Hey, Parfumo's assistant reminds me that I know Le Mâle and should write a review. Truly? I mean, I had it, I have it, and I definitely will have it, and I haven't commented on it? My bad. People have already spent a lot of words on the torso bottle design or the metal tin box, so that I won't say more. Instead, let me tell you this is one of those perfumes that I think every guy has owned, and if you don't have it, you should have it and keep reading the review. The scent is a clean, sensual musky sweat, like a man's squeaky skin. It is an aromatic and desirable type of fragrance, which has nothing to do with other dirty things designed with sinful and raunchy male fluids in mind, like
Kouros Eau de Toilette. A kind of barber's perfume, which befits a handsome man. So disruptive, trendy gay clubbers and straight men alike welcomed it with enthusiasm--I would swear a lot of women wore it too. Le Mâle was everywhere in the late '90s, and it still smells great today.
Le Mâle is back to its golden age. It is a cologne that revolves around mint, lavender, and vanilla blend. If you missed it, Francis Kurkdjian is the perfumer behind it, the same one he created
Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum. Sophisticated yet playful, sensual yet fresh, it is still modern. They've reworked it over the years, so if you still remember it from the mid-90s, it's worth a second sniff. Subsequent releases have reduced performance, but the essence of the perfume is still there. Fresh mint is a symbol of strength and characterizes its delicious opening. Ignoring the other aromatic and spicy things, like bitter mugwort and green cardamom, and a touch of powdery bergamot that adds a citrus twist to a freshly spiced start, but my nose picks up a powerful hint of mint.
It may seem like some intense opening, but it settles down pretty quickly. When the heart arrives, a traditional soapy note of lavender, which remains prominent until the end, announces it. The blue flower shares the stage with a sweeter citrus bloom, orange blossom, I bet, and a punch of spices. While I don't take too much of the sweaty cumin, I sense a lot of sweet cinnamon barks.
And then, the coumarins give warmth and tenderness to the dry-down. Both powdered vanilla and toasted tonka are featured and blended with a salty, honeyed amber. The base also features some woods, creamy sandalwood contrasted with a dry cedar. Overall, the amber, woody, and creamy cocktail create an oriental accord. It has a kind of barber vibe but is slightly off the classic fougére shade we're used to. It still retains the combination of vanilla and lavender with a muted spice and the remnants of a strong mint.
The original luxury of Le Mâle made me prefer to wear it in the cold months of late autumn and winter, for the evening or the night. Both the sillage and the longevity were indescribable. They are moderate nowadays, although that won't stop me from keeping Le Mâle in my collection. Clean, woody, and fresh, but with wonderful warmth, this fragrance is incredible! The recent target has changed from clubbing to everyday use. However, it is a delightful scent to revisit from time to time, as it brings back many positive memories. Finally, I have
Le Mâle Eau de Toilette on my right wrist and
Cuba Gold Eau de Toilette on my left wrist, and they have many points in common.
I base the review on a 75ml bottle I have owned since March 2018.
-Elysium
Top Notes
Bergamot
Tarragon
Cardamom
Lavender
Mint
Heart Notes
Caraway
Neroli
Cinnamon
Base Notes
Amber
Sandalwood
Tonka bean
Vanilla
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