Serge Lutens • Encens et Lavande • Fragrances

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*TOP REVIEWER* WentworthRoth on 6/5/2011 7:02:00 AM more reviews by WentworthRoth

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

Notes: incense, lavender, vegetal amber and clary sage.

This fragrance opens smelling weakly of lavender and as it hits my skin it dissolves into a sharp, herbal green accord reminiscent of freshly-cut celery stalks. Thankfully, the notes rearrange itself again to what is supposed to be a lavender field with smoky incense accents, but the result is not convincing. The composition is too citrusy and the herbal, vegetal notes do not emphasise the lavender but muffle it. In my opinion Gris Clair is the superior lavender scent. Lasts 4 hours on my skin.

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*TOP REVIEWER* zeynepd on 12/6/2010 12:17:00 PM more reviews by zeynepd

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Red   Eyes: Hazel    

I want to like this one but it so obviously doesn’t like me. Actually, it feels like my fragrance-loving friends held a special ritual at a temple with incense and lavender and I arrived too late to smell the beauties. What's left to me from this aromatic ritual is ash, big-time ash and perhaps rosemary. Yes, there is a peppery, dried lavender but it's more stems than flowers. Sad, really.

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mezymoon on 6/21/2009 10:20:00 AM more reviews by mezymoon

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Olive   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I love incense and I love lavender, but I did not love this fragrance. As some reviewers have noted, it is very masculine.....and I wear some fairly masculine scents. Usually I find that they transform in my skin and become somewhat soft and feminine. I applied it to my wrists before bed and immediately wanted to wash it off. I hoped it would transform on my skin, but it didn't. I hoped it would be calming as I fell to sleep, but it wasn't. I gave it two lippies because I think it may actually work on a man, but it certainly was not for me.

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laurenmillie on 5/7/2009 1:53:00 AM more reviews by laurenmillie

Age: Unknown   Skin: Sensitive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

okay-- this is a total different turn for Serge Lutens...there are literally 4 listed notes 4!!! For all of you that are familiar with SL this is major... there are no twists and turns, no highs and lows--this might be the most basic scent I have ever encountered by SL. I am drawn in though-it is simple yet it is everything I could ever want in a lavender scent. It is a little cold and austere yet the amber keeps it close to the skin

I will say I love lavender- it reminds me of my mommy she loves to keep dried lavender around the house. I love mine I have the bell jar and would not trade it for the world. It is not a scent I wear to often but when I do I am transported to a happier simpler time...

notes are as follows Incense, vegetal amber, clary sage, and lavender

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*TOP REVIEWER* LittleGnome on 9/9/2008 4:08:00 PM more reviews by LittleGnome

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Olive, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I got a small decant from a generous MUAer in a swap recently. In some ways, I wanted to love this, but in other ways, I'm glad I didn't because it's in the non-export line, and who needs that sort of aggravation, to love something almost unattainable unless you live where it's sold. I love Gris Clair, and I'm sure that someday I'll feel I want to shell out the $120 for the bottle when I have gone through a few bottles of things in my closet and have used them up, but this is a very different fragrance, and far more medicinal, herbal, and masculine, for me to want. The opening is unfortunately, very wet and so herbal it invokes a urinal cake type smell. The incense is quite strong in this and blended with such an herbal lavender, it's a very harsh opening. After about 3 hours I get more of a true incense smell, something along the lines of the CdG Kyoto type incense, but the herbal lavender with the clary sage are still going strong and it definitely smells still, like a masculine scent and it still smells sooo herbal. The final note is vegetal amber. The notes listed are: "incense, lavender, vegetal amber, clary sage." After about 7 hours the drydown which is quite nice, has finally arrived. The clary sage note has finally toned done enough and the amber is finally starting to emerge and this is becoming softer and less masculine. If only I didn't have to endure the first 6 hours or so. What a long drydown. The first 6 hours aren't worth the wait, it's too masculine in the evolution of the fragrance for it to really be wearable, on me, but the drydown is fantastic. I think this might be better suited to a different chemistry than mine. Mine usually loves lavender but apparently the clary sage note combined with lavender and the incense is the killer on me, until 6 hours have passed.

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*TOP REVIEWER* bellydancer on 6/18/2008 10:44:00 AM more reviews by bellydancer

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

Encens et Lavande is the nicest lavender I have ever smelled and it is the ONLY time that a lavender note has made me feel "relaxed" or "sleepy". That lavender aromatherapy stuff has just never worked on me. But, Serge's does! I put it on and immediately felt much more relaxed and lethargic. Like Borneo, though, I think I would like it better on a man. This is the first lavender based fragrance I have ever liked, though. Not that I dislike Lavender The Plant in My Garden-- I really like that. I just don't usually like Lavender the Fragrance Note. Ever. This would be really great on a man, though, or it might be really nice on a woman in the winter-- sort of like wrapping yourself in a warm cashmere blanket...

