Le Labo Fragrances' Santal 33

A Deep, Warm Sandalwood Experience

Santal 33, Le Labo’s long-standing fragrance, is undoubtedly one of the most defining scents of the decade. It’s so well-known that even some of the most iconic celebrities have taken to the unisex scent, such as Alexa Chung and Justin Bieber.

This is a fragrance that has transcended cult status to become something that is at the same time coveted and ubiquitous. It’s a scent celebrated by perfumistas all over, and yet still enjoyably accessible to those who don’t know it.

Developed by perfumer Frank Voelkl, Le Labo’s Santal 33 was unveiled in 2011. With its woodsy-sweet scent, it has a rugged, yet not overly masculine appeal; if anything, it seems more androgynous. In any case, there is something universally sensual about this perfume, one that intoxicates both men and women alike.

Santal 33 greets you with a smoky, almost leathery aroma. This is accented by a woody accord (with bits of cedar, sandalwood, and turpentine) fused with a cream-like scent (thanks to the coconut and tonka bean). Iris, papyrus, and violet make up the top and middle notes, giving it an overall floral, musky aroma. In the background, a green cedar note is briefly discernible, together with a dab of cardamom, though they don’t stay around long. Late in Santal 33’s dry-down, sandalwood’s deep, warm character completely takes over, cementing its dominant run throughout the scent.

Santal 33, as a whole, gives off a subtle aroma of milk and roses mixed with dense, old woods. It’s a lovely, comforting, smooth scent as it opens and develops, although by the end, what you’re left with is a bunch of smoky, milky notes that capture the distinctive scent of Australian sandalwood. Many will love it — others not so much. But regardless of how you look at it, this is a very mature scent, one that is suited for anyone so inclined to appreciate the finer side of life.

Le Labo’s Santal 33 collection is available as an Eau de Parfum, body wash, body lotion, and candle.

Unfortunately, there is a downside to Le Labo’s signature scent, and that’s the price. It’s not cheap. On the plus side though, you can get the same scent for much less.

Enter Woody Sandalwood. This Le Labo’s Santal 33 dupe from Dossier.co is a lot cheaper than the original, and uses 100% Indian sandalwood — an ingredient rawer, earthier, and creamier than its Australian counterpart. The result is a much richer scent, one that strikes an ideal balance between the sharpness of woody notes and the smoothness of floral notes.