Houbigant 2015 EDC

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Cologne Intense

by Luca Maffei

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Houbigant Cologne Intense is a Cologne launched in 2015, created by Luca Maffei. Cologne Intense opens with Bergamot, Lemon, Petitgrain, and Neroli, settles into a heart of Jasmine, Lavender, Pink Pepper, and Tarragon, and dries down to a base of Mate and Incense. Houbigant's Cologne Intense carries a Favourite verdict, a green-led wear.

Divisive yet captivating, this is a challenging but rewarding scent for those seeking a sophisticated twist on classic masculinity. It's a love-it-or-hate-it affair, but for the right nose, it's a masterpiece.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Sophisticated
  • Classic
  • Edgy
  • Bold
  • Mysterious
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Cologne Intense Cologne bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer Fall

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal
Also Works:
Casual

Its moderate sillage and longevity make it suitable for a range of situations, though the unique, somewhat 'dirty' character might be too bold for some office environments. The sophisticated and 'grown-up' vibe, however, makes it excellent for dates or formal events, and it's versatile enough for casual wear if you want to make a statement.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

In standard patch-test panels

  • Citral Geranial from Lemon

Other declarable allergens

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bitter orange peel Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil from Neroli
  • Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Oil from Neroli
  • Lavender Lavandula Hybrida Oil from Lavender
  • Lavender Lavandula Hybrida Oil from Lavender
  • Lavender Lavandula Hybrida Oil from Lavender
  • Lavender Lavandula Hybrida Oil from Lavender
  • Lavender Lavandula Hybrida Oil from Lavender
  • Lavender Lavandula Hybrida Oil from Lavender
  • Lavender Lavandula Hybrida Oil from Lavender
  • Neroli Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil from Neroli

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

Cologne Intense opens with a bright, zesty burst of bergamot and lemon, quickly joined by the green sharpness of petitgrain and a hint of neroli's clean floralcy. The heart introduces a complex, aromatic blend of tarragon, pink pepper, and a distinctly indolic jasmine, which some find 'funky' or 'animalic'. The dry down settles into an earthy, smoky base of mate and incense, providing a nuanced depth that balances the initial freshness with a mature, intriguing character.

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Layer

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Complement

Two people, two scents: what sits well beside it when you each wear your own See what pairs well

Where to buy

Prices for the United States ·

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.