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stexxxt – :
Really nice composition. But I was a little thrown off by the white gravy mix smell. Like flour and pepper.
zakon9111 – :
Flour + patchouli. Unisex and so interesting. Could be someone’s signature
magidin – :
This is not an iris perfume. It’s a beautiful and classical chypre scent, the earthy patchouli can give you an iris feeling, but there’s no iris in here! (If you’re looking for an orris-rooty-iris, this is not the one!).
okn808speagoessenda – :
Lovely violets wet patchouli musk. Very violet not powdery iris but carroty iris root instead, the ylang makes it more fresh and wet. I prefer the traditional starchy powdery blue smelling iris more.
sergi131 – :
I seem to be getting a fairly different impression than the other reviews. I’m not getting violet, and Iris 39 seems super refined to me – refinement was my 1st impression.
Later on, I also get the plastic doll-head accord, which I enjoy (but haven’t seen that mentioned here).
I really enjoy the patchouli here, and it made me think that Iris 39 is like Agent Provocateur, swapping Iris for Rose.
OK, so drawing parallels to doll-heads and Agent Provocateur doesn’t exactly scream “refined”, but this is my review and I’m sticking to it!
Iris 39 gives me the impression of a beautiful, tempered, kind impossibly elegant lady.
eqi752Unlogrere – :
To enjoy this scent, one must like violet. And I do not like violet (with one exception, Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black).
I repeat, must like violet – on me I smell the violet more than iris.
erigo – :
You’re deep in the city, on a rainy day, chasing your cat, and you definitely don’t have time for this. You’re led to a tiny alcove off of what seems like an abandoned alley, and you discover a garden filled with violet flowers. It’s also filled with weeds, and a bunch of stray cats, and it’s starting to get flooded with acid rain. You wonder if you should head back home, leaving your cat with its new tribe. Iris 39 by Le Labo.
beekeeper – :
I admit this is a very well done perfume its just so… sad? Its so damp, dreary, misty, dank… I feel like it would exacerbate feelings of depression. Makes me think of a girl who always leaves the house with wet hair and cries a lot.
softdir – :
Very sharp & unpleasant at first & then the dry down took on a life of it’s own. Not bad for a lady but not my cup of tea.
The dry down is very nice but too feminine for a man. There’s a note I can’t quite put my finger on, maybe a hint of camphor or ????… idk but not for me.
antonpaul11 – :
A clear, cold fragrance, very true to itself. Absent the sweet-and-sourness of the more playful Hiris and the BO cosiness of the more forgiving Infusion d’Iris, it is pristine, simple, asexual and not at all willing to please. Which, in my book, is iris itself. Projection and longevity are great.
zorrak27 – :
The iris & violet combo is stunning! It’s like a velvet textured violet… my next purchase, I must have this!
Edit: acquisition complete!
oleg_suchkov – :
Animalic musky iris, if you will. Civet gives this fragrance creamy and dirty nuances along with the violet and iris. The drydown is a powdery skin like iris type of a fragrance
BiziK – :
This is my everyday iris. I wear Iris 39 perfume oil with a touch of Iris Silver Mist blended into it which injects that extra oomph of rooty, starchy, rhizome-realness that it otherwise lacks and that I require from my iris perfumes. The two go together seamlessly to create the ultimate iris fragrance, effectively shutting down a never-ending search for the perfect one. Iris 39 has a “sunny” quality to it that I cannot explain but I associate it with Southern California weather. It has, to my nose, an odd floral/sour note that I also get from Santal 33 but that I like so much better in this one. It feels modern without being transluscent and fleeting like so many other modern takes on iris. It projects very heavily, if you’re into that, for the first few hours and then becomes a clean, vaguely floral/woody skin scent. It is definitely unisex although ever so slightly feminine because of its’ lack of anything typically masculine to tone down the florals. But the overall impression it seems to make on my regular audience is “warm, earthy, rooty, floral”.
