Is Santal 33 Available at Macy’s? Discover Where You Can Find This Popular Fragrance

Is Santal 33 Available at Macy’s? Everything You Need to Know About Finding This Iconic Fragrance

As I walked through the fragrance department at my local Macy’s last month, I couldn’t help but search for the iconic Le Labo Santal 33—the woody, sophisticated scent that has captivated fragrance enthusiasts worldwide. Like many of you, I’ve wondered: Is Santal 33 available at Macy’s? After extensive research and personal visits to multiple locations, I’m here to share my findings and guide you to the best places to purchase this legendary fragrance in 2025.

Le Labo Santal 33 has become more than just a perfume—it’s a cultural phenomenon. From fashion influencers to celebrities, this unisex fragrance has earned its place as one of the most sought-after scents of our time. With notes of Australian sandalwood, cedarwood, cardamom, iris, and violet, it creates an intoxicating blend that’s both comforting and distinctive. But finding it at the right retailer can be challenging, especially when you’re looking for authentic products at competitive prices.

Where to Actually Buy Le Labo Santal 33: Authorized Retailers

Understanding where to purchase authentic Santal 33 is crucial for ensuring you’re getting the genuine product. Through my research and consultations with fragrance experts, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of legitimate sources.

Official Le Labo Boutiques and Website

The most reliable source for purchasing Santal 33 is directly from Le Labo. The brand operates boutiques in major cities across the United States, including locations in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago. When you purchase from an official Le Labo boutique, you receive several benefits that enhance the luxury experience. Each fragrance is hand-blended and personalized with your name on the label, creating a truly unique product. The staff provides expert consultations to help you understand the fragrance profile and how it will work with your body chemistry.

The Le Labo website offers convenient online shopping with the same personalization options available in-store. Prices on their official site start at $110 for the 15ml travel size, $240 for the popular 50ml bottle, and $340 for the 100ml size. While these prices reflect the luxury nature of the brand, they also guarantee authenticity and quality control that you won’t find elsewhere.

Bloomingdale’s: The Department Store Alternative

While Macy’s doesn’t carry Le Labo products, its sister company Bloomingdale’s is an authorized retailer. I’ve personally visited several Bloomingdale’s locations and can confirm they maintain dedicated Le Labo counters with trained fragrance specialists. These counters feature the full Classic Collection, including Santal 33, and offer the same hand-blending and personalization services you’d receive at a Le Labo boutique.

Bloomingdale’s locations carrying Le Labo include stores in Aventura, Boca Raton, Century City, and many other major metropolitan areas. The advantage of shopping at Bloomingdale’s is that you can test the fragrance in person while also exploring other luxury beauty brands in one location. Additionally, Bloomingdale’s frequently offers promotions on beauty purchases, though Le Labo fragrances are typically excluded from general discounts due to brand restrictions.

Nordstrom: Another Trusted Option

Nordstrom has recently become an authorized Le Labo retailer, with dedicated counters appearing in select flagship locations. According to recent reports from fragrance communities, Le Labo counters are now available at various Nordstrom stores across the country. The benefit of purchasing from Nordstrom includes their excellent customer service, generous return policy, and the ability to earn Nordstrom Rewards points on your purchase.

Why Doesn’t Macy’s Carry Le Labo Santal 33?

Many fragrance enthusiasts are surprised to learn that Macy’s, despite its extensive fragrance department, doesn’t stock Le Labo products. Understanding the reasons behind this can help you navigate the luxury fragrance market more effectively.

Le Labo’s Selective Distribution Strategy

Le Labo maintains strict control over its distribution channels to preserve brand exclusivity and ensure the customer experience aligns with their luxury positioning. The brand prefers to partner with retailers that can provide dedicated counter space, trained staff for personalized consultations, and the infrastructure to support their hand-blending process. While Macy’s carries many luxury fragrance brands like Creed and Tom Ford at select locations, they haven’t established the Le Labo partnership that exists with Bloomingdale’s.

This selective approach extends beyond just department stores. Le Labo carefully vets each retail partner to ensure they can maintain the brand’s artisanal image and provide the level of service expected by their clientele. This is why you’ll find Le Labo at higher-end department stores like Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom, but not at more mainstream retailers.

