Fragrance Fragrance is an independent price-comparison service, not a retailer or marketplace. We do not sell, stock, ship, or accept payment for products. Purchases are completed on third-party retailer sites. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by fragrance brands. How buying works.

Prices are collected from third-party retailers and updated periodically. Always verify the price on the retailer's site before purchasing. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links.

What does Iris 39 smell like?

Iris 39 is a departure from the typical "makeup bag" or "lipstick" iris often found in designer perfumery. Instead, this fragrance presents a raw, earthy, and distinctly green interpretation of the flower. It opens with a sharp, botanical bite of lime and ginger, which immediately strips away any expectation of a soft, cuddly floral. As it develops, the iris emerges alongside a heavy dose of violet, creating a scent profile that many compare to classic violet candies—sweet yet powdery and slightly nostalgic. Wearing Iris 39 feels more like walking through a damp, shaded forest than sitting at a vanity. This is largely due to the formidable presence of patchouli and civet in the base. These notes ground the airy florals with a musky, animalic grit that feels sophisticated and intentionally unpolished. It is a "rooty" fragrance that balances the elegance of rose and ylang-ylang against an earthy, almost savory backdrop of cardamom and musk. For those who find traditional florals too dainty, this offers a refreshing, gender-neutral grittiness.

Details

House: Le Labo
Concentration: Eau De Parfum
Gender: unisex
Year: 2006
Longevity: 7.6 / 10 · 89 Parfumo ratings
Sillage: 7.2 / 10 · 86 Parfumo ratings
Season votes on Parfumo: Fall (42 votes), Spring (38 votes)
Occasion votes on Parfumo: Leisure (33 votes), Evening (32 votes)
Scent Profile: Floral, Powdery, Spicy, Green, Earthy
Perfumer: Frank Voelkl, Symrise

Historical community ratings and votes imported from Parfumo. Values may have changed since import; the observation date is unavailable. Ratings reflect community opinions, not measured wear tests. Categories show up to two leading vote counts; votes are category selections and may overlap.

Community Insights

RedditFragrantica

The community views this as a polarizing fragrance that demands an appreciation for patchouli; many users warn that if you dislike earthy or "dirty" notes, this iris may be challenging.
Performance is widely praised, with enthusiasts noting that the scent features impressive longevity and can be quite potent, often lasting through an entire day or evening.
It is frequently compared to violet-flavored candies due to the prominent violet note, though it is considered much more complex and animalic than a simple confectionary scent.
While it contains classic floral elements like rose and ylang-ylang, the consensus is that it feels sophisticated and "cool-toned" rather than hyper-feminine, making it popular for both men and women.
Usage is leaned toward transitional seasons like fall and spring, though its composition is versatile enough for both casual leisure and more formal evening wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this smell like traditional iris-based makeup or lipstick?+

No, Iris 39 moves away from the waxy, cosmetic scent profile found in many iris perfumes. It leans heavily into green, earthy, and musky territories, supported by a distinct violet note that creates a powdery effect more reminiscent of botanical gardens or classic candies than a makeup bag.

Is this fragrance suitable for people who dislike animalic notes?+

It may be a challenge for some. The inclusion of civet and a strong patchouli note gives the dry down a musky, earthy depth that some find intoxicatingly sophisticated and others find a bit too "dirty." It is far from a clean, soapy floral.

How does it perform in terms of longevity and projection?+

Users generally report that this fragrance has excellent staying power. It is known to last for many hours on the skin and has a noticeable presence that carries well, meaning a few sprays go a long way.

Can Iris 39 be worn in professional settings?+

While it is versatile enough for business use, it is a bold scent. Because of its earthy and slightly spicy character with cardamom and ginger, it is often preferred for leisure or evening activities where its unique personality can stand out more freely.

Appears in Collections

Unisex Fragrances3693 Eau de Parfum Fragrances1394 2000s Fragrances1079 Fragrances Starting With I247

Similar Fragrances

Le Labo

Lys 41

Eau De Parfum

Le Labo

Rose 31

Eau De Parfum

Le Labo

Ylang 49

Eau De Parfum

Le Labo

Lavande 31

Le Labo

Neroli 36

Eau De Parfum

Le Labo

Santal 33

Eau De Parfum

Le Labo

Fleur d'Oranger 27

Eau De Parfum

Le Labo

Baie 19

Eau De Parfum

What does Iris 39 smell like?