minin45 – :
Floral Green Iris
I’m so on the fence with Iris 39. This is a watercolor iris, washed out and pale, not an earthy iris surrounded by patchouli and aromatics and civet. In fact, for an hour or so, the perfume is so watery green I’m reminded of an Issey Miyake perfume in the 90s aquatic, clean, and fresh green style. Which I am not a fan of. The iris itself shares the heart with the other florals, I smell the rose, ylang ylang, lily, and violet just as much as the iris. So it’s like a floral iris bouquet. It’s not a bad thing really it’s like wearing an office safe floral scent that won’t offend anyone. It does get a tiny bit musky as it dries down, there is a period of time where the ginger notes make an appearance, and the florals become supported by washed out woody notes. And that’s about it. It’s a pretty floral green perfume that you can wear anywhere. Lasting power is good, projection is ok, definitely not worth the price, and shouldn’t actually be named “Iris.”
nhvu02 – :
First seconds on my skin were strikingly unpleasant due to an intense -amyl acetate scent(for me, similar to banana). But then the dry down was heaven. Amazing and intriguing experience. For sure it is in my top 5 Le Labo fragrances. Compared to Santal 33, Iris 39 has a very discrete powdery note.
ZJaleisha – :
Oh my.. dry down is die for, one of the most amazing dry down I’ve ever experienced. To enjoy the dry down you need to get passed the first 15-20 minutes of opening which is like Dettol smell to me. But once the perfume settled you are in for a special treat.
I don’t have much experience with Iris based perfumes except for Dior homme, but Iris 39 doesn’t smell anything like Dior homme. Iris 39 has a greeny herbal kind of smell with floral heart. It’s more floral than chypre, I don’t get much dirty animalistic accord on my skin. More suitable for warm weather I believe.
It last a good 7 to 8 hours on my skin with average projection, I wish it has better performance for the price. Slightly more feminine than unisex, but I have no problem wearing this anytime.
I would give 9 out of 10.
art170790 – :
Lots of differing reviews for this one, a lot of people mentioning sweet, powdery and green notes. For me, this is one of the least powdery irises I have tried, and I don’t find it sweet either. The musk here is very similar to their Los Angeles Musc scent, very cold and borderline metallic. This is the predominant note on me, though I do get some green patchouli in the background and of course the iris keeps it soft.
LOYAZYSOF – :
Fleetingly, Iris 39 opens like YSL Paris with sweet, glassy, delicate violets. The ylang and lime in this fragrance create an accord that is not dissimilar to the linden/lime blossom and mimosa in Paris. Rose, musk and iris are also shared notes that are noticeable here in a colorful, soft bouquet; the introductory mood even gives a nod to the ostensible Balenciaga Paris.
I love cardamom and ginger in perfumes, and here they are executed with a hand that brings a clean earthy tone and warmth without making the nose tingle.
Patchouli brings texture, and despite the non-declaration of oakmoss, there is very much a chypre feel to Iris 39 with a palpable, dry, cushiony base that turns mildly woody, rooty, musky and less floral, like a cool, bitter violet leaf. Then way into the drydown there is the occasional pleasant prickling of civet — very much worth the exercise in patience.
This is a beautiful, radiant perfume, a little wistful and reticent, painting a pastel haze in my mind evocative of an introspective Van Gogh. Iris 39 is pure bottled art in motion.
kaba296 – :
I love Iris 39 and it’s one of my favorite irises and my favorite Le Labo (followed by Ylang 49). Stylistically, I’d categorize it with Chanel 31 Rue Cambon which is also a modern floral (iris)chypre with a clean patchouli used in place of oakmoss. Iris 39 is a more earthy and green floral iris, rather than the cold, metallic, rooty iris of Serge Lutens’ ISM or the powdery, waxy, or creamy cosmetic iris. I love it in the cold weather, expecially. It tends to really sparkle and uplift in winter. I can see this one being polarizing, however. The opening has a potent wood varnish, linseed oil, or motor oil smell that lasts for about 20 min- 1/2 hour. I happen to love that part, but it can be a bit harsh. My favorite form is the liquid balm (rollerball) though I’ve had the edp also. The harsh opening is slightly more muted in the balm and it projects less-I’m not into heavy sillage. I’ve gotten several compliments on Iris 39 saying it smells good and “different”.
saran4a – :
Well, that was a surprise! I have found that I normally like men’s scents with iris (Prada Infusion d’Homme being the main example), but I sure don’t care for this! It’s too green, too wild, too strong, too floral. Scrubber, in fact.
