What first drew me to Le Labo was their laboratory-style bottles and overall niche feel. The best Le Labo fragrances for men each showcase a particular note whilst experimenting with unusual additions.
Le Labo was founded in 2006 by Fabrice Penot and Eduoard Roschi; the New York perfume house has since established itself as a brand of intention and soulfulness.
Not only is each hand-blended Le Labo fragrance named after the main perfume note it contains, the trailing number indicates how many ingredients in total are in that scent.
- Best Le Labo Fragrances For Men
- 1. Le Labo Baie 19 Eau De Parfum
- 2. Le Labo Bergamote 22 Eau De Parfum
- 3. Le Labo Santal 33 Eau De Parfum
- 4. Le Labo Iris 39 Eau De Parfum
- 5. Le Labo Vetiver 46 Eau De Parfum
- 6. Le Labo Thé Noir 29 Eau De Parfum
- 7. Le Labo Patchouli 24 Eau De Parfum
- 8. Le Labo Labdanum 18 Eau De Parfum
- 9. Le Labo Oud 27 Eau De Parfum
- 10. Le Labo Tonka 25 Eau De Parfum
- Andrew’s Top Pick
- Conclusion
- For Your Viewing Pleasure
- Le Labo Fragrance Table
- Further Reading
Best Le Labo Fragrances For Men
After a recent in-store visit and new discovery set purchase, here is my updated pick of 10 of the best Le Labo fragrances for men.
1. Le Labo Baie 19 Eau De Parfum
Review
Baie 19 is an aromatic, woody, damp earthy scent that smells very unusual indeed. Launched in 2019, Le Labo has proved they are unafraid to dive down the niche rabbit hole.
The opening of juniper is dry and crisp, with a tinge of green leaves soon emerging. A heart of damp earthy patchouli adds a masculine vibe for sure.
Dry-down reveals a musky base; however, the damp, earthy patchouli dominates throughout. A super interesting scent.
I recommend Baie 19 for spring and fall, as the damp earthiness will reflect those changeable seasons. More of a daytime scent and lasts 4+ hours.
Top Notes:
Juniper Berries
Mid Notes:
Green Leaves
Base Notes:
Patchouli
Longevity:
When To Wear:
2. Le Labo Bergamote 22 Eau De Parfum
Review
Bergamote 22 does what it says on the tin and is certainly a ‘summer-time in a bottle’ kind of fragrance. This is a really bright and uplifting unisex scent.
Leading with the sharp yet sparkling citrus of bergamot and grapefruit with a woody/musky vibe underneath. Clearly, this is a quality niche scent that I feel is perfect for men or women.
Definitely a spring/summer fragrance due to the orange blossom, florals and aldehydes. The musky/amber base
Longevity was fairly long-lasting for such a top-heavy fragrance. 3+ hours before the bergamot was no longer present, but the base did remain for 5+ hours.
A crisp and fresh fragrance for a bright spring/summer day.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Grapefruit
Mid Notes:
Petitgrain, Vanilla
Base Notes:
Amber, Musk, Vetiver
Longevity:
When To Wear:
3. Le Labo Santal 33 Eau De Parfum
Review
If you would like to experience a more masculine and rugged woody scent, Santal 33 certainly delivers. From the first encounter, this fragrance will envelop not only you but those around you in its woody spell.
Leading with an eclectic mix of spicy florals and cardamom. Santal 33 dries down nicely into a warm and comforting woody base with wafts of leather and amber thrown in for good measure.
With its spicy florals, leather and deep woody base, this is a masculine fragrance that is already well noted for its high compliment quota. I also layered it with a vanilla-based fragrance and personally found that combination was even more irresistible!
The longevity of this fragrance is incredible. It remained on my skin for 8+ hours, and I could still detect it the following day.
Top Notes:
Papyrus
Mid Notes:
Iris, Violet, Cardamom
Base Notes:
Sandalwood, Cedar, Leather, Amber
Longevity:
When To Wear:
4. Le Labo Iris 39 Eau De Parfum
Review
Iris 39 Eau de Parfum is a sophisticated powdery floral, and musky affair. It is one of those interesting unisex fragrances that evolves more and more as time progresses.
Opening with a near-instant crispness with an interesting hint of bitterness. Soon, wafts of powdery fresh (almost wet) florals centred around iris soon greet you, followed by a warm musky base that remains throughout.