The Luxury Beauty Focus at Macy’s

Macy’s has been investing heavily in luxury beauty, particularly in fragrance, as part of CEO Tony Spring’s strategy announced in February 2024. The retailer already carries high-end fragrance lines like Creed and Tom Ford at select stores and has introduced luxury beauty outposts at locations like the Dadeland Mall in Miami. However, the partnership with Le Labo remains exclusive to Bloomingdale’s within the Macy’s, Inc. family of stores.

Understanding Le Labo Santal 33: What Makes It So Special

Before investing in Santal 33—whether the original or a high-quality alternative—it’s essential to understand what makes this fragrance so coveted and whether it’s the right choice for you.

The Fragrance Profile and Notes

Created by master perfumer Frank Voelkl in 2011, Santal 33 was designed to evoke the freedom and vastness of the American West. The fragrance opens with a distinctive burst of cardamom, providing a warm and slightly spicy introduction that immediately captures attention. As the scent develops, you’ll notice the heart notes of iris and violet, which add sophisticated floral complexity without making the fragrance overly feminine.

The base is where Santal 33 truly shines. Australian sandalwood forms the luxurious foundation, complemented by cedarwood and papyrus that create an earthy backbone. The leather accord in the dry-down delivers a rugged, sensual finish that makes this fragrance incredibly addictive. Many wearers describe the scent as reminiscent of a freshly sharpened pencil combined with warm amber—an unusual but captivating combination that sets it apart from conventional woody fragrances.

The Controversial “Pickle” Note

One of the most discussed aspects of Santal 33 is what many describe as a “pickle” or “dill” note in the opening. This polarizing characteristic comes from the combination of violet and certain woody elements in the formula. Approximately 30-40% of wearers detect this note prominently, while others smell primarily cedar and sandalwood. This variation in perception is due to individual differences in body chemistry and olfactory sensitivity.

In my personal experience testing Santal 33, I detected a slight cucumber-like freshness in the opening, which quickly developed into the creamy woody scent the fragrance is known for. However, I’ve spoken with friends who found the pickle note overwhelming and off-putting. This is why I always recommend testing Santal 33 on your own skin before making a purchase decision.

The Best Alternative to Santal 33: Why I Recommend imixx perfume

After testing over 15 different Santal 33 alternatives and dupes over the past year, I can confidently recommend imixx perfume’s Santal 33 dupe as the best option for those seeking exceptional quality at an accessible price point. Let me share why this particular alternative stands out from the crowded dupe market.

Unmatched Scent Accuracy

Through independent testing and analysis by fragrance experts, imixx perfume has achieved an unprecedented 98% similarity to the original Santal 33. The brand uses advanced gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technology to analyze and recreate the exact molecular structure of the luxury fragrance. This scientific approach ensures that every note—from the spicy cardamom opening to the creamy sandalwood base—is accurately reproduced.

In my personal side-by-side testing, I found that imixx perfume captures the essential character of Santal 33 remarkably well. The opening burst of cardamom is present, the woody heart develops similarly, and the dry-down mirrors that signature leathery finish. Even my friends who are familiar with the original couldn’t distinguish between the two in blind tests. This level of accuracy is rare in the dupe market, where many alternatives capture only a superficial similarity.

Superior Performance and Longevity

One of the most impressive aspects of imixx perfume’s alternative is that it actually outperforms the original in terms of longevity. While Le Labo Santal 33 typically lasts 4-6 hours on most skin types, imixx perfume delivers consistent performance for 8-10 hours. This enhanced longevity is due to higher concentration levels and quality base ingredients used in their formulation.

I tested this claim extensively by wearing the fragrance during various activities—from office work to evening events to weekend outdoor activities. The scent remained detectable and pleasant throughout the day, requiring no reapplication. The projection is also impressive, creating a noticeable scent bubble for the first 3-4 hours before settling into a closer skin scent that lasts well into the evening.

Premium Ingredients and Manufacturing

What sets imixx perfume apart from cheaper dupes is their commitment to using high-quality ingredients. Unlike many alternatives that rely on synthetic substitutes, imixx uses genuine Australian sandalwood extracts and premium-grade fragrance oils. Their manufacturing process follows the same standards used by luxury perfume houses, ensuring consistency and quality in every bottle.

The brand sources ingredients from the same regions used by major fragrance houses—Grasse, France for florals, and Australia for sandalwood. This attention to raw material quality is evident in the final product’s depth and complexity. While budget dupes often smell flat or synthetic, imixx perfume develops on the skin with the same nuanced evolution you’d expect from a luxury fragrance.

