Is Orientica Amber Noir a dupe of Le Labo Santal 33?
Santal 33 EDP
| EDP | Concentration | EDP |
| U | Gender | U |
| 2011 | Year | 2023 |
| $$ | Price Tier | $$ |
Amber Noir EDP
While both share a woody, powdery base, Santal 33 leans into creamy sandalwood, creating a refined, minimalist experience. Amber Noir, however, introduces a potent, dark woodiness that some find reminiscent of dill pickle. Santal 33 is a safe, versatile choice for everyday wear, while Amber Noir is a bolder, more polarizing statement. If you enjoy subtle, clean fragrances, go with Santal 33. If you want something challenging and unique, Amber Noir might be worth the risk, but sample first!
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Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
How it unfolds
Notes
- Santal 33
- Amber Noir
- in both
Tap a note to light it in both. A+B means both have it
Which Should You Buy?
- You prefer a smoother, creamier sandalwood.
- You want a fragrance with mass appeal.
- You favor a safer, more versatile scent.
- You appreciate minimalist compositions.
- You prefer to avoid polarizing scents.
- You seek a challenging, unique fragrance.
- You enjoy dark, intense woody notes.
- You like polarizing, statement scents.
- You want something that stands out.
- You prefer a more affordable option.
A cult favorite for good reason - Santal 33 is the blueprint for modern woody minimalism, radiating quiet confidence with creamy sandalwood and papyrus. Refined, genderless, and instantly recognizable.
Prepare for a proper love-it-or-hate-it situation with Amber Noir. For some, it's a classy, dark woody masterpiece; for others, it's an unwearable dill pickle. Definitely not a blind buy unless you thrive on olfactory risk.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Sandalwood
20% share of the perfume
Papyrus
12% share of the perfume
Violet
12% share of the perfume
Cedar
12% share of the perfume
Iris
7% share of the perfume
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Sandalwood
19%
vs
28%
Cedar
12%
vs
14%
Musk
5%
vs
3%
Leather
15% share of the perfume
Papyrus
12% share of the perfume
Violet
12% share of the perfume
Ambroxan
9% share of the perfume
Iris
7% share of the perfume
Cardamom
7% share of the perfume
Fig
18% share of the perfume
Carrot Seeds
18% share of the perfume
Elemi
13% share of the perfume
Lily of the Valley
4% share of the perfume
Cardamom
7% share of the perfume
Fig
18% share of the perfume
Carrot Seeds
18% share of the perfume
Elemi
13% share of the perfume
Sandalwood
20% share of the perfume
Papyrus
12% share of the perfume
Violet
12% share of the perfume
Cedar
12% share of the perfume
Iris
7% share of the perfume
Lily of the Valley
4% share of the perfume
Note weights are our estimate from each note's place in the pyramid, not the share of the formula. Brands do not publish formulations.
Performance
Season and Occasion Fit
Seasons
Santal 33's creamy sandalwood and leather warmth make it most compelling in the fall and spring, with enough airy violet and powdery nuance for mild winter use. It can feel dense on the hottest days, so summer use is best in the evening or in climate control.
Occasions
Its refined, non-loud projection makes it ideal for the office or casual outings where subtlety is valued. It can be intriguing on dates but is too understated for formal statement wear or active sport settings.
Seasons
A year-round scent - easy to wear in any season.
Occasions
Its exceptional longevity and strong sillage, along with its unique and potent woody profile, make it less suited for an office environment. However, these same qualities, plus its dark and sophisticated character, make it perfect for formal events or evening date nights where standing out is desired.
Similarity Breakdown
Our estimate of how alike these two fragrances smell, calculated from their published notes. It is a position on our scale, not a measured percentage of shared smell.
Shares 3 of its 7 notes, including Cedar, Musk, Sandalwood
Adds carrot seeds and elemi, drops ambroxan and cardamom
Where to buy
Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.
Prices before sales tax, which the shop adds at checkout.
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