Since its launch in 2011, Le Labo’s Santal 33 Eau de Parfum has grown from a niche fragrance to a smash hit and become the defining scent of the past decade. This unisex scent is beloved by countless fans, rumored to include celebrities such as Sophie Turner, Alexa Chung, Brad Pitt, Meghan Markle, Todrick Hall, Rita Ora, and Justin Bieber. Santal 33 was also featured in the hit Amazon Prime movie “Red, white, royal blueIn the film, Prince Harry notices that his nemesis and idol is wearing the perfume and compliments Alex for her “good taste.”
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If you’re already a fan of this scent and want to buy more, or if you’re looking for an affordable Le Labo Santal 33 knockoff, read on.
Why is Santal 33 so famous?
Given its popularity, most There was none Santal 33. When Le Labo (French for “the laboratory”) first opened its small New York storefront, they abandoned the idea of a sandalwood-based perfume, deciding that other scents had more potential.
From $107 at Nordstrom
Le Labo’s first product was the sandalwood candle Santal 26 (which Jennifer Lopez reportedly bought in bulk every month). It wasn’t that popular But it wasn’t until hotelier Ian Schrager used a special variation of the scent to scent the lobby of his Gramercy Park hotel, and The Cut beauty editor Jane Larkworthy promoted Le Labo to anyone who would listen, that the scent took off: Larkworthy loved the scent so much that she rubbed Santal 26 candles on her pulse points and gave them to guests at her wedding.
A few years later, Le Labo finally of Santal 33 combines Australian Sandalwood, Cardamom, Iris, Violet, Cedarwood, Smoky Wood Alloy and Ambrox for a rich, warm, spicy and leathery scent. The fragrance is hand-blended, cruelty-free, vegan and discreetly packaged to perfection.
Le Labo is an indie brand, Estee Lauder It was launched in 2014. In recent years, there has been some backlash against the widespread use of Santal 33, as many people have discovered the scent and some say it has become overused. Some people who are not fans of the scent say they detect a real dill pickle scent in it. (That’s why you should always see if you can try a sample of any scent on your skin before you buy it, if possible.)
What is the best alternative to Le Labo Santal 33?
While this unisex scent is truly one of a kind, there are many less expensive variations on the complex, warm, smoky sandalwood scents out there, like Santal 33. The following Le Labo Santal 33 lookalikes are all in the same family and each has their own benefits.
Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Perfume Oil
Things you need to know: Maison Louis Marie No. 04 Bois de Balincourt Perfume Oil is a roll-on fragrance that is more travel-friendly than other fragrances (meaning there is less risk of leakage), and the oil also lasts longer than eau de toilette or cologne.
No.04 Bois de Balancourt is made with notes of sandalwood, vetiver and amberwood and is a brand that is very mindful of environmental concerns, with sustainable packaging, clean ingredients and a cruelty-free approach.
price: $65 on Amazon
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Le Monde Gourmand Santal Supreme Eau de Parfum
Things you need to know: Santal Supreme has notes of sandalwood and violets (sound familiar?), but also contains hints of Haitian vetiver and fig, making it smell a little sweeter and fresher than the richer, spicier scent of Santal 33. Santal Supreme is lovely, but be aware that like most lower-priced scents, it doesn’t linger on the skin as long as more expensive alternatives.
price: $18.75 at Ulta (originally $25)
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Pacifica Neon Moon
Things you need to know: Vegan and cruelty-free, Neon Moon is “inspired by the full moon of Ibiza,” according to Pacifica. A mix of sandalwood, cardamom, and jasmine, the scent is as bold as the bottle. Santal 33 is notorious for its long-lasting effect on the skin, which Neon Moon fans love. However, this scent isn’t long-lasting, so don’t be surprised if you need to reapply before the moon sets in the night sky.
price: $22 on Amazon
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Cremo Palo Santo Eau de Toilette
Things you need to know: Please consider Cremo Cremo Palo Santo Eau de Toilette Santal-33 adjacentwarm cardamom, dry papyrus, and palo santo scent. The brand also produces shaving cream, beard oil, body wash, and lotion in this scent. If you feel that the cologne itself doesn’t last very long, try layering it over lotions and other scented products. Although the brand is marketed to men, this product is unisex.
price: $21.52 on Amazon (original price $23.99)
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Alexandria Fragrance Santalu’s Kiss
Things you need to know: Most perfume brands trying to cash in on popular scents won’t outright say they’re clones. Copycat-loving Alexandria Fragrances unashamedly admits that Santal’s Kiss was “inspired by Santal 33.” People find this affordable alternative, a blend of sandalwood, papyrus and leather notes, too similar.
price: $44.99 to $109.99 at Alexandria Fragrances
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Finely Jungle Santal Eau de Parfum
Things you need to know: Fine’ry scents are exclusive to Target. The brand has distinctive, bright, clean bottles, uses vegan and cruelty-free ingredients, and is affordable. As the name (and green bottle) suggest, Fine’ry Jungle Santal is a rich, earthy, woody scent with notes of papyrus wood, cardamom, and oolong tea.
price: $29.99 at Target
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Lake & Sky Santal Grey Eau de Parfum
Things you need to know: While it’s not exactly budget-friendly, Lake & Sky’s Santal Grey Eau de Parfum is more affordable than Santal 33 and smells amazing on its own. Top notes of bergamot, cardamom and carrot work well with middle and base notes of jasmine, violet leaf, sandalwood, amber and musk to create a complex and sophisticated scent. This lovely fragrance may be inspired by the popularity of Santal 33, but it’s not a direct copy and is entirely its own scent.
(You might wonder why a perfume’s scent changes on your skin throughout the day, and it’s all down to a clever blend. Top notes are the first scent you smell when you put the perfume on, while middle notes are the scent that lingers for a few hours afterwards, also known as heart notes. And finally there are base notes, which are the scent you smell after the top and middle notes have evaporated. Some perfumes have base notes that last all day.)
price: $98 at Nordstrom
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How to get Le Labo Santal 33 on sale
Interested in similar products to Santal 33? Le Labo’s Santal 33 will always be a splurge purchase, but you can find ways to save money.
1. Buy Santal 33 at Costco
Costco members can purchase Santal 33 for $299.99 per 3.4 oz bottle, while supplies last, saving $35.01 off the regular price. (Limit 5)
As mentioned above, you must be a Costco member to take advantage of this offer, and if you’re not already a member, you can take advantage of this RetailMeNot offer: Join as a new Gold Star member, sign up for auto-renewal, and receive a $20 Costco shop card.
2. Purchase your Santal 33 from a retailer that offers cashback
For example, if you buy Santal 33 at Bloomingdale’s right now, you can get 3% cash back from RetailMeNot as long as you activate the cash back offer before making your purchase.
3. Purchase a sample size of Santal 33
Never tried Santal 33? Buy Le Labo’s $7 sample size of Santal 33 and give it a try. If you don’t like it, don’t waste your money on a full size bottle. If you do, go ahead and treat yourself.
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