Serge Lutens 1996 EDP

U ££ Statement

Encens et Lavande

by Christopher Sheldrake

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Serge Lutens Encens et Lavande is an Eau de Parfum launched in 1996, created by Christopher Sheldrake. Encens et Lavande opens with Juniper, Rosemary, and Clary Sage, settles into a heart of Sage, and dries down to a base of Benzoin, Myrrh, Incense, and Frankincense. Serge Lutens's Encens et Lavande carries a Statement verdict, a green-led wear.

This one's a Marmite scent - you'll either love its stark, realistic lavender and incense blend, or you'll be running for the hills. It's a clean, cold, and unapologetic take on two classic notes, proving that simplicity can hide profound depth. If you're after sweet and soft, look elsewhere; this is for those who crave austere elegance.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Clean
  • Relaxed
  • Classic
  • Subtle
  • Soft
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Encens et Lavande 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:
Spring Summer

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

Best Occasions

Best For:
Office
Also Works:
Casual Formal

Its moderate sillage and clean, non-offensive aroma make it suitable for office wear. While not a typical 'date night' scent, its sophisticated and calming nature lends itself to more intimate, understated occasions. It's too refined for sport but versatile enough for casual and some formal settings, particularly where subtlety is valued.

About

Encens et Lavande delivers exactly what's on the tin, and then some. It opens with a bracing, almost chilly lavender, reminiscent of fresh-cut stems rather than dried sachets. This sharp, aromatic cleanliness gradually melds into a dry, smoky incense, creating a contemplative ambiance. The underlying warmth of amber and subtle balsamic undertones prevent it from becoming too stark, while a hint of spice adds intrigue to its minimalist core.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

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

Complement

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

Where to buy

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