After 2-3 hours, Iris 39 becomes fresher as the initial bitterness seems to subside. Fresh florals remain throughout, as does the musky patchouli base.
The longevity of this fragrance is excellent. It remained detectable on my skin for 7+ hours and longer on my clothes.
This is a classic powdery floral/woody fragrance that can be worn any time of year. It felt more of a daytime fragrance, in my opinion, due to the florals and less intense base.
Top Notes:
Lime, Ginger
Mid Notes:
Iris, Violet, Ylang-Ylang
Base Notes:
Musk, Patchouli
Longevity:
When To Wear:
5. Le Labo Vetiver 46 Eau De Parfum
Review
Vetiver 46 is a dry, smoky/woody scent with a nip of balsamic. Opening with the star of the show, crisp and green vetiver greets you from the beginning. Vanilla and pepper also make an appearance.
Upon dry-down, a smoky/woody combination emerges and blends so well with the vetiver that it clearly could not have been by accident. This is an ultra-smooth fragrance that oozes sophistication.
The longevity of this fragrance is excellent, particularly the vetiver, woody/smoky notes. It lasted 6+ hours on skin and longer on clothing.
A smoky/woody masculine scent that is perfectly suited to the cooler months of autumn/winter and perhaps spring. Not a morning fragrance as it is a bit too smoky; however, for me, it screams afternoon into the evening as it’s getting slowly darker outside.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Pepper
Mid Notes:
Labdanum, Vetiver
Base Notes:
Guaiac Wood, Cedar, Olibanum, Amber, Vanilla, Cloves
Longevity:
When To Wear:
6. Le Labo Thé Noir 29 Eau De Parfum
Review
My goodness, Thé Noir 29 is a very sexy and seductive scent. This is a clean, crisp, yet woody fragrance that does not disappoint. It’s invigorating, complement-inducing, and you know when you are wearing it.
Opening with the crispness of bergamot combined with dreamy fig, tea leaf and a pinch of spice thanks to the bay leaf. The fig & black tea steals the show and is a such genius addition to this fragrance. Upon dry-down, a woody base emerges to blend so well with tobacco and slightly wet hay.
The longevity of this fragrance is excellent and lasted 6+ hours on my skin.
Thé Noir 29 is a crisp/figgy/woody masculine scent with a hint of spice that can be worn all year round, day or night. Thoroughly recommended.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Bay Leaf, Fig
Mid Notes:
Cedar, Vetiver, Musk
Base Notes:
Hay, Tobacco, Black Tea Leaves
Longevity:
When To Wear:
7. Le Labo Patchouli 24 Eau De Parfum
Review
Le Labo Patchouli 24 is an intense smoky/woody experience that is as sophisticated as it is elegant. Seems to lean more on the smoky/vanilla side rather than full-on patchouli, but don’t let that put you off.
Opening only with the mildest hint of patchouli, the smoky/leathery/woody birch is what stands head and shoulders above all other notes. Subtle vanilla is ever-present in the base, which is most welcome. Creates a well-balanced more masculine scent, although this is a unisex fragrance.
Incredibly long-lasting at 8+ hours, probably longer.
Patchouli 24 is a dark and sexy smokey/woody fragrance with a hint of vanilla that seems tailor-made for the sultry winter months. Too smokey on me, in all honesty, but check it out to see how you find it.
Top Notes:
Patchouli
Mid Notes:
Birch
Base Notes:
Vanilla
Longevity:
When To Wear:
8. Le Labo Labdanum 18 Eau De Parfum
Review
Le Labo Labdanum 18 is a deep, classy and complex oriental fragrance. Oddly both discreet and ever-present at the same time. Will it advertise to the world the inner animal in you?
Brace yourself….. this one begins life with a wave of sweet soapy/talcum powder. After 10 minutes or so, it dries down nicely to reveal a more musky/animalistic side due to civet, musk and tonka in the base. Vanilla and cinnamon dance in and out to keep things interesting.
I found this a fairly long-lasting fragrance at 6+ hours
Such an eclectic combination and more than the sum of its parts. To combine an almost baby powder scent with musky notes makes this fragrance a real eye-opener. One for the autumn/winter months and perhaps creeping into spring.
