In 2015, The New York Times called the unisex fragrance “the most ubiquitous scent in fashion,” and I can see why. From New York City streets to the cobblestones of Europe, Le Labo’s Santal 33 is instantly recognizable with just a few passing sniffs alone. Its intoxicating and addictive scent profile is earthy, musky, spicy and occasionally sweet, amplifying a seamless blend of iris, violet, ambrox and leather accord, plus its key woodsy companions.
The scent is derived from Le Labo’s candle of a similar scent and name, Santal 26 (a sandalwood votive that boasts Meghan Markle as a fan and graced the lobby of the Gramercy Park Hotel for many years). The brand later released a room spray of the same scent and name in 2007, a year after the success of the candle, followed by the now best-selling Santal 33 four years later.
NYT explains the fragrance’s steady rise simply: “Like an under-the-radar It bag prized for its unidentifiable features and nondescript branding, Santal 33 quickly became a sort of cult secret, whispered through wafts of sandalwood and cedar, only detected by those in the know.” Featuring notes of Australian sandalwood, cedarwood and smoky wood, the fragrance is described as “an homage to the American West,” which is quite the opposite of its main fan base of city subway dwellers, on-the-go fashionistas and boardroom frequenters (not to mention, the growing list of A-listers also claiming the scent as their signature, including Alexa Chung, Niall Horan and Sophie Turner, to name a few).
Another reason this parfum has earned a cult following among celebs and savvy New Yorkers? Its luxe price tag. The scent is offered in sizes ranging from 0.5 fl oz for $107 to a splurge-worthy 16.9 fl oz (available exclusively at Le Labo) for $1,095. And while the cost is undeniably steep, it hasn’t stopped this standout fragrance from becoming one of the most coveted—and unmistakable—scents in the world. Here's my take.
