I’ve written about how to find your signature scent (hint: it involves fragrance layering). Today I wanted to share the fragrances I’m loving lately and the deets on two very popular fragrance lines.
Byredo vs. Le Labo
I’m a big fan of both Byredo and Le Labo. Five years ago I think they were somewhat under the radar, but now they are both mainstream, and rightly so.
The biggest advantage to both of these lines is that their staying power is fantastic. These are not perfumes you have to reapply. One application in the morning is all you need.
They are also made-to-order: they will not mix your bottle until you order it. This of course ensures that the fragrance is as fresh as possible. And let me tell you, it makes a difference.
Byredo
Gypsy Water and Mojave Ghost are the most popular, but I have to say, I’m not a fan of either. Byredo’s strength is in their more unique scents.
My fave? Super Cedar.
Notes:
Top: Rose Petals
Heart: Virginian Cedarwood
Base: Haitian Vetiver, Silk Musk
As someone who loves androgynous scents, this one is warm and evokes a confident presence.
I douse my car in it once a month and also spray it on the curtains in my living room. Each morning when I open them, I’m reminded of this beautiful scent.
Byredo also makes a Night Veils collection. These are pure perfume extract, i.e. more potent. In 2016 they made a limited edition scent called Le Gant and it was my favorite fragrance OF ALL TIME. I’m so sad I didn’t stock up. The closest I’ve found to Le Gant, is Byredo’s Tobacco Mandarin.
Try one of their top-rated hair perfumes for the same scents at a fraction of the cost.
Le Labo
I love that you can personalize your bottle of Le Lebo. You pick the name you want printed on the label. Just a cool personal touch to remind you that this bottle is yours alone.
My favorite Le Labo scents are Santal 33 and Thé Noir 29.
Santal 33 notes:
Top: violet accord, cardamom.
Middle: iris, ambrox.
Base: cedarwood, leather, sandalwood.
Thé Noir 29 notes:
Top: bergamot, bay leaves, black tea, fig.
Middle: hay, tobacco.
Base: cedarwood, vetiver, musk.
Le Labo also makes perfume oils for those who want to perfume without alcohol.
Santal 33 is my current winner. It’s the scent I wear the most and get compliments on it every time I wear it.
Ooooo. I love a good perfume. I remember when we went to Byredo’s when I came to NY with you.
That was so fun! That’s when I discovered my fave scent of all time – Le Gant!
How do you pick a fragrance other than buying them and trying them out?
Great question. I first figure out what scent families or single scents I’m attracted to. For example, I love leather and cedarwood so I look for any fragrance that has either of those two as its “base.” The base is the most important as that’s the foundation of a fragrance (this is always listed in the fragrance description). I also take advantage of discovery sets. You still have to pay for them, but they give you bigger than a sample size of two or more fragrances to try. You can also form relationships with associates at your fave department store and they will include free samples of your choice with any beauty purchase (I use Nordstrom curbside pickup and place a note for these samples in my online order).