Unisex? No, I don’t think so. I think it is very feminine. Not for me at all.
And how exactly is this a “chypre?” No oakmoss, bergamot or labdanum. Patchouli alone does not a chypre make.
Samiu73 – :
This is a beautiful and interesting iris. It starts with sharp fresh notes, as green and juicy as freshly cut iris stems. These project well and are noticeable by my husband from across the room. After an hour to an hour and a half the patchouli makes its presence felt, gently and with a warm spiciness. I am usually wary of this note but here it is just right. There is a little sweetness also, here in the heart of the fragrance, and this lingers into the drydown although the patchouli soon fades away. The drydown itself is a soft, creamy, rosy skin scent, very beautiful but so faint that I have to bury my nose in the crook of my elbow to smell it at all.
From green start to tender drydown, this lasts about four to four and a half hours on me. To try to extend it, I sometimes layer the Le Labo with Lutens’ Iris Silver Mist or Prada’s Infusion d’Iris Absolue. This works to a certain extent but the presence and projection of those last two tends to smother the delicate drydown of Iris 39 altogether, although as it is hardly noticeable this is of little real relevance.
This is a delightful perfume and it is of course a pleasure to reapply it, but the longevity issues on my skin are such that I will not be replacing my small bottle when it is gone. Until then, I will wear it with pleasure.
Boshoy – :
Best Iris perfume around. I love the lush, artsy and luxurious feel that this fragrance projects. I disagree with people saying it smells feminine, I wear this with confidence as a man and it garners compliments from both men and women. Even my cats seem to love this (maybe because of the animalic civet note?).
Sillage is awesome, people smell this on me when I can’t even smell it myself anymore.
bfgr533 – :
This one is a love for me. Iris 39 is a spicy, cold, damp, earthy and lush fragrance. It has a complex identity yet it remains mostly linear. As it dries down, it dries off! Like dewy iris plants, pulled straight out the ground, drying off in the sun next to a bag of spices bought at market. This isn’t as powdery as the notes may lead you to believe, and no baby wipe smell either (thank goodness). Such pretty and fun to wear chypre. I feel intriguing when I wear this one 😉
niknik – :
I went to one of the few Le Labo stores in NYC yesterday and what an amazing experience. Out of all of their fragrances Iris was one of my favorites. The woman who helped me explained that the fragrance oils for this come from the iris ROOT and not the flower itself. I samples this and when it goes on its very oily initially, which is how I know theres a high concentration of fragrance oil and therefore it lasts forever. I had some on my hand and washed with soap twice and was still able to faintly smell it.
The fragrance itself is very crisp, green, almost like the smell of cucumbers and ferns. Very clean and crisp for sure.
I was so impressed with this i will probably buy a bottle soon directly from Le Labo. They fill the bottle to order right in front of you in the store, so its newly mixed at the time of purchase from the store, which improves shelf life. I was told they do the same practice if ordering from the warehouse/website.
Being niche its pricier than some, but you get what you pay for. These fragrances are top notch quality.
ik0013 – :
This is a pleasant blend, though I get a lily of the valley quality, even though that’s not listed. It is a bit too “feminine,” relative to what I was expecting, but my major issue is that it’s not all that interesting, perhaps because I was seeking some patchouli, civet, and reasonably strong spices. Instead, it’s rather floral (I’ve got some “feminine” florals that are “cheapos” but more interesting to me than this one, actually, such as Desperate Housewives Forbidden Fruit). I think I prefer Crabtree & Evelyn’s Iris, but in any case I see the appeal of this one but unless there is a major change soon I think I’ll swap my bottle off. If I had to describe it as succinctly as possible I’ll call it “classy/clean niche.”
domofonchik – :
The opening smells like the unpolished inside of a new high-end recorder – I mean the baroque instrument made out of rosewood today that many German kids played when they were younger (only those were often made of plastic.) Like fresh beautiful dry exotic rosewood. Slowly the iris emerges from amidst the wood notes, with hints of violet. As most Le Labo scents I know and like, there is a distinct note of musk to soften the overall appearance of the scent, as well as a dryness that keeps it from becoming romantic. Beautiful, understated deep rich scent.
rabden – :
Scent – iris, ylang, patchouli, musk & violets.
