Thursday, October 8, 2015

Reader's Mail: Suggest things similar to Le Labo Patchouli 24 and Chanel Coromandel

The lovely reader Denise is kindly asking: "Can you please let me know if anything is similar to Patchouli 24 (Le Labo)? I tried Bulgari Black more than once & I don’t think it’s remotely similar to Patchouli 24; also anything similar to Chanel Coromandel? These 2 are so very expensive, so that’s why I’m wondering if there’s something similar. I read Prada is similar but have no clue which Prada. I like anything smokey, incense, nothing flowery or sweet."


My initial thoughts run to Zino by Davidoff and Borneo 1834 by Serge Lutens (a comparison of both fragrance with Chanel Coromandel perfume on this link) and to La Troisieme Heure by Cartier (XIII, in their boutique circuit) though that one doesn't come cheap either, Mona di Orio Cuir and Sonoma Scent Studio Fireside Intense as alternatives to Patchouli 24. Despite the name one has to remember that the Le Labo scent smells mostly of birch tar.

The Prada referred to is the original Prada eau de parfum by Prada for women (2004). In my personal view it's not a smell alike to Coromandel (and even less so to Patchouli 24) but in the same family.

 For incense suggestions we have Incense Week, where I categorize lots of incense fragrances and review them in detail. Denise and anyone interested in that sort of fragrant vibe can also check the Woody Oriental section and Woody Chypre section of these pages.

Can you help her out? Please write your suggestions in the comments below this post.

Related reading on Perfume Shrine: Twin Peaks, a guide of smell alikes 

26 comments:

  1. Hmm... an interesting question. My immediate thought re: Coromandel was exactly the same as yours: Lutens' Borneo 1834. I wonder if it might also be worth trying Etat Libre D'Orange's Nombril Immense, although I acknowledge there's less benzoin in its patchouli structure.

    The Le Labo is a more challenging proposition, mainly because I think Patchouli 24 is such an original piece of work. You know, one word that instantly popped into my head was Alaia. Yes, the new scent from the designer isn't *really* like the Le Labo, but I do think it shares some of the same spirit with its leather note. Otherwise, I'd suggest trying something like YSL's Body Kouros (also by Menardo) and maybe even Lauder's Azuree.

    I'd love to know what your reader decides to go for in the end :-)

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    1. I'd love to find out what she buys eventually myself. Thanks for all the lovely suggestions D!
      It's probably a fitting sense of playfulness in naming Pathouli 24 thus, since it suggests the leaf oil's darkness when in fact it's its harsher leathery aspect which is at the core. Body Kouros is one I haven't smelled in ages, hope it's still around and not axed. Azuree is of course (though not a smell alike, as you yourself point out) a terrific recommendation! Niche quality and individualism at the price point and availability of designer scent.

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  2. Hi there from another patch lover.
    I guess I know what Denise needs.
    http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Novaya-Zarya/Patchouli-Magique-12791.html
    It is a true niche quality for unbelievably competitive price. I even volunteer to send it to Perfume Shrine since it must be hard to find in Europe.
    My e-mail, just in case: ulija.ulija (at) gmail.com

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    1. Thank you Julija for your wonderful suggestion and kindness. Denise should be able to contact you!

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  3. Anonymous23:36

    Love these types of scents as patchouli is my favorite. TELL ME, where is that fabulous picture from? Who is the photographer?

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    1. Hi there! I found the pic on Google search. It's originally on popularsmokers.com but it's a Russian (?) blogger who turned it into black & white but I can't copy the letters ... :-(

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  4. My suggestion will be; Perris Patchouli Nosy Be!!

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    1. I haven't tried that one, how very interesting.

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  5. Anonymous10:36

    Hi, just wanted to add "Breath of God" by Lush as a budget Le Labo, Patchouli 24 alternative. I've loved both and to me they are reminiscent of each other. I also have worn Coromandel, and Prada Amber and if you can get it, you might prefer Prada Amber Intense ( a now discontinued flanker). It's still around on websites. Good luck, hope you find something you like!