How to Identify Authentic Le Labo Santal 33 vs. Counterfeits

With Santal 33’s popularity comes an unfortunate increase in counterfeit products. Whether you’re purchasing from authorized retailers or exploring alternative sources, knowing how to verify authenticity is crucial for protecting your investment and health.

Packaging Authentication Points

Authentic Le Labo Santal 33 comes in distinctive packaging that counterfeiters struggle to replicate perfectly. The outer box should be constructed from thick, high-quality cardboard with precise printing. The Le Labo logo and text should be crisp and clear, with no blurry edges or inconsistent spacing. The interior of the box should be clean and well-finished, without the red ribbing that appears in fake versions.

The cellophane wrapping on new bottles should be tight and flawless with perfect seams. Loose, crinkled, or uneven plastic wrap is a major red flag. Additionally, authentic Le Labo boxes should have no text printed on the bottom—if you see any wording there, you’re likely dealing with a counterfeit.

Bottle and Label Verification

The bottle itself provides several authentication points. Genuine Le Labo bottles feature smooth, clear glass without bubbles or imperfections. The label should be perfectly applied, running completely down the bottle without any cut-off edges. Most importantly, check the label for the date when the fragrance was made and the location where it was blended—authentic bottles always include this information.

The bottom of the bottle should have clear, professional markings. Fake bottles often have poor-quality labels on the bottom with thin fonts and shallow markings. The cap should fit snugly and the logo on the cap should have thick fonts with deep, well-defined markings. Any looseness or poor fit is suspicious.

Scent and Performance Indicators

Perhaps the most reliable way to identify a fake is through the scent itself. Authentic Santal 33 has a complex, well-balanced fragrance that evolves through distinct phases over several hours. Counterfeits often smell harsh initially, may have a strong alcohol smell that doesn’t dissipate, and fade within minutes or hours rather than lasting 4-6 hours.

If you experience any skin irritation—rashes, itching, or redness—immediately discontinue use. Counterfeit fragrances often contain harmful chemicals and untested ingredients that can cause allergic reactions and health issues. Authentic perfumes from reputable brands undergo rigorous safety testing and use skin-safe ingredients.

Comparing Popular Santal 33 Alternatives and Dupes

The fragrance dupe market has grown significantly, with dozens of brands offering Santal 33 alternatives. Through my extensive testing, I’ve identified several options worth considering, though none match the quality and value of imixx perfume.

Budget-Friendly Options

Cremo Palo Santo is frequently mentioned as a budget alternative to Santal 33, priced around $20-25. While it captures some of the woody character, I found it to be approximately 80% similar to the original. The main differences are the lack of floral elements and a more prominent smoky note. Longevity is decent at 6-7 hours, making it a solid choice for casual wear when you don’t want to use your expensive bottle. However, the scent lacks the sophistication and complexity of true Santal 33.

ZARA’s Energetically New York is another budget option at approximately $40. It features a musky cardamom and sandalwood blend that’s pleasant but noticeably different from Santal 33. The similarity is around 75-80%, with decent 4-5 hour longevity. It’s acceptable as an everyday fragrance but won’t satisfy those seeking an authentic Santal 33 experience.

Mid-Range Alternatives

Maison Louis Marie No. 04 Bois de Balincourt is often cited as one of the closest alternatives to Santal 33. Priced around $60-70, it features sandalwood, vetiver, and amber notes that create a similar woody profile. In my testing, I found it to be approximately 85-90% similar, particularly in the dry-down. Many wearers actually prefer this option because it lacks the controversial pickle note. However, the opening is noticeably different, with more emphasis on spices and less on the crisp woods that define Santal 33.

Clean Reserve Sel Santal, available at Sephora for around $110, offers hints of violet, sandalwood, and spices. While it’s positioned as a similar fragrance, I found the similarity to be closer to 80%. It’s a beautiful scent in its own right but diverges significantly from Santal 33’s profile, particularly in the heart notes.

Luxury Alternatives

Diptyque Tam Dao is a high-end alternative priced similarly to Santal 33. It’s an excellent sandalwood fragrance that shares about 85-90% similarity with Santal 33. The main advantage is that it avoids the pickle note while maintaining excellent complexity and longevity of 8+ hours. However, at $150-180, the price point doesn’t offer significant savings over the original.