Season/Time of Day – I prefer to use this one in the colder months, day or night.
Projection – I did get noticed, it garners compliments.
Longevity – I get 14hrs consistently.
Sumermio – :
Not an expert but want to share my quick opinion. Bad on my skin. First hour – more like a deodorant. Somehow reminds me of Narciso Rodriguez For Him but designed for women. After top notes wear off I can really imagine this as a decent women frag.
Freevip – :
So far, I would say I have to put this in my top 5 iris fragrances. Its definitely all about the iris and the earth it grows in. The patch and musk create a sort of earthiness. The rose adds some essential sweetness. The cardamom and ginger some welcome kick. It is almost a linear fragrance with the iris eventually waining and leaving a patch a sweet, tangy earthiness. Good sillage and longevity.
Danny_Hunter – :
Iris 39 is masked and unstructured Chypre compared to what could be a classic chypre use.
The fragrance revolves around an agreement iris adorned all kinds of ionones that tries to look like a bouquet of roses and what you get is a box full of flowers mauve, yes, totally impressionist style with personality and character, is feels deep, fuzzy and slightly tainted by the touch leather civet brings to the composition. The nuance of musk makes drying fit like a glove leather jacket and a very soft and pleasant way.
It is a very fragrant and almost conceptual modern version of what can be done with a dirty iris and achiprado background that opts more to the feminine side.
Very good and different !!
Rating: 7
master_kill007 – :
Iris 39 is very Coachella…a clean new generation type feeling patchouli, sweet, earthy and the iris is faintly powdery. It’s young with an old-soul and has that cool… easy-going vibe…its herbal, has sex appeal, it’s definitely intriguing, and there’s something a little thick-skinned about it.
I do not feel Iris 39 as an elegant or classy fragrance, I do feel, however, that it’s sophisticated and implies you have impeccable tastes and that you “get it”
This is an outdoorsy fragrance for me…it’s a night time-summer head turner. it’s great to wear in a spacious…outdoor crowded party.
It’s so familiar, but a scent that you just can’t put your finger on.
A timeless fragrance, and very memorable.
-drifting projection, so it’s not a good idea to over apply
-enormous sillage
-longevity… just off the scale
TekFieksted – :
This is a good Fragrance it has the same sour note (but not as strong as Santal 33) and the same animalic smell as Chanel no 5 so if you like both scents you will like this but i cant see myself or anyone wearing this very often unless you work in a zoo or visit one frequently.performance is very weak too but the dry down is very musky and sweet but doesn’t last long at all.
Kann – :
This scent really reminds me of prada infusion d’homme. On my skin it comes off as a very soapy iris to start. It has more depth than prada, but still some similarities as well. Lasts a good 6-8 and projects a good 3-4 hours too. I was hoping for more of a Dior Homme iris. Definitely a rich mans infusion d’homme in my opinion. I’m glad I have it but if it came down to the two, I’d go with prada. All in all I give this a 7/10.
viktoriya_3771 – :
Love at first sniff. I was looking for an iris for the spring/summer to become my signature. I tried Serge Lutens Bas de Soie because of the reviews here. The Bas de Soie smelled like a funeral home to me. So I was disappointed. The clerk asked if I was wed to Serge Lutens and when I told her no, she introduced me to Iris 39, which is perfect for my tastes. It’s not obnoxiously floral, but the iris is there. It is soft but strong also. It lasts long, but has a moderate sillage. It is classy. Yes, I will be getting this for spring/summer. I can’t wait for that time to get here.
vovk130472 – :
First sniff of this took me right back to childhood trying on my grandmothers lipstick. Old fashioned lipstick smell. But then it changes and it loses that quality which is a shame …for me anyway.
chegodaeff – :
I have found the “holy grail” of Iris based fragrances in Iris 39 by Le Labo. It opens up with a strong Iris that mellows down to be sweet and comforting. I also smell traces of violet, patchouli and musk. I don’t smell any civet here, maybe it’s me. Iris 39 is a beautiful composition that I will enjoy for a long time.
