy cosmetic iris. I love it in the cold weather, expecially. It tends to really sparkle and uplift in winter. I can see this one being polarizing, however. The opening has a potent wood varnish, linseed oil, or motor oil smell that lasts for about 20 min- 1/2 hour. I happen to love that part, but it can be a bit harsh. My favorite form is the liquid balm (rollerball) though I've had the edp also. The harsh opening is slightly more muted in the balm and it projects less-I'm not into heavy sillage. I've gotten several compliments on Iris 39 saying it smells good and "different".

Wowee!!! At long last a Le Labo fragrance that genuinely floored me! The opening is one of ylang and iris but as it settles the iris combines with a very powdery violet note making for a gorgeously deep, floral sweetness. There's quite a bit of patchouli in here too but it's not thick or dirty at all. The base of musk provides an animal quality which sets it off beautifully. To be perfectly honest my only issue with this and other Le Labo fragrances is the name. I know, I know the name just means it's built around an accord of Iris but really this should be called VIOLET 39...no problem if you're a fan of violets and luckily I am. I love it...smells stunning and I like to think I know my violets this is a treat a little reminiscent of Violetta from Penhaligon's but more complex and natural. Update: lasts for ages this one and the dry down turns to a sumptuous warm civet that's really nice.

Iris 39 is very Coachella...a clean new generation type feeling patchouli, sweet, earthy and the iris is faintly powdery. It's young with an old-soul and has that cool... easy-going vibe...its herbal, has sex appeal, it's definitely intriguing, and there's something a little thick-skinned about it. I do not feel Iris 39 as an elegant or classy fragrance, I do feel, however, that it's sophisticated and implies you have impeccable tastes and that you "get it" This is an outdoorsy fragrance for me...it's a night time-summer head turner. it's great to wear in a spacious...outdoor crowded party. It's so familiar, but a scent that you just can't put your finger on. A timeless fragrance, and very memorable. -drifting projection, so it's not a good idea to over apply -enormous sillage -longevity... just off the scale

This is my favourite from Le Labo....it opens on a deep lush Chypre note but quickly the Iris comes through with its earthy sweet almost vegetal note. It’s beautiful, stunning and oh so exotic! It smells like expensive accessories on a woman who is beautifully groomed and who wears the classiest clothes. There’s that almost leathery note that’s in Santal and also Black Orchid by Tom Ford. As it settles it goes through a stronger Chypre stage that is strong on oakmoss and pepper but the drydown......oh the drydown which for me is the ultimate test is pure luxurious joy. It lingers on clothes for over a day and on my skin it seems to resonate so well. It retains an Iris note all through but it’s that heady Chypre combination that wins me over time after time.

Le Labo Iris 39 to me is beautiful but unusual comparing to other Iris fragrances. It opened very floral and not quite powdery as other Iris prominent fragrances. It smelled kind of green, slightly sweet and creamy of Ylang Ylang, Violet, Iris and fresh roses. Among the floral notes, there was a musky note that smelled sort of animalic resembling some kind of bodily fluid that I could not clearly identify and that made this fragrance quite sexy. As the scent settled on my skin, it became softer but more powdery and earthy with the Patchouli note more noticeable although it remained very subtle. In the dry down, Iris 39 became a skin scent on my cooler than average skin smelling earthy, sensual and very natural.

This is one of my favorite perfumes. Easily signature material. The iris here is rooty, earthy, and a bit animalic. It’s raw and vegetal, grounded in patchouli and civet, lived-in and physical. It starts warm and a bit damp, but ramps up quickly into something darker and more textured. It projects more than you’d expect for something this intimate in tone. If you’re expecting Prada Infusion d’Iris or anything sheer and powdery, this goes the other way. Closer to Iris Silver Mist in terms of being off center, orrisy and earthy, but with warmth and weight. More human than ethereal. This is perfect for people who like a bit of tension in their florals and something with roots and not just petals.

I wore this a lot two years ago, bought the body products as well. Then I explored other perfume, namely Chanel Le Lion and I’ve just found a sample in my samples box and Wow....this is gorgeous! It’s still so classy, smells so expensive and just stunning! It opens with a blast of bitter iris and patchouli and gradually softens into a shimmering Chypre redolent of the great Chypre’s of the 60’s &70’s and the dry down is beautiful, hanging around for hours, clinging to sweaters and scarves......Le labo are not cheap but they offer many sizes and different ways to wear their perfumes. This is still 5 star for me and I’m going to buy myself another 50 ml bottle......because I’m worth it!

