Poivre 23 by Le Labo
Brand: Le Labo
Concentration: EDP
Scent overview
Poivre 23 is a dramatic interpretation of pepper, pairing its sharp, piquant bite with smoky incense and the warm sweetness of cloves. As it develops, patchouli, labdanum, and woods create a deep, mysterious trail that feels luxurious, distinctive, and unapologetically intense.
Is Poivre 23 worth it?
How it smells: Opens with black pepper and pink pepper, cloves and incense at the heart, then dries down to patchouli and labdanum.
Scent Score: 79/100 (Great). Hidden gem. Established and performs well, but few people know about it. Performance 85, reputation 89, versatility 73, layerability 66 and value 70, each out of 100.
What to expect: Longevity: Lasts all day and into the night. Projection: Projects strongly. People will notice. Best for: Fall and winter, for evenings and dates. Layering: Layers well with many fragrances. Leans: Unisex.
Scent Character
EDP · Introduced 2008 · Unisex
Key accords: Black pepper, Pink pepper, Cloves, Incense, Patchouli, Labdanum
Top Notes
- Black pepper
- Pink pepper
Heart Notes
- Cloves
- Incense
Base Notes
- Patchouli
- Labdanum
- Woody notes
Occasions: Evening, Date, Special Occasion
Seasons: Fall, Winter
Fragrance overview
Poivre 23 by Le Labo belongs to the spicy fragrance family. A dark, incense-laced pepper fragrance with fiery cloves, resinous warmth, and a smooth, earthy woody base. Poivre 23 opens with Black pepper and Pink pepper. The heart brings Cloves and Incense. It dries down to Patchouli, Labdanum, and Woody notes.
How to wear Poivre 23
On skin, Poivre 23 by Le Labo has excellent longevity, strong projection, an intensity of 9/10, EDP concentration. It's best in fall and winter. Reach for it for evening, date, and special occasion. Its best layering match in the catalog is Papyrus Moléculaire by Maison Crivelli. Apply Poivre 23 first as your base layer. Its spicy character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Papyrus Moléculaire on top for woody lift. Start with 2 sprays Poivre 23 : 2 sprays Papyrus Moléculaire and adjust to taste.
How the notes develop
Poivre 23 opens with Black pepper and Pink pepper.
The heart brings Cloves and Incense.
It dries down to Patchouli, Labdanum, and Woody notes.
What to layer with Poivre 23
Papyrus Moléculaire by Maison Crivelli
Signature Worthy · 98/99
Spicy and woody scents naturally complement each other, and they share pink pepper, incense, and patchouli.
Order: Apply Poivre 23 first as your base layer. Its spicy character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Papyrus Moléculaire on top for woody lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays Poivre 23 : 2 sprays Papyrus Moléculaire
Smokin' Gun by Born To Stand Out
Signature Worthy · 98/99
Spicy and oriental scents naturally complement each other, and they share black pepper, pink pepper, and incense.
Order: Apply Poivre 23 first as your base layer. Its spicy character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Smokin' Gun on top for oriental lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays Poivre 23 : 2 sprays Smokin' Gun
Lyric Woman by Amouage
BuySame price for you · we may earn a small commission.Signature Worthy · 98/99
Spicy and oriental scents naturally complement each other, and they share incense and patchouli.
Order: Apply Poivre 23 first as your base layer. Its spicy character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Lyric Woman on top for oriental lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays Poivre 23 : 2 sprays Lyric Woman
Overture Woman by Amouage
BuySame price for you · we may earn a small commission.Signature Worthy · 98/99
Spicy and oriental scents naturally complement each other, and they share incense, patchouli, and labdanum.
Order: Apply Poivre 23 first as your base layer. Its spicy character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Overture Woman on top for oriental lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays Poivre 23 : 2 sprays Overture Woman
Delphinus by Creed
Signature Worthy · 98/99
Spicy and oriental scents naturally complement each other, and they share black pepper, pink pepper, and incense.
Order: Apply Poivre 23 first as your base layer. Its spicy character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Delphinus on top for oriental lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays Poivre 23 : 2 sprays Delphinus
Pairings to approach with care
Musc de Soie by Van Cleef & Arpels
Not Recommended · 30/99
Poivre 23 has noticeably more projection — use a lighter touch with it to keep the blend balanced. Musc de Soie brings a floral contrast to this spicy scent.
Order: Apply Poivre 23 first as your base layer. Its spicy character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Musc de Soie on top for floral lift.
Ratio: 1 spray Poivre 23 : 2 sprays Musc de Soie
Pomelo Oolong by d'Annam
Not Recommended · 30/99
Spicy and Citrus notes can compete — apply lightly and test on skin first to find the right balance. Pomelo Oolong brings a citrus contrast to this spicy scent.
Order: Apply Poivre 23 first as your base layer. Its spicy character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Pomelo Oolong on top for citrus lift.
Ratio: 1 spray Poivre 23 : 2 sprays Pomelo Oolong
Related fragrances and why
- Papyrus Moléculaire by Maison Crivelli — Both include pink pepper, incense, and patchouli.
- Smokin' Gun by Born To Stand Out — Both include black pepper, pink pepper, and incense.
- Lyric Woman by AmouageBuySame price for you · we may earn a small commission.— Both include incense and patchouli.
Frequently asked questions
Which notes are listed for Poivre 23?
Poivre 23 opens with Black pepper and Pink pepper. The heart brings Cloves and Incense. It dries down to Patchouli, Labdanum, and Woody notes.
How long does Poivre 23 last, and how strong is it?
Poivre 23 by Le Labo has excellent longevity, strong projection, an intensity of 9/10, EDP concentration.
When should you wear Poivre 23?
It's best in fall and winter. It suits evening, date, and special occasion.
What layers well with Poivre 23?
Papyrus Moléculaire by Maison Crivelli is its strongest match (98% compatibility). Spicy and woody scents naturally complement each other, and they share pink pepper, incense, and patchouli. Apply Poivre 23 first as your base layer. Its spicy character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Papyrus Moléculaire on top for woody lift. Start with 2 sprays Poivre 23 : 2 sprays Papyrus Moléculaire.
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