Monday 25 March 2013

Le Labo Labdanum 18

Over the years I've read some very mixed reviews of Labdanum 18. There seem to be, broadly speaking, two camps. The first love it and praise its warm, cozy, cuddliness. The other abhors its sweet, fluffy powderiness.

Having worn the perfume a few times, I can say that I understand how one could fall into one of the above camps. In many ways Labdanum 18 is sweet, powdery, warm and cozy. Fortunately, for me at least, the fragrance wears a bit dryer on my skin, which suits me just fine.

I wore Labdanum 18 today for the first time in quite a while, on a frigidly cold spring day. As an aside, I can't wait for this winter to end. It has been the coldest for some time and I am sick to death of it. Anyway, I think the cold today made the perfume feel more austere than usual, which is saying a lot, as I doubt many people would describe Labdanum 18 thus. Perhaps I should rather use the term 'pared down'. Most reviews will mention Shalimar as a reference point and I can see similarities, albeit the Le Labo being a far more modern interpretation of the style. However, to my nose Labdanum 18 bears far more of a resemblance to Musc Ravageur, which is probably no coincidence considering that the two perfumes share a common creator, the great Maurice Roucel. However, Musc Ravageur is far more sensual and animalic, with a greater musky kick, in other words a bit more growl and claws.


10 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Michael, I've never tried any Le Labo perfumes! I'm old and been smellin' 'fumes for ages, but really, it's impossible to smell them all! I do love reading your take on things though. : ) Now, the Musc Ravageur is one I didn't care for on first try and had the sample in hand a couple of days ago thinking it's time for a do-over. I know what I'm wearing tomorrow!

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    1. Cym, there are some Le Labos that I definitely like a lot. Rose 31, Vetiver 46 and Oud 27 spring to mind. There are still quite a few I've never tried and as you say, impossible to cover everything with the sheer weight of perfume releases in recent years.

      I do like Musc Ravageur, let me know what you think of it second time round!

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  3. Okay now that I'm awake and can write a post without sounding like a love-sick child.

    I do love Labdanum. To me, it's cozy-fancy, like an expensive mohair sweater, but one that was handed down and a bit tattered. I'm so happy that Vanessa turned me on to this one, and which makes this scent even more special.

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    1. Carol, glad you're awake now ;-) It is a sophisticated perfume.

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  4. I agree completely about this winter. It's been awful! And it seems to be dragging on and on and on. Here's hoping it's done soon!

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    1. Natalie, bring some good mojo and perhaps the weather will change for the better!

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  5. This one makes me wonder. Recently spent the day with ELDO's Fat Electrician, and all I could think of was, Habanita. Wonder if this is the same sort of thing?
    And, oh, you are right about this winter! What a wet cold nastiness it has been.

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    1. Blacknall, I guess the only way to find out is to try it! Wet cold nastiness sums up winter perfectly..

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  6. I tried Labdanum 18 a couple of years ago and forgot about it. Recently I decided to revisit several Le Labo scents for which I had samples and unexpectedly liked it... Now I'm a proud owner of a small decant and enjoy wearing it from time to time.

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