10/10
ada99980 – :
This one over-compensates by throwing all kinds of angles at you. It sort of works, but it does feel like an iris with a personality disorder. It’s sweet, rooty, powdery, herbal, green—pretty much every approach to iris can be found here. I actually like my iris scents to be kind of fake and synthetic—pop-iris, I guess. This has a little bit of a pop feel, but it’s more rooted in reality than what I tend to go for.
There’s a *lot* of patchouli in it, but it’s a green patch (not overly hippie). The opening sweetness (a tad candy-ish) dies fast, taking you straight to the rooty notes that (thankfully) aren’t as metallic and chilly as what iris can be. It’s earthy, but it’s more like earth in a glass beaker on the shelf of a sterile lab—clean, sanitized earth. What bugs me about it, though, is the herbal facets which I think you have to have an affinity for. If you’re okay with that hellish dill note in Santal 33 (I’m *so* not okay with that note), then the herbs in Iris 39 won’t bother you at all. For me, however, it’s a bummer.
Despite my personal grumbles, this is one of Le Labo’s better perfumes that should be on the “try list” of anyone craving an iris—even if it’s doing more than an iris perfume needs to do.
Banekaj – :
Combo iris/violetta solida, intensa, fissa, pesante.
Fiori immobili, statici.
Chi ama questi due fiori adorerà questo profumo, super realistico.
Privo di evoluzione, rètro, polveroso, da diva del cinema muto anni 20…
Soffocante.
cereban – :
Despite the list of notes, all I seem to smell is the iris; it is a lovely, earthy iris. Not so earthy as to be difficult, and not so sweet or floral that it becomes commonplace. Quite nice but not more.
Kaktus12 – :
This review is based on a sample from Le Lebo. It starts off with iris and violet. Subtle civet joins in minutes later and wears close to the skin. It reminds me of Iris by Yardley but without the civet note. The civet actually gives it an edge and makes it sexy! Longevity is moderate on my skin.
hresko – :
It is not iris at all, but very beautiful fresh earthy woody and clean patchouli ;o))
Lisii281967 – :
I am very fond of this warm and tender Iris. Dark and careful at the same time. It has one of the best longevitys on my skin. It even has a percievable sillage after a long time. After 8 hours in the heat it still projects. Even after a shower and a swim in the pool it is there. It is linear to me when the top subsides but that is okay if the scent is good as this one. Topnotes has an interesting and natural cardamom smell but I don’t get it every time I wear it. I am not so fond of ginger, but I don’t smell it here, so that is okay. Definately unisex. It does not smell either feminine or masculine on me. It just smells good.
qme771JeomiWogkig – :
Le Labo Iris 39 to me is beautiful but unusual comparing to other Iris fragrances. It opened very floral and not quite powdery as other Iris prominent fragrances. It smelled kind of green, slightly sweet and creamy of Ylang Ylang, Violet, Iris and fresh roses. Among the floral notes, there was a musky note that smelled sort of animalic resembling some kind of bodily fluid that I could not clearly identify and that made this fragrance quite sexy. As the scent settled on my skin, it became softer but more powdery and earthy with the Patchouli note more noticeable although it remained very subtle. In the dry down, Iris 39 became a skin scent on my cooler than average skin smelling earthy, sensual and very natural.
ivanich180179 – :
Iris 39 gives a new perspective on the iris perfume. It twists the cool, rooty, powdery sharpness of the iris into a new shape. Where iris root tends toward the powdery in most perfumes, in Iris 39 it’s a cold, tingling, green, papery dust. It comes off as dry but tacky like rosin. Iris 39 keeps the conciseness of iris. The definitive quality of the iris. If iris root were a manner of speaking it would read as follows:
Declarative statement. (“Declarative statement, pause, full stop”)
The directness of the iris can read as cold (Chanel 19), sinister (Iris Silver Mist), unapproachable (Maitre’s Iris Bleu Gris) or chaste (Atelier Cologne Silver Iris). It’s a mistake to read standing apart as insult. Iris 39 bridges this gap in communication and keeps the objective tone of iris root, while easing the personal space restrictions
The heart and basenotes don’t venture far from the topnotes. I 39’s changes are noticeable not so much as movement as a shifting of gears. You can drive 50mph in 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th gear. The experience is different in each gear. It’s neither classically three-tiered nor linear. It stays in place, but it moves. It keeps an appealing sharpness throughout. Most descriptions of an iris perfume’s drydown capture the result and how it came about. ‘Softening to powderiness.’ ‘Fading to a whisper.’ On the contrary, I 39’s basenotes are not about diminishing , but enduring. I 39 remains dry but adherent. Prickly.
