Serge Lutens 2008 EDP

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El Attarine

by Christopher Sheldrake

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Serge Lutens El Attarine is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2008, created by Christopher Sheldrake. El Attarine opens with Violet Leaf, Cumin, and Coriander, settles into a heart of Immortelle, Orange Blossom, Violet, and Honey, and dries down to a base of Woody Notes, Cedar, and Sandalwood. Serge Lutens's El Attarine carries a Favourite verdict, a woody-led wear.

This one's proper weird. A divisive beast of a scent, El Attarine is either an ethereal, honeyed dream or a full-on cumin catastrophe. Approach with caution, as it definitely isn't a safe blind buy.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Mysterious
  • Bold
  • Sensual
  • Warm
  • Edgy
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El Attarine 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
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter
Also Works:
Summer

A sunlit, golden scent that wears best in autumn, when its honey-immortelle warmth and dry cumin spice feel most at home. It carries into mild summer days on its airy, sweet character and holds up in winter for those who want the cosy side of its honeyed amber, though the soft projection keeps it intimate.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal
Also Works:
Casual

Its unusual honeyed-cumin signature and intimate sillage make it a poor office pick, but the same distinctive character shines on a date or at a formal event where you want something memorable. The soft, skin-hugging drydown also suits relaxed casual wear; it lacks the freshness for 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

El Attarine opens with a punchy, almost oily cumin blast that's quickly tempered by the sweet, golden embrace of honey and ever so slight apricot. Immortelle weaves in, lending a distinctive herbal and slightly spicy depth, while a gentle woody base anchors the composition, preventing it from becoming overly cloying. It's a sweet, spicy, and somewhat unusual journey from start to finish.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

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

Complement

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

Where to buy

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