Sometimes you smell a rich, prominent cologne, and it just makes itself so prominent and recognizable that whenever you detect that aroma anywhere else, you know exactly which cologne it is.
Santal 33 by Le Labo is one such fragrance.
It’s a popular fragrance adored for its basic yet exquisite aroma. However, it’s not the most affordable scent out there, so I have decided to list the best alternatives to Santal 33 in this article.
If that’s what you are looking for, read this article until the end.
What Does Le Labo’s Santal 33 Smell Like?
Santal 33 by Le Labo was launched in 2011 and created by Frank Voelkl.
Not only does the fragrance by Le Labo Santal 33 exude an air of opulence and refinement in its aroma, but it is also approachable and simple to put on.
Examining the individual notes that make up the fragrance is necessary if we are going to get the most out of our experience with it.
Notes: Sandalwood, Leather, Papyrus, Cedar, Violet, Cardamom, iris and Amber
The first thing you smell when spraying Santal 33 is a very potent aroma of dried sandalwood.
The sandalwood is given a powdery quality with the addition of notes of iris and violet, which round out the fragrance. The powdered texture gives the impression that the smell is even drier.
After a while, the scent gradually develops a more refined quality. Amber was added, and as a result, the scent is now a little bit warmer and even a touch sweeter. This is because of the inclusion of amber.
A whiff of leather can be picked up as this fragrance begins to lose its wetness and dry out.
The dry sandalwood and the warmer amber are brought together in a great finish thanks to the leather, which connects them together perfectly.
Le Labo Santal 33 can be purchased any time of the year, an amazing fragrance perfect for year-round use.
Because of its sophisticated vibe, you may wear this with either a laid-back or a formal look. This has the potential to be an amazing signature fragrance.
What Colognes Smell Similar To Le Labo’s Santal 33?
Now that you know all about what Le Labo’s Santal 33 smells like, it’s time to find out the similar colognes that exude a close scent to this.
You will find quite a few similar scents in the market; however, not all of them will be able to live up to the rich aroma and excellent performance of Santal 33.
Hence, I picked out the closest and top-performing colognes from the market, which impart a similar style.
So, here is my list of the top alternatives to Le Labo’s Santal 33:
Sandalwood Temple by Sana Jardin
Top Notes: Bergamot, Tunisian Neroli and Orange Blossom
Middle Notes: Cedar
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Vanilla, Haitian Vetiver and Guaiac Wood
Sandalwood Temple by Sana Jardin was launched in 2017 and created by Carlos Benaim. It is a gorgeously rich scent similar to Le Labo Santal 33, an outstanding bestseller from the brand.
It is one of those scents that may transform into several forms and can be used by anybody and everyone.
The Indian sandalwood essence and cedarwood in Sana Jardin Sandalwood Temple deliver the same woody backbone as Santal 33, while vanilla, neroli oil, and orange blossom deliver a slightly sweeter finish.
If you are already a fan of Santal 33, Sana Jardin Sandalwood Temple will be a welcome addition to your collection.
It is much more affordable than the Le Labo scent and performs decently according to its price.
When To Wear
Why Should You Buy
- Similar scent to Le Labo Santal 33.
- Much more affordable than Santal 33.
- Rich, opulent scent.
- Good performance.
- Versatile scent.
Sel Santal by Clean Reserve
Top Notes: Tonic Water, Bergamot, Mandarin Leaf and Nutmeg
Middle Notes: Salt, Fig, Violet, Whipped cream, iris and Hazelnut
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Musk, Amber, Styrax and Rose
Sel Santal by Clean Reserve was launched in 2016. This scent is a version of Le Labo Santal 33 that has a more robust character.
Both colognes share a base of powdery florals, despite the fact that the notes range quite a bit from one another.
Both also include a sort of sandalwood that is comparable. However, there is a hint of saltiness in this aroma’s background, and it becomes slightly sweeter as it progresses.
In spite of this, if you like Le Labo Santal 33, you will most likely appreciate this one as well.
The wonderful fragrance known as Clean Reserve Sel Santal begins with a note of sandalwood that is more powerful and drier than usual. Some flowery undertones with a powdery texture are blended together with sandalwood.
It is also pretty versatile and performs well for its given price point.
When To Wear
Why Should You Buy
- Drier, rougher alternative to Santal 33.
- Much more affordable than Santal 33.
- Good value for the price.
- Versatile scent.
Tam Dao Eau de Toilette by Diptyque
Top Notes: Italian Cypress, Myrtle and Rose
Middle Notes: Sandalwood and Cedar
Base Notes: Brazilian Rosewood, Spices, Amber and White Musk
Tam Dao Eau de Toilette by Diptyque was launched much earlier than Santal 33 in 2003. Le Labo Santal 33 is not exactly the same fragrance as Diptyque Tam Dao, although they do have a similar feel.
The woody notes are the primary focus of both scents; however, Tam Dao has a more creamy appearance.
Also, Tam Dao has a more prominent spicy undertone than a sweet undertone in the dry down.