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    1. That's very useful info, thank you very much! I'm sure Denise will try your suggestions.

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  6. I like the photo as well, it is fabulously fun, and I enjoyed reading all the comments here from your devoted readers almost as much as I loved reading about how to find more info on the subject of Patchouli. As a teen in the nineteen sixties, I certainly knew my way around that scent! Tried it again once when it was offered by the LUSH company, most famous for their "bath bombs I"--uber fun bubbles. Here is a quote I located for you:"Spicy, citrusy and distinctly unique, Karma is the signature scent of LUSH. Patchouli, sweet orange and lemongrass oils combine to create a scent that is both warm, and enticing." for me, it didn't work out but I thought I would give you this info anyway! Have fun! love, jean :)

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    1. It is indeed valuable info for anyone on a patchouli kick so thank you kindly dear Jean! Hope everything is going well for you. :-)

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  7. All I got to say is that pic of Eva Green is PERFECTION along with a smokey incensey perfume vibe!

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  9. I can relate to this struggle it seems my favorite patch scent in the same price range
    Patchouli 24, Straight To Heaven By Kilian. My husband wear it too.
    Perhaps give L'Agent Agent Provocateur a shot it's got an intro simmilar
    to the Le Labo but just a bit softer it's great for Fall & winter.
    Flower by Kenzo Oriental by Kenzo is has a dark smoky vibe too.
    Hippie Chic by DSH Perfumes is another fav. for fall

    Looking forward to trying the suggestions by other readers =)

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    1. Good one that Kenzo Flower Oriental. I had forgotten about it. Good on you to suggest it! Thanks!

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  10. Hard to think about anything like Patch 24 - unashamedly tarry and smoky. I've noticed a trend among niche or exclusive designer lines for leathers that are dry, though not nearly as dark and smoky as the Le labo (eg Ferragamo Tuscan soul incense), but they're very expensive too. Perhaps in the end some previous suggestions are worth trying. Azuree is still a butch leather, and still not too expensive (though EL jacked up the price a bit in the new bottle), and Breath of God is smoky, though fresh.

    In addition, for a fleeting whiff of the tarry goodness of patch 24, if denise is in the US, she can try the cheap tar soaps, or get Bandit shower gel on ebay (it goes for abt $15, and it's far more tarry than the greener edp). They don't last as perfumes, of course. Also, if she needs to use dandruff shampoos anyway (as I do), Lush's dandruff soap (which is also very tarry).

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    1. What an excellent comment full of useful advice. Thanks once again dear M!

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  11. For Le Labo Patchouli 24 similar alternatives I'd recommend either Tauer Lonestar Memories or a really good cheapie would be Lush The Voice of Reason.
    For Coromandel, like others above SL Borneo 1834, but an even better (closer) one would be Chantecaille Kalimantan.

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    1. Tauer LM might even be tarrier still from what I recall! And that's two mentions of Lush in one post's comments so that might be a sign for me.
      Haven't tried Kalimantan so noting it down to do so. Thanks!

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  12. I would just like to point out in the case of Coromandel (which is truly an outstanding perfume) that you can buy smaller bottles of 2.5 mls on the Chanel web site. It still isn't cheap, but that brings the price way down from the super large bottle, so it would even be comparable to Borneo.

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    1. Good point. The smaller bottle does make it comparatively easier to access financially. Thanks for mentioning Nina!

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  13. Prada and Chanel are an amazing fragrances. I love it!

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  14. Khurafi by Lattafa($50) and Black Sugar by Aquolina($35) smell the same. I made this discovery after spending $200 on le labo patchouli 24.

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  15. Khurafi by Lattafa($50) and Black Sugar by Aquolina($35) smell the same. I made this somewhat annoying discovery after spending $200 on le labo patchouli 24. I have all 3 because I bought the 2 inexpensive before the legend labo.

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