Iris 39 is a departure from the typical "makeup bag" or "lipstick" iris often found in designer perfumery. Instead, this fragrance presents a raw, earthy, and distinctly green interpretation of the flower. It opens with a sharp, botanical bite of lime and ginger, which immediately strips away any expectation of a soft, cuddly floral. As it develops, the iris emerges alongside a heavy dose of violet, creating a scent profile that many compare to classic violet candies—sweet yet powdery and slightly nostalgic. Wearing Iris 39 feels more like walking through a damp, shaded forest than sitting at a vanity. This is largely due to the formidable presence of patchouli and civet in the base. These notes ground the airy florals with a musky, animalic grit that feels sophisticated and intentionally unpolished. It is a "rooty" fragrance that balances the elegance of rose and ylang-ylang against an earthy, almost savory backdrop of cardamom and musk. For those who find traditional florals too dainty, this offers a refreshing, gender-neutral grittiness.

Details

House: Le Labo
Concentration: Eau De Parfum
Gender: unisex
Year: 2006
Longevity: 7.6 / 10 · 89 Parfumo ratings
Sillage: 7.2 / 10 · 86 Parfumo ratings
Season votes on Parfumo: Fall (42 votes), Spring (38 votes)
Occasion votes on Parfumo: Leisure (33 votes), Evening (32 votes)
Scent Profile: Floral, Powdery, Spicy, Green, Earthy
Perfumer: Frank Voelkl, Symrise

Historical community ratings and votes imported from Parfumo. Values may have changed since import; the observation date is unavailable. Ratings reflect community opinions, not measured wear tests. Categories show up to two leading vote counts; votes are category selections and may overlap.

Community Insights

RedditFragrantica

The community views this as a polarizing fragrance that demands an appreciation for patchouli; many users warn that if you dislike earthy or "dirty" notes, this iris may be challenging.
Performance is widely praised, with enthusiasts noting that the scent features impressive longevity and can be quite potent, often lasting through an entire day or evening.
It is frequently compared to violet-flavored candies due to the prominent violet note, though it is considered much more complex and animalic than a simple confectionary scent.
While it contains classic floral elements like rose and ylang-ylang, the consensus is that it feels sophisticated and "cool-toned" rather than hyper-feminine, making it popular for both men and women.
Usage is leaned toward transitional seasons like fall and spring, though its composition is versatile enough for both casual leisure and more formal evening wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this smell like traditional iris-based makeup or lipstick?+

No, Iris 39 moves away from the waxy, cosmetic scent profile found in many iris perfumes. It leans heavily into green, earthy, and musky territories, supported by a distinct violet note that creates a powdery effect more reminiscent of botanical gardens or classic candies than a makeup bag.

Is this fragrance suitable for people who dislike animalic notes?+

It may be a challenge for some. The inclusion of civet and a strong patchouli note gives the dry down a musky, earthy depth that some find intoxicatingly sophisticated and others find a bit too "dirty." It is far from a clean, soapy floral.

How does it perform in terms of longevity and projection?+

Users generally report that this fragrance has excellent staying power. It is known to last for many hours on the skin and has a noticeable presence that carries well, meaning a few sprays go a long way.

Can Iris 39 be worn in professional settings?+

While it is versatile enough for business use, it is a bold scent. Because of its earthy and slightly spicy character with cardamom and ginger, it is often preferred for leisure or evening activities where its unique personality can stand out more freely.

Is this a masculine or feminine fragrance?+

It is marketed for both men and women. The lack of sugary sweetness and the addition of spicy ginger, patchouli, and musk makes it a popular choice for anyone seeking a floral fragrance that feels grounded and unisex.

What are the primary differences between this and other popular iris scents?+

Compared to the "clean and soapy" iris fragrances on the market, Iris 39 is much greener and more "rooty." The inclusion of lime and ginger gives it a spicy top note, while the animalic musk and civet provide a depth that most clean iris perfumes lack.

No tracked prices yet

We are not tracking a current retailer offer for this fragrance yet.

View price details

No tracked prices yet

We are not tracking a current retailer offer for this fragrance yet.

View price details

Where to buy Iris 39

No tracked prices yet.

We don't track a retailer offer for this fragrance yet — check the Amazon link below for current availability.

Amazon

Price not trackedBuy

No price tracked yet. Join the list and we'll email you if one shows up.

Fragrance Fragrance is an independent price-comparison service, not a retailer or marketplace. We do not sell, stock, ship, or accept payment for products. Purchases are completed on third-party retailer sites. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by fragrance brands. How buying works.

Prices are collected from third-party retailers and updated periodically. Always verify the price on the retailer's site before purchasing. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links.