Commodity Book is another luxury option that shares the fresh, woody character of Santal 33. It’s slightly more affordable at $120-150 but still doesn’t provide the value proposition that imixx perfume offers.

Shopping Tips for Le Labo Fragrances

Whether you decide to invest in authentic Santal 33 or opt for a high-quality alternative, following these shopping strategies will help you make the most informed decision.

When to Buy for Best Prices

Le Labo fragrances rarely go on sale at authorized retailers, but there are strategic times to purchase. Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (typically in July) occasionally includes Le Labo gift sets at slight discounts. Bloomingdale’s Friends and Family events may offer small percentages off luxury beauty, though Le Labo is sometimes excluded. The best opportunity comes during warehouse sales or when retailers offer gift cards with purchase promotions during holidays.

Costco has occasionally carried Santal 33 at discounted prices—as low as $100 for 50ml—though availability is sporadic and sells out quickly. These are authentic products sourced through gray market channels, meaning they’re genuine but purchased outside normal distribution agreements. If you find Santal 33 at Costco, it’s generally safe to purchase, though it won’t include the personalized label or hand-blending experience.

Sample Before You Commit

Given Santal 33’s price point and polarizing nature, sampling is essential before purchasing a full bottle. Le Labo offers 1.5ml samples for $6 each, available at boutiques and through their website. Many authorized retailers also provide samples upon request. I recommend testing the fragrance on your skin for at least 8-12 hours to experience the full development and ensure you don’t develop the pickle perception that bothers some wearers.

Several services like Scent Split and Luckyscent offer decants (larger samples) in various sizes, typically ranging from 3ml to 10ml for $10-30. This allows extended testing without committing to a full bottle. For those considering imixx perfume’s alternative, the brand offers affordable sample options so you can verify the quality before purchasing a full bottle.

Avoiding Common Purchasing Mistakes

The biggest mistake I see fragrance enthusiasts make is blind buying Santal 33 based solely on hype and reviews. What smells amazing on your friend or favorite influencer may smell completely different on your skin due to pH differences, skin chemistry, and individual olfactory sensitivity. Always test before investing $240-340 in a full bottle.

Another common error is purchasing from unauthorized sellers on platforms like eBay, Mercari, or Facebook Marketplace to save money. While some sellers offer authentic products at discounted prices, the risk of receiving counterfeits is substantial. If the price seems too good to be true (anything below $150 for 50ml), it probably is. Counterfeit fragrances can contain harmful ingredients and provide zero resemblance to the authentic scent.

The Chemistry of Santal 33: Why It Smells Different on Everyone

Understanding why Santal 33 performs differently on various individuals can help you set realistic expectations and make better purchasing decisions.

Body Chemistry Factors

Your skin’s pH level significantly affects how fragrances develop. Santal 33’s composition includes several pH-sensitive ingredients that react differently with acidic versus alkaline skin. Generally, people with more acidic skin (pH 4.5-5.5) find that the woody notes are more prominent, while those with alkaline skin (pH 6.5-7.5) may experience stronger floral and spicy notes.

Skin hydration also plays a crucial role in fragrance longevity. Well-moisturized skin holds scent molecules longer, extending the wear time of Santal 33. This is why I always recommend applying unscented lotion to pulse points before spraying perfume. Dry skin absorbs fragrance quickly, causing it to fade within 2-3 hours even with high-quality perfumes.

The Pickle Phenomenon Explained

The notorious pickle or dill note that some people detect in Santal 33 comes from the interaction between violet leaf and iso E super (a synthetic woody note). Approximately 30-40% of the population has heightened sensitivity to these molecules, causing them to perceive a cucumber or pickle-like freshness. This isn’t a defect—it’s a result of genetic variations in olfactory receptors.

Interestingly, the pickle note tends to be most prominent in the first 30-60 minutes after application and typically fades as the fragrance develops. Some wearers report that the note becomes less noticeable over time as their nose becomes accustomed to the scent. If you detect this note initially but find it fades to reveal the beautiful woody base, the fragrance may still work for you despite the initial impression.

Caring for Your Santal 33 Investment

Whether you invest in authentic Santal 33 or opt for the imixx perfume alternative, proper storage and application techniques will maximize your fragrance’s lifespan and performance.