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ocpunk1 on 3/17/2008 5:41:00 PM more reviews by ocpunk1

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Brown    

I LOVE lavender, so I knew that I would like this to some degree. I am also a big fan of Gris Clair, which I prefer over this. I'm not sure why; I think I like the "darker" feel of the latter during the drydown stage. That said, this is a very nice lavender fragrance, and I probably would consider owning if I didn't already own the latter. I think it works for men or women.

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*TOP REVIEWER* TRKK on 2/20/2008 11:11:00 AM more reviews by TRKK

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

First impressions :
Starts off with a pretty sharp piercing aftershave note besides the lavender, not exactly sure what it is, but another reviewer mentioned frankincense? The lavender is def more obvious in this than Gris Clair, but fades pretty fast. This and Gris Clair strike me as pretty masculine scents, but this is more alpha male than Gris Clair. As of now, I prefer Gris Clair because of the gorgeous ashtray smokiness that settles down into, but something in Gris gives me a really bad headache so I can't wear it. This is much less complex than GC, and I feel this would smell better on a guy, whereas Gris Clair is more feminine. Lasted as usual with SL for me, only about an hour.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Gingerbreadgirl on 11/22/2007 2:10:00 PM more reviews by Gingerbreadgirl

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

Encens et Lavande isn't a single note perfume, but it's not exaggerating to say that it's a double note perfume: incense and lavender. Shocking, I know. And it delivers a lovely warming copal and guggal incense under the cool, ethereal lavender, and it's such a lovely combination for reading, writing, composing letters - any time you wish to feel somewhat transcendental and peaceful, this would be a great choice. Lovers of Shaal Nur will like it - totally different notes, but the same basic compositional philosophy.

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alal on 11/11/2007 1:10:00 AM more reviews by alal

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Like SMN's Imperial Lavender its got that too sharp lavender. Not feminine at all. No incense in it. Maybe a bit of pepper? This was a medicinal single note.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Maximina on 5/14/2007 11:43:00 PM more reviews by Maximina

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

Yes, lovely for a man of distinction and maybe a few years. We aren't talking about the shaggy faced 25 year old here ... This is a fragrance meant for a man in a certain place in life. Confident, sexy, self-assured, maybe some greys, nice, polite, clean and kind. Lovely. But meant for him, and most certainly not for me (too much smoke and leather for my floral loving nose!).

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faizanj on 4/3/2007 6:06:00 PM more reviews by faizanj

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Notes: Lavender, Amber, Incense, Sage

If like me you are wary of the sometimes scarily oriental fragrances that Mr. Sheldrake puts out, dont worry. Encens et Lavande (EL), like Iris Silver Mist, is one of those atypical Serge Lutens fragrances and is better for it.

Lavender and incense play a big part in EL. The lavender isn't sharp and piercing like as in Caron Pour homme, and lends a cool and fresh angle to the waves of smokiness brought on by the incense. Theres are hints of some herbal elements in the composition but they are very much subdued by the dominant lavender-incense accord. EL goes quiet within minutes of application, and its no sillage monster like other SL creations. Longevity is good (approx. 6 hours).

EL is a refined, sophisticated fragrance which showcases an excellent lavender note supported by beautifully rendered incense. EL isn't as pure and grand as Creed Royal Scottish Lavender (the best lavender out there), and isn't as playful and fresh as Acqua Di Parma Lavanda Tonica. In some ways, EL smells dark to me. A charming handsome man who's also a silent killer. Wear Lavanda Tonica to office, and reserve EL for close intimate settings.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Wyrmiax on 3/21/2007 5:59:00 PM more reviews by Wyrmiax

Age: 44-55   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

The only SL I've loved from start to finish. Begins with a burst of bright, fresh lavender, then comes a wonderful earthy frankincense note. The amber/sage drydown becomes almost mossy. However, although I adore the drydown, I can tell even in March that I would find it too rich in warmer weather.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Funkly on 3/9/2007 12:16:00 PM more reviews by Funkly

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

OMG, I have fallen in love. The combination of lavender and incense is just stunning, but I especially love the incense part of it which becomes dominant later on in the development of the perfume. Hours after applying I keep catching whiffs of something that smells wonderful and then I chuckle, because it is ME !!! Quiet, beautiful, elegant and truly unisex. Staying power is good on me but I agree it loses quite a lot of intensity relatively early on.