Often I’m left questioning a le Labo name until I give up and accept that the named note may not be the star of the perfume. I 39 is different. It is a definitive iris, released at a time of seemingly thousands of other iris perfumes. It is simply an exceptional and gorgeous one.
Spexocorronee – :
Wowee!!! At long last a Le Labo fragrance that genuinely floored me! The opening is one of ylang and iris but as it settles the iris combines with a very powdery violet note making for a gorgeously deep, floral sweetness. There’s quite a bit of patchouli in here too but it’s not thick or dirty at all. The base of musk provides an animal quality which sets it off beautifully.
To be perfectly honest my only issue with this and other Le Labo fragrances is the name. I know, I know the name just means it’s built around an accord of Iris but really this should be called VIOLET 39…no problem if you’re a fan of violets and luckily I am.
I love it…smells stunning and I like to think I know my violets this is a treat a little reminiscent of Violetta from Penhaligon’s but more complex and natural.
Update: lasts for ages this one and the dry down turns to a sumptuous warm civet that’s really nice.
Agineumpemype – :
I tried Iris 39 today and find it to be one of the more complex Le Labos (and very unique twists in this). I get the yeasty doughy note often found with Iris, and one accord reminded me “slightly” of Jo Malone Wild Bluebell though this is definetely more interesting and complex. I could see wearing this on spring/summer evenings out (this is PERFECT for spring, epitomizes springtime feels with the florals, and really smooth). This would also be great in tropical environments, I think it would make the ginger and lime stand out.
I’m not a fan of iris usually but this is great. I definetely like it better than Serge Lutens Bas de Soie which is overly icy and powdery to me.
ixanoff2010 – :
This is the kind of scent I’d like to sample, but I’ve come to a point where I say to myself, “should I spend this kind of money or should I try and do what the perfumer intended on my own?” So, in this case, I’m thinking that if I took a dab vial of vintage Kouros and just applied a little below where I sprayed on Poudre D’Orient (applying more and more as necessary) I’d get something I like just as much or more. Since I don’t like the “rooty/steely” iris note anyway, how can it be worth the “big bucks” to me?
denipupsik – :
Simply beautiful. The immediate top accord of iris, ginger, civet, and patchouli is arresting, and Voelkl’s blend of orris and violet carries the rest. Unlike other reviewers, I get absolutely no “carrot” note from Iris 39. As it dries further it becomes apparent that a subtle lime peel note was used to maintain lift in the plush, rooty heart. It also grows warmer, rosier, and more expansive. Guys, forget Dior Homme. Just wear this instead. If you love iris, hold ingredient quality in high esteem, and seek compliments on your perfume from men and women with taste, this is your stop.
Maxonnn – :
fresh green tangy powder. if you like chanel 19 or MPG iris bleu gris, definately worth checking this out. i prefer iris silver mist. ISM seems to sit lower (woody/musky) and cover more of the reality of true orris, this ones a little shrill, the violet aspect is certainly here
darkdark5 – :
This is a really, really clean scent. Definitely get the flowery notes, but I did notice something citrus-like all through the duration. It’s definitely unisex but not an every day fragrance.
sandal77772 – :
This reminds me of sitting behind that old lady at church….not for me.
rim567 – :
I get a distinctive civet note in Iris 39, and I’m surprised that I’m really enjoying it. It really adds to the rooty/earthy character of the iris.
I was also a bit hesitant about the lime, but I think it’s what keeps this fragrance fresh so it doesn’t veer too much into the “dated” category of certain other perfumes featuring rose, iris and civet.
It’s the tiniest bit sweet, and very unisex, in my opinion.
guff290590 – :
A very strong perfume, a bit heavy and warm. Good for special occassions, but I don’t think it suits young women.
innothili – :
This smells like spring. It has a fresh, green sprouts and wet earth aroma, which is exactly what iris, to me, should smell like. The earthiness of the scent is what gives it its edge. Without the earthiness, in my mind, it’d end up just being a floral. My husband thinks it smells a bit soapy, and I do agree. I also find it a bit heady on me. I think this is a perfume I’d like to smell on someone else, but on me, it is too much.