In spite of this, both of these colognes have a wonderful aroma, and there is a good probability that if you enjoy one of them, you will also enjoy the other.
The first thing that you notice about Diptyque Tam Dao is its warm, almost creamy cologne of sandalwood. This is followed by a strong undertone of cedarwood.
It has good performance and costs much less than Santal 33.
When To Wear
Why Should You Buy
- Similar scent to Le Labo Santal 33.
- Less expensive than Santal 33.
- Has an interesting spicy twist to it.
- Good value for the price.
Santal Sky by Kierin NYC
Santal Sky by Kierin NYC was launched in 2018 and created by Mathieu Nardin. Le Labo Santal 33 and Kierin NYC Santal Sky are fairly close in scent.
Both have a very similar aroma and may be substituted for one another without much of a problem. However, Santal Sky has a greater focus on spices than Santal 33, and the latter does not contain any powdered florals.
A wonderful fragrance with a warm and spicy scent of woods, Kierin NYC Santal Sky is one of the excellent alternatives to the Le Labo fragrance.
The first thing that you notice about this fragrance is its gorgeous sandalwood aroma, which is backed up by a tinge of cardamom for support.
Even though it is not super cheap, it’s less expensive than Santal 33 and performs exceptionally well for the price.
When To Wear
Why Should You Buy
- Similar scent to Le Labo Santal 33.
- Less expensive than Santal 33.
- Excellent longevity and sillage.
- Opulent scent.
Fahrenheit by Dior
Top Notes: Nutmeg Flower, Lavender, Cedar, Chamomile, Mandarin Orange, Hawthorn, Bergamot and Lemon
Middle Notes: Violet Leaf, Nutmeg, Cedar, Sandalwood, Carnation, Honeysuckle, Jasmine and Lily-of-the-Valley
Base Notes: Leather, Vetiver, Musk, Amber, Patchouli and Tonka Bean
Fahrenheit by Dior was created by Jean-Louis Sieuzac and Michel Almairac and launched in 1988. Even though it was launched way before Santal 33, it is one of the top alternatives to the latter.
Fahrenheit is a classic that still holds up well despite its age and comes in at a relatively reasonable price range.
While it is technically a cologne, it has a musky, woodsy aroma that is an excellent substitute for the Le Labo scent.
It is a highly layered, complex fragrance and performs exceptionally well like most other Dior scents.
When To Wear
Why Should You Buy
- Similar scent to Le Labo Santal 33.
- Dior alternative to Santal 33.
- Very long-lasting.
- Massive sillage.
- Highly complex, rich fragrance.
Touch for Men by Burberry
Top Notes: Violet Leaf, Artemisia and Mandarin Orange
Middle Notes: White Pepper, Cedar and Nutmeg
Base Notes: White Musk, Tonka Bean and Vetiver
Touch for Men by Burberry was launched in 2000 and created by Jean-Pierre Bethouart. Burberry Touch is an incredible fragrance that has a scent that is both crisp and clean.
It is a wonderful smell that nicely complements Le Labo Santal 33’s opening, which is dry and crisp.
Another difference is that Santal 33 is a unisex fragrance; however, Burberry Touch is intended for male customers.
Despite the fact that this scent is somewhat crisper, it still possesses a substantial amount of body that enables it to be worn successfully throughout the year.
This is an excellent and cost-effective alternative to the Le Labo Santal 33.
When To Wear
Why Should You Buy
- Similar scent to Le Labo Santal 33.
- Much more affordable than Santal 33.
- Bright, crisp scent.
- Excellent value for the price.
Another 13 by Le Labo
Top Notes: Pear, Apple and Citruses
Middle Notes: Ambrette (Musk Mallow), Amyl Salicylate, Jasmine and Moss
Base Notes: Iso E Super, Helvetolide, Cetalox and Ambrettolide
Last but not the least, Another 13 by Le Labo was launched in 2010 and created by Nathalie Lorson. It has a wonderful cologne that is a combination of woody and musky notes.
Another scent from the house of Le Labo is Another 13. It emphasizes musk more than Santal 33, which is what sets it apart from that fragrance.
However, despite the muskiness of the scent, it has a very similar style to Santal 33.
In point of fact, these two scents aren’t all that comparable to one another in every aspect, but they have a similar mood.
Both of these fragrances deviate from the “normal scent” in that they are fairly sophisticated as well as a little bit “out there.” If you like Le Labo Santal 33, there is a significant possibility that you will also like Le Labo Another 13.
It is unisex and has a similar performance to what we are looking for.
When To Wear
Why Should You Buy
- Similar scent to Le Labo Santal 33.
- Excellent performance, like Santal 33.
- Versatile yet unique fragrance.
Conclusion
Even though Santal 33 by Le Labo is a relatively unique fragrance, there are quite a few good dupes of this scent. To help facilitate your shopping experience, I have mentioned the top alternatives to Santal 33 – tried and tested!
Whether you are looking for something spicier, muskier, or just cheaper, I am sure you will find one that suits you best in this article.
So, let me know which one you decide to opt for and which cologne I should cover next.
