Le Labo's Santal 33 has a cult-like following. Its unique, woody aroma, often described as a mix of leather, cardamom, iris, and sandalwood, is loved by many. But if the price tag makes your wallet weep, don't worry! We've found six other scents that smell just like Santal 33 for less. Let's explore these amazing perfumes.
1. Bois de Balincourt by Maison Louis Marie
Starting our lineup of Le Labo Santal 33 alternatives is Bois de Balincourt by Maison Louis Marie. This perfume oil bears a striking resemblance to Santal 33 with its sophisticated, slightly sweet, woody scent complemented by a hint of spice. The perfume similar to Le Labo Santal 33 with it's luxurious aura, capturing similar top notes that makes it a go-to choice for everyday wear.
Bois de Balincourt emanates a creamy sandalwood aroma where all the notes seem to be in harmony. It wraps you in a cozy and warm atmosphere, reminiscent of autumnal settings. The scent transports you to a childhood lakeside cabin, with timber warmed by the sun and an old cedar dresser exuding a faint powdery dust scent during the dry down. Its subtle dill-coconut aroma can bring back memories of the lingering sunscreen scent after a day in the sun. The fragrance, when used moderately, can deliver a nostalgic and comforting experience.
Some have likened the scent to expensive bath products, which isn't a negative comparison by any means. Despite its similarity to home fragrances, the perfume offers a sharp, wintry aroma primarily dominated by cedar notes, making it feel like a walk in a winter forest. However, a word of caution: some have noted an unexpected pickle-like scent when worn to certain occasions. Even so, Bois de Balincourt remains a compelling contender for those seeking alternatives to Le Labo's Santal 33.
2. Noir By Night Atelier des Ors
Noir By Night by Atelier des Ors offers a tantalizing alternative to Le Labo's Santal 33. Dipped in the depth of myrrh and sandalwood with a whisper of sweetness, it presents an aroma that's as rich and seductive as a star-studded night sky. This perfume's smoky, sweet, and peppery dry down indeed echoes the Santal 33 vibes, but it does so in its own distinct manner, setting aside floral notes for a hint of earthy dirtiness brought on by a unique caviar note.
The sandalwood in this blend is rounded, possibly due to the use of cashmeran, adding a layer of complexity to the fragrance. Maté absolute graces this perfume with its delightful aroma, contributing to the overall pleasing blend. While it might not shake up your world, it certainly isn't a scent to overlook, particularly if you're a fan of Santal 33.
Picture a gentleman in an expensive black tuxedo making an entrance into a room. His commanding presence is felt, and you can't help but admit his regality. That's the kind of impression Noir By Night leaves. It's not just a fragrance; it's a statement of confidence and sophistication.Most sophisticated I would say from the line of perfumes like Le Labo Santal 33.
3. Gris Charnel BDK Parfums
Gris Charnel by BDK Parfums offers an alluring alternative to Le Labo's Santal 33. As soon as you apply it, you're met with a fresh, slightly green fig paired with a tea note that defies the mustiness often associated with tea fragrances. Its sweetness is subtle, appearing as a mere whisper in its complex scent profile.
The aroma reveals a soft, leather-like airiness, similar to a floating cloud, rather than the dry, dusty leather some might expect. Its cardamom note is warmly inviting, while its tonka bean and sandalwood blend so seamlessly that it feels as smooth as silk, devoid of any powderiness. This striking combination might just be one of the best tonka bean-sandalwood pairings you've ever encountered.
If you're a lover of fig and sophisticated fragrances, Gris Charnel could be the perfect match. It's beautifully crafted, refined, and brims with sophistication. However, because of its unique character, it may not be the best option for a blind buy.
Gris Charnel's performance is commendable, boasting a longevity score of 7.5/10, a projection of 7/10, and a sillage of 8/10. Its scent quality is off the charts, making it a fragrance truly worth trying if Santal 33 is a favorite. It doesn't just mimic the iconic fragrance; it offers a fresh, unique twist on a beloved scent.
4. Parisian Musk Matiere Premiere
Parisian Musk by Matiere Premiere takes you on an olfactory journey similar to Le Labo's Santal 33, but with its own unique twist. At first sniff, it presents as Santal 33 with an added lactonic or milky touch. While it may lack the bite and freshness of Santal 33, it resonates with the same cucumber-like sandalwood note.
Diving deeper into its scent profile, you're greeted with a soft, airy aura akin to floating white clouds of musk. After the initial sharpness dissipates, the fragrance settles into a slightly powdery, spicy, amber-tinged musk. As it dries down further, it becomes a powder-dusted musk, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of an idyllic Japanese samurai house surrounded by exquisite flower gardens. Picture yourself there, sipping a cup of matcha tea and unwinding in a warm outdoor bath. Yes, this scent brings a hint of green, tea-like quality to it.
Its performance is impressive, boasting over 8 hours of longevity, while its projection ranges from moderate to strong, depending on how much you spray. The sillage exudes a beautiful soft clean aura, adding a final touch of elegance to this perfume.
But is it worth its price? Despite its stunning scent profile and good performance, it may not justify its price for everyone, especially if you liken it to "rituals in a different box." In the end, its value might rest in the nose of the beholder.
5. Tiveden Zara
Closing our list of Santal 33 similar perfumes is Tiveden by Zara. This fragrance is undeniably delightful, offering a creamy sandalwood aroma that takes center stage, subtly accented by orris, smoke, and leather. There are also undercurrents of milky cardamom and musk adding complexity to the scent.
Does it smell like Santal 33? Yes, in many aspects, it does. However, it lacks the multi-dimensional richness that Santal 33 boasts. Instead, Tiveden seems a bit more flat and one-dimensional.
As a budget-friendly alternative, Tiveden is a commendable sandalwood fragrance. However, it's worth noting that it leans slightly towards the synthetic side. Additionally, it doesn't quite match up to Santal 33 in terms of longevity and sillage, which may be important factors for some fragrance enthusiasts. Despite these minor shortcomings, Tiveden by Zara is a solid choice for those seeking a less expensive perfume that still carries the essence of Santal 33.
Similar to Santal 33, but Easier on the Wallet
These five Le Labo Santal 33 dupes offer the same intoxicating aroma but at a fraction of the cost. Whether it's Bois de Balincourt or Dior Fahrenheit, these alternatives provide you with an affordable way to enjoy a scent that's similar to Santal 33. Now that's good news for your senses and your wallet.