Lavande 31

Perhaps one of my favorite scent profiles of any fragrance. Maybe not the most unique in terms of notes listed, but I do think that the classic "barbershop" notes pair really well with Le Labo's modern synthetic signatures. The combination produces something that feels bright and soapy, but not sterile. As a guy in his 20s, this fragrance feels like a solution to the dilemma of wanting to smell classy and mature but not smell like an old man. For one, the lavender here is very light; it's perceptible but it doesn't stick out. If it did stick out, the fragrance might become a bit darker and more herbal. Meanwhile, the bergamot and neroli help emphasize the brightness and the tonka provides a bit more sweetness and depth, all supported by the very fresh and modern-feeling amber/ambroxan/musk note which seems to be present in most Le Labo fragrances. For me, the only drawbacks are the Le Labo prices, and that it doesn't project as well as I'd like. In my experience though, even if it doesn't last super long in the air, it does last quite long on the skin, and the scent can linger on fabric for days and even weeks (one of my favorite sweatshirts smells like it now after having worn the fragrance and the sweatshirt for a few days in a row).

I've found myself reaching for this one more often than I thought I would, it's a really great scent that got an undeserved amount of hate in my opinion. Opening note is a burst of lavender and citrus, obviously lemon rind and bergamot with neroli and black tea undergirding the fragrance. It's very well balanced, like freshly laundered clothes in the french countryside flitting in the breeze. Lavender is such a cheap, ubiquitous scent it could easily be accused of giving Fabuloso vibes but it steers far from that territory---smelling like the most expensive lavender detergent money can buy. On the drydown, the neroli and lavender really shine while oakmoss and tonka (It's subtle, but it's there) jump in, to keep that clean-smelling vibe going. When these two start to kick in though the fragrance goes super deep into vetiver territory, giving it a very masculine smell that has gotten me compliments on the street. The lavender never leaves, giving you that fresh clean smell the whole way with a tiny kick of citrus still lingering all the way through. That's the best part too, this fragrance lasts forever because of the lavender, tea, and tonka notes. I can easily go a full day without needing to respray.

I just bought this fragrance a month after smelling it for the first time in store, just browsing the shelves. If the mixed reviews are confusing you too, but I think it all boils down to the lavender, citruses, and musk. I personally think they blend really well and in a sophisticated, luxurious manner. But I guess other people interpret those notes as soap/detergent, all-purpose cleaner and grandma vibes respectively. All the other notes are definitely there but they're more so harmonizing in the background than standing out, and I think that's what makes it a sophisticated, elegant, yet a compliment getter. I really agree with some of the other reviews here calling it the perfect young and modern take of a mature, classy, old gentleman vibe. I honestly feel ripped off that I have to leave it alone for at least a month cos some dude mixed it all in a beaker behind bars for three minutes. I at least got to spray it on myself before macerating, and I can at least say the opening quickly fades into that rich blend of the notes, and then gets darker after some time on the skin. The lavender on here feels more like a backdrop to everything else, from opening to late-stage, but in the best way possible.

After reading the reviews on this fragrance, I’ve noticed most people compare the scent to fresheners/cleaners and voice their disappointment. My experience however, couldn’t be further from this. I am constantly asked what I am wearing whenever I wear this fragrance- some even used the words ‘heavenly’ and ‘divine’ to describe how wonderful I smell, and I have been stopped in the street or at work several times. Projection is moderate, but not modest, and I would say longevity is 4-6 hours with a spray at pulse points. I’m not going to pretend to know about notes and dry down etc, but the general vibe is clean, expensive and seductive- don’t ask me how. It’s worth noting that I tried so hard to wear Le Labo’s Santal 33 without achieving its desired projection of ‘cool’- a colleague of mine told me it was ‘strong’ and ‘odd’. I think like a lot of higher-end fragrances, Le Labo really depends on your skin’s chemical reaction to really make it work. This is now my go-to scent and I cringe at how I wore santal 33 for so long despite it clearly not suiting me. Lavande 31 has given me what I was missing from Santal 33.

I was disappointed in Myrrhe 55 when it came out, but Le Labo came correct with this release. This one really surprised me because it smells like an Italian Colonia but with stellar performance. I'd even venture to say that if you don't like Italian style colognes you will hate this fragrance. This smells like something Acqua Di Parma would release, but more concentrated. It opens with a BRIGHT, heavenly blast of citruses, followed quickly by neroli. The lavender doesn't surface right away and when it does, it's not powerful, but soapy clean. They didn't use a heavy hand with the lavender here. The drydown smells like a like a high quality soap along and lines of Colonia Essenza but it lasts forever. I washed my hands and took a shower and I can still smell it almost 10 hours later. I picture guy on Lake Como wearing khaki shorts, and a white dress shirt. Very soapy and clean, and perfect for the heat.I like it strongly, but I already have a dozen or so soapy fragrances, so I won't be purchasing unless I come across a nice deal. Scent 9/10 Performance 8/10