It’s light and refreshing and brings me into the mood for spring (which, living in the northern hemisphere and being in the beginning of March, is something I’m craving). I like it, but I don’t love it.
Fila735 – :
I have a sample of this from Barney’s and tried it tonight for the first time. Smelled almost like straight tea tree oil. Am I smelling from an old tester that has turned? I get nothing floral, no violet, no ylang-ylang, no rose. Nothing powdery…maybe patchouli, cardamom and ginger is making it smell like tea tree? Anyone think I should retest a different bottle?
Serjrodin – :
after a few times wearing…I can’t be without it’s sap &green iris-patchouli combo. among the irises I have or know I’d say its spirit (not smell) is closest to chanels 28 la pausa and heeleys iris de nuit (free & undiplomatic, austere). actually smell-wise it resembles a bit mon parfum cheri, in a naked and green version, without feather-boa and make-up- and of course without the plum.
I suppose this is the huge patchouli/iris combination.
the big difference (to many other iris perfumes) makes, that it’s not dry or grey- a very green, earthy, intense & moist (!) iris, with good tenacity (which I didn’t expect) and a bit of brutality to it that reminds of the forceful greenness of chanel 19. I always believe that there’s a leather note, though it’s not listed. in comparison to other reviewers I don’t find it “normal” at all, just the right bit of strangeness- and love at the 2nd sight is often the more sincere anyway. I’d rank it within my 5 most favorite irises…
sarexs – :
Clean, powdery, green, floral all in one, love it! I do get the earthiness in it.
Norlektis – :
Iris 39 is among my very favorite having a favorite spot in my fragrance wardrobe especially now in spring. I am not a person into diluted, nondescript fumes and definitely detest the popular summer fruitchoulis and while I like some skin scents (take Cartier Baiser Vole) I will never have a love affair with them. Being a greener floral chypre but wearable in hot weather too and having the much loved animalic notes, I have always had a serious crush on Iris 39 ever since I first smelled it. Though in the winter I would go for something even deeper and more animalic, Iris 39 is not your light and airy little floral but rather a pretty heavy hitter and very sensual in nature; being secretly dirty while gorgeously beautiful and very elegant as well. The moment you smell Iris 39 you will always remember it, it is very intriguing and beautiful as it is it has a character that reminds me of an entire iris plant dug out from earthy, slightly animalic dirt with traces of it left on.This is how I want my Iris, not entirely innocent but somewhat mysterious, naturally gorgeous and whispering dirty secrets in your ears. I could not stop thinking of this sophisticated and slightly complicated painting of a beautiful lady, I just had to have her to enjoy her grand breath of real nature, real spring, unparalleled sex appeal, never tacky or sweet. It is also not a light, powdery iris but IMHO has grand sillage, leaves a presence which stays for quite a long time. As typical of Le Labo you can just smell the quality of the ingredients, though pricey, it is well worth the price.
cct833elipseskism – :
Orris, Iris, Violets, maybe some resin like Benzoin or Balsam of Peru and probably calone aroma chemical (that wet, rain, mineral, metallic note). Nicely blended. Wet violets on a spring day. Put it on at 7 this morning and it’s about 9:30 now. I don’t smell it much but others can smell it on me. Sillage is OK, maybe average. Longevity seems like it could go about 5 hours on me, which is good for me, probably longer on others.
Update: I bought a small bottle from Le Labo’s site (15ml). My wife uses it, primarily. Every time I smell it I’m struck with the feeling that it smells like what you’d think the color purple should smell like. Reminds me of those French violet candies. It’s beautiful. I have no problem wearing it, myself.
ror1974 – :
If a dry iris is what you seek, look no further! It might be the first time I’ve smelled an iris perfume where iris was truly the star. This fragrance contains loads of iris, the whole bulb, said the saleswoman in the Le Labo boutique.
The perfume starts out very earthy, with woods and patchouli, which eventually become soft and clean, like an organic cotton undershirt fresh out of the dryer. I was impressed with how unisex it is and how dry,