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*TOP REVIEWER* potionsandlotions on 11/7/2006 1:31:00 PM more reviews by potionsandlotions

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination   Hair: Other   Eyes: Brown    

I have been known to wear and like unisex fragrances. This, however, was a little bit too masculine for me. Encens et Lavande does not "fit" my personality and the way I carry and project myself. I cannot pull this one off as a scent that naturally emanates from me. This is a fragrance that may very well suit many other women, but it is just not me. I look for a sense of power and confidence in the unisex fragrances I buy. This one is more of an every day, any guy, masculine fragrance on me. Nonetheless, I can appreciate it for what it is and wouldn't mind to spritz my blankets --or "my" guy-- with it.

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*TOP REVIEWER* maliastyle on 11/5/2006 8:38:00 AM more reviews by maliastyle

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

My first reaction was Must. Wash. Off. NOW. But I've come to learn to give Serge time to do his thing, so impatiently I waited, tortured with the screaming lavender. And I waited, and waited, and waited, and finally, the incense kicked in, which made this slightly better for me. I am in no way a lavender fan, and was hoping that this would be the one to cure me of my dislike, so as to expand my fragrance library, but I think it's safe to say it's not happening. It's not that it's too masculine - I like masculine scents on my five-foot-two-inch, hundred-pound self for the humorous irony - but it's very Tuesday night at the cathedral for me. I see and smell my devoted Catholic aunts with doilies atop their black and silver hair, burning so many candles they're bound to set the flowers beside them on fire. It's the whole idea of burned flowers that comes to me with Encens et Lavande, and therefore, my last reaction to this is Must. Never. Try. Again.

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creambunny on 11/3/2006 1:22:00 PM more reviews by creambunny

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

As the lady at the Lutens boutique informed me while I was testing it, this is more lavender in the beginning and more incense in the end. I don't usually like lavender but this (and Gris Clair) are the exceptions so far. To compare the two, Gris Clair's lavender is cold and sharp, while Encens et Lavande's softer and milder. I can see why some have commented Gris Clair to be a more 'masculine' scent, but IMHO Encens et Lavande is just as unisex as Gris Clair. And both will work great on both sexes.
The dry-down of Encens et Lavande conjures up an image of ... well, incense, and the powder it leaves on your fingers after you touch them. It is like walking past a buddhist temple on a quiet day (as an aside, Fumerie Turque is like you're inside the temple on the eve of the new year). Lasting power however, wasn't that great on me. This and Un Lys faded the soonest, while Gris Clair, Mandarine Mandarin and Chergui just powered on. Because of this, and the fact that I prefer the dry-down of Gris Clair (a smoked, hot-ironed lavender), I ended up getting a non-exclusive at the boutique - not my intention at all =(
All in all, Encens et Lavande is a very unique and easy to carry scent (compared to some of Mr. Lutens' other creations) that many will enjoy. I truly had a hard time deciding between the two lavender, and honestly, will be happy with either.

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*TOP REVIEWER* veruska on 9/19/2006 1:16:00 AM more reviews by veruska

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I agree with Maller completely cause i'm not very fond of lavender,but in this perfume's case everything's changed.This could very easily be my HG lavender scent but unfortunately(and this happens a lot of times with some other SL creations) it lasts just for 1 hr,so it's tottaly out of any idea of purchase for me.But the scent itself it's just breathtakingly beautiful.i just love the top note,green and sweet at the same time and then the herbal middle part with a touch of hay and the ambery drydown.It may not last on my skin well but while it's here it's the most serene and calm hour of the day.

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loadsofstuff on 9/14/2006 6:16:00 PM more reviews by loadsofstuff

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Another fantastic creation. Subtle and sophisticated. Truly unique and something I would buy again without hesitation. Once again, as with another Serge scent, the only problem is the lasting power. Then again maybe it does last, only it won't be you enjoying the smell as I can't detect anything after two hours. It's only when I pick up my clothes in the morning I notice that there is still a hint of the Lavender.

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*TOP REVIEWER* LipstickLil on 6/27/2006 5:05:00 AM more reviews by LipstickLil

Age: Unknown   Skin: Normal, Medium, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Encens et Lavande is serene, calm, contemplative, gentle, soothing - all of those things. I don't find it in the least masculine; it is a perfectly balanced blend of lavender and incense, in the same way that Bois de Violette is a perfectly balanced blend of cedar and violet on me. Also, like Bois de Violette, it's fairly linear on my skin. I do find it slighly smoky at times and also, strangely, I smell the occasional hint of toasted coconut! It's a very peaceful scent.

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