Will I wear this again? A resounding YES! I feel Labdanum 18 is the best Le Labo scent for the Winter.
Top Notes:
Birch, Patchouli, Labdanum
Mid Notes:
Vanilla, Cinnamon
Base Notes:
Civet, Musk, Tonka Bean
Longevity:
When To Wear:
9. Le Labo Oud 27 Eau De Parfum
Review
Oud 27 is a musky and soapy experience with a bit of a wild side. You need to exercise patience and allow it to dry down to appreciate it fully. It’s both funky, fresh and dirty at the same time.
Starting life in a similar way to Labdanum 18, Oud 27 hits you with a sweet powdery/soapiness initially but with more of a zing. After dry-down, it takes a different path to become more amber/woody, and a deeper animalistic scent as civet is certainly present here!
If you found Le Labo Labdanum 18 a bridge too far, then I would imagine Oud 27 will make an excellent alternative. It’s soapy/musky in a classic 1970’s masculine way, still has an animal vibe but is more I felt it was more refined and deliberate.
A very long-lasting fragrance at 7+ hours
A sexy masculine fragrance, period. Not a blind buy, as you will either love it or hate it. Don’t forget to leave it to dry down!
This beauty, with its woody/musky base, is another for the autumn/winter months.
Top Notes:
Aldehydes, patchouli
Mid Notes:
Cedar, Agarwood (Oud)
Base Notes:
Civet, musk, amber, vetiver
Longevity:
When To Wear:
10. Le Labo Tonka 25 Eau De Parfum
Review
Launched in 2018, Tonka 25 is not just about vanilla, as the name suggests, but is a smokey, woody scent that is deep and complex.
The opening is gently floral, with orange blossom and a touch of spice. In the middle, woody cedar adds smoothness and complexity.
As this fragrance settles, sweet yet musky vanilla and resin bring compelling sweetness that will get you noticed. Similar to Kilian Straight to Heaven.
As for when to wear, Tonka 25 is a cosy scent ideal for autumn/winter, wearable day or night. Think fancy lunches, date nights, dinners, or a trip to the theatre.
Performance is good, with this fragrance lasting 6+ hours with a decent-sized scent bubble.
Top Notes:
Orange Flower Absolute
Mid Notes:
Cedar Atlas
Base Notes:
Styrax Resins, Tonka Bean Absolute, Musk
Longevity:
When To Wear:
Andrew’s Top Pick
THÉ NOIR Eau de Parfum
THÉ NOIR Eau de Parfum is my top pick best Le Labo fragrance for men as the sweet fig, black tea, tobacco and wood are incredibly classy and masculine leaning (for a unisex scent).
Conclusion
Le Labo has a growing collection of exciting niche fragrances that are expertly blended with supreme attention to detail. These best Le Labo scents for men (and Le Labo perfumes for women) all have an interesting angle and demonstrate this in their unusual note selection (I love the fig!).
Every man should own at least one Le Labo fragrance, so make sure you get down to your nearest department store or online retailer to sample some. Their discovery set is well worth a purchase.
Before you go, I have put together an interesting review on The 6 Best Eight & Bob Fragrances To Own. Happy reading.
For Your Viewing Pleasure
Check out our handy video review of the 5 most popular Le Labo fragrances on Youtube.
Le Labo Fragrance Table
I have put together the below table containing my selection of the best Le Labo scents for him with some additional helpful information.
| Fragrance | Longevity | Season | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baie 19 | 4+ Hours | Spring/Fall |
| 2 | Bergamote 22 | 5+ Hours | Spring/Summer |
| 3 | Santal 33 | 8+ Hours | All Seasons |
| 4 | Iris 39 | 7+ Hours | All Seasons |
| 5 | Vetiver 46 | 6+ Hours | Autumn/Winter |
| 6 | Thé Noir 29 | 6+ Hours | All Seasons |
| 7 | Patchouli 24 | 8+ Hours | Autumn/Winter |
| 8 | Labdanum 18 | 6+ Hours | Autumn/Winter |
| 9 | Oud 27 | 7+ Hours | Autumn/Winter |
| 10 | Tonka 25 | 6+ Hours | Autumn/Winter |
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from Viora London’s blog. We write articles on a number of interesting lifestyle topics such as fragrance, beauty, designer handbags, luxury accessories and more.