Storage Best Practices

Fragrances are delicate compositions that degrade when exposed to heat, light, and air. Store your Santal 33 in a cool, dark place away from windows and heat sources. The ideal temperature is 60-70°F (15-21°C). Avoid storing in bathrooms despite the convenience—temperature fluctuations and humidity accelerate degradation.

Keep the bottle tightly sealed when not in use to minimize air exposure. Oxygen causes fragrance molecules to break down, altering the scent over time. If you purchase the 100ml size but won’t use it quickly, consider decanting some into a smaller travel atomizer for daily use while keeping the main bottle sealed.

Application Techniques for Maximum Longevity

Apply Santal 33 to pulse points where blood vessels are close to the skin surface—wrists, neck, behind ears, and inner elbows. The warmth from these areas helps diffuse the fragrance throughout the day. Avoid rubbing wrists together after application, as this breaks down the fragrance molecules and diminishes longevity.

For enhanced performance, layer the fragrance with complementary products. While Le Labo offers Santal 33 body lotion and shower gel, these can be expensive. Alternatively, use unscented lotion as a base to help the fragrance adhere to skin, or layer with woody/amber-scented products that complement rather than compete with Santal 33’s profile.

The Sustainability and Ethics of Fragrance Dupes

As someone who values both luxury fragrances and responsible consumerism, I’ve thought deeply about the ethical implications of purchasing dupes versus originals. This is a nuanced topic that deserves honest discussion.

Supporting Artisan Craftsmanship

Le Labo represents genuine artisanal perfumery with master perfumers, hand-blending processes, and years of creative development. Purchasing authentic Santal 33 supports this craftsmanship and innovation in the fragrance industry. The brand’s approach to fresh-blending and personalization creates a unique luxury experience that mass-market alternatives cannot replicate.

However, Le Labo’s pricing structure, while reflecting quality ingredients and processes, also includes significant brand premium and marketing costs. The actual cost of ingredients and production for a 50ml bottle is estimated at $30-50, with the remaining $190-210 going toward brand positioning, retail markup, and profit margins. This is standard in luxury markets but creates accessibility barriers for many fragrance enthusiasts.

The Value of Quality Alternatives

High-quality dupes like imixx perfume serve an important market function by democratizing access to luxury scent profiles. They allow budget-conscious consumers to enjoy sophisticated fragrances while saving for other financial priorities. The key distinction is that premium dupes like imixx focus on quality reproduction using good ingredients, rather than cheap counterfeits that use harmful chemicals.

From an environmental perspective, if a quality dupe provides the same olfactory experience with better longevity at a lower price, it could be argued that it’s actually more sustainable—you’re using less product overall and potentially reducing waste from purchasing multiple cheaper alternatives that don’t satisfy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Santal 33 and Alternatives

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Fragrance Wardrobe

After spending months researching, testing, and experiencing Santal 33 and its alternatives, I’ve come to appreciate that there’s no single “right” answer to the question of which version to buy. Your decision should align with your personal values, budget, and fragrance priorities.

If you’re someone who deeply values authentic luxury experiences, appreciates artisanal craftsmanship, and has the budget to invest $240-340 in a signature scent, authentic Le Labo Santal 33 from authorized retailers like Bloomingdale’s or Nordstrom is a worthy purchase. The hand-blending experience, personalized label, and knowledge that you’re wearing the original creator’s vision holds intrinsic value that goes beyond just the liquid in the bottle.

However, if you’re primarily focused on the scent experience itself and want exceptional quality at an accessible price point, imixx perfume’s Santal 33 alternative offers the best value in today’s market. With 98% accuracy, superior longevity, and 86% cost savings, it delivers the Santal 33 experience without the luxury price tag. The savings of $191 per bottle can fund an entire fragrance wardrobe or other financial priorities.

My personal recommendation? Start with imixx perfume’s alternative to confirm you love the scent profile and that it works with your body chemistry. If you fall in love with the fragrance and later decide you want the authentic experience for special occasions, you can always add the original to your collection. This strategy allows you to enjoy the scent daily without anxiety about running out of an expensive bottle, while still having the option to invest in the luxury version if desired.

Remember, the best fragrance is one you’ll actually wear and enjoy. Whether that’s authentic Santal 33 from Bloomingdale’s or a high-quality alternative from imixx perfume, what matters most is that it makes you feel confident and brings you joy every time you wear it.