Serge Lutens 1993 EDP

U ££ Acquired

Ambre Sultan

by Christopher Sheldrake

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Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan is an Eau de Parfum launched in 1993, created by Christopher Sheldrake. Ambre Sultan opens with Angelica, Oregano, Myrtle, and Coriander, settles into a heart of Resins, Amber, Benzoin, and Myrrh, and dries down to a base of Sandalwood, Patchouli, and Vanilla. Serge Lutens's Ambre Sultan carries an Acquired verdict, a musk-led wear.

A divisive yet iconic amber, Ambre Sultan is either a dark, resinous masterpiece or a trip to a medicinal spice cupboard. It's not for everyone, but those who 'get' it consider it a warm, enveloping classic.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Confident
  • Mysterious
  • Sophisticated
  • Warm
  • Classic
£57.25 at Perfume Click 50ml Check price on → Check prices ↓
Ambre Sultan Eau de Parfum 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
Long (6-10h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter

A cold-weather scent. The dry herbal-resinous opening and warm, balsamic amber drydown suit autumn and winter best, with the deep labdanum-vanilla body reading thick on warm skin.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal
Also Works:
Casual

Its complex, polarising character and intimate-to-moderate projection make it a poor office choice but a strong pick for date nights, formal cool-weather evenings, and casual winter wear. Lacks the freshness for daytime summer wear or sport.

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.

Declarable under EU Annex III

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

Ambre Sultan opens with a potent, aromatic blast of bay leaf and oregano, mingling with a dry, almost savoury spice. This bold herbal introduction quickly settles into a rich, golden amber heart, thick with myrrh and benzoin resins. A subtle, non-gourmand vanilla sweetness emerges, harmonising with hints of patchouli and sandalwood, creating a warm, balsamic aura that hints at ancient riches and sun-baked landscapes.

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Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with Ambre Sultan Eau de Parfum - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Ambre Sultan Eau de Parfum - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom · · checked 7 October

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