Absolutely different. Iris, patchouli, violet and musk are somehow restrained and balanced, creating one heck of an accord. They are easily distinguished separately and at the same time providing the overall feeling. Cold, distant, powdery, subtle but powerful and completely different. This mixture is not sweet, it's not fresh, it's neither sour or anything, this is just liquified marvel. Quite challenging to wear for me as it's a scent with character, it draws the attention of the wearer. Projection is good at first 2 hours, then subtle. Personally, I think this is a very subjective scent. I'm very happy though, it's another intoxicating journey into unknown. Big thumbs up!

I thought this had been discontinued. However, after visited the Le Labo boutique in my city, I was assured that it is exclusive to Le Labo boutiques; meaning, that you can only get it there, and not at stores that carry Le Labo, such as Nordstrom. I hope that is accurate, as this is one of the best iris scents in my very iris-heavy fragrance collection.Often, I think perfumers make iris perfumes too sweet, too powdery, or too cold and "rooty." But I find that Iris 39 strikes an uncanny balance between the "rooty" aspects of iris, and the powdery and sweet. I also love that there is juuuuust a teensy bit of skank from that civet, and depth from the patchouli.

I am very fond of this warm and tender Iris. Dark and careful at the same time. It has one of the best longevitys on my skin. It even has a percievable sillage after a long time. After 8 hours in the heat it still projects. Even after a shower and a swim in the pool it is there. It is linear to me when the top subsides but that is okay if the scent is good as this one. Topnotes has an interesting and natural cardamom smell but I don't get it every time I wear it. I am not so fond of ginger, but I don't smell it here, so that is okay. Definately unisex. It does not smell either feminine or masculine on me. It just smells good.

I also have the perfume oil / cream for this, so it is indeed a love, but, the perfume itself 'plays' a bit differently... The sickly-sweet rose really REALLY comes across more in the perfume version -- it's patchouli-soaked and really sweet. I mean, I'm picking here, but if I'm being super-honest, I really wish the cream/oil I have was the version that was available as a perfume. The perfume is an 8.0 / 10, whereas the oil/cream is closer to 9.0 / 10. Nonetheless, the iris and violet notes are wonderful here and I reckon I could actually finish a bottle of this in my lifetime. Maybe. Big fan. Almost a love (very close).

Love at first sniff. I was looking for an iris for the spring/summer to become my signature. I tried Serge Lutens Bas de Soie because of the reviews here. The Bas de Soie smelled like a funeral home to me. So I was disappointed. The clerk asked if I was wed to Serge Lutens and when I told her no, she introduced me to Iris 39, which is perfect for my tastes. It's not obnoxiously floral, but the iris is there. It is soft but strong also. It lasts long, but has a moderate sillage. It is classy. Yes, I will be getting this for spring/summer. I can't wait for that time to get here.

The opening smells like the unpolished inside of a new high-end recorder - I mean the baroque instrument made out of rosewood today that many German kids played when they were younger (only those were often made of plastic.) Like fresh beautiful dry exotic rosewood. Slowly the iris emerges from amidst the wood notes, with hints of violet. As most Le Labo scents I know and like, there is a distinct note of musk to soften the overall appearance of the scent, as well as a dryness that keeps it from becoming romantic. Beautiful, understated deep rich scent.

Yeah, I've changed my mind on this one. I want it. It's so, refined and INCREDIBLY restrained. I can honestly respect that, and I am actually looking to get this. I know, I know, what a change, but I'm glad to own my mistakes and here I am. The violet is stronger than the iris, and there is enough of a solid backing in this for it to function as a fully-fledged scent, with a top-middle-base. I might go with the oil, though, as oils (and their unique diffusion patterns) speak to me a LOT at the moment. I guess this is my reality now...!

This one is a love for me. Iris 39 is a spicy, cold, damp, earthy and lush fragrance. It has a complex identity yet it remains mostly linear. As it dries down, it dries off! Like dewy iris plants, pulled straight out the ground, drying off in the sun next to a bag of spices bought at market. This isn't as powdery as the notes may lead you to believe, and no baby wipe smell either (thank goodness). Such pretty and fun to wear chypre. I feel intriguing when I wear this one ;)

UGH!!!! My partner got the full discovery set and this is my unexpected favorite. I'm usually not into powdery or florals.. but this is just divine. The opening is sour and herbal, sure.. but the different phases of the dry down are completely glorious!!!!!!!!!!! The formula lasts forever on my skin. Warm, expensive smelling, luxe, well blended. Nuanced beyond most of what I've smelled before-- and I have a huge collection. So surprised at how much I love this fragrance.

