Short answer: Leather Violet is D&E's Extrait de Parfum take on the smoky sandalwood and leather style of Le Labo Santal 33, from £14.99 to £44.95, against £172 for 50ml of the original at Harrods. Shop Leather Violet
- Smells like: spicy cardamom and violet over creamy sandalwood, cedar and soft leather
- Best for: everyday wear, work, and cooler evenings, on anyone
- Honest note: inspired by, not an exact clone
Le Labo Santal 33 has become a modern classic: a woody, leathery unisex scent you can spot across a room. It is also priced like a luxury item, which is why so many people search for a Santal 33 dupe.
What does Le Labo Santal 33 actually smell like?
Retailers describe it as a mix of spice, violet, iris, sandalwood, cedar, papyrus, leather and amber. Harrods lists sandalwood and Virginia cedar at the top, cardamom, violet and papyrus in the heart, and leather, amber and iris in the base, while other sources list the notes without tiers. Either way, the character is dry, smoky and woody.
Why people look for a Santal 33 dupe
At £172 for 50ml at Harrods, Santal 33 is a big spend for one bottle. A good alternative lets you enjoy the same smoky woody-leather style for a fraction of the price, and lets you try a small size first.
| Le Labo Santal 33 | Leather Violet | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £172 for 50ml (Harrods) | £44.95 for 50ml |
| Style | Woody, leathery, spicy | Woody, leathery, spicy |
| Format | Eau de Parfum | Extrait de Parfum |
| Sizes | Various | 5ml, 12ml roller, 15ml, 30ml, 50ml |
Introducing Leather Violet
Leather Violet is our own composition inspired by this style: spicy and dry at first, settling into a smooth leathery wood with a hint of violet. It comes in five sizes from the £14.99 5ml sample. Try Leather Violet from £14.99
Being upfront about the comparison
No inspired-by fragrance is an exact clone, and Leather Violet is not identical to Santal 33. It follows the same smoky, woody direction. Scent is personal, so the 5ml sample is a low-risk way to try it on your skin.
Longevity and projection
As an Extrait de Parfum, Leather Violet has a higher concentration than most eau de parfums, so it tends to wear close and last well. Results vary with skin, application and weather, and spraying onto moisturised skin helps.
The verdict
If you love the smoky sandalwood-leather style but not the price, Leather Violet is well worth a try. Shop Leather Violet
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Le Labo and Santal 33 are registered trademarks of their owners. D&E Fragrances is an independent UK fragrance brand and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Le Labo. "Leather Violet" is our own original composition, inspired by the fragrance family that Santal 33 helped define.