i love the combination of civet musk and powdery florals, it makes me envision a little chihuahua dressed up as marie antoinette eating macarons from a pastel dog food bowl, with a big powdered wig full of fresh violet flowers and a mouthful of rose petal trifle. i know it’s not for everyone, but iris 39 will always be my favourite - it’s addictive, not too sweet, not too animal, just the perfect balance of menagerie and patisserie. 💜

My favorite perfume ever...so sad they discontinued it, hopefully they’ll bring it back one day. Super soapy, powdery, violet and iris. Always reminds me of how the violet purple candies taste. Could lean on the edge of an “old lady” scent but not in a bad way. Definitely not a “fresh” springy iris, but more of a dark, musky, patchouli iris, which is why it’s my go-to winter scent. Almost out :-( will miss it.

Best Iris perfume around. I love the lush, artsy and luxurious feel that this fragrance projects. I disagree with people saying it smells feminine, I wear this with confidence as a man and it garners compliments from both men and women. Even my cats seem to love this (maybe because of the animalic civet note?). Sillage is awesome, people smell this on me when I can't even smell it myself anymore.

So far, I would say I have to put this in my top 5 iris fragrances. Its definitely all about the iris and the earth it grows in. The patch and musk create a sort of earthiness. The rose adds some essential sweetness. The cardamom and ginger some welcome kick. It is almost a linear fragrance with the iris eventually waining and leaving a patch a sweet, tangy earthiness. Good sillage and longevity.

Oooh. I think that this is THE best of the Iris scents that I've tried! This is everything that I want from iris - cool, almost menthol fresh and cool, with a powdered, cotton softness. It reminds me of a little peep of green showing through frozen earth. On my wish list for sure. Extraordinary. Sillage and longevity are good. Quiet but forceful!

I have found the "holy grail" of Iris based fragrances in Iris 39 by Le Labo. It opens up with a strong Iris that mellows down to be sweet and comforting. I also smell traces of violet, patchouli and musk. I don't smell any civet here, maybe it's me. Iris 39 is a beautiful composition that I will enjoy for a long time. 10/10

I’m surprised no one has mentioned this is discontinued. I love Iris 39. It’s a damp earthy pungent floral. Feels like March going into April. Definitely not for everyone, though. No longer available on the Le Labo website but you can get it in stores. I’m glad I could pick up a bottle while it’s still around.

Dark and spicy iris is something of a treat! I was struck by how dense the opening was -roots, dark and wet- then came the powdery and slightly candied notes of violet (heaven to me). It reads really unisex. The dry down on me is violet and patchouli, which is consistent across Le Labo in my experience.

First seconds on my skin were strikingly unpleasant due to an intense -amyl acetate scent(for me, similar to banana). But then the dry down was heaven. Amazing and intriguing experience. For sure it is in my top 5 Le Labo fragrances. Compared to Santal 33, Iris 39 has a very discrete powdery note.

A clear, cold fragrance, very true to itself. Absent the sweet-and-sourness of the more playful Hiris and the BO cosiness of the more forgiving Infusion d'Iris, it is pristine, simple, asexual and not at all willing to please. Which, in my book, is iris itself. Projection and longevity are great.

Such a beautiful floral, musky scent. Put this on in the store and had compliments all day. Such a beautiful elegant fragrance. Would definitely recommend if you're into fresh scents or even if you're not the biggest fans of florals like myself, you would definitely love this.

One of my favorites, I get more of the violet or iris note from this more than anything. This reminds me of my childhood eating Chowards Violets. It smells exactly like that and it's so disappointing that its been discontinued.

There is something about this fragrance reminds me of the walking in the garden in the cold morning after the heavy rain that you smell the wet earthy soil and fresh powdery iris flowers. This is so beautiful !

Easily one of the best creations by le labo. I am so sad it’s been discontinued. It’s a great balance of sharpness and floral. I’d wear this all year round. It’s one of those frags that lift your mood.

Iris 39 ✽✽✽✽ Beautiful muddy, earthy iris; smells like a garden with morning dew still on flowers with a touch of soil after the storm. Feels more like a Frédéric Malle’s perfume than Le Labo’s.

I'm not the guy that leaves reviews, nor one that wears anything feminine leaning. I prefer fougeres and citrus perfumes, but this one here is an amazing Iris perfume, ethereal and stunning.

Beautiful powdery iris. Gives me a feminine Chanel vibe. Leans more feminine. Very nice but not sure I'd wear it as a man. Scent: 8 Sillage: 7 Longevity: 7.5

The iris & violet combo is stunning! It's like a velvet textured violet... my next purchase, I must have this! Edit: acquisition complete!